Randolph County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for MARCH 1927 March 1927 ************************************************ 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. Teal Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net July 11, 2006, 1:15 am The Roanoke Leader March 1927 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE ROANOKE LEADER", Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama for MARCH 1927 NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, March 2, 1927 TWO DEATHS IN LOWELL COMMUNITY LAST THURSDAY NIGHT The Leader learns that two deaths occurred in the Lowell community last Thursday night within seventeen minutes of each other. At 8:53, Mrs. Delia Reynolds died of heart disease at the home of her daughter Mrs. Lizzie Ray on Piedmont street. She was 58 years of age. Burial was at Providence in Clay county at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon. At 9:10 Mr. M.F. Hanvey died at his residence on Franklin street. He had been ill three months. Interment was at Ranburne on Saturday morning. --- WEDOWEE News March 1st Mr. W.F. Carlisle, known to his many friends as "Uncle Asberry" died at his home here Tuesday morning after an illness of about ten days. Mr. Carlisle was one of Wedowee's oldest citizens, having been born here in 1853 and having resided here practically all of his life of 73 years. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Gibbs of Hanceville, Ala., and Mrs. Gibbs of Edwardsville, Ala., and three children, J.W. Carlisle, and Misses Effie and Ethel Carlisle, all of Wedowee. Burial will be Wednesday at noon at Sawyer cemetery. ---- MALONE News Feb. 28th Mr. Nixon spent the weekend with his sister Mrs. Hoyt Camp. --- SMYRNA News Feb. 28th Miss Duma Johnson and Mr. Garfield Butler were happily married a short time ago. --- CARD OF THANKS We take this method to thank our neighbors and friends. We thank God for the lives of such noble spirited people. They were so kind and sympathetic to us in the darkest hour of our life, during the long illness and death of our dear wife and mother, and they did so many things that gave us comfort. We feel so grateful to those that brought those beautiful flowers. We also thank Bro. Prince for the earnest prayer in behalf of our family. May the blessings of God forever dwell upon each of you is our humble prayer. John R. Green and children ---- CARD OF THANKS Our friends were so helpful to us, our physicians so attentive and many of you went with us to the cemetery and furnished appropriate music when he laid to rest our husband and son, W.S. Green. You just did all in your power to make this sorrow lighter and we want you to know that we appreciate it. Mrs. W.S. Green, Mrs. S.A. Green ---- DEATH OF MR. JOHN. R. NOLES Mr. John Robert Noles, well known citizen of Lamar beat, met a tragic death at his home last Thursday morning. He had been in wretched health for a long time. He is survived by a son, Handley Noles who has the sympathy of all who know him. ---- LOCAL News John H. McDow was called yesterday to see his mother Mrs. Martha McDow who is critically ill at her home near Pine Hill in beat 14. --- A daughter was born recently to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lee Baskin at the home of the grandmother Mrs. W.T. Tennant. The little lady was given the name Anne Tennant. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, March 9, 1927 MRS. S.S. STEPHENS DIED SUDDENLY ON SATURDAY Mrs. S.S. Stephens died suddenly last Saturday morning at the home of her daughter Mrs. John W. Culpepper near Pleasant Hill in beat 8, at the age of 88 years. Funeral and interment were delayed till Tuesday awaiting the arrival of some of her children residing in the West. Mrs. M.O. Radney of Roanoke is a daughter of the deceased. Mrs. Stephens was a life long resident of the section where she died. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church and was respected by all for her faithful, upright life. ---- WEDOWEE News March 8th The following relatives of W.F. Carlisle, deceased, attended his funeral which was held here last Wednesday: John Ashwander and Emory Gibbs of Hanceville, and Willie and Elbert Gibbs of Birmingham. --- STANDING ROCK News March 7th Miss Odessa Holifield and Mr. Landrey were married in West Point last Saturday. They left for Atlanta. Happiness and prosperity are wished for these young people. --- Mr. N.L. Littlefield of Warm Springs is spending the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Littlefield. --- NAPOLEON News March 7th Mr. Noah Langley is sick with pneumonia. --- MRS. JOSEPH H. HARRIS IS BURIED AT NOON TODAY Mrs. Joseph H. Harris died early Tuesday morning at the home of her daughter Mrs. B.M. Washburn in Montgomery, as a result of falling into the fire last Wednesday. Th burns were not so severe but the age and feebleness of the venerable mother rendered it impossible for her to recover from the shock. The remains were brought to Oak Bowery in Chambers county where she resided with her devoted family for so many years, and, after services conducted at noon today, her tired body was laid to rest by the side of her distinguished husband, the late Major J.H. Harris, who died seven years ago. He was one of the most useful and beloved men in east Alabama. Besides the daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Harris are survived by their sons, J.P. Harris of Abanda and J.D. Harris of Opelika. Mrs. Harris was a lovable christian character whose long life blessed all with whom she came in contact. Had she lived until next June, she would have been 89 years of age. ---- CORINTH (NORTH) News March 7th Mr. W.E. Lambert is seriously ill. His health has been failing for several years. --- Old "Uncle" Willis Lee is very feeble but he still tries to be a help to his community. --- Mrs. Dewey Morrison and children from Montgomery are visiting Mr. and Mrs. M.F. Morrison. --- FOREST HOME News March 6th Mr. Henry Hendon and Miss Middlebrooks were married yesterday. --- OLD BOOK AND PAPER BROUGHT TO LEADER OFFICE Last Friday, Mr. J.W. Harry of Glenn, Georgia brought to the Leader office a copy of a very old book and newspaper. The book was a New Testament printed in 1848 and the inscription on the fly leaf showed that it was presented by Calvin Coats to his wife on Nov. 22, 1851. The text was in large type and finished in leather binding. The newspaper was Number 13 of Volume 6 of the Universalist Herald published in Notasulga, Ala., on April 2, 1852. It was a four page paper. The name of John C. Burrus appeared as editor. The paper was yellow with age but on the margin at the top of the first page the name "H.T. Noland" was written in ink, and was as clear as when it was penned. These old relics belong to Mrs. J.J. Harry of Glenn, Georgia and we appreciate her thoughtfulness in sending them to us. ---- LOCAL News While at work on the new Hooper store building last Thursday, Mr. J.J. Almon fell a distance of 14 feet, breaking a rib and bruising himself severely. He is improving very slowly. --- Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Goodwin have received news of the death in LaGrange yesterday of their cousin Mr. Charlie Griffin, prominent citizen of that city. --- Mrs. Frank Cox left last Friday for her home in Texarkana, Ark., having been called here by the illness of her mother Mrs. Docia Manley. At this writing this good lady is convalescing. --- Mrs. George H. Harrison of Bainbridge, Georgia and her daughter Mrs. L.W. Rainey of Union Springs, returned Saturday to their respective homes after a visit of a few days to their uncles, M.W. and J.A. Carlisle. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, March 16, 1927 MRS. LENA BOYD DIED IN ROANOKE ON MARCH 14th Last Saturday, Mrs. Lena Boyd was stricken with paralysis at her home in this place and died early Monday morning, March 14th. The remains were taken to LaGrange that afternoon and the funeral and interment occurred in that city on Tuesday. A number of friends from this place accompanied the family and the remains to LaGrange and several attended the funeral from here. Mrs. Boyd moved here a month or so from LaGrange and lived in the Freeman residence with her son Mr. James Boyd and her daughter Miss Fannie Lou Boyd, both of whom are connected with the Valley Mills. They have the sympathy of our people in the loss of their good mother. --- DEATH OF MRS. MARTHA McDOW ON MARCH 10th Mrs. Martha McDow died last Thursday, March 10th, at her home in Beat 4, after an illness of several weeks. Burial was at Providence church Friday afternoon, the services being conducted by the pastor, Rev. W.M. Caldwell. Mrs. McDow was 68 years of age and had long been a member of the Methodist church, and was held in high esteem by those who knew her. She had lived in that vicinity for 42 years. Mr. John H. McDow of Roanoke is a son. Other children left to mourn their loss are Messrs. W.T., J.W. and R.A. McDow. ---- DEATH OF MR. EUGENE HUDSON SADDENED MANY The death in Atlanta last Friday of Mr. Eugene Hudson brought sorrow to his many friends in this section, where he was born and reared. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Hudson, highly esteemed residents of Hickory Flat and was only a little more than 21 years of age. He was working in a drug store in Atlanta when taken sick several weeks ago, death resulting in a hospital in that city. The deceased was a member of the Baptist church and was well liked by his many friends. His remains were brought home and on Sunday afternoon were laid to rest at Bethel church where funeral services were conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. N.H. Abernathy. A large concourse of friends were present. ---- HOPEWELL News March 14th Mr. and Mrs. Sid Yates of Ofelia spent Saturday night and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. John Wyatt Bradley. --- Mr. and Mrs. Frazier Cole of Roanoke spent Saturday night and Sunday with the latter's sister Mrs. Delia Adamson and family. --- Mrs. Arilla Bean has gone to Roanoke to spend some time with her daughter Mrs. Frazier Cole. --- Marvin and Awbrey Brown of Shawmut spent Saturday night and Sunday with their sister Mrs. Della White. --- HAYWOOD News March 14th Mrs. P.I. Washington gave an old time quilting on Saturday and six quilts were quilted. All had a nice time. Mrs. J.D. Washington and daughters of Roanoke were among those present. --- ROCK MILLS News March 14th The remains of Mr. Mance Patterson were brought here on Wednesday from LaGrange for interment. --- WEHADKEE News March 14th Mr. F.A. Hill, our rural mail carrier, is very low and is not expected to live many days. --- BROUGHTON News March 13th Mr. and Mrs. Vinse Duke spent the weekend with the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Landers. --- ROCK STAND News March 14th This community was again saddened by the visitation of the death angel in our midst who this time claimed "Uncle" John Harmon. He was eighty-three years of age and spent most of his life in this vicinity. He was highly esteemed and respected by all and we look upon his going as a distinct loss. The large crowd and pretty floral tributes at his funeral bespoke the high esteem in which he was held. The services were in charge of Rev. J.D. Dollar, Rev. J.H. Dollar, and Mr. R.L. Brumbeloe also spoke words of appreciation. Interment was made in Rock Stand cemetery. Thus ends a long and useful life. May our Heavenly Father comfort the children and all the relatives. ---- LOCAL News The desperate illness of Mr. Weber Trent has aroused much sympathy in the community and last Friday night came to a crisis, when transfusion of blood was resorted to in order to save his life. A number of his kinsmen and friends volunteered to supply the blood, but Thomas Gilliland was chosen and one pint of his blood was pumped into the veins of the sinking, sick man, who at once began to improve, though he is still seriously ill. His brothers Keener and Clifford Trent and his brother in-law L.R. Dyche have returned to their respective homes. ---- Mr. and Mrs. Preston Dunson were guests a short while on Saturday of the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Jordan, returning from a bridal tour through Florida to their home in Hogansville. --- Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Brumbeloe received the pleasing news some days ago of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Pullen Fuller at their home in Port Arthur, Texas. The mother was formerly Miss Bessie Brumbeloe. --- CAPTAIN HILL ON PENSIONS, MEMORIAL DAY The old Confederates are thankful to our legislature for their kind remembrance of our comfort and needs. None of us will long enjoy our pension raise; nevertheless, we rejoice in the knowledge that we are not forgotten by our noble state. Our of the forty-four on our county pension roll, ten have already gone to that home from which no traveler ever returns, since last Memorial day less than one year ago. To my personal knowledge, all the old Confederate comrades still left are as true a type of patriotic citizen as any state need require. They stand as a unit in keeping the record of past history correct. South of Mason and Dixon line it is "Memorial Day" and North of that "Decoration Day". Memorial Day originated in dear Alabama and took almost with the speed of lightning, and soon overspread the states of the one time Confederacy. We truly hope that Memorial Day will never be displaced with Decoration Day in our Southland. G.O. Hill ---- EXPRESSION OF THANKS We wish to thank the many loyal and kind friends who so graciously administered their loving kindness to us in the recent death of Mother. We will ever hold a tender place in our hearts for every one. We pray that God may richly bless you all. Mrs. J.W. Culpepper Mrs. M.O. Radney Mrs. W.P. Clegg Mr. W.A. Stephens Mr. Rufus Stephens Dr. R.W. Stephens ---- CARD OF THANKS I wish to take this way of expressing my deepest appreciation to those friends and relatives, the doctor and undertaker, whose kindness and sympathy helped to lighten the burden of our sorrow when the death angel came to our home and bore away our dear mother, Mrs. Delia Reynolds. May He who sees the sparrow fall reward you for your deeds of kindness in our time of affliction. Mrs. Elizabeth Ray ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, March 23, 1927 BIG STILL AND THREE MEN CAPTURED ON WEDNESDAY After some days of waiting and after making a trip to Heflin, then some more watching and waiting, Sheriff Payne's force, two Cleburne county officials and a state enforcement officer finally raided a big stilling outfit about a mile over in Cleburne county Wednesday afternoon. Three men, Jethro Prichard, Albert James and George Whitemore were caught at the still, together with sixteen gallons of whiskey that had been manufactured. Sheriff Payne states that the outfit was larger than the average and has been operated for some time. The outfit was 110 gallon capacity. The men were carried to the Cleburne county jail, as the outfit was being operated in that county. ---- LOCAL News Judge Denson received the news Tuesday of last week of the death of his sister Mrs. John B. Ivey which occurred at her home in Gadsden. This death leaves Judge Denson as the only surviving member of a family of fourteen children. The judge has long been an illustrious and useful citizen of his native state and his thousands of friends throughout Alabama trust that he may yet see many more years of active service to his fellowmen. ---- ROCK MILLS News March 21st Miss Ora Lee Farr of this place and Mr. Tom Goodsen of Franklin, were married recently. --- WEHADKEE News March 21st Mr. F.A. Hill, our rural mail carrier, passed to his reward last Thursday night at his home at Frolona, Georgia, following a long illness. The deceased was 63 years old. He had been a member of the Baptist church and a Mason about forty years. He had been in the service of the government 22 years and made a faithful mail carrier. He will be sadly missed. The high esteem in which he was held was attested by the large concourse of people who attended the funeral. He is survived by his wife, one son and three daughters. Rev. W.P. Cumbee conducted the funeral service Friday afternoon at Macedonia church. The Masons were in charge of the burial. ---- LOCAL News Mr. J.B. Crews of Randolph county and Miss Jessie Matthews were married Tuesday afternoon at the home of Rev. F.J. Ingram who performed the ceremony. The groom is a young business man of Randolph county and his bride is the lovely daughter of Rev. and Mrs. B.W. Matthews of Lineville. The Ashland Progress ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, March 30, 1927 JUDGE DENSON DIED SUDDENLY IN COLUMBUS ON FRIDAY AND WAS BURIED IN OPELIKA ON 26th Judge N.D. Denson of this city, lawyer, jurist and christian leader, died in Columbus, Georgia at 11:15 a.m. today at the home of his niece, Mrs. Lawrence Murray. Death came closely on the heels of a sudden heart attack which seized him in the Hicks and Johnson drug store. The body will be brought here this afternoon. A wave of sorrow swept over Opelika around the noon hour when the sad news of Judge Denson's death was received. Only a few hours earlier he was seen in the downtown section here, leaving in his car for Columbus, being accompanied only by his colored chauffeur. Though he had been in rather poor health recently, Judge Denson looked well, even this morning prior to his depature for Columbus. It is understood that he had a very slight attack while enroute to the Georgia city and another more serious one after reaching Columbus in the drug store. Following the serious attack and as soon as it was believed safe, Judge Denson was moved to the home of his niece, Mrs. Murray. He rallied somewhat there and talked with those about him, but soon expired, before any of his family reached him. Judge Denson was a christian leader. He always found time to give to his church and for years had been prominent in religious councils. He was a senior deacon in the First Baptist church of Opelika and Superintendant Emeritus of the Baptist Sunday school. As one of the leaders in the prohibition movement in Alabama, Judge Denson rendered signal service. He worked for the cause of temperance and prohibition when it was not such a popular issue and his leadership was invaluable to those who aided in directing the moral forces of Alabama. One of the most promiment lawyers and jurists of Alabama, Judge Denson had for years been closely identified with the political and legal life of the state. His demise will be keenly felt in all sections. At the time of his death he was associate Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, though he had served on the Supreme Bench of the state from which place he resigned some years ago to re- enter the general practice of law. Judge Denson was born in what is now Lee county, one of thirteen children. After spending his early life in the section of his birth, about ten miles southeast of Opelika, he moved to LaFayette where he entered the practice of law. Later he was elected as Circuit Judge and served in this capacity until he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench. About fifteen years ago he moved to Opelika. The Opelika Daily News, the 25th. Funeral services for the late Judge N.D. Denson who died suddenly in Columbus yesterday, were held from the First Baptist church here at 3 o'clock this afternoon, attended by a large number, including many from out of town. A wealth of beautiful floral offerings attested the warm love and esteem of thousands who had known him. The officiating ministers were Dr. W.P. Wilkes, pastor of the First Baptist church, Dr. W.P. Hines, former pastor and Dr. C.A. Rush of Andalusia. The Opelika News, the 26th ----- STATE MOURNS LOSS OF NOBLE SON Judge Nimrod D. Denson, native son of Alabama, distinguished jurist, upright citizen, loyal christian, devoted husband and father and lover of mankind will walk no more among his fellow men. His mortal body rests in the soil of his beloved state, at the end of the long day's work well done, while his spirit, released from its tenement of clay, has gone to be with the immortals. Well may Alabama mourn the loss of such a man and do honor to his memory. He served long and well in the various relations of life. He won his way by merit and manhood and richly deserved the high esteem in which he weas held by his countrymen. While he rose to a higher rank than most of those about him, he lived heart to heart with others, concerned with the welfare of the humblest and eager to be of service to all. Judge Denson was frank and cordial in his relations with everyone and had the happy faculty of speaking kind and encouraging words that buoyed others on in the conflict of life. The people in this east Alabama section whom he served so long and ably as circuit judge feel that they have lost a personal friend. Judge Denson was one of them. They knew him and loved him and trusted him. They will long revere his memory and to the end of their earthly pathway be blessed by the beneficient influence of this active, honored life so nobly spent among them. ----- DEATH OF T.G. GAUNTT IN WEST POINT ON SUNDAY Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Goodwin were called to West Point, Georgia last Sunday by the critical illness of Dr. Thomas Goodwin Gauntt, whose death occurred at ten that evening. Funeral and interment were in West Point on Monday afternoon in the presence of a large concourse. Quite a number from Roanoke were in attendance. Dr. Gauntt was stricken with paralysis two or three weeks ago and failed to rally. He was in the prime of life and was one of the most prominent and popular physicians and surgeons in his adopted home. He was born and reared in Randolph county, making his home during his youth with Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Goodwin, being the nephew and namesake of the former. Many friends in this county regret his untimely death. ---- WEHADKEE News March 28th Mr. J.R. Stitt, of this place, celebrated his 69th birthday on March 22nd with a turkey dinner, which was a very happy occasion. His cake contained 69 candles. Quite a number of relatives and friends were present. Five of his children were with him: Mrs. E.R. Burns of Pittsview; Mrs. T.L. Lewis of Americus, Georgia; Mrs. Grover Weathers; Mr. Ussery Stitt and Miss Sue Bob Stitt of this place. Two children were absent; Rev. C.W. Stitt of Louisville, Ala.; and Mrs. W.G. Weathers of Leachville, Arkansas. HIs children presented him with a radio as a birthday present. Mr. Stitt is one of our oldest and best citizens and we wish for him many more happy birthdays. ---- ROCK STAND News March 28th Miss Mamie Lucile Caldwell and Mr. Clarence Marshall were happily united in marriage recently. --- HIGHWAY News March 29th On Sunday morning, Mr. Will Wood and Miss Gracie Spears were married. --- ROCK MILLS News March 28th Mr. Seaborn Hester and Miss Jessie Pearl Hicks of this place were married last Sunday. --- IN MEMORY OF WILLIE FROST We take this method of expressing the feelings of our hearts, when the death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Frost and took away their beloved son Willie on March 5th. Willie was born March 8, 1907 and died March 5, 1927, lacking only three days of being twenty years of age. He lived all these twenty years in this community and if he had a single enemy, it is not known. He made friends wherever he went. To know him was to love him. He became a member of the Baptist church at Providence in 1922 and lived a consecrated, christian life. Willie, as a member and officer of our lodge, was always faithful and loyal, at all times ready to do something for the benefit of the community. We feel sad at having to give him up. But yet we can feel proud of having had such a noble life lived in our community. We feel happy knowing that he lived such a noble, pure life here, that he can forever be happy now, and knowing the noble lesson he left here for other young men to follow. The funeral and interment took place at Zion, the interment being conducted by the I.O.O.F. and the funeral services by Revs. Kent and Prince. He leaves a father, three younger brothers, other relatives and many friends to mourn his absence. We especially wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to the saddened family. We know it to be grievous having to give up a son and brother in the bloom of his youth, but God knew best. Just remember that his death is "our loss" but "Willie's gain." May we all so live that when death is our visitor, it may be our "gain" also, is the prayer of the I.O.O.F. H.L. Calhoun L.R. Calhoun J. Henderson, Committee ---- LOCAL News Mrs. Mary Nelson was delighted to hear her son Morris Nelson, sing his famous original yodle, "My Mountain Sweetheart" over the radio Monday night from the Atlanta Journal Broadcasting Station, WSB. --- EARLY HISTORY OF COUNTY SEAT PROVES OF INTEREST TO EVERYONE The pupils of the sixth grade of the Wedowee grammar school have, by interviewing the older residents and by searching old records, collected some data pertaining to Wedowee's history which may prove a bit of pleasant reminiscence for the older folks and which may contain facts of interest for the younger folks pertaining to the history of Randolph's county seat. Just how long Wedowee was an Indian village before the white man settled here, no one can say, but a few white settlers made Wedowee their home near 100 years ago, about 1830, and established a trade with the Indians who had quite a large village on the lowlands along the Wedowee creek just outside the incorporate limits of the town as it is now in what is known as the Weathers plantation. Bits of Indian pottery are often unearthed while cultivating these bottom lands. Wedowee was the name of the chief of these Indians and in the Indian language means "Little Deer." The white people called their village "McDonald". However, the Indian village, Wedowee, being so much better known to travelers than was the white town called McDonald, the whites finally changed the name of their town to Wedowee, by which name it has since been known. Archibald Sawyer, who was Randolph's first County Judge (later changed to Probate Judge), being anxious to have the county seat located here, donating four 40 acre tracts of land which was divided into one acre blocks with streets between and sold to the highest bidder at from $12.50 to $37.50 per block. Receipts for payment for some of these blocks are now in the possession of present residents, signed by Andrew J. Burman who succeeed Sawyer as county judge. Our first court house was a rude log hut, about 16 x 18 feet, and it is said that early in our history a drunken mountaineer broke up court by riding into this court house on horseback, causing a panic among judge, jury and spectators. The next court house was a frame structure, which stood on the site just south of where stands our present court house. Then a brick one was built in 1857 by McCann who also built a brick jail at the same time, and for 50 years these two were the only brick structures in Wedowee. Not strange then that a present day citizen tells how, when he was a very small boy, the only brick building which he had ever seen being the court house and jail, upon visiting Roanoke for the first time in his recollection, he remarked "They certainly have a lot of court houses and jails in Roanoke." This court house was burned in 1894 and many valuable records destroyed. The present court house was built in 1897. It is said that when Randolph's first sheriff, Wm. Hightower made his first arrest, finding himself without a jail in which to lodge his prisoner, he took the body from his wagon, turned it upside down, raised one corner and ordered his prisoner to crawl underneath; then, throwing a quilt across the overturned wagon body, he made his bed for the night, guarding the prisoner while he slept. At another time, having made an arrest about nightfall and seeing a storm approaching, he placed his prisoner in a nearby hollow stump, made the opening at top secure and left him there for safekeeping until the next day. However, an unusual rainfall came during the night and the high waters from the nearby swollen stream loosened the rotted stump and released the prisoner. Realizing the necesssity of a substantial jail house, a pit was then dug, walled with stone and used for many years as Randolph's jail. This pit was about 50 yards north of the present jail and was located in what is now Mrs. Patrick's garden spot. In plowing and spading this garden each spring, large stones, supposedly from walls of a former pit, are unearthed. Older residents say that in Wedowee's early history there were only about two stores and a half dozen whiskey shops, all built of logs, and all of these whiskey shops were stained with blood as the result of the fights which occurred almost daily within their walls. Rev. Jefferson Faulkner organized the first Baptist church and Rev. Peller the first Methodist church and these two pioneer preachers did what they could beneath brush arbors to instruct Wedowee's early citizens in spiritual matters. Matthew Pentecost who was Wedowee's first school master, organized a school in 1855 in a little log hut where he instructed about a dozen little urchins in the "three R's". Only three buildings which were constructed prior to the Civil War are left standing. These are the Douglas Smith home, the house occupied by P.F. Green and the Huckeba Hotel. The last named was built by Mr. William Owens in 1858 and has been used continuously since its construction for a hotel. Mr. J.T. Owens, who is a son of this Wm. Owens, and who is 76 years of age, is the only present resident who was born in Wedowee before the War Between the States. The Stewart hotel was built just after the Civil War by Gov. William H. Smith during his administration as governor of Alabama - - 1868 - 1870 - - and was in that day considered quite a mansion. The grave in the front yard of Mrs. Carrie Prescott's, which often attracts attention, is that of the first white person to die in Wedowee. The tomb is a rude construction of large, uncarved native stones and bears no inscription. However old residents say it is that of Mrs. Tom Herren, a sister of Judge Benton, who was bitten by a rattlesnake while she was down near the old Indian village. The burial place was at that time, the Baptist church yard. Times are changing, for the better and Wedowee is changing with them. The old landmarks are passing with little left to mark their place. State and Federal highways connect us with nearby towns, which, in our early history, could be reached only on horseback over Indian trails. A beautiful, modern, convenient courthouse replaces the log hut. Our jail furnishes such conveniences as hot and cold water baths and comfortable beds, a contract to our first prisoner who knew no bath other than the muddy waters which carried away his jail stump and knew no bed other than cold mother earth beneath the wagon body and whose gaze met nothing brighter than the dark damp walls of his prison pit. Whiskey shops are gone and all is peace and calm in Randolph's capital, where our citizens are engaged in legitimate trade and houses in attractive, comfortable brick buildings. The spirit of Matthew Pentecost, the school master, may be looking down upon our little village today and seeing, instead of the small log hut, two beautiful buildings where ten teachers are employed to instruct the 200 pupils who daily gather within their walls. May the present generation be able to see even greater improvement in Wedowee's future history. ------ LOCAL News Roanoke friends regret to learn of the sudden death in LaGrange on Saturday of Mr. Frank C. Tigner, who has visited Roanoke as a traveling salesman for thirty years or more. --- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/newspape1042gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 32.4 Kb