From Days Gone By October 31, 1912

October 31, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Oct. 24,1912

October 24, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Oct 17,1912

October 17, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Oct. 10, 1912

October 10, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By October 3, 1912

October 3, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By, Sept. 26,1912

September 26, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

From Days Gone By Sept. 19, 1912

September 19, 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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