May 23, 1919.
The following are two editorials from the 1919 newspapers. Many parts of these two editorials are somewhat relevant today.
BE A COMMUNITY LEADER.
You can, and you don't have to be a real genius to lead, and you don't have to go ahead and lead in everything to be the real thing, either, or to be a real leader. That thing you can do, do it, helping the community to advance along right paths, paths which your best taste and abilities may mark out for you.
One man may lead in community organization. Another may lead in raising corn and oats and cotton. Another may lead in raising cattle and hogs or in breeding hogs or feeding them. Still another may lead in various things. All of these men may be leaders.
And it is not spectacular leadership that is demanded, not the leadership of exceptional men, as the Southern Agriculturalist puts it, but the desire on the part of ordinary men to do what they can to help build and progress. The desire to help and the will to progress makes a fellow a community leader.
IT IS REGRETTED.
The carelessness or the unconcerned or the cussedness of the immigration laws of this country have brought to it a set of people who it looks like are designed to cause no little confusion if not harm, to say the least about it, and it is sorely regretted that they are not today so forceful as to absolutely relegate to the place they belong all of the un-Americans who are destined to kick up a lot of trouble if not kill a lot of people by bombs, etc.
The malicious attempt to slay Senator Thomas W. Hardwick was a dastardly deed and the entire state of Georgia regrets the occurrence. The state feels outraged at the wanton attempt to take his life by a cowardly assassin, and the actual injury inflicted upon his household is deeply deplored.
The most vigorous efforts should be made by the Federal authorities to bring to justice the infernal set who sent that bomb as well as all the other bombs recently. And further, like the Mayor of Seattle says, "Run down every Anarchist and Bolshevist in the country if the authorities have to have more hangings and new cemeteries. Let this thing go no further. It is an outrage on our civilization."
Coincidentally this sounds a lot of what we are fighting today through non-enforcement of immigration laws. Maybe the bombs and killings won't happen. But that is wishful thinking for unfortunately sooner or later it will.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
FROM DAYS GONE BY May 16, 1919
May 16, 1919.
Recent occurances and carousing would tend to show a decided increase in the illicit traffic and use of intoxicating liquors in this immediate part of the country. Shootings, homicides, murders, killings in cold blood, accidental woundings and other malicious crimes have been committed through drinking "blind tiger" whiskey, the kind which arouses the lowest-down spirit in a man. We say its use is increasing.
It is apparent that the prohibition of the kind we have or pretend to have now is radically a failure, a failure because it positively does not prohibit to any appreciable degree. Take any court and see how many appear as defendants in criminal cases from this one cause directly. Have you compared the figures even in Wrightsville's Mayors' court? They would startle you. The illegal trafficking in moonshine goes on and on. The end isn't in creation yet.
There is a decided increase in crime all over the country from records of the past. People are entirely too slack now in the observance of criminal statues of the law of the land. Every crime in the entire category is being committed and almost every community has been startled with criminal depredations.
The reason has not been made apparent and if there is any reason there is certainly no excuse for the increase. Murders are being committed openly and no regard for this very serious crime any more than for those of petty natures. People take the law in their own hands with a pistol or shotgun along with it and commit awful things, mostly murders.
"Pistol toting" reigns supreme. The machine comes in handy at all times and on all occasions. Is light and easily carried. Its strike carries death in its path. It has been the means of many a good man's death, which had it not been there the man would have been living.
Drinking and carousing is too prevalent. Crime is thus increased and the jails are being filled. Too slack, too slack. The law is no law that's not enforced.
This was the feelings of the editorial board of the Wrightsville Headlight on the first part of 1919.
Recent occurances and carousing would tend to show a decided increase in the illicit traffic and use of intoxicating liquors in this immediate part of the country. Shootings, homicides, murders, killings in cold blood, accidental woundings and other malicious crimes have been committed through drinking "blind tiger" whiskey, the kind which arouses the lowest-down spirit in a man. We say its use is increasing.
It is apparent that the prohibition of the kind we have or pretend to have now is radically a failure, a failure because it positively does not prohibit to any appreciable degree. Take any court and see how many appear as defendants in criminal cases from this one cause directly. Have you compared the figures even in Wrightsville's Mayors' court? They would startle you. The illegal trafficking in moonshine goes on and on. The end isn't in creation yet.
There is a decided increase in crime all over the country from records of the past. People are entirely too slack now in the observance of criminal statues of the law of the land. Every crime in the entire category is being committed and almost every community has been startled with criminal depredations.
The reason has not been made apparent and if there is any reason there is certainly no excuse for the increase. Murders are being committed openly and no regard for this very serious crime any more than for those of petty natures. People take the law in their own hands with a pistol or shotgun along with it and commit awful things, mostly murders.
"Pistol toting" reigns supreme. The machine comes in handy at all times and on all occasions. Is light and easily carried. Its strike carries death in its path. It has been the means of many a good man's death, which had it not been there the man would have been living.
Drinking and carousing is too prevalent. Crime is thus increased and the jails are being filled. Too slack, too slack. The law is no law that's not enforced.
This was the feelings of the editorial board of the Wrightsville Headlight on the first part of 1919.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
FROM DAYS GONE BY May 9, 1919
May 9, 1919.
The Farmers Bank stockholders met in the council chamber in Wrightsville on Saturday. The charter had already been secured so they moved forward with the election of officers. Mr. W. H. Raley, a prominent planter who lives just out of town on the west side was chosen as its first president. Mayor W. M. Shurling, one of the chief promoters of the bank, was chosen vice-president. Mr. Robt. B. Bryan was elected cashier. The directors are 15 in number. Other than the three already mentioned they are: W. C. Chester, R. R. Martin, H. C. Tompkins, J. T. Miller, Dr. J. R. Dent, Henry Stevens, L. D. Downs, C. M. Dent, R. E. Butterly, G. B. Harrison, J. E. Jordan and Wm Oliver. The bank will open about the first of July.
The county Board of Education held its regular meeting at the superintendent's office in the court house. The last Grand Jury recommended the appointment of a board to succeed the members who had served for some time, some of whom were re-appointed and some who had resigned to fill their places. The recommendation said the new members were to be commissioned one, two, three and four years and was certified by clerk Joe B. Williams and sent to the state school commissioner, who returned the papers to the clerk saying that he would not commission the new board for a shorter term than four years.
State Superintendent Brittian holds it against the law. Were this a new county the recommendation of the Grand Jury would obtain but since it is not and there has been a body every since the creation of the county the state superintendent is correct. The Grand Jury will be called upon at the next session to change its recommendation. Thus the former board members will have to hold over until the matter is straightened out.
The Liberty Loan committee will hold a victory rally on May 10th. A big war tank, like used in France will arrive in Wrightsville on an early train Saturday morning. It will have a full crew to demonstrate the use and asset it was to winning the war. Also a monster aeroplane will also visit doing a fly over and drop Victory Loan literature over the city.
Two more old soldiers names were omitted from the list of living Confederate veterans in the county. They are j. B. Roberts and Asa Simpson. Miss Noona Tanner married Ezekiel B. Gaines. Miss Zemmie Miller wed Mr. Henry Spears, and Mr. Lonnie Smith and Miss Filla Powell were married. Mr. Marcus I. Stephens was discharged from the service, as was Colon Tharpe.
The Boy Scouts returned from a fishing trip on the Ogeechee where they caught plenty of fish and outside of a member or two walking into the river while asleep, the snoring of the preacher who went along, the trip was made without accident and all enjoyed it.
Wrightsville played Tennille Tuesday in Tennille, the home boys losing by one run, the score was 8 to 7. The baseball enthusiasum is up ad many more games will be played this year.
Jim Waters, the colored wanted for a terrible crime, has not yet been caught and is still in parts unknown. The hunt was practically abandoned after a week's search of about 50 mile radius of territory. A reward of over $150 still stands and the State is promising another $150 reward.
Mr. Green and Mr. Boll Weevil have made there appearance, but W. W. Colston is building a house anyway. The wheat crop is looking fine which means more biscuts for Johnson County.
The Farmers Bank stockholders met in the council chamber in Wrightsville on Saturday. The charter had already been secured so they moved forward with the election of officers. Mr. W. H. Raley, a prominent planter who lives just out of town on the west side was chosen as its first president. Mayor W. M. Shurling, one of the chief promoters of the bank, was chosen vice-president. Mr. Robt. B. Bryan was elected cashier. The directors are 15 in number. Other than the three already mentioned they are: W. C. Chester, R. R. Martin, H. C. Tompkins, J. T. Miller, Dr. J. R. Dent, Henry Stevens, L. D. Downs, C. M. Dent, R. E. Butterly, G. B. Harrison, J. E. Jordan and Wm Oliver. The bank will open about the first of July.
The county Board of Education held its regular meeting at the superintendent's office in the court house. The last Grand Jury recommended the appointment of a board to succeed the members who had served for some time, some of whom were re-appointed and some who had resigned to fill their places. The recommendation said the new members were to be commissioned one, two, three and four years and was certified by clerk Joe B. Williams and sent to the state school commissioner, who returned the papers to the clerk saying that he would not commission the new board for a shorter term than four years.
State Superintendent Brittian holds it against the law. Were this a new county the recommendation of the Grand Jury would obtain but since it is not and there has been a body every since the creation of the county the state superintendent is correct. The Grand Jury will be called upon at the next session to change its recommendation. Thus the former board members will have to hold over until the matter is straightened out.
The Liberty Loan committee will hold a victory rally on May 10th. A big war tank, like used in France will arrive in Wrightsville on an early train Saturday morning. It will have a full crew to demonstrate the use and asset it was to winning the war. Also a monster aeroplane will also visit doing a fly over and drop Victory Loan literature over the city.
Two more old soldiers names were omitted from the list of living Confederate veterans in the county. They are j. B. Roberts and Asa Simpson. Miss Noona Tanner married Ezekiel B. Gaines. Miss Zemmie Miller wed Mr. Henry Spears, and Mr. Lonnie Smith and Miss Filla Powell were married. Mr. Marcus I. Stephens was discharged from the service, as was Colon Tharpe.
The Boy Scouts returned from a fishing trip on the Ogeechee where they caught plenty of fish and outside of a member or two walking into the river while asleep, the snoring of the preacher who went along, the trip was made without accident and all enjoyed it.
Wrightsville played Tennille Tuesday in Tennille, the home boys losing by one run, the score was 8 to 7. The baseball enthusiasum is up ad many more games will be played this year.
Jim Waters, the colored wanted for a terrible crime, has not yet been caught and is still in parts unknown. The hunt was practically abandoned after a week's search of about 50 mile radius of territory. A reward of over $150 still stands and the State is promising another $150 reward.
Mr. Green and Mr. Boll Weevil have made there appearance, but W. W. Colston is building a house anyway. The wheat crop is looking fine which means more biscuts for Johnson County.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
FROM DAYS GONE BY May 2, 1919
May 2, 1919.
The hearing of the case against Vestus Mathis, who was charged with murder in that he killed with an automobile the little girl of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Thigpen, near Scott on the 15th of April, with the entire day occupied with the trial. Three or four witnesses testified and the rest of the day was taken up with arguments of the attorney's on opposing sides. Judge Faircloth appeared for the State and Col. Moye the defense. The decision of voluntary manslaughter was rendered and the defendant made the $650 bond for his appearance. He had been in jail since the child was killed.
All this week a determined posse of Johnson and Laurens County citizens have been scouring the woods in every nook and corner of the county for one negro named Jim Waters, who is charged with an outrage upon the person in a home just across the Johnson-Laurens line between Lovett and Scott. The negro is described as being coal black, slender built, weighs about 135 pounds, five and a half feet high, stutters and blocked speech.
He has been living on the planation where the crime was committed for the past 11 years and all this time appeared to be a harmless worker on the farm. In the absence of the husband Monday afternoon the brute crept up to the home and made a criminal assault. Every minute since that hour autos loaded with men of the community and officers of the law have been looking for him. The parents offers a reward of $50 for his capture and the citizens of Wrightsville have added $100 to that.
The 4th of July all over Georgia will be celebrated for the service of our soldiers who fought the World War in France and elsewhere. In Wrightsville there will be a big bbq, lemonade, a brass band, baseball game and swimming for all the white soldiers. It is expected that the colored people will hold a similar celebration for the colored soldiers.
Senator Morris T. Riner of Meeks suffered a bad injury to his leg when his saddle horse fell catching him under it. Mumps have been raging in this area and its a common sight to see a fellow going around with more jaw than he is accustomed too. Mr. H. N. Howell is now carrying ice for the city of Kite. Mr. Delos Hammock, son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry T. Hammock had a serious operation but is recovering.
The new walks, the trimmed privet hedge, the new window curtain and other court house improvements by the Ordinary is making everything look good. Captain Kemp has been out on Bedingfield road making a first class road out of it. The school boys went to Adrian to play the boys there. It was a heated game. It was 18 for Adrian and 17 for Wrightsville.
Solder Lotis McAfee has been discharged. Two Confederate veterans were left off the roll last week. They were J. T. Dickens and C. C. Snider. Ordinary J. C. Wiggins says he has the veterans pension checks in hand for distribution. It amounts to $6,830.
Mr. William Page died on the 23rd of April. He was 50 years old and was buried at Pleasant Grove. Mrs. Anson Pool also died on the 23rd at Donovan. She was buried at Beulah. Mr. Daniel Smith died Saturday morning at his home in Smith's District. He was buried at Red Hill cemetery.
There were 13 moonshine stills destroyed in Johnson County since the first of the year, according to the Sandersville paper. Johnson County says, "What a lie!" When that aero man flies over Wrightsville next Saturday there is one thing the people ask. Be sure to leave the lady on the courthouse steeple alone.
The hearing of the case against Vestus Mathis, who was charged with murder in that he killed with an automobile the little girl of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Thigpen, near Scott on the 15th of April, with the entire day occupied with the trial. Three or four witnesses testified and the rest of the day was taken up with arguments of the attorney's on opposing sides. Judge Faircloth appeared for the State and Col. Moye the defense. The decision of voluntary manslaughter was rendered and the defendant made the $650 bond for his appearance. He had been in jail since the child was killed.
All this week a determined posse of Johnson and Laurens County citizens have been scouring the woods in every nook and corner of the county for one negro named Jim Waters, who is charged with an outrage upon the person in a home just across the Johnson-Laurens line between Lovett and Scott. The negro is described as being coal black, slender built, weighs about 135 pounds, five and a half feet high, stutters and blocked speech.
He has been living on the planation where the crime was committed for the past 11 years and all this time appeared to be a harmless worker on the farm. In the absence of the husband Monday afternoon the brute crept up to the home and made a criminal assault. Every minute since that hour autos loaded with men of the community and officers of the law have been looking for him. The parents offers a reward of $50 for his capture and the citizens of Wrightsville have added $100 to that.
The 4th of July all over Georgia will be celebrated for the service of our soldiers who fought the World War in France and elsewhere. In Wrightsville there will be a big bbq, lemonade, a brass band, baseball game and swimming for all the white soldiers. It is expected that the colored people will hold a similar celebration for the colored soldiers.
Senator Morris T. Riner of Meeks suffered a bad injury to his leg when his saddle horse fell catching him under it. Mumps have been raging in this area and its a common sight to see a fellow going around with more jaw than he is accustomed too. Mr. H. N. Howell is now carrying ice for the city of Kite. Mr. Delos Hammock, son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry T. Hammock had a serious operation but is recovering.
The new walks, the trimmed privet hedge, the new window curtain and other court house improvements by the Ordinary is making everything look good. Captain Kemp has been out on Bedingfield road making a first class road out of it. The school boys went to Adrian to play the boys there. It was a heated game. It was 18 for Adrian and 17 for Wrightsville.
Solder Lotis McAfee has been discharged. Two Confederate veterans were left off the roll last week. They were J. T. Dickens and C. C. Snider. Ordinary J. C. Wiggins says he has the veterans pension checks in hand for distribution. It amounts to $6,830.
Mr. William Page died on the 23rd of April. He was 50 years old and was buried at Pleasant Grove. Mrs. Anson Pool also died on the 23rd at Donovan. She was buried at Beulah. Mr. Daniel Smith died Saturday morning at his home in Smith's District. He was buried at Red Hill cemetery.
There were 13 moonshine stills destroyed in Johnson County since the first of the year, according to the Sandersville paper. Johnson County says, "What a lie!" When that aero man flies over Wrightsville next Saturday there is one thing the people ask. Be sure to leave the lady on the courthouse steeple alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)