From Days Gone By Sept. 12, 1912

September 12, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Sept. 5, 1912

Sept. 5, 1912

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By August 29, 1912

August 29, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By August 22, 1912

August 22, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From days Gone By August 15, 1912

August 15, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By

August 8, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Aug 1st 1912

August 1, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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