FROM DAYS GONE BY Jan. 30, 1920

January 30, 1920.

One of the worse cutting scraps ever occurring in Johnson County took place late Monday afternoon at the home of Mr. "Rip" Williams in the eastern part of the county, near Uncle Obe Fortner's grist mill. The weapons were just ordinary pocket knives but tey evidentally were unordinarilly sharp ones and the wielders of the blades knew where they were directing their licks.
The old man Williams was at home when his son-in-law, "Bozie" Price drove up in a mule and buggy around sun down. Price had been out nearly all day it is claimed. The mule was the property of Williams, Price living on the old man's place this year and working the landlord's stock. Driving up to the front gate he did not remain long, but got back into the buggy an drove down to his own house, and instead of taking the mule out, stopped it and got out of the buggy and went into the house.
Mr. Williams says he thought probably that Price was drinking and might start off with his mule again and so he went down there to ask him not to drive the mule any longer that day and night. Just before he arrived Price got into the buggy and started off with the mule. Williams hailed him and Price stopped. Walking up to where Price had stopped, Williams asked Price where he was going, that he did not wish him to drive the mule longer. Then it is said Price jumped from the buggy, saying he would drive as long as he d---- pleased and if Williams objected he would kill him, all the time making for Williams with his knife.
Then the fight began. Mr. Williams said he thought he could show as much dexterity with the weapon as his son-in-law so he pulled out his knife and they went to it. When the smoke of the battle had cleared away Williams was cut two long "Y" gashes clear across the jaw. Price was cut in various places. When the family called for Dr. Harrison at Kite to come to Williams he said he was sewing up Price and could not answer. Dr. J. Gordon Brantley went to Williams and says it required 20 stitches to sew up the old man. Dr. Brantley says it was an ugly affair. Dr. Harrison reports that it took over 100 stitches to sew up on Price, that he was the worse cut up man he ever saw. It is a wonder that either of them are alive. The affair was deplored by the whole community.
It is said that Messrs. Swain & Lovett Anderson and a colored man were the eye witnesses to the fight. Up to yesterday morning no arrest had been made. Later reports from Bozie or Boy Price is that he may die from the effects of cuts around his head and neck. The fight took place near the home of Mr. Swain Anderson instead of the Williams place, other reports say.
Three county fires last week carried big losses to the owners. One was the barn belonging to Mr. C. D. Tompson. He lost 75 bushels corn, fodder, other feed stuff, barn and farming tools. Estimated loss was $1500. Mr. George Smith lost his barn with all his corn and plow tools went up in the blaze. The residence on the old Tapley homestead was also destroyed by fire. This was one of the oldest homes in the county. The origin of none of the fires has been discovered.
Dr. J. R. Dent is going to New York to study surgery exclusive. He will spend several months internship at that famous hospital there. Dr. I. H. Archer is at Atlanta Dental College studying diseases of the teeth and mouth.
While out in the woods hauling logs Mr. Clifton Douglas broke his leg from an accident. He is a son of Mr. & Mrs. Zack Douglas. The county Chamber of Commerce has chosen Mr. M. E. Crow as county demonstration agent. Mr. C. D. Hauger, millionare merchantile promoter was here checking on his business interest of the firm Hauger- Hobbs- Davis Co. Hon. Clifford Walker, Attorney-General visited Wrightsville as he is running for Governor.
Mr. Frank Reynolds of the Association of County Commissioners will speak here on the subject of good roads. L. A. Lovett Ford has installed a large Champion drill press and will now be able to rebore and repour cylinder blocks, also a crankshaft testor and straighner. They will burn in the four connecting rod bearings and 3 crankshaft bearings, fit the pistons, cam shaft and cam shaft gears all for $10, work guaranteed. Mr. Arthur Bryan Rowland, son of J. H. Rowland, married Miss Gray Melton at Baxley.