Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper Abstracts for JANUARY 1923 January 1923 ************************************************ 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 February 7, 2005, 10:18 pm The Cleburne News NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for JANUARY 1923 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, January 4, 1923 PIONEER IS CALLED TO REST A gloom of sadness was cast over Heflin on Thursday morning when it became known that death had removed from our midst Mr. W.A. Stephens, one of Cleburne's most highly respected and beloved citizens, the end coming quietly at 5:30 o'clock. "Uncle Bill", as he was affectionately called by his hundreds of warm friends, had been in declining health for several years but continued to look after his affairs about the Central Hotel of which he was proprietor. For twelve years Mr. Stephens was sheriff of Cleburne County and the record he made as an officer is an open book and is without blemish. He served his people well and faithfully. Serving as deputy sheriff under Wash Goldin who died in office in 1884, Mr. Stephens was appointed to fill out the unexpired term by Governor O'Neal and was twice as sheriff. In 1913 Mr. Stephens became proprietor of the Central Hotel and in this business he continued until his death. Mr. Stephens was in his 74th year and had spent about thirty years in Cleburne, coming to this county from Cherokee. Besides his devoted wife, Mr. Stephens is survived by the following children: C.W. Stephens Mrs. A.H. Glasgow N.J. Stephens James Stephens Mrs. C.C. Bean Mrs. Ross Moore Misses Grace and Ruth Stephens Mrs. Thos. Boman of Moultrie, GA He is survived by one brother, Mr. E.J. Stephens of Fairburn, GA. Funeral and burial arrangements had not been announced at the time of going to press. The Cleburne News extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved family in their great bereavement. _______ DEATH CLAIMS MRS. REBECCA LAKE On the morning of December 30th the angel of death visited our little city and removed one of our oldest and much beloved women, Mrs. Rebecca Lake, aged seventy-seven years, one month and one day. Her husband, Mr. W.J. Lake preceded her to the grave about twenty-four years ago. Mrs. Lake had been in declining health for some time and must have realized that she was soon to meet those of her loved ones who had gone on before, and she passed away peacefully as if going to sleep. Her son, Mr. J.W. Lake of Silsbee, Texas was informed of his mother's serious illness and came as quick as possible but arrived too late, death having claimed the good woman a few hours before his arrival. Mrs. Lake had been a member of the Baptist church for about 60 years. She had lived in Heflin for 30 years. The funeral service was conducted at the residence on Tuesday at 11 o'clock, Rev. G.B. Boman officiating, after which the burial took place in the Heflin cemetery. The News extends sympathy to the relatives in their sad bereavement. Mr. J.W. Lake, Mr. S.V. Upchurch, Mrs. E.G. Lake, Riba and Willie Mae Lake and Richmon Awtrey desire to sincerely thank those were so kind to them before and at the time of the death of their loved one. ____ EDWARDSVILLE News Mrs. Alline Deese who has been sick several days is better. __ Mr. and Mrs. Elliot of Birmingham spent Christmas with the latter's mother, Mrs. Hattie Burgess. __ Chester and Ray Laminack of Jacksonville spent last week here. __ Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Owen are the proud parents of a boy. __ Mrs. R.L. Higginbotham of Leeds spent Christmas with her mother Mrs. John Pollard. __ Mr. Enoch Owen and wife are the proud parents of a boy. __ Miss Grace Durham spent Saturday with her sister, Mrs. Eva McEachern. __ BENGALL News Grandma Chandler from near Muscadine spent Christmas week with her son J.T. Chandler. __ Fannie Hill of Tallapoosa spent Christmas in this community. __ Leander Henson and family visited their father J.P. Henson last week. __ LOCAL News Rooms to Rent - - Furnished or unfurnished. M.E. Shackleford __ John S. Bobo, an old Cleburne county boy, now of Birmingham, visited friends in Heflin this week. John is a member of the Birmingham police force. __ Miss Pearl Dorsey Baskin of Murray Cross, Ala., and Mr. E.J. Landers of Heflin, Ala were married at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. H.V. Baskin, on Thursday evening. Mrs. Landers is a member of one of Alabama's oldest families, and is a young woman of great personal beauty and charm. Mrs. Landers' father the late Dr. H.V Baskin and her grandfather Dr. W.C. Baskin were prominent men in the medical profession in this state. Mrs. Landers' mother is a daughter of Mr. J.F. Hubbard of Prattville, Ala. The Hubbard family is among the most highly respected families in Alabama. __ Mr. Otis Ballenger and Miss Eula Lovvorn were married at Macedonia on Sunday, Rev. H.A. Whitman officiating. __ NEWSPAPER issue of Thursday, January 11, 1923 STEPHENS FUNERAL HELD SATURDAY AFTERNOON Funeral services for William A. Stephens, 74, well known citizen of Cleburne County, whose death occurred here last Thursday morning, were held Saturday afternoon at the Methodist Church, conducted by Revs. G.B. Boman and J.W. Grubbs of Heflin and J.T. Roberts of Bowdon, GA. The deceased is survived by his wife and several children, C.W., N.J. and Jim Stephens Misses Grace and Ruth Stephens and Mrs. A.H. Glasgow of Heflin; Mrs. Thos. Boman of Moultrie, GA and Mrs. Ross Moore of Montgomery, and Mrs. Cecil Bean of Bowdon. __ LOCAL News The condition of "Uncle" Sweet Snow on Wednesday afternoon was said to be critical. His many friends hope he will be soon restored to good health. __ Jackson Lambert and Mitchell Blake were here from the Red Lands on Wednesday. __ "Uncle" John Thrower of Chulafinnee was here on Wednesday. __ IN MEMORY OF MR. W.J. BRADBERRY Bro. W.J. Bradberry was born August 28, 1861. He was married to Miss Susie Thomas in early manhood; joined the Baptist church about 55 years ago and went to Beyond on December 24, 1922, age 61 years, three months and 22 days. He leaves, besides his companion, six sons and two daughters now living and three children dead; 38 grandchildren and 7 dead; also 2 great grandchildren. Bro. Bradberry fought a good fight, he kept the faith, he finished his labors and he has gone to meet the smiles and reward of the lord and master. Every birth is an asset or liability and there are few men who have left descendants with the possibilities as Bro. Bradberry; his sons and sons-in-law, his daughters and daughters-in-law. It is needless to say that those whose hearts are bruised have my entire sympathy; but his work is done and he has gone to live with god and the angels and I want to say as I go, to all the descendants and to the new family, let us get on our knees and look up to our father in heaven and ask him to so fill our hearts with his nature and divine presence that we may be faithful to our every responsibility and duty; that when the time comes we too pass over the River and join him in the land of unclouded skys. G.L. Hicks, Bowdon, GA ___ LOCAL News Mrs. L.O. New is recovering from a recent attack of the flu. __ Messrs. G.W. and J.J. Wager attended the funeral of their half-brother, Mr. V.L. Brantley at Whitesburg, GA last Saturday. The deceased was 72 years of age. __ Friends of Rev. G.B. Boman will regret to learn that he is confined in an Atlanta hospital where he went Sunday for treatment. It is hoped he will soon regain his good health. __ J. Tom Boyd is confined to his home on account of sickness. We hope he will soon be out again. __ It is reported that Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wright who moved to Sylacauga a few months ago will return to Heflin in the near future. __ A grandson of "Uncle Mike Casey was buried at New Harmony on Monday, his death resulting from pneumonia. __ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, January 18, 1923 Mrs. John Baggett, about 72 years old, dropped dead while at work in the field on Tuesday, January 9th. He lived near Ranburne and had many friends throughout that section of Cleburne County who deeply sympathize with the family in their bereavement. He is survived by his wife and several children, grandchildren and other relatives. The funeral and burial occurred Wednesday the 10th, with Rev. H.J. Halliday of Ranburne in charge. __ After an illness of several days, Mr. A.S. Hicks, 45 years of age, died at his home a few miles north of Muscadine Friday morning of pneumonia. He is survived by his wife and several children. The burial occurred at Mars Hill amid a large gathering of friends of the stricken family. The Cleburne News extends sympathy to the bereaved ones. __ MUSCADINE News Mrs. Maude Brown who has been sick for a long time died Thursday night. She was laid to rest Saturday afternoon. __ John Martin left for his home in Anniston on Sunday. __ Henry Martin and wife from Anniston are visiting here. __ Neal and Belton Dodd were visiting their cousins Hugh and Felton Thrasher on Sunday. __ LOCAL News Mr. Charles A. Kennedy of Edwardsville and MIss Pearl Edwards were happily married on Sunday by Judge A.H. Glasgow at his home. Miss Pearl is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Edwards. Charles is a son of Mr. Andrew Kennedy of Beason Mill and an ex-soldier and is now rural route carrier from Edwardsville. __ Dr. Claude Ridley and Miss Mabelle Brown were married recently, the ceremony being performed by Dr. Caleb Ridley, pastor of the Central Baptist church, Atlanta, GA. The bride is the second daughter of Mr. John A. Brown of Bell Mills. The groom is one of the nicest young men ever reared in Heard County, Georgia, besides being well versed professionally, is a fine farmer, possessing the ability of a good business man. Dr. Ridley is the second son of Warren A. Ridley of Heard County, Georgia who is one of the largest live stock raisers and most successful farmers of Western Georgia. ___ MT. BETHEL News Mr. and Mrs. John Chandler visited their daughter, Mrs. Etta Hill in Tallapoosa last weekend. __ Monroe Terrell and wife spent Sunday night with Mr. and Mrs. Chandler. __ AI News Born to Rev. C.E. Garner and wife on Sunday last, a son. __ W.W. Lambert and family are on the sick list with flu. __ MRS. DAVISE PASSES AWAY Mrs. M.J. Davise, seventy-seven years of age, one of the county's highly esteemed women, died at her home in Heflin last Saturday morning. Mrs. Davise had been a long and patient sufferer, and her death removes from our town and county of the pioneer citizens. She was the mother of Mrs. C.E. Groover who has the sympathy of all our people int he death of her parent. The funeral and interment took place Sunday. The deceased's mother, Grandma Backus, who is 105 years old, attended the services. Mrs. Backus' home is at Tallapoosa. __ On last Sunday, January 14th, Mr. Oliver Hayes of Heflin and Miss Mae Walker of Hightower were happily married. Mrs. Hayes is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Walker and has many friends. Mr. Hayes is well known and lived with his parents near town. __ LOCAL News Mrs. Gurley returned to her home at Somerville on Saturday morning after spending several weeks with her children Prof. and Mrs. J. Fred Gurley. __ Mr. and Mrs. Arlin Vaughan recently moved to Munford where the former is engaged in the saw mill business with Ed. Giles. We wish these boys success. __ Mrs. Frank Norton of Bowdon spent Saturday with Heflin relatives. __ G.W. Ivey of Ai was in to see us Monday to renew his subscription. He renewed Miss Ollie's subscription while here. __ Messrs. Terrell Daugherty and Harmon Nipper were among the visitors here Monday. Harmon reports the arrival of a baby boy at his home and it is now "Grandpa and Grandma" Terrell Daugherty. __ A.D. Daugherty, age 74, who has been dangerously sick at the home of his son Jim Daugherty, at Ai, is reported to be improving. __ IN MEMORY OF W.A. STEPHENS William Alexander Stephens (Uncle Bill as we all loved to call him) was born August 5, 1849 near Muscadine, then Benton County, Alabama, and passed away at his home in Heflin January 4th, 1923, therefore was 73 years, 4 months and twenty-nine days old at the time of his death. He was married to Miss Joyce Walker on December 31, 1878. Ten children came to bless this union; six girls are now living. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in August 1865. His life, both in private and public was clean and well worth emulation. The Stephens family in this country dates back many generations and which produced many ministers of the gospel. John Stephens, the son of a minister in the southern part of England came to America with Lord Baltimore and settled in Maryland. History shows that there were as many as seven ministers in one family. We cannot pronounce studied eulogiums upon our brother's life and character, we can only undertake to write the thoughts and feelings that are pulsating in our hearts today when we remember Bro. Stephens as a fellow citizen, friend and neighbor. We believe we knew him as intimately as any one with whom we are associated. His life in the midst of his family enriched it with the most tender love and the purest happiness. He was loyal and faithful to his friends, and during all the years we had known him, we never knew him to pass any sort of unkind criticism upon a friend. For many years we had enjoyed the very closest personal friendship of Bro. Stephens and can truthfully say there was never a day during our long associations but what one could see some magnificent quality in his character well worth of emulation. Quiet, unassuming, dignified, gentle, true and courageous, his record in life was as spotless as the soul that he gave to his god on the morning of Thursday, January 4, 1923. When "Uncle Bill" went into the Sheriff's office in 1884, it has been the custom for that officer to summon a posse and arm themselves for some "trouble" and go out to serve a warrant of arrest; but when Mr. Stephens received such a paper, he got on his horse or mule or in his buggy and rode out and walked up to the accused and said "My friend, I have a warrant for your arrest; you must go to town with me or make bond. I will gladly go with you to anyone you wish to get to sign with you" and thereby he brought a new era in the sheriff's office. Our friend lived and labored for the sole good and uplift of his family, country and friends. Death came to our friend and neighbor in the evening of life which had ripened to a beautiful harvest into a home where there was love and gladness and silently beckoning to the star that lighted the hearthstone, he perhaps only paused to murmur, "I am ready." and with paling brow and cheek silently following, embracing lovingly those of his dear ones who had preceded him to the Great Beyond. That in the death of Bro. Wm. A. Stephens, not only his family, but the town of Heflin and our county, have sustained an irreparable loss. That we extend to the bereaved family and relatives our sincere sympathy in their hour of sad bereavement and grief. That this committee furnish to the family of our departed brother and friend, a copy of these resolutions, also to The Alabama Baptist, The Bowdon Bulletin and the Cleburne News for publication in memory of one who was so highly honored and esteemed by those who knew him. Mrs. Dorsey New G.B. Boman C.F. Dodson _____ NEWSPAPER issue of Thursday, January 25, 1923 HEPSABAH News Mr. and Mrs. Royce Currie and little daughter of Anniston spent Sunday with the former's parents. __ Mrs. J.T. Barnwell and son Eldon spent the latter part of last week with Oxford relatives. __ Ira McElroy, Syd Boyd and Eulan Morris were the guests of Misses Bill Currie and Nan Ayres Saturday evening. __ MT. BETHEL News Monroe Terrell and wife visited her sister in Tallapoosa last week. __ Joe Terrell is on the sick list this week. __ W.P. Bragg and wife spent Sunday with her father Frank McCormic. __ MUSCADINE News Everett Lake who has been quite sick with pneumonia is improving. __ Charlie Robertson of DeMont, GA was buried in Muscadine Cemetery on Saturday. __ The little six months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Nix who was badly burned some time ago is slowly improving. __ M.M. Roberts and wife of Lebanon visited their daughter Mrs. Grady Laminack of this place on Saturday. __ MUSCADINE News Mrs. Bert Skinner and son Camp spent Thursday night with Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Thompson. __ MASADONIA News Otis Ballenger and wife spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Emery Jackson. __ Mrs. Carl Lindsay visited Mrs. Lena Jackson on Saturday. __ R.E. Moore is improving much to the delight of his many friends. __ LOCAL News J.W. Barnes and daughter Mrs. Frank Steels visited Mr. Barnes' brother who is quite sick at his home near Albertville. __ "Uncle Sweet" Snow is still confined to his home in quite a serious condition and wants his friends to call on him. __ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/gnw297newspape.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 17.6 Kb