From Days Gone By

From Days Gone By January 23, 1913

2012-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

January 23, 1913.

Last night Johnson County and the city of Wrightsville lost a great and good man in the death of Rev. Charles Augustus Moore. He died at his Wrightsville home about 7pm after a lingering illness of more than two years and had him confined to his room for the past year, but the end came peacefully. He leaves behind a widow and six children, viz: Ralston, Ira, Richard, Homer, Mrs. Rev. W. E. Arnold and Mrs. S. M. Johnson. He was about 81 years old and in 1858 became a minister of the M. E. Church South. He was buried at Westview Cemetery. He figured prominently in the Moore's Chapel Church.

Mr. David Outlaw, one of the oldest citizens of Wrightsville died Saturday night the 18th at the home of his son Mr. John Outlaw, near Pringle after a brief illness of pneumonia. He was buried beside his wife at the private burying ground in the eastern portion of Wrightsville. He was 84 and survived by one daughter, Mrs. B. E. Jordan and four sons, Ed, John Rube, and Dock Outlaw.

Mr. Wright Sumner is sick with rheumatism at his home near Spann. Mrs. W. P. Tribble also has pneumonia. Mr. J. H. Outlaw is at Rawlings Sanitarium for the past two weeks being treated for kidney trouble. His condition is critical.

J. O. Kennedy has moved to Metter where he is engaged in extensive merchantile business. John A. Wilson has purchased the Goodman residence on Belmont Avenue. J. H. Davis and family are now occupying the house on Belmont Avenue recently vacated by Chief of Police W. T. Kitchens and family. L. H. Kennedy has moved to his farm in Emanuel County near Swainsboro. Judge William Faircloth has moved to the Kennedy house to reside.

Last Sunday at the brides parents in Kite, Miss Eva Wheeler and Mr. Leonard Anderson were united in marriage. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mac Wheeler and the groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Anderson.

M. C. Brantley of Stillmore and Miss Jennie Lou Smith of Harrison were married on January 5th. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Smith of Harrison and he is the son of H. K. Brantley, also of Harrison and is the agent of the Wadley Southern Railway and Southern Express Company.

From Days Gone By Jan. 16,1913

2012-01-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

January 16, 1913.

The Johnson County Teacher's Institute is in session at the court house here this week. It is being conducted by state supervisor M. L. Duggan. The county Board of Education was present at the opening yesterday. All teachers receiving the public school fund in Johnson County are in attendence upon the Institute, therefore our town has many visitors. County School Superintendant R. L. Sumner is set to make it a success.

Hayes Bros. have moved their stock of dry goods, shoes, notions, etc. from the store on the northwest corner of the square to their former grocery store which has been renovated and now have two stores. The old and well-known business house of Rowland Merchantile Co. has changed the firm name to "The Union Grocery Co." There is no change in personel but will deal strickly in groceries with Mr. E. N. Hitchcock manager. The Kite Merchantile Company filed for bankruptcy. The Exchange Bank is the youngest of the Wrightsville banks, just in its 3rd year, but in spite of the hard times and unfavorable conditions the management has succeeded in paying the stockholders a good dividend each year and accumalating a substantial surplus account.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sinquefield who lived at Vidalia have returned to Wrightsville to live. Mr. Grady Hatcher and family occupy the Baptist pastorium. Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Harrison moved to the Smith cottage on Smith Street. Dr. Gordon Brantley moved to the cottage on College Street. Mr. Henry Wilson, the operator and shipping clerk of the W. & T. depot, moved to B. H. Lord's residence on Belmont Avenue. Mr. R. R. Martin and family moved in the Brown house on Elm Street vacated by Mr. W. P. Bedingfield who has moved to the country.

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Crawford of Vidalia had a daughter on January 9th. Ex deputy sheriff Jonie Davis had a fine son arrive on the 14th. C. H. Moore, Jr., the infant son of Mr. & Mrs. C. H. Moore had the misfortune to fall Sunday and break his arm, in which from a cut, an artery was severed a few days before, and from which he came near bleeding to death. He is doing well now.

Miss Ruby Williams and Mr. Thomas F. Elton were married at the home of the bride on north Marcus Street, only family was present. Afterward they went to Mr. John R. Grice's boarding house on Elm Street. She is a daughter of Mrs. Anna Bell Williams. Mr. Elton is a son of Mr. & Mrs. J. F. Elton of Montgomery County and works for the Wrightsville Merchantile Co.

Last Monday evening Miss Lizzie Dollar of Thomson and Mr. Newton Frost of this county were married. They left for a few days in Macon. She was engaged in the millinery business in Thomson.

On last Thursday the 9th, Mr. Lefay Hall, who resides near Moore's Chapel went into the woods a few miles from his home with a wagon to get wood and in attempting to take his gun which he had with him from the wagon it accidentally discharged and the contents of both barrels passed into his right hip and side inflicting a wound from which he died friday. He was buried Saturday at the Hall burying ground(Liberty Grove). Mr. Hall was a son of Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Hall who he lived with at the time of his death. He was about 20 years old and was married for only a short time.

From Days Gone By January 9th, 1913

2012-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

January 9, 1913.

Messers. T. L. Martin and E. E. Sanders, who were recently elected to fill the vacancies on the city alderman board are now in office. Both have served in this capacity before and know just what to do. At the recent mayor and council meeting, W. T. Kitchens was hired as Chief of Police and Seab A. Glover, night marshal. J. J. L. Outlaw continues as collector and inspector.

Sheriff Willis D. Rowland has entered upon his duties. He has chosen Mr. John Osburn as his deputy. Osburn has served the city as marshal and will make a good deputy.

Dr. T. L. Harris has been called to the pastorate of the Wrightsville Christian Church. Col. and Mrs. B. B. Blount announce the birth of a daughter, Sunday January 5th. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Outlaw had a fine daughter to arrive this past Wednesday.

Mrs. Mae Parker has been sick with grippe. Mr. G. F. Sumner is still confined to his room since Christmas Day suffering from a severe attack of grippe.

Mr. W. T. Price and family of near Bartow moved to Wrightsville and occupying the cottege on Clarice Street. Thier son will attend Warthen College. Mrs. Mollie Johnson and family now occupy the Smith house and Mr. Mac Shurling and family moved to the Johnson house on North Marcus Street.

During the last seven days the following young men have enrolled in the School of Business and Shorthand: Arthur Roland, Claude Tompkins,Teny Raines, Gaynor Hattaway, Willie Raines and Fay Roland.

Quite an audience attended the moving picture show at the Vivola which was interspersed with dancing by Frank Jackson, Quergeon Martin, Roger Davis and Jim Hawkins, all of whom could "tip the fantastic toe" most gracefully. Every Wednesday and Friday nights the moving pictures will be at the Vivola and admission is only ten cent.

Mr. Jno. W. Vanlandingham and Miss Dollie McAfee were married December 26th at the home of the bride near town and are now living in the Snell home on West Court Street.

Ordinary J. C. Wiggins sent in the pension roll for 1913 and there is a decrease of 12 pensioners this year. There are 120 persons who will receive a Conferderate pension totalling $7,190.00. Johnson County Farmers Union will have an experienced man here in making home mixed fertilizers, annonced president, W. H. Raley.

On last Saturday afternoon the country home near Idylwild known as the "Aunt Betsey Hightower" place was burned. It is not known how the fire originated. Mr. Robert Hardaway was occuping the house and they lost everything. There was no insurance on the dwelling or contents.

On last Sunday morning a conspicuous wagon drawn by a pair of mules, attracted attention on the public square in Wrightsville, an upon investigation it waas learned that an expert bicycle rider and performer intended giving a street performance, and the necessary sum of money had been collected from those gathered on the street corners to witness the expert stunts made by the "cycleist", but the timely appearance of Mayor T. L. Harris on the premises, put a quietus to the Sunday exhibit, and the man with the wagon made his departure "immediately" if not sooner.

From Days Gone By january 2, 1913

2012-01-03T15:57:00.000-08:00

January 2, 1913.

As a result of a derailment in the Seaboard Air Line at 8:15 Christmas morning, Joseph Ivey, a switchman, was instantly killed. The accident occured when switch engine No. 425 jumped the tracks. Ivey was standing on the footboard of the engine and was thrown under the front wheels. Ivey was dead when he was pulled from beneath the engine. His body was badly mangled, the heart being crushed and the ribs torn from the spinal cord. Both of the front wheels of the engine passed over his body. The engineer heard the doomed man's scream as the locomotive left the tracks.

"Joe" Ivey recently went to Savannah from here and was a son of Joseph H. Ivey. He served throughout the Spanish-American War at Santiago, Cuba. After coming home he married and began painting before going to Savannah to work with the Seaboard-Airline Company. He was about 34 years old and a member of the Baptist Church here. Besides his wife and father he is survived by a sister, Mrs. J. J. Harrison of Scott.

Mr. & Mrs. R. R. Douglas have returned to their home on Myrtle Avenue. Mrs. Susie Hightower and family have moved to the residence on West Elm recently vacated by C. R. Williams family. Banker C. R. Williams and family left to reside in Dublin. Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Kent of Adel will move shortly to their plantation home near Smarrs Station, not far from Forsyth, however he will continue in the furniture business at Adel.

Mr. Lewis Dent is a patient at the State Sanitarium and is hopelessly ill with tuberculosis and family members have been called to see him. Miss Mae Belle Williams, who is a guest of her sister, Mrs. N. Braddy, has been quite ill with pneumonia for several days now. Little Lewis Lovett is sick at home with malarial fever and his sister Louise and a younger brother is also sick.

A marriage of unusual interest was that of Miss Marie Harrison and Mr. Carl Claxton, all of Kite. She is the daughter of Dr. David Crawford Harrison of Pringle. Carl is a son of Mr. & Mrs. Lovett J. Claxton and runs Claxton Drug Company in Kite. Another pretty holiday wedding was that of Miss Mary Hicks and Dr. William H. Thompson of Dublin.

Mr. Lewis Pournell died Christmas afternoon at his Wrightsville home. Pournell had been in Mississippi and Knoxville, Tennessee for several weeks, and returned here friday before his death, suffering from a severe cold which developed into Quinzy. During his illness he was treated by Dr. Rawlings but died from choking. He was a son of Mr. & Mrs. W. T. Pournell and had traveled extensively over the states and at one time served in the navy during the Spanish-American War in Cuba. He was an expert carpenter and cabinet maker. He was buried at Westview.

From Days Gone By December 19,1912

2011-12-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

December 19, 1912.

On Friday December 20th, Warthen College will close for the holidays. The Fall Term, thus far, has been one without any serious interferances to the work of the school, while there has been much sickness over the county, and particularly in some of the schools. The splendid health record of this institution has been maintained.

Warthen College, with the departments of literary, commercial, musical, expression and physical culture and normal training, all under capable instructors, is offering a great opportunity to the boys and girls of this section.

Cox & Tanner is taking orders for cakes and Christmas fruits, and they have stuffed mangoes and dill pickles. J. W. Brinson & Son are exhibiting a beautiful line of Christmas goods in all grades. The Wrightsville Drug Company, S. M. Johnson, proprietor have sent out with their compliments, beautiful and artistic calenders for 1913.

C. H. Marks of Hillsboro, Georgia has pure Berkshire pigs, $5 each and pure Poland China pigs, $10 each. Lord & Snider have opened a store in the old Chronicle office and have a complete line of fruits, nuts and candies, prices reasonable and you get prompt attention. H. G. Everitt is representing a company that makes only the highest grade Georgia marble tombstones.

Wrightsville Furniture Company is having a forced sale and make no mistake. Their entire $25,000 stock of furniture and furnishings at manufacturers wholesale costs. This is the biggest sacrifice sale ever pulled off in Wrightsville. Nothing charged to anyone during this sale, ten days only.

From Days Gone By Dec. 12, 1912

2011-12-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

December 12, 1912.

Wrightsville is in "Holiday Day" attire and is quite a day this week, with the street carnival in full blast and the Vivola Theatre catering to the public with the showing of "Baby Mine", one of the best attractions of the season. On Tuesday December 17th, the social event of the season will be here at the Vivola. Miss Della Clarke and company will be here in the polite society comedy "Introduce Me". According to seating prices range from $1.50 to .50.

Those of our merchants who have big sales on are certainly offering very great inducements to the public in dry goods, shoes, clothing, etc. Such bargains have never before been given the people in this section. All who can should take advantage of this opportunity.

The election for Justice of the Peace and Constables was held last Satrday. Wrightsville District 1201 Preston Norris beat out John R. Grice for Justice and C. T. Mixon and W. J. Crawford were elected Constables. T. L. Martin announces to run for city councilman for the unexpired term of B. H. Lord. E. E. Sanders is running for the unexpired term of A. T. Cobb.

At the State Corn Show in Atlanta, Johnson County placed third behind Tattnall and Emanuel counties. Mr. Bob Smith of near Donovan brought to town four turnips weighing 22 pounds. The largest one weighed 7 pounds. They are by far the largest to 'turnup' so far. Cox & Tanner Grocery is in receipt of a trial package of several variaties of Sunshine Biscuits, from Loose-Wiles Biscuits Company, Bakers at Boston. They are different from all other Soda Crackers.

Mrs. A. J. M. Robinson has been quite sick. Rev. C. A. Moore's condition is very weak and feeble. Mr. Willis Dent, Sr. is improving. Mrs. A. L. Hatcher returned last week from Atlanta receiving treatment from Dr. Crawford for nasal catarrh. Clinton Williams, the son of Mr. & Mrs. C. R. Williams is critical this week with acute indigestion and malarial chills.

At Harrison on Thursday night the 5th, Mrs. Rilla Jordan and Mr. Joseph Jackson were quietly married by Rev. D. S. Grindle. Mr. Jackson is the father of Mr. Frank Jackson of Wrightsville, Job Printer at the Chronicle office.

The following are the statements of condition of our various banks. Exchange Bank of Wrightsville, $79,192.03; The First National Bank, $159,136.44; Bank of Wrightsville, $152,492.74; Bank of Adrian, $53,573.39; Citizens Bank of Kite, $65,692.96; Scott Banking Company, $42,153.72.

Mr. Isiah Matthew Johnson, familarly known as "Zeek" died at his home in Kite December 2d after an illness of several days and was buried at Gumlog. Mr. Johnson was a member of White Oak Church in Washington County and was 56 years old. He is survived by his wife and eight children and a brother, Mr. Ellis Johnson of Wrightsville.

J. J. L. Outlaw, Tax Collector says the Advalorem Tax books are now open, call and pay your taxes, get a receipt and thereby save time and trouble. Mr. B. E. Walker has an interesting family of 8 children, all of which are boys, the oldest is 21 and the youngest arrived December 10th. The bunch are well and hearty. B. B. Tanner went to Savannah last week and invested in a handsome Cadallac which is one of the finest and most reliable machines ever brought to Wrightsville. Mr. Tanner says he is now "leading the town" with the 1913 Cadallac for which he is agent.

From Days Gone By Nov. 28,1912

2011-12-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

November 28, 1912.

The beautiful snow began falling early last night, and today the earth is covered with about two inches of the fleecy down, heralding the approach of winter. The hunter will find it easy to bag all the birds he wants and the boys can snowball. Wrightsville's expert and otherwise Nimrods have been roaming the woods and fields today, spending Thanksgiving in search of game of some sort. There are a few good shots among the crowd, and very likely the bagging of birds in some instances will run up to respectable numbers.

The cotton exchange is the livest place in town where the "chin music" is incessantly carried on from early morn till dewy eve, by the bidders, sellers, guessers and hangers-on. There are some game buyers and venturers in the lot, H. C. Tompkins easily leading the bunch.

Little Vera Johnson of Lovett, is sick at the home of Mrs. Hightower on College Heights. Mr. and Mrs. John Hall announced the birth of a son monday the 18th. Dr. J. G. Brantley and wife will occupy the Brantley cottage on College Street after Christmas, and Mr. J. B. Harrison and wife will occupy the Smith house recently vacated by Dr. Brantley.

Mr. J. M. Blackshear and family will move after Christmas to thier plantation home in Laurens County. Mr. L. M. Blount has rented his residence on south Marcus Street to Mr. W. E. Price, who at present lives in Kite, but will move after Christmas. Mr. Blount has one or more places in view, but has not decided just where he will locate.

After an extended illness of kidney disease, Mr. J. W. Axton died at his home in north Wrightsville last thursday and was buried at Westview Cemetery. Mr. Axton was a native of Edgefield, South Carolina. He was a Confederate soldier and faithfully served throughout the war, during which he was wounded in his right hand. At the close of the war he came to Georgia and located, having lived in Wrightsville for the last 24 years. He was a quiet, good man, and a member of the Baptist church with his membership at Edgefield. He was industrious and toiled hard to support his family. He was 78 years old and survived by his wife and three children.

I have a big drove of large, fine, fat and saucy turkies; been running in a pea field for the past month or so. Buy one for Thanksgiving, see me at once, W. H. Chivers, Route 5.

From Days Gone By Nov. 21, 1912

2011-12-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

November 21, 1912.

Messers. B. H. Lord and A. T. Cobb regular Wrightsville City Councilmen for the years 1912 and 1913 filed their resignations with the Mayor and Council to take effect on January 1st, 1913. The mayor and council accepted the resignations and are calling for an election to be held December 19th, 1912 to fill their unexpired terms.

"The Rosary", Rowland and Clifford's theatrical success will be at the Vivola on saturday night. It tells a story of a modern Garden of Eden in which the serpent enters in them from a rejected Suitor, who wrecks the home and happiness of a married couple by playing upon the jealousy of the husband. The cast is comprised of Harry Nelson, Virginia Lewis, Mabel Thorn, Elsie Graham, Harry Walker, Ritchie Sowaal, George J. Clark and with scenic effects that are brilliant.

Waycross has the youngest regularly certified stenographer in the south in the person of young Robert Brinson, son of Mr. G. R. Brinson and nephew of Dr. J. W. Brinson. Robert is just 11 years old and he completed his shorthand course some time ago. He writes the Pittman System of shorthand and he studied under Mr. E. H. Reed, who is considered one of the best teachers of shorthand in this section. He is now doing public stenographic work in his father's drug store and his work is always neat and accurate.

The Boy's Corn Club Contest of Johnson County yielded the following winners: Bicell Price, 1st; Leonard Harrison, 2d; Marion Taylor, 3d; Ray Tanner, 4th; Iverson Morris, 5th; Julian Mills, 6th; Edgar Tanner, 7th; Thos. W. Raines, 8th; Will Haines, 9th; Shelton Harrison, 10th; Dewy Downs, 11th; Alex Martin, 12th.

The list of contributors of prizes, seeds, etc. were: R. L. Sumner, J. H. Rowland, People's Hardware Co., Rowland Merchantile Co., A. F. Flanders, J. Frank Jackson, H. C. Tompkins, D. G. Blount, Wrightsville Grain Co., Wrightsville Furniture Co., Tanner & Kent Furniture Co., Cox & Tanner, E. E. Daley, A. F. Daley, J. W. Brinson & Son, Davis Bros. & Co., Vickers & Williams Co., B. J. Moye, W. H. Barron, George Gannon, E. A. Lovett, E. A. W. Johnson, Hayes Bros., W. H. Hawkins, Busy Bee Resturant, Wrightsville Merchantile Co. and W. C. Tompkins.

The roll of boarding students of Warthen College continues to grow. T. M. Jordan is now with the People's Hardware Co. The Linder House, one of the most popular hotels in this section is being repainted.

Capt. Thomas J. Brantley had a mild attack of appoplexy. Mrs. A. L. Hatcher went to Atlanta to consult Dr. Crawford regarding throat trouble. Others on this weeks sick list are Mrs. W. L. Burns, Mr. Edgar Montford, Mrs. Bradshaw, sister of Annie Walker.

Miss Jennie Grier and Mr. Rowe Hicks were married at Dublin and Miss Bessie Mae Sumner of Johnson County and Mr. J. L. Webb of Laurens County were married at the home of Justice W. L. Rawls of Buckeye. She is the daughter of Mr. James Sumner.

Mrs. Fannie Dominey Dent, wife of Arthur Dent died from a congestive chill at her home on the Guyton place in Laurens Co., and buried at the Dominey burying ground. Mrs. Mary Wheeler, widow of Mr. Shade Wheeler, died at her son, Mr. W. L. Wheeler at Kite and buried at the Wheeler graveyard. She was a member of Mintons Chapel.

The potato crop this season has been a bumper all over the county. The weather is getting ripe, and the piggies will soon begin to be slaughtered. Possum sop and taters, Capt. Bill Kemp, county warden, heard the newspaper boys liked possum, so his son Carson, delivered a fine specimen to the office. They had his possumship nicely prepared by an expert, served in a large dish, profusely scalloped with juicy red yams brought by Nat Snider. What they did for that tempting dish - yum, yum! - was enough!

From Days Gone By Dec. 5,1912

2011-12-01T07:56:00.001-08:00

December 5, 1912.

The Corn Club Boys are winning name and fame at Augusta this week. The methods now employed in the cultivation of crops, are bringing great results, and are worth more to the boys of Georgia than was at first anticipated, as the interest in agriculture is on the increase.

A deal was made this week by Hayes Bros., selling their stock of groceries to the Rowland Merchantile Co., and buying the latter's entire line of dry goods, notions, etc. Hayes Bros. are moving their stock of goods from the corner store to the store formerly occupied by them as a grocery store.

C. F. Hardin, manager of the Union Market, has recently return from a visit to his family at Montgomery, Ala. Mr. N. Braddy and family have moved to the residence of Mrs. J. F. Norris, where they will occupy rooms for another year. Mr. & Mrs. John R. Grice have returned to their residence vacated saturday by Rev. Kelley and family where they will continue to keep a first-class boarding house. They have quite a few boarders.

At last Sunday morning service, Rev. J. B. Holley tendered his resignation as pastor of the Baptist Church accepting a pastorate in Perry. Mr. & Mrs. Edward E. Hicks of Cadwell announce the birth of a son, James Everett, on December 1st. Mr. & Mrs. James M. Cook announced the birth of a fine daughter November 29th.

All of the real estate and a few personal effects of the late Mrs. A. N. Brown, was sold tuesday at public outcry to the highest bidder. The residence on West Elm street was bought by R. R. Martin for $1,600. The cotton seed house on the right-of-way of the Wrightsville & Tennille sold to E. E. Sanders for $204.00, one gold watch sold for $16 and A few old coins brought something over $2. The property was all sold by R. L. Kent, executor, of Mrs. Brown's Will. The proceeds along with the rest of her estate was Willed to the Baptist Church for the purpose of building a new church building.

On last tuesday morning a small house on Valley Street near the jail was destroyed by fire. The house contained 3or 4 rooms and was unoccupied. It belonged to J. T. Fulford and was not insured. It was thought to be arson but the fire department could not save the structure.

Married here on Sunday morning at the bride's home on North Marcus Street, Miss Maudie Lee Blankenship and Henson Stewart with Judge J. C. Wiggins officiating. After the ceremony dinner was served and then they left for the grooms home near Lovett. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Blankenship and the groom is a son of Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Stewart.

The stentorian sound of the several big cotton gin whistles which have awakened our citizens at an early hour (except Sunday) for the past month or so, have reduced their blowing to one day in the week, friday. The managers of the several cotton gins in the city have come together to do only one day a week for the remainder of the season.

On thursday the 29th Mr. W. H. Chivers, at his farm two and one half miles from town, slaughtered a heavy weight of a fine Berkshire hog. His hogship was two and a half years old, and after being butchered and dressed, was brought to Wrightsville and weighed on the big scales at the Farmers Union Cotton Warehouse, easily touching up to the high mark of 727 pounds. This is the biggest porker yet heard from in this section, or from any other, so far as that goes. Mr. Chivers is successful in the raising of thoroughbred Berkshire hogs, and has some fine specimens of all ages on his farm.

From Days Gone By Nov. 14, 1912

2011-11-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

November 14, 1912.

The most disastrous wreck that the Wrightsville & Tennille railroad ever sustained, occured last friday about 7 o'clock. The north bound freight left the depot here very heavily loaded; and was running at a great rate of speed in order to make the Wilson hill, a mile further, when the eighth car from the engine, which was loaded with boards jumped the track, causing nine more to do likewise. Cotton and cottonseed were loaded on the other cars. The train consisted of twenty-four cars and a caboose; seven remaining on the track, and seven staying with the engine. The great momentum caused the ten that jumped, to be completely demolished, all being scrambled in one mighty heap. Fortunately no one was even injured.

Mr. Frank Jackson of the Chronicle Job Office is publishing a new bantling for public favor. It will be called The Messenger. Rev. R. J. Kelley will move with his family to Scott having been placed in charge of the church there. Mr. B. J. Moye is making some improvements on his recently purchased home in the way of a varanda and bath room.

The Vivola Theater has opened for the season under new management. Mr. C. E. Brinson is new manager and intends to give show-goers nothing but the latest, cleanest attractions. The initial show of the season, "45 Minutes From Broadway" is coming soon. You've seen them in the newspapers, and laughed at their absurd antics. Now you have a chance to see them in real life, flesh and blood at the Vivola, just as if they stepped out of the newspaper. They'll be there all of next week with their entire family of comedians, singer, and dancers, also a bunch of pert little "squabs". Don't miss "Mutt and Jeff". You'll be sorry if you do.

Miss Arrie Williams and Mr. R. C. Powers, of Adrian were married Sunday afternoon at Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Moore in Wrightsville. The bride is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C. A. Williams of Wrightsville. The groom is the assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Adrian.

A romantic marriage of a "Gretna Green" affair, occured at the Lovett Hotel between Miss Archye Spear of Wadley, and Mr. W. D. Compton of Scott. She was on her way here to start teaching at Sunshine School, but was met here by the groom and his best man, Mr. Smith of Scott, and performed Sunday night by Judge J. C. Wiggins. Mr. Compton is cashier of the Scott Banking Company. Mr. Otho Tanner drove the newlyweds to Scott monday morning in his automobile.

Mr. Benjamin Griner died wednesday morning here at his son, Rev. J. B. Griner home at the methodist parsonage after a brief illness. He was 78 years old, and died from heart failure. He is survived by four sons, three of whom are ministers, Rev. J. B. Griner, Rev. J. C. Griner and Rev. G. W. Griner and Mr. T. A. Griner. His remains were taken to Springfield, Effingham County for internment.

Mr. John Francis Norris, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Johnson County died at his home here Sunday from a stroke of two weeks ago. Mr. Norris was born in Emanuel County in 1836, and was over 76 years of age. He was the son of William & Behlison Powell Norris, and was one of 15 children. He had 5 brothers in the Confederate service, two who survive him. He was prominent in politics and at 21 elected as Tax Collector and Tax Receiver of Johnson County which he held together for 26 successive years. He at one time was in the merchantile business under the firm name of (John B.) Wright & Norris and was a successful farmer. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Wright and Preston Norris, and two daughters, Mrs. Wright Fitzgerald of Eastman, and Mrs. W. B. Adkins of Dublin. He was buried at Westview.

From Days Gone by Nov. 7,1912

2011-11-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

November 7, 1912.

The Democrats are in the saddle, Wilson vote breaks all records. Woodrow Wilson has been elected President of the United States by an overwhelming majority. He wins Georgia by 30,000 votes. The presidential election here was pulled off quietly with the following results: Congressman Hughes, 370; Woodrow Wilson, 285; Teddy Rosevelt, 92; William Howard Taft, 23. Congressman Dudley M. Hughes of this 12th congressional district paid a visit to Wrightsville and was a guest at the Lovett Hotel. Since the creation of the 12th district Mr. Hughes is our first representative in a national election.

An application for a charter was filed by attorneys Faircloth & Claxton for a new company, The Georgia Construction and Improvement Company. The petition for charter was filed on behalf of J. H. Rowland, E. J. Sumner, R. L. Kent, C. R. Williams, W. C. Tompkins, J. M. Smith, O. A. Kennedy, R. R. Martin, William Faircloth, Charles S. Claxton and J. M. Mason.

The Johnson County Farmers Union, No. 73, will meet at Piney Mount school on the 13th, G. C. Raines, President; N. B. Miller, secretary. On Friday night the faculty of Warthen College will host an oyster supper at the court house. Messrs. R. Z. Sterling, H. C. Tompkins, R. L. Stephens and Otho Tanner, automobiled to Augusta this week. J. M. Hammock, Jr., brought to town a sample stalk of his sugar cane crop for this season. The stalk in question was a magnificent one, measuring ten feet in length and weighed a fraction over six pounds. A sensational walking advertisment was in our city this week, that of a supposed to-be-indian in toggery of paint and feathers, going house to house selling Big Chief Vener.

Mrs. Flynt Flanders has been ill with tonsilitis. Dr. William Rawlings was in town to see Mrs. Susan Sammons, and Mrs. T. J. Holt, both who have been quite ill. Mr. John F. Norris, one of Wrightsville's oldest and prominent citizens is critically ill from a stroke of paralysis and is now bedridden. Claude Tompkins, the 14 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry C. Tompkins broke his right arm while cranking his fathers car. Drs. Brinson and Johnson set his arm and he is now doing well.

Last Tuesday Mr. James M. Tapley died after a brief illness of stomach trouble at his home near Kite and was buried at Oaky Grove. He was survived by his wife and several sons and daughters. He was a Confederate soldier serving throughout the war and was 65 years old. He was a member of Powells Chapel. After an extended illness of fever Mr. John Powell died at his fathers, Mr. L. S. Powell. He was connected with the firm of M. Davis & Co. of Wrightsville and was buried at Oaky Grove.

After suffering several years from paralysis, Dr. Charles Hicks died at his home in Mount Vernon, and was buried in the family cemetery at Dublin. Dr. Hicks was a native of Johnson County, and spent his early manhood near Wrightsville. Over 30 years ago he located in the practice of medicine at Mount Vernon, going from there to Dublin, and then back to Mount Vernon. He was 59 years old, and besides his wife and four sons, he is survived by one brother, Captain Jimmy Hicks of Fitzgerald, and three sisters, Mrs. Snell of Fla., Mrs. Linder of Higgston and Mrs. Charles Moore of Wrightsville. He was a son of Major James Hicks.

From Days Gone By October 31, 1912

2011-11-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

October 31, 1912.

Messers. W. C. Chester and Jack Robinson were coming from Scott in the formers car, and when near Brewton Creek they discovered that the trestle of the W. & T. road which spanns the creek was on fire. They stopped and heroically extinguished the flames with a cup they retreived from the car and kept throwing water on it till it went out. It was burning directly over the stream. It was at this juncture they were reminded that the southbound passenger train was approaching, they ran ahead and signaled the train to stop. After a careful examination of the burned bridge, found that the train could pass over safely. Chester & Robinson no doubt prevented a terrible disaster that could have cost many lives.

B. H. Lord, the popular agent of the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad, has been appointed the position of Train Master of the Road. This is an important official position, the duties heretofore been looked after by the superintendent. Mr. Lord's office will be at Tennille and he will move his family shortly.

The "front comforts" of the Tanner building on Marcus Street has been improved by the installment of metal awnings in front of the firm of Tanner & Kent furniture, and Cox & Tanner groceries. Rev. J. W. Bridges and family now occupy the Smith cottage on West Elm Street since the circuit parsonage burned. Charlie Wilson, proprietor of the tonsorial parlors in the Johnson building, has caught the auto fever and invested in a five-passenger car of the Ford make, recently the property of J. P. Mixon. Mr. Paul Bryan has arrived safely in Germany, and was met at Hamberg by his brother, Walter S. Bryan who has been in England the last two years attending college.

Mrs. W. H. Chivers, Mrs. T. T. Holt, and Rev. J. C. G. Brooks are on the sick list this week and Mrs. R. H. Hines was called to attend the death of her sister, Mrs. Malissa Smith near Dublin.

It was a sad week this week with the loss of so many promenet citizens and friends. Mrs. Julia Webb, wife of J. E. Webb died after a stroke of paralysis. She was 54 years old and a native of Johnson County. She was one of ten sisters, all daughters of the late Redding Beasley, an early settler of this county. She leaves her husband an four daughters, Mrs. A. J. Peddy, Mrs. W. C. Smith, Misses Laura & Carrie Webb and a son Marvin Webb.

After an extended illness of heart dropsy, Mrs. Green Webb died at the Dent place in Laurens County and was buried at Marvin Church. She was a sister of Mrs. Alex McCoy and an Aunt of Mrs. R. L. Kent. She is survived by a husband and three sons, two daughters. Mrs. S. M. Cochran, widow of J. L. Cochran died at 66 years of age. She was formally a Miss Bray, sister of C. T. Bray. She was affectionately known as Aunt Mary and died after suffering three strokes and was buried in the family cemetery. She was survived by two children, Mrs. Jim Edwards and Melton Cochran.

On the 24th Mr. Spencer Allen Meeks died at his son, Dennis S. Meeks near Kite. His health was failing for a while and death was due to general debility. He was 78 years old and was known as "Sants" Meeks. He was a good man, a Confederate soldier, and served throughout the four years of the war. He was buried at Pilgrims Rest and survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.

At the advanced age of 90, Mr. Fred C. Rawlings, probably the oldest citizen of Washington County died at his sons, C. G. Rawlings. His life was devoted to farming and he had accumalated considerable property. Mr. Rawlings was the father of Dr. William Rawlings, who is one of the most distinguished surgeons of Georgia; Judge B. T. Rawlings, and C. G. Rawlings an extensive landholder in both Washington & Johnson counties.

From Days Gone By Oct. 24,1912

2011-10-27T04:09:00.000-07:00

October 24, 1912.

On last Monday night between 10 and 11, the Wrightsville Circuit parsonage on Hilda Street, occupied by Rev. J. W. Bridges and family, was entirely destroyed by fire with all its contents other than a trunk and a few articles of clothing. The fire started from the stove flue, and the Rev. Bridges and his children were home when the house caught fire and had a narrow escape. Mrs. Bridges was visiting in Macon. The house was owned by J. H. Rowland and he had $1000 insurance on the building and Rev. Bridges had $600 on his effects, which included a nice piano. The fire department responded but the hose was beyond the limit of the water plugs, and they could do but little good.

Then on Wednesday night of last week between 7 and 8, the home of Mr. Will Scarboro was completely destroyed by fire, together with contents. The fire started in a pantry adjoining the kitchen, and the flames rapidly spread over the entire house, reducing it to ashes in a short time. Insurance was carried on both the house and the furniture.

Will Mixon and family left last Sunday for Newton, Baker County, where they will permanantly reside. Dr. and Mrs. Erle Brinson of Atlanta, are pleasantly located at 186, Forest Avenue. Mr. & Mrs. C. E. Brinson have moved to the Tanner house recently vacated by Mr. H. G. Hatcher and family, Hatcher left for Atlanta, were he will work in the Rubber Department of one of Jacobs Pharmacy stores.

The Mount Vernon Baptist Association met at Scott. The 8th Annual Session of the South East, Georgia Singing Convention was held at Kite. There were only about 200 in attendence, owing to the failure of the railroad authorities to run a special train.

The boys corn clubs of the various counties in the district held their show at Dublin last week, showing some very fine corn with good yields. Johnson County came in second place with 11 members, average yield per acre, forty-one and one fifth bushels; profit, $23.33.

Mr. J. T. Gatlin died last Friday night at the home of his son Mr. W. R. Gatlin in Wrightsville and he was buried at Westview. He had recently moved here from Sandersville, and had been at work on the Central Railroad near Oconee when he was taken critically ill.

Mr. J. M. Lovett of Brewton died early Sunday morning. Mr. Lovett had been in bad health for over a year. Although his death wasn't unexpected it came as a shock to his family. Lovett was born in Hancock County January 27, 1862, but moved to Johnson County in early boyhood. He moved to Brewton and resided there the last 18 years. He was engaged in the merchantile business and farming. He was also one of the vice-presidents of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Brewton. He was a member of the methodist church since a boy. He left a wife, Mrs. Bernice Reynolds Lovett, and a daughter, Mrs. M. G. Thigpen, four grandchildren and two sisters and four brothers. He was buried at Brewton cemetery.

"Who's the greatest woman in history?" was the debated question among certain school teachers. They considered Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth, Cleopatra, Susan B. Anthony and half a hundred others. When they came down to cases all the names known to fame were roled out' And to whom do you suppose the judges awarded? Here is the answer: "The wife of the farmer of moderate means who does her own cooking, washing, ironing, sewing, brings up a family of boys and girls to be useful members of society, and finds time for intellectual improvement." There are a good many heroines who don't get into a Hall of Fame.

From Days Gone By Oct 17,1912

2011-10-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

October 17, 1912.

The city counsel of Wrightsville have seen fit to abolish the police headquarters which was located in the Vivola building. The chief of police will be at his residence at night when not on duty, and the night marshal will be on his beat. Tuesday afternoon an incipient fire occured at the Union Gin. The fire department promptly responded to the alarm and the flames were extinguished before any great loss. Only one bale of cotton was damaged.

Dr. James Gordon Brantley was thrown from a wagon last week while driving his spirited horse which became frightened and ran away. He was badly shaken up and sustained several bruises but escaped serious injury. The accident occured near Cedar Creek.

Mr. John Johnson and wife have moved to the Kent Cottage on North Bradford Street. Mrs. Leila Daley is now in her new bungalow recently purchased in Atlanta at 52 West 4th Street. Mrs. B. G. Dunlap and daughter Dorothy left for Ansonville, North Carolina to join Mr. Dunlap and his business at that place. Mrs. Dunlap has lived in Wrightsville since a child and many regret her moving away.

Mrs. Sallie Davis is sick with chills and fever and is convalesing. Mrs. Lewis Davis was striken on her left side with paralysis last week, and was in critical condition, but is now improving. Mrs. R. R. Martin is recoverying from a late severe attack of rheumatism and is now able to be up and will soon be well and her bright self again.

This seemed to be a week of death in the county. Daniel Tantory, who has long been a familiar figure on our streets died monday night from a complication of diseases. He was a native of Sweden and served in the Federal Army in the Civil War, and came South after the war and located first in Sandersville, then came to Wrightsville. He was a mechanic and earned an honest living; and also drew a pension from the U. S. Government. He was buried at Westview.

Mrs. Mary Davis, widow of the late John R. Davis died Thursday night at her son-in-law, Mr. Sherod Renfroe near town. She was 74 years old and in failing health. She was a sister of J. F. Norris and survived by 4 daughters and one son: Mrs. Edgar Strange, Mrs. Renfroe, Mrs. Cooms and Mrs. Brantley and Mr. A. S. Davis. She was buried at Westview.

After an extended illness of pellagra, Mrs. Matt Blankenship, wife of D. C. Blankenship died at home here and buried at Anthony Cemetery. Mrs. L. M. Burns, wife of Col. Burns of Ocilla died in Atlanta where she had gone for treatment. Col. Burns is a brother of Mr. Gainer Burns of this city and he once practiced law here.

Sunday night the rain dispelled the drought and the east wind ushered in the first breath of real autumn, and fires were comfortable and the golden October weather is charming. Jim Lewis Harrison, the prompt tax collector is now making his rounds. Meet him accordingly.

From Days Gone By Oct. 10, 1912

2011-10-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

October 10, 1912.

The new ginnery installed by the Southern Gin Company is now complete and in successful operation. It is the most up-to-date plant of its kind ever erected in Johnson or surrounding counties. There are four 70-saw gins of latest design, of Daniel Pratt make, connected up by the most modern model of feeder and condensor with automatic tramper attached. This ginnery will easily cut a bale every 12 minutes, or 5 bales an hour; and a better sample and a greater number of pounds of lint from seed cotton than any other system of gins. The machinery of the plant was set in place by R. A. Moore, of Hawkinsville, and W. F. Hogue of Atlanta, two well-known mechanics. A ginnery of this type is certainly a step forward for Wrightsville and Johnson County.

Killebrew and Blankenship have recently established a new meat market in town, which is located in the little brick building on South Bradford Street. They are conducting an exceptionally nice place and have in stock daily fresh meats of all kinds which they serve promptly. Frank Jackson, one of the late Chronicle force has returned to Wrightsville, and is again in charge of the Chronicle job office. Mr. & Mrs. C. H. Murchison, of Brewton, moved to Wrightsville to reside. Two more boarding students entered Warthen College thus the attendence increases from week to week. Prof. Chas. Lane the famous Georgian lecturer and humorist, will lecture at the College auditorium on the 17th.

Mrs. Susan Sammons is still quite sick at her home in this city. Dr. Rawlings has been called to see her and she is attended by Miss Marchman, a professional nurse from the sanitarium. Helen, the little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. O. A. Kennedy is still with fever, and Mrs. Walker, a trained nurse is still with her. Mrs. A. F. Lovett is improving from her sickness.

Mr. and Mrs. Preston Norris announce the birth of a son on last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Odom of Newton are happy over the arrival of a son at their home last week. Wilmer, the little two year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Young, died last thursday at her home in Kite and was buried friday at New Home Church.

The death of little Virdie Davis which occured on last Sunday morning at her home on Belmont Avenue, was a great shock to her family and friends. She had contracted chills and fever, and being of a frail constitution, had never entirely recovered, and on saturday morning previous to her death she was seemingly as well as usual. She was attacked with a chill, which was followed by congestion, resulting in heart failure, and she passed away Sunday morning. She was conscious all the while, and said to those around her that "she was going to die, but that she would be better off."

Virdie was the youngest child of Sheriff Lewis Davis of Wrightsville. She was just 11 years old, and her death is particularly sad, as the affections of the family were centered on her, and she was the pet of the house-hold. She was buried Monday afternoon at Westview with Rev. J. B. Holley, pastor of the Baptist church officiating.

From Days Gone By October 3, 1912

2011-10-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

October 3, 1912.

The girl pupils of Warthen College have fallen in line with several other colleges in the state, and wear uniforms, which will be principally of navy blue serge. The young ladies of the collegiate department will don blue serge skirts with white blouse and blue ties, while the girls from the 5th to the 8th grade will wear blue skirts and white "middies" with blue cuffs and collars. The uniforms, with oxford caps are quite unique and will give the college a distinction it has never had. It was remembered that the girls of old "Nanie Lou Warthen Institute" adopted the oxford caps with the initials, N.L.W.I. and wore them a while and then discarded them.

Miss Annie Laura Bray has accepted the Arline Chapel School. She has studied in the University Summer School for two years, having also taken a post graduate course at G. N. F. College at Milledgeville.

The Wrightsville Fire Department has added to the equipment a large 40 foot hook and ladder wagon. This wagon carries five hundred feet of extra hose, two hand extinguishers, two lanterns, three buckets, two pick axes, crowbar and 85 feet of ladders. It is painted red and is equipped with a loud gong, and presents a very handsome and imposing appearance on the streets. The city has purchased wisely, giving the town ample protection from fire. Nineteen men, fifteen hundred feet of hose, two reels, and a hook and ladder compose the fire department. It is hoped the "laddies" will not have to use them often, but efficiently.

The Savannah Morning News of Wednesday October 2nd contained the picture of Lawton Garner and his escape from the state convict camp at Lyons, in company with a fellow convict. It will be remembered that Garner was sent up from this county three years ago for killing Quincy Claxton.

While cranking Mrs. Mason's car at the dormitory, Herbert, the young son of Mrs. Boland, had his forehead badly cut by a reverse movement of the crank. Dr. Brinson found it necessary to take several stitches in the wound. So there is danger in an auto even when not running. One among the handsomest cars in Wrightsville is the one just purchased by Judge A. F. Daley. It is a Chalmers of torpedo shape. It is large and light running. Contractor W. C. Chester is the owner of a new and pretty car. It is a Ford, well equiped, drives smoothly and almost noisless.

Hon. William Faircloth has been appointed by Gov. Brown, Judge of the City Court of Wrightsville. His appointment is interim from the time the City Court was established to the 1st of January when Judge Kent, the newly elected Judge will preside. The dignity of a Judge is nothing new to Mr. Faircloth, he has worn the "ermine" before, and does not care to wear it longer now than his appointment allows.

Messers. J. H. Rowland and William Faircloth attended a meeting of the Wrightsville, Adrian and Lyons Railroad last week at Swainsboro. The road was advertised to be sold the 1st Tuesday in October, present, at receivers sale, but the sale has again been postponed until January next, and it is doubtful if it is ever sold. J. H. Rowland and W. C. Oliver are receivers, and William Faircloth legal advisor.

Mrs. Will Dent was taken to Rawlings Sanitarium for a kidney operation. Mrs. R. L. Kent was called to Atlanta by the death of her brother-in-law Mr. M. M. Hill. He was 76 years old and survived by his wife Miss Dora Kittrell from here and two son and two daughters. He was buried at Westview in Atlanta.

Have your suits French Dry Cleaned, we dye suits coats, suits skirts and everything else. All work is done at a guarentee at the Wrightsville Pressing Club.

From Days Gone By, Sept. 26,1912

2011-09-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

September 26, 1912.

Last Saturday Mr. P. S. Twitty, president of the fair association was in Wrightsville and spoke to the citizens of the county who were attending Johnson Superior Court. He found a great deal of interest and enthusiasim in the fair among the people and found that the entire county had been well organized with the exception of one district which was organized Saturday. The people of Johnson are going to get up a splendid county exhibit and will work hard to capture the first prize among the counties, and also the first prize offered by the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad for the best individual exhibit. The Wrightsville & Tennille will give $100 in premiums at the 12th District Fair in Dublin October 8th-12th.

Rev. J. B. Griner organized a chapter of the Epworth League in his church last week. The League organized with 37 members meeting on Monday nights at the methodist church. On last Tuesday Postmaster Renfroe and family, exchanged houses with Mr. B. J. Moye and family, the latter having purchased the residence to which he moved, from Mrs. Lelia Daley of Atlanta, through the Mason Realty Company.

Mrs. Susan Sammons is very ill at her home at Mr. L. B. Claxton's in this city. Mrs. Lewis Davis is still quite sick at her home. She is attended by Miss Hightower, a professional nurse from Rawling's Sanitarium. Georgia, the four year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Snell, died at her home near Wrightsville last thursday, from congestion of the bowels, and was buried Saturday at the family burying ground in this county.

On Friday afternoon, September 13 at Mr. & Mrs. Killingsworth at Fort Gaines, Miss Eunice Killingsworth and Mr. Martin Brantley were married. He is a son of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Brantley. On Tuesday evening Miss Ruby McWhorter and Mr. D. L. Emerson, both of Dublin were married at the brides brothers, Mr. J. H. McWhorter, in Chamblee. She is the daughter of Mrs. Mamie and the late Stephen McWhorter of Wrightsville. One of the interesting weddings of the week was that of Fred Kea and Miss Onie Calhoun held in Glennwood. Mr. Kea is the new senator from the 16th District. They will reside in Dublin.

H. C. Tompkins bought his entire line of staples about 10 months ago, when cotton was six cents a pound, now it is 11 cent a pound and he is giving the greatest values to be found anywhere, as he is selling his line on basis of 6 cent cotton. Call and be convinced.

From Days Gone By Sept. 19, 1912

2011-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

September 19, 1912.

The Fall term of Warthen College opened with bright prospects. All members of the faculty were present, and they are second to none in the State. Classes have been organized and the teachers are at work in earnest, and will strive to make 1912-13, the most successful years of the school. The enrollment of pupils was between two and three hundred, the first week. Mrs. Boland is in charge of the dormitory with about twenty boarding pupils. One of our nicest young men who owns an automobile, seeing some of the young lady teachers going to college through mud and rain remarked, "If they would just smile, I would gladly carry them in my automobile". We have a sneaking notion that if he had carried them, they would have smiled.

The private school taught by Miss Bessie Martin at the Fulford house on Valley Street, opened Wednesday morning with a good attendance. Miss Myra Daley has gone to Nashville, Tenn. where she will be a pupil of Belmont College. Professor W. L. Bryan having decided to make law his profession, left Monday for Athens to attend the law school at the State University.

Mr. Paul E. Bryan who recently returned to Yale College will leave the 25th sailing from New York on the steamer "Cincinnatti" to Hamburg Germany, and from there he will go as an English exchange teacher to Stettin, where he will teach English at Bismark, Oberrealschule. This is quite a compiment to Mr. Bryan, who is on of Wrightsville's best and brainist young men; and his friends all in the "home land" wish him Bon Voyage.

Mr. R. J. Moore of Hawkinsville is here adjusting the machinery of H. C. Moores Gin. Mr. G. D. Hugeley, assistant State Banker Examiner, of Atlanta, was in the city this week, paying his respects to the banks. Mr. T. G. Holt of Waycross, formally one of Wrightsville's most prominent merchants, was circulating among his old friends here this week.

Mrs. J. B. Griner was called to Baxley Monday by the illness of her daughter, Mrs. D. D. Gilmore of that place. Mrs. Lewis Davis has been critically ill at her home in this city for the past week, but is now somewhat better. Sheriff Davis was quite sick during the past week, not able to attend court, and his deputies Messers. Jim and Jonah Davis were kept busy waiting on the court.

Mr. & Mrs. J. N. Daniel announced the engagement of their daughter, Edith and Dr. Romanus R. Douglas, the marriage to take place in October at their home near Tennille. Miss Daniel is from one of the most prominent of Washington County families. Dr. Douglas was reared in Wrightsville, son of ex-senator John A. Douglas.

The Will of the late Mrs. A. N. Brown, of this city, which was contested by her two sisters, Mrs. Warthen and Mrs. Baker, and her brother, Mr. Stanley Kittrell, has been settled and dismissed by the court. Messers. Hines and Stephens, council for the contestants, offered to compromise, which was accepted by J. L. Kent, council for the defense, and R. L. Kent, executor of the Will, in which was granted Mrs. Warthen a stipulated amount as compensation for services rendered her sister, Mrs. Brown, during the latter's late illness. Mrs. Warthen has withdrawn her caveat, and Executor Kent will probate the Will at once. The Baptist people will in the near future begin the erection of the "Brown Memorial Baptist Church", for which purpose the Will of Mrs. Brown bequeathed something over ten thousand dollars.

It is good that the street lights are in working order again, for there are some dangerous holes about town, particularly that one on the sidewalk in the rear of the Brinson Drug Store. We only have two legs, and it would be bad to have the bark knocked off one of them, or worse to have it broken.

From Days Gone By Sept. 12, 1912

2011-09-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

September 12, 1912.

Despite the heavy rain which was falling at the time for the opening exercises at Warthen College, quite a crowd assembled for the occasion. Pres. Chas. R. Jenkins of Wesleyan College delivered one of the finest addresses ever heard by the citizens of our town. Devotional services were conducted by Dr. Bascom Anthony. Rev. J. B. Griner spoke a few words of welcome in behalf of the town and churches.

The Colored Baptist Association met in Wrightsville for their 40th Annual Session at Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. J. A. Nelson, Moderator. Report stated $775.63 was raised for the Benefit of the High School in Sandersville. The pastor is very grateful to Mr. B. H. Lord, agent of the W. & T. Railroad for the accomodations made in taking the delegates away on Friday night. There were in attendence at this meeting more than 200 delegates.

Mrs. Flynt Flanders has improved from her late illness. Mr. J. M. Cook, who has been quite sick this past week is up and about. Mrs. R. R. Martin is ill at her home and is attended by Miss Wynn, a professional nurse from Rawlings Sanitarium. Mrs. W. J. Dent, Sr., who has been confirmed to her bed for nearly 5 months is able to sit up now, but Mr. Dent is yet quite feeble. This old couple is indeed shut in.

Mr. & Mrs. Erle Brinson left for Atlanta were they will reside while Mr. Brinson is taking his third course at the Atlanta School of Medicene. Mr. & Mrs. Homer Moye, announce the birth of a daughter Saturday. The funeral of the late Mrs. Nancy D. Wiggins will be preached by Rev. Jordan Norris on the 3rd Sunday at Mt. Olive Church, 4 miles north of Helena, GA.

Ivey R. Tanner, proprietor of the City livery and feed stables, has recently had additions placed on the rear, or east side of the main building. Ivey is preparing for a big business from now on. He is careful, painstaking liveryman, is prompt and accomodating in service.

The counties various banks released their statement of the condition of the said banks. Exchange Bank of Wrightsville, $103,582.06; The Bank of Adrian, $59,723.48; The Scott Banking Company, $63,413.90; The Bank of Wrightsville, $155,313.14; The Citizens Bank of Kite, $80,406.81; The First National Bank of Wrightsville, $165,441.93.

Rev. H. Turner Smith expects to preach the dedicatory sermon next Sunday at Gethseminy. Mr. Smith organized the church sometime ago, and was pastor when the building was erected. The enterprising members of the Colored Baptist Church in this city have recently added a steeple 100 feet high, to their church, and the bell which is one of the best and clearest tone in the city has been installed in its high new position. "Aunt Susan Dorsey," mother of the church, Simon Breeden, George Francis, Jack Jordan and others, are faithful and hard working members of their church.

Having been solicited by several citizens of Wrightsville to teach a private school in this city, I have decided to comply with their requests, and will about the middle of next week be prepared to open a school for the benefit of those children who will not attend the college. Terms reasonable, apply to Miss Bessie O. Martin.

The county bridge recently erected over Little Cedar Creek, two miles east of town, is a handsome substantial piece of work, built by the county gang, under the personal supervision of Warden W. Z. Kemp. This bridge has been needed for sometime, and realizing this fact, promptly ordered it built.

From Days Gone By Sept. 5, 1912

2011-09-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Sept. 5, 1912

The fall term of Warthen college opens next Wednesday the 11th ,with a very large attendance expected. All of the teachers are expected to arrive by Friday to formulate their plans for the term. The opening address will be presented by President Charles R. Jenkins of Wesleyan female college.

For some weeks now work has been progressing on the college building for making ready for the increase in attendance. Four more rooms are being pushed to completion, furniture has been purchased and a dining hall is being built in connection to the girls boarding house. Professor Charles S. Ward of Carrollton, vice-president of Warthen college, arrived in Wrightsville and is occupying the Brinson cottage on college heights.

H.C. Tompkins has just returned from Eastern markets, where he purchased one of the largest and handsomest stock of fall and winter goods ever brought to this town. A Miss Ellis will arrive from Baltimore as his milliner. Miss Wylantie Hicks returned from Atlanta where she has studied the very latest designs in fall millinery. She has secured the services of Miss Carrie Martin of North Carolina, an artistic and up-to-date milliner. Mrs. Mae Parker also spent several weeks in Atlanta perfecting her millinery work. She has become an expert trimmer. She will have a beautiful line of fall and winter millinery and also handsome pattern hats at D.G. Blount & Co.

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hitchcock and Irvin left for Hancock county to go to the funeral of Mrs. Betsie Hitchcock, mother of the latter, who is a centenarian, she having lived to celebrate her 103rd birthday. She was buried near Linton. Rev. J. R. Kelley has been really sick but is now up and about. Dr. J. Gordon Brantley and wife have moved to the Smith cottage on Smith street where they will reside permanently. Night marshal Osborn resigned as marshal and Mr. Hough Harris has been appointed to fill the spot.

On Wednesday at Adrian, Miss Lou Anna Hutchinson and Mr. J. A. Wilson, all of Wrightsville were married by Mr. W. D. Sumner, justice of the peace. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Hutchinson and the groom is a young businessman and clerks for Vickers, Williams & Co.

Pleasant E. Williams of Soperton spent several days here this week. He is a native of this county from 7 years old to 17 years old. He was a helpless cripple, made so by rheumatism. three years ago Drs. otis and Leon Moye, brothers, took his case in hand with effort to cure him and have succeeded. He is now on his feet again and can walk, plow or any kind of work as anyone else.

Little Mollie, the one-week old infant of Mr. and the late Mrs. R.S. Sterling, died Monday morning at her home here. She was buried at Westview cemetery by the side of her mother, who had preceeded her in death just a week ago.

On Sunday night, Mrs. Melvina R. Peddy died August 18th after several days illness at the home of her son, A. J. Peddy, near Adrian, . She was the widow of James H. Peddy and was just over 75 years of age. She was the mother of 13 children, 10 of which survive her; Thomas, Jule and W.A. Peddy of Harrison, Ben Peddy of Donovan, L. H. Peddy of Scotland, A.J.J.C. and F.M. Peddy of Adrian, Mrs. W. T. Harrison of Donovan and Mrs. Susan Stubbs of Adrian. She was buried at the Harrison Baptist church.

"Uncle Early Hicks", as he was known, died last Monday here in the city after a few days illness. Uncle Early was an ante-bellum Negro, and ex-slave of the late Major Hicks. He was an honest, industrious, faithful and most worthy example for his race. He had the full confinence and kindest consideration of all the white people, to whom he was ever accomodating and true. A few years more and all of his good old faithful kind will be gone.

From Days Gone By August 29, 1912

2011-08-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

August 29, 1912.

Only within the last few years have people realized the boundless agricultural resources of the south. Now, however, attention is fixed on Southern and Middle Georgia, where climate is delightful, and health abounds, and soil is suitable for all kinds of farming, stock raising, and the growing of cotton, grains, and all kinds of fruit and vegetables. A list of prime farms in Johnson County are now for sale thru the Mason Reality Company. A 400 acre farm, 5 miles from Wrightsville; 100 acres cultivation on the Great Ohoopee River known as the Robert J. Hightower place and has one good dwelling and out-houses with two tennent settlements for $15.00 an acre. Three and a half miles east of town is a 149.5 acres known as the M. L. Meeks place is a 3-horse farm in cultivation, good dwelling and out-buildings, one tennent settlement and good well water for $20.00 an acre. Also 10 miles west on the waters of Buckeye Creek is a 6-horse farm known as the Sam Moye place for $12.50 per acre.

The Democratic Executive Committee appointed its delegates to represent Johnson County in the State Convention to be held in Macon. They are: J. L. Kent, E. L. Stephens, W. C. Brinson, A. L. Hatcher, A. S. Norris, B. H. Lord, E. A. Lovett, W. H. Raley, J. B. Claxton, John A. Douglas, Sr., G. W. Drake and H. C. Purvis. Johnson County have Governor Slaton a majority of two to one over both of his opponents.

Rev. Walter Anthony, who was reared in Wrightsville, will assist in a revival at the methodist church in Dublin. Mr. Anthony is one of the Anthony family that has furnished Georgia with able preachers for nearly 100 years. His great grandfather, Rev. Whitfield Anthony who was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Anthony and then Rev. James D. Anthony who's influence was so great that he was called for years "The Bishop of the Wire Grass". Next came Rev. Dr. Bascom Anthony who is the uncle of Walter.

Paul Bryan will leave today for Yale College at New Haven, Conneticut, and will sail in october to Prussia. Sallie Mae Stephens, the eight month old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Stephens, residing near Kite, died tuesday and was buried at the old Williams graveyard.

Miss Minnie Cole of Griffin, and Mr. Levin T. Williams of Davisboro were married thursday evening in Griffin. The bride was a former milliner for Taylor & Morris. Mr. Williams is the only son of Mrs. Anna Bell Williams of Wrightsville. He is now a prominent businessman in Davisboro where they will reside.

Mrs. Virgil Allen, after a brief illness died at Kite at the home of her father and was buried at Mintons Chapel. She is survived by her husband and one child about a year old. Mrs. Allen was only 17 years old. Mrs. Mollie Johnson Sterling, wife of Mr. Robert Z. Sterling died monday morning at her home on Elm Street. This was a shock as her illness was so brief, and of that nature which baffles some of the best medical skill, and after intense suffering passed away peacefully. She was the daughter of Mrs. J. T. Ferguson by a former husband, Mr. J. A. Johnson, and a sister of Mrs. L. B. Claxton, Misses Navada, Lizzie Lee and Mamie Johnson of Wrightsville and Mrs. J. M. Neal of Helena. She is also survived by her husband and an infant only a few hours old and two stepdaughters, Misses Maud Lou and Eddith Sterling. She was buried at Westview.

From Days Gone By August 22, 1912

2011-08-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

August 22, 1912.

In the state's Democratic Primary election held yesterday the results of the Johnson County vote, effecting the governor and local candidates are as follows: Governor - J. M. Slaton; Judge Dublin Circuit - K. J. Hawkins; Solicitor - E. L. Stephens; Representative - B. H. Moye; Senator 16th District - Fred Kea; Judge City Court - J. L. Kent; Solicitor - A. L. Hatcher.

Jack Henderson, superintendent of B. B. Tanner's farm near town, brought in on the 19th the first bale of cotton for the county. It classed good middling, weighed 543 pounds; was sold to the Dixie Cotton Co. for 12 cents per pound, and stored at the City Warehouse. Hunter, Pearce & Battery, Factors of Savannah solicit your cotton consignments through them. They are energetic and reliable.

Gannon's Barber Shop is a new up to date barber that will give you quicker service, with no waiting. We have two chairs to serve you without delay and baths, hot or cold. W. Preston Norris, Attorney at Law is in room no. 9, Vivola Building. Wills, contracts, and co-partnerships, agreements are accurately drawn. On tuesday, August 27th O. S. Fortner will turn the water off at his mill. Fee per day for fishing, $1.00.

Mr. F. A. Sinquefield and wife left to reside in Vidalia. Mr. & Mrs. B. J. Moye have purchased from the Mason Realty Co. the residence on Court Street, owned by Mrs. Leila Daley of Atlanta, now occupied by postmaster Renfroe and family. Dr. I. H. Archer was called to see his mother who is critically ill at home in Sparta. Dr. and Mrs. J. Wright Martin, of Macon, announce the arrival of a fine son monday.

Last sunday night the pretty new residence of Mr. M. C. Carter at Scott was destroyed by fire. The family were all away on a visit, except Mr. Carter. It is not known how the fire originated, or the amount of insurance carried, if any. The house cost several thousand dollars.

The Johnson County Sunday School Convention was held at the Wrightsville Methodist Church on the 20th. The different phases of Sunday School work was discussed. The next convention will be held at Kite next year. Warthen College just released its annual catalogue for 1912-13 containing announcements for the 26th annual session.

M. Z. & J. C. Claxton of Kite recently bought out the Coffin business of W. A. Lamb whose place of business was destroyed by fire some time ago. They will carry a full line of coffins, caskets and supplies. The company will be in the rear of the L. J. Claxton building.

A country pastor took leave of his congregation in the following unique manner: "Dear Brethren and sisters, I come to say goodbye. I don't think God loves you people much, for none of you ever die, I don't think you love each other much, for I never marry any of you. I don't think you love me much, because you have not paid me my salary. Your donations have been moldy fruits and wormy apples, and by their fruits ye shall know them. Brethren, I am going away to a better place. I have been called as chaplain of a penitentiary, and where I go ye can not come, but I go to prepare a place for you, and may God have mercy on your souls."

From days Gone By August 15, 1912

2011-08-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

August 15, 1912.

Warthen College is getting ready for another big year. Founded in 1888 and chartered in 1891, this institution has made a record during nearly a quarter of a century of which she is proud. The young men and women who have gone out from her walls are among the most successful of our country. Plans are being made to provide here better advantages for students than has been offered before. A boarding department is being equipped during the summer that will afford accomodations at a resonable rate, and boarding students will be under the most careful management.

The course of study is comprehensive and thorough, embracing english, ancient and modern languages, mathmatics, science, history, and mental and moral philosophy. Special courses in music, business training, expression, physical culture and pedagogy are offered. No extra charge will be made for normal training. Each of these departments will be under the management of instructors well equipped for the special work undertaken.

The faculty is composed of men and women who have been well prepared in the leading colleges and universities of the country for the position they hold. Our health record is unsurpassed by that of any school. The college building is steam-heated ans supplied with electric lights, and the best artesian water. Precautions will be taken by the president, Rev. J. C. G. Brooks, and members of the faculty to promote the comfort and health of students. Rates of tuition are as resonable as can be made with the advantages offered. Students desiring places in the boarding department will write and engage rooms at once.

Messrs. Smith & Kavakos have filled two necessities for Wrightsville; one, by opening of their restaurant, known as the Busy Bee, and the other by their Candy Kitchen. The delicacy of the consumers of candy is such that demands purity and cleanliness. Both qualifications which are assured manufacture their confections from the pure granulated sugar.

Capt. Jas. H. Hicks of Fitizgerald, is a welcome visitor to his old home here, and looking good after being critically ill. Miss Maud Lou Sterling returned from there sick. She had just accepted a position of bookkeeper with a firm there. Mr. E. S. Price and family have moved from Kite to Wrightsville to the home of Mr. & Mrs. J.J.L. Outlaw. The infant of Mr. & Mrs. Carl Renfroe died last monday here at their home after an extended illness.

J. J. L. Outlaw, collector and inspector, informs the citizens of Wrightsville are required to have their premisies cleaned up and put in good sanitary condition at once. I will be on my inspection rounds within the next few days and premisies found to be in bad condition cases will be made against the occupants.

Mrs. Jane Tuttle gives fair warning. Martin Ross and family are under contract with me, and any and all persons are hereby forbidden to hire or harbor either Ross or any member of his family.

From Days Gone By

2011-08-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

August 8, 1912.

The Johnson County Grand Jury adjourned from the March term of superior court and made their presentments and recomendations. They recommended adding to the pauper's list, and amount to be paid them monthly, John Jackson, $3; Calsey Spivey, $3; Henry Webb and family, $4; and Mrs. G. W. Loyd and children, $5.

There exists in our county a heavy infection of hookworm disease, this menace is dependent on faulty sanitation and it is recomended that an appropriation of $100 to the Ordinary to help the State Board of Health rid our county of these sources of infection.

It has come to the attention of the Grand Jury that a tax has been levied on all the property in the county for road purposes, including the property in the incorporated towns as well as out. The annual amount paid on property in the city limits of Wrightsville amounts to more than $1200 a year. As this money is used for the roads and the town has an equal property interest in the convicts and their labor, we direct that the Ordinary have the main thoroughfaires worked through all the incorporated towns in the county but to do no more than two roads each.

Despite the continued hard rains there has been some good permanant work done on our roads. We know everything can't be done at once, but we highly recomend the road from Johnson's old mill to across the long branch, near the old mill site be bridged and recomend one be built. (Johnson's Bridge).

Hon. S. L. Fortner appointed Notary Public and Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace of the 55th G. M. District and F. J. Williams be appointed same of the 1326 District.

The plank fence around the jail has been torn down and a step ladder and other arrangements for easy access to the windows. It is recomended it be replaced and also a heavy wire screen be placed over all five windows of the jail, and the premises be cleaned up.

Judging from the amount of criminal matters brought before them, there is an increase in crime in all sections of the county. There has been a rush for True Bills for almost all crimes on statute books, but few are of a terrible nature. They feel if the good citizens continue to press their demands for the arraignment of violators of the law, and our Judge continues to force the accused to trial and to place heavy fines and sentences on them, we will soon be relieved of a great deal of crime.

Judge K. J. Hawkins was thanked for adjourning the court from June until now so the farmers could work their crops. The Solicitor General, Alfred Herrington is thanked for his impartiality in prosecuting offenders. The Grand Jury consisted of W. J. Flanders, Foreman; T. J. Brantley, M. A. Snell, O. V. Martin, J. W. Harrison, J. E. Brantley, Sr., E. W. Carter, T. S. Page, M. W. Williams, Z. W. Claxton, J. M. Smith, L. D. Downs, W. H. Harrison, B. G. Fortner, G. H. Prescott, W. B. Ivey, J. E. Clark, E. V. Hatcher, Henry Stephens, J. R. Flanders, W. J. Price, Isham Stephens, J. W. Vanlandingham.

From Days Gone By Aug 1st 1912

2011-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

August 1, 1912.

The Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad is making extensive changes in their main line between Dublin and Brewton. Three bad curves will be entirely eliminated and the grade reduced to a minimum. A full $50,000 will be spent in this improvement, and when the track is relaid will be one of the safest main lines in the state. A giant steam shovel is at work daily and the work is expected to be completed quicker than normal railroad construction.

The magnificent pine timber on the lands near Wrightsville, belonging to the heirs of the late Dr. Henry Hicks' estate has been sold. The deal made by the J. M. Mason Reality Company, of 624 acres of pine timber, belonging to T. B. Hicks of Dublin, to Darbey and Brasington of Vidalia, and Norristown is the biggest deal ever made by this company. At the same time the timber interest of Mrs. Leslie Kennedy of Dublin, was sold by T. M. Hicks to Dunwoody of Vidalia. It is said that a splendid price was paid in the transactions.

A bill passed in the legislature this week introduced by Mr. Johnson of Bartow, which exempts farm products from taxation. It passed the house 134 to 15. It is intended to aid farmers to control the cotton market by withholding cotton from time to time from the markets. The Farmers Union petitioned the bill and local representative E. L. Stephens voted for passage.

Dr. Bascomb Anthony will be moving back to town and will occupy Mr. F. A. Sinquefield's residence on North Marcus Street. Homer Holt, now in the U. S. Navy at Norfolk, Va. is home on 15 days furlough. Mr. A. E. Lovett and his daughter, Louise are much improved from their sickness. Mrs. J. B. Claxton has been very ill also. Mr. L. L. Lord was called to town from Kite on account of his brother is ill. D. G. Blount is headed to Atlanta for the Drummer's Convention and Mrs. Mae Parker is headed there for Millinery school.

The South Georgia Union Singing Association will hold its second session at Idylwild on the 10th and 11th. Prof. J. C. Lenderman, the great singer and music writer will be on hand along with other notables.

The handsome touring car of C. R. Williams was destroyed by fire at noon wednesday, just as the occupants Clinton Williams and a friend arrived at the rear of the Williams' premises. The "fire boys" responded but the fire was so rapid and the fear of gasoline explosion prevented doing little good.

Mr. James Mitchell of near Spann died last saturday of heart trouble at 87 years old. He was a good farmer, Confederate veteran originally from Hancock County. He leaves a wife and several children. He was buried at the Anthony Cemetery.

Mr. C. G. Rawlings with Mr. Will Fred Rawlings and two daughters, Misses Mary and Susan, leave today to tour the eastern states by automobile, visiting all cities of note enroute to Saratoga. Miss Mary Tarbutton left tuesday for New York to join her friend, Miss Hazel White and party on a tour abroad. They land at Glascow, Scotland, and will tour the continent, returning to England for home about October 1st.

One Sunday night last, after an extended illness, Mrs. W. H. H. Futrelle, mother of the late Jacques Futrelle, died at her home near Adrian, and was buried Sunday afternoon at Poplar Springs by Dr. J. C. Brewton of Mt. Vernon. She came with her husband from Butts County to Adrian two years ago. She was 65 and survived by her husband, a son and one sister. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Her death no doubt, was largely due to the tragic death of her son Jacques, who went down with the Titanic. It is said she literally died of a broken heart.

From Days Gone By July 25, 1912

2011-08-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

July 25, 1912.

In the fastest game of the season, Wrightsville defeated Bartow by the score of 5 to 0. Hartley, Wrightsville's pitcher was the star, he striking out 14 batters and only 1 scratch hit. Price was star at the bat, he getting a triple, a double and a single. For Bartow, Murphy's fielding was a feature. Wrightsville's team was composed of Lord, Hartley, Daley, Carroll, Johnson, Butterly, Price, Pournell and Hains.

Senator William N. Kight will introduce a bill in the Georgia Legislature to create a Board of Roads and Revenues Commission for Johnson County, define its powers, and for other purposes. B. H. Lord, Mayor Pro Tem for Wrightsville is busy holding City Court for his Honor, Mayor T. L. Harris who is attending to his professional duties of going to visit the sick. Mrs. Mae Parker files for divorce from her husband, Mr. John T. Parker. The Farmer's Union will meet August 14th at Mayo's Hill School.

Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Rowland are happy over the arrival of a bright little girl to their home. Mr. G. B. Dunlap left for a few days visit to his old home in North Carolina. Miss Annie Hines has the fever and J. M. Huff, editor of the Headlight had a malarial attack.

After an extended illness Mr. Charles L. Holmes died at his home near Soperton and was buried at Condor. Mrs. Mamie Daniels, wife of James Daniels died friday afternoon at her father-in-laws, Mr. William Daniels near Kite. She was only 18 years old and married only a short while. She was buried at the Wheeler Burying ground.

Mrs. Bettie Webb, wife of Mr. Levi Webb, died Sunday at home near Adrian. She was buried at Gumlog by Rev. Jordan Norris. Bettie was a daughter of Mr. Geo. Tapley and was only 23 years old. She was survived by her husband and a three week old infant.

In Kite news, Mr. W. I. Brown was called to his home at Reidsville, on account of his sick mother. H. J. Claxton, Jr. and W. B. Meeks left for Adairsville where they have accepted a lucrative position. Col. Fred Kea of Dublin was in town saturday shaking hands with old friends.

From Days gone By July 18, 1912

2011-08-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

July 18, 1912.
   Superior Court convened last Monday, Judge K. J. Hawkins presiding. Alf Herrington was on hand looking after the State's interests. The Grand Jury with W. J. Flanders as foreman. Up to date more true bills have been found than was ever got in the length of time in the history of the county. One of two things is certain, people are prosecuting more, or there are more crimes being committed, is the opinion of the Grand Jury. Judge Hawkins is dispatching business in his usual swift manner.
   Will Mixon was tried for murder and the jury returned a verdict of voluntary manslaughter, and the Judge sentenced him to eight years in the peniteniry. Mixon will make a motion for a new trial. The lawyers are now speaking on the case of Lumley, Marshal of Kite, who killed Cordry. Several other criminal cases were tried, but mostly colored violators.
   The Wrightsville base ball team played Hawkinsville two games last week at Hawkinsville. The score of the first game was 8 to 4 in Hawkinsville's favor. The features of the game were fast fielding of the home team, and the fine work of Bryan. Milburn pitched well for Wrightsville, but could not control the wet ball, walking 9 runs. Lord gets a home run in this game. The Wrightsville team came strong in the ninth inning of the second game and tied the score 8 to 8. Milburn was easily the star with the stick, he getting five long hits, four of which were doubles. He batted six of Wrightsville's runs. The games were enjoyed in spite of the rain. Representing Wrightsville's team was Sumner, Harmon, Bryan, Lord, Butterly, McWhorter, Martin, Culver, Milburn, Pournell and Hightower.
   Mr. E. A. Ware of Forsyth has purchased the Miller McAfee place in the western part of Wrightsville for the purpose of a dairy farm and will move here in the winter. The deal was made through the J. M. Mason Real Estate Agency of our city. J. B. Harrison and wife now occupy rooms at the T. A. Jordan home on Myrtle Avenue. Grady Hatcher and family are here again residing at the home vacated by E. J. Tompkins family. W. C. Brinson and wife are residing with the latters mother, Mrs. Addie Morel, on north Court Street. Citizen O. A. Kennedy is having additions and improvements on his house on East Court Street. Double story porches have been built on the front and east view.
   Col. G. H. Williams of Dublin is now a candidate for Solicitor General. He is a former citizen of Wrightsville beginning his law practice here in 1894. Isham Stephens is a familar name to all of Johnson County and it represents a mighty good man. He has decided to run for representative.
   Leon Lovett returned home from Hot Springs, Ark. and brought back a beautiful white Canadian canine. J. C. Smith of Rt 4, the new Tax Receiver, is happy over the arrival of twin girls. Mrs. Mary Pritchard, who has been a patient at Rawlings Sanitarium is now at the home of Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Grice. Mrs. Elizabeth Trawick, who has been a patient at Johns-Hopkins in Baltimore is now improving.
   Several marriages have occured. Mrs. Louanna Gay Walker and Mr. William A. Walker were quietly married yesterday morning. Wednesday afternoon at Allatoona, Ga., Miss Nana Luck of that place, and Mr. B. B. Tanner were married. Mr. Tanner is a prominent and wealthy man of Wrightsville and a deacon of the Baptist church. Dr. & Mrs. S. M. Johnson announced the engagement of their neice, Bertha Inez Sheppard to Professor James F. Hart, of Tifton with the wedding on August 14th.
   Alderman B. J. Jordan brought an egg to town that was not only a "good egg" but about the "biggest" egg that we have seen. It weighed nearly one pound, and measured 6 inches in circumfrance one way, and seven and one half inches the other. It was taken from the Langshang stock, and when broken contained two large yolks.

From Days Gone By July 11,1912

2011-07-05T19:04:00.001-07:00

July 11, 1912.

On Tuesday morning, just after a heavy rain, lightning struck the telephone wires connected with the residence of R. Z. Sterling considerably damaging the walls of one of the rooms, knocking off the plastering and weatherboarding. The occupants of the house escaped injury, but were considerably shocked. Several phones on the line were put out of business for a time.

In a separate incident that may have been caused by lightning, fire broke out in Kite at the store occupied by Mr. E. S. Price. It was a total loss, covered partly by insurance. In other Kite news, Mrs. W. A. Lamb was called to Summertown on account of the sickness of her sister. M. J. Claxton made a pleasent trip to Johnston, S. C. in his newly bought Flanders car. J. M. Johnson, with a crowd of friends, attended the races in Dublin on the fourth.

Mrs. Chas. M. Schwalls died at her home in Kite on Friday night, June 28th and was buried the next day at Wheeler graveyard. She was an excellent woman and her death is quite a loss to the community in which she lived. She is survived by her husband and children.

Mr. Fred Kea, Esq. has offered for the state senatorship. Kea is a native of Johnson County, born at Kite, and a son of the late Dr. Thomas Kea, and he was reared on his father's plantation near Adrian. He has been a citizen of Laurens County for the past 6 years, a young lawyer of ability, and the junior member of the law firm of Davis & Kea in Dublin. Kea aspires to represent the 16th district and asks full support of his Johnson County friends.

Wrightsville's fourth of July passed off quietly. Nothing occured to mar the "National Occasion." J. E. Tompkins & family moved to the house on Marcus Street vacated by Mr. & Mrs. T. G. Holt. The Holts' are pleasently situated at Waycross. Mr. J. M. Bryan has been licensed to preach by the Dublin District Conference which conviened at Adrian. Mr. Bryan is the eldest son of the late Rev. R. B. Bryan.

C. L. Wilson has transferred his barber shop from the old stand in the Lovett block to his spic and span new quarters in the Johnson building fronting on Elm Street's popular thoroughfare, where he has fitted up a handsome tonsorial parlor, frunished and equipped with all modern improvements.

On July 4th banker C. R. Williams gave his cashiers a dinner at his home on West Elm Street. The party consisted of J. T. Henderson & R. C. Powers, Citizens Bank of Adrian; L. J. Flanders, Bank of Rockledge; J. R. Cherry & wife, Montrose Banking Co.; C. T. Swinson, Bank of Lovett; A. L. Horton, Bank of Norristown; C. A. Fountain & C. W. Brantley, State Bank of Wesley. Wrightsville guests were: E. J. Sumner, Dr. R. R. Douglas, Oswald Tompkins and Miss Zada Snell.

Miss Addie Kellum died at the home of her nephews, Talmadge and Monta Kellum near Dublin on Sunday. Interment was at Northview Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Russell Kellum of Laurens County, and aunt of Mrs. A. F. Daley. She was a former resident of Johnson County. Mrs. Martha Stewart died Monday evening at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. K. D. Meeks, near Lovett, and was buried at Pleasent Hill church. She was 67 years old, and was a sister of Mr. Steely Smith. She was a good woman loved by all who knew her.

Barney Bell brought to town the largest tomato they ever saw. It was of the Pondarosa variety and weighed one and a half pounds. It was perfectly matured and delightfully flavored. It was grown and cultivated by Barney, in Judge A. F. Daley's garden in town.

From Days Gone By July 4, 1912

2011-06-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

July 4, 1912.

Part 2

Mosely is about midway between Oak Park and Lyons and has the finest grade of land in that section and manufactures forest products. Toombs County was created by the legislature about seven years ago, by cutting a portion from Tatnall, Montgomery and Emanuel counties with Lyons her county site. Since that time, she has made wonderful progress, improving her roads to compare with much older counties. She has built and paid for a handsome court house and jail, at a cost of many thousands of dollars, besides other valuable improvements.

Lyons, with a population of about 1,200 is situated on the Seaboard Airline Railroad. It is here that the proposed Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railroad will connect and cross, with the Seaboard connecting to Savannah. Lyons has twelve general stores, three hardware stores, three cotton gins, three banks, three sawmills, one turpentine still, a meat market, a hotel and boarding houses, three white churches and three colored and schools for each. Her artesian well water and electric light plant are modern for a town of her size and age.

Farming and naval stores are also its chief industries. Little attention has been given to manufacturing here but that will surely change with the railroad. While Vidalia with a population of 2000 is not on the mainline but can be reached by a distance of six miles and should be connected with her various manufacturing plants.

In briefly mentioning the points inclusive on the Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons railroad and connecting with Vidalia, this part of the road has been practically graded and these are the stations and half stations. But in addition to these, there will be several siding and loading points along the line for loading lumber and other forest products, and for unloading and receiving fertilizers and other commodities moving in car load lots.

The extension of this line from Wrightsville to Milledgeville, county site of Baldwin County will add approximately forty miles to the line of road making distance of about ninety miles from Milledgeville to Lyons. This extension will also traverse and open up a section of extra fine agricultural and timber lands for almost its entire length, that has never been developed for want of a railroad.

It will also run directly through the beautiful section just now being opened up and mined. By touching Milledgeville with 5,000 people, her various factories, such as corn and flour mills, cotton and oil mills, brickyards, etc. will open up a vast amount of traffic for the road. In addition to this, Milledgeville ships about 20,000 bales of cotton annually, which with Savannah as her port, would find a much quicker and shorter outlet. Then extending on the southeast from Lyons to Glennville, a distance of 25 miles would connect with the G. C. & P Railroad giving a direct line to Brunswick.

The extension to Glennville, when completed would open up the very best farming, lumbering and naval stores section in middle Georgia, connecting with the Seaboard at Lyons, would give a direct and shorter route to Savannah for all points on the entire line from Milledgeville. As ninety percent of all the lumber, ties, naval stores and cotton in this section go to Savannah, and ninety percent of the shippers of these commodities have subscribed to, or agreed to take stock in this road, a connection should be made with Savannah as early as practical.

With the shippers and receivers of freight all along the entire line, owning stock in the road and giving their influence and support to the road, a much larger per cent of all the tonnage to be handled at points along the line, could be counted on than has been figured in the prospectus recently prepared. Will the road be built ?

From Days Gone By, June 27,1912

2011-06-22T06:11:00.001-07:00

June 27, 1912.
For the last year or so you have been reading in this column about the building of a new railroad in 1912, The Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railway. It seems that it was running into some road blocks. The following two part series is from the 1912 Headlight as supporters of the road make their case for the benefits of building the railroad.
Wrightsville, the county site of Johnson County, with a population of 1,600, is situated on the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad, 17 miles south of Tennille, and 20 miles north of Dublin, being centrally located between these two points, and with a vast territory on the east and west side, and in one of the finest farming and lumbering sections in middle Georgia.
She enjoys an enormous trade for a town of her size, and a large traffic in agricultural and forest products. She has general merchandise stores, two furniture stores, two hardware stores, two meat markets, three drug stores, three cotton warehouses, three gins and three thriving banks. She also boasts of two of the best little hotels in Georgia, besides several boarding houses, which add convience and pleasure to the traveling public. Wrightsville is also noted for her religeous environments. She has three white and two colored churches, and Warthen College.
The water works and electric light plant, recently installed by the city, adds to the comfort. While the town has never made much progress in manufacturing enterprises, still with the present outlook for a new railroad, which is to be built from Milledgeville to Brunswick, via Wrightsville, and which has already been practically graded from here to Lyons, in Toombs County. Georgia has many manufacturing plants, such as guano factories, cotton oil mills, cotton compresses, etc. are planned. With the advantages brought to her people through this railroad, in freight rates and general traffic conviences, many establishments of this kind will soon spring up.
With thousands of acres of yellow pine timber and hardwood, lying around her boarders, with splendid farms already in operation, she has bright prospects for permanat traffic. Five saw mills and two turpentine stills shipping from this point are already in operation with scarce railroad facilities, and extremely high freight rates. Others are being contemplated and will be built immediately after the W. A. & L. Railroad is in operation.
Wrightsville is located in a high and healthy locality, with a mild climate. She has in the city limits, as fine artesian water as can be had anywhere in Georgia. Idylwild is one of the finest picnic grounds in this section, two miles south of town on the Big Ohoopee River, which with its beautifully shaded grounds, pavillions and artesian water, various amusements that attract people from all sections of the state. Two miles west of town, near the new line, on the Big Ohoopee is one of the finest natural mineral springs which will soon open as a health resort.
Places on the new line are Sumner's Station, seven miles southeast of town is in the midst of hundreds of acres of yellow pine, oak, poplar, ash, hickory, sweet gum, cypress, etc. It has one sawmill, turpentine still, cotton gin and general store. Next is Smith's Station, five miles further down the line with big beautiful farmlands and yellow pine. Then Adrian, at the junction of the Brewton & Pinora, and the Wadley Southern railroads, with a population of 800, it has ten general stores, two furniture stores, two hardware stores, three drug stores, two meat markets, a cotton gin, warehouse, two banks, electric light plant and waterworks, a good hotel and a good brick school for whites and one for the colored. Lumbering and farming are its chief industries. Several sawmills, with Adrian as their shipping point, are already located.
Gillis' Springs, less than three years old, is located ten miles northwest of Oak Park and would be on the main line. It has millions of feet of the finest original growth of yellow pine timber and hardwoods anywhere in Georgia. It is also noted for its fine mineral water. A $10,000 hotel has recently opened here. Many thousands of gallons of water are being shipped from here by wagons. Coleman, the next station will be six miles from Gillis' Springs. It will supply lumber, ties, naval stores and farm products. Oak Park will be at the junction of this line and the Georgia, and Florida Railroad. While this is a new place, it has four general stores, one drug store, one cotton gin, one sawmill and one turpentine still.

From Days Gone by June 20, 1912

2011-06-15T17:13:00.001-07:00

June 20, 1912.
The few days of sunshine which nature has so generously given us has made a wonderful change in the growing of crops. The first cotton blossom of the season was brought to town last monday morning. It was plucked from the field of Mr. J. W. Frost, living on Route 5. Mr. Frost is a successful, aggresive farmer and has a fine propect of both corn and cotton. Notwithstanding the set-backs and difficulties with which the farmers have had to encounter in getting their crops in the ground, W. C. Brantley, a farmer in Moye's district, is growing an extra fine piece of cotton of 12 acres. Tax Receiver George A. Smith brought a sample of this cotton to town. It was 34 inches high and full of squares. Mr. Smith says the sample was a fair average of the entire 12 acres, grown on sandy soil known as the old Williamson place.
Within the next few days the old Empire Store will be ready for occupancy. It has been divided into two parts, and will be occupied by Wilson's Barber Shop and the Greek Fruit Stand. The brick store on the northwest corner of the square, just completed by Gainer Burns is now for rent. The "Busy Bee" cafe has been established here just a few short weeks and has already become a household name. The service is up to the queen's taste. Their intention is "to give to the people of Wrightsville good service, polite attention, and the very best the markets and elsewhere afford." Everything is clean and up-to-date, so don't cook at home on Sunday, but eat at the Busy Bee.
Situated in Wrightsville is a masonic hall that does credit to a town much larger than this, and was built and superintended entirely by the colored people. Jim May was foreman of the building, and Rabe Harris was general superintendent. It is a modern concrete two-story building, with a soft drink department on the 1st floor, and the lodge rooms on the second floor. Our colored people contributed all the money, which was more than $1500, and all the labor. They deserve a great deal of praise for their pluck and taste.
Last monday night between 11 and 12, the cotton ginnery of J. T. Fulrord, located 4 miles east of town was destroyed by fire including all machinery. It was a clear finnacial loss to Fulford as he carried no insurance on the property. The unusual hour it occured and circumstances surrounding it point to incendiarism. At some hour on the same night an attempt was made to fire a house belonging to Fulford, which is near the jail in the city, but the blaze never materialized.
Rev. J. C. G. Brooks and family are now in the house vacated by Prof. Ware. On his recomendation the Board of Trustees of Warthen College elected the following teachers: C. S. Ward, Misses Angie Boyd, Jennie Loyall, Clara Hunter, Clemmie Boyd, Ruth Calhoun, Lucile Norman, Mary Lee Marshall, Ruth Parish.
Mr. T. N. Snell has located to Ft. Meade, Fla. where he is keeping books for T. H. Hayes & Co. Dr. T. L. Harris received a telegram from his daughter, Mrs. Emmie Hook Strickland of Atlanta who has appendecitis. Mrs. Nannie Thomas is out walking on crutches now after breaking a limb.
Hon. H. R. Williams of Spann was in the city this week. He is a candidate for the legislature from Johnson County. The Baptist and Christian Sunday Schools united with a picnic at Idylwild. Dr. J. W. Brinson, Sr. and Messers. J. W. and W. C. Brinson, and R. B. Bryan, with their families enjoyed an outing at Mason's Bridge. Mr. E. A. Lovett has returned from the Hot Springs, Arkansas in the interest of his health.
In a marriage of much surprise was that of Miss Sara Lovett and Dr. Robert Erle Brinson which took place wednesday at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. F. A. Sinquefield, Rev. J. B. Griner officiating. Sara is a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Lovett, the groom a son of Dr. & Mrs. J. W. Brinson. They were "two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one." They were childhood sweethearts.
In Kite news, S. C. Knox of Tennille was here for the Planters Co. Dr. J. R. Watson of Wadley was here doing dental work. Mr. Carl Claxton was called to Wrightsville on account of his sick aunt, Mrs. Sammons. Mrs. J. W. Claxton is ill and hope is for her speedy recovery. J. S. Stephenson entertained his Sunday School class at its organization. Present were: Misses Ola and Mattie Peacock, Zell and Vidilla Claxton, Marie Harrison, Lizzie Davis; Messrs. H. J. Claxton, Jr., C. W. Harrison, Quincy Powell, Vestus Schwalls, Carl Claxton, W. D. Holloway, Bunnie Kight and Charlton Davis.
Rev. M. B. Watkins died at his home in Tom on June 9th after a 5 week illness. He was buried at Coleman's Chapel. He was a Confederate soldier and served throughout the war. He was 69 years old and survived by his wife and 5 children. He was a humble christian, a member of the South Georgia Conference and a local preacher.

From Days Gone By June 13, 1912

2011-06-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

June 13, 1912.
Misses Annie Laurie Bray and Dollie McAfee were hostesses at quite and enjoyable re-union of the class of '09 last saturday evening at the home of Mr. & Mrs. C. T. Bray. On arrival the guests were served punch by Misses Cleo and Geneva Bray and Cora McAfee. Misses Lovett and Bertha Bray furnished music. The members of the class present were Misses A. L. Bray, Dollie McAfee, Sara Lovett, Sara Hines, Lillian Page, Mrs. Frank Sinquefield, and Mr. Gainer Fulford.
The Rev. J. C. G. Brooks of Millen was chosen as Warthen College's new president. He received his academic training at the Stephens Institute at Forsyth and one year at Mercer University. He entered Emory College in 1898 and graduated in 1902. He served as president of the Broxton Institute. After joining the South Georgia Conference he served as pastor at Ashburn and most recently at Millen where in the last six months thirty-one persons have united with the church.
Miss Clyde Lanier who has been teaching primary at Warthen College the past seven years will not be returning. She has accepted a primary teacher position in the high school at Tifton. The Scott Banking Company released their statement of condition, $62,342.52.
A big company known as The South Georgia Cotton Company was organized in Dublin on the 10th with a capital stock of $50,000. The membership embraces Dublin, Tennille, Sandersville, Wadley, Soperton, Louisville, Vidalia, Wrightsville, Davisboro, Dexter and Metter. The Wrightsville membership is Mr. C. R. Williams who is secretary and treasurer of the company; J. P. Mixon, E. E. Sanders and J. M. Mason.
Johnson County's first game warden, Mr. J. M. Walker has resigned. Mr. C. C. Wheeler has been appointed to replace him. All parties forbidding trespassing on their lands need to notify him soon. Moores Chapel reports having heaps of rain recently, and General Green is about to take possession.
In Kite news, Mr. J. M. Outlaw of Wadley, and Mr. Gentry of Macon were here adjusting insurance matters on the recent downtown fires. W. A. Meeks little daughter, Lois, won the prize offered by Prof. Hawkins, for good behavior, perfect attendance and the best general average mark made during this school term.
Another Southern Beauty has arrived in Kite at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Hatcher, and weighed nine pounds. Dr. M. Z. Claxton is attending the Pharmeceutical Association in Savannah. Professor J. M. Spivey will begin a singing school here. B. J. Wiggins has purchased for himself a car, one of the latest model Cadilac. Mr. Hines Peacock has got his pretty little Maxwell in running order again. Look out girls!

From Days Gone By June 6, 1912

2011-06-01T20:09:00.001-07:00

June 6, 1912.

Last friday night there was a most destructive fire that Kite has ever had. The following property was totally destroyed: Messers. J. D. and G. T. Wheeler's store and residence, Mrs. W. A. Lamb's Millinery store, Dr. L. Wheeler and Dr. D. C. Harrison's drug stores, and the livery stables owned by Mr. Neal of Helena. Then on saturday night the barn on the Duggar place near Wrightsville, owned by J. T. Fulford was destroyed by fire. The barn held 250 bushels corn, a quantity of fodder and a mowing machine. It is believed it was caused by lightning. Mr. Eli Badingfield, living east of Wrightsville lost his barn in a similar way. He had a mule killed by lightning and a cow badly injured. None of them had insurance.
The new store on the corner of Marcus and Court streets, erected by Mr. W. C. Burns, is nearing completion. Dr. Gordon Brantley has located in Wrightsville and has his office with consultation room in the Vivola building. He and Mrs. Brantley are presently occupying rooms with Mrs. George Rhiner on Elm street.
Councilman Jordan , chairman of the street and lane committee is doing some fine work on the streets with the new machine the city recently purchased. It is the most up-to-date machines for such work. Mr. R. B. Bryan has purchased the Hooks residence on West Elm street. Dr. J. W. Flanders and family have returned to the city and back in their residence on Elm street. Mr. Anderson, former bookkeeper at H. C. Tompkins Department Store, is now at Minter, in Laurens County keeping books at the large supply store of J. O. Kennedy. Dr. Ford Ware has gone to Cordele to practice medicine. Mr. Nathan Braddy is attending the photographers convention in Atlanta.
R. J. Sumner the newly elected superintendent of public schools of Johnson County is now been installed in his office. Outgoing superintendent A. J. M. Robinson is leaving a clean record. The Board of Trustees of Warthen College granted to Dr. T. D. Ellis, Secretary of the Board of Education of the South Georgia Conference, and Dr. Bascom Anthony, presiding Elder of the Dublin District to select a new president for Warthen College. The Rev. J. C. G. Brooks, the pastor of the methodist church at Millen was selected and recomended to the Board. The Board approved the hire and gave him the priviledge of selecting his own corps of teachers, subject to election by the Trustees.
Hon. C. R. Williams of Wrightsville made a business trip to Dublin recently. He is president of three banking intitutions as follows: Citizens Bank of Adrian, Bank of Montrose, Rockledge Banking Co. and is organizing a fourth bank at Norristown in Emanuel County. Four of the banks in Johnson County released their statement of condition. The Bank of Wrightsville, $150,283.38; Exchange Bank of Wrightsville, $99,624.05; The Bank of Adrian, $46,038.49; The Citizens Bank of Kite, $74,453.06.
Scott Baptist Church met in service on May 29th and ordained J. J. Harrison, B. A. Walker, G. W. Granger as deacons. The presbtry consisted of W. E. Harvell, W. C. Floyd, Rev. Barrett and J. R. Kelley, pastor. Mrs. Lizzie Trawick left for Baltimore where she will be a patient at Johns-Hopkins sanitarium. Dr. S. M. Johnson's hand is improving from being broken while cranking his car a few weeks ago.
Uncle Jimmie Carter of Scott is the champion fisherman about here, he went a few days ago with a crowd of six and caught more than all the rest. He said he would have caught more but an alligator bit his hook and line off at the pole and he decided it was time to quit.

From Days Gone By May 30,1912

2011-05-25T15:27:00.001-07:00

May 30, 1912.

The heavy rain monday afternoon came in due time, as the streets were very dusty and the heat on sunday had began to tell on all the vegetation. Mr. J. M. Mason has just had his pretty residence on East Elm Street repainted in colonial colors, pale yellow and white trimmings. The work was done by Mr. P. H. Hicks, Wrightsville's artistic painter and it is now one of the prettiest in the city. Mr. Mason is contemplating remodeling the interior by the addition of a back stairway and bath room on the second floor.
Judge A. F. Daley accompained by his two daughters, Misses Rowena and Myra, left for Tybee to attend the Bar Association. Prof. A. F. Ware, former president of Warthen College has been elected to the presidency of the high school at Vienna. A large picnic party came from Eastman and enjoyed the day at Idylwild and another party is on the way from Vidalia.
Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Linder of Higgston spent several days at their old home here visiting Mrs. Linder's mother, Mrs. Outlaw who is quite sick. Little Martha Norris, the orphan daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Norris, has been adopted by Mr. & Mrs. J. F. Norris.
Mr. & Mrs. George Dominick of Birmingham, Alabama announce the engagement of their daughter, Ruby Irene, to Mr. James Frank Flanders of Dublin. The wedding will be on June 26th. She taught music at Warthen College. Frank is a son of Dr. & Mrs. J. W. Flanders. Frank now lives at Sylvester where he is superintendent of the Southern Cotton Oil mills.
Mr. & Mrs. Frank G. Webb announced the engagement of their daughter, Inez Gertrude, and Mr. Elery Watson Oliver. The wedding will be June 26th at their home in College Park. Miss Webb is the neice of Mrs. J. M. Cook.
Last sunday morning at the residence of Dr. T. L. Harris, Miss Clara Fields of Indiana, and Mr. Talmadge M. Hicks of Dublin were married. Miss Feilds has lived in Dublin for awhile teaching school. Mr. Hicks is a son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Henry Hicks and was formally principal of one of Dublins public schools.
A meeting was held here by the Johnson County local Farmers Educational and Co-Operative Union which was very interesting and instructive. A good many farmers of the county and their families were in attendance. Prominent men from the organization there were Lawson E. Brown, president of the Georgia Division Farmers Union, T. W. Carter of the Mississippi Division and R. L. Barnett, secretary of the Kentucky Divison. They discussed cotton and cotton warehouse plans.
The following composed the delegates and alternates from Johnson County who will attend the State Democratic Convention in Atlanta this week: A. L. Hatcher, Chairman; E. L. Stephens, W. C. Brinson, C. M. Dent, G. C. Raines, B. H. Lord, N. D. Hattaway, Z. T. Prescott, S. A. Scott, H. E. Purvis, W. R. Smith, B. J. Wiggins, A. G. Powell, Ricy Price, J. L. Harrison, F. M. Tapley, H. G. Claxton, J. E. Jordan, J. P. Mixon, M. M. Davis.
Mr. G. C. Clegg of Trinity, Texas, formally of Johnson County was among the many westerners who came to Georgia during the Confederate Reunion in Macon. He called to see some of his friends in Sandersville and related many interesting incidents of life in the fertile plains of our western neighbor where the best agricultural land is now commanding $100 per acre.

From Days Gone by May 23, 1912

2011-05-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

May 23, 1912.

This week the city of Wrightsville made a deal with the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad Company, in which the former transferred to the latter the original artesian water tank and stand, which was erected on the western part of the public square several years ago. It was used in connection with the old artesian well. The price paid was $100. The structure has been taken down and will be put up and used on some point of the W. & T. line.
In a wire from Judge Hawkins, he informs everyone that the June term of court will be postponed on account of the farmers. E. J. Mcafee is not only one of Uncle Sam's best rural routers going out of Wrightsville, but he is also a successful tiller of the soil. He devotes his spare time to looking after his little patches around home. Last Monday morning he brought to town a specimen bunch of his oat crop. The sample is extra fine, to be sure, and carries with it the ear marks of the nortorious "Carter" variety. A Mr. Barrett, President of the National Farmers Union spoke here this week.
Mr. & Mrs. B. G. Warthen came over from Bartow this week, and spent a couple of days attending Warthen College Commencement. They came through the country behind a handsome pair of throughbred Kentucky blacks, owned and prized by Mr. Warthen. W. Throx Bankston, a prominent citizen and newspaper man from West Point spent the day in Wrightsville. He is a candidate for Railroad Commissioner.
Having passed a splendid examination before the State Board, Dr. James Gordon Brantley will open his offices in Wrightsville on the first of June practicing medicine and surgery. The infant of Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Rowland has been critically ill recently but seems to be much better.
"That boy of yours, it seems like yesterday that mother mourned the transition from skirts to trousers; his rocking horse will soon give way to the base ball and pigskin. He is developing, changing every day, and you haven't had his picture taken in more than a year. Yes, its two years last Christmas. There is a photographer in town at Braddy Brothers Studio."
The Wrightsville Mayor and Council proposes an ordinance to prohibit wandering, loitering or strolling about in idleness on the streets of Wrightsville, of persons able to work and do not work, and have no property to support themselves. This also includes loafing.

From days gone By May 16,1912

2011-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

May 16, 1912.

Mother's Day was very appropriately observed at the methodist church in Wrightsville on last Sunday morning. Rev. J. B. Griner, the pastor, paid a beautiful tribute to "Mother", taking for his subject, "Hannah lent Samuel to the Lord". The choir with Miss Brown, sang "Tell Mother I'll Be There."
E. A. W. Johnson, owner of the building formerly occupied by the Empire Store, and recently destroyed by fire, is being rebuilt. Some changes will be made in the arrangement of the building. It is in a popular location and he will have no trouble securing an occupant. W. C. Chester, Wrightsville's leading architect and builder, has the work in hand.
Citizen J. T. Fulford has recently made some improvements and necessary repairs on his home corner of Elm and Valley Streets, among which is an entirely new covering placed on the cook-room. Miss Rebecca Harris left for Doublerun where she has accepted a position in the railroad office with her brother-in-law, Mr. W. J. Mandeville.
The Tennille Institute and friends will have their annual picnic tomorrow at Idylwild. Among the students who attended the Philadelphia school picnic at Down's Mill last saturday were Vola Dola and Annie Lee Claxton, Clinton Williams and Thos. Jenkins. Ward Stokes who had the misfortune to sprain his left arm at the Senior picnic two weeks ago, has recovered the use of the injured member.
The commencment excercises of Warthen College will begin on friday night. The following graduates will receive diplomas: Maude Stokes, Cleo Bray, Geneva Bray, Maude Lou Hightower, Cora McAfee, Myrah Daley, Mabel Williams, Mary Will Hall, Leon Lovett, Milo Smith, Joe Butterly, Harlie Fulford, Arthur Rowland.
Dr. Ford Ware doned the cap and gown and becomes an M. D. graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Ware, son of Warthen College president A. F. Ware, was historian of the class, and graduate with honor and distinction. He is an Alpha Kappa, art editor medical department of Pandora University of Georgia, and member of the mysterious Seven.
Mr. and Mrs. John Asa Peacock announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathleen Boifeuillet, to Mr. George Palmer Roberson with the marriade to take place on June 6th at the First Methodist Church in Dublin. The Peacocks' were former residents of Wrightsville.
Mr. J. M. Hammock, living five miles east of Wrightsville had his home and most of the contents destroyed by fire last Tuesday night about 12 midnight. Only three beds and six quilts were saved, and the family barely escaped with their lives. The smokehouse adjoining, containing a quantity of meat and syrup, and also an outhouse in which was stored a lot of cotton and farm implements, was also burned. Mr. Hammock's loss is a heavy one as he carried no insurance, and Jack's friends sympathize with him in his misfortune, and his neighbors are doing what they can to supply the immediate needs of the family.
B.B. Tanner is an agent for the Overland Automobile and says it is a popular and splendid machine. He is ready to give terms and prices. Vickers & Williams has fine quality and reliable mules for sale. Will work anywhere, in single or double harness, or under the saddle, and a tip-top plow mule. I want to sell him, have no use for him, and if you want a bargain call on me, Gainor Burns.

From Days Gone By, May 9, 1912

2011-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

May 9, 1912.

The veterans composing Camp Martin, No. 964 of Johnson County, left Tuesday morning for the Reunion at Macon, under Commander J. T. Snell, accompained by their sponsor, Miss Bessie Martin and maid of honor, Miss Elizabeth Snell, granddaughter of Cmdr. Snell.
There is a royal time in store for these grand old heroes of the "Lost Cause". The Central City has opened her heart and homes to them, and a cordial greeting and genuine Southern hospitality is given them. Today the parade takes place, and thousands of people will form the grand procession.
But only a few years more and the Confederate Reunions will be recorded among the historical events of the past; but the Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy will ever strive to keep incense burning on the Southland's altar, and pay tribute to the memory of those who fought in her defense and surrendered with Lee at Appomattox.
Next Sunday, the 12th, will be observed as "Mother's Day", and all religious denominations in the U. S. will observe the day in some fitting manner. The national capital is making plans to observe the day and are asking all clergymen to select there texts for their sermons for the ocasion, and everyone will be expected to wear a white carnation, the chosen emblem of the day.
James L. Keen declares his candidacy for state senate for the 16th district in the August primary. The editor and manager of the Dublin Courier-Dispatch, Vivian L. Stanley is considering a run for that office also. He was born in Laurens County, and a son of lawyer Rollen A. Stanley, who was a veteran in the Confederate war of 1861 to 1865. His only motive is to dilligently look after the interests of Laurens, Johnson and Emanuel Counties.
Brantley's Chapel school came to a close on Friday, May 3rd. Speakers on hand were Bro. J. L. Scruggs of Riddleville, Bro. C. R. Williams and Prof. Robinson of Wrightsville. The teacher, Miss A. F. Bray entertained with some well chosen words, assisted by Miss Bertha Bray and Mr. J. W. Vanlandingham.
Miss Alice Kent, the bright and pretty little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T. V. Kent celebrated her 5th birthday at her home at corner of College and Valley streets. While at play on the front veranda at their home on College street, Janette, the pretty little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. R. B. Bryan fell from the banisters and broke her collar bone.
Mrs. Morgan Outlaw, one of the oldest residents of Wrightsville, is critically ill at her home in this city. Her son, Mr. John Outlaw of Bartow, and her daughter, Mrs. Ann Hester of Augusta, have been called here by her illness.
Mrs. Florence Adelaide Morel announces the engagement of her daughter, Nodia, to Mr. I. L. Llewellyn, of Newport News, VA. The wedding is May 23rd. Rev. & Mrs. J. W. Bridges of Wrightsville announced the engagement of their daughter, Annie Mae to Mr. Warren Clifford Dozier, of Macon with wedding to occur on June 12th.
Mr. J. E. Brantley, Sr. writes about his planting of Christopher's Improved Cotton Seed that he purchased at the Macon Fair in the fall of 1910. He planted the bushel of seed in May 1911, and used seven loads of compost valued at $5 per load. Fourteen hundred pounds of 9,2,3 guano; 500 lbs nitrate of soda; that and the cost of preparing and culivating the land, picking, ginning, hauling from gin to market cost him a total of $134.95. Now here are his credits in a nutshell: 7,368 lbs seed cotton which made 5 bales, weight 527 lbs each. Sold said 5 bales for $272.85. 150 bushels seed at $1.50 per bushel which is at half price. This gave him a net profit of $562.90 from the bushel of seed. Who can beat that? He says if there is a farmer in Johnson County can beat it he would like to hear from them.

From Days Gone By May 2, 1912

2011-05-01T17:54:00.001-07:00

May 2, 1912.

Memorial Day was observed at the College last Friday morning. The usual chapel service was conducted by Rev. J. B. Griner, followed by a number of Southern songs by the school. Prof. Ware gave an enthusiastic talk and "The Southern Cross" was given in a pleasing manner by Miss Cleo Bray.
As Wrightsville's veterans camp had accepted an invitation to attend the unveiling of the monument in Dublin, D. R. Underwood was the only old soldier present, and the children enjoyed the priviledge of shaking hands with him on leaving the auditorium.
Prof. Paul E. Bryan has been highly honored by being appointed English Exchange Teacher from Yale College to Prussia, for the year 1912-13; and he will sail the middle of September next for Germany. The appointment was made thru the Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching, and Prof. Bryan will teach English only to upper classmen; and in the meantime he will study the language and customs of the German and Prussian people.
Cupid has "booked" two or three marriages to occur very soon in which Wrightsville is to furnish the brides, also the grooms in two or more instances. The signs of the times point to at least two weddings for June. Wrightsville always has her share of marriages.
Idylwild, our beautiful surburban "summer resort", is now in full swing, under the efficent and courteous management of Messers. Herbert Sanders and Will Amason. The new management are exerting every effort to kake everything attractive and agreeable to pleasure-seekers, and will furnish many new attractions this season.
Citizen B. B. Tanner owns and drives the handsomest car in the city. It is a large five-passenger Cadilac, the latest improved pattern, with self-cranker and is a noiseless, smooth-running machine. Mr. J. M. Cook happened to the misfortune of losing his automobile by fire Tuesday night last, at Idylwild. Several of the fishermen were having a fishfry on the banks of the Ohoopie, and had gone down on automobiles. The cause is unknown. Mr. Cook says that his engine was hot, and when he tried to switch it off the motor backfired and refused to stop immediately. After it did stop he left the car and walked down to the grounds and had been fishing for about 20 minutes when he chanced to look in that direction and discovered it was on fire. It was completely demolished. It was a Buick model 1910. The car was partially covered with insurance.
Home-raised strawberries are now being sold daily on the streets, and they are fine specimens. Capt. Tribble is leading in the sales. He cultivates a large lucious-looking patch in his garden near the railroad depot. In a short time the new cafe in the Daley block will be open and ready for business. City clerk R. L. Kent reported to the mayor and council the first quarterly report for the city ending March 30, 1912. Receipts and disbursements totaled $4,135.44. Cedar Grove school will close for the summer on May 10th. Dr. A. W. Wood of Harrison, accompanied by D. M. C. New, Esq., passed thru here Tuesday en route to Wilkinson County. Dr. Wood is connected with the State Board of Health in the eradication of hook worm.
George Wolfe, former marshal of North Augusta, has been engaged by the town of Bartow to rid that township of its alleged liquor traffic. In two weeks he has succeeded most admirably and the place is now said to be as dry as the Sahara Desert. He just arrested Mac Cox, white, and Anthony Grier, colored, for illegal selling of whiskey.
Last Saturday night, between Lovett and Meadows, as train No. 4, going north, a negro boy, about 15 years old, threw a large piece of glass through the train window, completely demolishing the window glass but fortunately no one was near enough to get hurt. Conductor Brooks had just entered the coach to collect the tickets and was just passed the window when the missle was hurled. The train was immediately stopped and the crew tracked the boy to a near-by cabin where his name was learned from others. A warrant was sworn out before Justice Sumner and placed in the hands of Bailiff Jenkins, who promptly arrested him and placed him in jail Sunday night.

From Days Gone By, April 25, 1912

2011-04-25T06:37:00.001-07:00

April 25, 1912.

Tomorrow April 26th, is Memorial Day, which will be observed by most of the Southern States, as a day sacred to the memory of the brave men who fought and died in defence of the South. Memorial Day originated with Mrs. Mary Ann Williams of Columbus, who also organized the Women's Memorial Association, which has since developed into the United Daughters of the Confederacy, 47 years ago tomorrow, General Joe Johnston surrendered his forces to General W. T. Sherman in North Carolina. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General U. S. Grant April 9th 1865.
Memorial excersises will be held at the College auditorium tomorrow morning at 10 am. A program will be given by the pupils, consisting of reading and music.
Mrs. W. H. H. Futrelle of Adrian, mother of Jacque Futrelle, the famous novelist, is in a critical condition at home here. Physicians state that her recovery is doubtful, but her condition is better than it was yesterday. Since the account of Jack's death was read in the Journal friday, she seems to be grief-striken over her sons fate. Jack was her youngest son, and her confidence in him and her love for him seems abiding.
When Will Futrelle, oldest, and only brother of the deceased, read the account of the very probable death of his brother in friday mornings Journal, he fainted on the streets of Atlanta, and immediately two physicians were at his side, and he was at once carried home; he was almost an invalid anyway, and the death of his brother was a terrible blow to him.
Attention has been called by a visitor to the sadly neglected condition of "West View", the city for our dead, and just here we are reminded that in other places, the "street Force" of the towns and cities generally keep the walks and avenues of the cemeteries clean. But as tomorrow is Memorial Day no attention has been given ours.
Mrs. J. M. Huff received a phone message last night announcing the death of her brother, Mr. Sparks Clayton, at the Soldiers Home in Atlanta. Mrs. l. G. Walker received a telegram that Mrs. Luther McCrary, who is visiting Atlanta, is ill with laryngitis and will undergo throat surgery. Dr. James Gordon Brantley will graduate the Atlanta School of Medicine this month. When he receives his sheepskin he will return to Wrightsville to practice his profession. On May 3rd, the Powell's Chapel school will close for the summer.
Rev. & Mrs. W. E. Arnold, of Lumpkin, announced the engagement of their daughter Belle, to Mr. Joseph Marcellus Bryan, of Americus on June 12th. The bride elect is granddaughter of Rev. & Mrs. Charles Moore, and neice of Mrs. S. M. Johnson, and Mr. Homer Moore all of Wrightsville. Mr. Bryan, who is connected with the Planter's Bank of Americus, was reared in Wrightsville, a son of Mrs. Anna Easterling Bryan and the late Rev. R. B. Bryan.
Miss Smith, of Atlanta, demonstrator of the New Perfection Blue Flame Oil Stove, gave a practical cooking demonstration at Wrightsville Mercantile Company which was well attended by the ladies. The merits and economy of this modern stove, which has proved a blessing to womankind, should be in every kitchen. Both the Wrightsville Merchantile Company and the People's Hardware Company have just received a lot of the matchless cookers, which to see is to buy.

From Days Gone By April 18, 1912

2011-04-15T06:49:00.001-07:00

April 18, 1912.

On Sunday the 14th, at 11:40pm, the great ship, Titanic, struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage, and sank early on the 15th. Jacque Futrelle, the popular writer and his wife, Lillie May were on the ship. Mr. Wiley Harman Heath Futrelle, Jacques father, lives near Adrian and is an old friend of the Headlight editor and while in town a few weeks ago, during conversation mentioned that "Jack" and Lillie May were abroad, and their expected return to America soon. Reports are that Jack went down with the ship. His wife is reported among the survivors of the lost ship, and everyone hopes he is also. Messers. W. R. Amason and H. B. Sanders informs everyone that Idylwild, the beautiful picnic grounds of the W. & T. Railroad, will open on the 19th. Amason and Sanders are the managers and are doing all they can to make Idylwild attractive and pleasant to visitors and picnic parties. The faculty and pupils of Warthen College will have their annual picnic there tomorrow. The long continued wetting rains are having retarded the progress of the farmers to an alarming extent. Wednesday's rains cut down the attendance at Warthen College about one-half, and school was dismissed at noon. Dr. R. R. Douglas has recently invested in a handsome Flanders Car, and is liberally treating his friends to joy rides every pleasant afternoon. Mr. John M. Jordan is back in town and is still in his old line of business, repairing and adjusting all kinds of sewing machines, organs and various other kinds of machine work. He can be called on at the Wrightsville Merchantile Company. Mr. J. B. Long has on hand five good second hand buggies for sale, cheap for cash, or good notes. Buggies have just been overhauled. He does all kinds of repair work; vehicles, all plantation implements, horse-shoeing, etc. Dr. F. B. Hughes, the eyesight specialist will be in Wrightsville for two days at Duff & Robinson shop. The Johnson County Singing Convention will convene at Beulah Baptist near Donovan on April 27th & 28th. Mr. W. W. Hackett, Traveling Passenger agent of the Central of Georgia Railroad was in town perfecting arrangements of special cars from Wrightsville direct to Macon, during the re-union in May. It is expected that practically every Confederate soldier of Johnson County will attend. It was omitted in last weeks election results that Mr. Hillard Hicks won the race for Surveyor. He only received 4 votes but he had no opposition. On last Sunday morning Mr. James Jackson Bush died at his home on Mr. Ben Wiggin's place and was buried Monday at Gum Log church, Rev. Jordan Norris conducting the funeral. Mr. Bush was a native of Laurens County, but had lived here for several years. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church and is survived by many relatives and friends. Prof. Broxton chaperoned the college base ball team to Adrian on Tuesday. The afternoon gave an interesting game with Warthen beating Adrian by the score of 10 to 6. Both sides were evenly matched and took eleven innings to decide the better team. The game which lasted one hour and twenty minutes featured hard hitting and fast base running. Throughout the conflict it was mainly a pitcher's battle, both pitchers covering themselves with glory. McWhorter fanned 13 and walked one; and Smith struck out 15 and walked two.

From Days gone By, April 11, 1912

2011-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

April 11, 1912.

The election for the local county offices took place here this week with some surprising results. The following is a consolodated vote total of all county precincts: For Ordinary, incumbent J. C. Wiggins keeps his seat 962 votes to U. R. Jenkins 649. In the Clerk of Superior Court incumbent A. S. Norris was handily defeated by J. V. Snell 1,020 to 589. For County Treasurer Jos. M. Smith, 595; L. B. Claxton, 448; R. R. Frost, 293; John J. Duff, 241. In the race for Tax Collector it was C. J. Smith, 430; A. S. Mayo, 397; T. J. Williams, 262; John M. Meeks, Jr., 229; T. M. Jordan, 116; N. G. Smith, 74 and incumbent W. D. Wingett, 36. For Tax Receiver it was N. B. Miller, 700; J. W. Price, 239; Warren D. Rhiner, 203; J. M. Hammock, 174; Rufus Ellis, 52. For Coroner, J. W. Bailey, 706; A. S. Barnes, 447; C. G. Walden, 277. For Representative it was B. H. Moye with 923 votes. The biggest surprise of all the races was for Sheriff as W. D. Rowland beat out longtime Sheriff Lewis Davis, 963 to 631. Fishing season is on for sure and Game Warden J. M. Walker is on the job. He is quietly watching and waiting for the would-be offenders of the law governing fishing in Johnson County. He is quite decided on his views and will enforce the law to the letter. Ignorance of the law won't fly with Warden Walker who will excuse no offender, white or black. With rod and line is the only way you are allowed to tak'em from the stream. This means no dynamiting, no shooting, no seining and no poisioning is allowed. A new farmers line will be connected with the exchange of the Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph in Wrightsville. This line will be constructed by Mr. R. P. Hicks and will furnish service to six well-known parties, who will then be in telephone communication with each other and the Bell Exchange. Under the plan rural deliverers are enabled to secure phone service on an economical basis. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. W. Johnson entertained the Wrightsville Volunteer Firemen at his new home, "Sutherland". The host provided oysters, meats, salad, coffee, cream, cakes and fruit. He extended his appreciation for their services and the risks they take to save the lives and property in the city. Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Renfroe had a little daughter arrive last week. Bernice, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bryan is sick with pleurisey. Rev. Charles Moore's condition has worsened and he seems to be slipping away gradually. Chas. L. Wilson, proprietor of the City Barber Shop is suffering from acute indigestion. Mr. Elisha W. Walker, a pioneer citizen of Wrightsville and Johnson County paid the town a visit. "Uncle Lishy" has reached three score and ten in life's journey, and through feeble and with eye-sight impaired, he is still cheerful and greatley enjoys sharing fishing stories with the townsmen. While cranking his car, Dr. S. M. Johnson had the misfortune of breaking his right wrist near the joint and also the thumb of his right hand. The crank of the machine, kicked back, striking the doctor. His hand was set but needless to say he to is in much pain.

From days Gone By April 4, 1912

2011-03-29T15:41:00.003-07:00

April 4, 1912.

Mr. Will Mixon is now confined in jail, having surrendered himself to the sheriff. Mr. Mixon in early Febuary, in a dispute with Mr. Zan Cox at Linder's Stables, resulted in Mixon stabbing Cox in the heart. He had fled to parts unknown and Governor Brown had placed a reward for his capture. He will be tried for murder at the next term of Superior Court. This incident was deplored by everyone. Finis was written on March 22 on a Johnson County tragedy of 12 years ago. Governor Brown just approved a full pardon for Jerry Walden, who has been on parole for the past year and a half. In 1900, Jerry was just a lad of 17 or 18 and came to Johnson County looking for work. Mr. G. Dixon, a farmer near Wrightsville, gave Walden employment. Mrs. Dixon became enamored of the lad and so worked on his pliable nature, and finally induced him to assasinate her husband. According to Walden's testimony, he struck Dixon, who was a heavy man, once in the stomach with an axe. Then Mrs. Dixon finished him of herself. Both were tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. A few years ago Mrs. Dixon was pardoned, and now Walden is a free man. Last Saturday while Mr. Jerry T. Dixon was walking in a field near his son, Arthur Dixons' home, about 4 miles from Bartow, he fell on his knees and expired in just a few minutes. His death was from a heart condition. He was 72 years old and well known in Glascock and Johnson Counties. He was a Confederate soldier and served throughout the war. He was buried Sunday afternoon at Minton's Chapel by Rev. Henry Faircloth. He was survived by several children. Wrightsville's streets were full Saturday for the Empire Store's big "Fire Sale". The sidewalks and storerooms were crowded and the many candidates for local races were taking advantage of it. Mr. W. D. Wingett, current Tax Collector informed everyone that contrary to rumors, he has not withdrew from that race and asks his friends to remember him in the primary on the 10th. Judge Ira S. Chappell withdraws from the race for Judge of the Dublin Circuit. The Union Market has been remodeled and Mr. C. F. Harden of Atlanta is now the manager. Mr. H. C. Mayo will re-silver your old mirrors and make them as good as new. Colon Raines has accepted a lucrative position with the Railroad Light Company in Macon. Leon Chester and wife have moved to Hapeville, near Atlanta and is engaged in his vocation as house builder. Mr. & Mrs. John R. Grice is back home after a long visit to their son, Cleo, in New Smyrna, Fla. Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield is recovering from her severe attack of grippe. Prof. W. L. Bryan of the high school at Adel, dislocated his right shoulder while playing base ball. Mr. J. M. Mason bought a pretty residence on Elm Street from Mr. Wright Fitzgerald of Eastman. Last Sunday morning, Mrs. Stephen S. Meeks and Mr. James Tharp were married by Rev. J. R. Kelley at Mrs. Meeks home near Meeks. She is the widow of Judge S. S. Meeks. Also, at the home of the bride, Mr. Thomas Pullen and Miss Gertrude Powell were married. Mr. Pullen is the youngest son of the late John M. Pullen, Miss Powell is the daughter of Mr. L. S. Powell. After a protracted illness of heart dropsy, Mr. Henry D. Montford died at his home here in the city, while he was sitting in his chair. He was a native of Laurens County but lived here for several years. He was a Confederate soldier serving in the western army and was present at the seige of Vicksburg. He was 69 years old and survived by his wife and one son, Edgar Montford. Services were held at the Methodist church with burial in Westview. The Odd Fellows formed the active and honorary escort. While engaged in examining the teeth of a mule at his stable, Mr. R. Z. Sterling had the misfortune to loose the top of his right thumb by the mule biting it so severly that the first joint had to be amputated. Needless to say he is in much pain.

From Days Gone By, March 28, 1912

2011-03-29T15:41:00.001-07:00

March, 28, 1912.

In a meeting last week at Warthen College, Mr. Chastian of the Central Railroad Company stressed the advantages of agricultural education and urged Johnson County to organize a Boys Corn Club. Soon after a local club was organized with the following boys: Berner Jenkins, Marion Taylor, Julian Mills, Arlie Mixon, Willie Tompkins, Thos. W. Raines, Shelton W. Harrison, Alex Martin, Talmadge Harrison, Leonard Harrison, Rothwell Anderson, Bernard Tanner, Aubrey Harrison, Tillman Moseley, Frank Jordan, Willie Haines, James Harrison, Ray Tanner, Austin Bland, Jim Jordan, Harley Hilson, John W. Bland, Dewey Downs, Cannie Sumner, Iverson Morris, Edgar Tanner, Albert Lillard, Omie Hooks, Hershel Bray, Leaston Powell, Talmadge W. Hall, and Swain M. Fortner. Last Wednesday at Sandersville Superior Court, permanant receivers were appointed for the Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railroad, a new road under construction. J. H. Rowland of Wrightsville and W. C. Oliver of Lyons were appointed. The road is well underway and will be 48 miles long when finished. So far, 45 miles have already been graded, 40,000 crossties cut and the piling for the trestling is nearly all driven. About $90,000 has been spent and the road owes $40,000. Mr. E. J. Sumner of Johnson County has interest in the road and the late Capt. T. J. James of Adrian had a good sum invested in the project. It is not known what will be done with the road with no definite plans agreed upon. The Adjusters, representing several fire insurance companies which the Empire Store had policies, paid the full amount of the policies. This did not cover the entire stock of goods which were valued at $31,000. The stock was turned back over to T. G. Holt and the damaged goods are to be moved to the building formally occupied by the Wrightsville Furniture Company and he expects to open a fire sale this weekend. Mr. H. P. Howard of Dublin announced his candidacy for Solicitor General. C. H. Moore withdraws his candidacy for Clerk. Dr. T. L. Harris and J. M. Mason served as Clerk of the Court last week in the absence of Clerk Norris who was too sick to attend. For the past three years Geo. W. Gannon has been connected with The Palace Barber Shop. He has now started his own business located in the building formerly occupied by J. E. Tompkins Furniture Store on Elm Street. It will be called Gannon's Sanitary Barber Shop. Mr. Ivey R. Tanner and family are now occupying a room at the residence of Mr. W. C. Tompkins since the destruction of their home recently by fire. Mr. Joe Flanders has named his son Charles Wilson. Mr. J. T. Flanders has suffered a fractured arm. Mrs. Ella Wood dies on the 19th at the home of Mr. Irwin Jackson near Dublin. Services were held at Boiling Springs. Mrs. Wood recently returned from Baker County where she was taken ill. She is survived by her sons, Charles and Amie Wood. Some of the young men of Wrightsville have organized a brass band known as "Wrightsville Silver Cornet Band". A good deal of musical talent is among our boys with some expert players. The band corps consisted of: L. A. Lovett, C. C. Williams, J. M. Culver, G. E. Fulford, C. E. Brinson, D. T. Brinson, J. S. Johnson, M. Daley, C. Lord, J. O. Tanner, A. W. Hightower, Fred Daley, Hugh McWhorter, A. B. Rowland, J. J. Butterly. Mr. L. M. Blount is the director. Mr. A. W. J. Wood, last monday morning, 25th, while standing in a boxcar that was being loaded with cotton, in front of his warehouse in Harrison, fell and expired suddenly. He ate breakfast that morning with his family and seemed as well as usual. He did not speak after his fall, believed to be from organic heart trouble. There is a pecular coincidence connected with his death. The car in which he fell dead was No. 11,114 New York Central Liner, and on the inside walls of the car were the following inscriptions, written by some unknown hand, somewhere, sometime in the past, and now seemed appropos to Mr. Woods sudden and unexpected death: "Get right with God." "Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus Christ Our Lord." "Will you accept the gift?" Mr. Wood was about 50 years old and a faithful Baptist and Sunday School worker and no doubt was ready at his appointed time. He was prominent and well known in Washington and Johnson Counties. He was buried in the Wood cemetery near Harrison. He was survived by his wife and eight children, and brothers, J. S. and C. E. Wood of Savannah.

From Days Gone By March 21, 1912

2011-03-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

March 21, 1912.

On Wednesday morning policeman Austin discovered fire in the rear of the Empire Store and it had already gained considerable headway when found. He turned in the alarm and in less than three minutes Mr. Sterling and his excellent company of firemen were on the scene spraying three streams of water into the burning building. The stock of goods was a total loss but the building was saved
Mr. T. G. Holt, the manager of The Empire Store, in company with his wife, and Miss Miller, the milliner, left the store about 11pm where they were preparing for their Easter Opening next week. They had just received a magnificant line of spring and summer goods which all was lost.
The burning is greatly deplored by the people of Wrightsville, as this business was a credit to the city. Mr. Holt has been in this business for several years and had built a successful business. The building was owned by Mr. E. A. W. Johnson. This is the same building that onced housed Hall Brothers.
The value of the fire equipment installed and the heroism of the volunteer fire department can only be appreciated by comparison with the conditions that prevailed on Christmas Eve, 1904, when fire broke out in the Tompkins & Johnson store and the fire destroyed the entire block, and again in 1907, fire again in the store of Duffee, Stewart & Sanders which also destroyed the entire block. These two fires cost several thousand dollars in addition to losing business for a considerable time.
Then on last friday about noon a volume of smoke was seen rising from the roof of the residence of Messrs. Starling and Ferguson on Elm Street. The alarm was sounded and the fire laddies were prompt but it proved to be a false alarm. The smoke came from the chimney, and the damp atmosphere forced it to the roof, causing it to appear on fire.
Mr. J. Walter Hendricks, the State Organizer of the Boys Corn Club, will be here on friday 22nd for the purpose of organizing a Boys Corn Club in Johnson County. Mr. Hendricks will have with him Mr. Cheatham of the Central Railway Company, who will announce the premiums the Central will offer. They want all teachers, school officials and boys ages 12 to 18 years of age to attend. This was the forerunner of the 4-H Club.
Colonel Ira Chappell, candidate for Superior Court Judge and Col. Hal B. Wimberly, candidate for Solicitor General, both of Dublin, where in town campaigning for their respective races. Three new candidates have entered the local races. C. R. Williams for Representative; John M. Meeks, Tax Collector; J. M. Hammock, Tax Receiver. W. T. Harrison, Sr. withdraws his name for Tax Receiver.
The commutation taxes for Johnson County for 1912 will not be collected this year in March, according to J. C. Wiggins, Ordinary. They have been postponed until September 1st. The levied road tax will be $2.50 for each male 21 to 50 years old.
Two street preachers, a man and a woman, both with long flowing hair, and calling themselves the "Isralites of the House of David", attracted much attention this week by their harangues and "wild west" appearance. They were said to be well educated.
The ladies of the methodist church are serving dinner at the court house this week to raise funds for the piano recently placed in the church. Miss Gertrude Duff who has been at St. Joseph's convent for the past two months, is now at home here with her mother. Miss Duff entered the Novitiate in that institution and in due time was received into the community as a sister; but owing to the state of her mother's health she felt needed at home. Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield is quite sick with grippe and Rev. C. A. More, "Uncle Charlie", is sick with cold.
After a protracted illness of pneumonia, which developed into rapid tuberculosis, Ralph, the little three year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Bryan, died at his home here on Sunday. He was buried monday afternoon at Westview by Rev. J. B. Griner, methodist pastor. Little Ralph was a bright handsome child, and had planted himself in the affections not only of those in his home, but with all who came in contact with him.
Mr. S. V. McCallie, State Geologist contacted Mr. F. M. Cox on his inquiry on the sample he sent is a variety of iron ore known as "needle ore". Such ore usually runs about 60 per cent metalic iron, and is usually from $2.50 to $3.00 per ton. It is only used in making iron and in this form it never occurs in very large quantites.
Judge K. J. Hawkins convened Superior Court this week and he complimented the jury and called their attention to the fact that Johnson was the first county in Georgia to banish the sale of whiskey, thereby having the distinction of being the first original prohibition county, which was due to that great and good man Theophils Christian, who at the time, 1875, represnted Johnson in the legislature, who passed a bill the effect of which was to eliminate whiskey from the county. Tomorrow morning the contestation of the will of Mrs. A. N. Brown, late of this city, will be heard for the first time in Superior Court. The contestants are her two sisters and one brother. There is much interest in this case, as the Wrightsville Baptist Church is legatee to the will.
R. T. Lovett is required to appear at Superior Court on the 3rd day of June to answer or defend himself in a libel for divorce from plaintiff Mrs. Elizabeth Lovett.

From Days Gone By March 14, 1912

2011-03-12T12:50:00.001-08:00

March 14, 1912.
The rains and showers have been inseparable visitors to Wrightsville of late. But this didnt put a damper on fires. At 9:30 last Sunday morning the fire alarm was turned in from Mr. I. R. Tanner's residence. The firemen responded promptly and in a short time got the flames under control. The entire roof and loft was a mass of flames. The origin of the fire was in the west front room and was started accidentally. The building was the property of Mrs. H. W. Snell and was insured.
Mr. Elmer Daley now occupies his new bungalow on East Elm Street and its the handsomest of its kind in the state. Prof. Clarkson is at the Dent boarding house. Everyone at the college had their picture taken by a traveling photographer and they will be finished as postcards.
Mr. C. M. Dent will celebrate his 56th anniversary at a family reunion dinner at his home near Wrightsville. Mrs. J. G. Kent has come back from the Rawlings Sanitarium much improved but not able to return to her home at Adel. Mr. H. P. Hicks has returned from Fitzgerald where he was called to see his father, Capt. Jimmie Hicks, who has gripp. He is still feeble and little hope for his ultimate recovery. Ralph, the 3 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Bryan has critical pneumonia.
Mr. George W. Gannon, the expert tonsorial artist recently opened a new place in the old Burch Drug Store, in the Daley building with new equipment and will give prompt service with a shave or hair cut. Mr. Paul Gilmore and his London Players will be at the Vivola on April 2nd presenting The Mummy and The Humming Bird.
The list of candidates is growing and it is a good list. All are collectively and individually good strong men, excellent citizens of the town and county. Mr. C. S. Meadows writes of his friend and old comrade, Jacob Tapley Snell: "I have known him for about 45 years; one who has always stood for the right. His liberality has been enjoyed by the more destitute of old Johnson County. He is always ready to contribute to the distressed and down trodden of humanity. In the days that tried mens' souls, back in the sixties, he was always liberal with his means, to feed the hungry and clothe the destitute. He was one of the first jurors that ever served on the Grand Jury of Johnson County. He is one whose veracity stands among all classes. I see his name announced for House of Reprsentative from old Johnson. It is true, I am not in the county now, but it is my birthplace, and ther is no man in the county that I had rather see elected than J. T. Snell. I trust my old friends will turn out and elect him. Give him this honor, as he is getting old and probably this will be the last time that he will ever offer."
"A NO. 1" Distinguished Tramp visits Wrightsville. The world's most famous tramp, whose only known name is the sobriquet "A No. 1" was in our city and made a pleasant call to the paper office. He is a man most pleasent address, inteligent, well groomed, and gave evidence of a courtly gentleman.
He is a native of San Fransico, from which city he tramped when 11 years old, and he has been tramping eversince. He has been around the world several times, and seldom pays railroad fare, and frequently "rides the rods," as he expresses it. He is well known to all local railroad men, and the story of his fame is founded on facts. He is master of four languages, and is quite a unique character and deserves the cognomen of "the gentleman hobo."
And the following short sketch of this raravis will doubtless be interesting to our readers, showing the good he exerts over boys. Whenever "A No. 1" meets a runaway boy upon his journeys he gives him a talking to that is almost certain to make the lad home sick, and glad when "A No. 1" purchase a ticket sending him home to his parents.
If the boy is already a confirmed wanderer "A No. 1" teaches him his own motto: "Never associate with anyone in whose company you would be ashamed in broad open day light to pass your mother's home." He entertain the town with his instructive stories of the road and the solution of the tramp problem.
"About 359,000 minors run away from home annually. Of this number over 38,000 become confirmed hobos 7,000 are crippled, 3,500 are killed and the rest can only stand the hardships of tramp life about 10 years, until they are in a poor house. So many mothers, if they only knew it, are the cause of many young men living the hobo life. If a regular grown up tramp comes to the house and asks for a meal she turns him away and tells him to go to work for it, but when the young fellow comes along just starting out to be a tramp she takes him in, feeds him on the best she has, not realizing that within a few short years the same youngster will be an exact prototype of the burly tramp she had just turned away."
"Now if she would only get his name from him and his address, and talk to him in a nice way about his home and mother, there would be a good chance that he would go back and it would be a help towards reforming a large number of the boys."
"A No. 1" makes his transient expenses by the sale of two books, the first being "Life and Adventures of A No. 1", tells of his travels among tramps all over the world. The second "Hobo Camp Fire Tales," is a true story of the pitiful hardships of the road. Both show the darkside of tramp life so that any restless boy will get a good idea of its disgusting feature.

From Days Gone By March 7,1912

2011-03-01T18:29:00.001-08:00

March 7, 1912.

The long continued rain has prevented the farmers from doing any farm work. Plowing is nearly two months behind. No guano has been hauled, owing to the roads being in such bad condition from the rains. Notwithstanding the bad weather, the Buster Brown Show was greeted with a good house tuesday night, and it is said to be one of the best shows that has been to Wrightsville this season.
The city fathers have had some much needed work done recently on the streets and sidewalks. B. F. Jordan, head of the streets assisted by Wm Cary and a score of hands pruned the shade trees.
This is indeed a year of politics, and interest is increasing with quite a number of announcements being made. There are more candidates of the different county offices in the coming primary in April than has ever been known in the history of the county. Besides those mentioned in previous columns, T. M. Jordan and J. M. Smith are running for tax collector; for treasurer R. R. Frost, for tax receiver W. Rhiner, for representative B. H. Moye and J. T. Snell, for senator of the 16th district Dr. J. M. Page and for sheriff, W. D. Rowland who has recently severed his connection as manager of the Rowland Merchantile Co. John Douglas, Will Kitchens and Ernest Hitchcock will continue at the merchantile business.
The people of Wrightsville will have the opportunity of a lifetime to see two of Shakespeares greatest plays at the Vivola Theatre. The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet. Shakespeare is quoted from the pulpit, and his great plays are read in the schools and colleges and they should be allowed to see those plays personated in order to more fully comprhend them.
Last Friday at the chapel of Warthen College, Prof. Ware and Rev. E. W. Pease gave stiring talks against the proposed opening of a public pool room in Wrightsville. The following was presented to the city council: "We, the parents, do hereby petition, in the name of our boys not to allow any public pool room in Wrightsville".
It seems that the Palmist was the drawing card at the carnival, and was patronized by quite a number of ladies and men, also who did not mind "showing their hands" in the "game of life", of the "past, present and future".
Jim Allen who has been at Vidaila for several months, has accepted a position with R. Z. Sterling of this city, as chauffeur, and will run the car at the stables. He is a safe mechanic. Mrs. Clara Cox, widow of Zan Cox who was killed a few weeks back expressed her thanks to all the gifts and help she has received.
The friends of Capt. Jimmie Hicks will regret to learn that he is sick with grippe at his home in Fitzgerald. The funeral of Mr. W. R. Meeks will be preached at Philadelphia on the first sunday in May. Ada, the little 4 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mac Hall who lives about 5 miles from Kite, near Mr. John Douglas, was burned to death monday. Her mother left her a short while to go to the planning mill nearby to get some potatoes, in her absence the child began playing in the fire when her clothes ignited and she was burned to death. She was buried at Corinth.
J. J. Johnson notified all persons that after expiration of 30 days from this date he will apply to the prison commission of Georgia, and the Governor, for a full pardon.
Messers. T. L. Martin and W. W. Dent have been acquitted, and fully vindicated of the charge of arson. About a year ago the store house of the former was burned at Uvalda, Montgomery County, the fire spread and burned the livery stable of Mr. J. B. Jones. Jones charged them with the burning with the fact that Martin and Dent were new to the area and Jones was a long time resident. The case was called to trial numorous times with defendants there demanding their trial, which was refused until recently and lasted 3 days. It took less than 2 hours for the jury to hand down a not guilty. The State was represented by Hon. E. D. Graham, the Solicitor General, and Judge Eschol Graham of McRae. The defendants were represented by E. L. Stephens of Wrightsville and Mr. C. P. Thompson of Mount Vernon.

2011-02-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

From Days Gone By, Feb. 22, 1912

2011-02-24T13:48:00.001-08:00

Febuary 22, 1912.

Its the 180th anniversary of "The father of his country," and throughout this American Republic, the day is observed as a National Holiday. The banks, schools and all public institutions will be closed to honor the memory of the first president of the United States, George Washington. Warthen College will celebrate Washington's birthday with a holiday Friday the 23rd.
The seniors and juniors have begun rehersals on the plays they expect to give soon. The baseball nine takes advantage of every bright afternoon to practice. Miss Pearl Clark of Sandersville arrived this week, and entered on her duties as assistant teacher in the primary and intermediate departments.
Mr. D. W. Sims, Secretary of International Sunday School Association, arrived in Wrightsville and the object of his visit here is to inaugurate plans with the different churches of the city, for the State Sunday School Convention. It is an inter-denominational organization. J. M. Bryan was appointed county president, and W. J. Scott, secretary and treasurer. The Rev. Dr. G. W. Young, State Superintendent of Georgia Anti-Saloon League, and officer in the National League, lectured at the methodist church. The annual missionary institute of the Southern Division of the Georgia W. B. M. U. will meet at Waycross Febuary 27th & 28th.
Last Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday, the ending of all festivites and gaysties prior to the lenten season; and yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which will continue through forty days closing Easter Sunday, which will be the first Sunday in April this year. Lent is observed by the Episcopal and Catholic churches in commemoration of the forty days fast of the Christ prior to his crucifiction and resurection. Rev. Walter Anthony will lead revival at Wesleyan College.
At a meeting of the State Optical Association held in Savannah, Dr. Charles H. Kittrell was elected chairman of the executive committee. He is a well known former Wrightsville citizen but now resides in Dublin. Colonel M. J. Carswell, a prominent young lawyer of Jeffersonville, Twiggs County has announced for Solicitor of the new Dublin Circuit. He is a native of Wilkinson County. Rufus Ellis announced for county tax receiver, and George Brantley as well. Another well known citizen of this county, Mr. T. J. Williams is a candidate for county tax collector. He has held the Notary Public office of Powell's District for the past seven years.
Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Mixon are happy over the arrival of a little son. Mrs. W. W. Anthony is sick with grippe at her home. Mr. J. M. Blackhear is confined to his bed with asthma. Mrs. Mary Pritchard is at Rawlings Sanitarium. Mrs. W. H. Smith and little daughter, Frances, is in Atlanta where Mr. Smith is still at the tuberculous hospital.
J. W. Powell's black Gordon Setter with a white spot on his breast was stolen from his yard. J. H. Orvin of Route 3 placed his suitcase in a buggy, through mistake. It was a new Top buggy near Fulford's stables. It was placed there by mistake and he sure would love to have it back.

From Days Gone By, Feb. 29, 1912

2011-02-24T13:47:00.001-08:00

Febuary 29, 1912.

Febuary has made good on bad weather. The proverbial ground hog gave this kind of forecast out on the 22nd inst., and he didn't lie about it either, did he? Really this has been the worst all-round Febuary this deponent has ever experienced, and it goes without saying he has witnessed several. This kind of weather is retarding the progress of the farmers very materially.
Through the efforts of Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield and Mrs. A. F. Daley, a liberal contribution of clothing, with a nice sum of money was collected this week for the benefit of Mrs. Zan Cox, whose husband was recently killed in Wrightsville, leaving her with four small children. The donations were made by several of the good women and men of the town, regardless of denomination, all conceding the cause a worthy one. The ladies who solicited the contributions will deliver them in person to the unfortunate wife and little ones, whose sad condition appeals to the hearts of those more fortunate than they.
Meanwhile, Governor Joseph M. Brown issued a proclamation offering $200 reward for the capture of William Mixon, with evidence sufficiant to convict, to the sheriff of Johnson County. Mixon is about 25 years old, 135 pounds, five feet six inches tall of light complexion and blue squint-eyed.
Mrs. R. H. Hines was called to Reidsville wednesday by the serious wounding of her son-in-law, Mr. R. S. Rogers, by W. M. Wiggins, while in the court room. In a mad dash to escape from the mayor's court room, where he was on trial charged with selling liquor, W. M. Wiggins, a white man, shot and wounded three men before being overpowered. He fired twice from his pistol, one shot passing through R. J. Rogers chest and striking S. M. McCall and glancing from his temple. The second bullet burried itself in the arm of Lon Moody. Wiggins was arraigned at once on the charge of assualt with intent to murder and was ordered held under bond of $5,000, which he failed to give.
The white primary for August is increasing in candidates for the various offices of the county. A. S. Mayo, C. J. Smith, M. D. Wingett have entered the race for tax collector. Jos. M. Smith, and L. B. Claxton, the incumbent have qualified for county treasurer. C. H. Moore has entered for clerk of superior court.
J. T. Blankenship, the old reliable milkman of the Johnson Dairy, has took charge as manager of the Union Meat Market. A new meat market has been established by C. S. Blankenship and J. T. Miller in the Daley block on Elm Street next to Hawkins. The last attraction of the Lyceum course at the Vivola is the Fisher Shipp Concert Company of Chicago. Also, the carnival is here in full blast with tents, merry-go-round, ferris wheel and is located on the Lovett lot and operated by the Adams Amusement Company.
Prof. A. F. Ware was elected to the faculty of the University of Virginia Summer School in mathmatics. This is a very high honor for Prof. Ware and Warthen College. Emmett Butterly is home from the state university with the mumps. At the home of the brides parents near Wrightsville, last sunday, Miss Myrtle Mae Ford and Mr. C. T. Mosley were married by Rev. C. R. Williams. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Ford.
The banks of the county reported their condition for the close of business, Febuary 20th, 1912. The First National Bank, $132,469.15; The Bank of Wrightsville, $144,051.73; The Bank of Adrian, $28,953.66; The Citizens Bank of Kite, $69,625.02; The Exchange Bank of Wrightsville, $82,307.66.
A petition for a charter was submitted to the superior court of the county to incorporate the Union Supply Company for 20 years. The capital stock is to be $2500 divided into shares of $100 each. They propose to deal in retail dry goods, groceries and dress making. The petitioners, represented by attorny J. L. Kent are : J. T. Davis, R. G. Davis, J. C. Renfroe, R. R. Frost, J. T. Miller and S. A. Attaway.
A petition was presented to the mayor and council of Wrightsville concerning the proposed pool room. "Recognizing the evil tendencies of pool rooms and kindred places of amusement, and having at heart the best interests of our boys and men, we, the women of the missionary societies of Wrightsville, do implore you men, that you do not permit opening a pool room in our midst. You alone have the power to prevent this evil, and may we not depend on you to do it? Signed by Mrs. J. M. Mason, methodist; Mrs. J. B. Holley, baptist; Mrs. T. G. Holt, christian.

From Days Gone By Feb. 8, 1912

2011-02-08T07:10:00.001-08:00

Febuary 8, 1912.

The marshal of Soperton was killed on Febuary 4th in a duel with the nephew of Wrightsville resident, Mrs. R. H. Hines. Town marshal Sam Calhoun is dead, and Norris Holmes is fatally injured as a result of a shooting scrape. Holmes was handling a 12 calibre rifle when Calhoun asked him to put it up. Instead Holmes turned the gun on the marshal and fired. Calhoun then drew his pistol and returned the fire, mortally wounding Holmes.
Calhoun died early the next morning. He belonged to one of the oldest and most influential families of what was then Montgomery County. He had been marshal of Soperton for several years, a man of many friends who were soliciting him to enter the sheriff's race. He left a wife and several small children.
Norris Holmes was unmarried and a son of C. L. Holmes. He had spent some time at the sanitarium for the insane, but was discharged for the past two years and was living with his parents. His father owned the large merchantile firm of C. L. Holmes & Son at Soperton. He suspended that business and was engaged in the cotton business until his health failed last year and at this time was living at a health resort in Emanuel County.
Holmes seemed to have had a long standing grudge with the marshal who at one time arrested him for violating a town ordinance. Mrs. R. H. Hines of Wrightsville was called to see her nephew Holmes who died on tuesday from his wounds. He was buried at Condor.
During the late freeze, many pipes and hydrants bursted and plumber Harrison and the hardware stores have been doing good business. On account of the frozen pipes Warthen College was on a water famine. Owing to the inability to use the furnace at the methodist church, there was service only at the baptist church where the other denominations attended and Rev. Holley preached to a large congregation. A heater is now being placed in the sunday school room at the methodist church, but owing to the extreme cold weather the work of building the flue is retarded.
Mr. E. N. Hitchcock is now with the Rowland Merchantile Co. as a salesman. A big sale is now going on at the Empire Store. Never in the history of Wrightsville has there ever been such bargains offered the people in this section. Dry goods, shoes, clothing, millinery and everything needed to wear or use is being sold at greatly reduced prices. It will last 15 days. Faircloth & Claxton in the Brinson Building has plenty of money to lend at the lowest rates for loans to improve Johnson County farms.
On last sunday afternoon following the close of the sunday school, New Home Church, about six miles from town was destroyed by fire. It caught from the stove flue and as the wind was blowing it was not long before the entire building was consumed. The church was heated during the services and afterwards caught fire.
Tuesday afternoon De Pugh Miller, the son of Mrs. J. M. Blackshear of this city was handling a parlor rifle and had the misfortune of shooting the big toe of his left foor nearly off. It was a 22 caliber, the wound tho painful and the hole not so large that he is still able to walk. Dr. Brinson dressed his wound and he seems to be better.
Mr. George M. Rhiner's condition is now very precarious and is getting worse by the day. Mr. Hodges Snell has acute rheumatism. Mrs. E. L. Stephens and Judge Wm Faircloth are sick with gripp. Mr. Henry Montford who has been critically ill from heart trouble is much better. He is up and walking around. He says he is better from a medication sent to him by a traveling salesman.
Mr. & Mrs. E. M. Redwine of Atlanta will have their china wedding anniversary on Feb. 17th on Capitol Avenue. Mrs. Redwine was the former Miss Mae Cook and were married here in 1892. On the evening of the 5th at Lovett, Miss Nina Johnson of that place married Mr. LaFragh of Tennille. She is the daughter of Dr. P. M. Johnson and neice of Dr. S. M. and E.A.W. Johnson and a former student of Warthen College and Bessie Tift College. The groom originally from Dublin is a telegraph operator at Tennille for the Central of Georgia Railway.
John J. Duff announces for Treasurer of Johnson County in the august primary. J. H. Rowland wishes to correct a misrepresentation that is going around that he is running for Ordinary. He has done no such. It would be impossible on account of other business matters and would not accept the office if his name was placed on the card and won.

From Days Gone By Feb. 1, 1912

2011-02-01T10:23:00.001-08:00

Febuary 1, 1912.

John Barnes, from Washington County was in the city and while here questioned the purpose of the councils vote on pool or no pool for Wrightsville. "Does this refer to the pool room already in operation, or to another place for the public? If to the former, why? It has been in operation for more than a year, and certainly no evil has resulted there from. While maintained and operated for the benefit of one of the secret orders, yet it is a pool room. If to the latter, then why not give the public a chance to enjoy the priviledge accorded to the secret order? No reasonable nor tangible arguement can be put forth to deny the operation of another place of this kind without eliminating the one already in existence, which we do not urge. To us this is only a matter of fair play, in other words, equal rights to all, special privileges to none."
Another new candidate in the commercial world has been established in Wrightsville. It opened on the west side by J. Tom Davis, late head salesman at the Empire Store. It has a grocery department and dry goods, shoes, notions, etc. Cox & Tanner have one of the best fancy and family stores to be found anywhere. They have just received a new fresh line of Hinez' goods, and there, with fruits, confections, and is very appetising.
Wrightsville has been favored with some first-class attractions at the Vivola the past week. "Ingomar", the barbarian, an old but beautiful melodrama was played to a good house, and "The Wolf", the great New York Lyrie Theatre, success by Eugene Walter was great also. Next week "The Arrival of Kitty" will be presented.
Judge Kent has moved his office to the Brinson building, and Col. Ben Hill Moye has moved his office from the Vivola building to the upstairs at the Brinson building. E. J. Sumner has had a switchboard placed in his store and is having wires run to connect with different points.
Mr. Crawford Holt was taken to Rawlings Sanitarium for treatment. Ralph Bryan still has pneumonia. Mrs. Gordon Kent of Adel had to go to Rawlings also, accompained by her sister, Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield and Dr. J. W. Brinson. Mr. W. W. Moye of Columbus, and Mrs. T. H. Grier of Dublin attended the funeral of their father last week, Mr. John W. Moye.
J. V. Snell announced his candidacy for Clerk of Superior Court. He has been connected with this office for several years. The county convention of the Republican Party of Johnson County was called to meet in the Odd Fellows hall on Feb. 6th to elect delegates to the State and District conventions. H. T. Aiken, chairman and J. G. Pullen, secetary. J. C. Wiggins, Ordinary, reminded all pensioners of Johnson County that their money is ready for pickup. The Confederate Veterans, Camp Martin, elected Miss Bessie Martin as sponsor to attend the grand reunion of Confederate Veterans in Macon on May 7th, 8th and 9th.
Mr. M. Eugene Moody died from an aneurism at the sanitarium of Dr. Leon Moye at Vidalia. His remains were carried to Tennille at Zeta Cemetery. He resided in Wrightsville several years, 45 years old and a native of Washington County. He married Miss Maud Cox and was a relative of Mrs. R. L. Kent.
Driving a load of hay across the farm of J. S. Jackson on the Howell Mill road, a colored man was severly shocked and two horses instantly killed by current from the main feed wire of the Georgia Railway and Electric Company, which in some manner had become crossed with a telegraph guy wire, charging the ground for some distance around. Just before he forced his horses over the fatal territory a team of mules balked at the crossing and finally ran away, injuring their driver, who had attempted to force them across.
It is only a few months until Idylwild will be open to the public. Already the youngsters and grownups, too, are looking forward with pleasuradle anticipation to the opening of this famous resort.

From Days Gone By

2011-01-22T16:03:00.001-08:00

January 25, 1912.

Warthen College observed Lee's birthday on friday in a very appropriate manner. The whole school was instructed upon the life and character of the great general by college president, A. F. Ware and Capt. John L. Martin, Confederate veteran. The college is now in the best running order ever. The enrollment is the largest in the history of the school and a faculty as strong as any. Superintendent of Education, A. J. Robinson is busy making inspections of all the county schools.
At the regular council meeting, on March 6th, there will be passed upon an application now pending, to run a pool room in the city. As true representatives, the mayor and council invites all good citizens to express themselves as to what action to take. Councilman B. H. Lord was elected mayor pro tem. He is a good man and the only man on the council to have been there before, serving in 1909.
Duff & Robinson, watchmakers and opticans are now located in Robinson brick building on the north side of the square. John and Jack are "right up to now" in all they profess; reliable and courteous. The Vaudeville Team at the Vivola Theatre are making good, and a large crowd greets them each night. J. D. Outlaw & Son, blacksmith's, tells the public there is a rumor being circulated that they have gone up on the price of horse shoeing to $1.50. This is not true. We are shoeing at the same price as always at $1.00 and we guarentee our work. Cox & Tanner have sent out samples of India Tea which is pronounced par excellence by the tea drinkers.
Joe Little, the veteran colored barber of Wrightsville, now has his shop in the "band stand", north of the public square, lately vacated by Judge J. L. Kent. Joe says he is now fixed up in apple pie order, and invites his city and country friends to drop in and see him and he will serve them promptly and in the best manner possible.
Mr. & Mrs. W. L. Burns left Wrightsville for Tennille to occupy their new home on Smith Street. Rev. Chas. R. Williams, with his family, have moved from Spann to Wrightsville and are occupying the Cox old home on Elm Street.
Col. and Mrs. A. L. Hatcher went to Atlanta as guests at the reception by Gov. John M. Slaton. Rep. E. L. Stephens is also in Atlanta attending a special session of the General Assembly to inaugurate former Gov. Joe M. Brown as Governor. J. M. Hightower announces for Ordinary in the August primary. Ira S. Chappell and Judge K. J. Hawkins have both announced for Judge of Superior Court.
J. J. L. Outlaw has been sick for several weeks. Clerk A. S. Norris has dispepsia and has been visited by his father, Dr. S. M. Norris. Dr. C. R. Riner of Summitt, a former Johnson County boy, was here to see George M. Riner who is sick at his home on West Elm Street. Mrs. Will Dent is quite sick also.
After an extended illness of organic heart trouble, Mr. J. W. Moye died at his home here and was buried at Westview. He was a native of Baldwin County and was a Confederate veteran as a youth in Governor Joe Brown's Militia. He was one time the superintendent of the Johnson County Farm. He married thrice and survived by his last wife and several children among whom Mrs. W. H. Baron of this city.
The past two or three days have been real spring-like and preparations are being made for early gardens. Some have already planted English peas and cabbage, thereby observing the old custom of plantin in the "12 days", or the "old Christmas". The woodpecker is now abroad in our sunny southland, plying his characteristic avocation. The presence of this distinguished red-head member of the bird kingdom, is, it is said, the precurser of spring.

From days Gone by Jan. 18, 1912

2011-01-19T18:08:00.001-08:00

January 18, 1912.
In accordance with custom the old and new city council of Wrightsville met on January 6th, that the reins of government might be officially turned over to the incoming gentlemen of the council. The mayor appointed the different committees, viz: Finance, J. M. Cook, B. H. Lord, A. T. Cobb; street and lane, B. E. Jordan, L. J. Claxton, A. T. Cobb; sanitary, B. E. Jordan, T. L. Harris, chief of police; water and lights, J. M. Cook, B. H. Lord, L. J. Claxton; police com., L. J. Claxton, B. E. Jordan, A. T. Cobb. Col. A. L. Hatcher, city attorney.
Some citizens are betting high on new mayor, T. L. Harris, when he gets a lick at some of the old chronic violators of the prohibition laws. That the law is violated is very evident, and our ears are open to hear the weeping of the transgressor, for surely his way will be hard.
J. H. Rowland has moved his office to the store of Rowland Merchantile Co. and C. H. Moore now has his office in the building formerly occupied as a garage. Messers. John Duff and Jack Robinson have formed a copartnership and opened their jewlery and repair business, in the Robinson building, recently vacated by Dr. J. R. Dent, who has moved his office to the home of his parents on West Court Street. The new stores, corner of Court and Marcus streets, recently rebuilt by W. G. Burns and A. T. Cobb, are a great improvement to that part of the city. They are nice large store rooms with attractive front entrances. Despite the low price of cotton, and the usual cry of hard times, Wrightsville continues to grow and these new buildings, and other improvements evidence the fact that our town is still in the line of progress.
W. L. Burns of the G. and F. Railway is here on business. R. L. Stephens has severed his connection with the Tompkins stores, and is now on the road. E. E. Daley and family will move into their pretty Bungalow on West Elm Street, as soon as the weather is more favorable. The home was built by contractor W. C. Chester, and is attractive, conveniently arranged and furnished with all modern equipment. This is the first Bungalow built in Wrightsville.
Mr. Geo. M. Rhiner has been quite ill for several days. Mrs. Mary Pritchard who was operated on at Rawlings Sanitarium is improving. Mr. Henry Montford continues quite ill at his home on Court Street. He has been sick for several months and getting worse. B. Vickers of the Vickers, Williams & Co. firm has been confined to his bed with fever.
Little Martha Kent, the infant daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Louie Kent, has more grandmothers than any one we have heard of. This little lady is blessed with seven grandmothers as follows: one great great grandmother, four great grandmothers, and two grandmothers and each of these think Martha is the finest baby ever born.
Wright Norris had the misfortune to have the foot and one side of his buggy burned recently. He drove out to his plantation and had placed a hot brick in the buggy to make him comfortable. He forgot to remove the foot warmer when he left his buggy and the wrappings ignited and burned most of the vehicle.
It was announced in Savannah that the reason for the withdrawal from the U. S. Supreme Court of the case of Dr. W. J. McNaughton, the convicted murder of Fred Flanders, in Emanuel County, was because of newly discovered evidence in the case. When the time comes to resentence McNaughton, his attorneys will file the extraordinary motion. "We expect to see Dr. McNaughton walk from the courthouse a free man when his case is finally disposed. We are convinced that he is innocent."
On January 19th will commemorate the 105th birthday of Gen. Robert E. Lee. The day is a legal holiday in Georgia and will be observed here by all the banks. Warthen College will observe the day with appropriate excercises.
The past several days, the weather has been extremely cold. We have had rain, snow, sleet and plenty of ice. The roads were all frozen, which made travel very uncomfortable, and very few people have come in from the country, and business of all kind has been very light. Everybody remaining at home, unless necessity required them to leave their fireside. Tuesday morning was the coldest of the winter. Thermometers registering 10 degrees above zero, which is very cold for this section. Oats that were sown in the fall, are said to have been destroyed by the cold weather.

From days gone By Jan 11, 1912

2011-01-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

January 11, 1912.
The new office on Bradford Street recently built by J. H. Rowland, was almost totally destroyed by fire about 2 am Monday morning. As soon as the alarm was sounded the fire company promptly responded and extinguished the flames. The building was a small frame, composed of two nice offices, occupied by J. H. Rowland and C. H. Moore. Rowland lost most of his papers, etc. but Moore's loss was minimal for most of his was in the safe. it is believed the fire started from a cigar carelessly dropped in the building in the early evening. Mr. Rowland had no insurance on the building. The house of Jack Irwin, a colored tenant on the farm of Mr. E. P. Bedingfield, on the line between Washington and Johnson, three miles below Harrison, was burned Sunday night with all its contents, including three of Irwin's children, the oldest about thirteen. The mother and father had gone to church at Harrison and the children were home alone. Dr. J. W. Palmer of Ailey, a prominent physician plans to run for congress. He graduated from Nannie Lou Warthen College. Hal B. Wimberly of Dublin announced as a candidate for solicitor of the Dublin Circuit.
Mr. C. T. Bray was elected by the Board of Directors as president of the Exchange Bank. He will succeed Mr. U. R. Jenkins who resigined. Mrs. Duff and family have moved to the T. M. Hicks residence at Westend. H. B. Sanders who has been with H. C. Tompkins is now a traveling salesman for Straws & Co. of New York. The Granstark Company played at the Vivola Theatre to a small crowd. The constant and heavy rainfall prevented many from attending. It was a play, one of beauty and interest. M. J. Price applied for exemption of personality, and setting apart and valuation of homestead with Judge J. C. Wiggins, Ordinary. C. H. Hicks applied for leave to sell land belonging to the estate of Jacob Hicks to settle debts and distrbution among heirs. W. F. Downs applied for permanent administrator on the estate of Minnie O. Wilcher, also G. D. Snell applies for the same for the estate of Mrs. Mary Stephens. There will be a public sale at the residence of the late G. W. Bush, seven mules, one horse, all farm tools & implements, groceries, dry goods; 500 bushels corn, 6,000 bundles of fodder, 150 bushels cottonseed, one saw mill, 40 horse boiler, 20 horse engine, grist mill, 53 hogs, 3,000 stalks sugar cane. It will be sold by N. D. Hattaway, administer of his estate. Mrs. J. C. Griner was called to Thompson to see her mother who is critically ill. Mrs. Mary Miller of Dublin, owing to the serious illness of little Ralph Bryan, who has chronic pneumonia, is still with her sister, Mrs. J. M. Bryan. Mrs. Mary Pritchard was taken to the sanitarium in Sandersville for an operation. Mr. George W. Smith, one of the men in the auto which was hit by a Central of Georgia freight train on August 17th in Adrian, at which time he was seriously hurt, died this morning. He had been confined to his bed since the accident. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Dr. W. J. McNaughton of Emanuel County, from the death sentence imposed upon him for the murder of Fred Flanders. A petition was filed with the Superior Court of Johnson County by A. T. Cobb, W. R. Gatlin, and Mrs. Pearl Gatlin for a charter incorporating the Wrightsville Automobile Company for 20 years. Capital stock is to be $2500 divided into shares of $100 each. They propose to deal in automobiles, bicycles, gasoline, electrical fixtures and repair work on same including pistols and guns. The principal office will be in the city of Wrightsville. A. L. Hatcher, petitioners attorney.

Fw: From Days Gone By, Jan 4, 1912

2010-12-29T17:05:00.001-08:00

January 4, 1912.
Warthen College will begin the spring term on Monday, the 8th. A new boiler has been put in position and everything will be in fine condition for the most succeesful term in the history of the school. There will be many new pupils from out of town this term. Prof. Charles E. Clarkson of Marshall, Missouri will be added to the college department and Miss Bridges of Roberta, Ga. has been added also. Two new courses will be added this year. A preparatory course to the study of piano, offered to the first four grades, and a class in the Tonic Sol Fa System, which will lead to sight singing. These courses will be the key to "a talent in music."A welcome service was held at the Christian Church by Rev. E. W. Pease, the pastor. The object was to extend a christian welcome to the new pastors who have come to Wrightsville. These are Rev. J. B. Holly of the Baptist Church; Rev. J. C. Griner of the Methodist Church and Rev. Bridges of the Wrightsville Circuit. Miss Bronnie May Tanner will enter Bessie Tift College at Forsyth. Miss Rosa Blackshear will teach at Cochran. Miss Maude Lou Sterling will teach at Doerun. Miss Sara Lovett,graduated LaGrange Female College and will teach music at Harrison. Miss Nevada Johnson will teach at Sylvania high school. At the home of the brides parents, Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Jackson at Harrison, Miss Bessie Jackson married Mr. Henry Wilson. Mr. Wilson is assistant agent in the W. & T. Railroad office at Wrightsville. Mr. Edward Hicks married Miss Belle Brown of Macon on Dec. 26th. Mr. Hicks is the brother of Mrs. Tom Snell and Misses Janiebell and Nookie Hicks of Wrightsville. The merchantile business of J. E. Page at Orianna, five miles below Adrian,
on the Wadley Southern Railroad, burned to the ground. Mr. Page lives just over the line in Montgomery County and is a progressive farmer and merchant. The fire was considered arson.
Preston Norris formaly announces his candidacy for Johnson County Clerk of Court in the white primary of 1912. Judge J. E. Burch announces as a candidate for the judgeship of the Dublin Circuit. He is a son-in-law of Judge A. F. Daley. Mrs. Jas M. Bryan and little son Ralph are much better from their case of pneumonia. Mrs. H. M. Smith has been in Atlanta visiting her ill husband at the private sanitarium there. Mrs. J. F. Norris is in Eastman at the bedside of her
daughter Mrs. W. Fitzgerald who has pneumonia. The death of William W. Anthony was a blow to Johnson County. He was stricken with pneumonia on Dec. 18th and died on the 23rd. He was the eldest son of Rev. J. D. Anthony and was 60 years old. He lived in Wrightsville over 30 years and was a long time Clerk of Court and member of the firm of D. G. Blount & Co. The funeral was held Christmas Day and he was buried in the Anthony burying ground in sight of his home "Glenwood" just outside of Wrightsville. A telegram was received by the city announcing the death of Capt. Richard L. Hicks who died on the 31st in Mexico where he had been to recuperate his health. "Dick" Hicks was a native of Johnson County. He was once editor of the Dublin Post, then went to Thomasville and then to Bainbridge, his late home, where he is survived by his wife and two daughters. Capt. Hicks was the youngest son of Major James Hicks, and a brother of Mrs. C. A. Moore and Mrs. Jane Snell. He served on the honorary escort at the funeral of Gen. Robert E. Lee. His remains were brought back to Bainbridge. "The eventful year of 1912 is now before us; the year 1911 has passed into history. We stand today between two eternities, the past and the future, upon the threshold of the old and the new, Janus-like face, two ways. Let us forget the past with all its wrongs and disappointments. This is a new year; begin it right; enter upon our work fully prepared in the right spirit, and with the proper conception of our duty." A. F. Ware, President, Warthen College.

From Days Gone By Dec. 29, 1911

2010-12-20T18:19:00.001-08:00

December 29, 1911.
Christmas past off quietly here, there are no casualties to report, notwithstanding the rain, the mud and slush of the streets. The town was crowded with people. The continuous rain gave opportunity for the eager boy to shoot fire poppers and other fire works, and this we were constantly reminded that the Christmas holidays were on. Everyone was glad to see the sunshine out bright and clear again, after a week of continuous rain. The weather now is crisp and cold, just such as is needed to save the recently killed meat. The merchants all did fairly a good trade here, it is said that Tanner & Cox sold literally out of everything good to eat that they had. Moving and removing has begun, and there will be a good many changes, both in our town and in the country for another year.
While out target shooting on Monday with a number of young persons, J. V. Chapman was accidentally shot in the abdomen by Lee Gregory, a youth. Young Gregory was out hunting and shot at a bird, the bullet missing the mark and hitting Mr. Chapman. The wound was not of a serious nature. On the first Tuesday in January 1912, to the highest bidder on the court house in Wrightsville, the J. D. Webb place containing 100 acres, more or less, three and one-half miles from town will be sold, terms cash, by J. Z. Webb. The sudden and unexpected death of Honorable W. W. Anthony, which occured at his home in the city, after a brief illness of pneumonia, threw a gloom over the entire city. Adrian will hold a big auction sale of all of the personal property of the late Thomas Jefferson James on January 3rd, 1912. Many things will be offered from the estate of this wealthy man, including one standard bred stallion, Tennessee jack, 32 mules, 16 horses including colts and mares, oxen, milk cows, 80 cattle, Berkshire boars, thrashing machine, McCormick reaper, mowers, carrages, plows, wagons, electric light and water works plant in Adrian and a seven passenger Chalmers 40 automobile, fully equipped. The sale is by Mrs. Alice A. James, Executor. A veterans meeting was held at the court house for the local United Confederate Veterans with the following veterans present: J. T. Snell, Thomas Jefferson Brantley, Benjamin F. Martin, D. R. Underwood, John L. Martin, J. F. Price, T. F. Price, T. W. Walden and Lee Mosley. The object of the meeting was to petition the ladies of the county to organize the Daughters of the Confederacy which had recently been disorganized, so that they can operate with the veterans of Camp Martin in any and all enterprises pertaining to the welfare of those veterans of Johnson County. It is essential to the preservation of the camp. A committee was appointed and will report back at the next meeting on the first Wednesday in January 1912.

Fw: From days Gone By Dec. 22, 1911

2010-12-13T17:16:00.001-08:00

December 22, 1911.
This weeks issue of the 1911 newspapers are not available. This column is from a December 1911 issue written by S. J. Gabbert, Dearborn, Mo., in the American Hereford Journal but appeared in the Wrightsville papers entitled "Why Boys Leave The Farm". "Sometimes I would like to turn myself loose on the subject of "why farmer boys leave home and go to the city," or "how to keep the boys on the farm." I may be mistaken, but I think I can give some pointers along this line that will appeal to many farmer boys. Having been born and raised on a farm, and never leaving it, I have had some of the foolish longings, trials and hardships of many good, useful boys who would have made excellent farmers and stockmen had they the proper training from their farmer fathers. If nine-tenths of the farmers and stockmen would give one-tenth as much attention to their boys as they do to their farm or stock, there would be fifty per cent less boys leave home and go to a life unsuited to them, and to which they were unsuited. There would be fewer failures, fewer broken hearts and fewer unmanly men, if fathers would take as much interest in their son's welfare and happiness and progress as they do in their live stock. I breed cattle and love them. I also breed fancy saddle and driving horses, and like them almost as well;but the same time I am raising sons and daughters. I have two of each, and I love them more than all the cattle and horses. Profiting by my own longings when a growing boy, for the allurements of city life and its pleasures, I shall endeavor to make the farm life more attractive
than the city. I shall try to make them feel that they are more essential to my happiness and pleasure than fat cattle and fancy saddlers. I shall endeavor to enthuze into them the same attractiveness that good cattle have for me. The horses, I shall teach them, are for theirpleasure, use and profit, as well as for mine. Too many old stingy farmers love the "almighty dollar" better than their wives and children, and use their boys as they do 'Gld Dabbin,' for work only. You can treat a dumb brute that way, for he cannot resent it, but you go too far with a boy, especially if he is bright, and the only protection he has is to get away from the "old man" and hard work.The result is that the fancied leisure life of his city cousin, and the pleasures therein lead him to the city. Treat the boy as if he was part human; give him an interest in the stock or farm; let him make his money and spend it as he likes, but encourage him to use it judiciously, economically and for some article that will grow into more money. Then your boy will develop faster than the best show calf, pig or colt on the farm. The subject is so big and so needed that I feel as though more should be written about it. We spend large sums of money in the papers, advertising our
stock to sell, but do not give the two-legged animals, that are worth thousands more than the four-legged ones, a single penny or thought above their work as money-savers. About three-fourths of the farmer are "grafters," and when they cannot graft some other man or men they take it out on the boys with hard labor for eighteen hours a day. Every time they lose money on a trade, the boys suffer most, for the old saying comes then, "boys, you will have to work a little harder and without a new suit," etc., etc. My heart goes out to the poor, hard-working money-less farm boy, living in the backwoods, working from daylight until nine o'clock at night with no cheer at home, no entertainment of any kind; nothing but the country school house with its hard desks, and the old frame church on Sunday, with six long year hard eighteen-hour-long work days. Who can blame some boys for going to the city?

From Days Gone by Dec. 15, 1911

2010-12-13T17:03:00.001-08:00

December 15, 1911.
Mr. James Mitchell who was accused of stabbing Mr. H. P. Hicks in last weeks column, tells his side of the story. "As I was coming from the show, making my way to the fire that had broke out, I came across Mr. Hicks and he raved out at me, telling me to stop cursing in the presence of his children. I told him that if I had cursed I did not notice it, and he raved out again, and told me to shut my mouth, and do it now. I told him that I had not cursed before his children, and he said in a loud voice, "You are a d---- lie", and came on me with his knife and cut my coat, and would have done me much damage, but I caught his hand and we fell to the ground and was pulled apart." The stockholders of the Citizens Bank of Adrian met. There was a nice profit made by the bank and it was ordered that the stockholders be paid a 10 per cent dividend, and the balance be set aside as a surplus. The officers elected were: C. R. Williams, President; E. J. Sumner, Vice-President; and A. Woods, 2nd Vice-President. Board of Directors were C. R. Williams, E. J. Sumner, E. W. Carter, S. J. Sumner, W. S. Burns, C. C. Pope, A. Woods, J. E. Webb, Ed Ellison, M. T. Riner, J. W. Smith, and F. C. Gillis. Cashier, John T. Henderson, Asst. Cashier, R. C. Powers. The statement of condition of the Bank of Wrightsville was $167,718.85. The report of the condition of the First National Bank was $150,140.59. Preston Norris announced he will be a candidate for Johnson County Clerk of Superior Court in the 1912 primary. Col. B. H. Moye and family have moved to their new home on South Myrtle Avenue, recently occupied by W. A. Mixon and family. Jas F. Flanders of Sylvester was in the city this week. "Our Jim" is as handsome and distinguished looking as ever, a magnificent specimen of young manhood. W. C. Brinson, J. W. Cook and B. R. Blount, accompanied by their friend, W. Pritchard, a traveling salesman from Atlanta, enjoyed a hunting expedition on the Savannah River. R. Z. Sterling, accompanied by Mrs. Sterling, Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. L. J. Claxton, went to Gibson in an automobile to attend the funeral of Mrs. H. G. Kent. Mr. & Mrs. Louie Kent announced the birth of a daughter, and "Grandpa Luther" is wearing a smile that won't come off. John R. Grice has rented his home to Rev. J. R. Kelly and family who will take possession January 1st and continue to operate the same as a boarding house. Mr. & Mrs. Grice are much beloved by their boarders, and have maintained a splendid house, and an excellent table, which have made the Grice House very popular. Mr. & Mrs. Grice will leave in early January for an extended visit to their son, Cleo, in New Smyrna, Florida. Last Sunday morning Mr. Charles W. Maddox of Scott, fell from his buggy dead. Mr. Maddox was a well known farmer of this section, and his friends and relatives regret very much to learn of his sudden death. In a memorial obituary of Mary T. Meeks who died Nov. 3, 1911 after a brief illness. She was born in Hancock County Jan. 12, 1837. She joined Bethel Baptist in that county in 1856, from there she moved it to Rehobeth in 1865. On Nov. 23, 1865 she married Rev. D. L. Meeks and was blessed with 46 years of marriage. In another memorial obituary of Miss Dicey New who was born April 24, 1856, married to John H. Hall at the age of 20, was left a widow with 4 children on Feb. 11, 1889 and departed this life Nov. 23, 1911. She spent her last days in Wrightsville. At age 16 she joined Pleasant Hill Baptist in Washington County, afterwards moving it to Liberty Grove where she was a member at her death. She left 3 sons and 1 daughter. In a letter to Santa Claus from William Parker he writes, "Please bring me a wagon, drum, horn, a toy horse, a tool chest and some letters to print with. Now Santa don't bring me a doll, Grandpa said you was. But I don't want it. You can
give it to sister."

From Days Gone By Dec. 8, 1911

2010-12-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

December 8, 1911. On last Saturday night, while Mr. P. H. Hicks was returning home from the circus with his little son and daughter, and when near the residence of Dr. Haines, on Court Street, he was overtaken by a white man named Mitchell. It was said he was drinking, and was cursing to such an extent that Mr. Hicks remonstrated with him, and asked him to desist using such language in the presence of his little daughter. The rebuke so enraged Mitchell that without a moments warning he attacked Mr. Hicks and inflicted a severe wound on the back of his neck with a knife, after which Mitchell and his brother came on in town, got in their buggy and left. Mr. Hicks succeeded in reaching the residence of Dr. S. M. Johnson, which was near by, and had Dr. Johnson to dress his wound. After which he was taken home. A warrant was at once taken out for Mitchell and he was arrested and brought to town where a peliminary trial was held. Also last Saturday night some vacant shanties belonging to the Robinson Planning Mills, near the W. & T. Railroad, in the southern portion of town, caught fire from some unknown cause, and was soon destroyed. The planning mill near by was in jeopardy but the fire companies quenched the flames so the loss was not much. In the last issue of the Wrightsville Chronicle, the suspension of that paper was announced, and the plant will be converted into a job office. Editor F. A. Sinquefield and manager Frank Jackson, deserve credit for the efforts they have put forth to make the Chronicle a success, and it was regreted their departure from journalism. The Dan Kelly Vaudiville Company is now playing at the Vivola. For one night only, December 14th the comedy success of the century "The Chorus Lady", a comedy by James Forbes. Prices are 50 cents, 75 cents and $1.00 on sale at H. C. Tompkins store. Little Elizabeth Stephens is convalesing after a severe illness. Mrs. C. A. Moore is recovering from a fall. Claudius, the little son of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Beall, of Dublin is ill with pneumonia at his grandmothers, Mrs. Sinquefield. Donnie Mayo, the 12 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. M. D. Mayo, died at their home near Wrightsville. The little girl had been in feeble health for some time, though she died suddenly. She was interred at Beulah Baptist Church cemetery by Rev. W. E. Harville. Charlie Wilson and George Gannon went to Swainsboro making the trip in Tanner's auto, with Otho at the wheel. W. A. Mixon and family have moved back to their old home on Belmont Avenue. Santa Claus is making his annual visit to Wrightsville, and the stores are a veritable scene of beauty and brightness. Handsome and simple gifts are here in abundance, and one has only to go and select what they want. No town in the state handles a better selected or a larger stock of Christmas goods and novelties than Wrightsville.

From Days Gone By Dec. 1, 1911

2010-11-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

December 1, 1911. The elegant colonial home of E. A. W. Johnson on Elm Street will soon be formally presented to the owner by Contractor W. C. Chester, whose splendid capacity and architectural talent are strongly portrayed in this really beautiful structure. The residence is built on the colonial plan. Spacious verandahs, supported by immense white columns are remarkably attractive. The lower floor embraces reception hall, library, parlor, guest chamber, dinning room, butlers pantry, store room, lavatory, etc. The second floor consists of four well-arranged bed rooms, linen closets, lavatory, dressing rooms, etc. Handsome mantles make it most inviting and the house is supplied with all modern conviences in way of water, lights, etc. The Johnsons hope to take residence before Christmas. J. H. Rowland and C. H. Moore have moved their offices to the new building on Bradford Street recently erected by Mr. Rowland. The pretty bungalow now being built by Contractor Chester for cashier Daley, of the Exchange Bank will be completed in a couple of weeks. The stores are full of Christmas goods, and everything is beginning to assume a holiday appearance. There is not a town in Georgia the size of Wrightsville, that can claim any handsomer or more up-to-date stores. The charter for the Bank of Adrian has been granted by Hon. Phil Cook, Sec. of state. The new bank is now established, and begins business with very bright prospects. The officers and directors are experienced financiers. Contractor Chester has the contract for erecting the new bank building. Sun Brothers Shows will soon be here and will assemble its forces on the Luther Blount field. The show will arrive by special train via the W. & T. Railroad. Over 100 men, women and children performers take part in the show. The Cresent Concert Company, the third of the Lyceum Attractions will appear at the Vivola Opera House Dec. 4th. It is a first-class musical organization. Mr. H. M. Smith, brother-in-law of Col. A. L. Hatcher, is critically ill in Atlanta with no hope of recovery. He married his wife, Miss Sara Hatcher only one year ago. Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Tompkins were called to Tarrytown on account of the death of their sister-in-law, Mrs. Robt. Anderson. Ella Wood, a well known colored woman of the town, died suddenly at her home here. Creen Hayes, the former well-known colored plasterer and brick mason of Wrightsville, died at his home in the country from a stroke of parallysis. Lila, the 6 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Herschel Hightower, died at her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Henderson. The little one was ill only a few days of congestion of the lungs. She was buried at Westview. Thomas Jefferson James, the man behind the beginning of the town of Adrian, died at a sanitarium in Atlanta at age 65. He was at one time a prominent resident of Atlanta, and one of the largest real estate holders in Georgia. He once had vast tracts of land in Jefferson, Emanuel, Laurens, Bibb, Johnson and Montgomery counties. He ran a sawmill business at Adrian and was a railroad magnate at one time. He was a well known Confederate soldier, seeing his first service at Gettysburg, captured at Spottsylvania and a prisioner at Elmira, New York for a year. Mr. John Hicks, of Thomas County spent the week with his brother H. P. Hicks and family. John had not been here in 14 years and was surprised at the growth of his home town. He left a small town and came back to a beautiful little city. Mr. & Mrs. C. H. Moore received a Thanksgiving present in the way of a fine son, Homer Moore, Jr. The cane grinding season is now on hand, and the young folks are enjoying their annual juice drinking. T. F. Brown of Donovan brought a fine bottle of syrup to town and it was all right. The hog-killing season is on now also. Mr. William G. Davis, a prominent and veteran farmer of the county brought a freak potato to town, in a class by itself owing to its shape. Aside from being mammoth in size, its shape was the leading feature, resembling very much in appearance to a squash or muskmelon. This potato was grown by Mr. Davis, who, though "eighty-odd years young". is still hale and hearty, and is as active on the farm as the next man.

From Days Gone By November 24, 1911

2010-11-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

November 24, 1911. Yesterday morning in Dublin, City Court Sheriff, B. M. Grier arrested Doyle Welch who was charged with stealing a horse and buggy from Mr. Will Rayley in Wrightsville last Sunday night. The black man stole the horse and buggy and Mr. Grier was notified to watch out for him. At about 8 or 10 o'clock Welch drove into the stables of Dupree & Childers. Sheriff Grier was just across the street when Welch pulled up and he was arrested a few minutes after his arrival. Welch acknowledged that he took it and is now in jail. An erroneous impression is out that doves can be shot on Thanksgiving Day, according to President J. D. Taylor of the Game Association. This is not true. Deer, squirrel and migratory ducks are the only animals and game that can be shot on that day. Persons shooting doves or other game will be arrested. All persons in the woods with a gun Thanksgiving Day will be required to have a license which can be secured from Warden Walker. Persons hunting in their militia district do not require a license, but all others must have a county license. Next week, "The Arrival of Kitty" will be presented at the Vivola. But the biggest day of amusement in the history of Wrightsville will take place on December 2nd with a visit by the famous Sun Brothers' World's Progressive Shows. This popular tented exhibition now on its 20th annual tour. This seasons Big Top performance will eclipse all others. The Zoologic and Wild West display is a mamoth one. No fakirs, gamblers or purple attractions are ever countenanced about this show. It is the purest and cleanest conducted show ever organized. The suspension of school at Warthen College, does not often occur, but for several days during the late cold snap, the exercises were abbrieviated to some extent on account of the heating apparatus being out of order. There were about 20 teachers to attend the special examination held at the court house by county school superintendent A. J. M. Robinson and all passed and will receive thier license. W. P. Norris will take charge of the school at Arline's Chapel. Mrs. N. L. Thomas is up now from a broken limb several weeks ago. Tom Davis is on the road to recovery. Sarah Evelyn, the youngest daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Johnson has been sick the past week. Tanner & Kent's Furniture Emporium hosted a demonstration of "White Crest Flour". Hot cakes and biscuts made with this flour was served with hot coffee free of charge. The flour is sold at Hayes Brothers in Wrightsville. White Crest cookbooks were given as souvenirs. Mr. E, A. W. Johnson and family expect to move into thier handsome new home just before Christmas. The old residence which they now occupy has been rented to T. M. Jordan for next year. Miss Ruth Hall and Mr. John M. Meeks were happily married at the bride's parents home near Danville. Mr. Meeks is a highly esteemed young man of near Wrightsville. Miss Ruth is daughter of Mr. L. L. Hall of Wilkinson County. Mrs. Dicey Hall died at her home in the city after an illness covering several months. She is survived by one daughter and three sons, two of which are James and John Hall of Wrightsville. She was buried in the family graveyard near the Hall Plantation. Mr. A. J. Bush who died a few weeks back was born on Febuary 1st, 1852 and was married to Miss Sallie Ann Heath, daughter of William Henry Heath of Johnson County on October 26, 1876. He joined the baptist church at Bethlehem in Laurens County in 1874 and was baptized by Brother Turner Smith. He died on October 31, 1911 and was buried at Beulah Baptist Church near Donovan.

From Days Gone By Nov. 17, 1911

2010-11-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

November 17, 1911. "Sew your buttons on tight, and go to the Vivola tonight, to the minstrel show." The Vivola Theatre is still very popular. Crowds of "grown ups", and little folks attend the moving pictures, which are exhibited every night. Many of these pictures are instructive, while others are in a lighter view. The pictures are all pleasing, and there is nothing in them to offend the feeling of the most fastidious. Coburn's Minstrels will be at the Vivola tonight. Charley Gano is the leading man, as a blackface artist, Mr. Gano is in a class to himself. In fact, the company is a combination of laugh-fetchers and fun-producers. Then on Saturday night the Vivola presents the Carlos Inkeep Attractions, offering that joyous, jolly, jingling, jollier, The Girl and The Tramp, The Laughing Comedy success with an excellent cast and a senic production. The colonial columns which adorn the front of E. A. W. Johnson's new home are the handsomest in the city. They are immense in proportion, and artistically finished. Contractor Chester is rushing the work, and expects to complete the residence within a few weeks. Mr. Johnson and family hope to take possesion of their beautiful new home in early January. Dr. E. W. Oliver of Tampa, Florida has accepted a position of prescription clerk with the Wrightsville Drug Company. Dr. Oliver is a Georgian and he graduated from the pharmacy school in Atlanta. Miss Brown of Marshall, Mo. who has been teaching voice at Sparks Collegiate Institute, is now in our city and has organized a vocal class, and will be in Wrightsville for several weeks. C. M. Schwals of Kite is now running a big department store at that place. Eugene Tanner, late with Cox & Tanner, is now with the Farmer's Merchantile Company as a salesman. Jas B. Hicks was appointed Judge of City Court of Dublin. Wrightsville continues to contribute her sons, to the citzenry and growth of her sister city, the "Gem of the Oconee!" The Post Office Department has established a postal savings system at the Wrightsville Post Office. The funeral of Mrs. Nancy Smith will be preached at Maple Springs. Mrs. M. D. Lanier of Waynesboro is visiting her sick daughter, Miss Clyde Lanier. Mrs. William Faircloth is with her mother, Mrs. Kennedy at Rawlings Sanitarium. Mr. Tom Davis, head salesman of the Empire Store has pneumonia. Mr. B. M. Dent, Sr., an aged and well known citizen of the county died at his home near here. He was 84 years old and survived by one brother, Mr. W. J. Dent, Sr. and neices and nephews. He was buried at the Dent burying grounds. Mr. Mellie Downs and Miss Bessie Kitchens were happily married at the bride's parents near Scott, Rev. J. R. Kelly officiating. Mr. Downs is a promising young man, a son of Mr. L. D. Downs. Last Saturday morning at the methodist church Miss Gertrude Williams and Mr. Creselle of Atlanta were married by Rev. W. L. Wright. The bride is a sister of Mrs. N. Braddy of Wrightsville. Miss Ruby Johnson and Mr. Roy Jackson, both of Lovett were married by Rev. Geo. H. Walker, pastor of the Brewton Methodist Church. The wedding came as quite a surprise to the friends of the young couple, as no announcement had been made. Mrs. Jackson is the daughter of the late Dr. P. M. Johnson and neice of Dr. S. M. and Mr. E.A.W. Johnson. She attended Warthen College and later Bessie Tift College at Forsyth.

From Days Gone By November 10, 1911

2010-11-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

November 10, 1911. Wrightsville's newly elected mayor, Dr. T. L. Harris is one of Wrightsville's prominent physicians and enterprising citizens. Dr. Harris has been a resident of the city for a quarter of a century and has a natural interest in the town. The five aldermen, Messrs. Lord, Jordan, Cobb, Cook and Claxton are all safe men and their service will no doubt better the city of Wrightsville. It was not a large audience which greeted Coburn's Minstrels at the Vivola but it was an appreciative one. The Coburn Company presents an old-fashioned minstrel show. Mr. Coburn was unfortunate in being booked in with six shows which are coming this week, for his organization is one for which no apoligies have to be made. On last sunday night about six, the alarm of fire was given and upon investigation it proved to be at "The Oaks", the home of Mrs. V. B. Robinson on West Court Street. The roof of the kitchen caught fire from a defective flue and but for timely aid the pretty residence would have been destroyed. Mr. J. B. Long, a surburban farmer living on the southside of Wrightsville had his barn and contents destroyed by fire. He had $300 insurance. Hon. G. T. Mason was stricken with apoplexy last monday at the court house at Lyons. Mr. Mason was born and reared at the old family home at Mason's Bridge near Wrightsville. He was a man of integrity, noble character and his sudden death is morned by a wide circle of family and friends. He moved to Lyons ten years ago and at the time of his death was the Ordinary of Toombs County. He is survived by his wife and eight children, four sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Raiford Mason, Mrs. Moye, Mrs. W. H. Bland, Mrs. E. New, Dr. R. M. Mason, C. A. Mason, Dr. W. G. Mason and Jos M. Mason. Mrs. Elizabeth Trawick and Mrs. J. L. Kent went to Tennille to the funeral of their relative, Mr. Charlie Roberson. Mr. E. A. Lovett is confined to his room sick. Col. E. L. Stephens is ill with malarial fever. Mr. Don McColsky came over from Vidalia in his car accompanied by Mrs. J. W. A. Crawford and Miss Lucile Manning. Mr. J. W. A. Crawford recently moved his family to Vidalia to a newly built residence. He is employed there with the coffin manufacturing company. Mr. T. D. Holt and family have moved to the J. W. A. Crawford home on College Street. Jim Hawkins is now clerking at Cox & Tanners. Mr. L. A. Collins and family after a years residence here has moved to Sandersville. Mr. & Mrs. H. M. Smith of Atlanta are happy over the arrival of a little daughter this week. Mr. & Mrs. Ivey Tanner went to Davisboro to attend the funeral of the latters grandfather, Mr. J. T. Gross who was buried at New Hope church. Elders Lee Hanks and J. E. Townsend will preach at Price's Springs if the weather is suitable says Mr. D. J. Smith. At the home of Mr. W. D. Rowland, Mr. S. A. Attaway and Miss Annie Rowland were happily married by Rev. J. R. Kelley. Mr. Attaway is a young man of sterling ability, a prosperous farmer of Johnson County. The beautiful bride is a daughter of Mr. J. R. Rowland and a sister of Messrs. J. H. and W. D. Rowland. They together with Mr. E. J. Sumner and Miss Zaida Snell left in Mr. Summers car for Augusta and will visit relatives at Aiken and Chester, South Carolina. After a long illness, Mrs. Mary McWhorter Meeks, wife of Rev. D. L. Meeks passed away at her home near Wrightsville. She was survived by her husband and two sisters, Mrs. T. W. Kent and Mrs. Anna Shurling. Services were provided by Rev. Jordan Norris with interment at the family cemetery. On last Sunday, Mr. Volentine Stephens died at his home in Scott after being ill with pneumonia for several days. He was buried at Pullen's burying ground. He was a brother of Messrs. Isham, William and Henry Stephens of near Kite and an uncle of Rosier Stephens of Wrightsville. After an illness of weeks with gripp, Mrs. Eliza Crawford died October 26th at the home of her son, Mr. J. M. Crawford near Wrightsville and buried at the Crawford cemetery. She was 88 years old and a member of the methodist church. She was totally blind and one of the oldest residents of Johnson County.

From Days Gone By Nov. 3, 1911

2010-10-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

November 3, 1911.
The Industrial Index of Georgia had an interesting description of
Wrightsville and Johnson County and its rich agricultural section in which it is
located. "Wrightsville is one of the splendid, progressive cities of central
Georgia that offers advantages to the homeseeker and the possible investor.
There has been much development at and around Wrightsville, but the resources
have hardly been touched, comparing what has been done with what may be done.
The smaller cities of this kind need substantial new citizens for their
development more than they need money. There are opportunities for the
establishment in Wrightsville and the adjacent section of manufacturing plants
for which the raw materials are at hand and which can be secured at entirely
resonable cost. There are good opportunities for the investment of money with
every prospect of highly-satisfactory returns. New citizens will be welcomed,
new business enterprises of every character encouraged and local capital joined
under proper conditions with outside money in the establishment of new
factories."
The Vivola Theatre held a large audience tuesday evening, eager to hear
Creatore's Band, one of the most superb musical organizations in America.
Wrightsville is the only town of its size in Georgia that has ever had the
priviledge of hearing Creatore's Band, and in years to come the young people and
children will tell with pride of the night they heard Creatore. Sandersville,
Tennille, Bartow, Swainsboro and others attended with a special train came from
Tennille and their praises of Wrightsville's new theatre and greatly surprised
to see such a handsome play house as the Vivola. A great debt of gratitude is
owed manager Tompkins for the opportunity to hear such a band. Conservative
estimates places receipts at $500 for the show. The next attraction will be the
Parland Newhall Company on Nov. 8th.
Rev. J. B. Holly and family have arrived from Louisville to reside at the
Baptist parsonage. Mrs. D. G. Blount went to Vidalia to work at the Home Mission
Society of the South Ga Conference. Mr. & Mrs. Elmer E. Daley are entertaining a
very distinguished guest in the person of "little Miss Daley" she arrived
tuesday for an indefinite visit. Little Miss Isabel Blount celebrated her 6th
birthday.
By far the most important event in the history of Wrightsville's social world
was the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Rev. & Mrs. C. A. Moore at the residence
of Dr. & Mrs. S. M. Johnson. Uncle Charlie Moore has been a minister here for
more than 50 years and they have 6 children: J. Ira, R. A., C. H., Richard
Moore, Mrs. W. E. Arnold and Mrs. S. M. Johnson.
At the late primary on the 25th for mayor and aldermen for Wrightsville,
after a tie for mayor Dr. T. L. Harris was the victor over Col. W. C. Brinson.
Dr. W. J. Flanders of Telfair County formally a member of the Georgia
legislature from Johnson is considering a run for prison commission. He is
currently an inspector of convict camps. City tax books are now open for the
collection of advalorem taxes and will remain open only a short while.
Mr. J. K. McAfee is recovering from an attack of blood poison caused from
being bitten by a hog. Mr. O. A. Kennedy returned from Rawlings Sanitarium much
improved from his recent surgery.
The Wrightsville Merchantile Company has just opened an undertaking parlor
and will carry a complete stock of coffins, caskets, robes, burial gloves,
everything from the cheapest coffin to solid mahogony state caskets. Can also
provide nice horses, hearse and careful drivers.
While driving the car of her uncle, Mr. T. G. Holt, Miss Eloise Hood met with
an accident. In trying to avoid a mudhole near Mason's Bridge, the car skidded
on the clay and partially overturned in the ditch. With her was Misses Rebecca
Harris, Nora and Ola Johnson all of whom escaped injury. Mr. I R. Tanner
happened upon it and returned the girls to town. On last monday the two-story
wooden building owned by the negro masonic lodge was destroyed by fire. When
discovered it was fully engulfed. The first floor was used by Rabe Harris for a
shoe and barber shop and sale of soft drinks, fruit, etc.
After a long illness Mr. A. J. Bush, one of Johnson's oldest citizens died
near Wrightsville. Mr. Bush leaves a wife and several grown children one being
Mr. Jim Bush. The burial was at Beulah Cemetery. Mr. James Sheppard died at his
home near Moores' Chapel. He was well known in that community. He was survived
by a wife and five children including Mrs. E. N. Hitchcock of Wrightsville.

2010-10-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

October 27, 1911. A primary election for mayor and five councilmen to serve Wrightsville for 1912 was pulled here last wednesday. The following is the ticket of the final vote: For Mayor- T. L. Harris, 92; W. C. Brinson, 92. For Councilmen: B. H. Lord, 171; L. J. Claxton, 162; J. M. Cook, 149; B. E. Jordan, 146; A. T. Cobb, 137; W. W. Anthony, 114. Of the council the first five were elected, in mayors race was a tie. This produces some complication and the matter was put in the hands of the Executive Committee who called for another election on November 2nd announced by committee chairman, Wm. Faircloth. The attractions at the Vivola continues to draw crowds nightly. The moving pictures and a clean Vaudeville performances this week, Manager H. C. Tompkins sold $140 worth of tickets in an hours time for Creatore's Band. The people of Wrightsville were entertained this week by two very distinguished people, one of whom was Miss Laura Ida Booth, the neice of the great actor Edwin Booth, and daughter of John Wilkes Booth who shot President Lincoln from the stage while playing in the American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in 1865. The other was L. A. Howard, a relative of Gen. Oscar Oliver Howard. There is no better farming lands in the state of Georgia than here in Johnson County as the following figures prove: On 2 acres of our land there was produced this year 5,893 pounds of seed cotton which has already been picked and ginned with not less than 300 pounds still in the field. This means 4 bales weighing not less than 535 pounds each. There was used on this land 10 2-horse wagon loads of stable fertilizer and 1000 lbs of commercial fertilizer. This fine yeild was made by Mr. Ben Walker on the plantation of Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield, better known as the James F. Thompson old place. Cox & Tanner, a new staple and fancy grocery firm recently organized here, composed of two hustling young men, Grady Cox and Otho Tanner are making competitors "sit up and take notice". R. Z. Sterling our popular livery stable man has just invested in an automobile in order to meet the demands of his patrons and afford them rapid transit to adjoining towns. If "Bud" is as good judge of machine, as he is a horse, it is safe to say his investment is ok. Several young ladies here have organized an Embroidery Club and have weekly meetings for the purpose of doing fancy work and handmade Christmas gifts. N. B. Miller of route 2, a good farmer and member of the Farmers Union paid a visit to town. Little Margaret Wright and brother, Edward, have returned home from Macon where they had throat operations. Mrs. Will Mixon is quite ill at home. Her condition is very precarious. Master L. A. Kennedy fell and broke his arm. Dr. Brinson set the broken member and the little fellow will be fine. Dr. E. New of Dublin, in consultation with Dr. T. S. Page on the critical illness of Page's sister Mrs. Dicey Hall. She is somewhat improved. After an illness of Pellagra of several months, Mrs. Callie Killebrew Hightower died at her home in Dublin. Mrs. Hightower was formally of Wrightsville. Mrs. Jenkins, widow of the late W. J. Jenkins, died at her home near Harrison from heart trouble. She had been apparently well, and while sitting in a chair she was stricken by death which was quite a shock to her family. She was buried in the family cemetery near her home. She was the mother of Dr. and Mrs. Herschel Jenkins of Harrison, and Aunt of Mr. E. A. W. Johnson and Dr. S. M. Johnson and grandmother of Mrs. Gordon Brantley. After an illness of 6 weeks Mrs. Maggie Snell Stephens, wife of Mr. J. D. Stephens died at her home in Scott and buried at Bay Springs. She was the daughter of the late James Snell, one of the most prominent families in the county, and a sister to Mrs. J. H. Rowland, Mrs. R. R. Martin and J. V. Snell. She was survived by her husband and two children. C. H. Hicks, administrator of Jacob Hicks filed a petition to be dismissed from the estate having fully administered his estate. Philip Cook, Secretary of State certified the charter of the Bank of Adrian, first chartered December 20, 1893. The new charter states a capital stock of $25,000 divided into 250 shares of $100 each. Term for 30 years. Signed by A. J. Peddy, G. H. Barwick from Adrian, Emanuel County; G. E. Youmans, J. Brown Hutchinson, J. B. Williams and T. A. Cheatam, Adrian, Johnson County.

From Days Gone By Oct. 20, 1911

2010-10-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

October 20, 1911. This weeks newspapers from 1911 are missing from the Historical Society's collection. The following is a somewhat humorous story from a 1911 Wrightsville paper called The Preachers, by Rex. "An annual conference is always a great time with the Methodist preachers, a time of meeting after a year separation, when and where they get together and recount experiences, and swap yarns, and where they have good homes and plenty to eat. A crowd of preachers is the jolliest sort of crowd. No long faces, no clouds to faltfinding, no grumbling, all sunshine. Not only a jolly crowd, but men who know how to dispose of business. Why, a Methodist Conference would put a Georgia Legislature to shame in the disposition of business. They do more in one day for the good of the state, than the legislature will do in a whole session. Perhaps its because they get no "per diem." They are a set of fellows that can be trusted, as many of them handle thousands of dollars during the year, and are required to give no bond. A Methodist preacher knows more people than any other man, or class of men in the state. They gather more to talk about than the average man, and their social intercourse at the conference brings out some of the richest experiences, and most assuring anecdotes that can be heard anywhere. I remember jotting down a few of their stories at one of the conferences. The conversation drifted into sanctimonous religion, which was very common a few years back, and as an illustration, the following incident was mentioned: Down in Screven County many years ago, there was an old preacher that wore a high collar and a long coat, and a long face. The children were all afraid of him, and would hide out when he came to spend the night. On one occasion he came to a certain home, as he often did and spent the night. Next morning there was not a child to be seen on the place, except a little girl about four years old. After breakfast, she climbed up on the knee of the old preacher and began running her little fingers over his face. Finally she said, I love you, and the old preacher said, "you do my child," what makes you love me?" She said because you got a face just like old Sam." Old Sam was a mule in the lot. Another old preacher, down in Montgomery County, had a particular place to spend his Saturday nights before his appointment in the neighborhood. In that home was a boy about twelve years old. Whenever he came his (the boy's father) would say, "Johnnie, run and take out the preachers horse, run and feed the preacher's horse, run and get the preacher a bucket of fresh water." Well, the thing went on till Johnnie got tired of waiting on that preacher, and so one day the preacher drove up and the father said, "Johnnie, run and take out the preacher's horse and feed him," and when they had come into the piazza the father said, "Johnnie, run and get the preacher a bucket of cool water." Johnnie took the bucket and started, but his eyes fell on the preacher's feet. Johnnie stopped in front of him and said, "Was you called to preach?" The preacher answered, "Yes, I was called to preach." Johnnie said, "Are you're sure you were called to preach?" "Yes," said the old preacher. "I am sure I was called to preach," "Well," said Johnnie, "if I prove to you that you was not called to preach will you come here anymore?" "Yes," said the old man; "if you can prove to me I wasn't called to preach I'll not come here any more." "Well," said Johnnie, "don't the Bible say 'how beautiful are the feet of them that are called to preach the gospel;' your feet ain't beautiful." The old man's feet were knotted and twisted with corns and bunions.

From Days Gone By October 13, 1911

2010-10-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

October 13, 1911. A light frost was seen on East Elm Street tuesday morning; the first in Wrightsville, so early in the season. The municipal primary is only a few days off, and so far we have heard very little politics discussed; candidates are very scarce, only one having publicaly announced. The big sign of the closing out sale at the Empire Store which spans the street is attracting alot of attention. Mr. T. G. Holt, proprietor understands the art of advertising and his unique method is been quite a success. The display windows at H. C. Tompkins department stores have elicited much admiration from its artistic design. The work done by expert artisan from Baltimore reflects the store windows seen on Broadway in New York. Mr. Jordan Sinard left for Albany to work for the firm of Reid & Carter. Mr. Sinard has been in Wrightsville the past 2 years with the Tanner Grocery Company. Material for building an office for J. H. Rowland is being placed on his lot, corner of Bradford and College Streets. The popular depot agent, B. H. Lord is very sick. Mr. Shelly of Sandersville is in charge of the W. & T. office until Lord Returns. Miss Rosa Blackshear went to Dublin with her little brother and sister, John and Dulcet who are both with the fever. The Rev. Mr. Holly has been called to the pastorate of the Baptist Church. Miss Chastain of Blue Ridge is the guest of Mrs. G. W. Cochran. She has accepted a position to teach at New Home. A peach tree in the yard of Mrs. J. T. Furgerson has several clusters of blooms. Quite an unusual sight for this season of the year. The new garage which Mr. A. T. Cobb is having built by contaractor Chester, on Marcus Street is near completion. This is quite an addition to our city and automobile owners in general. On saturday October 31st at the Vivola, Creatore, and his splendid band will be heard in Wrightsville for the first time. Special trains will run from all points along the W. & T. Railroad. This is the best concert band in America today. On last wednesday afternoon at the methodist parsonage, Miss Venie Holt and Mr. Geo. W. Gannon were married by Rev. W. L. Wright. Mr. Gannon came to Wrightsville about 3 years ago from Ironton, Oregon. Last sunday morning at the home of the brides parents, Rev. & Mrs. H. G. Everitt in Wrightsville, Miss Mattie Everitt and Mr. Thad Ivey were married by her father. The couple will live at Moores Chapel. Mrs. Nancy Smith, widow of the late W. R. Smith died at her home near Sumner's bridge. She was 80 years old and been in feeble health. She was survived by several children and was a sister of Dr. J. W. Flanders. She was buried at the family burying grounds. Mr. John B. Acree died at his home in Camilla at the age of 83 having a stroke of paralysis. He was well known in Mitchell County. He was the father of Mrs. J. M. Mason of Wrightsville. After a long period of failing health Mrs. Zadie Booker Ivey, wife of Mr. W. B. Ivey died at her home near Moores Chapel from organic heart trouble. She was buried in the family graveyard. Mrs. Ivey was raised in Glascock County, but had resided here for several years. She was a christian woman and loved by all who knew her. She was survived by her husband and nine children including Mrs. W. D. Rowland, Miss Bessie Ivey and Mr. John Ivey of Wrightsville. Rev. John T. Webb passes over the river from his home near Bethel on October 6th. He was a local methodist preacher for more than 50 years. He was buried at Bethel church. Mr. Webb was loved by all who knew him, he was never to busy nor the distance to far for him if he was needed. On the 9th of September he had reached his 87th birthday. Mrs. Kate Carroll, wife of Patrick Carroll, and daughter of Mr. Shurlock, members of a band of gypsies located a couple miles east of Wrightsville died at the camp after a continued illness of diabetes. A mahogany casket, encased in metalic, was ordered from Macon and the remains, after being embalmed were taken to Atlanta and placed in the family vault at the cemetery of this oriental class of people, with the ritual of the catholic church. J. M. Walker, Johnson County's new game warden will be at the clerk's office in the courthouse every saturday in october for the purpose of issuing state and county license to our hunters and fishermen. Yesterday morning the automobile of J. H. Rowland killed Frank, the little pet dog of W. P. Tribble. Frank had been with the Tribble family for many years. A valuable milk cow, belonging to Col. B. B. Blount, accidentally fell into a ditch in the pasture and broke her neck. So, for the present, Buford is forced to resort to lactal fluid of the "tin cow".

From Days Gone by October 6, 1911

2010-09-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

October 6, 1911. H. C. Tompkins has leased the Vivola Opera House owned by E. A. W. Johnson and will be manager for the next 12 months. Mr. Tompkins intends to bill many popular attractions for the present season, and will see that Wrightsville has some really first-class shows. He has booked for October 31st Creatore's Great Italian Band. Creatore, with his corps of magnificant musicians, toured the south last winter and won great eclaim, and it is quite a compliment to our little city that they will come here. Work on the buildings of A. T. Cobb and W. G. Burns is now being rapidly pushed and they will be ready to occupy in a few weeks. Cashier Elmer Daley of the Exchange Bank has begun the erection of a bungalow on Elm Street, on the corner lot adjoining the property he purchased from L. S. Cox. J. H. Rowland is in Adrian in the interest of the W. A. & L. Railroad. The need of a night train is pointed out by the Dublin Courier Dispatch. There can be no gainsaying, the fact of its being a necessity, but whether the patronage would justify it is the question. Already the W. & T. Railroad operate a "Cotton Special", and the experiment could be made without much trouble or expense to the railroad. We firmly believe that it would be a profitable venture. Make-up the train - Sleeper in Dublin, and hitch it on the Cotton Special. This train passes Wrightsville about 9 and this would give our people plenty of time to finish their days work, retire here, not be disturbed in Tennille, and awake in Atlanta. On the return trip, one can take berth in Atlanta at 9, and sleep until 8 the next morning, the usual time the morning train gets here. Warthen College now enrolls about 250 pupils and has ten teachers. The finiacial condition of the institution was never better. Every entrance ticket having been paid up. In the list of newly appointed Game Wardens, Joseph M. Walker has been appointed for Johnson County. A primary election for mayor and council for Wrightsville will be held on the 25th. The qualifying fees are, for mayor $5; for councilman, $1. The Mount Vernon Baptist Association will convene next week at Pleasant Hill near Pringle. Master Albon Hatcher celebrated his 7th birthday. A good, improved plantation of 150 acres, dwelling and all outbuildings with good water is for sale. It is situated 5 miles east of Wrightsville and is a good place and a bargain for somebody. Apply to Gabriel Kittrell of route 3. Dr. I. H. Archer notifies his patients his office is moving to the Vivola Building in rooms no 3, 4 and 5. Mrs. E. T. Pounds applied for permanent letters of adminstration on the estate of Ernest T. Pounds. Mrs. A. L. Hall, widow of E. A. Hall and Leila Carter, widow of J. V. Carter filed for year's support. Mrs. Chas Wood, of Baker County is here with her daughter Mrs. Will Mixon who is quite ill. Mrs. N. Braddy is ill and is unable to leave her room. Pauline, the 14 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Snell died at her home and was buried in the family burying ground. She had been afflicted for a long time. Miss Gracie Dixon, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Hansell Dixon died at her home and was buried at the Kent burial ground. She had been an invalid the greater part of her life. After a few days illness of acute indigestion, Mr. J. B. Tharp died at New Home and was buried in the church cemetery. He was survived by his wife and 11 children. He was an uncle of J. T. Tharp. Mrs. Delia Page died at her home near Spann after an illness of several months and was buried at Westview. Rev. Father Latiolais of Macon officiating. She was Delia Caneega before her marriage and was converted to the Catholic church and has been a strict member since. She was sister to Miss Susan and H. H. Caneega and half sister to J. T. P. F. and J. J. Duff and Mrs. Kate Duff. She was sister also to S. M. Veronica and Mrs. W. E. Page. She was survived by two sons and a daughter. The extreme hot weather that we had in september, and that we are still having up to this october 6th, has broken all records and is unprecedented. It is said by old weather prognosticators to be the indication of a very severe winter.

From Days Gone By, September 29, 1911

2010-09-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

September 29, 1911. The opera chairs have been placed in the Vivola Opera House and the scenery and drop curtain are now being installed, prepatory for the initial attraction "The Vassar Girls", on the evening of october 21st, by the Lyceum Course. By the purchase of more rail for the extension from Wrightsville to Lyons the new railroad project for this section seems even more a certainty. The route is from Wrightsville to Adrian to Lyons, to Waycross. It is proposed that this road will be extended in each direction until a new route will be established from Florida through Waycross to Athens and northeast Georgia, the route to go either via Milledgeville or Sparta and connect with a branch of the Seaboard Airline. There is a possibility of a connection also with the Georgia Coast and Piedmont, which proposes an extension to Vidalia. Notice was hereby given that on the 15th day of September the firm of Martin Bros. (T. L. & J. B.) were duly adjudged bankrupt in the District Court for the Northeastern Division of the Southern District of Georgia at Augusta. Submitted by Joseph Ganahl, Referee in Bankruptcy. W. R. Kemp of Route 1 Wrightsville will pay a reasonable reward for the arrest of two colored boys named respectively Charles Carter and Beverly Kemp, each about 16 years old. Kemp has a scar on the side of his face. For their arrest I will pay a suitable reward. Mr. & Mrs. John Mayo, and Mr. Henry Mayo and family have rented the Daley residence on Marcus Street and will take possession next week. Milledge Claxton of Kite is now filling the position as bookkeeper at the H. C. Tompkins stores. Misses Lena and Mamie Rowland entertained a number of the younger set at their home on Belmont Avenue. Preston, the little son of Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bryan is ill with malarial fever. Misses Maud Lou and Zeta Hightower are sick with fever. J. M. Blackshear, Jr. and his sister Dulcet are improving after several weeks of malaria fever. Mrs. Mary Duggan has it too. The friends of Mrs. J. M. Blackshear, who is now in the hospital at Rochester, Minnisota, will be glad to learn she is improving. Mr. Blackshear says it is quite cold there with the ice is two inches thick. The Wrightsville friends of T. H. Jackson of Dublin learn that he is critically ill at Blue Ridge where he was carried for the benefit of his health. Mrs. R. B. Chapman was called to Dublin by the illness of her sister, Mrs. Frank Brantley who's death occured tuesday night from fever. Andrew T. Clark, our clever and popular fellow countyman has been very feeble but was back in town this week, a guest of his son, Gordon Clark and family. Miss Lizzie Lee Johnson has been elected teacher in the 5th and 6th grades of Warthen College. She is conscientious and capable, and will doubtless fill the position in a satisfactory manner. Rev. W. A. Parker who has been pastor of the Baptist church for the past 2 years will move to Washington County where he has bought the Doc Waller farm, one mile and a half from Tennille. On last thursday 21st, at the home of the brides' parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gid Raines, near Wrightsville, Miss Nora Raines and Mr. Carlus Harrison were united in marriage by Rev. J. R. Kelly. J. R. Edwards, who lives on the Vicker's place, a few miles from town, brought to town a stalk of corn, on which there were ten well developed ears. The "fireless cooker" has made its appearance in Wrightsville. Mrs. D. G. Blount has been using one for several weeks, and is delighted with it in every way. New inventions are constantly coming to us. The horseless carriage, wireless telegraph, tasteless medicine and the like. Perhaps some of us may live to see "talkless women".

From Days Gone By, Sept. 22, 1911

2010-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

September 22, 1911. Mr. Lee Lumley, the Marshal of Kite, while on duty last Sunday night, shot Mr. William Cordry inflicting wounds from which he died Tuesday morning. It is said that Mr. Cordry was drunk, and disorderly, and defied the Marshal, and attempted to draw his gun when he met him, whereupon he was shot. Marshal Lumley was arrested and brought to Wrightsville, given a commitment trial and put under bond which was readily given. The Superior Court convened here this week with Judge B. T. Rawlings presiding, with Alfred Herrington, Solicitor. The criminal docket was taken up on Wednesday afternoon. The Lee Lumley case was continued until next term, 1912. Clifford Dixon was tried for the killing of Marshal Lindsey at Kite several months ago. The jury brought in a verdict of voluntary manslaughter. The case of his brother, Sherman Dixon was continued to the next term. The attorneys for Clifford Dixon have applied for a new trial. The Judge assessed his bond at $2500. Sherman's bond was set at $3000. The Dixon boys have since given bond and left for their respective homes, near Wrightsville. The crowds in attendance upon Superior Court this week have been swelled considerably by the presents of gypsies and neighborhood horse-swappers, who are in evidence round-about the horse racks on our streets. The exterior of the second story recently added to the National Bank is about completed, and now that entire block, including the Vivola building presents an attractive and up-to-date appearance. J. Y. Keen, a prominent merchant of Dublin was here this week with indications of opening a millinery store. The stockholders of the Wrightsville, Adrian and Lyons railroad will meet at Adrian on the 26th. Very vital business is to be transacted according to J. H. Rowland, superintendant. Dr. Ford Ware returned to his studies at the Medical College at Augusta. Emmitt Butterly left for Athens to study pharmacy at the University. R. Erle Brinson left to resume his studies in the medical college in Atlanta. Dr. W. J. Flanders, now of Atlanta, and a member of the state Board of Prison Examiners was here inspecting the convict camps. Mrs. R. L. Kent is at Rawlings Sanitarium for treatment. Mr. Gordon Kent of Adel was here with his wife who was suddenly taken ill and is at Rawlings also. Mrs. William Faircloth brought her mother, Mrs. J. P. Kennedy home with improved health. C. S. Blankinship, manager of the City Market has been tustling with a severe case of mumps. The five month old twin boys of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Peddy of Harrison, died Wednesday night, just within a short while of each other. The cause of death is not known. Much sympathy was extended to the bereaved parents in the untimely death of their little boys. Mrs. Donie Cary Fortner, wife of Mr. J. M. Fortner, who resides near Kite was found dead in bed early yesterday morning at the home of her uncle, Mr. William Cary. Mrs. Fortner had accompanied her husband to Wrightsville for a visit during court, and she was as well as usual on retiring Wednesday night. Early Thursday morning, her relatives were attracted by the crying of her infant that was sleeping with her, and calling to her, and receiving no response, they hasten to her bedside and found that she was apparently dead. Dr. Harris was quickly summoned, but when he reached her, life was extinct, and all efforts to resuscitate her failed. Her death was the result of heart failure while asleep. Her husband was not present when she died, he being one of the jurors in the Dixon trial, had been locked in with that body for the night. The news of the death of his wife was quite a shock to him. Mrs. Fortner was a comparatively young woman. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was buried at the Fortner burying ground. She was survived by her husband, her mother and an infant three months old.

From Days Gone By Sept. 15, 1911

2010-09-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

September 15, 1911. The tragic death of Mr. Ernest T. Pounds of Johnson County, which occured last sunday night in Savannah, from being shot by patrolman Charles Fennell, of the Central Railway force a few moments before he was to board the train for home was quite a shock to his relatives and friends here and elsewhere. Mr. Pounds came to Wrightsville four years ago from Sandersville and lived on a farm two miles from town. He was a successful farmer and doing financially well. Mr. Pounds, accompanied by C. H. Sheppard and S. T. Tanner of Sandersville, R. L. Downs of Davisboro and others from here left home sunday morning on a Tybee Special for Savannah to spend the day at the beach. The following is the account produced by the Savannah News: '" E. T. Pounds of Wrightsville, a sunday excursionist, was shot and instantly killed last night at the Central Railway passenger station, a few moments before the time for the train to depart, by patrolman Charles H. Fennell of the Central Railway's police force. Pounds was resisting arrest at the time he was killed, and according to witnesses had drawn a pistol on the officer. The shooting occured about a 100 yards west of the passenger station proper and near the engine of the train which was to take Pounds and his friends to their homes. The dead man was killed by a bullet which entered above the left eye and passed through the brain and emerged from the back of the head. Mr. Pounds fell in his tracks and died without speaking. The patrolman, with J. O. Wallace, special agent of the Central met Pounds near the engine. While on the train Pounds made a motion as though to take a pistol from his hip pocket, and the officer was told on his trip back to get him, that Pounds had made the statement he would not submit to arrest and had displayed a revolver. As the patrolman and Wallace approached their man, Fennell called on him to throw up his hands as he passed into the light from the engine. He replied that he would not, and produced the pistol. Fennell had prepared his pistol for use, fired 3 times and Pounds fell." On request of the attorneys for the prosecution the case of Charles Fennell, who shot and killed Mr. Pounds, was continued by Recorder Schwarz until the next day. Twiggs & Gazan who have been employed to prosecute asked for the continuance because they had not had time to investigate the case and summon their witnesses. On wednesday Recorder Schwarz dismissed the case deciding he shot and killed Pounds in self-defense and not murder. Judge Twiggs argued that Fennell should be held for a higher court, but Schwartz refused. Relatives of Mr. Pounds are making haste to prosecute policeman Fennell, saying Pounds was shot down without provocation and without any chance to defend himself from the murderous assualt of the policeman. It has been expected all summer that the sunday excursion trains to Tybee would result in a tragedy. A passenger from Sandersville states he will never go again and asserts that drinking beer and playing cards take place on the trains and once in Savannah are indulged to have all the beer and whiskey they care to buy, without restrictions, especially at Tybee. It has become a sunday debauch and a shame that the state of Georgia does not stop it. The spanish bull fight is a sunday school picnic compared to a sunday coast excursion in Georgia. When people assemble to depart for home many are boisterous by the sale of illegal intoxicants. If the police would do its duty to prevent this instead of standing ready to shot the unfortunate excursionist who becomes to noisy it would not be necessary to arrest someone. It is claimed by those who were with Pounds in Savannah that he was not intoxicated, that he only remonstrated with Fennell because he was placing another man under arrest, and that the officer became angry because he did so, making threats to arrest him. Mr. Pounds left the train so as to get out of reach of Fennell, walked down the track so as to catch the train as it pulled out and that Fennell followed him and shot him down. Mr. Ernest T. Pounds was survived by a wife and three children. He was buried at Sisters Church in Sandersville.

From Days Gone By Sept 8, 1911

2010-09-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

September 8, 1911. Warthen College opened for business on Sept. 5th under the most flourishing and promising condition. The enrollment at the beginning is the largest in the history of the school. It was necessary to add two more teachers to the faculty. Great improvements have been made upon the college campus by grading and sodding. There is a movement now to construct two large dormitories at once. A beautiful tiled pavement has been laid in front of the Vivola building on Marcus Street and Mr. E. A. Lovett has had the sidewalk in front of the Express Office and Bank of Wrightsville tiled and is appreciated by pedestrians all. H. C. Tompkins has had his entire stock of groceries moved to the corner store, beneath the telephone exchange. The vacant section formerly for groceries is being renovated for millinery, ladies furnishings, notions, etc. while the adjoining store will still be devoted to shoes, clothing, gents' furnishings, etc. Col. B. H. Moye has moved his law office to the Vivola building. Clifford Robinson left to attend the military college at Dahlonega. Mr. & Mrs. Mac Shurling have a distinguished visitor in their home, a diminutive son, who is now claiming all of their time and attention. Among the batch of pardons granted by Governor Smith last week was that of William Ayers, colored, from Johnson County. It will be remembered that about 12 years ago one Dan Outlaw, colored, was found dead in his house, near the railroad depot in this city. Suspicion pointed to William Ayers who was arrested, convicted, and received a life sentence. The application for pardon was presented to prison commission and the Governor by Col. E. L. Stephens of this city the same attorney who defended Ayers at his trial in March 1901. J. W. A. Crawford has just completed his new residence at Vidiala and will move his family to that city at an early date. Mr. Crawford has been a resident of Wrightsville from childhood and his old friends and business associates regret to part with him and his estimable family. Rev. W. A. Parker, Jr. who has served as pastor of the Baptist church in this city for nearly 2 years, tendered his resignation last sunday night and will move from Wrightsville. On last saturday morning Mrs. D. L. Lindsey, widow of the late David Lindsey of this county, was found dead in her bed, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. S. Mayo near New Home church passing away sometime during the night. Mrs. Lindsey was over 70 years old and was in feeble health but sudden death was unexpected. She was buried at New Home with Rev. M. R. Little, pastor of the Baptist church at Wadley. On last wednesday week while Mrs. Vena Colston who lives about a mile from Providence Church, was walking out in a cotton patch which is about 100 yards from her home, she came suddenly upon a huge rattlesnake, which without the aid of anyone, she instantly killed it. The snake measured four and a half feet in length and had eight rattles. Mrs. Colston who is 72 years old is indeed a most nervy woman to have tackled a monster that some men would have shrunk from.

From Days Gone By September 1, 1911

2010-08-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

September 1, 1911. The fall term of Warthen College 1911 will open September 5th. The college opens at night to give the patrons, as well as the public, an opportunity to meet teachers, hear the lectures and the outline of the year's work. Nothing means more to Wrightsville than the opening exercises at the college. The school exists alone for the children and the teachers are here to help you help your children meet the great issues of this great age. Hon. E. L. Stephens of Wrightsville, representative in the Genera Assembly from Johnson County; announces that he will be a candidate for Solicitor General of the Dublin Circuit at next years election. He has practiced at the bar here for a number of years and is well known in Wilkinson, Johnson, Laurens and Twiggs. He is a strong lawyer, is popular with the people and would make a good solicitor if elected. He is in his first term as state representative. The Empire Store will begin its Great Sale tomorrow. T. G. Holt, proprietor has returned from the northern markets with goods galore. Gainor Burns, one of the best known and most popular salesmen in this section, has bought an interest in the firm of Vickers- Williams Co. He was formally employed at Hayes Bros. where he has sold "stacks of goods". The ladies committee will be selling ice cream and cake on the court house lawn with the proceeds going to pay for the piano just purchased for the methodist church. A tiled pavement is being laid in front of the Lovett Building, corner of Marcus and College streets, and will be quite an improvement when finished. Little Winnifred Scott has been quite sick. The friends of Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Kent will be glad to learn that their children, Alice and Louise are recovering from a recent severe illness of diphtheria. Mr. & Mrs. Lee Franklin Smith announce the birth of a 12 pound boy, who has been given the name of Edward Eugene. Last sunday Mr. W. B. Moorman was united in marriage to Miss Amanda A. Johnson of Kite. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. D. Walker, Sr. at his home at Tom. Mrs. John Underwood died at her home in Wrightsville tuesday morning after a lengthy illness of pellagra. She was buried at Pleasant Grove. Mrs. Henry Price died wednesday morning near New Home. She had been in poor health for sometime though her death was unexpected. She was the mother of Mrs. Silas Powell of Wrightsville. On last saturday there was a half bushel bucket of rattlesnakes on exhibition on our streets. There were 27 in number, 26 young ones from 12 to 18 inches long, and the mother snake, a formidable looking old creature. This interesting family of snakes had their home in a log near the Johnson Dairy Farm. They were found and killed by some of the farm hands. Mr. Charlie G. Rawlings has placed an order for a gasoline plow, and as soon as the crops can be gathered will begin operating it about november. The plow costs $3000 and will consume 50 gallons of gasoline per day. An average day's work will be 24 acres. If it can be kept constantly at work it is capable of breaking 600 acres per month. Disc plows will be used and will cut in the earth 15 inches. "Do not marry the young lady who allows herself to float around the neighborhood in a top buggy or automobile until 2 in the morning with a counterfeit sport with a weak jaw and weaker morals," was the advice given young men by the Rev. E. N. Askey of the Oakland Avenue M. E. Church in a sermon on "When shall a young man marry?" "Do not marry the young lady who insists on changing partners six nights a week in the front parlor with the lights turned low. Don't marry the young lady who has been pawed over by every yap in the community."

From Days Gone By August 25,1911

2010-08-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

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August 25, 1911.
On monday afternoon, about 5:30, a terrific downpour of rain and hail,
accompanied by severe wind and vivid lightning came very suddenly. In the midst
of it all came a fire alarm and the volunteer company responded promptly to the
home of M. M. Davis on Belmont Ave. Chief Starling discovered no fire but
considerable damage to the roof where lightning had entered and passed out near
the rear of the house. The family was absent at the time or possibly one or all
would have been killed. Mrs. J. R. Wilson who was standing on the front porch
next door was shocked so badly that a doctor was summoned. The rain was falling
in torrents but the firemen did their duty bravely.
This electric storm also did considerable damage to Warthen College. Ten or
more of the heavy plate glass windows were shattered by the wind, and also the
glass panels in the outside doors. Besides the loss of these, the interior was
exposed to the heavy rain. The storm came from the southeast and passed rapidly
over the city.
Warthen College will open September 5th. The college stands for all that is
pure, holy and good. Character, culture and purity of home life, for God and
Christian religion. The school and the home should stand together.
W. C. Tompkins is having a second story added to the First National Bank
building(Johnson Journal), which will be a fine addition. It will contain
several offices, well lighted and ventalated and equipped with all conviences.
Contractor Chester will do the work. The W. A. & L. Railroad Construction
Company contracted with the Glenn County Construction Company of Virginia to
negotiate the sale of thier first morgage bonds, and to construct the road from
Lyons to Wrightsville. Active work with a large force of hands in the next 30
days it is hoped that trains will be running from here to Lyons by early spring.
The state Chamber of Commerce, traveling in the state car will be in
Wrightsville at an early date. The businessmen of the city are encouraged to
give them a rousing welcome.
After an illness of 2 days of malarial fever, Herschel Wood, the 11 year old
son of Mr. & Mrs. M. B. Wood died at the home of Mr. J. M. Outlaw near Moores'
Chapel. He was buried at Westview with Rev. Pompey Flanders officiating. Rev. B.
H. Ivey died at his home in Warrenton and was buried at Tennille his death due
to appopllexy and was very sudden. He was at one time the preacher of the
Baptist church here.
Mr. B. J. James, a naval stores manufacturer of Ennis was in the city
attending city court. White Wheeler, a "live wire" farmer of Kite was here too.
Prof. Paul Bryan left for Conneticut to Yale College. Miss Wylantie Hicks moved
her millinery stock to Vickers & Williams store. Hon. & Mrs. E. L. Stephens
announced the birth of a daughter on August 15th. Mr. W. J. Dent, Sr. is up
again after several weeks of severe illness. Frank Jackson has been named
associate editor of the Wrightsville Chronicle. L. J. Pournell files for divorce
from his wife Esther Pournell.
J. T. Ferguson asks how long the citizens of Wrightsville will continue to
spend $800 to $1000 each year on the streets. The work each year only gets
washed away. This is our home,and the home of our children after we are dead and
gone. When we work our streets it should not be temporary. The money spent this
year should benefit us next year. Why not have our streets paved with brick or
stone each year as far as the money for that year will pave it?
Mr. A. H. McRae, staff correspondant to the Industrial Index is here
preparing a write up of Wrightsville & the agricultural and horticultural
resources of the county. He says that no town of its class in the state has
shown greater progress in commercial and industrial growth than Wrightsville and
he predicts continued expansion that will attract capital and people.
An epidemic of cholera among hogs is raging seven miles east of Wrightsville.
Already fifty or more fine ones are dead and the list is growing each day.

From Days Gone By April 18, 1911

2010-08-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

April 18, 1911. Contractor Chester informs that the Vivola Opera House will be opened in October. Six hundred and fifty opera chairs have been shipped out of Chicago will be installed shortly. The drop curtain, scenery and other stage properties are ordered. The Vivola is a handsome play house, well ventalated and conveniently arranged, supplied with lights, ample seating, fire escapes and all other modern conviences. The Vivola building embraces opera house and offices on the second floor, while on the ground floor a mammoth store room to be occupied by the Wrightsville Furnature Company. The building is owned by E. A. W. Johnson, planned and built by W. C. Chester, the most experienced architects and builders in the state. This fills a long-felt want in Wrightsville, and a splendid addition to our town. An automatic drinking fountain for the benefit of both man and beast has been placed on the west side of the square by the city fathers. It is a very unique piece of cas-iron, with two basins. The lower basin for mules and horses, and the upper for people. It is much needed. Other fountains are to be installed in other parts of town. Seventeen convictions in city court is a record for one day. The greater number of these were blind tiger cases. Chief Ferguson is having some much needed work done on the streets and it is well appreciated by the pedestrians who have found the walks anything but straight and narrow, owing to the super abundance of weeds and grass. Prof. Julian Cook will open a singing and instrumental school at Gethsemene Church. Misses Vivian and Ola Johnson will enter Brenau College at Gainsville. Mr. Julius Jenkins is assisting at the post office in the absense of postmaster J. F. Renfroe. J. D. Bush has accepted a position as salesman in the grocery department at Hayes Bros. where he wants all his old friends to come see him. Jim is a bang-up good fellow, and is reliable and pleasant to trade with. The Farmers Union Gin has ginned 12 bales of cotton and stored 15 bales this week. The Lovett Gin has ginned 12 bales and the City Warehouse has stored 15 bales also. Miss Rosa Lee Sumner, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. G. F. Sumner has married Mr. T. F. McGahee, a successful young county farmer. Misses Vola and Dola Claxton, twin daughters of Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Claxton celebrated their 15th birthday. Mr. A. T. Clarke of New Home is sick. Miss Bronnie May Tanner is convalescing after two weeks illness of bilious fever. Mrs. J. M. Blackshear is headed to Macon for the sanitarium. Growing on the sidewalk in front of J. V. Snell's residence, near Lynhurst, are several beautiful pecan trees loaded with fruit. Mr. Snell has a nice orchard and his crop of peacans bids to be a prolific one. Geo. M. Rhiner, guardian of Ida, Clinton, M. T. Rhiner and A. L. Neal applied for discharge of his guardianship. Mrs. Claude McEntyre, administratrix of R. H. McEntyre asked to be discharged from the estate. W. T. Scarboro, guardian of Pauline Tapley asked for discharge. Mrs. M. E. Taylor files application for year's support. John Vanlandingham files for Letters of Administration on the estate of Julia E. Vanlandingham. Yesterday morning, about 8 am a fearful auto accident occured at Adrian, resulting in serious injury to two of the occupants, and possibly the death of the third. The car was owned by John Smith of Lumber City, and at the time of the accident was in charge of his two young sons, accompanied by their uncle, George Smith of Adrian. While crossing the track of the Brewton & Pinora Railroad, the auto was struck by a freight train and thrown some distance from the track and completely demolished. The occupants were pinned beneath the wreckage, from which they were extricated as quickly as possible. The two boys were carried to a near by drug store, where it was found that one of them was severly scalded, and the other sustained a crushed leg and other injuries and there is little hope for his recovery. Mr. George Smith was taken to his home, he is very painfully injured about the head and is in a serious condition. Mr. J. H. Rowland of Wrightsville visited the scene shortly after it occured.

From Days Gone By Aug 11, 1911

2010-08-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

August 11, 1911. Wrightsville will soon be the "City Beautiful" as Judge Wiggins is making things hum with the county's property. Chief Ferguson is making every lick count on the streets, and Contractor Chester is putting the finishing touches to the Vivola block. The first bale of cotton for Johnson County was brought in by Henry T. Downs. It was ginned at Fulford's gin. The bale weighed 479 pounds and sold for 12 - 18 cts per pound. It was stored at the City Warehouse. The cotton warehouse of C. H. Moore, agent for the Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company will be ready for business in a few days. E. A. Douglas will be manager. Mr. J. T. Tharp has been chosen weigher and manager of the City Warehouse. He is quite familar with the business, a careful, good man and will manage it well. The Farmers Union Gin and Warehouse opened for business ginning its first bale weighing in at 481 pounds. Messers Lovett Claxton and Ed Jordan are in charge of the business. Mr. T. G. Holt, proprietor of the Empire Store left for the eastern market to buy fall and winter stock. H. C. Tompkins is in New York and going to Baltimore to buy an extensive line of clothing and Elmo Hayes, an experienced buyer is up there too, stocking up on dry goods, shoes and groceries to ship back. Mr. R. Z. Sterling and several others have formed a Lyceum Course for Wrightsville and have secured a list of attractions from the Alkahest Lyceum. "The Vassor Girls" will be the first entertainment at the Vivola Opera House. Seventy-five season tickets have already been sold for this year. Mr. B. B. Tanner & family visited Palatka, Lake City and other Florida towns. The trip was made in Mr. Tanner's new car, in which they went from Wrightsville to Valdosta, 200 miles in one day. Mr. Tanner was pleased with the Georgia highway but the roads to Jacksonville are not suitable for "autoing". John Thomas McAfee, the 4 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. T. McAfee died at his home after a few days illness of hemorrhagic fever. He was buried at Westview. Mrs. Stella Harrison Vanlandingham, wife of Mr. John W. Vanlandingham died after a several day illness of puerperal fever and was buried at Beulah. She was a daughter by the former wife of W. H. Harrison. She was a young woman with good character and faithful in her church duties. She is survived by her father, husband and seven small children, the youngest an infant ten days old. Senator W. N. Kight of Johnson County representing the 16th district including Laurens and Emanuel gives the "Tale of a Kite" which dates back 1000 years. Every Kite should have a tail, and this tale goes back to the time when the Saxons and Danes were fighting for supremacy in England. The Kight's have been in this area for 100 years. They have been traced back to Alfred 1, a Saxon king. A Kite bird alighted on the banner and in the next 3 battles he was victorious. He adopted the Kite bird as his emblem and named himself Kite. This is where the family started. In the 17th century George Kite came to America as one of William Penn's colonist who settled in Pennsylvania. This was the beginning of the American Kite's. In 1610 the grandfather of Sen. Kight came to Georgia from there establishing the name to this state. Until 50 years ago it was spelled Kite, but Sen. Kight's uncle went to Virginia and found that branch changed the word to Kight. So he adopted the spelling as well. When Sen. Kight named his home town it was questioned by the postal service of that spelling being confused with Knight. So he went back and changed the spelling to Kite. Sen. Kight, who is 60 years old is a prominent merchant, lumberman, naval stores operator, banker and farmer. He is now serving his first term as senator. He was the mayor and postmaster of his town, Kite, Georgia. The recent raids on the blind tigers seem to have put a quietus to this line of business. Judge Kent is doing a great job giving them the chaingang. The kind of booze sold by them, it is said, will make a jack rabbit walk up and spit in the face of a bulldog.

From Days Gone By August 4, 1911

2010-07-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

August 4, 1911. A big glorious rain throughly wet portions of Johnson County, and now some of our farmers are exceedingly well pleased. Jack Henderson of the firm of Tanner & Henderson, prominent suburban farmers brought to town buckets of large, lucious peaches and all kinds of vegetables. E. L. (Babe) Smith came with fine specimens of watermelon and muskmelons. Then George A. Smith, the popular tax receiver of the county brought some of the best and sweetest roasting ears. The Headlight has put a pen behind its offices for 25, week-old white leghorn chicks. The are lively and chipper as you please. These little white-feathered orphans are now flourishing. They were shipped here from the celebrated White Leghorn Poultry Yards, located at Smyrna, Georgia where they sell only the best and purest breed of that variety. The old home place of the late J. D. Webb, containing 100 acres, all under fence; 85 acres in cultivation is for sale. The plantation is located about three and one half miles from Wrightsville on the Dublin road. All parties desiring to invest in a good plantation will find it to their advantage to see R. F. Webb who will be selling within 30 days. The court house grounds are being greatly improved by the addition of a coping being placed by F. F. Flanders. This enclosure will not only beautify the grounds, but will also protect the hedge and grass which Judge Wiggins has put in such a splendid condition. John R. Grice has just completed 2two commodious rooms which have been added to his residence on East Elm Street. Also a cold storage, bathroom, and other convienices which makes his already popular home for boarders one of the most desirable in the city. Mr. E. T. Andrews and family are leaving Wrightsville for Dublin to take a position as manager of the Farmers Union Cotton Warehouse with a handsome salary. Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Manderville announce the birth of a daughter thursday morning. Yesterday at the home of the brides parents, Mr. & Mrs. A. T. Clark of near New Home, Miss Willie Clark married Col. Lee Price. The bride is a young woman of pleasing personality and was a pupil of Warthen College and a sister to Mr. Gordon Clark. Col. Price is a rising young attorney in a law practice with his brother, Col. Rufus Price in Swainsboro. Miss Louise and Master Tom Luther Lovett entertained at a birthday party with a large number of little friends. N. Braddy took a photograph of all the children in a group. Judge J. C. Wiggins our popular ordinary has been wrestling with an attack of rheumatism for a week or ten days, causing him much pain. In his absence clerk W. C. Brinson is serving the public promptly. W. F. Dent and family left for the Indian Springs for the health of Mrs. Dent. Capt. J. L. Martin carried his nephew, Mr. W. S. Thomas to Augusta to consult with Dr. Hull, an eminent specialist in regard to Thomas' eyesight which has almost completely failed him. Mr. J. Virgil Carter of Scott died at an Augusta hospital where he was operated on for gall stones. The operation was a success but he died soon after it was performed. His remains were interred at Scott with Masonic honors. The Knights Templars served as honorary escort. Mr. Carter was the son of James Carter of Scott. He was cashier of the Scott bank and held in high esteem. When Mr. J. R. Vickers was driving into town near the residence of W. A. Sinquefield, the mule he was driving became frightened at an approaching automobile and ran some distance upsetting the buggy and throwing Mr. Vickers to the ground with such force that he was unconsious when assistance reached him. He had no broken bones but was badly bruised about the body. The name of the party driving the machine was not learned, but they instantly stopped and rendered assistance. Mr. V. is fast recovering from his injuries.

From Days Gone By July 28, 1911

2010-07-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

July 28, 1911. The steam shovel is now at work cutting down the grade on the W & T Railroad leading north from town. The officials of the railroad are sparing no money in the betterment of the road and substantial improvements are being made all along the line. The operation of the steam shovel is a very interesting sight and a novelty to many in this section. It is a "ponderous" machine, and the rapidity with which it removes dirt is amazing. I. R. Tanner is now in charge of the force who is grading the W. A. & L. Railroad. Supt. McKenzie is pushing the work as rapidly as possible and things are moving along well. The Rowland Merchantile Company, in spite of a dull season, is doing a big share of the trade. They have extended their business by establishing a branch store in the Kennedy block, next door to Peoples Hardware Co. (Bank of Wrightsville bldg). Staple and fancy groceries are sold with H. W. Kitchens general manager. Agreeable to a business deal recently made, the gin plant owned by the Dixie Oil and Cotton Co. has gone into the hands of Messers E. A. and W. H. Lovett, Jr. who are now sole owners. Partial new machinery has been installed, everything else has been overhauled leaving everything in perfect order when the ginning season opens. Farmers can carry their cotton to Lovett Ginnery and get prompt service with W. H. as manager. He is a safe, pains-taking young man who will deal fair and square with all. The city is having the pesky weeds dug up from the sidewalks in the residence portion and will cut some of the lower limbs of the shade trees which the good ladies will be thankful for. J. V. Snell is having his home on South Marcus street remodeled and enlarged. Ole Virge will soon have a very desirable home. Councilman E. T. Andrews is the first to bring an open cotton boll for this season. Will J. Raines brought in 8 peaches of the "cling-stone" variety. They were a product of a special tree he paid a fancy price for several years ago. W. D. Hatcher is ahead on big watermelons. He recently plucked one from his patch which weighed 65 pounds. Miss Maude Lou Sterling has been elected to the faculty of the high school at Doerun. Dr. Ford Ware received an appointment from Gov. Hoke Smith to attend the medical college at Augusta. A. F. Ware, president of Warthen College is sending out the 1911-12 annuals containing 24 annual sessions for the college. It contains photos of our public buildings, street scenes, etc and is tied with the college colors, Violet and Gold. It was published by printers, Foote & Davies of Atlanta. Miss Laura Daley is improving. Mr. W. J. Dent, Sr. is ill and owing to his advanced age and weak constitution, his condition is regarded as extremely critical. J. T. Blankenship, our popular dairyman, is able to be out again after a severe attack of mumps. Wade, the 6 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. D. Outlaw, died near Pringle after a short illness of tonsilitis. He was buried at Pleasent Hill. Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, widow of Rowan Williams died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Spell. She had been in poor health for some time and a few days before her death had a stroke of paralysis which hastened her taken away. She leaves her children, Rev. O. R., J. M., Willie and Mrs. Spell. In her younger days she lived a very active life. She raised 5 sets of children; two of her own and three for her sons and daughters. She was a faithful member of Arline's Chapel and was buried in the old family cemetery. The home of W. C. Tucker, in the southern part of Adrian, near the methodist church burned. The congregation was just being dismissed. The Tuckers left early that morning by train to their old home at Garfield to spend a few days. It was among the best buildings on that end of town and was the property of Capt. T. J. James. Most of Tuckers belongings were saved. The residences in that section are quite close together and with a stiff western breeze it took hard work by the citizens to save that portion of town. While bathing in the swimming pool at Idylwild Miss Thelma Harp came near drowning. Several were there but no one noticed she had ventured where the water was too deep. When noticed she was going under the third time. Messers. V. Chavous and G. H. Ware jumped in to save her as she went under a fourth time. They carried her out of the pool and with restoritive measures she regained conciousness. An interesting game of baseball was pulled off here between Pringle and Wrightsville. The score was 8 to 9 in our favor which shows that there was some expert playing on both sides.

From Days Gone By July 21, 1911

2010-07-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

July 21, 1911. On last friday evening at 8:30 the Wrightsville volunteer fire department gave a banquet at the Lovett Hotel, complementary to the mayor, board of aldermen and police force. Col. W. C. Brinson who is a famous "after-dinner speaker" entertained the crowd. Then somebody busted up the party. As the fire team was gathered at the dinner some "smart alecs" who are trying to achieve notoriety as "fake" incendiaries, set fire to an old abandoned shack near the Marcus Street railroad crossing endangering the adjoining property. The long distance cable of the Bell Telephone Company was damaged before the flames were extinguished. This was the third "fake fire" in the last few months and sensible people are tired of it. A real fire is bad enough, and these pranks that continue to be played by some in town should receive strong disapproval from our people and harsh punishment if caught. The Burns building on the corner of Court and Marcus, which was destroyed by fire last year is being rebuilt. It will be ready for occupancy in a few months. This will add to the looks of that portion of town as the debris presented an unsightly appearance. Mr. E. T. Andrews who has been in charge of the City Warehouse resigned as manager and has accepted that position at the Farmers Gin Company. The pay of the R.F.D. carriers which was raised $100 per annum, began July 1st and they are all smiles now. W. S. Williams of the firm of Vickers & Williams & Co. has been at the bedside of his mother who is quite ill. While returning from Idylwild with a party of cyclists, Miss Hilda Blount fell from her wheel near the railroad crossing and painfully bruised her face and arm. Dr. Johnson gave her quick medical attention and she should be fine. Mr. & Mrs. Silas Powell are happy over the arrival of a daughter this week. Miss Alma Blount celebrated her 8th birthday. Prof. W. L. Bryan who is now reading law at Columbia University, New York City, writes of his stay in Gotham. He is having a birds-eye view of the city from the 45th story of the tower on the Metroplitan Building from which it is said that over 1 -16th the homes in the U. S. can be seen from the 50th floor, which is the tallest substantial structure in the world. Today at Savannah, the Oglethorpe Light Infantry will commemorate the semi-centennial of the 1st Battle of Mannassas, and of the 50 men who left Savannah May 21, 1861, 11 are known to be living, and Capt. John L. Martin of this city is one of that number to be present on this occasion. This company was a part of the 8th GA Regt. commanded by Francis S. Bartow who was killed at Manassas while planting the colors of the brigade. Mr. Stephens, Johnson County's lower House member introduced a bill to abolish the city court of Wrightsville. Many favor this move while just as many oppose it to make it a lively debate. Mrs. Annie Bell Jackson Tanner passed away at "Ingleside" her home near here. Her health had been declining for some time. She went upstairs to lay down when a few minutes later she was discovered dead. She was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Jackson of Donaldson and the wife of Bartow B. Tanner. Mrs. S. G. McCoy, widow of the late Alex McCoy died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. A. Brown in Cochran. Her death was quite a surprise as her illness was short. She was buried at Kittrell. Mr. J. R. Edwards, the notoriously successful truck farmer, brought to town a cabbage head, that heads'em all. This cabbage had a cluster of heads (22 in number) growing from one single stalk. The heads were perfect in shape and maturity, each about the size of a lemon. Last saturday Charlie Linder, a well known colored man, was tried before Judge Kent for selling whiskey and sentenced to 10 months on the chaingang. On Sunday Sheriff Davis pulled 5 more coloreds, 3 men and 2 women for selling whiskey. These tigers were placed in jail for the next trial. So the ranks of the whiskey dealers are being thinned out.

From days Gone by july 14, 1911

2010-07-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

July 14, 1911. During the thunderstorms last week it was found out that the Wrightsville Methodist Church was not the only one struck by lightning. Two more methodist churches were hit in the Dublin District the same day. In addition to Wrightsville, the methodist churches at Brewton and Adrian were struck also. Local legislation was introduced in this session of the Georgia Legislature, entitled an Act, to create a Board of Roads and Revenue Commissioners for the county of Johnson. It will sub-divide the county into three road districts consisting of three members, electing a commissioner from each district. The Act provides for the appointment of three commissioners whose term of office shall be until the election and qualification of their successors at the next general election. It will also describe their jurisdiction and powers. This legislation was submitted by Messers. H. T. Downs, P. B. Bedingfield, J. C. Cave, J. T. Fulford, M. C. Carter and C. T. Bray. It is estimated that there were about 1500 people at Idylwild Sunday attending the all day sing. The trains over the W. & T. were loaded, all taking advantage of the cheap rates. Jas M. Cook went to Savannah to get his car which had been sent there for repairs. E. A. Lovett and family are visiting Lithia Springs. They made the trip in their automobile, W. H. Lovett at the wheel. Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield is quite ill here in the city. Rev. S. A. Hearns of Sparks is here by the illness of Mrs. Hearns who is sick with billious fever at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. W. W. Anthony. After an illness of several days Samps Johnson is up and out again. Mrs. G. T. Vaughn died here friday of pallagra. Her remains were taken to Avera in Jefferson County. She is survived by her husband and two children, one an infant five months old. T. J. Williams and J. S. Bell applied as executors of the estate of the late W. F. Taylor. J. H. Rowland asks for letters of dismission from the estate of J. C. and L. V. Chester. On tuesday Miss Gussie Wall Mathias and Mr. Leslie Claxton were married by the grooms brother, Rev. James Claxton. They left to honeymoon at Tallulah Falls. They will reside in Kite. Dr. W. F. Quillian of Monterey New Mexico will be the new president of the Methodist Training School in Nashville. He graduated Emory College and at the age of 21 he accepted the presidency of Warthen College. Prof. Paul Bryan who has been teaching at Emory College the past year, and is now at the University of Chicago, has accepted a scholarship to attend Yale College at New Haven, Conneticut this fall. Bryan graduated Emory with distinction and has taught at prominent institutions in Georgia and Texas, and while at Yale, he expects to fit himself for the degree of Ph. D. Policeman J. T. Ferguson and J. W. Ausbon are hearing complaints in regard to the bad condition of the hog pens located in the different sections of town. This is notice to get your hog pens in a good sanitary condition. It is necessary to the health of the town that these hog pens should be kept clean. We will be making a round of inspections and without regard to race, color, wealth, poverty or previous condition of servitude, we are going to make cases against those whose hog pens are not found in a clean, healthy condition. So get busy and look after this matter now; it may save you some money!

From Days Gone By July 7, 1911

2010-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

July 7, 1911.
During the electrical storm that passed over Wrightsville early last tuesday night, lightening struck the cupalo of the methodist church. It was about 8 pm when a severe stroke of lightning partially shocked several citizens in the neighborhood of the church but it was not known what was hit until between 10 and 11 pm. Mr. Miller McAfee was passing the church and noticed a dim fire burning in the interior of the belfry. He gave the alarm which was quickly responded to by the two hose companies and promptly extinguished the fire.
Howerver, it took some heroic and daring work by several of the fire team who climbed the steeple from the inside and cutting away the burning timbers more or less damage was done to the pretty new carpet and chancel by water. There was no insurance on the church or its furnishings. Had it not been for the presence and willing efforts of our brave and ever-ready fire laddies the result would have been far more serious, in fact the church probably would have been destroyed.
Ordinary J. C. Wiggins has disposed of the old iron fence which enclosed the court house grounds, as it was useless since the hedge which he had planted has grown to be not only ornamental, but useful, and is now a substantial inclosure to the grounds. Judge J. E. Page had the iron fence placed around the court house when he was Ordinary, at a cost of $500, and it was sold for $125 and now encloses Oaky Grove Church cemetary.
The South Georgia Union Singing Association will hold its annual "Big Union Sing" at Idlywild saturday and sunday. Prof. J. E. Freeberg of Chattanooga, Tenn., a musician of recognized ability will be there to assist the teachers and their classes in the singing. There will be some 25 to 30 teachers present representing the same number of counties in the state. The W. & T. Railroad has arranged to carry the crowd at a low trip rate from towns along the line. Everybody and his pa will be there, "wives, sweethearts, aunts and cousins", and all are invited to bring "well-filled baskets" on both days.
Mr. J. E. Tompkins, accompanied by his wife left for Baltimore and New York to buy furniture for the Wrightsville Furniture Company, which he manages. When they arrived in Greensboro, N. C., Mrs. Tompkins was taken very ill. A physician was summoned and as soon as she is able they will return home. Mr. T will go back to the markets as soon as she is able to travel.
Col. and Mrs. Charles Claxton announce the birth of a son, born July 5th. Mrs. W. Dent is quite ill at her home in the city. Miss Bessie Martin has been sick with malarial fever. Mr. O. A. Kennedy had a severe attack of kidney colic.
Mrs. W. B. Adkins from Dublin was shopping at H. C. Tompkins store and laid her silver mesh purse on the counter. A black boy (Clint Patterson) who lives on the W. A. Walker farm, snatched the purse which contained a gold necklace, locket and cross, a valuable masonic ring belonging to her grandfather and some silver change. It was not long after he made his escape that Tompkins had him spotted and policeman Furguson and Osborne arrested and placed him in jail. After a search the articles were recovered and Clint will enjoy a vacation on the "gang".
Mr. J. Tom Flanders brought some Elberta peaches from his orchard to town measuring 10 inches in circumference.
"Whenever you're hot! Tired or thirsty, from work, brain tired, or body weary; parched, dry, or plain lazy, call and be refreashed with one of our many delightfully cooling and refreshing drinks! Which relieves fatigue of body, mind and nerves; Quenches the thirst; Vigorously satisfying. All the newest drinks dispensed at Wrightsville Drug Company."

From Days Gone By, June 30, 1911

2010-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

June 30, 1911.
The handsome two-story brick building on Marcus Street is nearly completed. It is a decided ornament to Wrightsville. It is the property of E. A. W. Johnson and was built, and will be finished by Contractor W. C. Chester. The entire lower floor will be occupied by the Wrightsville Furniture Company, while the second story contains an auditorium and several nice offices. Just over the main entrance a marble slab bears the inscription "The Vivola", in large letters. This name was suggested by a lady some months ago, and is a combination of the names of Mr. Johnson's only daughters, Misses Vivian and Ola.
Ordinary Wiggins has installed a pump at the old artesian well in the court house yard, and the purest, and best of artesian water is now flowing free for all. Come and drink without money or price. Thanks to Judge Wiggins for the restoration of the old well.
W. T. Pournelle has moved his repair and blacksmith shop from near Cedar Creek into the city and is now located in business with his son, Lawson Pournelle near the W. & T. Railroad. Lawson has a well equiped garage, and is prepared to do all kinds of automobile and bicycle repairing, as well as various other mechanical work. He is a sober, industrious young man, and deserves the liberal patronage he receives. W. T. will continue to do blacksmith work and buggy and wagon repair at satisfactory prices.
Ben Shinholser, a black convict, who was serving a 5 year sentence in the Johnson County gang for killing another blackman about 4 years earlier on Mr. E. Smith's place near Kittrell, succeeded in making his escape from the gang several weeks ago. He was still at large until one day last week when he was located in Laurens County by Sheriff Flanders and his deputy, B. W. Raffield. Superintendent Kemp of the Johnson County gang was notified of his arrest and went to Dublin and brought his prisoner back, paying a reward of $35 for his recovery. Shinholser had a fraction over a year to serve at the time he made his escape and was a trusty.
Early monday morning a Gretna Green wedding took place in the city at the parlor of the Lovett Hotel. The parties of the elopement marriage were Miss Mattie Flanders, the adopted daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Flanders of Adrian, and Mr. J. W. Thompson of Scott. Judge J. C. Wiggins, Ordinary officiated.
Mrs. Julia Walker happened to a painful accident on wednesday night. As she was applying linement to her eye through a mistake, thinking it was the eye water she had been using for several days. In some way the bottles had been moved and she had not noticed this and applied the linement instead. Her eye is painfully injured and it is hoped will not permanently damage her sight.
Captain John L. Martin had a painful accident while driving a nail in a plank. The nail flew back and struck him in the eye, and he came near losing his sight.
Mr. Henry Montford is very ill with asthma. Miss Annie Rowland, sister of J. H. and W. D. was taken to Sandersville to be operated on for appendicitis at Rawlings Sanitarium. Mrs. J. M. Blackshear was also carried there for surgery.
W. C. Allen, former editor of the Wrightsville Chronicle, but now with the paper at Columbus, visited Wrightsville this week. Rev. Leland Moore was promoted to the pastorate of the Louisville methodist church. He was a pupil at Nannie Lou Warthen and a graduate of Emory College and took a special course at Vanderbilt. He is a grandson of Rev. Charles Moore of Wrightsville.
It was a big day at the new island resort of Tybee. It is estimated that nearly 5,000 people visited Tybee last sunday and is figured to be the largest crowd ever to be on the island. Every train carried extra coaches packed from the country and surrounding towns came hordes of excursionists.

From Days Gone By June 23, 1911

2010-06-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

June 23,1911. While at work on the Johnson brick block, in the course of construction Mr. S. T. "Tinker" Downs sustained serious injuries. It appears that while Mr. Downs was working on the ground floor, a workman up above was sawing off a small section of 2 x 3 scantling when the piece of wood fell striking Downs on the crown of his head, rendering him immediately unconcious. He was rapidly carried across the street to Brinson's Drug Store where Dr. J. W. Brinson dressed his wound and made him as comfortable as possible. He was then carried to his home in the eastern part of town where it was nightfall before he came too. He is now resting easy and it was hoped that no permanent damage was inflicted. Tinker was considered a good, honest, hardworking man. Mr. & Mrs. D. G. Blount entertained at Rose Lawn the guests of the Folsom-Anthony wedding. Then later, the bridal party was entertained by Mr. Richard P. Hicks at Sutherland, his country home near Idylwild. Ten couples enjoyed the hospitality of their host, who spared no effort to pleasure the guests. Sutherland, whose broad acres, and magnificant trees are an ideal setting, the quaint stone house which sits back from the road, to which a beautiful shaded drive-way leads. The examination for teachers license for Johnson County was held at the court house where 15 white teachers took examines. Beginning this evening the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad will put on their Idylwild Special, with the following schedule: Leave Dublin at 6:30, leave Wrightsville at 7:30. The train will leave Idylwild on return trip at 10:30. Round trip from Wrightsville to Idylwild, adults 15 cents, children, 10 cents. The statement of condition was released from the Scott Banking Company which stood at $63,866.34. The Citizens Bank of Kite stood at $82,800.32. Lofton, the little son of Mr. & Mrs. A. S. Norris is very sick with measles. The other children are improving. Mrs. W. C. Brinson is improving from her serious illness. Mrs. Lewis Davis has been quite sick for somtime from a severe attack of shingles. Last Sunday at Maple Springs Rev. Everitt Preached the funeral of Mr. Ben Brantley. Penny, the year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Blankenship died from whooping cough. She was interred at the Anthony burying ground. The elder child is extremely ill with same but the hope is it will recover. Mrs. D. R. Underwood died at her home after an extended illness and was buried at Beulah by Rev. J. R. Kelly. She had been an invalid for sometime and her death was not unexpected. Joseph E. Brantley is planning to plant a bigger crop of cotton next year, because of the fine twin boys who came to his home a few days ago. Mr. W. H. Chivers place, situated about a mile and a half from town, just across Cedar Creek is a fine farm. Besides having promising crops of corn and cotton, he makes a specialty of raising fine hogs, of the Berkshire and Tamworth breed, and is very successful. He has 75 to 100 pigs which are beauties in a class to themselves. His herd is headed by Premier Duke III, one of the finest and most symmetrical Berkshire hogs in the state, or entire south. He is certainly handsome weighing over 500 pounds. Mr. Chivers says his fine swine will be ready for delivery the middle of July so place your orders at once, for it goes without saying that Chivers has the finest strain of purebred Berkshires to be found in the south. W. P. Bedingfield will pay you highest prices for crossties. J. L. Williams lost a black, butt-headed ox, scarred on right side and hip. He left home in febuary and he will pay a $10 reward for its recovery.

From Days Gone By June 16,1911

2010-06-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

June 16, 1911. The old residence of E. A. W. Johnson now occupies the corner lot on College street and Myrtle Avenue, where it was moved last week by Mr. Huffman of Dublin. Contractor Chester has begun work on Mr. Johnson's handsome new home, which will be erected on the old site of Elm Street. In the Jackson Brother's advertisement of oats for sale, the number of pounds was far wrong as to the correct figures. Instead of 2,500 pounds, it should have been 25,000 pounds. However, the Jackson Brother's of Donovan have the oats in large quantities at $1.00 per one hundred pounds. The report of the condition of the First National Bank in Wrightsville stood at $157,856.86. The Exchange Bank of Wrightsville stood at $100,575.92. The Bank of Wrightsville stood at $152,268.00. E. A. Lovett has joined Wrightsville's automobile contingent, and recently purchased a splendid E. M. F. car. Mr. and Mrs. Lewie Webster of Sandersville were called here by the illness of their daughter, Mrs. J. F. Renfroe. Dr. C. E. Holmes of Millen died very suddenly. He was a son of Rev. T. J. Holmes of Tennille and a brother-in-law of our local dentist, Dr. Archer. Among those who went from Wrightsville to Dublin to hear Hon. William Jennings Bryan speak were: Mrs. Mabel Blount, Miss Alma Blackshear, Mestrs. J. M., W. L. and R. B. Bryan. Tom Davis, the genial and popular salesman at the Empire Store, is able to be up again after two weeks illness of malarial fever. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Daley will occupy the Brantley cottage, on College street, during the next few months. Mr. Daley will shortly begin the erection of his home, on Elm Street. In one residence block in Wrightsville, there are eight citizens bearing the Euphonious first name of John. So some one has called that portion of Elm street, "Johnnie Street." Well, are all young (?) fine looking men, and a right clever bunch of "Johnnies." Little Pauline and Florine Hatcher are quite ill with measles. Villard, the youngest child of Mayor and Mrs. Blount is very ill with pneumonia. After several weeks illness, Mrs. Barney D. Kent died at her home in Dublin. She is survived by her husband and an infant, four weeks old. Mr. Kent once lived here, and is the grandson of Captain Thomas W. Kent of Wrightsville. In Scott news Mrs. M. C. Carter is very sick at present, but we hope for her recovery early. J. W. Thompson has accepted a job at Meeks, with his brother Charlie. They are progressing nicely on the brick stores here.

From Days Gone By June 9,1911

2010-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

June 9,1911. Sherman and Clifford Dixon, charged with shooting to death Mr. Lindsey, policeman of Kite, were given a committal trial this week with Judges Brinson and Carter presiding. After hearing the evidence of prosecution and defendants, they were remanded to jail, guilty of murder, according to the evidence. This case is figured to be disposed of at the September term of Superior Court; the defendants having to remain in jail will, in all probability, bring on a speedy and final trial. A large portion of the people of Kite were present at the trial. Judge Kent and Col. Blount appeared for the Dixon's and Judge Faircloth represented the prosecution. All the parties are considered good people and the occurence is very much regretted by all. It seems Wrightsville has become infested with a regular organized band of small boy theives of the colored persuasion, ranging from 10 to 15 years of age. They have been employed at the barber shop and other businesses to do chores and from these places have been purloining articles of value such as jewelry, money, razors, etc. while the barber shop boy was doing the "fence" stunt for the gang. As suspicion was aroused among some of the victims of the "light-fingered brigade," an investigation began which resulted in the arrest of the entire layout. Most of the stolen property was recovered and proper punishment promptly meted out to each of the offenders. One of them who evidently hadnt gotten enough went to the residence of D.G. Blount on an errand and before leaving decided to visit the sitting room while the family was upstairs. He spying a pocket book on the mantle took it and left. The pocket book belonging to Mrs. Clyde Lanier contained hergold watch and chain and small change. When it was discovered missing Mr. Blount soon apprehended the little thief who admitted to the crime then produced the booty he had hidden under the bridge on Myrtle Avenue. What Justice W. C. Brinson did for this chap for this his second offense was "a plenty". A five-room dwelling house on the J. F. Norris plantation was burned. The fire was caused from a defective stove flue. The house was occupied by a Mr. Roberts and family and everything was destroyed. B. B. Tanner just purchased a handsome E. M. F. Car. Judge Daley and son Fred went to Atlanta where Fred was treated for his throat by Dr. Crawford. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Outlaw had a fine son arrive this week who tipped the beam at 12 pounds. The Sunday Schools of Sandersville had their annual picnic at Idylwild and required a special train of five coaches to carry the crowd. Chief Ferguson with his crew is making some fine improvements on the streets and sidewalks Work will soon begin on the business corner of Court and Marcus streets which property is owned by Robinson and Burns. Brick stores are to be erected there which will improve that portion of the business district. D. Tantory, our citizen of foreign descent brought an egg to town which was somewhat of a curiosity, as per on the smaller end of the egg was a perfectly embossed figure "9" or capital letter "C". The egg was a product of one of Daniel's high grade strain of hens. J. M. Johnson of Kite informed that the crop prospects around Kite are quite favorable. Bumper crops of corn and cotton are expected. If there is any doubt about Johnson County's farm lands being profitable, three miles north of Wrightsville in the Cedar Grove community lives a young man by the name of Hen Wilson who is a live wire when it comes to farming. Last year he planted 20 acres in corn which averaged 25 bushels per acre. When this field was ready for "laying-by", he planted peas between the rows and covered them with the last plowing of the corn. No further attention was given, and when the harvest was over, he found that he had 85 bushels of peas which he sold for $175, and 500 bushels of corn worth $1 a bushel.

From Days Gone By June 2, 1911

2010-05-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

June 2, 1911. Burglars made their appearance in Wrightsville last week for the first time in several years, but were frightened away before they secured any booty. An attempt was made to enter Dr. Jones' residence, in the western part of the city, but the rogues were discovered before they gained an entrance. Police officers and citizens are on the alert and are prepared to give the thieves a warm reception if they begin their prowling again. The Johnson new brick block under the supervision of W. C. Chester, is fast climbing skyward, and will soon be completed and ready for the various occupants. The opera house is to be located on the second floor with the entrance on the Marcus Street side. The work of removing the E.A.W. Johnson house will begin in a few days. A Mr. Huffman will do the work. An auction by the Mason Realty Company will take place in July to auction off ten or more lots on College Street between Bradford and Valley Streets and considered valuable real estate being on Wrightsville's most public thoroughfares. Prof. W. L. Buxton was elected Vice-President of Warthen College. He has the best of credentials and a fine young man for the job. Clifford Robinson is a student at the military college in Atlanta. Miss Sara Lovett is attending the female college at LaGrange. Dr. Jones' and family will move to the Daley house on Marcus Street vacated by U. H. Tompkins who is moving back to Warrenton where he has opened a business. A. P. Hilton of Dublin is leaving the Commercial Bank at that place and taking the cashiers job at the National Bank of Wrightsville. S. C. Josey left for Hazelhurst to be cashier at the Witham Bank. Bascom Anthony, Jr. of Savannah was here among friend soliciting shipments for the Gans Steamship Company. Master Albon, the manly little son of Col. & Mrs. Lee Hatcher is very ill with the measles. Miss Lucile, the lady lie little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Douglas is up again after a severe attack of measles. Dr. J. W. Flanders is out and about again. He has been in very feeble health for the past year and unable to leave the house. Hon. S. S. Meeks died at his home near Meeks on the 25th and was buried at Meeks burying ground with Masonic honors by the Kite Lodge which he was a prominent member. He had suffered for a long while with cancer of the stomach. He was 56 years old and a faithful member of Rehobeth Baptist Church and held in high esteem in this county. He was survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Jesse Grant, and two brothers, Rev. Henry and Mr. Allen Meeks. A few minutes after 10 last night Uncle Bob Rhodes died at his home near the jail, dying of dropsy. He was one of the good old-time colored men who enjoyed the respect and confidence of all his white friends. He had been living with Mr. J. T. Fuford for a number of years and was a familiar figure about the stables. A little daughter came to the home of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Brinson on Sunday. They are very happy over her arrival, and cannot find a name pretty enough for her. Judge A. F. Daley, with several other railroad officials of Georgia, are enjoying a few days recreation at Brunswick and St. Simons. Citizen E. A. Lovett has been out of the city for the past couple of weeks on a mission of recuperation and enjoyment. He attended the big Confederate reunion at Little Rock, after which he went to Nashville, where he witnessed several games of professional ball. The other afternoon Mrs. J. T. Blankenship, living in the northern part of the city discovered a huge black snake leisurely meandering about her back yard, and procuring a gun shot the monster reptile to death. His snakeship proved to be the coachwhip variety and measured six and one-half feet in length and was "big-around" in proportion. J. T. Fergurson says there is a great deal of complaining about water breaking over the ditches and flooding the property of various citizens of the town. If the good ladies of Wrightsville will put the sweepings of their yards into boxes instead of sweeping it in the ditches this problem would not occur. It cost the town a great deal to keep the ditches clean. If you will put the sweepings in a box and leave them in the yard the trash cart will come and get it. Please help us! (http://deshistoricalpub.blogspot.com)

From Days Gone By May 26, 1911

2010-05-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

May 26, 1911. The annual commencement exercises of Warthen College closed this week with the graduating exercises. Rev. B. E. Whittington of Swainsboro preached the Sunday morning sermon on Rev. 2 Chapter and 10th verse, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." The following young ladies and gentlemen composed the Senior Class and its officers: Miss Gladys Anthony, Class President, read the Salutatory; Miss Nellie Mae Jenkins, Historian; Miss Cora Williams, Prophet; Wade Bedingfield, Poet; Maurice Acree, Valedictorian; Miss Nina Hicks, Class Will; Otho Tanner, An essay, "The Man of the Nineteenth Century." Miss Loudella Webb received a diploma in Stenography and Bookkeeping; Gordon Young and Carl Claxton, Bookkeeping; Miss Ina McWhorter, certificate in music. Afterwards in a meeting of the Trustees the following were elected to teach in the college another year: Prof. A. F. Ware, President; Miss Minnie Pate, Collegiate Department; Miss Clyde Lanier, Primary Department; Miss Troutman, Music; Miss Moore of LaGrange, Expression. Prof. O. H. McLendon, instructor in the Commercial Department has resigned to teach at the High School in Doerun. T. J. Arline was back in town from Savannah shaking hands with old friends. Tom is a traveling real estate man. Rev. & Mrs. W. F. Quillian have returned to Atlanta from their home in Monterrey, Mexico on account of the war there. Wrightsville has a new grocery firm composed of two hustling young men, Messers. Otho Tanner and Jordan Siniard. They are successors to the firm of Tanner & Kent. B. B. Tanner and T. V. Kent are now giving their full attention to their furniture business. By mutual agreement the McLendon-Mason Realty Company has dissolved its real estate business. O. H. McLendon is retiring so J. M. Mason is assuming all indebtness of the firm. Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Snell are entertaining a little daughter whom the stork left at their home. Miss Laura Daley returned home from an extended visit to Hawkinsville relatives. Her health is very feeble and will probably have to go to Atlanta for treatment. Mrs. B. B. Tanner's health is improving. After an extended illness, Mrs. Eldrige Crabb died at her home here and was buried at the Crabb burying grounds. She had been an invalid for several years, suffering from paralysis. She is survived by her husband, two sons and a daughter. Mrs. A. E. Hayles died here at the home of her step-grandson, Mr. J. E. Tompkins. She attended the methodist church that morning and was taken violently ill that night and died a few days later. She was placed to rest at Louisville. Tax Collector J. L. Harrison's house caught fire and was totally destroyed about 10 am. The blaze originated from the kitchen stove flue. Most of the contents were saved. Judge Wiggins, Ordinary, is contemplating installing a pump in the old artesian well on the court house lawn. The water will be used solely for drinking purposes and will be appreciated by those who have drank it for over 20 years. The Southern Bell Telephone Company has just issued neat directories embracing the town of Sandersville, Tennille and Wrightsville. "Play Ball!" is the slogan in Wrightsville at present, and our boys are making it warm for teams in other towns. Miss Maude Lou and Edith Sterling, are the happy possessors of a beautiful team, a Kentucky thoroughbred, and a handsome rubbertired runabout. They are enjoying many drives these pleasant afternoons. A little colored boy, about ten years old, by the name of Ulie Thomas, displayed unusual nerve last monday by stopping a runaway team on Elm Street. A mule, hitched to a top buggy, was on the run when the lad ran into the road and pluckily stopped the animal; then caught the bridle and held it until the owner could get there. School has closed and our town seems deserted, in a way. The happy throng of children, going to and from the college for the past months are missed from the streets, and everything has settled down for a summer rest.

From Days Gone By, May 19th, 1911

2010-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

May 19, 1911.
Jim Sparks, a black man in the employ of Dr. J. W. Brinson, shot and instantly killed Charlie Rickerson, another black man, on last Saturday afternoon. The killing occured in a field of Dr. Brinson's near Wrightsville, where Sparks had gone to feed hogs, and where he met Rickerson who he states shot at him with a gun. Sparks returned the fire with the above result, claiming the killing was in self defense. As there were no witnesses to the act, no inquest was held over the dead man.
As Mr. Mark Smith of Dublin was coming to Wrightsville in his Jackson car, and when near the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad crossing, he looked back to see the rearend of his car on fire and rapidly burning. He leaped from the car and fell to the ground in a swoon, and by the time he had regained conciousness his car which had stopped running was entirely consumed by fire.
The depot at Adrian was robbed on Monday night. The burglers secured about $100 in cash and a number of tickets and paychecks. Representatives of the Central of Georgia are at work on the case.
A "picked nine", composed of Wrightsville's young bachelors and married men, and nondescripts, played baseball with the college boys Tuesday afternoon, and were defeated in a score of 14 to 4 in favor of the college team. Agreeable to a previous engagement, the Sandersville boys came down Wednesday afternoon and pulled off a contest with our home team. It soon proved that the visitors were "dead easy" in the hands of our boys, to prove which, at the wind-up the score showed 27 to 3 in favor of Wrightsville. Carroll and Swann, batteries for Sandersville: Culver and Lord, batteries for Wrightsville. Next!
Mr. & Mrs. G. B. Dunlap have a new daughter. Col. Rufus Price has moved to Swainsboro to practice law with his brother, Col. I. L. Price. Mrs. Geo. W. Cochran is having additions made to her home on Myrtle Avenue. Johnnie Paul has opened a grocery store at the corner, under the telephone exchange. Wrightsville now has a milk wagon, ice wagon, bread wagon and fresh meat wagon. Guess we will have a "water wagon" next. It might have a few patrons during the hot weather. Macon, Georgia was selected as the next place for the reunion of the United Confederate Veterans is the word from this years reunion at Little Rock, Arkansas.
H. P. Hicks, Wrightsville's well known and expert house painter is at Mount Vernon painting the court house and jail.
Mr. & Mrs. Wm Whitfield Anthony of Wrightsville announced the ehgagement of their daughter, Gladine, to Mr. Stephen Folsom of Dublin. The marriage of Dr. John Green Harrison, of Macon, and Miss Ruth Barrett, of near Washington, Ga., is announced to take place in June at the home of the brides parents. Dr. Harrison was reared near Wrightsville and was once pastor of the Baptist church here. He is now one of the faculty of Mercer University.
Mr. Gus Brantley, who resides about six miles from Wrightsville, took his little daughter Emogine, to Rawlings' Sanitarium, where on last friday she was operated on for appendicitis, after a ten day illness. The operation was successful, and she is now doing nicely, and will be able to return to her home in a few days.
Messers. B. B. Blount, Wm L. Culver, J. M. Cook, A. T. Cobb, E. E. Daley, I. H. Archer, W. A. Lovett, R. L. Stephens, Frank Downs, Flyint Flanders and H. T. Downs, left Tuesday by automobile and rail transportation for Colman's Lake, on the Ogeechee River, where they will spend the week in flirting with the finny tribe. A jolly bunch of fellows they are, and they went "thoroughly equipped with all the paraphernalia necessary" to enjoy the outing; and will have some wonderful fish stories for the suckers to bite at when they get back home. The above party got back yesterday afternoon, a little earlier than was expected---on account of getting out of "bait", besides securing as many fish as they wanted. The catch was fine.

From Days Gone By May 12, 1911

2010-05-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

May 12, 1911. The racing of automobiles has become exceedingly dangerous, especially within the corporate limits of Wrightsville. There is an ordinance prohibiting this. The rate of speed at which several cars were driven to and from Idlywild last week was a menace to the life of pedestrian and children. If it isn't stopped a tradgedy will surely occur. Speaking of racing, Wrightsville was well represented at the automobile races in Dublin wednesday. Several drove their cars over and a large crowd traveled by the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad. Mrs. E. L. Stephens and children returned home from Warrenton this week and all her children are down with the measles. E. N. Hitchcock is also quite sick with measles, he has been in bed for a week. Mrs. J. T. Tharpe died at her home here this week after a long illness. She is survived by her husband and several children. She was an excellent woman, and a devoted member of the methodist church. Her funeral was held at Piney Mount. The sophomore class of Warthen College entertained the senior class with a picnic at Idlywild. Mr. Curtis Robinson is graduating from the Atlanta Dental College. Mr. George W. Granger and Miss Leitha Holmes were married at Scott last week. The groom is assistant postmaster there and also secretary/treasurer of the town council. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. M. L. Holmes. Dr. Gordon Brantley and his new bride arrived this week from their wedding at Lake City, Florida. John R. Grice has completed the excavations for adding a cold storage cellar in the basement of the Grice Inn. Two large bedrooms will also be added on the back. E. A. W. Johnson and family will move to the home of Mrs. Mollie Johnson until their new home is completed. B. B. Tanner and T. V. Kent petitioned for a charter under the name of Tanner & Kent Furniture Company. The Martin boys are on the "ice wagon" again, and are out every day now, crying "ice" in their usual cheery way. A defective flue in the boiler at the power house shut off the electric lights this week but repairs were made at once and the lights are on again. The flue of E. J. Tompkins' kitchen caught fire but as the blaze was slight, it was extinguished soon. On the subject of fires a concerned citizen, probably from the fire department made the following thoughts of pistols as fire alarms: " It would be exceedingly bad to have a disasterous fire in the city of Wrightsville, but worse to have the fire and at the same time, have some innocent person accidentally shot to death by some one shooting their pistol as a fire-alarm. It is dangerous, it is a violation of the ordinance of the town, and it shows what a large percent of the citizens of Wrightsville are carrying pistols in violation of the laws of the state. Do these pistol shooters care nothing for what other people think of us as a town? Is it true, what Booker Washington said, "that the negro was making more rapid strides toward higher civilization, than the whites?" Are the white boys of Wrightsville going to be the first to verify the truthfulness of that assertion? I hope not, We have more civilized methods of making fire-alarms than the use ofso dangerous method as the pistol. Besides, if you are going to carry a pistol young man, do like a white man; go register, pay the fee and carry it openly. You have complied with the law. You would have no one to fear."

From Days Gone By May 5, 1911

2010-05-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

May 5, 1911.
Last Sunday afternoon at Sandhill, a black church located about 5 miles from Wrightsville, a drunken row took place among some black men, in which one was shot and killed outright. While this was in progress Sheriff Lewis Davis was phoned, and accompanied by R. Z. Sterling went to the scene to fine one dead and two or three others acting ugly, under the influence of whiskey. Mose Turner was especially demonstrative and when Davis attempted to arrest him he showed fight and tried to shoot the sheriff. Sheriff Davis overpowered him and took the gun. He and Elick Morris were placed in jail. The dead man was Son Warthen who allegedly was shot by Henry Farver, who immediately fled to parts unknown. Warden William Z. Kemp with his gang has done some excellent work on the Old Savannah Road, leading east from the city, beyond Cedar Creek. Several farmers living on that stretch of road speak in high praise of the road. Superintendent J. H. Rowland of the Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railroad says they are making splendid progress on the road. The grading is almost completed from Lyons to Adrian, except a little dressing up. When done the workforce of 60 mules and 100 workmen will be moved to this side of Adrian and should be ready for rails by July 1st. Forty thousand ties have already been placed and more are being laid at the rate of 500 ties per day. J. T. Fulford, J. W. Brinson, Jr. have greatly improved their property by placing attractive stone copings around the yards. The work was done by F. F. Flanders who manufactures the material. Dr. Jones and family of Midville have moved to Wrightsville and will occupy the T. M. Hicks residence on West Court Street. Mr. & Mrs. W. F. Shay of New York are in Wrightsville at the Dickens House. Mr. Shay is here installing the cables for the telephone company. Mrs. Rosa Martin Kennedy of Wrightsville has been elected sponsor for Camp Martin, No. 904, to attend the grand reunion of the United Confederate Veterans on May 31st at Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the daughter of Captain John L. Martin. Messers. R. Z. Sterling, J. E. Linder, U. R. Jenkins and I. R. Tanner, prominent stockmen of Wrightsville, went to Atlanta this week with a carload of mules on a trading expedition. Mr. & Mrs. Ben Hill Moye are happy over the arrival of a little daughter last week. The stork visited the home of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Davis saturday night and left a fine son. The Wrightsville friends of Mrs. E. L. Stephens sympathize with her on the death of her mother, Mrs. Micajah Norris of Warrenton. Death, that unwelcome visitor, has invaded another happy home of Mr. E. B. Underwood's, and took its captive, Beverly Evans Underwood, age 26. He was sick just nine days of that dreaded disease pneumonia. Mrs. J. F. Norris has ripe peaches in her orchard. This is unusually early for peaches in view of the late spring. The cold snap this week brought out overcoats and wraps which had recently been discarded for the "glad rays" of spring.

From Days Gone By April 28,1911

2010-04-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

April 28, 1911.
The day was cloudy, very cool, and apparently threatening, but the anticipations of those who looked forward to the occasion with much interest were realized. Large crowds of people poured in from every section of this and surrounding counties, and by 10' oclock the population of Wrightsville far exceeded the report recently given by the census bureau.
It is estimated that there were between 3,000 and 4,000 people present, the bulk of whom came to hear the orator of the occasion, Thomas E. Watson. The Memorial Day exercises were held at the college auditorium, where a program of music and songs was rendered. "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" and "Dixie" were admirably given by the teachers and pupils of the college. Prof. A. F. Ware was master of ceremonies. The invocation offered by Rev. W. L. Wright of the methodist church, after which the speaker was introduced by Capt. John L. Martin.
Mr. Watson's speech was replete with historical facts dating back to the continental days of the nation down to the fall of the Confederacy. He also read paragraphs from a history of the United States, which is being taught at the State University, which cast reflections on our ancestors, and is demoralizing to the youths of our Southland. He denounced the history as a false and dangerous text book. Mr. Watson is a magnetic speaker and held his audience for an hour. The house was packed with standing room only with as many outside as in.
At the close of the exercises, the Confederate Veterans formed a line in front of the stage and Prof. Ware had the school children march at the tap of the drum and salute these old men who wore the gray. Through the efforts of Messers. C. E., W. C. and J. W. Brinson, Jr., T. G. Holt, Jupe Hicks, Tom Martin contributed to the barbeque which was cooked by M. N. Killebrew, L. D. Downs, W. C. Brinson, J. V. Kent, Jonah Davis and Jerony Downs
The Warthen Warblers pulled down 2 victories this week at Idylwild. The first game was between the Pringle Pluggers in a score of 9 to 4. The 2nd game was against the Dublin Doodles with a score of 14 to 8.
J. B. Harrison, Superintendent of city water-works has been busy placing pipes and meters to be connected to the hydrants in the offices and private residences. He has installed 150 meters to date. City clerk J. M. Blackshear has been sick and his daughter Cora is filling in for him.
In the census report Wrightsville was listed with 1,389 residents, Adrian 816, Kite 241, and Scott 212. Wrightsville has been growing for the past 25 years in population. The locals figure there is some mistake for they figured Wrightsville at 1500.
John B. Haines is studing at the Medical College in Louisville, Kentucky. Miss Mabel Williams accepted a professional nurse position in Sandersville at Dr. Evans Sanitarium. Judge and Mrs. A. F. Daley left for White Springs, Florida for his health as he is greatly suffering from rheumatism. Luther Raines of Sanford, Florida is visiting his old homeplace.
Mrs. Harman McDaniel died at her home near Bartow from paralyses. She was a sister of Sheriff Lewis Davis. Mr. John Copeland died at his home near Moores Chapel.
The house on the eastside of the railroad occupied by Matthew Little, colored, and owned by Capt. Kent was destroyed by fire. The location made it difficult for the two fire teams. They did save the surrounding structures.
On last saturday morning Mrs. W. J. Dent, Sr. came near dying from strichnine poison by eating scrambled eggs, in which one had been injected with the poison to be put out for a dog or some other animal that had been breaking up her hen's nest. In order to be careful with the poisoned egg she placed it in the dairy, where she thought it would not be found. When the cook wanted to serve eggs, Mrs Dent sent her to the dairy where the supply of eggs were kept, forgetting about the bad egg. Mrs. Dent ate most of the eggs which also contained the poison egg. She became violently ill and thrown into convulsions. Drs. Brinson and Harris were called and after the antidotes she recovered and realizes her miraculus escape from death.

April 21,1911

2010-04-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

April 21, 1911. The little town of Kite, on the Wadley and Southern Railroad, was the scene of a terrible tragedy on last saturday night and the people there were thrown into a state of intense excitement over the killing of Ira Lindsey, the marshal of Kite, by Clifford and Sherman Dixon, who live about a mile and a half from Wrightsville. The Dixon brothers went to Kite, and while there they were drinking and disorderly, and that marshal Lindsey approached them and advised them to leave town, or he would be compelled to arrest them. This enraged the Dixon's and it is said the marshal was knocked down by one of them, after which the officer used his club on Sherman Dixon, inflicting a painful wound on his head, when immediately both of the Dixon men used their guns. Several bullets taking effect and killing marshal Lindsey almost instantly. After the killing, the Dixon's returned to their home near here and sent word to Sheriff Davis that they were ready to surrender. The Sheriff and his bailiff left at once and brought them in and they are now in jail here. The Dixon's were always regarded as honest, hardworking, peaceable men. They came from one of the oldest families in Johnson County. Sherman, the eldest, married a daughter of William Anderson of this county and has a wife and one child. Clifford is about 24 years old and unmarried. Marshal Lindsey is said to be of a good family, and comparatively a young man, he leaves a wife and one child. He had only been Marshal of Kite for a short while, going there from Washington County near Tennille. The affair is greatly deplored, and much sympathy is felt for the aged parents of the Dixon boys and the bereaved wife and child of Marshal Ira Lindsey. The grading has nearly all been completed on the Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railroad, as soon as this is done, and ties and iron placed on part of the distance from Wrightsville to Adrian, the road will be bonded and completed. T. J. James of Adrian is President; E. J. Sumner, treasuer and J. H. Rowland, superintendent. This road means a great deal to Wrightsville, and is an important factor to all lines of business, and the people in this section should make every effort to urge its completion. Mr. George E. Hood of Gaffney, S. C. wed Miss Idella Wood of Johnson County. Mr. Hood holds a responsible position in the government of his town. Miss Wood is a daughter of Mr. J. V. Wood of the Maple Springs neighborhood. The couple will live in South Carolina. William Jackson, a prominent citizen of Donovan is serving as postmaster at that place. Andrew Perry and Perry Price of the New Home area are down with pneumonia. Mr. Ernest Pound, formally of Sandersville but now a citizen here is an advocate of velvet beans for stock. Vines grow forty to fifty feet long and the beans according to Pounds are better for stock than common field peas and are also an improver of the land. The Pennant of the graduating class of Warthen College, 1911, is very beautiful. It is made of Lavender and White, the class colors, and is the acme of artistic beauty. The work was all done by hand, and the intricate stitches so deftly woven demonstrate the skill of Mrs. R. L. Kent, who kindly gave her time and labor to the work. Mr. John M. Jordan, our genius machinist of Summit has been spending several days in the city at the shops of Fulghum and Sanders perfecting the models of a useful and new invention known as a weather and cinder cleat for railroad box doors. This wonderful invention is said to be a success and one which the railroads heartily endorse. The cleat is not only needed in this country, but all over the entire world. It is especially useful and adapted to preventing cinders or sparks getting through into a case loaded with inflammables or cotton. Mr. Jordan will leave for Pittsburg, Pa to give an exhibition of his invention. John Jordan is an old Johnson County boy, a brother of citizen Tom Jordan. John's old friends here are delighted to hear of the big success he has made with his new invention, from which we trust he will realize millions!