Dale County AlArchives News.....PROSPEROUS OZARK June 13 1984 ************************************************ 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: Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 May 2, 2004, 12:08 pm Southern Star PROSPEROUS OZARK Marked by Solidity and Many New Industries An Alabama Town With Two Thousand People and a Busuness of $1,500,000 ( First printed in the Southern Star November 26, 1890, reprinted Wed. June 13, 1984 -page 5B ) Ozark, Alabama, November 12. Busy Ozark, with her husting crowds and her loyal citizens. Fortunate in her public enterprises and her private industries! Fortunate in good railroad facilities and in being surrounded by an extensive and fertile territory. Fortunate in the shade of her lovely oaks, in the salubrity of her balmy climate, in the purity of the water which is bubbling up from her numerous wells and springs. Fortunate in that her people are building for the future, and that enduring solidity marks her every improvement. Fortunate in past accomplishments, present undertakings, bright prospects leaping to her from the future, and in a thousand advantages which will partially appear as this article proceeds. Among the many good towns that fortune has recently led me to visit, not one outranks Ozark in industrial prosperity. Ozark is situated in the county of Dale, in southeastern Alabama, at the terminus of the branch of the Central railroad that comes from Eufaula and at the halfway point on the Alabama Midland railroad between Montgomery and Bainbridge. It is the dinner and breakfast house for the railroad and the home of many railroad men who turn loose their cash for the support of themselves and their families in the town. Ozark was changed from an old field into a town site in 1870, when the favorableness of its location caused the court house to be moved here. Then the townhood of the place begun; but being situated in a railroadless section, it had a tough fight for growth for several years. Up to 1887, freight was hauled here in wagon from Eufaula, a distance of forty-eight miles. Nevertheless, the county seat prospered and was a favorite trading point for the people for many miles around. As the country became more thickly settled, the town grew also— though in those days the freedom of the country was worth more than the advantages of the town. But let the dead past bury its dead and let us come nearer to the living present. Carefully consider the following facts; then figure out the causes of Ozark's prosperity; then wisely come to partake of it. The Central railroad came here in October 1887. Its expectation caused new life to strike the little village. The Alabama Midland came in November, 1889. Its coming opened up through railroad connections from the sea coast of Georgia to the capital of Alabama, and thence to the world around. It was then that the town swept in at the tide whose flood is leading on to fortune. In the last four years Ozark's population has increased 300 percent, while her annual business is now seven times as much as it was then. Study this growth and see what it portends: At the close of 1886, Ozark had a population of 500, and had done an annual business of $200,000. That season she received 1,800 bales of cotton. At the close of 1887, she had a population of 750, and her business footed up a third of a million dollars. That season she handled 5,000 bales of coton. When 1888 drew to a close,1,000 people were in her limits" her business measured three-quarters of a million— her cotton receipts for the season, leaped to 10,000 bales. As the lights of 1889 went out, sheltered 1,500 citizens-estimated her business at one million dollars— and her season's cotton receipts counted 15,000. The close of the present year, 1890, the most prosperous yet, will show a population of 2,000 and a business of one and a half million. And the season will see 20,000 bales of cotton pass through her warehouse. As these facts look so well let's consider a few more which show the signs of the times: Mr. Wm. Garner, the present mayor, built a two story brick store in 1887- the first brick store that Ozark looked upon. By Christmas 1888, there were two brick stores. One more was added to the list in 1889. Now 16 confront the passer by; five more are abuilding; several others are under contract; and January 1891 can put his fingers on twenty-five elegant brick stores- most of them two stories high. The town contains fifty prosperous mercantile establishments. A birds's eye glance at Ozark shows the following distinctive enterprises: A fertilizer factory with a capital of $100,000. A brick factory that turns out 25,000 a day. A large variety works establishment. Three planing mills that do a rushing business. One large saw mill, with grist mill, gin, and planer combined. An extensive and well operated tannery. A prosperous harness and saddle factory. A bank with a capital of $50,000. A carriage and wagon factory, with a large patronage. Three large cotton warehouses, two of them brick and one iron. Four hotels and a restaurant, all of them crowded. A brand new opera house, as well equipped as any in Alabama. A merchant tailoring establishment which the state cannot excel. Several livery, feed and sale stables. Three good churches and a school with 150 pupils. A photograph gallery which does beautiful work. A fine truck and dairy farm that is constantly increasing in importance. The best weekly newspaper in southeast Alabama. Ozark has ten daily passenger and accommodation freight trains. She is on a trunk line from the west to the coast, and her rates of freight are remarkably good. And she has many other conveniences not usually possessed by a town of 2,000 people. Among her prospective enterprises and industries which are not only talked about, but are going to be put into operation, the following present themselves: Five thousand dollars have been subscribed and are ready to be paid in to build a new school house. The building will be up by March 1. Another harness and saddle factory, with a capital of $25,000 is now in process of construction. A cotton factory with $50,000 as its capital stock is under discussion- a serious sort of discussion, which is likely to turn into looms and spindles. An ice factory will, in all probability, be in operation for the next season. The town council are now receiving estimates on waterworks and electric lights. Both these so great improvements will be put in at an early day. For that purpose bonds will be issued of perhaps between $25,000 and $35,000. The stock is partially subscribed to erect a $35,000 hotel and the building will be under construction before many months have passed. Lumber is now being cut for a large, new livery stable. There are fifty unfinished houses in Ozark— 100 houses have been built this year; many others are now under contract and contemplation. HOW TO MAKE MONEY If you are a laborer, come here and go to work- for labor is scarce, work plentiful and wages high.If you are an expert carpenter, come quickly- for more houses are needed to superintend the many fine buildings under construction and billed for the near future. If you are a capitalist, come here and investigate, and you will find a thousand holes into which you can put one dollar and make it come out two. If you want to enter the mercantile business you will find here a wide field and honorable contestants. But perhaps the most immediate need of Ozark is some improvements, investment or real estate companies to put property on the market in convenient shape get up a big land sale and let people from all quarters know the advantages of this favored section. The knowing, only, is necessary to make people come here and embrace the opportunities that await them. Too many railroad men, prospectors, drummers, and other travelers make a superfluity of hotel room in Ozark a seeming impossibility. With four hotels in town, it is a hard matter to get a whole bed to one's self. If the new $35,000 hotel does not come promptly to time, a big opportunity awaits the man who is willing to put his money in a hotel, There is very great need for additional facilities to manufacture building material. Saw mills, and variety works of any kind hold out a grand opportunity for an investor. Owing to the immense quality of fruit raised herearound, a canning factory could be made to pay a handsome dividend. There is great necessity for additional brick works. The city is here, the demand is here, an abundant supply ought to be here. Hard woods of nearly all kind abound in this vicinity, and wagon factories, buggy factorie spoke, handle and hub factories, chair factories, furniture factories, or any other kind of wood factory, would form a good investment. SOME POINTERS IN REAL ESTATE Propery in Ozark seems to be on a bed rock basis. Without any sudden, spasmodic jump, it has been gradually rising for years. And lately it has been rising very rapidly. There are hundreds of residence lots, under the shade of beautiful trees. These lots are worth from $100 to $800. Business lots are worth from $500 to $1,000. Choice lots on the public square come higher than that. But the value of all of them is rapidly increasing and he who purchases now will find himself better off each succeeding day. Farming lands in the county are worth from $5 to $15 an acre. Here are a-few random instances of how parties have made money on town lots: (1) mention some at long distances to show how steady the growth has been.) A lot which sold eight years ago for $28 on twelve months time is now worth $2,500 in spot cash. Another lot sold for $150 four years ago yesterday had 1,500 refused for it. Four months ago, Mr. J.W. V. Manghon paid $250 for two dwelling lots for which he now refuses $1,000, 300 percent in four months- how is that for an investment? Five years ago, Mr. William Garner paid $300 for a choice lot 100 feet square. It is today worth $5,000. Major Carroll paid $800 for a six acre tract in 1887, and $10,000 could not buy it now. A few years ago an old negro woman paid $150 for a lot near the square, 100x200 feet. She has sold $500 worth off of it and refuses $1,500 for the remainder. Last December F.P. Martin paid $500 for two acres. In less than thirty days he sold half of it for $500 and now he would not take $1,000 for the other half. Four years ago Mr. Adams, the founder of the Southern Star, and father of its present editor, bought a 125 acre tract of Dale County land contiguous to Ozark for $2 an acre. This land is now worth $50 an acre. These are a few instances which came up in a single conversation. They might be multiplied almost indefinitely. TERRITORY SURROUNDING OZARK In this day of improved farming methods, when land gets better as it grows older, a fine agricultural country is the safest, surest, most lasting backing that a town can have. In this regard Ozark is particularly fortunate. She is surrounded by a territory of large,extent and matchless fertility.Through a wide stretch of territory for thirty miles west,touching the counties of Dale, Geneva and Coffee, she sells nearly all the goods used and buys about all the cotton raised. For twenty miles east and northeast, way up into the county of Barbour, she gets most of the trade and buys most of the cotton. For ten miles south the same thing is true. And this wide, exclusive territory of Ozark is noted for its fertility and for the sturdy independence of those who cultivate it. The land is mostly gray loam with a strong clay subsoil. It is for the most part level, with just sufficient undulation for proper drainage. It is crossed and recrossed by bounding streams badged in between rich, stiff bottoms. It can be brought to a state of cultivation and can be made to produce anything indigenous to southern soil. The staple crops grow here to luxuriance with little work. Fruits of nearly all kinds flourish abundantly. The LeConte pear, peaches, apples and the like can be grown and shipped at handsome dividends. Much wine is raised hereabouts, some bananas are cultivated, and an occasional orange bearing tree is seen though the latter is for ornament instead of profit. Owing to the immense fruit industry and the easy means of making it much larger, a canning factory in Ozark could be run at a great profit. The Choctawhatchee river runs through this country and is a source of profit both as a means of navigation and the fertility which it imputs to the soil. On its banks there is much cypress wood which can be well and easily utilized. The forests of Dale County abound in hickory, ash, poplar,oak and beach, with a good deal of valuable cedar. Many of these woods could, and ought, to be utilized. Theu furnish abundant material for a dozen kinds of factories that should br built right in Ozark. Besides these woods, there is a great wealth of yellow pine, which is put to admirable use by many saw mills dotting the country. The farmers of this favored section are known far and wide for their intelligence and their prosperity. Among them the small farmer, who works a little land and works it well predominates. He is the ruler of the roost, and ought to be. White labor is largely in excess, and the man who does the work makes the money. The result of this is that the people are happy and mortgages are scarce. I had the fortune to be in Ozark on a circus day and I can say, with my hand upon my heart, that the sleek mules with their high heads and glossy coats; the handsome vehicles, with their strong wheels and painted sides; and the intelligent farmers, with their neat wives and bright children, were a deal more attractive that all the show with its monkeying performances. In Dale County, the Farmers Alliance is strong, enthusiastic, and progressive. Its members are leaders in whatever they under-take. They are seeking to carry out the objects of their brotherhood, and have never been accused of passing beyond the bounds of their professed privileges. They are on good terms with the town, in a good humor with themselves, and doing much for the advancement of the entire country. They own two immense warehouses in Ozark and do an exceedingly large cotton business. IMPORTANT GENERAL PRINCIPLES,UNCLASSIFIED Ozark is 500 feet above the level of the sea, situated on a ridge noted for its freedom from all material and other unhealthful influences. Within a short distance from the town there is a point which the surveyors found to be the highest on the Alabama Midland railroad. In the town limits there are several fine free springs, whose strong, bubbling waters lend beauty and healthfulness to the surroundings. The well water of Ozark is also pure, cold and healthful. There is no possible local cause for sickness, and, as a matter of fact, as shown by the records, there is no more healthful spot to be found. The fact that the town was well sustained and commanded a fairly good trade where there was no railroad in less than sixty miles of it, is worthy testimony to the solidity of the section from which its support is derived. The People of Ozark stand high in the social scale, well known for their culture and intelligence, and are distinctively a moral, church-going and progressive people. Some of Alabama's best known public men here make their home and count themselves happy that they and their families have found so enlightened a community in which to dwell. The Alliance iron, warehouse, is 50/200 feet. Their brick warehouse is 100x150 feet. They will handle the season, about 10,000 bales of cotton. R.J. & G.P. Dowling have a good iron warehouse 50x100, and do a very large cotton business. The taxable values of Dale County have increased half a million dollars in the last twelve months. The Ozark High School is a fine exponent of the educational temper of this community. For many years it has been taught, and has had a large attendance. And never before was it in a more prosperous condition than it is today. With 150 bright pupils and three first class teachers, and with a handsome $8,000 academy soon to supplant the old one- its prospects for the future are bright, indeed. The corps of teachers are eminently capable in every regard- being teachers of high culture, successful experience, and a proper regard for the importance of training up the youth of the land. Professor R. J. Simmons is principal and Miss Pauline Carmichael and Miss Annie Jones, assistants. THE SOUTHERN STAR, stands second to few, if any, weekly newspapers in Alabama. The paper was founded twenty-four years ago by Colonel J.A. Adams, the father of the present editor, Joseph H. Adams. The father built the paper up to a high standard of excellence. Four years ago the father died, and the son assumed control. Joe Adams was then but 16 years old, but he had been connected with the office long enough to learn all the minutia of the business. He was ably assisted by Mr. W.H. Carbon, who had been connected with the office almost since it was opened, and is still its most important adjunct. Mr. Carlton owns one-fourth interest in the paper and devotes allhis energies to building it up. The Star has a circulation of 2,500. It is printed on a Campbell improved cylinder press which runs 800 papers in an hour. Mr. Jos. H. Adams, although but 20 years old, is one of the most popular and influential men of his section. He possesses boundless energy, great enthusiasism, very considerable talents and business sagacity and remarkable for one of his age. Ozark and Dale County have no more useful citizen than Joe Adams. CASEY'S OPERA HOUSE is one of Ozark's latest and most important improvements. It has recently been completed by Wm.L. Casey. It has a seating capacity of 700 and is supplied with the best opera folding chairs. The stage is large and conveniently fixed. The accoustics of the hall are remarkably good. Several sets of beautiful scenery add to its equipment. Its general furnishing is fine and tasty. Mr. F.B. Cullens is its manager. This is the first opera season in Ozark and as the town is on a trunk link, over which the best troops have to pass, it is but natural that the best plays going should fine it profitable to greet its people in Casey's opera house. THE SOUTH ALABAMA OIL AND FERTILIZER COMPANY with $100,000 capital stock, is a concern of which any town might feel proud. The officers are: B.H. Jennings, president; D.G. Munn, superintendent; Directors J.L. Pitts, B.H. Jennings, T.F. Pitts, T.R. Parish, D.G. Munn, James J. Winn. To those who know their business reputation, the names of these gentlemen is a guarantee of the succes of their enterprises. The factory building is 225x70 with two working stores and an obseratory, two additional stories higher. The structures are ranged as to need no central support. There is a brick cellar nine feet deep, which they call a "bulk storage room," in which phosphate etc., is kept deposited in large quantities. The capacity of the factory will be 150 tons a day. The engine is 40 horse- power, the boiler 50 horse power, all the machinery of the best and latest improved kind. The acid chambers are well built and a capacity, commensurate with the size of the plant. Railroad side tracks come right by the works and every convenience for loading is furnished. A pair of scales, which will weigh 100,000 pounds, is provided for weighing whole carloads of goods. Every convenience for quick handling is provided. The regular work of the factory will begin with a vim in a few days. I was shown through the works by the pleasant and competent superintendent, Mr. D.G. Munn, under whose management the South Alabama Fertilizer Works cannot fail of success. An oil mill of large capacity will be added at an early day. THE SOUTHERN STAR Wednesday, June 13, 1984 — Page 6B THE HOTELS OF OZARK have been referred to above, but an idea of their importance of the large business that they do, of the crowds which throng them, can be gotten only by personal investigation. A rivalry, pleasant, generous but exceedingly spirited, exists among them, and it is hard to tell which is in the lead. The Speller house, kept by Mr. J.A. Speller, is located on the corner of the public square and is the eating house of the Central and Alabama Midland railroads. It is a good brick building containing twenty odd well furnished rooms. The servants attendance is remarkably good and the cuisine excellent. Mr. Speller is a one legged confederate veteran, a most worthy gentleman, and an expert in the hotel business. Mr. Albert Parham, his main clerk, is one of the cleverest, quickest and most industrious young men to be found. A livery stable is connected with the hotel. The Ozark Transient House, kept by W.R. Painter, has long been largely patronized by the public. It is conveniently situated, well furnished, and in every sense, well kept. Every feature of the business is carefully attended to and universal satisfaction is given patrons. Mr. Painter is one of the foremost businessmen of Ozark. He runs the leading livery, feed and sale stable of the town; keeps a large number of good horses and handsome vehicles and does a rattling business in that line. He also deals extensively in buggies, wagons and the like. His new livery stable will be a very handsome building. The Raleigh House, kept by Mr. D.B. Murphree, has been opened but a short while, and bids fair to rank with the best hotels of this section. Everything about it is new and first-class. Mr. Murphree is a member of the large and well known family by his name, wield such a strong influence in Troy. The Matthews Hotel is the Oldest in the city. Regular boarders fill all of its capacity. THE NEW RESTAURANT AND BAKERY of Messrs. H.H. Windham and J.W. Culverhouse have been opened about one month and have demonstrated that Ozark furnishes abundant room for such an enterprise. The restaurant is under the special charge of Mrs. Windham, whose management is a gaurantee of its cleanliness and wholesomeness. It is well patronized by people from all sections. The bakery has a large trade in Ozark and ships much bread to adjoining towns. Mr. Charlie Erickson, a Swede who is an adept in the business, is employed as baker. Mr. Windham left the solid town of Troy to enter this business. Mr. Culverhouse has for some time been a good farmer of Dale County and he will make a good restaurant man. THE PLANTERS AND MERCHANTS BANK was organized with $50,000 capital stock last January. It opened business May 1st with J.L. Pitts president; Win. L. Casey, vice- president; H.L. Martin cashier; H.M. Sessions, teller. This year it will clear its stock holders 12 1/2 percent and will have brought untold convenience to this section. Mr. Pitts is a resident of Clayton. Mr. Casey is the opera house man and merchant. Mr. H.L. Martin, the cashier, is directly interested in many things and indirectly interested in everything touching the prosperity of Ozark. He has been here about four years and ranks high in influence and personal worth. He is one of the best lawyers in this section and pursues his profession in connection with his brinking success. Mr. H.M. Session, the teller, came from Union Springs to Ozark last January. He is a progressive young man of fair business qualifications and is a careful, accurate and efficient bank officer. THE MERCHANTS OF OZARK are a princely set of gentlemen and deserve a much more extended notice than space will permit me to give them. Mr. Wm. Garner, mayor of the town, was raised near by and is emphatically a self made man. He deals in general merchandise, carries a $10,000 stock, occupies a handsome two-story brick store, and does a $60,000 business. He also sells fertilizers and buys a great deal of cotton. He has been here eighteen years. He came into Ozark on foot without a cent, from the country to enter business. He grew rapidly in favor with his employees, soon entered business for himself, and built the first brick store in the town. He is now 38 years old and worth $40,000. His career shows how pluck and energy can overcome the greatest obstacles. D. Rovelsky has a handsome store that will vie with the world in the neatest of its arrangement. It is built of brick 25x98. He carries a $15,000 stock of dry goods, notions, clothing, shoes, etc. and commands one of the finest trades, in these lines in Southeastern Alabama. The business is just one and a half years old, and is increasing rapidly. Mr. Rovelsky is a thorough German and a liberal progressive citizen. Mr. J.W. Barnes, his head manager, has been here for some time and is one of the best businessmen in this section. "The Star Store", D.G. May, proprietor, carries a large and well selected line of dry goods, boots, shoes and millinery. Mr. May has two stores in Ozark and one in Union Springs. The three carry a $32,000 stock and do an annual business approaching $100,000. Mr. May has been established in Ozark but two months, but he is taking rank with the first merchants of the town. He spends two months in the year purchasing his goods in eastern markets, and conducts his business on first class principles. Capt. John W. Dowling, dealer in general merchandise, carries a stock of $20,000 and commands an immense patronage. He established the first store in town, twenty years ago and has all the time remained in the forefront of Ozark's merchants. He is also an extensive farmer and is an important man in this section. J.B. Matthews is the leading jeweler of Ozark. He carries a full line of jewelry of all kinds and does a great deal of repairing. He is a county raised man, and gets a large patronage. Garner Bros. (Bartow & Warren) deal in dry goods, groceries,boots, shoes, hats, etc. They carry an $8,000 stock and make a specialty of shoes and clothing. They are both county men, young and progressive. They helped to clear away the woods to build the town and are quite content to stand by the destinies of Ozark. G.P. Dowling and Co. have in their substantial brick store $8,000 worth of hardware and house furnishing goods. They sell quantities of crockery, stoves, all kinds of belting, etc. They opened last February and are doing a rushing business. The cash firm of Graves and Hankes has been opened since the first of last January, and are carrying a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats,caps, plantation supplies, fancy and family groceries. They buy all kinds of country produce, and are rapidly establishing themselves in the good graces of the people. J.B. Byrd, who sells strictly for cash, carries a pretty stock of notions, boots, shoes and groceries. His handsome brick store is on the corner of the square. He is a young gentleman of 22 and has succeeded right well in carving his own fortunes. J. Seligman is another cash dealer who has been in town but six months and is dealing in dry goods, notions, clothing, shoes, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods. He is a genial German, and has built up a good trade. Blackman and Son carry an $8,000 stock, embracing dry goods, clothing, notions, hats, caps, boots, shoes and plantation supplies. The firm is nine years old and is deeply entrenched in the good graces of the people. They buy a great deal of cotton and are noted for the liberal prices that they pay. Mr. J.O. Carroll is the bookkeeper and manager of the merchantile business- and is mighty well managed. Miss Stella Blackman is assistant bookkeeper and noted for neatness and accuracy. James and Bro. deal in staple and fancy groceries and general merchandise. The Firm is composed of J. Edward James and Charles F. James- one 22 the other 21 years of age. They came from Eufaula and have been in Ozark two years. They are always busy and justly ambitious of success. Ozark is fortunate in possessing a merchant tailoring house that cannot be surpassed by any town in Alabama. W.F. Parker and T.H. Murphree are the proprietors. They also run the "Ozark Shoe Store", and carry a good line of gents furnishing goods. Mr. Parker is an Ozark man. Mr. Murphree came from Troy, where he was doing a large merchant tailoring business. He has recently returned from Cincinnati, where he went in search of a full supply of first class tailors. He is known as one of the best tailors in the south. Although open but a short while, this firm is doing a rushing business. "The city market" is an important feature of the town and is kept by K.T. Jones, who carries a full, fresh supply of beef, pork, fish, oysters, poultry, and country produce. He runs a free delivery and receives a large patronage. He carries also a good stock of fancy and family groceries. Crawford and Co., brokers and commission merchants, have a first class line of patrons and do a good business. J.Y. Crawford has been here two years and is favorably known to the whole country. Messrs. Tennille, Hollan and Cullens are the leading druggists of Ozark. They do an immense drug and book business. Mr. F.B. Cullens ably manages the business. Dr. J.C. Holman, dealer in general merchandise, and a full line of drugs, has been here twenty years- before the town was in sight. He is a native Georgian,does a good business and is a wholesome gentleman. Jesse Holman, an 18- year-old son, aids his father in the management of the business. Wm. L. Casey, the opera house man, carries a $15,000 stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, hats and plantation supplies. He sells fertilizers and boys cotton extensively. He will export 5,000 bales this season. There is no more solid business man in Alabama than W.L. Casey. L. Ledbetter, the photographer of Ozark, has an experience of fourteen years in his business and gives universal satisfaction to his customers. He has a neat gallery, is an agreeable gentleman and a first class photographer. H.Z. Parker does an extensive wholesale and retail dry goods and grocery business. Garner and Co., deal in whiskey, and keep a very neat and orderly bar. Mabry Bros. keep an ideal first-class family and fancy grocery store. P. Ragowin and Co., a Jew firm do a very good business. E.T. Matthews, has just opened up a stock consisting exclusively of house furnishing goods and tin ware., D.Y. Dowling and Bro. is one of the oldest firms in town and do a safe business. J.L. Avery, a jeweler does a good business. Ferrier and Edwards are machinery dealers and do an immense business. E.R. Jordan, the Ozark tinner, is kept busy all the while. Blackman and Parker conduct a first-class bar and billiard salloon. Henderson and Murphree are new men in Ozark, but not to the people of this section. They do a large advancing business. R. E. Holman, is a jewelry dealer and sells quantities of goods in this line. J.F. Moseley, sells whiskey and does a very good business. L.S. Martin, sells family and fancy groceries and has been here many years. J.T. Hayes, is in the drug business and besides being a first-class pharmacist, carries a good line of drugs. J.N. Moseley, is one of the oldest bar keepers in town. He carries a good stock of whiskies. L.W. Kolb, is Ozark's lone furniture dealer. He carries a large stock and does a rushing business. Hooks' Dining Hall is one of the most pleasant places in town. Mr. F. McKay, deals in buggies, wagons and furniture and does a good business. PROFESSIONAL MEN AND OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS J.W.V. Maughon, lawyer, real estate agent,loan,land and insurance agent, is one of the busiest men of the town. He is from Eufaula. He is doing a large loaning business, which extends through Dale, Geneva, Henry and Coffee counties. He represents several of the best insurance companies, does a fine law practice, and is one of the pleasantest young men in all Alabama to deal with. The law firm of Borders and Carmichael is receiving an extensive practice. They are county solicitors, city attorneys and attorney for the Alabama Midland Railroad Company. They are young, talented and energetic. M. Sollie, lawyer, real estate and loan agent, does a good business in all these lines. Mr. Sollie is a Tuscaloosa man of class 1888. He buys much property on option and sells to syndicate- although he is now devoting most of his time to his profession. J.R. McNair and Bro., dentists, do the leading business of this section in their line. They both took a thorough dental course in the dental department of Vanderbilt University and graduated among the first men in their class. They are from Troy and have served the people of Ozark for something over two years. They move a well fitted up office, and do a large practice. Dr. J.C. Holman, who has been mentioned in connection with his mercantile and drug business, is an exceedingly popular physician. J.E. Acker is one of the best young attorneys in this section. H.L. Martin, a leading lawyer, has been mentioned in connection with the bank. M.M. Tye and Son architects and builders, deserve much credit for the substantial buildings seen through this section. Mr. Tye the elder, served a nine year apprenticeship, beginning carpenter's work forty-one years ago, when he was sixteen years old. He is now as straight as arrow, and toes not seem to be more than forty. He has been in Southeastern Alabama for thirty years and been working Alabama, Florida and Georgia. M. M. Tye has done much of the best work found throughout these sections. Ozark has long been his headquarters. Mr. William Prince, an exellent brick mason, and one of Ozark's solid young men, is now engaged with Mr. Tye. Mr. J.H. Long is one of the recent additions to the business world of this section. He is recognized as a young man of unimpeachable integrity and great energy. Judge John W. Parker, judge of probate of Dale County, is one of most genial citizens of the town. He was elected to his present position four years ago, and from the satisfaction he seems to be giving, will retain it as long as he desires. He is a Primitive Baptist minister, serves two regular churches, has been in the county forty years and is an advocate of every phase of progress; W.H. Simmons, register in chancery of Dale County, is an efficient officer, an enterprising gentleman and a fine lawyer. He has been practicing for five years and his ability is unquestioned. He is the son of Joe W. Simmons, exjudge of probate and is now showing his good sense by building half a dozen houses for rent in this busy town. Mr. W.G. Goodbread, the freight and ticket agent of the Central railroad, is one of Ozark's most industrious and genial young men. He came here from Atlanta. There he was welland favorably known through his connection with the Central and the Atlanta and Florida railroad. J.W. McNail, a young man full of business, came here from Eufaula last April and opened an uptown office for the Southern Express company. He has a large amount of business and attends to it well. This is a brief review of the resources, advantages and leading business factors of one of the bet towns in Alabama. Uncolored facts have been given. But they are strong enough to make him who reads them, desire to come to this good town to cast his lot among her people. Claude N. Bennett From the Newspaper file of Harold Stephens. Scanned and submitted by Christine Thacker. Additional Comments: ( First printed in the Southern Star November 26, 1890, reprinted Wed. June 13, 1984 -page 5B ) ( Break down of Articles ) Ozark, Alabama, November 12. HOW TO MAKE MONEY SOME POINTERS IN REAL ESTATE TERRITORY SURROUNDING OZARK IMPORTANT GENERAL PRINCIPLES,UNCLASSIFIED THE SOUTHERN STAR CASEY'S OPERA HOUSE THE SOUTH ALABAMA OIL AND FERTILIZER COMPANY page 6B THE HOTELS OF OZARK THE NEW RESTAURANT AND BAKERY THE PLANTERS AND MERCHANTS BANK THE MERCHANTS OF OZARK PROFESSIONAL MEN AND OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/alfiles/ File size: 36.7 Kb