Saturday, September 30, 2017

FROM DAYS GONE BY September 26, 1919

September 26, 1919.

Another big business deal was consummated in Wrightsville entailing one of the largest financial changes in the city for years, when the Wrightsville Merchantile Company sold to and consolidated with The Star Supply Company. The merchantile company was organized in 1905 by Messrs. W. C. Tompkins, E. A. W. Johnson and J. M. Cook.
After a successful career under this ownership Mr. Cook and Mr. Johnson purchased Mr. Tompkins interest and ran it until a few years ago, when Mr. Cook bought out Mr. Johnson, soon after selling an interest to Mr. Tom Elton. This was six years ago. Since that time it has been owned and operated by Cook and Elton.
All of its career Mr. Cook has had control and financial direction of the firm and it is interesting to note that it grew from a capital of $3,000 to today's value, which is conservatively estimated at $125,000. It has carried an investment of $75,000 for the past several years and a stock ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 continuously. Its annual business has aggregated anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000, doing business both for cash and credit in this county and in adjoining ones.
The Star Supply Company was a firm composed of W. D. Rowland, J. H. Rowland, R. H. Rowland, E. N. Hitchcock and C. S. Claxton, doing business in the store occupied by the Rowland Grain & Seed Company, whom they superceded, The Rowland Grain & Seed Company having bought the Rowland Grain Company.
Mr. E. N. Hitchcock and the other owners of the Union Grocery Company sold their business beside the Bank of Wrightsville to Mr. Mark Duggan the first of this year and since that time have been with the Star Supply Company, doing a fine starting-off business in their new location. They decided to enter the hardware field entirely and have foregone the idea of erecting a building on the corner lot next to the Rowland store for the present and the Star Supply will take over and consolidate with the Wrightsville Merchantile Company.
They are busy taking stock this week and as soon as this work is completed will open up under the financial backing of the members of the Star Supply firm, and Mr. Cook and probably Mr. Elton. It is announced that Mr. Hitchcock will assume the direct management of the new firm, whose name in all likelihood is to be The Wrightsville Hardware Company. This new firm will not be an incorporation but a partnership.
Mr. Cook will retain headquarters at the store and advise with the management as to purchases and credits and general affairs of the firm. Mr. Elton will remain to wind up the business of the Wrightsville Merchantile Company and also divide time with the new firm. Mr. R. H. Rowland is slated for secretary-treasurer. The other sales and clerical force has not been announced.
The new firm enters the field with a successful history with them throughout, both in connection with their own business dealings and that of the firm going out. They are experienced commercial men and have a bright future before them.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

FROM DAYS GONE BY Sept. 19, 1919

September 19, 1919.

Three young men from Lovett created quite a big sensation in Wrightsville Friday afternoon. They came into town soon after dinner in a Paige automobile and proceeded to celebrate by driving around very dangerously over the streets, which gave the police reason to believe they were either drunk or drinking or both.
Friends of the three boys were plotting them out of the city towards Lovett when policeman J. L. Tapley, deputy sheriff W. T. Rowland and baliff C. T. Mixon overtook them and placed them under arrest. The other one took to his heels, while the other two were being arrested.
The boy gave their names as Paul Glover, Talmage Holmes and Joe Johnson. Joe was the runner. Holmes was crazy drunk creating much noise enroute to jail. Four empty bottles were found in the car, one the remenants of grape wine. Holmes is a prize fighter and it required all three officers with several assistants to place him in jail.
RFD E. J. McAfee happened to a very disastrious accident just by the post office, when he and RFD Powell were changing a tire on the Ford of the former. Sily was using a tire tool and when prizing off the casing, assisted by McAfee who was using his bare hands, caught the fore finger of his left hand, completely tearing the end, nail, flesh and all clean off. A physician soon had it bound up and it is getting along all right.
On Tuesday, September 2, Alonzo Warnock and Joe Cowart who live in Emanuel County near Canoochee, went fishing in the Ogeechee at Sand Ridge lake near Herndon. Upon arriving on the banks they secured the boat they had used on Monday in putting out hooks and started on a cruise around to see what luck had been theirs. Parties coming from there stated they carried along some "wet bait" with them and had about a quart in the boat.
Headed down stream they reached a small flurry which put the boat to swinging sideways and the two men, Cowart a large fat man, fell into the deep of the stream. Warnock succeeded in landing safe on the banks but Cowart was not fortunate. He sank to remain and it was Friday morning at 9 am when his swollen body gave up its submerged position and came to the top 300 yards on down the stream from where he fell into the water.
Warnock spread the news of the death of his fellow angler and searching parties remained on the scene, up and down the river for a mile or more until his body came up. They tried dynamite and raking and diving but to no avail. The drowned corpse was taken home Friday and given burial Saturday. He was of the best family, as also is Warnock. Too much 'shine was considered the cause of this unfortunate tragedy.

Friday, September 15, 2017

FROM DAYS GONE BY Sept. 12, 1919

September 12, 1919.

Johnson County will furnish a full crop of candidates this time from the highest office to the lowest. These are the ones who have qualified to date. Judge J. L. Kent for circuit and E. L. Stephens for Solicitor to succeed themselves. There is serious talk that Judge William Faircloth may run for Congressman. Due to a new city court law, Judge B. B. Blount can not run for that office again. Ben Hill Moye is seeking the position. For Solicitor of City Court C. S. Claxton will not seek re-election. W. C. Brinson and H. T. Hicks will run for the position. W. D. Sumner will run to succeed himself as Representative. It is rumored Dr. A. M. Roundtree of Adrian may run for it.
The Ordinary, J. C. Wiggins, Sheriff W. D. Rowland and Tax Collector A. S. Mayo will not seek re-election. Those running for these positions so far are: Ordinary- U. R. Jenkins, M. T. Riner, Pete Price, Dr. J. W. Flanders. For Sheriff - C. M. Schwalls, O. L. Smith, T. H. Burns, J. E. Glisson, C. T. Mixon, J. L. Tapley, J. L. Davis and L. J. Claxton. For Tax Collector - W. A. Page, W. A. Mixon and J. Nat Riner. For Clerk of Court - Joe B. Williams (I), J. Lovett Anderson, Murphy Norris. Tax Receiver - George W. Brantley (I), J. M. Layton. Treasurer - Milledge Meeks, Walter N. Powell, C. M. Dent, Z. A. Anderson, W. C. Chester, C. C. Wheeler. Superintendent of Schools - A. J. M. Robinson (I), L. Lillard, Rev. P. Flanders, Major Loring R. Clayton for Coroner.
The Wrightsville High School had a flourishing start. Over 300 pupils have entered with more coming. There will be about 75 in just the high school. W. D. Rowland and J. D. Johnson now occupy the entire building where Mr. Johnson's store has been on the corner in front of Mr. Lovett's Ford Garage and is putting in a large line of groceries. The Crawford Shops have added a first class welding shop. Mr. J. J. Crawford will himself be in charge of this department. He holds a diploma from the U. S. Army Air Service Mechanics School.
Forty firm financial fellows now compose the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Cotton is being gathered fast on all the county farms. Not over a half of a crop is being made, many say less than 40 percent. The gins are working day and night and can't keep up with the wagons. The warehouses are being filled with farmers not willing to sell at the prices of the last few days. The farmers are in good shape even with this short crop. They have plenty to eat and are making enough of everything they raise for all of next year.
The city of Atlanta is preparing for the Confederate Veterans Reunion in October. Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Lovett had a new son born, William Irwin Lovett. Miss Jane Howard Maxwell will wed Mr. Guy Anton Faircloth, also Miss Mamie Ricks will wed Mr. J. Earl Mayo.
A young man by the name of Thompson from Soperton, but who was born in Emanuel County came through Wrightsville from service in the army, where he is still under command. He told of his fighting in the Argonne forest on October 14th last, and exhibited spots on his left side from his shoulder to his toes that had bullet holes to the number of 17 through the flesh. These he received after crossing the river on that memorable day.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

FROM DAYS GONE BY September 5, 1919

September 5, 1919.

Wrightsville merchants are not down-hearted yet on account of the much talked about hard times and have been receiving a fair trade all the while and now that the cotton crop, though off considerably, is being harvested and sold and fall business looks good. It is said here people have money to bank. There was more on deposit in the banks of this county at the last call of the banking department of the state than ever before, which will assist people greatly in paying off their debts and buying their fall and winter merchandise.
It is surprising at the increase in real estate values during the last 12 months. They have gone up one-third to a half. Several things have caused this change. Lumber and materials are high, there is a scarcity of homes and even vacant lots, and there is steady demand for homes. Business houses are also more costly now than ever before since Wrightsville was built and rents are going up. Every available office and store room in the city is occupied and there is demand for more.
L. R. Tillman, the state field rep of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has been in Wrightsville organizing the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Since the legislation passed over 50 counties in the state have them. He points out that the future prosperity of the people depend on education, transportation, production, roads, rates and credit. Nineteen have already signed for membership.
A very serious auto accident occurred at the town of Lovett as two cars collided just south of the bank building. A Wrightsville auto enroute to Dublin carrying Mr. & Mrs. Ray Barnes, Mr. Lee Barnes and his two children Ora Lee and G. W., and Mr. W. H. Mixon, were struck by the auto of Mr. Tom Bray of Lovett. Bray hit Barnes turning Barnes' auto over and pinning the occupants under it. Several people lifted the Ford from the five occupants who all escaped serious injury. Another accident occurred in front of the Lovett Garage as Mr. Henry T. Downs was on the curb doing repairs on the Ford when another Ford driven by Miss Melrose Jordan, for some unknown reason, ran right into Downs who was injured. Also a Miss Page, riding with Jordan was also injured. It was miraculous no injuries were serious.
Mr. J. Frank Jackson gave up the management of the Vivola Theatre and its owner, Mr. E. A. W. Johnson passed the management over to Mr. Millard Daley. Mr. Ray Tanner has purchased the Ice Cream Parlor from Mr. J. F. Henderson. Ordinary Wiggins has put the finishing touches around the square and the court yard.
Another aged citizen and veteran of the Civil War, Mr. J. P. D. Oliver, passed Saturday after suffering two strokes. He was 74 and was married in 1866 to Mrs. Malissa Mayo, nee Walker. They had five children all living, Enoch, Elton and Arthur Oliver, Mrs. W. J. Dent and Mrs. C. S. Tapley, and one sister Lizzie Martin. He was a member of the 12th Ga. Battalion, Co. E. He was a member of the Christian church and was buried at Westview.
The colored people of the county are going to have a big day on September 8th for all the colored soldiers from the late war. They extended a welcome to all white people who want to attend. John Wesley Aiken drew a big fine from Judge Blount for pleading guilty for carrying a concealed pistol. A fine of $125 or 12 months in jail. Another case against him for carrying a machine gun without a license was nollied. Aiken paid his fine.
Cotton picking and boll weevils are on the boom in the county, but cotton buyers are busy in Wrightsville, Adrian, Scott, Spann, Donovan, Kite and Meeks. The buyers are paying the highest market prices and nearly all that comes in is being sold. Mr. J. F. Henderson has been appointed a delegate to the American Cotton Association which meets later this month in New Orleans.

FROM DAYS GONE BY August 29, 1919

August 29, 1919.

Mr. L. A. Lovett, Wrightsville's local Ford dealer had a unique way of an advertisement for the Ford product in a letter sent to him from a soldier that was written to the Ford Auto Co. in Detroit. The British-American soldier was in Bangalore, India at the writing of this letter. It has some pretty interesting facts.
Dear Sirs: I was advertisements of different papers on autos pertaining to what they have done in this war. But nothing about the little Ford. So I am writing you a few facts, which are as follows:
In France 700 cars out of 1000 were Fords. In Italy 850 cars out of 1000 were Fords. In Egypt 996 out of 1000 were Fords. In Meso 999 out of 1000 were Fords. Under British capture the first car in Bagdad was a Ford. The first car to cross the Persian mountains was a Ford. The first car in the genuine Garden of Eden was a Ford. The first car in the Holyland was a Ford. Lines of communication contained Fords by the hundreds from Bagdad to the Black Sea.
I have seen the Fords used as tanks, armored moving forts, electric light plants, water pumps, ambulances, supply cars, and lots of other things, and they were always ready for anything at any time. These statements are facts, as I have served in action all through the countries named, and I name the Ford the best auto in the world. The-Iron-Mule-With-A-Kick. I remain your friend, Bosun Gilbert.
P. S. Also when we recaptured Kut, the first thing we landed on was a Ford with nothing left of it but its under frame, bare wheels and engine. Forty-five minutes afterwards Mr. Ford was manned by a machine gun and was on the chase of the retreating Turks and the Cobra Hun.
Mr. Lovett says this is some record. The above tells its own story. We have not added to or detracted from it one syllable, and it is doubtful if a higher tribute could be paid to the sterling merits and all around dependability of a motor car than that coming to the Ford car through this simple letter from a soldier, who would not have this opinion he has of the Ford car if he had not seen it deliver a service unequalled not only in the history of war but in the history of peace. And here's a 1919 poem written by Wallace Irwin called Elizabeth Ford.
"We carried her over the sea, We did, And taught her to hep, hep, hep-- A cute little Jinny, all noisy and tiny, But full of American pep. Recruited into the corps she was, She came of her own accord. We flew at her spanker the globe and the anchor, And named her Elizabeth Ford.
Cut little' Lizabeth, dear little' Lizabeth, Bonnie Elizabeth Ford! She was short and squat, but her nose was sot, For the Hindenburg line ----O Lord! She hated a Hun like a son-of-a-gun, the Kaiser she plumb abhorred, Did chunky, Elizabeth, hunky Elizabeth, spunky Elizabeth Ford.
We took her along on our hikes, we did, and a wonderful boat was she, she'd carry physicians, food and munitions, generals, water or tea. She could climb a bank like a first rate tank, and deliver the goods aboard, when we touch our steel kellies to Super Fidelis, Remember Elizabeth Ford.
She took her rests in machine gun nests, And on bullet-swept roads she chored. Where the Devil Hounds were first on the grounds, of a section of France restored, why, there was chunky, spunky Elizabeth Ford.
But 'twas the day at those murder-woods, which the Yankees pronounce Belloo, We were sent to knock silly the hopes of Prince Willie, And turn'em around D. Q. We prayed for munitions and cleared our throats, with a waterless click, good Lord! When out of a crater with bent radiator, climbed faithful Elizabeth Ford!
With a cylinder skip she had made the trip, water and cartridge stored. With her hood a wreck and broken neck, she cracked like a broken board, hunky, chunky, spunky Elizabeth Ford. When they towed her out of the town next day, said Corporal Bill, "Look There! I know of one hero who shouldn't draw zero, when they're passin' the Croix De Guerre, who fed the guns that's startin' the Huns, plumb back to Canal Du Nord," So his cross, he'd won it! ---he tied to the bonnet, of faithful Elizabeth Ford.
Where shrapnel has mauled here we've now overhauled her, Her wheels and her years restored. Her record's clean, She's a true machine, and we're sending the Dutch war lord, a note by Elizabeth, chunky, spunky Elizabeth Ford."

FROM DAYS GONE BY August 22, 1919

August 22, 1919.

Only a country boy, rocked in the cradle of a countryside mother, fed on the milk of the freedom of the range of a country county in Tennessee, inspired in bravery by the strong breezes of the Cumberland mountains Alvin York was reared. And 3,000 people came out to witness his wedding to his boyhood sweetheart Grace Williams, on the bluff at Big Springs at noon, the ceremony being performed by Governor A. H. Roberts of Tennessee.
Two years ago Alvin was as common-place and husky a mountain youth as are his neighbors there today. But now he is honored nationally, to say nothing of plaudits being thrust upon him by those in the highest ranks. This red-headed benedict, declared by General Perishing to be the greatest hero of the World War, is getting his just dues now for killing outright twenty-five Germans, capturing one hundred thirty-two more and putting a whole battalion of machine guns out of action all by himself.
Now that is just why Alvin York is such an admired fellow. And the aged mother of the two-room log cabin of his birth was there to kiss her dear son a loving welcome back home and to arrange for his happiness hereafter in wedding the seventeen year old Miss of the Cumberlands who had four years ago led the present hero to the altar of the Church of Christ , whose pastor, the Rev. Pile, boasts of his affection and proudness for York.
This is a true story of a country chap who has won fame, fortune and happiness in such a short time and is one that appeals to every lad in America today who are Americans.

FROM DAYS GONE BY August 1919

August 15, 1919.

According to Captain W. Z. Kemp there has been done a great deal of damage to stock and barns in the eastern part of the county recently. At one time two cows were standing out under two trees together when a strike hit the trees, killing both cows near the home of Godfrey Davis. At another home lightning struck barn wherein were two fine mules in adjoining stables. The barn was damaged badly and one mule killed. A man named West runs a sawmill this side of Wadley. His team of four mules were being driven down the road all four mules were struck with two being killed. The driver was uninjured.
The good fellows who are at the head of official Kite are having some nice work done on the streets. Weeds are being cut away and the washouts and bad places being fixed. A lot of new houses and old houses are being freshed up with paint. Kite seems to be in for a lot of new developments which means much to its prosperity.
Outside the rain and the boll weevil cotton is doing fine. Three bales to the plow is the estimate. An evidence that the cotton growers of this county are putting their minds to work on other money crops. Mr. H. P. Claxton stated he intended to go into the tobacco raising territory in south Georgia and see how they cultivate, plant, fertilize and raise tobacco. He plans to invest in this enterprise for the rainy weather and the boll weevil have cut his cotton crop in half.
In 1912 Joe Richard Irwin, colored, was charged with rape by the September term Grand Jury, A. S. Mayo, foreman and Alfred Herrington, solicitor. Joe fled for parts unknown, but Friday night while Sheriff W. D. Rowland was making a search for another in the city quarters he accidentally came upon him and arrested him. He is now in jail awaiting trial. He was dressed in a soldiers' uniform and claimed he had re-entered the service.
You had best drive your auto up into the parlor or back room or dining room or somewhere. It's dangerous to leave it loose around the house like you use to do your horse cart. You can't put much dependence in its staying right where you left it. Even the tires off the wheels, so roguish are the rogues. Mark Duggan and Dr. Douglas have experiences and others have suffered recently from auto thefts. Lock up the auto and all of its fixtures and be sure the tires are on it next morning. Its even dangerous to leave any air in the tires.
Willie Love, colored, is somewhere in Johnson County and would be glad to locate him. He is about 11 years old, his right leg cut off above the knee and he uses one crutch. Has been seen at Jessie and Ruby Taylor's. Information as to his whereabouts would be appreciated. If found notify Henry Atkins. Willie is from Statesboro and his father is looking for him.
Mr. L. M. Blount has contracted for 5000 pecan trees for Johnson County. He says calculate how many acres you will want to plant and he will tell you how many trees and the cost, depending on the size of trees you want. He is located at T. V. Kent's Furniture Store. He says prices are most attractive.