Wednesday, September 16, 2026

From Days Gone By October 6, 1932

 October 6, 1932.

    Wrightsville High School football season opens against Swainsboro at the local fairgrounds. This years team is mostly new players but have been excellently trained by Coach McDonald. The first string includes Claxton Clarke, center; Grady Sumner, "Preacher" Holloway or James Vickers, tackles; Dick Shurling, guard; Ralph Brinson, end; Hugh Hall, backfield; Carl Moore, E. R. Spell and Kight, all new members.

    The 10th and 11th grade home economics girls organized a club with Ruby Kate Price, President; Veola Riner, Vice-President; Lena Lovett, Secretary-Treasurer; Sadie Hall, Reporter. The teacher, Miss Lucile Suddeth, home economics teacher is sponsor. The Home Demonstration Agent is having a clothing clinic for renovation and remodeling of old clothes and hats. Miss Martha Martin, daughter of R. R. Martin, is now teaching at Adrian Consolodated School.

    Judge Grover C. Bidgood failed to pay his municipal taxes six months before his election. Mr. O. D. Cullen filed a petition in Laurens Superior Court to oust him as the presiding officer of the Dublin City Court.  Mr. & Mrs. M. A. Jackson lost their home to a fire. Roy L. Dowd and Corine Bragdon were wed by Rev. John L. Ivey. He is a son of Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Dowd and the brides parents are Mr. & Mrs. C. S. Bragdon of Metter.

    Mr. John A. Douglas, cotton census reporter for Johnson gives figures up to September 16, there being 3,780 bales ginned up against 5,327 this time last year. The sugar cane crop of Johnson County appears to be getting taller and taller as well as adding to its quality. Mr. H. T. Tharpe of New Home brought in the tallest of the season establishing a new record. It measured 8 feet 2 inches. It topped the previous record by some 8 inches.

    The veterans will get their checks this week through Ordinary W. J. Flanders. It was $50 each for the veterans and 16 widows. The veterans left are Henry Wheeler, Sim L. Cooper and A. J. Hall. Mr. W. H. Lovett was formally nominated state senator from the 16th district by the convention at Idylwild. The soda parlor and cafe of Luther Downs is now being operated by Roy Frost. It will be called Frost Soda Parlor and Cafe. Road construction expenditures reached a new peak in Georgia last year. Johnson County is still without a hard surfaced road. Johnson is one of the very few counties in Georgia that is without a paved road of some kind, and its stratigic location on the Bee Line and Jefferson Davis highways should merit action.

    The statements of condition of the local banks. Bank of Adrian $49,899.18; Exchange Bank $165,029.25; Bank of Wrightsville $161,957.75.

    Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Carroll, near Wrightsville, infant child died and was buried at Liberty Grove. Mr. Carroll is a farmer in the Hall community.

    Mr. Bartow Brantley, prominent county citizen died in a Dublin hospital and was buried at Union Hill. He was 59, a native of Washington County but lived here for many years. Surviving are his mother and children, Floyd, George, Bill, Buford Brantley, Mrs. Clayton Lord, Mrs. G. D. Davis and Mrs. J. A. Colston.

    There are countless numbers of families in this county who are in need of food and raiment. They are not starving and naked, to be sure, but they are in need. There is no way to get around this. It cannot be denied. In recent months the Red Cross distributed a large amount of flour. Although they tried hard to distribute to the needy only, but there were those who claimed a share and received it, who were not entitled to it. A man who will receive in this manner something that he is in less need of than his neighbor, when his neighbor and his children are hungry, has not a spark of charity in his heart. Now the cloth ration has been cut, this cloth should go to those little children who are without clothes to enter school; to the families of fathers who are out of work and no means of support and those widow mothers who are facing the prospects of a hard winter without sufficiant clothing to warm their bodies. If you can buy do not stand in the way of those who can't.

    

From Days Gone By September 29, 1932

 September 29, 1932.

    Plans for increasing business in the county and appointment of a committee to promote interest in the November election was the subjects of the American Legion meeting this week. Businesses were asked to sponsor a "Dollar Day" sale on various items for one day, during which real bargains would be offered to the public. B. B. Hayes was declared winner of the medal offered by the United Daughters of the Confederacy for the ex-service man most useful to the Post during the past year.

    Mr. J. M. Blizzard won the Wrightsville Headlight's watermelon contest with a 49 pounder. The city council recognized the depressed business conditions and ordered a revision of special licenses reducing them. A fire originating from a defective stove flue totally destroyed the home of Mitchell Harris, colored. He did manage to save some furniture. The Wrightsville & Tennille discontinued all but one train per day between Tennille and Hawkinsville. A decrease in patronage made this necessary. The school bells tolled for the school system. It will operate as long as funds are available. Officials do not anticipate at present more than a 4 month term. 

    Mr. & Mrs. Kelley Powell had a son, Hollis Ray, on September 18th. Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Renfroe of Otter Creek, Florida, had a daughter, Marjorie Anne. Renfroe is a son of Mrs. J. F. Renfroe of Wrightsville.

    Johnson County's application for government cloth through the Red Cross was decreased to 4,800 yards on account of the limited supply of raw cotton donated by the government. The county applied for 44,692 yards. This means the only ones in the county that will get cloth are those strictly on charity.

    James Hodges Price, 4 year old son of C. E. Price, died at home after a 2 week illness. Survived by father and siblings, Mrs. Mildred McCord, Mary & Annie Myrtle Price and Elmer Price. He was buried in Westview. W. T. Harrison, Sr., highly respected farmer died at his home near Beulah and was buried there. He was 65.

    Rev. James Edward Page, 23 year old minister of Harrison, died at his parents, Mr. & Mrs. J. O. Page. He had been ill about 6 weeks with typhoid he caught while holding a revival at Cedar Grove. Born in Washington County and ordained a minister just 2 years ago. He graduated Brewton-Parker in 1931 and was attending Mercer. He served Pleasant Grove, Pleasant Plains and one in Wilkinson County. He was buried in Harrison cemetery.

    The county agent makes the following statement which is still true today. "All the world loves an honest man. All the world despises a liar. Every one in town lays his heart at the feet of the young man who starts out in life proposing to be himself and nobody else; depending on God and himself and nobody else; refusing to take advantage of any accident of name or position; a young man who prizes his character above all things; a hearty hater of shamand pretense, who had rather die than to climb to highest pinacle of fame and fortune under false colors. On the otherhand, there never lived who did not despise a hypocrite, a deceiver. And yet there are young men who start out in life deliberately undertaking to make their way through the world pretending to be something they are not. What is it that causes a man to deliberately choose a life of greed and dishonesty? An inordinate desire for anything may lead either to violence or deceit. Violence is risky and some times costly. Any coward can be a deceiver. Be honest! Be yourself."

    

Monday, September 7, 2026

From Days Gone By September 22, 1932

 September 22, 1932.

    John Luther Kent beat out three opponents in the race for Judge Superior Court, Dublin Circuit. He only carried Johnson County, but his total popular vote was 3,461. He beats out Rep. W. W. Larson, G. C. Bidgood, and Mr. Daley. The regular September Term of Superior Court was postponed by Judge R. Earl Camp until the second Monday in October. It will probably be Judge Camp's last court as Judge J. L. Kent will take over in January.

    Mr. E. N. Hitchcock will open a new grocery store under the name of Rex Food Shop, next to the Beauty Parlor across from Wrightsville Motor Company. Prospects for a good football team at Wrightsville High this season are excellent. Scott Junior High will open September 23rd. The Johnson County cane crop should be fine this season if it averages up to that of H. W. Beasley of Kite. A stalk measuring seven foot two inches. He expects to make a great deal of syrup this year.

    Rev. M. R. Little, Wadley, one of the most beloved ministers died at home from declining health. He was 73, and served almost every church in the Mt. Vernon Assoc. He was moderator for many years and at his retirement last year, elected moderator emeritus. For more than 25 years he pastored New Home, and also served Nail's Creek, Pleasant Grove, Rehobeth, Kite, Jackson's, Oak Chapel and Blundale. He was a native of Carroll Co. and graduated Mercer Univ. He left a wife and 2 children. He was buried at Wadley.

    Mr. Billie Carroll of Dublin, formerly of Johnson, died after a three month illness. He was 65 and when here he worked for J. M. Luck in the chair factory. He was buried in Tom Carter cemetery. Mr. Ben Hill Hammock, Laurens Co., died at his home after a long illness. He lived just over the county line. Surviving are his widow, several children, mother, 11 brothers and sisters. He was a son of Henry Hammock, a Baptist, and buried at Piney Mt.

        Zack Moye, 62 year old farmer living 7 miles from Adrian, is in serious condition at Claxton's Hospital from stab wounds said to have been inflicted by Brad Lord, his son-in-law. Lord was charged with assault to murder. Moye was stabbed several times, once just under the heart. The blade of the knife was said to have been broken in a wound on his forehead. His son, who took the charge out on Lord, said the difficulty had its origin over some cotton. Lord lived on the farm and farming with his father-in-law.

    Another harvest is about over and a glance at the books shows that most of the farmers are coming out in the red, as usual, and some facing the winter without even the necessities of life. The fault is partly their own, although as a general rule they have worked hard to pay their debts and make something for themselves. The farmers have been entirely too dependent on cotton, as the record clearly shows. Until they produce sufficient food stuffs and meats to sustain them throughout the year, and raise only enough cotton to finance their crops, then only can they hope to maintain themselves. The time has arrived when the farmer has got to look after himself instead of being dependent upon his fellow man if he is to live, prosper, and do well.

    The wise man will not borrow from the government if he can possibly avoid it. Past borrowing has not helped agriculture to meet the hard times. It has made them harder. The farmer's debt have not helped him, and more debt will not help him. Loans even from the Federal Government must be paid back and that payment taxes the borrower and depletes his profits, if and when he has any. Very few of the borrowers from the government will not be losers in the long run. For the individual as well as the governments, national and local, the way out is not by more borrowing, more debt making, but by economy and thrift.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

From Days Gone By Sept. 15, 1932

 September 15, 1932.

    Some 2,100 voters of Johnson County sloshed their way to the poles to nominate their representatives in the Congress, state officials and state legislators. The county votes were as follows: U. S. Senate, Walter F. George; Governor, Eugene Talmadge; Secretary of State, John B. Wilson; Attorney General, M. J. Yeomens; State Treasurer, George W. Lankford; Comptroller General, W. B. Harrison; Commissioner of Agriculture, G. C. Adams; State School Superintendent, M. L. Duggan; Commissioner of Commerce and Labor, Hal M. Stanley; Prison Commissioner, Lewis P. Chick; Public Service Commissioners, Guy O. Stone and Jule W. Felton; Superior Court Judges, R. C. Bell and H. Warner Hill; Judges for Court of Appeals, Frank A. Hooper, Jr., Lucien P. Goodrich, Alex W. Stephens, John S. Adams; Representative 6th District, Carl Vinson; Judge Superior Court Dublin Circuit, J. L. Kent; Solicitor General Dublin Circuit, James A. Shannon; State Senator 16th District, W. H. Lovett; Representative of Johnson County, C. S. Claxton. The new Democratic Executive Committee- J. Roy Rowland, W. C. Brinson, J. Eugene Cook and W. P. Bedingfield.

    The Wrightsville High School opens with one of the largest enrollments in the history of local schools up to that time. A total of 176 boys and girls, 60 of them in 8th grade and 37 seniors. If you include primary this total goes to 408, 47 in 6th grade. The Kite Consolidated School opens on the 19th. High school teachers are E. D. Tollerson, Mr. Parrott, Miss Mary Free and Miss Lula Harrison. Grammer school teachers were Mrs. C. S. Martin, Miss Nannilu Moseley, Miss Nancy Dee Brantley, Miss Lena Minton, Miss Allie Belle Fortner and Miss Ellen Hatcher.

    Cameron Kent left for school in Douglas, Nancy Rowland to Valdosta, Misses Kate Bryan, Annie Helen Tanner and Joyce Folsom to G. S. C. W. at Milledgeville. Misses Dorothea Sheppard, Margaret Holloway, Lucy Gay McCrary and Nellie Day Thompson are headed to Andrew College at Cuthbert.

    Carlos Miller, 17 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Miller of Spann, injured his right leg while assisting his father in mowing hay. He walked in front of the mower and suddenly tripped and fell. The blade struck his leg just above the ankle and penetrated the bone. He was rushed to Dr. Bray.

    Mrs. Mattie Horton died August 26th leaving 8 children, Mrs. Ella Ennis, Mrs. Acie Lord, W. D., T. E., J. R., W. W., E. C., Elmer Horton, one brother Mr. Gid Radney. She was buried at New Home.

From Days Gone By Sept 8, 1932

 September 8, 1932.

    Budgets for the city and county schools were cut 16 and 10 per cent, respectively, by the Board of Education. This action, Superintendent Linton Hutchinson said, will save approximately $1,000 a month or $10,000 for the term. With only $2,000 in the bank and expectations of receiving only a few thousand between now and Christmas, they were forced to reduce budgets. When the state legislature meets in January, the financing of the schools must be solved by it.

    The annual Fiddler's Convention of Johnson County Post No. 44, American Legion will be held again at the courthouse. Prizes will be awarded to the best fiddler's and dancers. Mrs. J. E. Cannady celebrated her 47th birthday with 100 relatives and friends. Mr. C. A. Fountain files for bankruptcy.

    New Home schoolhouse will hold a political rally with all candidates invited. Hon. Charles R. Crisp of Americus, candidate for U. S. Senator, will speak at the courthouse. Albert J. Woodruff of Decatur, member of the public service commission pays a visit to the county running for another term.

    Approximately 400 veterans of the World War have applied to Chairman Beverly B. Hayes, of the Legion Employment Committee, for jobs on the Federal Aid Highway Project in Johnson-Emanuel counties. Projects involve the construction of nine bridges.

    Up to September 1, Johnson County farmers had ginned exactly 71 more bales of cotton than at this time last year. The total stood at 1,421 bales compared with 1,350 a year ago. The 1932 county crop has been estimated at from 7,000 to 8,500 bales.

    Mr. I. O. Hutcheson, who lives three miles west of Meeks killed his third large rattler on his farm. He was five and a half foot long with nine rattles. The other two he killed were not quite as large. Mr. G. L. Garnto who lives near Red Hill community, while sitting on his porch his attention was directed to his chicken house. He investigated and found a five and a half foot rattler had killed a young fryer and trying to eat it. As he approached it attempted to escape but he killed it. Rattlers appear to be plentiful this year.

    The Johnson County 4-H Stockjudging Team won first place over neighboring counties at Mr. William Jackson's dairy at Donovan. The judges, Buren Claxton, Robert Radford, James Vickers and Lanier Frazier won a free trip to the Southeastern Fair.

    Mr. B. A. Anderson of Kite says a crop of Austrian winter peas gave him an increase of thirteen bushels of corn to the acre. Mr. T. L. Harrison claims a five hundred bale yield of peavine hay on 12 acres.

    John R. Sumner, fifteen years old of near Wrightsville, died in a Dublin hospital after a six week illness. He was survived by parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Sumner, and siblings Lucile, Beulah, Jack, Wesley, James, Elton, Callie, Essie Lee and Avis Sumner. He was buried at Red Hill cemetery.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

From Days Gone By September 1, 1932

 September 1, 1932.

    Johnson County is drawing quite a few political candidates coming here to speak. Some of them were Col. Russell M. Daley for Judge Superior Court Dublin Circuit; For Commissioner of Agriculture were candidates to succeed Eugene Talmadge. They were G. C. Adams, R. F. Burch of Eastman who predicts he will win 100 counties, J. Oscar Wall of Eatonton. John I. Kelley came running for governor; Judge R. Earl Camp of Dublin for 6th district representative and Col. R. I. Stephens of Dublin for solicitor-general Dublin Circuit.

    The opening of Wrightsville High School has been delayed a week by the Board of Education. It was ordered to permit the county to provide transportation of rural high school students. The Kite Consolidated Schools will open September 19th.

    A shooting and cutting affray started by two coloreds at Donovan Saturday night resulting in both seriously injured and arrested on charges of assault to murder. Jim Curtis and Will Warthen are in the county jail receiving medical attention, Curtis for a bullet wound through the breast and Warthen for several stabs. All this originated in front of Jackson's store in the heart of Donovan. Warthen pulled his pistol and began firing at Curtis who ran into the store which was crowded with customers. Curtis then ran back out of the store where the fight continued, Wathen being stabbed several times with a knife. Both are expected to recover.

    James L. Miller, 85, farmer, died at his home at Spann after several months of declining health. Born in Hancock County June 9, 1847, he moved to Johnson in the fall of 1887. He married Miss Lydia Fields of Baldwin County June 17, 1869 and had 8 children, 6 surviving. He was a Confederate veteran. Survivors are J. T., R. F., E. C. Miller, Mrs. Mattie Whitfield, Mrs. Mollie Dudley and Mrs. Lula Webb. He was buried at Piney Mount.

    Mr. Louis B. Hilson remains were buried at Westview on August 23rd. He died suddenly at his son's near Tennille. He was survived by sister, Mrs. J. J. Braddy, six sons, C. L., Fay,, L. Q., L. H., H. V., J. L. Hilson and daughter, Mrs. C. T. Anderson.

    Bernard Deal, 76, of Washington County died at his home from declining health. Born and reared in the Bethany community, a farmer and active church worker. Besides his widow, he is survived by 5 children and brother Lewis Deal. He was buried at Bethany.

    Richard Wicker who lived in the Lovett section died and was buried at Piney Mount. He was survived by his wife and children, Mrs. George Wood, Grady and Chan Wicker. Rev. Andrew Smith, 81, Missionary Baptist minister of Harrison died. He was buried in the New Cemetery with Masonic honors by the Anderson Lodge of Wrightsville.

    Mrs. Caley Brantley, 81, of the Bethany community died at her son's home. She was a native of Washington County but lived in Johnson several years on the Vickers farm. She was a 30 year member of the Christian church. Her children surviving are Mrs. Milton Cox, Mrs. J. M. and W. L. Anderson, Mrs. B. W. O'Quin and Mrs. J. H. Blount and son, J. F. Brantley. She was buried at Bethany.

    John W. Bailey, 82, died at home. He farmed for half a century, native of Washington County and lived in Texas a short time. He lived on the old Nathan Garnto place. Children surviving are Will, Tom, Sam, Ewley, Marcus, Quince Bailey, Mrs. A. F. Johnson, Mrs. G. C. Reese and Mrs. Thomas Logue. He was buried at New Home.

From Days Gone By August 25, 1932

 August 25, 1932.

    All the deeds for the new right of way for Route 15, connecting Dublin and Wrightsville have been sent to the highway department. All land owners signed right of way deeds but one, and it was condemed. The new right of way is from Brewton Creek to the Johnson County line and will soon be graded.

    Congressman Carl Vinson of Milledgeville, seeking election from the new 6th District, is committed to the Bee-Line highway project. Speaking to 300 to 400 people at the courthouse. He vows to get the road on the Federal highway system and will support the efforts of a bridge across the Oconee near Ball's Ferry. He attributed the present depression to the tariff act of the Republican administration and asserted it had impoverished all the people.

    Dr. J. R. Rogers of Adrian brought in the first bale of cotton this season. It weighed 397 pounds and ginned by Lovett & Company. The price paid was seven cents. It was understood the cotton was raised in Treutlen County. The first bale of Johnson County cotton ginned here was by S. J. Stephens of near kite. It weighed in at 525 pounds. Lovett & Company officials estimate the county crop will produce around 7,000 bales.

    Rattlesnakes have been plentiful this year with some large ones being killed. Mr. Olin Hutchinson killed two large ones on the skirts of his cotton field. While picking cotton his yard dog discovered them. Each one having nine rattles and the usual button.

    All signs seem to indicate one of the largest crop of doves seen in Georgia in many years. Dove shooters are warned by the State Game & Fish Department to wait until the season opens September first before hunting. Several cases have already been made.

    J. Eugene Cook, attorney and solicitor-elect of Wrightsville City Court, has been appointed chairman of the Young Men's Democratic Club for this congressional district. He is already a member of the state steering committee. He served as county chairman in 1928, and was active in the Roosevelt Democratic Club.

    The Scott Women's Club is sponsoring a political rally at Scott. Miss Mamilu Harrison, daughter of W. D. Harrison of the Beulah community, has been elected as a faculty member of Swainsboro High School. Mr. & Mrs. Louie Veal of Milledgeville had a son. Mrs. Veal was the former Nina Frost, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. E. R. Frost.

    Our home boys are getting along fine away from home. One note came from W. M. Shurling, Jr., stating he was accepted in the Electrical Engineering department of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. He has been invited to join the Georgia Club there. Twenty-eight boys from Georgia are there which keeps them from being homesick.

    Mrs. J. W. Spell has an ant remedy that works. She has a million ants to her credit. She sets some bottles in the yard, burying them almost up to the neck. These bottles are half full of water with a sprinkling of kerosene poured in. The ants find their way into the bottles and that is the last of them alive. She says it works and is the only remedy she has found to work.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

From Days Gone By August 18, 1932

 August 18, 1932.

    The Commercial Club will meet on August 24th, with a lot of business to attend too. Steps are being taken to secure aid to build a bridge across the Oconee River at Ball's Ferry. Also, they are asking the telephone company for a cut of fifty cents per month on residence phones and $1.25 on business phones. As a measure of economy, uptown offices of the Railway Express Company have been moved to the depot and Millard Daley placed in charge. Business is on the upward trend and people are generally more optimistic. Cotton has advanced several dollars per bale; the tobacco market in south Georgia is opening; the highway department is preparing to spend two and a half million dollars on roads. But for small towns business is about the same.

    The Wrightsville High School will take back in on September 5th. School may only last four months this term unless special financial provisions are made by the Governor of the State. Superintendent Linton Hutcheson says the State is indebted to the county $30,000, while over $20,000 is due the schools in taxes. By October the State will owe $8,000 more to Johnson County.

    Marvin Holloway, son of Rev. & Mrs. P. T. Holloway, was searched for in several counties Saturday night, but he is now back with his parents. They were alarmed when finding his abandoned car at Wadley with the key in the ignition. Police said another man had parked the car there earlier in the day. Come to find out Marvin met a college chum who was going to Augusta, and he rode with him, although his car was not where he left it when he got back. He failed to catch a ride back with the friend, so he took the Jacksonville bus back to Wadley. He was found at Louisville before he made it to Wadley. It was feared by his parents that foul play was involved.

    Mr. Fred Brantley has left Brantley's Drug Store for Homestead, Florida to work with Howard Johnson in the drug business there. Mr. Johnson is a Wrightsville man. Mr. W. C. Brantley and Mrs. Tom Brantley had a birthday party that was attended by Mr. T. E., Miss Willie Mae, Leon, Mrs. W. E., Linnie & Minnie, Evelyn, Hazel, Helen, J. F., Luther and Tom, all Brantley's. Also a Mrs. Knight. Petitions for divorce were filed. J. W. Powell vs Mae Powell and Mrs. Ouida Tharpe vs R. C. Tharpe.

    The beautiful home of Miss Annie Lou Robinson burned from a kitchen fire about 2 am Tuesday morning. She was home at the time. Some furniture was saved but many family heirlooms were lost. She is now residing with her brother, Dr. J. C. Robinson on the north side of the courthouse.

    Messrs. J. R. & Grady H. Brantley are going the cheaper route to get a white face bull, by raising one. Mr. Grady's calf is only 8 months old and weighs 300 pounds. Mr. T. J. Powell's practice of a white face (Hereford) bull on native cows is becoming more popular as they see more profit in beef cows. Mr. Ellis Claxton took the Angus fever and bought an Aberdeen-Angus bull after hearing about M. T. Riner and Dr. H. B. Bray's black polled calves. Mr. H. T. Mason is going the sanitary method of raising hogs. He has only one sow. Last Spring she had 11 pigs and raised 10 to weigh 2,240 lbs in 180 days. Last Fall she had 10 pigs, 7 killed at 4 months averaging 138 lbs dressed. This past May she had 9 pigs, which now weigh about 50 lbs each.

    Professor Luther Lillard, 67, died at his home on the Bee Line highway after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Tennessee but lived here since 1893. He was a practical farmer and taught school a few years, and was for 8 years Superintendent of Schools and was a member of the Board of Education at his death. Surviving are his widow, and children, Albert, Luther, Jr., Elmer, Miss Inez and Miss Louise. He was a Mason and was buried in Westview.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

From Days Gone By August 11, 1932

 August 11, 1932.

    After a Coroner's investigation over the body of Mr. C. D. Henderson, country storekeeper and planter on the Oliver estate, seven miles west of Wrightsville, was determined as suicide. Broken over the depression, he went into the schoolhouse yard at Union School, parked just over the hill, hidden from the road, he shot a 32 pistol bullet through his head and his body fell over lifeless. A note was found at his feet indicating he might end his life but making no such open declaration. The shot was heard about 9am but it was about 1:30pm when he was found by some young boys. He left a wife and nine children. He was born May 20, 1878 at Mitchell, Georgia and his father was Wade Hampton Henderson. He was taken back to Glascock County for burial.

    Mr. G. B. Dunlap, salesman of the city, his daughter Nannelle with her visitor, Miss Rose Furman of South Carolina, had a close call while returning from Macon. Dunlap was forced from the road by an approaching car about 12 miles from Sandersville. Miss Furman was cut and bruised about the face. The car was badly wrecked.

    Mrs. R. L. Stephens left for Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York city for merchandise for the R. L. Stephens Store here. The family of Mr. James M. Anderson celebrated his 76th birthday at Kite. Mr. & Mrs. Johnnie M. Johnson of Kite had a son on July 24th. Mrs. J. T. Harrison fell down her steps and sprained her ankle very badly. She is about 43 years old.

    The large residence on North Marcus Street of the late W. C. Tompkins, was rented by Miss Bertie Dickens for a boarding house to be called the Dickens House. It has been in operation as a boarding house for 29 years.

    A Laurens County colored man tells that coons can be caught because they will get drunk if you leave peaches soaked in moonshine where they can get to it. This goes to disprove the theory that animals were more intelligent than humans. Both of them are not intelligent enough to let whiskey alone.

    Business may come and business may go, but gentlemen the gasoline business is going on forever. There doesn't seem to be anything we or anyone else can do about it, but we call attention to the fact the price of gasoline in Johnson County is still too high, especially when considered that it can be bought for much less in neighboring counties.

    Political candidates speaking in the county were Col. R. I. Stephens for Solicitor-General Dublin circuit; Hon. W. W. Larson for Judge Dublin circuit; Hon. R. F. Burch for Commissioner of Agriculture; Hoke O'Kelley for Governor; Jule Felton for Georgia Public Service Commissioner.

    The difference between the Republican and Democratic platforms is that the Republicans were very careful not to commit themselves too strongly on the questions before the people, one of their henchmen having declared that their prohibition plank was designed to please both the wets and the drys, as it completely straddled. The Democratic platform is unmistakenly clear and comprehensive, and there is no evasion of the issues that must be decided at the ballot box. The result will be an overwhelming victory for Roosevelt and Garner on the 8th of November. It is predicted that they will receive a majority in 40 of the 48 states, and may gain some of the 8.

    The Constitution has said that "in nearly every case when you exclaim,'There ought to be a law against that!' if you'll look it up, you'll find there is", It has been well said that it is one of the curses of the country today.



Friday, July 17, 2026

From Days Gone By Aug. 4, 1932

 August 4, 1932.

    On Tuesday night around midnight, three or four colored folks entered Mr. & Mrs. J. Carl Claxton, just across Cedar Creek, and sacked up three fine turkeys. Policeman Garland Mayo saw them about 3 am with the sacks and suspected some sort of robbery. When they saw him they dropped the sacks and ran. The next morning Mr. Claxton obtained a warrant for Hozie and Horace Fields, and Albert and Buddy Trawick for simple larceny.

    Continuing their operations, meat thieves broke into the smokehouse of Marvin Jarrell and stole half a hog. On Friday night at Donovan, Mr. John M. Tyson who lives on the county line, lost about 200 pounds of hog meat from his smokehouse. A warrant was obtained for Bill Davis, colored.

    The Red Cross delivered 150 barrels of flour to the county to benefit around 175 families to help with the depression. When a man earned $100 a month just a short while ago, but lost his job on account of the depression, is willing to work for even just enough to pay his board, it is a pretty sure sign that he'll get a job somewhere.

    The depression is coming home to us more every day. For instance, take the old-fashioned two-wheel horse cart -- its the "Hoover" cart now, we believe -- that is coming back into existence and if that, along with the buggies that can be seen every day parked in their old once-reserved places, is not a sure sign. And another feature which more strongly brings the depression home is the fact that most of the "Hoover" carts are equipped in part, if not complete, with parts of automobiles that once adorned the farms and homes with pride and satisfaction.

    Mr. Dick Smith, from the Buckeye area is recovering from a rattlesnake bite while on a fishing trip. Mr. Dewey Downs of Dexter narrowly escaped death when lightning ran into their home. He was on the front porch at the time. Mr. Clint Smith of Scott area brings in the first open cotton bowl of the season.

    Dr. Thomas Lamar Harris celebrates his 70th birthday. A pioneer physician and minister of the county, originally from Sandersville. He has 9 children, 31 greats and 2 great greats. Mr. & Mrs. Alex Mayo celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on July 26th. Mr. & Mrs. Ray Barnes had a son on July 24th.

    Congressman Carl Vinson of Milledgeville will address the voters of the county at the Kite schoolhouse. Ordinary Flanders receives a check for the county for $3,509.82 for its portion of the gas tax. The paper urges the city officials to have an Ant Extermination Day.

    A new ferry boat has been put into operation at Ball's Ferry. This is the only place between Milledgeville and Dublin where automobiles can cross the Oconee River.

    The Wrightsville Junior baseball team defeated the Dublin Junior team by a score of 9 to 2. Wrightsville players are Stanley, Duggan, Lovett, Jenkins, Harrison, Smith, Parker, Cox, McBride and Chester. Judge Chan Brinson is manager.

    Mr. William Franklin Rachels, formerly of Washington County, died in Atlanta at age 76. He resided for a while at Donovan. He is survived by children, Mrs. E. N. Jones, M. G. and Dr. W. F. Rachels. He was buried in Sandersville City Cemetery.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

From Days Gone By July 28, 1932

 July 28, 1932.

    W. C. and Quincy Carter of the Spann Community, charged with assault to murder at the free for all fight at Idylwild, which Allie Fountain and Cleo Dismuke were hospitalized, have been released on bond of $500 each. Dismuke is healing at home and Fountain just released. He received several stabs in the abdomen requiring a blood transfusion.

    Harvey Foskey of Scott, is in jail on a charge of assualt to murder and officers are seeking his father and another son on similar charges in an altercation in which J. J. Harrison, Jr. was injured.

    From a law-abiding standpoint, Georgia was worse off in 1931 than the year before. Nineteen out of every one thousand persons of the State were committed to jail, an increase of seven percent. Whites were ten percent higher while blacks were only five percent.

    Records compiled at Tuskegee Institute show only five lynchings in the first six months of 1932, the same as 1931. In 1922, ten years earlier, thirty were lynched in the first six months. During the first six months of 1932, officers prevented thirteen lynchings, eleven in the southern states. Of the persons lynched, two were white and three black. The charges ranged from rape, murder, threatening murder and dynamiting a store.

    Friday afternoon a severe gale hit portions of the county and some very heavy damage reported. At Rehobeth Church, where a revival meeting was in progress, Mr. J. B. Wombles and family went down in a two-mule wagon. He unhitched the mules and tied them to seperate trees. When the cloud came with a lot of thunder and sharp lightening hit one of the trees and killed both mules on the spot. Other parts of the county heavy winds did damage to growing crops.

    Mr. Herbert Sanders lost a very valuable mule last Sunday, being struck by a hit and run driver the night before near Idylwild. The mule was being driven home by Jessie Jones, negro farmer on Mr. Sanders place, when the car struck the animal, injuring it and wrecking the wagon. Jones escaped injury and drove the mule home where it died the next morning. The driver stepped on the gas after the accident and has not been found yet.

    Mr. & Mrs. J. O. Dalton announces the marriage of their daughter, Dorothy Naomi to Mr. Lethard S. Freeman of Milledgeville. She was a graduate of Wrightsville High School.

    The city was saddened Tuesday by the death of the young man, Mr. Earl Layton after a short illness due to malarial fever. He was stricken last week on an Ogeechee River fishing trip. He was 20 years old, a promising football and baseball athlete. He lived here all his life, his father being the late J. M. Layton who was Coroner at the time of his death. Surviving are his mother, brother Minton, sister Ora Lee. He was buried at Union Hill.

From Days Gone By July 21, 1932

 July 21, 1932.

    A fire of an undetermined origin, but believed to have resulted from a live wire or short circuit, totally destroyed the home of Mr. L. E. Parker early Thursday morning. Mrs. Parker and some of the children were in Athens while Mr. Parker and the other children were staying at relatives in the county. The blaze was discovered around 2 am by Mr. B. B. Tanner, but it had gained such headway that the house was engulfed in flames. Tanner went into the house but was forced out by the flames before he could save anything other than the porch furniture. The damage was estimated by Parker at upwards of $5,000, partially covered by insurance. He has not decided yet to rebuild. At present he occupys the home of H. L. Fulford.

    Another disasterous blaze occured Friday about noon when the home of Mr. L. E. Vanlandingham, near Brantley's Chapel, burned to the ground, originating from a flying spark. He had just returned from town and saw the fire when it started, but before he could get help the building was almost entirely in flames. He had just recently removed his meat and lard from the smokehouse to a side room in the house and it also burned. He was partially covered by insurance. At present he and his family are living in another home on his farm.

    Throughout the summer months, the city's three churches will unite in union services on Sunday nights. The usual morning services will continue to be at each church. Miss Miriam Cook, daughter of Mrs. J. M. Cook, has been elected music teacher of the Kite Consolidated School. The Headlight is now in its 48th year.

    On June 10th, relatives and friends assembled at Rehobeth to celebrate the anniversary of Elizabeth Garnto. She has reached her 91st birthday. Her sister, Mrs. M. M. Stephens will be 96 next February 21st. Another celebration was that of Mrs. Julia Loyd, a sister of the late Isham and Henry Stephens. She turned 90 at the home of Mr. Andrew Loyd near Meeks. Also Mr. J. W. Bailey turned 76 with a gathering at his home near Moore's Chapel with 9 children, 35 great grandchildren and 1 great, great present. A family reunion was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. D. J. Turner in the eastern part of the county. Mrs. Turner turned 56.

    Sweet potatoes have been moving from Kite for the past two weeks at prices that have satisfactory and profitable to the growers. For the third consecutive year the Kite community has shipped the first new potatoes to the Atlanta market. A truck is now leaving for High Point, N. C. loaded with 200 bushels of the tubers.

    The state highway system at present comprises 8,018 miles, of which 1,000 miles added in the last six months. During 1930 and 1931, the state paved 600 miles per year.

    Savannah Beach, more familarly known to native Georgians as Tybee, is rapidly regaining that popularity which the old Tybee enjoyed in its heyday, the depression to the contrary notwithstanding: The business section which was destroyed by fire has been rebuilt and visitors will find a clean, attractive resort awaiting them on their vacation. However, there is an objectionable feature and that is a 25 cent assesment charged all cars entering the beach as a parking priviledge. Many want this eliminated. It may serve a good purpose but it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of those who have to wait in a line of autos more than a block long just to pay two bits to enter the park. A warning may be approprately issued to motorists from this section to the beach that there is no stock law in Emanuel and Bulloch Counties, or if there is, the law is not enforced and cows and hogs travel the highway at will, day and night, thus forming a dangerous hazard to speeding travelers

Thursday, June 25, 2026

From Days Gone By July 14, 1932

 July 14, 1932.

    Allie Fountain and Cleo Dismuke are rapidly recovering from a midnight cutting at Idylwild on July 4th, and two men, Quincy Carter and W. C. Carter are in jail under warrants for assualt with attempt to murder. This growing out of the break of peace between a number of young men of the Spann section at the end of a "square dance" at the resort on Independence night.

    The young man, Dismuke, was able to be brought home Monday afternoon by his father from the Claxton Hospital in Dublin. He is doing ok, and unless complications arise he will get all right soon. The more serious and dangerously wounded, Allie Fountain, is yet in same hospital and has quite a struggle to get this far alive. He is recovering as rapidly as could be expected given his injuries. The other wounded boys are getting along all right and their injuries are rapidly healing up.

    No further steps have been taken in the matter at this time. However, Rev. C. S. Martin of Kite doesen't see it this lightly. He writes: "The late affair at Idylwild, with four or five casualties, one or two desperate at this writing, calls for public scrutiny. I have heard no good reports of that resort. One has said it is a place where the "idle go wild". I know this, get bad licker inside a sorry whiteman and he'll debauch your girl. Get any kind of licker in a whiteman, and he'll kill or be killed. Fellow citizens, think of the sorrow, suffering, personal and court costs attendant upon such forays as that at the above named place lately.

    If you love your daughter and son keep them away from such places, especially at night. I don't care how decent they propose to be, one will never hear a hymn, a prayer or a Bible read there.

    Now, the Christian, moral folk of this county pay most of its taxes, and are generally responsible for the county's credit. And they deserve some consideration. Court trials are costly; and black draped coffins bring no joy in the homes. Therefore, I propose this question: Shouldn't the county revoke the permit for that concession and close that so called amusement resort, Idylwild?

    He that hath "guts" enough to stand for peace, sobriety, home and morality, may now speak, or hereafter forever hold his peace; especially if he is running for office."

    The Boy Scouts of Adrian camped at Mason's Bridge near Wrightsville. Scoutmaster was Rev. E. E. Gardner. In camp were Billy Gillis, Walker Bailey, Jr., Eban Taylor, David Frazier, Woodruff Kea, Robert Moye, Harold Anderson, F. A. Fountain, A. G. Odum, W. E. Spell, Julian Roundtree, Rowland Gillis, Carl Gillis, Jonah Frazier, Lanier Frazier, Lupo Webb, Russell Harrison and Curtis Chapman.

    Work on the Price-New Home Consolidated School has started. Materials are on the grounds and construction will be rapid. The county turned out 14,361 bales of cotton last year. A man sold a bale here Monday for 5 cents per pound. The Bank of Wrightsville's statement of condition was $166,603.41.

    A Wrightsville party went to Savannah Beach composed of Rev. & Mrs. J. E. Hall and their three children, Dr. & Mrs. J. G. Brantley and their three children, Col. & Mrs. C. S. Claxton, Miss Jo Fuqua and J. W. Claxton.

    Mr. Richmond Sammons and wife celebrated their birthdays, he being 81 and she will be 76 in September. Attending were Bennie, G. A., R. L., Wyly Sammons, Mrs. Julia Gay, Mrs. Dicey Smith, Mrs. Ella Hall, Mrs. Rhoda Odom and Miss Macey Sammons. Miss Emma Collins of Claxton and Rev. E. L. Harrison of Ludowici wed July 5th. She is daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Collins.

    Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Welch and their four children, Ray, Nell, Mary and Mary Jane, were enroute to the home of Mrs. Welch's parents, Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Smith, from their home in Tampa, when about 9 miles of Dublin the back tire blew out and the car summersaulted 3 times, badly injuring Mrs. Welch and bruising up the rest.

    Everybody was deeply greived over the death of Mrs. George Flanders. Little Carlton Smith died July 1st, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ples Smith and granson of Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Smith. Mrs. G. B. Dunlap, Sr. died at he home in Anderson, N. C. at 82. She is survived by 5 sons and 3 daughters including G. B. Dunlap, Jr.

Monday, June 15, 2026

From Days Gone By July 7, 1932

 July 7, 1932.

    Movements of plans for a complete and full celebration of the success of the well known Bee Line Highway have started. This through line, in opposition to nobody's road, started back yonder 14 years or more right here in Wrightsville. The Wrightsville Headlight began agitation for the erection of a road from Swainsboro to Kite to Wrightsville to Irwinton to Macon and it was called the Bee Line Highway, because, as the crow flies, it is the straightest route between these cities and between Macon and Savannah as you lay a rule on the map.

    Continually since, without any let-up any time and anywhere, this newspaper has unequivicably and unflinchingly and faithfully asked for the building of this road and at every turn of the machinery at the helm of state it has been a constant endeavor of ours to further every project that would finally consumate this end.

    Across Johnson County, from the East to the West extremities, this road now runs, and it is a fine road already. It is on the map of every county it touches. It is going to be on the highway map of July, 1932. It will pay handsome dividends to the counties in gas tax. Emanuel, Johnson, Wilkinson, Twiggs and Bibb counties will prosper by reason of this successful project. Citizens will reap handsome benefits from its completion. Travelers from everywhere will come this highway and centuries of the future will find it the choicest route available. The Bee Line is the highway. This was foretold 14 years ago.

    Wrightsville is the "Daddy" of the Bee Line. Her citizens have given of their time, money, influence, enthusiasm, progressive and aggresive spirit ever and along at every turn of the road to put this highway where the State Highway Department would own it, would operate it, would maintain it and pay the counties for it, as well. Wrightsville has never stopped working for it. Wrightsville started after it and now sees her labors rewarded. Wrightsville people, good and true, faithful and boosting, knowing its worth, have never seen the day to hesitate. Pushing on always, the goal is now in sight.

    Wrightsville has been backed by a strong following along the line of the highway, from Kite to the river, who have done a great work in backing up this city in its desire to put this highway through as quickly as possible. Now the gods of fate, politics and push have decreed that this road shall be, it is time to celebrate.

    Wrightsville can have a day set apart, appointed, fixed for a full and complete celebration right here in our own midst with the citizenship of the city and county. Ordinary W. J. Flanders says its the thing to do. Warden R. M. Stanley joins the same sentiments. Others who are in support of this are Councilmen Frank Outlaw, Dr. J. W. Brinson, R. L. Kent, E. E. Daley, R. L. Stephens, Monroe Cook, Mayor H. G. Hatcher, Tom L. Martin, R. B. Bryan, A. L. Hatcher, James A. Hall, E. E. Sanders, Jack Robinson, M. S. Duggan, E. R. Spell and Sheriff  Willis D. Rowland. 

    Once this celebration is complete, Wrightsville and Johnson County will spearhead getting a bridge across the Oconee River to replace the ferry.

From Days Gone By June 30, 1932

June 30, 1932.

    Mr. E. J. Claxton and Mr. H. P. Howard, owners and managers of the popular Bee Line Springs recreation grounds at Kite are having quite a large patronage at that place this season. They are now planning a big sing there for next Sunday, July 4th, with the promise of a large attendance. It will be an all day affair.

    More than 1,000 turned out at the courthouse for the Southeast Georgia Singing Convention. it was hot but the music rolled on as well as the perspiration. Outside, Officers Rowland, Brantley, Tapley, Crawford and Mayo reported no arrests and no cause for any. Mr. Tom L. Martin furnished ice water throughout the day.

    Mr. C. T. Moseley who farms the Hicks place reports a fine crop of cotton, corn and other grains. Mr. R. P. Hicks remarked it was the best crop he had ever seen on the place. Mr. M. A. Jackson is sending a lot of farm and garden produce to the curb market in Atlanta.

    Work on the Price-New Home Consolidated School will soon begin. it will be a large, commodious structure. There was 235 girls from the Savannah and Macon Districts to attend Camp Wilkins in Athens. Those attending from Johnson were Gladys Wells, Ruby Ivey, Susie Mae Rogers and Nettie Sweat.

    The City of Wrightsville will close up for the 4th of July. The courthouse will be closed. The filling stations will remain open as well as the cafes. Its back again, the supreme outstanding picture of all time will be at the Palace Theater, THE BIRTH Of A NATION, this time with sound.

    A telegram came in announcing the death of Mr. Z. A. Douglas at Hot Springs. He is a brother of Messrs. John A., R. R., E. A., Reuben and Brown Douglas. In the New Home community was the marriage, Saturday, June 18th, of Miss Nannie Belle Harrison and Mr. Ellie Belcher by Rev. Bennett Davis. She is daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Harrison. He is a son of Mr. & Mrs. Sunny Belcher and by occupation a farmer.

    Twelve years earlier, 1920, Miss Eva Drake and Mr. Horace Wheeler were married. Ex-Mayor Shurling erected a home on North Marcus. School was suspended on account of the flu epidemic. Snow fell in Wrightsville. Miss Louise Reynolds and Mr. Beverly B. Hayes were married. Sheriff-Elect Jonah Davis died of pneumonia before taking the oath of office.

    But few politicians ever went around this country boasting of being able to "give any county to anybody", to say nothing about the peanut fellow. Georgia had a man one time who could and did have that honor, but all generations since the time Noah and his old boat, there have been but few Tom Watson's. 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

From Days Gone By June 23, 1932

 June 23, 1932.

    The record is clear and the lines show that the Bee Line highway across Johnson County, and from Swainsboro to Wrightsville to Irwinton, will go on the highway department of Georgia on July 1st., states Hon. William J. Flanders, Ordinary, who has been to Atlanta and seen it in black and white. The road goes on for maintance and gas tax July 1st., and gives the county 27 and one third miles more than it has ever had to draw the tax from on the new apportionment. When Dr. Flanders became Ordinary there was 16 miles of highway milage in the county. The 14 miles on the Jeff Davis two years ago gives the county 57 and one third miles total. They are finishing up the last mile of grading on the Jeff Davis into Wrightsville. County road forces are making progress with their work on all sides. The Jeff Davis is being completed now and the Bee Line from Kite to the river is in good enough condition that the State can take it over.

    In 35 years the cost of state government in Georgia has mounted from five million to thirty-four million, and we have no better government, and not as good as we did 35 years ago. In Washington the Speaker of the House, John N. Garner, went on record supporting repeal of the 18th Amendment, the prohibition law.

    The local ladies are doing a big business with their efforts at establishing a local curb market in the city. It is growing weekly. Mr. Jesse Anderson, planter near Kite, brought in the first pickings from his Big Stem Jersey sweet potato crop. Crop reports in the county show the ravages of the boll weevil have already started and the insects are playing havoc with the weed in many places. The crop is poor and sorry in the county as a whole. The corn crop is fair to middling. Peas and potatoes are doing well. Gardens have come in for a big harvest and helped lots all over the county. Melons will be on shortly and in plenty. Cadwell, Ga. has opened a canning plant. It has a capacity of 400 to 500 cans daily. People can have their stuff canned for free on Wednesday and Friday's.

    The faculty of the Adrian Consolidated school has been announced. They are O. L. Haydon, superintendent and vocational department; R. M. Roundtree, principal and athletic coach; Misses Helen Forrester, Louise Stiles and Frances Fordham, high school; Mrs. Jessie Watkins, 7th; Miss Bonnie Tatum, 6th; Miss Marion Price, 5th; Miss Jeanette Holmes, 4th; Mrs. W. M. Webb, 3rd; Miss Pauline Burke, 2nd; Miss Dorothy Dunlap, 1st, and Mrs. F. L. Kea, piano.

    Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Garnto had a son born on June 17th, to be called Ernest, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Otis Knight lost their little child on June 9th, he had been sick his whole little life. His mother past away seven months previous.

    Mr. Clarence Powell and Mr. Mark A. Jackson are attending citizen military training camp at Fort Moultrie, Charleston, South Carolina. SGT. Thomas O. Powell first enlisted with the Marines at Macon in early 1923, and served till February 1926, receiving an honorable discharge and he planned to quit the service for good, but was not satisfied. He enlisted in the Army November 1928 and sent to Fort Benning. After 3 years of service it ended February 1932. He immediately enlisted for 3 more years. Thomas served 5 months as a Private, not satisfied took the exam and was promoted to Corporal. No longer than it took to take the next exam, in March 1930, he was promoted to SGT., with the second highest in his class with a percentage of 92, missing first by one point. He is now with the Medical Department at Fort Benning. He is a son of Dr. & Mrs. T. A. Powell of near Bartow.

    Rev. Midyett, a Baptist minister who once lived and preached in Wrightsville, recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of his entrance into the ministry by preaching at three churches and speaking to two Baraca classes. He is 81 years old and has delivered 12,000 sermons and preached in more than twenty states. On the 6th of May he and his good wife celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

From Days Gone By June 16, 1932

 June 16, 1932.

    Mr. James L. Keen, Jr., Laurens County Commissioner Secretary, has received deeds for right of ways of state route 15, connecting Dublin and Wrightsville, from Brewton Creek to the Johnson County line. The new right of way will follow the present highway closely and will not touch any towns. That brings to an end a question which has been debated for sometime, there being some contention for the road to follow what is known as the "old Wrightsville road" from Brewton Creek into Wrightsville. It was not known which route would be used until recepit of the deeds. Grading is about complete between Dublin and the Brewton Creek. The road is one of the most important in this section.

    The Union Singing Convention at Idylwild was enjoyed by possibly 2,000 people coming and going. For next year Rev. G. F. Sumner was re-elected president and Mr. C. D. Roundtree, Secretary. The Masons of Johnson County have been invited to join observance of the Festival of St. John, the Baptist to be held at Hephzibah June 24th.

    The Honorable John N. Holder of Jefferson County is making a run for the governorship of Georgia. The first candidate for Governor of Georgia, Honorable Peter S. Twitty, made his appearance in Wrightsville today, coming over from Dublin, his former home. He is the third candidate for a state office to visit Wrightsville.

    The local American Legion elected its 1933 officers. They are H. B. Bray, Commander; T. E. Jenkins, First Vice-Commander; H. G. Keel, Second Vice-Commander; R. E. Fulford, Adjutant and Finance officer; B. B. Hayes, Service Officer; Lotus McAfee, Chaplain; E. G. Blackwell, Sargent at Arms; A. P. Taylor, Historian; Jacob Kaplan, Color Bearer.

    The theft of meat continues. There has been more stolen in the last 6 months than has been utilized by a house full of people the same length of time. The latest victim was Mr. L. E. Vanlandingham who was robbed of 6 large hams and an unknown amount of middling and other pieces from his smoke house.

    Prof. Luther Lillard lost two good prized milk cows on his plantation. The cattle ate some green food from the field which is said to have caused their death. Mr. Frank Price reports plenty of cotton blooms on his farm near town.

    Alton L. Caneega has just been awarded a certificate in nursing in the Alexian Brothers hospital unit at the 114th annual commencement of St. Louis University. Miss Mildred Pauline Riner, college daughter of Hon. & Mrs. Morris Riner of Meeks, has a high record in her collegiate course at Middle Georgia College at Cochran. She is President of the Home Economic Club, President of the Dramatic Club and Secretary of the Freshman class. Miss Nora Lee Daniel, daughter of Mr. Frank Daniel of Macon, who once lived in Scott, has made high marks in her studies in textile industry in Macon and was a graduate in the Number One Girl Reserve Troop. She is the first girl in Georgia to complete the textile course in night school.

    Mr. George W. Gordy, popular tobacco salesman was home here making his rounds to the stores. Mr. & Mrs. Grady H. Brantley, Jr., announced an 8 pound daughter on June 6th named Zonnie Rosalyn.

    There is nothing magic about 4-H club work. It has been developed from the premise that farm and home tasks have educative values, which, if properly directed, are certain to develop not only more capable young people, but also a more satisfying rural life and happier community relationships. There are 84 of Johnson County boys who have joined one or more of these projects. This is an increase of 12 over last year.

    Mr. Lorenzie Powell of Kite was laid to rest at Powell's Chapel on June 8th. He had been sick at home about 4 months. He was a native of Johnson and was 77. His wife is living, his brothers and sisters are deceased. Two children survive him, Mrs. W. T. Mixon and Mr. Tom J. Powell. He was a Mason of the Kite Lodge.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

From Days Gone By June 9, 1932

 June 9, 1932.

    There has been more meat stealing going on around here lately. Mrs. E. A. Lovett lost a lot of hams Friday night when someone went into her locked smokehouse and took 12 or 14 large pieces. Rain swept away the tracks of the miscreant and no clues obtained.

    Sheriff W. D. Rowland received a telegram from Hamlet, N. C. Friday telling him of the arrest there of one Tom Robinson, colored man of this community, who sometime ago got into trouble and behind bars in the local jail on a charge or two. Tom didn't like jail life and he made a get-a-way, breaking out of jail and fleeing for parts unknown. Sheriff Rowland left Sunday morning by auto for the prisoner and brought him back to answer for the charges. Col. W. M. Shurling accompanied him. Tuesday Tom was sentenced to the county chain gang for jail breaking for 11 months by Judge Brinson.

    Planter E. J. Sumner who lives well, farms well, turpentines well, does a lot of business well, though times are hard and money harder though it may not be so with him. The first cotton bloom of the season came from one of his farmers, Newburn Knight.

    Through the summer months the grocery stores are closing each day of the week at 7 pm, except Saturday's. There will be a square dance at Idylwild tonight with music by the Pringle String Band. Col. Russell M. Daley will run for Judgeship of the Dublin Judicial Circuit. He is the junior member of the Burch & Daley law firm.

    Fifty out of every 100 families own their own homes according to the Department of Commerce based on the Federal census. Grayson Rowland, Harlie Fulford, J. C. Matthews, Harry Rowland, Fluker Tarbutton and W. J. Tapley are on a fishing trip to Stewart's Landing.

    The faculty for 1932-33 Wrightsville High School are, H. K. Adams, Superintendent; Lee McDonald, coach and math teacher; Miss Sarah Durham, history; Miss Lucile Suddeth, home economics; Miss Nina Stokes, english; Miss Evelyn Carroll, 7th; Miss Martha Rawls, 6th; Miss Grace Hutchinson, 4th; Miss Willie Sue Shirley & Miss Charlotte Wallace, 3rd; Miss Hilda Donan, 2nd; Miss Ruth Courson, 1st.

    Mr. Oliver P. Sinquefield was laid to rest at the family burying grounds near Tennille. He died at his sisters, Mrs. J. N. Lanier in Harrison. He was sick for many months and confined to his room most of that time. He was not married and would have been 54 on June 10th. Surviving are his siblings, Frank, G. C., J. D., T. C., Mrs. Jordan Stokes, Mrs. Bettie Jordan, Mrs. Nannie Stone and Mrs. Lanier.

From Days Gone By June 2, 1932

 June 2, 1932.

    Mr. M. C. Tyson will entertain the audience tonight with a special feature of music by the Melody Makers, a trio of players at the Fiddler's Contest at the Palace Theater. He was formally with the North Carolina Ramblers and the Tennessee Gully Jumpers. The annual Union Singing Convention at Idylwild has been running for 29 years. At this one will be a memorial service for the late lamented song producer and singer, Prof. E. L. Faircloth of Greenville, S. C., who died December 6, 1931.

    Mr. L. O. Moseley has returned to Atlanta from Montgomery, Alabama where he was manager of a large hotel. He is now associate manager of the Piedmont Hotel in Atlanta.  Tom L. Martin is turning out a lot of ice from his new manufacturing plant. Its Wrightsville's newest industry. There was 2,467 pounds of poultry sold at the co-op poultry sale in Wrightsville. Prices were about 75 per cent of pre-war prices.

    Col. R. L. Stephens announces for Solicitor-General to succeed Fred Kea. Stephens is a Johnson native and was committed to the Bar in 1915. Miss Sallie Mae Stephens and Mr. Harold Smith were married last Sunday at the home of Rev. G. F. Sumner. They are members of the Myrtle Grove community.

    Miss Mamie Riner of Wrightsville received her diploma from the G. S. T. C. at Collegeboro this commencement. Cadet Robert Brinson, son of Mrs. R. E. Brinson, who has been a student at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, is returning home after a successful year. Following the graduating excercises at Wesleyan College, Misses Frances Flanders and Juliette Roundtree graduated the 1932 class.

    In a fast game of baseball the local nine played excellent ball at Oconee, but lost the game 4 to 3. One of the best fishermen in the county, Mr. Dewey Hall, says he is all fixed up for the summer season. Another angler who is proud to go fishing again is Mr. O. P. Prescott.

    Mrs. Rebecca H. Hines died at Eastman on Sunday evening while visiting her daughter, Mrs. H. C. Allen. Her home was in Reidsville but she formally lived in Wrightsville. Besides her daughter she is survived by a son, Dr. Holmes Hines of Reidsville. She was buried in the Bartow cemetery.

    Mrs. Mollie Frost died at her home in Augusta on Monday night. She had been feeble a long time and her death not unexpected. She was buried at Oaky Grove. She was a sister to Mrs. W. T. Keyton, Mrs. O. L. Tanner and Messrs. Philip Price and J. P. Price. Two sons, Rufus and Walter, three daughters Mrs. Ben Tanner, Mrs. W. H. Perry and Mrs. R. R. Perkins. She was a Baptist.

Monday, May 18, 2026

From Days Gone By May 26, 1932

 May 26, 1932.

    The Wrightsville City Council and Mayor will have an open house next week for the new city hall. Fifty new seats have been purchased, cells and fixtures are in place. The fire wagon is in its stall ready for a run. Nearly 500 Johnson County farmers have received aid from the Federal government this year for general farm operations, announced Mr. R. E. Fulford, chairman of the county committee. The total amount of loans was $77,032.75. This is $50,000 more than last year.

    Mr. Tom L. Martin's ice business is running twenty-four hours and turning out plenty of the frozen product. Mr. Newton Howell of Kite is the Coroner-Elect for Johnson County. A man by the name of Tharpe preached at church in Wrightsville Sunday and he gave hypocrites the cold, straight-from- the-shoulder truth about their meanness.

    Mr. M. E. Crow, former county agent is in the race for the lower house in the General Assembly. He is a farmer, and county agent from 1918 to January 31, 1931. He was raised in South Georgia and been here 15 years. Col. Charles S. Claxton is running for the same office. Charles D. Roundtree is running for Senator of the 16th District which covers Johnson, Laurens, Treutlen and Emanuel counties.

    Slim Blount and his locals put up a good baseball game at the fairgrounds Monday against New Home with the score of 13 to 9 in Wrightsville's favor. In Saturday's game it was New Home 10 to Wrightsville's 2.

    Wrightsville and Johnson County are entitled to some hard surfaced roads and indications are we are making progress in obtaining them. The following midwives have certificates to practice in the county: Margie Ann Brinson, Jennie Barksdale, Lizzie Bonner, Pearl Brown, Bessie Mae Braddy, Nancy Fluker, Mildred Hurst, Malissie Henderson, Ella Harris, Patsy Henderson, Arrena Jackson, Lula Latimore, Nora Montford, Hattie Mathis, Lucy Miller, Sallie Outlaw, Laura Poindexter, Emma Robinson, Patience Thomas, Linnie Williams, Harret Wright and Frances Gilbert.

    Mr. E. O. Snell's daughter, Tommie Lee, of Williamsburg, Va. will wed Dr. J. B. Weber of Philadelphia this fall. They now live in Hawaii. Mrs. Emma Roberts of Laurens County and Frank F. Flanders of Wrightsville were wed by Rev. John G. Ivey. Mr. Leslie Powell, son of Mr. & Mrs. B. B. Powell, now a citizen of Chicago wed May 2nd to Miss Gladys Montgomery of Mechanicsburg, Ohio. He is with the Deluxe Art Studios of Chicago.

    Mr. C. J. Smith of near Spann shared some interesting documents he had in his possession. In 1797 land in this section, 161 acres, sold for $50 according to a land grant he had. John McCoy sold to James Bailey that amount on the Big Creek and beside the land of Richard Smith. Another document signed by Gov. Lumpkin commissioning Francis E. Flanders, Justice of Peace, dated Jan. 1, 1835, then in Laurens County. In 1859 William B. Hall had a case of slander against William Johnson, and a long hand, pen and ink, witness summons to Flanders to attend court when William W. Holt was Superior Court Judge and James W. Walker was Clerk. Also in his possession, John Rogers, acting colonel of the 39th Regiment on March 25, 1830, issued an appointment to Francis E. Flanders as 2nd LT of the 86 company district, Georgia militia. On March 1, 1830, Thomas Moore, clerk of court Laurens Co., issued to F. E. Flanders letters of administration on the estate of James Mason.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

FROM DAYS GONE BY May 19, 1932

 May 19, 1932.

    John Hughes Curtis, Norfolk boat builder, confessed to police that his activities in the Lindbergh kidnapping negotiations were figments of his imagination. Curtis had told of a ship with kidnappers aboard and went into details as to negotiations designed to effect return of the child. It was a notorious bid for notoriety and money.

    Saturday and night were bad times for two Johnson County tax officials. W. T. Johnson, Tax Receiver, lost his home by fire about 4:45 in the afternoon, and J. Nat Riner, Tax Collector, lost his big barn about 11 that night. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. J. D. McAfee were in the main part of the house sewing when the fire caught up in the ceiling. Johnson had about $600 insurance. The house was on the north side of town.

    Mr. W. H. Lovett will run for State Senate. He is one of the leading financial pillars of this part of the state. He is engaged in farming and other businesses including lumbering, manufacturing fertilizers, banking, trucking, railroading, merchandizing and real estate. He is married to Louise Lovett, daughter of Mrs. E. A. Lovett, and has two children, Billy and Betty.

    The results in the Scott trustee election, with two positions to fill were, J. C. Carter 121; R. T. V. Schwalls 104; J. M. Smith 34. Miss Vivian Outlaw leaves for a tour of New York. There will be a co-op poultry sale here next week. Mr. C. L. Wiggins of Kite has three sets of twin calves which will give some momentum to his cattle enterprise.

    The paper says, put the Jefferson Davis highway through this year. We live in one of the few Georgia counties minus any paving. Route 15 into Dublin is expected to be a real paved road some time soon. Johnson County is anticipating this and is working to that desired end. From 20 to 40 autos now cross Ball's Ferry daily. When the Bee Line is finished it will take two ferries to accommodate the traveling public at this point.

    Mason's Bridge, the old wash hole, is getting patronage by the hundreds daily already. J. W. Claxton has become sole manager and proprietor of Idylwild Park purchasing the interest of Mr. McBride. The big, new ice manufacturing plant of Tom L. Martin is in full operation. He will make enough ice to supply trade all over the countryside. City trash moving goes on Saturday nights around midnight and after, according to Bennett Tapley who drives the city trash truck. The idea is to move the trash and rubbish from the streets and sidewalks about the time the stores close.

    Dublin baseball team easily defeated Wrightsville 17 to 1. Captain Bluford Blount of the newly organized baseball team here is getting a new line-up to play Wrens today.

    The Johnson County Home Demonstration Council, chaired by Mrs. C. E. Harrison, is sponsoring a curb market on Bradford street opposite Col. Claxton's office. Mrs. T. L. Raines is market master. It will be held twice per week on Wednesday and Saturday rain or shine. Wrightsville is a small market and most families have a garden, cow and poultry. However there is a season these cannot be bought. This lack affords an opportunity for the farm home-makers to market their surplus from their farms. The theme is to keep Johnson County money at home.

    The Adrian School graduates this year are: Amanda Lou River, Preston River, Barbie Hutcheson, Annie Belle Harrell, Louis Curry, Lanier Flanders, Barnie Sammons, Maggie Mae Webb, Ruby Smith, James Renfroe, Mary Alma Carter, Jessie Nell Thigpen, Doris Smith, Gifford Douglas, Lotis Barwick, Mattie Phillips, Zelma Morton, Harris Horton, Annie Laurie Mason, Sara Chapman, Delmas Pope, Gladys Hall, Mary Stewart and Doyce Price.

    Someone has well said, "This depression will be over before 80 percent of the people know it." The 20 percent are industriously busy preparing for better times. The 80 percent will be bemoaning their own fate and the other fellows good fortune. Fortunes and independence are built on faith and the intestinal fortitude to stick on the job when the other fellow has given up. These 20 have faith, they are improving their land, buildings, laying the foundation when better times have finally and impressively arrived, which they will. The 80 will want to buy at a low price what the 20 have acquired at a low price. There never was a time like the present to start a foundation of good hogs and cattle.

Friday, April 24, 2026

FROM DAYS GONE BY May 12, 1932

 May 12, 1932.

    Ordinary W. J. Flanders called a meeting concerning how to take care of the county's poor and unfortunates in the best way. The county has no poor farm and is giving funds per month to the needy. The amount now goes beyond the amount paid in taxation per annum. It was recommended by Judge John Luther Kent to take steps to plan a home for the needy. A committee composed of W. J. Flanders, W. H. Lovett, C. S. Claxton, J. G. Greenway, T. J. Powell and C. D. Roundtree to look into this. It was finally voted to continue as it is with a request from the populace that expenses be cut as far as possible.

    Mathew E. Crowe, former county agent is considering a run for the Georgia House and Charles Claxton is sure to run. Others mentioned are Z. T. Houser of Scott and Tom J. Powell of Kite. In the Wrightsville school Trustee election it was Emory L. Rowland 275; D. T. Brinson 199; J. N. Hall 160 and C. S. Claxton 62. In the races for Kite School Trustee Willie A. Minton and W. S. Kite beat out B. A. Anderson and C. L. Williams. In the Price-New Home race Cecil Frost won over Perry Blizzard.

    Johnson County crops are looking up now since the refreshing shower. Little crops were beginning to injure and much of the cotton was yet in the ground that will now sprout and come up. Mr. H. P. Hicks is building an apiary for bees. Next Saturday the Price-New Home School will offer at auction the tin roofing and other things of value around the school.

    Mr. Henry Stephens 74th birthday was held at Rehobeth Church. Born May 8, 1858 a mile from his present home. He has nine children living, J. Q., J. A., I. J., Silas, Stevie, Mrs. Rosa Anderson, Mrs. Linnie Belle Davis, Mrs. Nora Sheppard and Mrs. Minnie Renfroe, sister Mrs. Julie Loyd, 26 grands and 8 great grands. He is a 30 year Mason of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

    A birthday dinner was held for  John C. Powell near Kite for his 66th birthday. Attending were sons, Forrest C., S. J. and grandson Edwin, son-in-law D. L. Meeks and grandchildren Gladys and Willie Meeks.

    Eugene Talmadge, Commissioner of Agriculture and candidate for Governor, will go to jail if he does not refrain from interfering with funds of the veterinary department ordered by Judge Malcom B. Jones. Employees have been without pat since January one. Talmadge is unwilling to make an agreement.

    The capture and carrying to the chain gang of F. L. (Kooter) Kreutz, last Saturday night was carried out by Judge Bidgood's order when he revoked the probated sentence of Kreutz. The revoke came as a result of a conviction in City Court while out on probation. Officers Vernon Raines and Tom C. Brantley raided a big fish trap in the Ohoopee River near Raines Bridge. It was a full grown affair all snugly placed in the stream, but did not have anything in it when retrieved.

    J. M. Meeks died and was buried in the Methodist cemery at Glenwood. He was the father of Rev. C. M. Meeks, presiding Elder of the Savannah District Methodist. He died at the home of step-daughter Mrs. Lindsey of Wrightsville. He was 80 years old and survived by sons, Rev. C. M., W. W., M. M., J. R., C. E., M. A. and daughters Mrs. M. Wilson, Mrs. E. Leggette, Mrs. Julia Williams and step-sons G. M. and William Anderson.

    Mrs. Anna Rebecca McWhorter, died. She was the daughter of Eli & Anna Reaves McWhorter. She was born May 19, 1843 in Hancock County, joined the Baptist Church at Bethel in 1856, moved to Johnson County in 1865 and joined Rehobeth. Moved to Wrightsville in 1872 and moved her membership to Wrightsville Baptist. She married William F. Shurling November 20, 1884, united with Sisters Church in 1885 and was a widow with one child, William McWhorter Shurling. She left the farm for Tennille in 1890 then back to Wrightsville in 1891.

FROM DAYS GONE BY May 5, 1932

 May 5, 1932.

    The Kite High School holds its graduation excercises  and the graduates were: Thelma Minton, Annie Ruth Meeks, Aliene Renfroe, Ada Brantley, Sarah Harrison, Georgia Belle Brantley, Nettie Ree Amason, Myrtle Schwals, Eddie Mae Powell and J. B. Powell.

     Col. Charles S. Claxton has announced he is running for Trustee of the school district along with Col. Emory L. Rowland. Mr. J. N. Hall will run also for Trustee.

    The Dublin District Methodist Conference will meet in Wrightsville at the Methodist church beginning today. Attending will be presiding elder, J. O. J. Taylor, assisted by Rev. P. T. Holloway. Also attending were Dr. Harvey W. Cox, President Emory University; Rev. T. C. Clary of the South Georgia Conference and Dr. Dice R. Anderson, President of Wesleyan College and a home product will be Rev. W. W. Anthony.

    General Chairman Pete Holloway of the Associated Charities will be distributing the carload of flour to those in need during this depression. The Singing Convention will be at Bay Springs Sunday. Miss Alice Garnto married Mr. Ell Powell at Kite, he is the son of L. S. Powell and she is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. N. B. Garnto. Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Smith had a son on May first.

    Mrs. A. S. Watkins turned 70 on April 27th and celebrated with her daughter, Mrs. Bessie Meeks at Kite. Attending were her four sisters, Mrs. E. N. Wicker, Mrs. B. E. Belcher, Mrs. E. J. Dixon, Mrs. Annie Ganus; brothers, Charlie and Walter Stephens. Mr. J. W. Stephens and Mrs. Hattie Matthews could not attend.

    Joseph Kersey, born in Emanuel County in 1855, came to Johnson 63 years ago to Kite. He stated he has paid all road taxes, state and county taxes, never served on a jury, never been sued and today doesn't owe a cent to anybody and has never failed to do his public duty to his country. A unique record.

    The Commercial Club heard arguments supporting the organization of a tax payers' league for the city and county. They are asking for a decrease in salaries of all Federal employees and to cut the budget so as not to require any further increase in taxation. Concrete will be used to pave Highway 80, the 11.25 miles from Macon to Dublin and widening five bridges, two on the Dublin-Scott road. It is said Route 80 should be completed soon and has been placed above all other roads.

    The local Chapter of the U. D. C. put on a spring carnival in the city. Fancy costumes, worn by actors, presented a Mardi Gras effect. It ended with a square dance and the Virginia Reel.

    Mr. J. T. Blankenship, veteran meat market man would have been 64 on May 17th, was buried in Westview. He was survived by his wife, daughters Estelle and Ola, Mrs. Maude Stewart, sons, Ira and Ferris O.; brothers William, Emmion and Edd P.; sisters Mrs. Corine Mullis, Mrs. Minnie Warren. He was born in Glascock County and moved here 41 years ago. He ran a meat market here for 24 years. All the town businesses closed for the funeral. Later that night someone entered Mrs. Blankenship's smokehouse and stole all her meat.

     Four members of the Mallory family of near Adrian were buried in three days. Mr. W. T. Mallory, Mr. W. H. Hayslip, stepfather of Mrs. Mallory, W. T. Mallory, Jr., killed in accident coming from Fort Benning, and their baby. All were buried at Popular Springs.

Thursday, April 9, 2026

From Days Gone By April 28, 1932

 April 28, 1932.

    Wrightsville has bought a new business home. In negotiations with Mr. W. H. Lovett they acquired the brick store room occupied for many months by the Tom Reese Pressing Club. The purchase is for the building and 10 feet of land on each side. Councilmen Frank Outlaw, James A. Hall and Jack Robinson purchased it for $1800. The building will be fixed up with cells, council chambers, fire apparatus and other things needed. Prisoners will be secure in this new place and escapes will be unlikely. The Wrightsville Commercial Club will meet tonight with Dr. H. B. Bray presiding. The main topic will be a Tax Payers League. The Wrightsville council cuts the street tax in half from $4 to $2 per year.

    Mr. Cline brought the newest design of the Ford car to town and around 1300 people visited Mr. L. A. Lovett's showroom. The new coupe, fully equipped with V-8 engine and fast at 65 hp. It sells for $603.

    There may be four candidates for the new 6th District for Congress. Judge R. Earl Camp, Dublin; Carl Vinson, Milledgeville; Carlton Mobley, Forsyth; W. P. Norris, Wrightsville. In a Justice Court peliminary hearing for Joe Moore, colored, was bound over to Superior Court on charge of assault with attempt to rape. Bond was set at $500. Many visitors are expected at Bee Line Springs this season, with many improvements being made. Management by Mr. & Mrs. S. D. Howard.

    Wiley Jackson, living 8 miles east, close to Pringle, lost his home by fire. He lived on the farm of Dr. P. B. Beddingfield. His wife was cooking dinner when she discovered the roof of the kitchen afire. He had a wife and 3 small children. Someone entered Mr. Carl Carter's smokehouse and he says next time he wish they would ask him for the key to keep the boogers away.

    Kite Lodge No. 327 F. & A. M. submitted a resolution with respect to the late John W. Mayo, born Sept. 2, 1845 and died Aug. 21, 1931. He married Miss Charlotte Anderson Davis April 9, 1865. They had nine children with two living, Mrs. N. B. Snider and George W. Mayo. He served in Company F, 14th Ga Johnson Greys, a member of Kite Baptist and was a Master Mason.

    Mr. C. C. "Nat" Wheeler died in the hospital in Washington, Va. He was a citizen of the county and a traveling salesman for several states. He was 48 and a member of the Christian Church. He was survived by his wife, 3 daughters and a son along with father W. L. Wheeler and brother Willie Wheeler. He was buried in Westview.

    Mr. J. B. Blankenship, 63, died at his home on Court Street after a 2 week illness. He was an old resident of the city and for 24 years ran a market here. He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Roana Daniels Blankenship, 3 daughters, Estelle, Ola and Mrs. T. W. Stewart, 2 sons, I. J. and F. O. He was buried in the Anthony Cemetery.

    An army corporal and his niece were killed, and the soldiers mother and another woman in serious condition at a Macon hospital as a result of a collision between their coupe and a fruit truck at the crossroads at Henderson, Houston County. Corporal William T. Mallory was returning to Fort Benning from Adrian attending services for his father. The child, Sola Mallory, 6 years old died a few minutes after the accident, William died at the hospital. They were buried at Poplar Springs.

    In a very ugly affray in the eastern part of the county near the Emanuel line, about a mile from Ennis on Saturday night, twin brothers Jimmie and Jeffie Minton, young white men, and another white man, John C. Powell, son of Stephen & Mattie Powell, got in a row about some differences they had earlier in the night. When near Pat Brown's home on the A. S. Chamblee farm the fight ensued. Officer George N. Ivey said the use of knives, pistols and other weapons played a part. Jeffie Minton was cut on his neck and a long gash across his face. Powell was cut on his throat, stomach and chest and in bad shape. The auto used was smeared with blood. Who was the aggressor has not come to light yet. Sunday night L. T. Malony, a Louisville attorney and Deputy Sheriff Jim Hubbard of Jefferson County had warrants for the Minton brothers on charges of auto theft and a second charge of arson as they burned the car.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

From Days Gone By April 21, 1932

 April 21, 1932.

    Local citizens met in the city council chambers favoring the location of a city hall, city offices, city fire department and calaboose or jail in one building uptown. The city owns the site of the old power plant near the Chevrolet place but this did not appeal to the citizens. They want everything centrally located uptown. In City Court, Andrew Tant, white man, pled guilty of assault and battery. Judge Brinson gave him eight months on the gang or fifty dollars.

    The American Legion and the three city churches will hold Memorial services at Brown Memorial next Sunday, instead of on Memorial Day. Rev. P. T. Holloway, pastor of the Methodist church will deliver the sermon and the local U. D. C. will have charge of the music. Veterans of all wars are encouraged to attend.

    Mr. Dewitte Brinson, local businessman has been urged to run for a spot on the Board of Trustees of the schools in the county. State Game Warden R. L. Roundtree declared he would enforce the laws in regard to closed fishing season from April 15 to June 1. Before the season closed, Mr. Bob West, a worker at A. F. Flanders drug store, caught an eight and a quarter pound trout at Coleman's Lake. The largest caught around here this season.

    Senator William J. Harris, 64, passed away after a long illness. He was Georgia's senior senator and he was buried at Cedartown. John W. Williams, local from here, worked under him doing the cotton census here for five years.

    Sheriff W. D. Rowland jailed six people, four white and two black. Down at Gumlog artesian well Saturday night and Sunday morning there was a drunken brawl going on and officer George N. Ivey arrested three white men and one white woman, Henry, Cuen and James Sheppard and Mrs. James Sheppard charging them with drunk on the highway and rioting at the well. Wilbur Knight was put in jail on a charge of pistol toting and pointing it at another. Lee Roy Cooper was arrested for being disorderly.

    A colored woman by the name of Redmond Mills, living on the Philip Price place in the eastern part of the county, was hit by a flash of lightning Thursday evening and died instantly. She was leaving the house and when in the yard the stroke flashed down and hit her, breaking her bones up badly. The woman would have given birth to a child soon.

    Mrs. Anna Shurling died at the Bethany Home in Vidalia. She was a sister of Captain Thomas Wiggins Kent. She had one son, William Shurling, and was buried in Westview.

    Mrs. Mary A. "Vashti" Crawford, 71, died at her home in Vidalia. Before marriage she was a Mixon, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. P. Mixon of Kite. She was born January 31, 1861 and wife of the late David Algerene Crawford, former county sheriff that was murdered in 1924. She had 4 daughters, Mrs. R. S. Mixon, Mrs. M. B. Watkins, Mrs. C. F. Corley, Mrs. J. M. Dean, sons, J. C., J. W. and Tom. Sister Mrs. R. T. lovett, brother J. P. Mixon, 26 granchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren. She was buried in Kite Cemetery.

    This years graduates of Wrightsville High School are, Ethel Anderson, Kate Bryan, Irene Beasley, Ruby Claire Bray, Julia Chester, Laverne Claxton, Rossie Mae Cox, Sara Douglas, Nellie Kitchens, Attice Oliver, Mildred Rachels, Evelyn Snell, Margaret Holloway, Mary Powell, Leslie Price, Agnes Horton, Nannie Helen Tanner, Louise Vickers, Nellie Pool, Robert Attaway, Roy Brantley, Chauncey Brinson, W. C. Claxton, William Flanders, Bill Hall, Clark Harrison, Charles Hicks, Rex Jackson, Marion Jackson, Cameron Kent, Walter Lovett, Wilson Marshal, Hubert Outlaw, Elmo Price and Ansalon Powell.

From Days Gone By April 14, 1932

 April 14, 1932.

    Nathan Wombles was incarcerated about 3 Tuesday evening by Chief W. J. Crawford for being drunk in the city. He was a farmer and came to town with his father on a wagon for some guano. Nathan stayed behind to sell some chickens. Chief Crawford said he tried to get him to go home and he started that way several times but would turn around and come back, so Crawford finally had to lock him up. About 1:30 Wednesday morning, nearby citizens heard a man crying for help and upon investigating found Wombles scurrying about the wooden jailhouse trying to get out as the jail was on fire. The citizens set to work to try and help him. Axes and everything possible was tried to save him. Night policeman Garland Mayo hurried there and Wombles was still alive. Water was turned on the burning building and it was saved from total destruction. Afterwards Mayo opened the door but it was too late. They found his lifeless body on the side that was burning the worst. It was determined he died from suffocation or being burned to death. He was 49 years old, the oldest son of Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Wombles of Moore's Chapel. Surviving him was his wife, the former Martha Howell of Meeks, and eight children and two grandchildren. He was buried in the Garnto Cemetery.

    Kite had a heavy wind gale with rain Friday night with some damage to houses and trees. The wind blew the rain up under the hinges on roofs of homes drenching some of the homes. Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Carter of Spann brought to town an egg weighing four ounces and measured in circumference, middle just six and one half inches end to end and eight inches around.

    George Johnson and James Rogers, two white men, are serving thirty days in jail for simple larceny with added sentence of eight months on the gang or forty dollars. They were caught stealing a plow and some chickens. Ordinary W. J. Flanders says pensioners have $15 coming to them from the 1931 balance and $160 due them from 1930.

    Miss Frances Crawford will sing during the McConnell Show. She is granddaughter of Dr. & Mrs. T. E. Vickers. Local camp Woodmen of the World met with a visit from Assistant State Manager H. C. Fabian and District Manager J. R. Cherry. Mr. Lofton Burns is the local organizer of the Camp. Rev. Jesse Hall has gone to preach a revival at the Baptist church in Ludowici.

    Richmond Sammons will be 80 years old on the 21st, and his wife 76 on September 13th. He was not old enough to go to war but at ten years old he helped keep the home affairs going while four of his brothers fought in Virginia for four years. Miss Mazie Peddy formerly of Adrian married Mr. William McKay of Jacksonville, Florida. She is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Peddy.

    Mr. Ray Tanner, 29 and a native son, died in Jacksonville, Florida from apoplexy which shocked the entire family. He was a son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Bartow Tanner. He was survived by sisters, Mrs. Roy Connell, Mrs. H. G. Hatcher, Mrs. Bill Tyson and half-sister Miss Martha. Brothers were Otho and B. B. Tanner. He was buried in Westview.

    Mrs. Carl Brantley, the former Jewell Parr, died on April 6th at Rawlings Hospital of pneumonia. She was a bride of only a few weeks. She was survived by her husband, parents Mr. & Mrs. Parr, one brother and four sisters. She was buried in Westview.

    The Spann community lost Mr. W. A. Veal, born in Washington County but lived here many years. He was survived by sons, Cosby, Charlie, Seab, Louie and Bubba Veal, daughters Mrs. Lee Kitchens, Mrs. Julian Whitfield, Mrs. Reuben Bray, Mrs. David Morgan, Mrs. Myrtle Howell and Louise and Geneva Veal. He was buried at Piney Mount.

Monday, March 16, 2026

From Days Gone By April 7, 1932

 April 7, 1932.

    A delegation of lawyers and citizens of the county are in Atlanta today appearing before Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr., asking him not to allow a parole to Charles G. Rawlings, who is now in the penitentiary convicted in the slaying of Gus. A. Tarbutton on Ring Jaw Bluff February 17, 1925. On March 31st, the prison commission granted Rawlings a parole passing the recommendation on to the Governor. Since then the Governor has received many letters and messages against his release..

    This trial was one of the most sensational in the history of the State. Held in Wrightsville where he was tried, convicted and sentenced to life in assisting in the slaying of Tarbutton to collect insurance. He was killed up on the Oconee with J. J. Tanner, also serving a life sentence.

    Rawlings is now past 70 years of age, very feeble, and has grown worse since his incarceration in Milledgeville, and now an object of pity according to some reports. It is said he has been paralyzed for some time and the parole was recommended on the account of his helpless condition. Governor Russell is holding a hearing today on the clemency matter and relatives of the deceased man and others will make arguments against his release.

    The local American Legion Post is preparing for the 12th District Legion Convention to be held here. The streets of Wrightsville are being decorated with the uniform flags adopted by both State and National American Legions. This consists of a 12 foot pole and a 4 x 6 U. S. flag in front of each Wrightsville business.

   The Wrightsville & Tennille railroad will discontinue its Sunday trains between Tennille and Dublin on May first. It has provided Sunday train service for more than 45 years but the railroad says the 4 Sunday passenger trains produce less than $10 per day in revenue which is equal to one fifth of the cost of coal used in operating these schedules. Last Sunday only two tickets were sold amounting to only 62 cents. Only the mail train will run on Sunday morning around 6:30 am. Hon. B. H. Lord, General Manager of the W. & T. delivered checks to six counties amounting to $18,312.02 for 1931 taxes. That's ten percent of the lines total earnings.

    Manager W. N. Watkins of the local Georgia Power Company office has carried out a campaign in selling the electric range and water heaters selling race and has sold over 100 precent of his quota and looking to do 200 precent. He is the first in the company to pull this off. Mr. Earnest Hitchcock is operating a shoe shop next to T. V. Kent's store. Mr. John M. Johnson files for bankrutcy. The local banks statements of condition are, Bank of Adrian $49,926.91; Bank of Wrightsville $188,907.79; The Exchange Bank $183,509.00.

    Idylwild, one of the most popular resorts in the state will open this week under the new management of J. W. Claxton and J. A. McBride. The pavillion is being prepared for the opening dance with a new modern Electrola being installed. Also the swimming pool will be open at no charge.

    Officers Tom Brantley, James Tapley and Jimmie Carter answered a call to Scott late Saturday on a whiskey violation report. Armed with papers they entered the house occupied by Henry Kight and family. They found a lot of bottles, some with very little whiskey in them and others with shine. Several fruit jars containing whiskey were captured or emptied. Kight was arrested but made bond.

    Congressman W. W. Larsen obtained him a bride at Jeffersonville, Twiggs County, when he and Miss Margaret Van Dyke were married. She is a Virginian, daughter of Nellie and Frank Van Dyke of Fairfax County. She graduated Wesleyan College in 1911. Larsen's first wife was a Miss Strange of Emanuel County who died about 4 years ago. Miss Willie Ivey of Tennille and James Claxton of Kite were married in Sandersville. She is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Henry J. Ivey.

    While riding a flat on a truck little Grace Thompson, baby child of Mr. & Mrs. Lofton Thompson, fell off and was dangerously hurt being knocked unconcious from falling on the hard ground. Robert Clarence Ellison, 8 month old son of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Ellison, Jr. of Adrian, died Sunday evening from diptheria in Dublin at Claxton Hospital. Besides his parents he was survived by grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Edd Ellison, Sr. and Mr. & Mrs. H. C. Williams.

    

    

Sunday, March 15, 2026

From Days Gone By, March 31, 1932

 March 31, 1932.

    The Associated Charities of Johnson County is hosting a program April 16 with guest, "Smiling Ed McConnell", the world's highest paid radio entertainer and he will be here in person. He is coming for no other reason than to help those that are down and out. He will be paid his expenses, and all above that will go to the Johnson County charities for those brought down by the depression.

    Miss Para Lynn Harrison and Mr. Eulie B. Mixon wed on Valentines's Day at Edgefield, South Carolina. She is a daughter of Mrs. Green B. Harrison and sister of Clerk C. B. Harrison. He is a son of Rev. & Mrs. w. A. Mixon of Kite and a salesman at Sims Store. Mr. C. T. Swinson, long time merchant has sold his store to Mr. J. W. Vanlandingham effective April first.

    Hartwell G. Archer, lumberman and farmer of Sparta was fatally injured when he was struck on the Sandersville Road near Galilee negro church. He was standing between the trailer wheels of his lumber truck to let the oncoming truck pass when the collision happened. The other truck loaded with hogs occupied by two white men, Goss Smith and Dave Membis of Commerce were slightly injured as their truck turned over and burned, scattering hogs in every direction. Archer is survived by his wife, father, Flavius Archer; brother Cleo, and sister Mrs. Dewitte Brinson. Smith and Membis are in Sheriff Jackson's jail at Sparta charged with murder.

    The small two and a half year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Ben D. Smith died at home near Meeks about 10 hours after a fatal burning. He was in the field where some of the family was working. A stump was burning near by and the little fellow walked up to it, picked up some corn stalks and began playing in the fire. His mother heard the child screaming and they had to work hard to put out the child's clothes but the child was fatally burned. He was buried at Corinth.

    Ben Haynes, colored man of the Kite area, died Tuesday morning while plowing in his corn field on the plantation of Bryce Anderson. His body fell across the plow stock and was discovered by the landlord, Dewey Stephens. Haynes ploughed a large plow pulled by two mules, barring off corn rows over a flat broken field. No struggle appeared anywhere in the last furrow he had made, and whatever struck him that caused his death happened at the spot, judging by the sign of the six-inch curve in the furrow from his plow. His feet were in the furrow, his body across the plow handles and his head over the beam. Coroner L. R. Clayton called an inquest with jurists H. T. Brantley, W. M., W. L., B. A., E. L. and J. M. Anderson. The verdict was death from unknown cause.

    Mr. Sam D. Smith died in Macon Tuesday morning and his body brought here and entered in Westview. Mr. T. B. Hicks of Dublin died Tuesday morning at his home. He was 72 and a pioneer citizen of Dublin. He was a businessman, civic leader, charter member of the Christian Church there and President of Hicks Drug Company. He is survived by his wife, daughter Mrs. L. L. Porter, sons, Rowe, Henry, Charles; brothers, Judge Jim B., Prof. T. M., R. P. Hicks and sister Mrs. B. G. Warthen.

    The Hallie Clayton Huff Chapter of U.D.C. now have 60 members. Applied for markers for 17 graves in the county. The chapter is named for Mrs. Huff at the suggestion of Mrs. E. A. Lovett. Mrs. Huff was wife of John M. Huff, late owner and editor of the Wrightsville Headlight. She was a daughter of George Roets Clayton of Virginia and Harriett Rives Williamson of South Carolina, granddaughter of George R. Clayton, first treasurer of the state of Georgia when Milledgeville was the capital and is buried there.

    Mrs. Huff was born in Macon in 1845, spent her childhood in Americus and graduated at the old Female College there. During the war of the sixties with her mother visited the sick and wounded soldiers in the hospitals. She had a couple of brothers who served, George R. Clayton, 4th Ga, killed at Sharpsburg and Sparks Clayton, a courier on Gen. A. S. Cutt's staff Army Northern Virginia.

    In Griffin and Sandersville she spent her early married life organizing the Ladies Memorial Association which merged into the U. D. C. She was a resident of Wrightsville for many years and in February 1903 organized the Johnson County U. D. C. at the home of Mrs. W. W. Cook. After several years the chapter became extinct about the time of her death in January 1916. Her husband died a few weeks later. A daughter survives, Mrs. W. L. Burns and brother, Coroner Loring R. Clayton.