Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for NOV. & DEC. 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 11, 2007, 11:10 pm The Cleburne News 1931 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for NOVEMBER 1931 and DECEMBER 1931 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, NOVEMBER 5, 1931 BIRTHDAY DINNER Mrs. Lena Merrill of Micaville had a birthday dinner on October 18th. Her children and grandchildren gathered at the home to join in a celebration of the event. At noon the bounteous dinner was spread on a table in the yard. The birthday cake, the center of attraction, was baked by her daughter Mrs. Alta Traylor. All present seemed to have a wonderful time. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Traylor of Newell Mr. Elbert Traylor of Carrollton Mr. and Mrs. Emory Merrill and family of Micaville Mr. and Mrs. Willie Merrill of Heflin Mr. and Mrs. Alta Traylor of Woodland Miss Lizzie May Merrill and Homer Merrill of Atlanta All wish mother many more happy years. A Friend. ----- MRS. WILLIAMSON LAID TO REST Anniston, Ala., Nov. 1st Funeral services for Mrs. T.J. Williamson, age 58, who died at her home at Oxford on Saturday morning following an illness of several months, will be held from the residence at 2 o'clock this afternoon, Rev. W.L. Holdridge, pastor of the Oxford Methodist church, to officate and interment will be in Heflin cemetery with Brown in charge. Active pallbearers will be J.W. Alexander, A.T. Jobson, J.C. Cox, Oswald Brummel, S.L. Johnson, and C.E. Zaner. Honorary pallbearers will be Will Draper, W.R. Conkle, J.J. Crow, Thad M. Gwin, Manning Christian, M.E. Fincher, Lee Black and N.W. Head. Mrs. Williamson, who had been a resident of Oxford more than 30 years, was a member of the Methodist church and was active in the work of the church. She was a native of Calhoun county, being the daughter of the late J.A. Hughes of Iron City. Mrs. Williamson is survived by her husband, two sons Hugh and Paul and two daughters, Mattie and Grace, all of Oxford; six sisters, Mrs. T.M. Coleman, Mrs. A.C. Simpson and Mrs. Jack Hilton of Birmingham; Mrs. S.F. Morgan of Anniston; Mrs. L.L. Vaughan of Iron City, and Mrs. A.H. Smith of Jacksonville, Fla, and three brothers, L.W. Hughes and G.B. Hughes of Birmingham and C.E. Hughes of Iron City. ------ O.A. HILTON IS LAID TO REST Anniston, Ala., Nov. 1st Funeral services for O.A. Hilton, age 53, who ended his own life on the second floor of an Oxford store Saturday morning by firing a pistol bullet into his head, will be held at 10 o'clock Monday morning at Usrey's Chapel, Rev. W.D. Ogletree, pastor of the Oxford Baptist church, to officiate and interment will be in East Lake Cemetery in Birmingham. Active pallbearers will be Henry Moore, French Bell, John Orr, Dr. T.J. Brothers, Ross Green and R.H. Todd. Members of Tom Boyd Cooper Camp 5, United Spanish American War Veterans, will serve as honorary pall bearers. Mr. Hilton was owner of the Model City Mills, which he had operated the last few years. He was born and reared in Cleburne county and came to Calhoun county in 1892. He was employed for several years at the store operated by his half-brother, the late T.A. Howle. Later he was with the Anniston Mercantile Company and Sterne-Stevens Grocery Company. Mr. Hilton was a Spanish American War veteran and was commander of the local camp of veterans. He was widely known in this section of the state. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. F.M. Norris of Birmingham, Mrs. Delaney Disharoon of Anniston, and Mrs. Celia Norris of Birmingham, and three brothers, James Hilton of Lynchburg, Va., Newt Hilton of Great Falls, Minn. and Farmer Hilton of Detroit, Mich. ------ LOCAL News J.M. Harris, a good Silas Creek area farmer, was in to see us Monday. --- IN MEMORY OF MRS. MILLARD F. McWHORTER Mrs. Martha Jane Hayes McWhorter was born near Cartersville, Ga., on March 14, 1861. She moved with her parents at the age of eight years to Cleburne county. The family lived for several years in the Lebanon community and then came to Oak Level neighorhood where she grew to womanhood and in this community, she met and married Millard F. McWhorter, the marriage taking place on February 8, 1877. With the exception of one year in Georgia and two years in Calhoun county, Ala., Mr. and Mrs. McWhorter have spent their entire fifty years of married life in Cleburne county, for a few years they lived in Heflin while Mr. McWhorter was Sheriff and they lived in the Mt. Paran community. To this union was born eleven children, five boys and six girls. Of this number, Henry N., Walter P., John C., Millard F. Jr., Mrs. Leonard Morris, Mrs. Leo R. Jones, Mrs. Carl A. Pruitt, Mrs. Homer N. Lambert, together with Mr. M.F. McWhorter, survive her while Essie, Billie O. and Henrietta preceded her to the grave. Besides these, there are sixty- three grandchildren living and thirteen dead; twenty- two great grandchildren are living and two dead. Mrs. McWhorter joined the Camp Creek Missionary Baptist church in the summer of 1876 and remained a faithful member of this congregation until 1900 when she and Mr. McWhorter became members of the Mars Hill Primitive Baptist church. Throughout her life, Mrs. McWhorter ever continued to be a devoted christian wife and mother, who numbered her friends by her acquaintances. No higher tribute can be paid to anyone regardless of station in life, gender, nationality or race than this. That she was a devoted wife, a christian mother, and a home builder, giving daily of her life to the services of her husband, family and friends and neighbors in a humble God fearing way. This can truly be said of Mrs. McWhorter. It has truly been said that "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world as well as guides the destinies of the race." History may be forgotton, marble statues will crumble to dust, fame and fortune will grow dim and sordid, but the name "Mother" will ever remain the hope, the inspiration and the most sacred memory of mankind. "Mother", you are in the sunshine of God's eternal love and may your family, like you, when they reach the bank of the river that marks the Unknown Shore, have their hands filled with deeds of charity that opens the gate of the place of eternity. Leo R. Jones ------ BELOVED HEFLIN WOMAN HONORED ON BIRTHDAY; Many Friends Present on Oct. 20th at Birthday Tea One of the happiest occasions of the season was the tea given by relatives in honor of Mrs. Phoebe Hunnicutt on her ninetieth birthday anniversary. The traditions of hospitality of this family were never better exemplified than on this occasion, the house being beautifully decorated and a lovely seated tea being served to more than 30 guests who called during the afternoon to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the honoree. Many relatives and friends who could not be present sent their greetings by flowers, letters and telegrams. Mrs. Hunnicutt has lived in Heflin since 1880, having come here in that year with her husband, the late Judge W.R. Hunnicutt. They were among the early settlers of Heflin and Judge Hunnicutt, with Newt J. Ross, surveyed the town and were owners of extensive city property. Judge Hunnicutt was one of the first probate judges of the county and was one of the charter members and builders of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Hunnicutt family has stood for everything cultural and progressive since their establishment here and too great a tribute cannot be paid to the mother of the family. Everyone joins in wishing her continued good health and many more years, for she is greatly beloved by a wide circle of friends throughout the county and state. ----- BOY SERIOUSLY HURT IN FALL FROM TRUCK Cluster Chaffin of near Ai, was in a serious condition today at Garner Hospital suffering from a head injury received Sunday when he fell from a truck while enroute to church. Chaffin who was brought to the local hospital late Monday afternoon, remained unconscious today. The Anniston Star issue of Tuesday ----- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 1931 CHAFFIN RITES HELD AT PINE GROVE CHURCH Edwardsville, Ala. Cluster Chaffin, 20, of the Ai community, who died last Thursday morning in an Anniston hospital, was laid to final rest last Friday at Pine Grove, the Rev. A.T. Warmack of Lebanon in charge, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Barr of Bell Mills and the Rev. Mr. Boman of Bowdon, Ga. Young Chaffin died after receiving a head injury when he fell from a truck while returning from preaching at Pine Grove church on Sunday, Nov. 1. He never regained consciousness after the accident, it was said. The Cleburne News extends sympathy to the bereaved parents in the untimely death of their beloved son. ---- CARD OF APPRECIATION We take this method of expressing to the very depth of our hearts, appreciation and sincere thanks to those who rendered such kind service and spoke consoling words of cheer, and the beautiful floral offerings in the recent death of our dear son, Cluster. We ask God's richest blessings upon all of you. Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Chaffin and children of Ai. ---- IN MEMORY OF CLUSTER CHAFFIN Funeral services for Cluster Chaffin, age 20, were conducted Friday afternoon, Nov. 6, at Pine Grove with the Rev. A.T. Warmack officiating. He died early Thursday morning. He had undergone an operation for injuries received Sunday afternoon, Nov. 1 when he fell from a truck. Cluster shall be greatly missed from our presence, in church and Sunday school affairs in which he took a leading part. Besides his parents Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Chaffin, he leaves one brother and four sisters, a host of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death. A friend, Oleta Buttram. ---- GIN OPERATOR HURT Tallapoosa, Ga. W.A. Tanner, well known farmer and gin operator who lives between Tallapoosa and Oak Level, suffered a serious injury when his left hand was mangled between a belt and pulley. Practically all of the skin and flesh was stripped from Tanner's hand by the revolving belt and he has suffered intensely since the accident. ---- CARD OF THANKS We wish to take this method of expressing our thanks and appreciation to our neighbors and friends for their kindness and help shown us during the death of our dear sister, Mable Roberts, who died Oct. 27th. May God's richest blessings rest upon each and every one of you. Also many thanks for the beautiful floral offerings. Lesse McAlpin, Muscadine, Rt. 2. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 1931 BIRTHDAY DINNER The friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambert gathered at their home in Micaville on Sunday, Nov. 8th to celebrate Frank's 44th birthday annivesary. Brother Frank had killed the "fatted calf" for the occasion. At noon hour the long table was spread in the dining room and filled with everything good to eat, nothing had been forgotton. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rollins and children Mr. and Mrs. Guy Cavender and baby Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Loveless, father and mother Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Perkins, Lonnie and Walter Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Lambert and children Mr. and Mrs. Lem Lambert and children Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Lambert and children Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Cavender and children Mr. and Mrs. Ewell Perkins and children Mr. and Mrs. Roy Perkins Mrs. Lizzie Perkins, Pearl and Berl Perkins Mr. and Mrs. John Rollins and children Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cavender and baby Mr. and Mrs. Seamon Perkins and children Mrs. Jula Cavander and daugher, Cora John Denty Ewell Loveless Audress Stedham Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have three children living and one dead; three grandchildren, all being present. Frank's brother and sisters were present but one, Mrs. Mary Lawler of Arab. We wish him many more happy birthdays. One present. ----- BELOVED TALLAPOOSA WOMAN ANSWERS LAST CALL Tallapoosa, Ga., Nov. 16 Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Hutchens, one of Tallapoosa's most lovable women, were largely attended. Her death occasioned much sorrow among the neighbors and friends of 40 years standing. Mrs. Hutchens was stricken by a mysterious malady about ten days before her death and she suffered intensely before death relieved her. She was an active worker in all of the patriotic societies of Tallapoosa, always taking the lead in honoring the soldier dead, as well as the living on Memorial, Armistice and other days. She was the widow of the late Col. Rufus Hutchens, who was a leading lawyer in this county for many years, and the mother of Captain Harold Hutchens and of Mrs. Charles Hubbard of Tallapoosa. During and after the World War, Mrs. Hutchens directed many of the war activities in Haralson county and the former service men will feel keenly the removal of their friend in this section. ----- HENRY MORRIS PASSES Tallapoosa, Ga., Nov. 16 Funeral services for Henry Morris, 35, who died at his home north of Tallapoosa after an illness of four weeks with typhoid fever, were held at the Chandler Chapel cemetery on Monday, with sorrowing friends in attendance. Mr. Morris was engaged in agricultural pursuits at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and five small children. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, NOVEMBER 26, 1931 MR. SMITH PASSES Mr. Hugh Smith, age 41 years, four months, died Nov. 12th at his home near town. The funeral services were held the following day in Macedonia church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Griffin and Rev. Caldwell were the ministers in charge. Mr. Smith had been in bad health three years and his death was not unexpected. He had moved his family here from Tallapoosa the week previous so that he might leave them near relatives when he had passed on. He said that he was ready to go when the summons came. He was a member of the Baptist church at Macedonia. Surviving are his mother Mrs. M.V. Smith, a wife and seven children and several half- brothers and sisters. The Bowdon, Ga., Bulletin ----- ALLEN SHOT BY BANNISTER ON TUESDAY Em Allen was shot but not fatally, early Tuesday morning by Eunice Bannister, in an altercation at Beason Mills, 12 miles south of here. A .32 calibre bullet struck Allen just below the heart. Bannister was placed in jail on an assault to murder charge. ---- LOCAL News Woodson Lee continues quite sick at his home in Gooseneck Valley. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, DECEMBER 3, 1931 PENITENTIARY SENTENCE GIVEN IN KILLING CASE Buchanan, Ga., Nov. 26th Elbert Bowman, tried in Haralson Superior Court for the slaying of Arlin Hornsby, was found guilty of manslaughter and given a sentence of from one to two years on the chain gang. The trial began on Monday morning and the case was given to the jury late Tuesday, and after considering the case for several hours, brought in a verdict as stated above. It is currently reported that on the first ballot the jury stood 9 for acquittal and 3 for conviction. After the state had concluded its case shortly before noon Tuesday, Judge Hutcheson granted a request of the defendant's attorney for a recess and adjourned court until 1:30 in the afternoon. When court reassembled, the defendant went upon the stand and reading from a prepared statement, acknowledged the slaying of Hornsby, giving in detail the events leading up to the killing. Bowman stated that on the evening of the killing, he went to the Hornsby home to "talk things over with Arlin", and that during the course of their conversation, Hornsby flew into a rage and reached into his bosom for something, and at this juncture, he (Bowman) fired. He stated that he never remembered firing but once. Bowman recounted events which led up to the tragedy and the appeal he made touched many in the audience. It developed at at the trial that the trouble that preceded the killing involved Hornsby's alleged relationship with Bowman's 13 year old sister. Both were residents of the Buncombe district, just over the Alabama line and the trial attracted hundreds of relatives and friends from the Lebanon and Rocky Flat communities. His father, Leon Bowman, who was held as an accessory before the fact, was allowed bail by Judge Hutcheson on Tuesday of last week. ----- LOCAL News J.L. Chandler, age 72, of Tallapoosa, Ga., who received a fractured hip in a fall at his home a few days ago, was reported to be improving at Garner Hospital on Saturday night. The Anniston Star ---- James Jackson, about 50 years old, took his life near his home in Bowdon early Monday morning, using a shot gun to end his life. Mr. Jackson is said to have brooded over financial affairs for some time and in a note addressed to Mrs. Jackson, gave directions as to the disposition of insurance. Mr. Jackson came from a good family and his death has cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire community where he was known and liked. He was buried at Sandy Flat on Wednesday. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, DECEMBER 10, 1931 BORDEN SPRINGS News Miss Edna Arrington is visiting her sister Mrs. Katie White at Cedartown. --- Mr. and Mrs. Willard Arrington and children visited Mrs. M.E. Warmack and family on Sunday. --- Funeral and burial services were held Sunday afternoon at Cherry Grove Baptist church for P.W. Porter, an aged man, who passed away Saturday at one o'clock at the home of his daughter Mrs. Jeff Palmer at Piedmont. Surviving are the widow, several daughters and many other relatives. ----- LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS Dear Santa Claus, I am a little boy 7 years old and weight 75 pounds. I go to school at Tifton. I am in second grade and learning fast and like my teacher. I want you to bring me a bicycle, oranges, bananas, coconuts and all kinds of candy and nuts. Santa, please don't forget "Ma and Pa" Batchelor's folks, and bring them something christmas night, for they live in Alabama. I will looking for you on christmas night so don't forget me. Your little boy, Buford Otwell, Tifton, Ga. Dec. 3, 1931 --- Dear Santa Claus, I am only a litle girl 9 years old, weigh 85 pounds. I am fair skin, brown eyes and have black, curly hair and rosy cheeks. I go to school at Tifton. I am in the third grade and am learning fast, hope to make my grade by christmas. Santa, I am not going to ask you for much for I want you to bring all the little boys and girls something. I want you to bring me a carriage, trunk, a swing set, a wrist watch and a pretty silk dress and I want you to bring me candy, apples, oranges, bananas, coconuts and all kinds of nuts. Santa Claus, please don't forget my little cousin William Olen Batchelor; he is only 3 months old; bring him a baby bed and rattler. I will be looking for you on christmas night, hurry up and come. Your little girl, Avis Otwell, Tifton, Ga., Dec. 3, 1931 ---- Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl only six years old. I weigh 47 pounds. I have golden curls and big brown eyes and I am mamma and daddy's baby, so please don't forget me christmas night. I want you to bring me a big walking and talking mamma doll and a doll carriage. Also a trunk, piano and a bugle. Santa please bring me candy, apples, oranges and all kinds of nuts. Santa claus, don't forget mamma and daddy. I will be looking for you so please don't forget me for I live in south Ga. Your little girl, Mable Otwell, Tifton, Ga., Dec. 3, 1931 ------ LOCAL News A.J. Haley, pioneer Heflin resident, has been on the sick list the last week, suffering with an infection on his right hand. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, DECEMBER 13, 1931 ROLLINS - VAUGHAN Judge A.H. Glasgow at his home Sunday afternoon, performed the ceremony that made Mrs. Sallie Rollins and Arthur Vaughan man and wife. The Cleburne News wishes the newlyweds much happiness. ---- LOCAL News Mrs. Lorena Harlan and children are visiting Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Brown at Aron Park, Fla. ---- LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl nine years of age. My weight is 69 pounds. Santa Claus, I want you to bring me a piano, a wagon and a doll. Santa Claus, don't forget J.C., mother, father, Jeanette, Bonnie and big sister and all the poor children. Your little girl, Gertrude Cofield ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, DECEMBER 24, 1931 JASPER CITIZEN WAS 100 YEARS OLD DEC. 15th Jasper Man Completes Century of Life; Living with His Grandchildren Here From "The Jasper Mountain Eagle" newspaper UNCLE ZEKE DODSON Next Tuesday, December 15th, Jasper's grand old man, Mr. E.K. Dodson, will be 100 years old. This is quite a distinction, an achievement, to live 100 years. There is no question about Mr. Dodson's age, the record of his brith bears out his statement that he was born in the North River community in Tuscaloosa county, Alabama, December 15, 1831. Mr. Dodson has lived an eventful life. He went to California during the "Gold Rush" between 1849 and 1852 and spent eight years in the Golden State. He went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and suffered many hardships and delays on the trip. He went with a small party from the States by water, landing on the east side of Panama, then the party crossed over and took a vessel in the Pacific for San Francisco. After spending eight years in California, Mr. Dodson returned to Alabama and not long after his return to the East, the Civil War between the states broke out, and he entered the Confederate service, serving throughout the four year war. He is one of the few remaining Confederate veterans in the county and perhaps, the oldest in the state. After the war, Mr. Dodson married and settled down in Tuscaloosa county and engaged in the occupation of farming. He moved to Walker county in 1876 and settled near Jasper, where he was actively engaged in farming until he was 86 years of age. After the death of his wife he moved into town and lived with his daughter Mrs. Stovall and her husband, Dr. A.M. Stovall. He is now living with his grandchildren, Clinton Stovall and Miss Irene Stovall. (The Cleburne News is indebted to the Mountain Eagle for the picture of Mr. Dodson which appeared in the Jasper paper last week.) -------- SERIOUS CUTTING AFFRAY W.M. Albright, age 25, was seriously if not fatally stabbed by James Owen, both of Edwardsville, in a difficulty at that place Sunday afternoon. Albright received three slashes in the left side. Owen was arrested and brought to the county jail by Sheriff Owen and Deputy Tom Prestridge. What brought on the difficulty is not known. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, DECEMBER 31, 1931 EDMONDSON SERIOUSLY SHOT While Frank Edmondson, age 24 of Heflin remains in a critical condition at Garner Hospital from gunshot wounds, a search is being conducted by Calhoun and Cleburne county officers for Mack Crook, a negro, who allegedly shot Edmondson near Hollis Schoolhouse early Thursday night. Edmondson is suffering from two wounds in the chest, one in the arm and one in the leg. He came upon an accident involving an automobile occupied by negroes and another occupied by white men. The negro car was said to have contained 20 gallons of whiskey and Edmondson is reported to have made attempts to hold one of them until officers could be summoned to place him under arrest. When he threatened to do so, one of the negroes fired, it is said. ----- PIONEER RESIDENT DIED SUDDENLY AT DAUGHTER'S S.F. Harris, 72, pioneer resident of Heflin and widely known over the community, dropped dead Tuesday morning of last week at the home of his daughter Mrs. Elbert O'Harrow, just as we was stepping upon the front porch. He had seemingly been in good health and his death caused much sorrow among relatives and scores of friends. Rev. G.B. Boman of Bowdon, Ga. was in charge of funeral services, which were conducted Wednesday. The Cleburne News extends sympathy to the bereaved family. ---- MRS. GRIFFIN RETURNS FROM SISTER'S FUNERAL Mrs. Georgia Griffin returned Saturday night from the funeral of her sister Mrs. F.R. Bullard, 73, of Buchanan, who died at the home of her son, I.A. Bullard of Atlanta on Dec. 24th, after an illness of long duration. Five children, three sons and two daughers and a number of grandchildren; three brothers and four sisters, survive. The funeral services were conducted at the Buchanan Baptist church with Rev. J.S. Edwards conducting the services. ---- ACCIDENTALLY SHOT Theo Smith, 13, is said to be recovering from gun shot wounds received when a 16 gauge gun was accidentally discharged by Floyd Kilgore, 13, while the boys were out hunting Christmas week. Eighty-seven small shot took effect in Smith's stomach and breast, it was reported. ----- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/newspape1264gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 25.4 Kb