Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for SEPT. & OCT. 1931 1931 ************************************************ 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: C Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net January 10, 2007, 10:03 pm The Cleburne News 1931 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for SEPTEMBER 1931 and OCTOBER 1931 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 1931 FORMER CLEBURNE WOMAN PASSES IN TEXAS Mrs. Harriett Walker, wife of Frank Walker who moved from Cleburne county several years ago, died at the home of her husband at Bivins, Texas a few days ago, after an illness of long duration. Mrs. Walker was the daughter of Kinyan Handley, remembered by the older citizens of the county. Besides the husband, several children survive. ----- DEATH OF A FORMER CLEBURNE COUNTY RESIDENT ( Taken from a Meridian, Texas paper) Mrs. Martha Jane Hawks Allen was born August 30, 1841 and died at the home of her daughter Mrs. J.R. Pirkle of Haskell, on July 27th, aged 89 years, 10 months and 28 days. She was married to H. Allen in 1865 who preceded her in death three years ago. To this union, six children were born, three of whom are living to mourn the loss of their mother, Mrs. J.F. Pirkle of Haskell; R.J. Allen of Kopperl and W.P. Allen of Frederick, Oklahoma. She is survived by 35 living grandchildren, 83 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Grandmother Allen was converted early in life and joined the church and lived a Christian life the remainder of her days. She was a fine old lady. I had known her for some time and I loved her, for she was a sweet spirited old lady and she was loved by all. She did good wherever she went, always was cheerful. Went to church as long as she was able to. The sorrows of life came to her but now we know she is at rest, judging by the Christian life she lived here. Her influence will live on and on and her children will rise up and call her blessed. Her remains were brought here Tuesday and kept at her home, which is occupied by her granddaughter, Mrs. Albert Hensley and family. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon in the Baptist church, in charge of Rev. F.E. Kirchner of Meridian, assisted by Rev. Lester. She looked very natural. The floral offerings were large and beautiful. Her granddaughters were the flower girls and her grandsons the pallbearers. The out of town relatives who attended the funeral were: Mrs. J.F. Pirkle of Haskell Mr. adn Mrs. R.J. Allen and family of Kopperl Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Allen of Frederick, Oklahoma Mr. and Mrs. Scott and children and Mrs. Will Sliger of Breckenridge Ben Scott of Dallas Paul Scott of Dennison The relatives have the sympathy of their many friends in the loss of this dear good old lady, for she is gone from us, but not forgotton. Mrs. Albert Hensley and other relatives. ------- IN MEMORY OF L.J. PRUITT The subject of this sketch, L.J. Pruitt, was called from our midst by the grim reaper death, on July 5th, after being in ill health for several months. Brother Pruitt was born Sept. 29, 1863; he was a member of the Primitive Baptist church and lived a true christian life that is a bright example to his friends and loved ones left behind. It is sad to part with him, yet we wish to be submissive to the Lord who doeth all things well and hope that the same grace that sustained Bro. Pruitt in this life, enabling him even in his suffering to praise God, will carry us safely through all of our distresses and sorrows and at last bless us with the glorious prize he has won. Bro. Pruitt is survived by a good companion, two children and a host of friends and relatives. Funeral services and interment were at Mars Hill church and cemetery. A Friend. ----- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 1931 MRS. RIDDLE DIES SUDDENLY AT HOME IN JESSUP, GA. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Campbell left early Tuesday morning for Jessup, Ga., in response to a telegram telling of the death of Mrs. Newt Riddle, a sister of Mrs. Campbell, who passed away suddenly Monday night. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle were well known by many of our people. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 1931 HEFLIN CITIZEN, 80, TELLS OF THE PAST (Written by A.J. Haley) A sketch of my life I was born in DeKalb county, Ga., Sept. 16, 1851. My father moved to Alabama when I was a small boy; later on, the Civil War came up; my father furnished four boys to the "lost cause." We moved to Franklin, Heard county, Ga. My schooling was limited. In those days we had no schools, we had to work to make a living; all I learned was over a pine knot fire after a hard days work on the farm. In 1873, I entered what was then a high school. I spent seven months in that school. In 1874, I came to Wood's copper mines in Cleburne county. I worked at the mines until July 1, 1875 at 80 cents per day. I then took up an eight months' school at Stone Hill and on Oct. 14, 1875, married the best woman in the world. We had born to us six children, two boys and four girls. I taught school and farmed a number of years. On Oct. 6, 1880 we moved to Heflin, where I have been for 41 years. I sent all six of my children to school here until they were grown; lost two of the girls. When I came to Heflin, I worked for Bob Smith for three years, then for Morgan & Perryman Bros. I then went to weighing cotton and loading guano, worked at that for 12 years. In 1910, I was selected Tax Assessor for Cleburne county and served four years; then I served eight years as Deputy Tax Assessor for W.M. Evans four years and for W.F. Groover four years. Then I was elected County Treasurer for Cleburne and served one year, then I was elected Major of Heflin and was elected the third time in succession and since then I have been helping the boys (do nothing). Last Wednesday, the 16th, I passed the 80th mile post. I am just standing on the bank of the river waiting to cross over and rest in the shade of the trees. A.J. Haley ------ CHILD LAID TO REST Heflin, Ala., Sept. 18th Funeral services for Doyle Gossett, 10 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Gossett, who died Thursday at the home near here following an illness of typhoid fever, were held at 11 o'clock this morning at the residence. Interment was in Union Cemetery near Wellington in Calhoun county with Usrey of Anniston in charge. Surviving are the parents, two brothers, William and Robert and two sisters, Mary and Maude. ----- HIGGINBOTHAM RITES HELD MONDAY AT CHULAFINNEE Funeral services for S.A. Higginbotham, 80, who died at his home at Chulafinnee Sunday night following an illness of about two months, were held from the Chulafinnee Methodist church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. L.D. Tyson of Anniston officiating, and interment was in Chulafinnee local cemetery, with Usrey of Anniston in charge. Surviving are two sons, W.F. of Anniston and R.L. of California, and a daughter Mrs. Ike Hayes of Bremen, Ga. ----- THREE MEN CHARGED WITH DISTILLING "Tack" Laminack, Curtis Lynch and Bryant Chandler were captured Monday just over the line in Haralson county, Ga. and charged with distilling. The men were carried to Anniston. Officers in the raid were Federal officers Barnes and Sellers, John H. Draper and Deputies Prestridge and Haywood. Officers destroyed eleven stills and poured out 2,500 gallons of beer in a series of raids last week. Four of the boilers were copper, the rest of zinc construction and ranged from 100 to 400 gallons capacity. The illicit distilleries were found along the Haralson county, Ga. line, it was said. ------ BORDEN SPRINGS News Sept. 21st Last Monday morning, Sept. 21st, at 5 o'clock, the death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Mercer claiming as its victim Mrs. J.V. Hardin, mother of Mrs. Mercer. Mrs. Hardin was 80 years of age. Funeral and burial services were held Tuesday at Salem Baptist church near Bluffton of which she has been an active member for about 60 years and will be greatly missed throughout the community. Usrey of Anniston was in charge. Pallbearers were six of her grandsons, Hurst Williams, Joe and Clark Mercer, Max Hardin, Ross McElwee and Vernon Garmon. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Anderson Mercer of this place, Mrs. Ethel McElwee of near Cedartown and Mrs. Charles Garmon of Piedmont; one son, Arthur Hardin of Esom Hill and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. ----- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, OCTOBER 1, 1931 PETERSON RITES HELD SATURDAY AT MUSCADINE Funeral services for John L. Peterson, 71, who died suddenly at the home here, were conducted from the Methodist church in Muscadine at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the Rev. W.A. Murphree of Birmingham and the Rev. L.S. Wessinger of Heflin, officiating. Interment was made in Muscadine cemetery with Masonic honors. Surviving are the widow, a son Joe L. Peterson; Misses Esther and Alice Peterson of this city; a sister Mrs. A.G. Johnson of Quincy, Mass. He was born at Axmar, Sweden on December 19, 1870 and came to the United States in May 1884. Was naturalized and took an oath of allegiance in 1891; educated in the grammar schools of Sweden and Connecticut, later attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. He was married in 1897 to Ina J. Westerlund in Quincy, Mass. By trade he was a granite cutter, being a member of the Granite Cutter's International Union until the time of his death. He moved to Alabama in 1901 and settled at Muscadine where he lived until 1928 when he moved to Heflin. He was a member of the Congregational Church. Active pallbearers were W.J.Henry, J.J. Wager, C.J. McCraven, A.L. Black, J.M. Crumpton and J.H. Lambert. ------ BORDEN SPRINGS News Sept. 28th Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Wheeler and daughter Miss Annie Mae Potts, visited here last weekend. ---- MRS. ADDIE MANER DIES IN ATLANTA S.A. Maner of Heflin was called to Atlanta on account of the death of his mother Mrs. Addie Maner, 72, which occurred suddenly Friday morning at the home of her daughter Mrs. Minnie Grizzard. Surviving are four sons and five daughters. Funeral services and burial were held at Collins Springs near Atlanta, Sunday afternoon. ----- IN MEMORY OF J.C. WILLIAMS Early in the morning of June the 5th, 1931, God in His infinite wisdom saw fit to speak to his faithful servant Bro. J.C. Williams and said it is enough, come up higher. "Uncle Jesse" as he was generally known, came to this county from Carroll county, Georgia when a young man and had lived and reared his family in this community. He was an upright citizen and a true and faithful christian, having been a member of the church for 56 years and the greater part of this time, he was identified with the church at Macedonia at which place his remains were laid to rest. His place in church hardly ever being vacant during services. He had reached the tottering age and had to lean upon his staff, but he was active in the work of the Lord. When there was work to be done at the church or cemetery or any charitable work, Uncle Jesse was among the first to help and we feel that he heard the Master say "thou hast been faithful over a few things, come, and I will make thee ruler over many." His presence in the church and his visits to our homes are going to be greatly missed but we know our loss is Heaven's gain. He leaves a dear companion, Aunt Cindea, that is just as true and faithful as he was, and eight children and a host of grandchildren and friends to mourn his departure. Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Smith. ----- MRS. MARTHA ANN SKINNER The death angel visited the home of Mrs. M.E. Benefield and took away a beloved mother, Mrs. Martha Ann Skinner. She was born July 1, 1839 and died September 24, 1931, being 92 years, two months and 23 days old. She put in her letter in Macedonia Church in August 1859. She was married to Jim Skinner, January 5, 1858. Her passing brings sadness to our hearts, but we know her suffering is over. She said many times that she was ready to go and was just waiting for the Lord to call her home. It was sad to part with her but our loss is Heaven's eternal gain. She has many relatives and friends who grieve for her, but God in His wisdom knows best. She is survived by her husband, three sons, two daughters and many grandchildren. She was laid to rest in Macedonia cemetery Friday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.W. Patty and Rev. A.T. Warmack. Grieve not for mother, for she is with Jesus. A grandson, Milton Skinner ----- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, OCTOBER 8, 1931 BOWMAN IN BUCHANAN JAIL AFTER KILLING Tallapoosa, Ga., Oct. 5th A murder charge was made here this morning aganst Elbert Bowman, 23, of Providence, four miles south of Tallapoosa, following the fatal shooting of Arlin Hornsby on Sunday night. The shooting occurred within a short distance of Providence church late Sunday night, an old grudge between the men being responsible for the killing. Hornsby was shot three times through the body and lived only a few minutes after the shooting. ---- RITES FOR AGED WOMAN HELD LAST SUNDAY Mrs. Martha Jane McWhorter, 69, wife of Commissioner M.F. McWhorter, died at the home Saturday morning following an illness of several months. She was a native of Cleburne county and had resided in the northern part of the county for a number of years. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday at Mount Paran church with the Rev. Mr. Robinson officiating. Interment was made in the church cemetery with F.P. Owens company in charge. Surviving are the husband, sons and daughters, among them being Deputy Sheriff Walter McWhorter and Mrs. Leo R. Jones of Heflin. The Cleburne News extends its sympathy to the bereaved relatives. ----- HEFLIN RESIDENT ENJOYS OLD TIMER'S ARTICLE ( Letter from S.C. Alston) Editor of the Cleburne News, I read with much pleasure the sketch by A.J. Haley and decided I would write a few lines of my life. I was born in Blairsville, Union county, Georgia on Sept. 15, 1848. So I was making mud pies and frog houses when Mr. Haley was born. I have married two good women, had seven children by my first wife. I reckon I would have been an office seeker but I was pressed in as a Bailiff during the trial of the Rowe and Chisolm murder cases which knocked all the office seeking fear out of my system. I was road commissioner for three terms and got cussed enough to last me through life, so I have been a "clod knocker" all my life and guess I will remain one as long as I can "cut the pigeon wing" and know the "back step." I will sketch one of my school boy speeches: Has the old school exhibition gone forever more and the old schoolhouse deserted and the grass has choked the door, and the wind sweeps around the gable with a low, mournful whine and the boys not at the Birmingham, at Birmingham on the Rhine. S.C. Alston ------ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, OCTOBER 15, 1931 HORNSBY SHOT WHEN CALLED TO OWN DOOR Buchanan, Ga., Oct. 9th Called to the front yard of his home near Providence church, four miles west of Tallapoosa early Sunday evening, Arlin Hornsby, age about 20 years, was shot and instantly killed by unknown parties. The assassination came without warning to young Hornsby. Hearing the call for him to go out to the front, he did so. Only a few words were spoken when a shot was heard by the family who rushed to the yard and found the young man shot to death. The wound indicated that he was shot almost in the back of the head. Sheriff Richard was immediately notified and he went to the scene and conducted an investigation, with the result that Elbert Bowman, member of a well known family in the same settlement, was arrested. Bowman, when seen by a Tribune reporter Monday morning was very reticent and would have nothing to say for publication. Coroner Cole held an inquest over the body Monday morning. At the coroner's inquest held at the Hornsby home Monday morning, testimony was produced that members of the household apparently recognized the voice that summoned young Hornsby into the yard as being that of young Bowman. Testimony introduced showed also that Hornsby and Bowman had had trouble during a recent protracted meeting. Officers who examined the footprints leading from the scene sent to the county jail here and secured young Bowman's shoes which fitted the tracks perfectly. They state that one of the tracks showed a marked peculiarity as if a plug had been cut in one of the shoes and that a similar indenture was found in one of the shoes of the accused. Leon Bowman, the boy's father, was also arrested Monday, charged with being an accessory before the fact, and lodged in jail here, while young Bowman was carried to the Cedartown jail. Solicitor Ragsdale was present at the inquest and conducted a searching investigation and he expects to carry the matter before the grand jury which convenes today, Thursday. ---- CONDITION IMPROVED The many friends of J.J. Greer of Edwardsville will be glad to learn that his condition has improved in the past week. He has been confined to his room for the past seven weeks. He had had as his guests for the past week his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Custer Greer of Miles City, Montana, who returned to their home last Monday. He was also visited by his nephew Dr. W.H. Greer of Sheffield last Thursday night. --- IN MEMORY OF JOHN I. FINNELL On August 13, 1931, one of the best citizens of our section, John I. Finnell, was called into the great beyond, after an illness of several months. He was a loyal citizen, a faithful husband and a devoted christian. He was always ready to aid in every worthy cause that came to his knowledge. His life is an example that we would profit by following. HIs friends were numbered by his acquaintances, for to know him was to love him. He was married in 1885 to Miss Dicey M. Edwards, daughter of Josiah and Sarah A. Edwards. To this happy union were born four sons and five daughters, all of whom survive. He was a Primitive Baptist and lived the religions of his belief. Bro. Finnell never complained at his suffering or distresses, but faithfully trusted in the true and living God, who doeth all things well and beyond any doubt, was ready when the summons came to say as one of old, "come, welcome death, I will gladly go with thee." Bro. Finnell was a lover of singing and at his death was a member of the Cleburne County Sacred Harp Convention and of other singing conventions. He is sadly missed by those who have sung with him, but happy is the thought that he is numbered with that redeemed choir above to sing praises to God thru a never ending eternity. His bereaved family wishes to express their thanks to their many friends who extended sympathy and kindness in the sickness and death of this good man. A Friend, Mars Hill, Ala. ----- TEAGUE RITES HELD TUESDAY George W. Teague died at the family home near Lecta shortly after noon on Sunday after an illness of more than a year. He was former president of Cleburne County Farm Bureau and widely known. Funeral services were held Tuesday with burial in Wise Chapel cemetery. Surviving are his widow, sons and daughters. ---- IN MEMORIAM In memory of my deat mother Mrs. Elizabeth P. Dodson who passed away 38 years ago Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1931. " In my heart your memory lingers, Sweetly, tender, fond and true, There is not a day, dear mother, That I do not think of you." C.F. Dodson ------ LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION State of Alabama, Cleburne County Notice to: Lester Higginbotham John Currie Minta Bradshaw Della Case Kaylor Currie Frank Moore Truman Moore Winfred Moore You are notified that Sam D.Moore filed in this court on the 19th day of Oct. 1931, an instrument in writing, signed by Sam A. Higginbotham on the 29th day of June 1929, purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Sam A. Higginbotham, deceased, petitioning the court to probate the same. You are further notified that the 31st day of October 1931 has been set for the hearing of said petition, on which day you may appear and contest the same if you choose to do so. A.H. Glasgow, Probate Judge ----- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, OCTOBER 22, 1931 COUPLE ENJOY RECENT TRIP TO ALA. and TENN. POINTS "Uncle" Joe Roberts and wife "Aunt" Sophie, started from their home at Lebanon on an extended visit through Alabama and Tenn. the first Sunday in August. They made the trip by automobile, going from here to Cedartown, thence to Rome and from there to Chattanooga, then to Crossville where they visited their son, A.M. Roberts and family. They found everything progressing nicely and so peaceable they stayed two weeks and two days. While Uncle Joe was there he made several trips out in the surrounding country, many of his trips were 50 miles or over. Uncle Joe and wife say they have never seen so many hogs, sheep, cows and different animals being shippef from Tennessee to various part of the United States; vegetables, watermelons and fruits were also abundant in this section. Uncle Joe and Aunt Sophie say that you could not tell it was hard times at the homes they visited because each meal consisted of an enormous spread of all kinds of good eatables. They also said they met and associated with some of the most courteous and likable people they have ever known; they have known lots of people, too. Everyone seemed more than willing to make the trip enjoyable for Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. From Crossville they came to Chattanooga. On this route they passed through the old battle ground where he fought during the Civil War, taking dinner and spending the afternoon there. From there they went to Herman Buttram's on Sand Mountain and spent the night, then to Joseph Huggins; then back to Mr. Buttrams; next to Henry Grubbs. He reports that the crops are the best ever grown in that section. The next stop was at John Rogers, spending two days and nights there. Returned to Fort Payne, from there to Gadsden, visiting relatives and friends a few days. Next they spent two days with Mrs. Roberts' only daughter in Piedmont. From there to R.C. Howell's at Oak Level, next to Muscadine visiting Uncle Joe's son, Mancel Roberts, thence back home at Lebanon, finding everything alright and both say they felt better than when they left home. They say, "come and see us." Uncle Joe is probably the oldest man in this section. He is a Civil War veteran and very active for his age. Even though 91 years old, he says he would love to take a flight in an airplane. He says he feels his time is just about up, but we hope God will see fit to leave him with us several more years. Aunt Sophia was born at Oak Level in 1855. She, too, is quite active for her age. They are a devoted and happy couple and are good neighbors and have hosts of friends throughout this county. A Friend. ------ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, OCTOBER 29, 1931 DANIEL RITES HELD FRIDAY IN GEORGIA Heflin, Ala., Oct. 23rd John A. Daniel, age 89, widely known Confederate veteran, who had resided in Heflin for many years, died at the home of his daughter Mrs. C.Y Hammack at 3:50 a.m., Thursday, following a stroke of paralysis suffered a week ago. Funeral services were held at 12 o'clock Friday at Beulah church and interment followed in Beulah cemetery with Usrey directing. Mr. Daniel is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Hammack and Mrs. Joe Hyatt of Roopville, Ga., and three sons, W.R. Daniel of Carrollton, Ga.; Dr. A.F. Daniel of Bowdon, Ga., and R.J. Daniel of Richmond, Ga. SHORT MEMORIAL SKETCH John A. Daniel, Confederate veteran, was born in Troup County, Ga., Nov. 8, 1841. He served four years in the war and was wounded at Chattanooga battle. He was the father of six children, three sons and three daughters. Five children survive. He died at the home of his daughter here Oct. 22. He was a faithful member of the Baptist church. Weep not, dear children, for we know he is basking in the sunshine of eternal rest. Sleep on old comrade, we hope to grasp hands with you again in that land where there is no more good byes. An old friend, A.J. Haley. ------- BORDEN SPRINGS RESIDENT PASSES Piedmont, Ala., Oct. 20th The Anniston Star Funeral services for J.L. Womack, age 66, who died at the home of his son Marvin here last night, will be held at Borden Springs at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Rev. L.H. Reaves to officiate and interment will be in New Bethel cemetery, with Usery of Anniston in charge. Mr. Womack, a resident of Borden Springs for many years, had been ill for about a month. For the last several days he had been at his son's home here. Surviving are the widow and five sons, James, Harvey and Bob of Borden Springs and Marvin and William of Piedmont; and four daughters, Mrs. T.W. Henderson and Mrs. Bertha Warren of Borden Springs; Mrs. Pat Brown of Piedmont and Mrs. E.N. Lorren of News, N.C. ---- F.L. "BUD" BLAKE HARVESTING BIG 1931 CROP Bud Blake, successful Red Land farmer, is harvesting a bumper cotton and corn crop this year, having already had 96 bales of cotton ginned, with 10 or 15 more to be gathered. His corn crop, he declares, will be one of the largest harvested in a number of years. He will have "thrashed" around 200 bushels of wheat. His sweet potato crop will yield him several bushes; 18,000 bundles of fodder has been housed besides several tons of fine pea-vine hay. Mr. Blake has a 10-room modern home which he will soon equip with lights and water throughout. Mr. Blake's family consists of three splendid daughters, Misses Fay, Kate Elizabeth and Irene. His widowed mother Mrs. Isaac Blake, makes her home with "Bud", Bud being the only boy about the house. Mr. Blake operates a 12 horse farm located on the old McIntosh road, just 40 minutes run from Heflin, but 15 years ago he declared it was a days' travel to the county seat. He appreciates good roads. A whole lot could be written about Mr. Blake that would prove interesting, but before closing these few lines, it might be well to add that five of his present renters have been with him 20 years. ------ INFORMATION WANTED Information regarding David Peeples Pollard who enlisted in Confederate Army from your county; member Fifth Alabama Infantry, served with Capt. Porter. Anyone knowing of this family, write Mrs. C.O. Pollard, 332 Cherry Lane, Upper Darby, Pa. ---- NORTON IMPROVED Henry L. Norton of this city who was seriously hurt last Aug. 4th when he fell from a trestle at Eden, told the News Monday that he would go back to work with the bridge crew on Nov. 1st. Henry was with the crew when the accident occurred and fell 30 feet from the bridge, breaking his collar bone and shoulder blade. He was unconscious more than 36 hours. ----- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/newspape1259gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 27.4 Kb