Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper Abstracts for JUNE 1924 June 1924 ************************************************ 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 14, 2005, 11:17 pm The Cleburne News NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for JUNE 1924 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, June 5, 1924 BEN ROWELL LOSES LIFE IN ACCIDENTAL FALL AT BORDEN SPRINGS SUNDAY AFTERNOON; Nephew of Heflin Officer Buried after Full Investigation. Ben Rowell, a 24 year old citizen of the Borden Springs community was found dead late Sunday afternoon near a trestle on the Seabord Air Line, his neck probably having been broken when he fell headlong against one of the supports of the trestle. Rowell is reported to have been in the company of two other men during Sunday afternoon, the other men having left him about noon near the point where his body was found. Sheriff Jackson and Alex Howell of Heflin were notified of the Borden Springs man's death by telegraph and they left at 3 o'clock Monday morning, reaching Borden Springs that morning. Members of a crew on a Seaboard passenger train discovered the body of Rowell lying near the trestle and a message was forwarded from a Georgia station to the Atlanta headquarters, the agent at Borden Springs being notified in turn. Rowell's body was removed to the depot at Borden Springs and allowed to remain there until the arrival of the sheriff. Sheriff Jackson reported upon his return to Heflin that Rowell had probably staggered and fallen against the support to the trestle, a severe bruise showing in the edge of his hair above the forehead. His neck was either broken or dislocated. Rowell's body had lain for several hours in the rain Sunday afternoon before being discovered, the natural marks on the ground having been obliterated by the rain, according to opinion of those who visited the scene. Funeral services for the young Rowell were held from his home on Tuesday. He is survived by his parents and a number of brothers and sisters. He was a nephew of Officer Alex Rowell of Heflin. _____ Heflin friends of Mrs. Dexter Jackson, who lived for a short time in Heflin and greatly endeared herself to many people, will shortly moved to Georgia. Mrs. Jackson went from here to her former home in Ohio a few months ago, it being expected that the would return here to live. The fact that she will be located at another point will bring regret to the local people. ____ Hugh Gibbs, formerly of Heflin, who has been engaged in the drug business in Birmingham for the past few years, will leave this week for San Antonio, Texas, his physicians having advised him to move to a drier climate at once. Mr. and Mrs. Rolly Gibbs have been visting the former's brother during the past few days. ___ GRANDPA TURLEY IMPROVING AFTER FALL "Grandpa" Turley, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Micaville, is improving slowly from the effects of a fall sustained several weeks ago. Since his accident the beloved citizen has been given much attention and care by his relatives and neighbors. Mr. Turley has been under the treatment of Dr. Ligon and Dr. L.R. Wright of Heflin, most of the time. He is now able to be up and about the house. His shoulder was dislocated by a fall and he has suffered greatly. Friends from far and near have gone to his home, carried flowers and good cheer into the sick room during that time, and all of thse attentions have brought haphpiness to the sufferer during the time he has been kept indoors. He is fully appreciative of all the attentions shown him during that time. ____ Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Kennedy and baby of Edwardsville were in Heflin on Friday. They were the guests of Mrs. Kennedy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Edwards, a few miles from Heflin for the weekend. ___ D.L. Spangler, age 70, the Mayor of Leeds for several years, died at his home Tuesday night, the funeral being held on Wednesday in the Leeds community. ____ Mrs. Claud Kiker and baby spent Tuesday night with Mrs. Minnie Beason and family, leaving for their home Wednesday morning. Mrs. Kiker had been the guest of her mother, Mrs. L.E. Overton at Beason Mill. ____ Mr. E. Lee Moore and Miss Henrietta Howle were married recently. Miss Howle is the attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mack Howle of Beason Mill. Mr. Moore is a popular and efficient letter carrier at the Anniston post office. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are making their home in Anniston. ____ BABER TELLS OF EARLY SETTLERS OF CLEBURNE; Older Families of The Cane Creek Valley Recalled by D.S. Baber A short history of some of the oldest families who lived years ago on the waters of Cane Creek will not be out of place. Beginning with our own family: I was born in an old log cabin in 1857 where Edwardsville now stands, being the seventh and youngest son of my parents. Old Doctor Shepard was our physician and that is where I get the name I bear, the Shepard part having been added by me after I was seven years old. The writer was eight years old at the close of the civil war. Three of my oldest brothers were in this bloody conflict, one of them giving his life to the Confederacy. One brother, Jack Baber, and myself are the only brothers living, a sister, Mrs. J.M. Tyler, living now in the Choccolocco Valley. On the headwaters of the Cane Creek back in those days lived "Uncle" Billy Cheatwood and Bobby Cheatwood, descendants of whom still populate this section of the state. The Patty family was also a large and well known one at that time and were known far and near as potato farmers of the efficient kind. Shady Owen had four sons, Bartlett, Oliver, Irvin and W.K. Owen. Bartlett Owen was elected twice as probate judge of Cleburne county. Irvin went west and W.K. Owen still lives in this county. He served with distinction through the civil war. The Harper family was then and now one of the best families in the county. William Harper was several times elected tax assessor of the county. He performed the duties of that office for many years despite the fact that he was bedridden from rheumatism. He performed the duties lying on a cot. He is still living but is still a cripple and confined to his bed day and night. The Bennett family was a large and influential one. "Grandpa" Bennett built the Bennett Bridge. He had four sons, Willis, John, Green and Roland, two of whom went through the civil war. Three of them reared larged families, several of the girls becoming wives of leading Alabama people. Another of the good old families was the Coker family. Jim Coker and his sister, Martha, I remember distinctly. They lived where John F. Bennett lived at the time of his death. Other older families will be described in another article for the Cleburne News next week. Written by D.S. Baber _______ LOCAL News Mrs. J.W. Williams, a beloved woman of the Hightower section of the county, is reported to be seriously ill at her home there. Friends of the estimable woman will hope for her speedy restoration to better health. ____ R.W. Benefield and son Fred of near Lebanon, were in Heflin on business Monday. ___ HENRY DODSON KILLED News of the death of Henry Dodson, nephew of Editor C.F. Dodson of Heflin, has been received here. Mr. Dodson, who was about 30 years of age, fell 60 feet from an oil well derrick at Oil City, LA and was instantly killed, according to the reports reaching Heflin, the tragedy occurring on May 23rd. The young man was a son of W.A. Dodson, who lived in this county many years, the unfortunate young man having been born in Texas after the family moved west. He was married and is survived by the wife and one little girl. He was a grandson of the late Rev. John D. Walker of this county. Funeral service were held at Oil City last week and the body was interred in the cemetery at that place. _____ Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Reid of Anniston were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schefner last week. __ John W. Price of Bremen was a Heflin visitor on Monday. __ J.T. Adams, one of the oldest and best known citizens of this county is in Heflin for a few days to visit his son, L.E. Adams. ___ NEWSPAPER issue of Thursday, June 12, 1924 J.P. WALKER CELEBRATES 78th BIRTHDAY One of the most enjoyable family reunions held in this county in many years was that held last Sunday at the home of John P. Walker, near Hightower, the occasion being the celebration of the esteemed citizen's 78th birthday. Mr. Walker has 13 children living, 60 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and a few men in this section of the state have exercised a greater influence for good during the time he has lived among the people of Hightower section. No man has been more faithful to his god and his church than Mr. Walker. Most of the children and near relatives assembled at the Walker home during the forenoon and at noon enjoyed a splendid repast prepared especially for the occasion. A number of near neighbors also took part in the celebration. ____ J.B. Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Brown of Bell Mills, has returned to Russellville after a short visit with his parents. Mr. Brown is connected with the engineering department of the state highway commission and is a member of one of the six surveying crews now being used all over the state. ___ Heflin, Edwardsville and Cleburne county Masons in large numbers went to Anniston on Wednesday afternoon for the Kamram Grotto ceremonial stated at that place that afternoon. Uncle Jack Baber, 84 and J. Wes Vaughn, 80, were two of the oldest Cleburne county Masons who attended the ceremonial, the aged Masons attracting a great deal of attention during the progress of the ceremonial. ___ Toliver Beason sustained a broken arm near the Bean and McMurray store Tuesday afternoon, the report Wednesday being that he was suffering severely. Mr. Beason was thrown to the ground by an unruly mule, the wheel of the wagon passing over one of his legs. ___ Roy Dewberry, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Dewberry, was a visitor in Heflin. He is now living at St. Petersburg, Fla. ____ EARLY HISTORY OF CANE CREEK SETTLERS DESCRIBED BY A CLEBURNE PIONEER by Judge D.S. Baber Continuing the historical sketch of older Cleburne County families, the Burgess family is the first one on the list. Thompson Burgess and two sons, William and Albert. William saw the service that many others saw during the civil war. He is living yet, but Albert died but a few months ago. Three of the several daughters married into the Owen family. Then came "Grandpa" Baber, who had three sons and two daughters. Uncle John Baber died young and Uncle Will Baber moved to south Alabama after the surrender in 1865. My father's sister, Aunt Joicey, married William Edwards who lived near to the town of Edwardsville, donating part of the land for the town which was named for him. This uncle was killed by a stroke of lightning in 1880. Aunt Polly married John Clayton, who settled on Muscadine Creek. Stephen Clayton was another of the old timers who made history in this county during the early days. He is the grandfather of Julian Greer, now a merchant of Edwardsville. The Edwards family, Peter, Temmie, Bill, Stephen and Joseph, were among the older people of the county, all five of the brothers raising large families. William was my uncle, as mentioned above. Peter Edwards was a great deer hunter, associating with my father intimately in this sport for many years. I have seen many venison hams hanging up to dry in my father's house. The game fell before the unerring aim of my father and the grand old man. Peter Edwards built the first mill where the mill south of Edwardsville now stands, it is called the Burton Mill. He had two sons, Stephen and "Whitehead Bill", and several daughters, two of whom married Dock and Tom Barker, sons of Jackey Barker. They were two of my boyhood associates who have passed into the Great Beyond. All these Edwards' were settlers on Cane Creek except Joseph, who settled on Shola Creek. He had two sons, both of whom are still living, and several daughters. One daughter married George O. Jones who is noted as having educated more children to become school teachers than any other man in Cleburne county, and all of whom are good, law abiding citizens. All the Edwards families were noted for their skill as corn growers, owning some of the best land on the Cane Creek bottoms. Step Roberds owned a large farm and had many slaves. I have known three generations of this family, there being a "Step" Roberds in each family all the way down the line. _______ IN MEMORIUM OF JOHN C. McLENDON John C. McLendon was born in Henry County, Georgia on July 20, 1840 and died at his home near Bowdon, GA on Spril 19, 1924. He was reared in Henry and DeKalb counties. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at the beginning of the civil war and served in same until it's close; he knew the hardships of war and the pain of the bullet wound, and he was proud of his record as a soldier and often said that he would gladly go through it all again for the sake of his country. He believed in hard work and innocent sport. On December 23, 1867 he was married to Mary J. Hood of Carroll County, Georgia. He carried his bride to his home in DeKalb county where they lived for one year, returning to Carroll county where they settled a home near Whitesburg, later moving to Bowdon. In 1876 he moved his family to the farm where he died. In 1891 he moved to Cleburne County, Alabama where they lived for 17 years, after which they returned to their old home near Bowdon. To this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy; those now living are Mrs. Walter J. Bell of Atlanta, GA; Mrs. Clark Bartlett; Mrs. J.A. Jackson and Mrs. W.E. Butler of Bowdon, and John T. McLendon of Cullman, Ala. There are 41 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. It was an unusual sight to see stalwart men and brave women weeping for the loss of a dear grandfather whom they loved so well. Uncle John, as he was familiarly called, was laid to rest at Midway, he being the last charter member of that church. This church was organized almost 50 years ago, with Uncle John, his wife and six others as members. He joined the Methodist church in boyhood and lived a consistent member until his death; his home was always a home for the preacher. It was his delight to share his hospitality with any one who was in the master's work. There was a family altar in his home for more than 40 years; he prayed with his family and thoe about him night and morning. Many of his employees date their religious experience from the time they were associated with him and he and his good wife. His children feel keenly the loss of their father's prayer asking god to keep them from harm and to cause them to walk in the straight and narrow way...He looked upon every man as his brother, without regard to his social or financial standing. He was a good neighbor and a loyal citizen. Those who knew him best loved him most. He so often prayed that he might have an unbroken family around the throne of god. May his children meet him there. ______ LOCAL News Warner Jordan was arrested and two big stills were cut to pieces by a party of federal, state and county officers in the Oak Level section of the county on Tuesday afternoon. The officers poured out about 6,000 gallons of beer and 30 gallons of whiskey. ____ Chloe Jackson, young son of Sheriff and Mrs. H.A. Jackson, is spending a week with his sister, Mrs. W.N. Nunnley and family near Bowdon. __ Miss Clyde Merrill, whose mother Mrs. Sallie Merrill died at her home in Birmingham on May 30th, has arrived here to spend the summer with relatives and friends near MIcaville. She was met in Heflin by Mrs. J. Lebus Casey, her Aunt. Mrs. Merrill was the daughter of Uncle Bill Sears, one of the best known citizens of this county and lived in Cleburne for many years before moving to Birmingham. The lamented women is survived by five daughters and two sons. ____ HIGHTOWER News Mrs. J.E. Williams continues ill at her home here. __ Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gore and Mr. and Mrs. Boss Gibbs are being congratulated on the arrival of baby girls to bless their homes. __ THREE LIQUOR CASES George Collins, Charlie Easterwood and John Easterwood, three men living in the neighborhood of Borden Springs, were arrested Saturday by Sheriff Jackson, Federal Officer Crumpton and State officers Draper, Lynch, under charges of violating the prohibition laws. The officers seized a Ford Roadster said to belong to George Collins, a considerable quantity of whiskey being found in the car by the raiders. George Collins and Charlie Easterwood entered pleas of guilty at a special term of the county court on Monday while John Eastwood made bond before his appearance before Judge D.S. Baber at the July term of the same court. ____ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, June 19, 1924 DEATH OF MRS. ALLEN WRIGHT Mrs. Allen Wright died last Saturday in Birmingham. The body of Mrs. Wright reached Heflin Monday evening from Birmingham, the funeral and burial being held on Tuesday with Rev. Mr. Francis officiating. The lamented woman is survived by her husband and two small children. Mrs. Wright had been a great sufferer during the past several months, and her removal to Birmingham several weeks ago was made in vain in hopes that she would be benefitted by treatment. Opening his pulpit bible Sunday evening at the Southern Methodist church for the reading of the scripture lesson of the evening, Rev. J.C. Francis, the pastor found an envelope containing a $10. bill from the Knight of the Ku Klux Klan for the relief of Allen Wright, whose wife had died the previous day at a Birmingham hospital. The note for the pastor asked that he read the twelfth chapter of Romans in connectin with the sermon that evening which he did and later made a number of references to the gift of the Klansmen for the stricken citizens. Members of the church contributed liberally toward the relief fund for Mr. Wright. Masons of Heflin last week contributed $10. toward the fun for Mr. Wright's relief, the funds being fowarded by Lee Black. ____ "Uncle" Sweet Snow, who was stricken last week was reported on Wednesday to be slightly improved, his condition having become better since Sunday. Friends of Mr. Snow hope for his early recovery. ___ James B. Tuggle and Miss Toy Beason were happily married on Saturday afternoon by Rev. Hobart Murphree, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Heflin. ___ Knights of the Ku Klux Klan stated a demonstration on the streets of Heflin Saturday night, burning a fiery cross near the Southern Station. The robed figures passed about their demonstration silently and orderly, the parade and demonstration being witnessed by a large number of local people. ___ Disturbances such as those that took place outside the storeroom where a Ku Klux Klan lecturer was speaking are no credit to a town. Disapproval of an orderly meeting that manifests itself in rocking and shouting is a relic of the wild and wooley days of primitive towns and has no place under modern conditions. Decent citizens manifest their disapproval of a movement by staying out of it, not by turning themselves into hoodlums. ___ Mr. and Mrs. J. Lloyd Stone are receiving the congratulations of friends over the arrival of a fine boy, the young man having been named Thomas Edward. ___ Dr. and Mrs. Dwight L. Evans left early this week, returning by car to Hugo, Oklahoma where they will reside. They recently moved back from Oklahoma and have been located at Tallapoosa. Their stay in the west will be followed with interest by home friends. ___ Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Porch and children from Fremont, VA have arrived in Heflin for a visit to the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Adams. They formerly lived here and are receiving a cordial welcome from their relatives and friends. Mr. Porch was connected with the Southern Railway here for several years. ___ MEMORIAL SINGING FOR JOHN THROWER WAS LARGELY ATTENDED BY FRIENDS At 10:45 o'clock the congregation was called to order by Ernest Taylor who sang a few soul stirring songs and then Bro. Grubbs led in prayer bringing us closer to the throne of grace. There was no program; the chairman was given full power as a committee on arrangements; each one called on responded readily and was heartily supported by the crowd of singers. The chairman called the different leaders for three piece lessons and among the leaders I remember Morris, Duffey, CHeatwood, Thrower, Rooks, Taylor and many others whose names I cannot recall. Mr. Duffey organized an impromtu quartet which reached our hearts. The organists were Willie Morris, E.D. Case, Mrs. Owen, Miss Wade and others. At 2 o'clock we adjourned to the grove for community dinner which would have ben appetizing to a king. For an hour and a half we had a feast and a good sociable time, everybody happy. In fact the whole affair was so delightfully unconventional and homey that it seemed like a big family reunion, and with a spirit of reverance and joy. At 1:30 o'clock we assembled for a memorial lesson, in memory of "Uncle" John Thrower, who died a few months ago. The memorial lesson was led by John Duffey and W.M. Evans, who sang a few appropriate songs. Bro. Evans struck up "Amazing Grace" in which he was joined lustily by the whole congregation in the good old fashioned way without instrumental accompaniment, carrying us back to the good old days before the war and right where Wiley McMahan wanted us when he was called upon for his memorial address on the life and character of the late John T. Thrower. He eloquently pictured the threatening war clouds and the determination of John Thrower, then a mere boy, to volunteer and enlist in the Confederate Army. Mr. McMahan then sang an old song of those early days representing the volunteer soldier bidding farewell to his sweetheart. I had heard most of the old "folk songs" but never this one and I think it should be somehow preserved as a memento of that day and time. The tune is like a bugle call and the sentiment can be appreciated by the old timer who has survived those stirring times. Written by E.D. Case _____ J.M. Beggs of near Abernathy, was in Heflin Wednesday enroute to Gadsden to visit his daughter Mrs. George Wigginton who has been seriously ill at her home there for the past two weeks. Cleburne friends of the family will hope for the early recovery of the esteemed woman. ____ NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Notice is hereby given that an application for the pardon or parole of Temon Russel Peoples, convicted and sentenced by the circuit court of Cleburne county on the 26th day of Feb. 1924 for distilling, to hard labor for 13 months minimum and 15 months maximum sentence in the state penitentiary, will be made to the Governor of Alabama. Temon Russel Peoples ____ NEWSPAPER issue of Thursday, June 26, 1924 LOCAL News W.A. Jones, who became ill several weeks ago while employed at the store of Atkins & Owens, is reported to be improved at the United States Veteran's Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Jones was removed to the sanitorium after being carried to his home in Bremen. In a letter to Heflin friends this week, J.H. Jones, father of the young man, announced that his son had many inquiries about his Heflin friends and that his condition was so much improved that he hoped to return to his home by July 1st. ____ "Uncle" Tom Campbell who lives out on Route 5, was among the visitors in Heflin last week. Mr. Campbell has been in feeble health for the past seeral months and seems to be slightly improved which permitted him to visit Heflin. ___ EDITOR DODSON OBSERVES 63rd BIRTHDAY; Veteran Newspaper Man received handsome remembrances Born in Conecuh County, Alabama, 63 years ago on St. John's Day, Editor of the Cleburne News, C. Frank Dodson has lived through three wars. He remembers the stirring days of the civil war, being only five years of age at the close of that struggle. He recalls the visit of his father who volunteered with the first south Alabamians to enter the struggle. Tuesday, The News editor celebrated the anniversary of his brith with a delightful little gathering at his home in Heflin, a noon day dinner with chicken pie, fried chicken, vegetables of all kinds, pies, cake and cream, with iced tea being enjoyed at the Dodson home. Mrs. J. Paul Robinson, a daughter, arrived in Heflin the day before the celebration and had charge of the feast, being highly complimented by those who partook of the birthday dinner. Those who were seated at the table for dinner were Mrs. Alice Gaines, E.A. Gaines, Mrs. J.W. Barnes, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Vivian Robinson, John B. Fitzgerald, Jack Dodson, Miss Margaret Barnes, Miss Thelma Gaines and Miss Edna Dodson. Relatives and friends from distant points remembered the editor's birthday with handsome and useful presents and the wish was generally expressed for him that he would have many happy returns of the day. ___ Mrs. J.B. Robertson and Miss Mae Robertson visited their father and grandfather, W.W. Little and family south of Heflin during the weekend. __ TRICKEM News Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gibbs spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. W.M. McElroy. __ Mrs. J.W. McElroy of Anniston is visiting here. __ LOCAL News Henry McWhorter of this county was arrested by Oxford officers several days ago, the report reaching Heflin being that 30 gallons of whiskey was found in his car. Mrs. Sue Buttram also of this county was arrested at the same time, the Oxford officers charing her also with violation of the prohibition laws. ___ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/gnw317newspape.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 26.3 Kb