Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper Notices from FEBRUARY 1st thru FEBRUARY 15, 1908 February 1908 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Candace Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net December 16, 2004, 2:08 pm The Cleburne New Era NEWSPAPER NOTICES FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEW ERA", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for FEBRUARY 1908 NEWSPAPER issue of Saturday, February 1, 1908 LETTER FROM JASON CHAFFIN, of IREDELL, TEXAS To Editor, New Era; As old Cleburne was my home until five months ago, I will thank you for space enough for a short communication. I am not like some people I know and have heard talk, who go back on Cleburne and its inhabitants after making Texas their home for awhile. I enjoy reading the news from different places in the county given by your able corps of correspondents. Especially I enjoy the communication that give the news from places where I have so many friends and aquaintances. Some people here glory in speaking in high terms of all Alabamians. But while Texas produces a good deal more than Alabama, yet I think Alabama is as worthy of as much a place as Texas. You will come in contact with as many disagreeable things here as you think that are agreeable; this will hold true any where you go. Noah Beason Jr. who was well known there for many years, died a short time ago. He butchered some nice hogs during the day and that night soon after he had retired he was found dead in his bed. This is a debt we all will have to pay, we ought to try to be prepared. I have noticed in your paper several weddings since I left there. I wish them all much happiness and successful careers through life. I will close by wishing the New Era and its many readers a successful new year. Jason Chaffin ________ MR. G.B. BOMAN WRITES To the Editor of the New Era: Believing that the account given below will interest many of your readers, I herewith hand it to you. I have recently come into possession of a complete set of Dr. John Gill's commentaries written more than a century ago in London, England. It seems that there was a charitably inclined lawyer, Col. Gilbert, of the State of Georgia, who left a sum of money to be used for charitable purposes. A part of this fund was expended in the purchase of this set of commentaries, consisting of nine large volumes bound in hog skin. These books are priced $8. per volume. This would make the entire set cost $72. The management of this fund was left to a set of trustees. These trustees, it seems, purchased this set of books and gave them to a Rev. M. Hillman of Warren county, Georgia on the 8th day of May 1822. They were to be used by him as long as they were of any use to him or until his death when they were to be turned over to some promising young Baptist preacher to be used, handed down, etc. The books were to be the property of no man. It seems that the Rev. Mr. Hillman did not keep them long as I find a deed of conveyance from Rev. Jesse Mercer, to whom Mr. Hillman had given them, to Rev. E. Perryman of Richmond County, Georgia. Rev. E. Perryman conveyed these books in 1854 to his son, Rev. James Perryman, who, in turn, gave them to Rev. Z.G. Henderson of Pensacola, Fla. Rev. Henderson died soon after and while on his death bed willed them to Rev. J.J. D. Renfroe of Talladega, Ala., who soon thereafter came into another set. Not needing them he willed them to his brother, Rev. N.D. Renfroe of Jacksonville, Ala. This was in 1860. On December 13, 1861, Rev. N.D. Renfroe was killed in the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA. These books then fell back to Rev. J.J.D. Renfroe of Talladega, Ala., who on the 25th day of December 1863, willed them to Bro. John A. Scott of blessed memory. Bro. Scott kept them from 1863 till the time of his death, about forty-four years. About 12 years ago, Bro. Scott told me that I should have the books when he passed away. His death occurring last October, the books have fallen into my hands to be handed down to some other preacher when they are of no further use to me. This set of books is a precious denominational heirloom and I count myself happy and exceedingly fortunate on being the present acting trustee of these books. In one of these old volumes I found a letter written by dear Bro. Scott in 1861, while in college in Union University, Murfresboro, Tenn. The storm of the civil war was then gathering over our beloved land. He discussed that to some extent and told of the hoisting of a disunion flag, which had been hoisted on the University building. He discussed the probable outcome of this to those pupils who participated in the performance. He was expecting them to be expelled from the University the next day. I have sent this old letter to Miss Mae Davis of Anniston, Ala., whom I think should have possession of it. I have submitted the above facts without comment and trust that some people may find pleasure in their perusal, especially as Bro. Scott was so widely known and beloved, for anything regarding him is interesting to the people of Heflin. G.B. Boman, Bell Mills, Ala. Jan. 20, 1908. _________ BEASON Mills, News Mr. E.F. Green and family are just recovering from the measles. __ Miss Sallie Wise of Trickem was visiting J.J. Boman and family Saturday and Sunday. __ Miss Maud Beason who is teaching at Belltown visited homefolks and other friends Saturday and Sunday. __ Mrs. Blake Price and her grandpap are visiting Mr. Leander Green today. __ Mr. Bascom Thrash and Miss Emeline Howle visited Mr. H.M. Howle and family Sunday afternoon. __ LOCAL & PERSONAL News Mrs. H.N. Watson of Lamar county, Texas is visiting her children in town. __ W.L. Deese and J.B. New of Abernathy were in Heflin on Thursday. __ Samuel Howell of East Lake, Ala., is spending awhile with his grandparents, W.A. Porter and wife in town. __ John Ayers, one of Randolph county's most prosperous farmers and merchants was in Heflin attending to business on Monday. __ Last Wednesday night on his way home from town, Uncle Wess Vaughn fell into a cinder pit aside the railroad, the result of which was a dislocated shoulder. __ TRIBUTE TO REV. JOHN M. EVANS I sit down with a feeling of personal bereavement to record my tribute of love and esteem to him whose name heads this article and who was my life long comrade, friend and brother. Born, I believe, in Gwinett county, Georgia February 25, 1827, and died at his home in Cleburne county, Alabama on the 5th day of January 1908, lacking less than two months of being 81 years old. He had been a loyal and consistent member of the Methodist church for more than 60 years and a minister of the gospel for nearly 50 years. I was present when he was licensed to preach by the M.E. Church, South, at White Plains, Ala., in the fall of 1859 and I think I was secretary of that Quarterly Conference. He was happily married to Miss Nancy Thrasher on January 13, 1848 with whom he traveled the journey of life lacking only 8 days of 60 years. In their home was born eleven children, only five of whom are now living and it is worthy of note that a more orderly and respectable family was never reared in this country. Their sons are among the best citizens of Cleburne county. His beloved widow and helpmate is and has been through these long years above the ordinary of her day. Her children bear the impress of a judicious and wise mother. Bro. Evans, was, in some respects a unique character, that is to say, there were few like him. He made no pretention to literary attainments or to be the master of theological problems. He maintained in all the relations of life his marked and dinstinctive individuality and personality that was always plain "John Evans." He had his own peculiar mode and manner of expressing his thoughts and very many of his expressions were original. While he was intensely loyal to the creed and usage of the church of his choice, he was by no means sectarian or denominational. He recognized fully that great orthodox truth of the fatherhood of god and brotherhood of man. He measured men not by their sclesiastic, social or political alliances but by their personal virtues. Bro. Evans, having lived well for four score long years, died well and went to his reward. He had been for many years a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and was buried with the ritual and honor of that order. I shall gladly cherish his memory and try to emulate his virtues. Peace to his ashes. W.P. Howell, Iron City, Ala. _______ LECTA News S.Harris's family is sick with measles and some of them with pneumonia. __ Old "Uncle" W.M. McMahan and wife have lagrippe. __ G.W. Wilson is quite sick. __ Bro. Henry Anderson departed this life Saturday night, having been sick with measles for some time and took pneumonia which was the cause of his death. __ J.A. Wilson can jump Sallie's Creek anywhere it is said. __ NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, February 8, 1908 LOCAL & PERSONAL News Mrs. W.J. Campbell of Bell town is quite ill this week. __ Uncle Joe L. Roberts of Oak Level was in the city Monday. __ OAK LEVEL News School at this place is moving along nicely with Prof. Carl Baxter as teacher. __ These long winter nights are taken up partly by candy breakings. __ Saw Mills and Shingle Mills are taking the day at this place. __ They are building a jug shop at Oak Level. __ Mr. R.H. Roberts from Nancie's Creek has moved to Oak Level. __ Mrs. S.E. Davidson is the pleasant visitor at Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Roberts this week. __ Mr. J.R. Parker of Spring Garden was in Oak Level this week. __ AI Community News Last Thursday the people of Ai commenced the work of finishing the church at Ai, and they now have as nice a church as any nearby. ___ Arthur and Leonard James went to Heflin on Saturday. __ J.L. Baber and W.N. Bennett were in Fruithurst Thursday and Friday. __ Henry Barker and wife visited J.L. Baber's Saturday and Sunday. __ Hog killing is the order of the day this cold month. __ Amayone Baber visited with her sister, Mrs. Shepard Owens, living north of Edwardsville Thurday and Friday. ___ HIGHTOWER News J.E. Walker is very low with consumption. __ J.B. Weir is quite sick but we hope to see him out again soon. __ LETTER FROM A.J. LOTT, from IREDELL, TEXAS To Editor of the New Era, If you will allow an old Alabamian space in your paper, I will write up the news from middle west Texas. We have plenty of good water, rocks and good land to cultivate. Farmers are turning their land preparing for another crop. It will soon be time to plant corn in this country. It is customary to layby our corn all but the last ploughing before starting to work over our cotton. Men who own large farms had rather rent land to people who came from Alabama than to natives, although we are called green horns, but they realize that we know how to do the biz. A.J. Lott _________ ANOTHER LETTER FROM IREDELL, TEXAS from "Jack and Ruth". To Editor of the New Era, If you will allow me some space in your good paper I will give you a few items from this place. Health is reasonably good. Farmers are busy preparing land for another crop. There was a singing convention at this place last Sunday. Several young people of Walnut Springs attended. John Kaylor happened to get the misfortune of getting his leg broken the 17th of December but glad to state that he will soon be able to be on foot again. E.W. Lott and family visited D. Kaylor on Sunday. Guess who is going to get married next Sunday? There were several weddings at this place during Christmas. William Chaffin and son of near Waco have moved to this place. I am a subscriber to the New Era and I am always glad to get the news from my old home. If the kind editor will print this I will write again soon. Jack and Ruth _________ Local Letter To the Editor of the New Era from "Uncle Fred" (location of the author not given) Dear Editor, I thought I would write you the news from this place. My, how the wind does blow, it seems like March. We have alot of sickness in this community. Spelmon Harris family have the measles and also Mr. Watson's wife and baby. Cliff Jacobs and wife spent Sunday night with his wife's father and family, Mr. Prestridge. Mr. Prestridge has the fever but we are glad to report he is better. Jim Fordham and wife spent Saturday night and Sunday with Will Wilson's family. Cousin Joe wanted to know of the Lecta correspondent, how many attended the meeting,to which was invited, the editor, at Lecta. I can tell you a whole lot of them. Come again "Cousin Joe", I enjoy reading your letters. Say Mr. Editor, what has become of Uncle Reubin. I have been wondering if that school teacher has carried him off, if not, come again and let us hear how you are getting along. I certainly liked A.F. Lokey's letters, they are fine. John Hilley had the misfortune to get his right hand and arm badly injured at a shingle mill a few days ago, but not seriously. Guess I will ring off for fear of the waste basket. Uncle Fred _________ HUBBARDVILLE News News is scarce. The weather is too bad for farmers to do anything but growl and wish for better times. Some corn is still seen in the fields and the prospects are that it will stay there unless the 15 cent price is reached soon. Measles are still on the increase. Mrs. J.W. Grubbs and two daughters are now battling with them. New cases are reported almost every day. Mr. Frank Boyd is able to be out again and the rest of the family are rapidly improving. Mr. Harrison Bowen and Miss Oma Crawford married. Squire J.M. Campbell tied the knot in his usual graceful style. Misses Cleira Striplin and Annie Mae Turner visited Miss Jettie Gable on Sunday. _______ NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, February 15, 1908 LOCAL & PERSONAL News W.R. Barker is on the sick list this week. __ Rev. J.C. Hicks died Wednesday night of measles. __ B.H. Turner was visiting relatives in Carrollton, GA on Sunday. __ Gowen Roberts of Oxford spent Sunday here with his sister, Miss Lila Roberts. __ Quite a number of people at this place attended the funeral of Mrs. Thompson at Edwardsville on Tuesday. __ Newt Riddle and Vassie Prichard of Bell Town were married last Saturday. __ Mrs. Maggie Ross and daughter Miss Maud were visiting Mrs. J.E. Brown one day last week. __ W.A. Bowling of Lula, GA, supervisor of the Southern Railroad, recently moved to Heflin and put several children in school. __ Wille B. Edmondson, manager of the Hot Blast Publishing Co. was visiting his mother, Mrs. W.T. Edmondson one day last week. __ CORINTH News S.B. Gaston visited his father near Wedwell last Saturday and Sunday. __ Miss Emma Gaston visited Miss Bessie Morrison last Sunday. __ Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Denson of Cullman visited E.E. Lee and family last week. __ Miss Etta Blake visited her sister, Mrs. J.A. Roberts, the latter part of last week. __ Miss Mary Ella Blake's best fellow visited her Sunday afternoon. __ Mr. and Mrs. M. Blake visited Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Lee last week. __ Mrs. M.F. Morrison visited her mother, Mrs. S.B. Gaston last Sunday. __ Harvey Morrison is quite sick with measles. __ E.E. Lee received the news last week that his grandmother, Mrs. L.A. Burdette was dead. __ OAK LEVEL News Mr. Virgel Lusk and wife from Nancie's Creek were visiting homefolks last week. __ Mr. and Mrs. Abney were away from home this week on account of the illness of their daughter, Mrs. Rosa Crawford whom they went to see. __ Mrs. J.A. Davis died Tuesday morning. The relatives have our sympathy. ____ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/gnw259newspape.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 16.1 Kb