Randolph County AlArchives News.....Newspaper Abstracts for MAY 1902 May 1902 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Candace Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net June 18, 2005, 4:25 pm The Randolph Leader May 1902 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE RANDOLPH LEADER", Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama for MAY 1902 NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, May 7, 1902 LEVONIA News Mr. J.M. Hester of this place has gone to Texas to attend the reunion of soldiers and to visit his relatives in that state and Arkansas. __ HAPPY LAND News Mrs. Andrew Scott is dangerously ill. __ NAPOLEON News We held religious services with "Uncle" Burrell Nail recently. The old man is feeble, though I believe he will live to be a hundred years old on Sept. 6th. __ Donald C. Bingham of Talladega, Ala., is among those who have just graduated with high honors in the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He is a cousin of Thomas Bingham and a nephew of Messrs. Schuessler of this city. __ The Leader fell into an error last week of stating that L.P. McKnight had been married to Miss Mollie Moon. Our information seemed to be reliable, however, we have since learned that the report was incorrect. We regret the mistake. __ Loyie P. White and Miss Louie Harris hied away to Wedowee on Sunday and were quietly married. They are at home at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Harris. __ W.W. Campbell has been in Atlanta several days, called there by the condition of his father which is not so encouraging. __ J.R. Simms and family moved Monday to the old Weathers homestead, one mile west of town. __ C. C. Nichols returned Saturday from a pleasant visit to the West. He was accompanied home by his sister, Mrs. F.B. Smith of Yeldell, Oklahoma. Mrs. Smith was born in Roanoke but had not seen her native town in 22 years and so she could not recognize the place. She will among relatives in this section for a month or so. __ NEWSPAPER issue of Wednesday, May 14, 1902 ROCK MILLS News Geo. Emory Sr. has returned from Atlanta where he has been visiting relatives for quite a while. __ Bud Harper of Carrollton is visiting his mother, Mrs. William Harper who is very sick. __ Mrs. Kenney of Atlanta is visiting relatives here. __ Mrs. Will Boggs has returned from a visit to her relatives in Columbus. __ WEHADKEE News Mrs. Jack Young is very sick at this writing. __ LOCAL News Mrs. C.R. Power is visiting her children and other relatives and old friends in Harrisonville and LaGrange, Ga. ___ Last Sunday night James Roquemore was married in the Baptist church of Langdale to Miss Lizzie Kent, formerly of this place, the daughter of Tom Kent. __ Jas. M. Pittman Jr., arrived at home last week to spend some months. He has been spending part of his time in Pennsylvania. Jim is a fine young man and his friends here were glad to see him. __ Miss Emmie Belcher who lived near Five Points with her parents was found dead in bed last Thursday morning. She was a sister of Messrs. John, Tom and Jeff Belcher of this place, who, with other relatives, attended the funeral. Miss Belcher is spoken of as having been a good christian woman. __ Miss Clyde Ponder, daughter of the late J.W. Ponder of Opelika, was married at her mother's residence last Thursday eve at 7:30 to Dr. Charles E. Lorenz of Columbus, Georgia. Mrs. Lorenz is a niece of our townsman A.J. Brummit and formerly visited here. __ Mrs. Carrie Baldwin and children of Marietta, Ga., are visiting the family of W.S. Johnson. __ Licenses were issued yesterday subsequent to the marriages of W.R. Gibbs to Miss Marie Earnest and James Smith to Anna Beddingfield. Wedowee Star __ Monday afternoon a nice looking gentleman walked into our office whom we saw at a glance that we had formerly known but whom we could not locate in our mind. He kindly came to our assistance by mentioning the name of John Wyatt. Of course we knew him. He used to be in busines in Roanoke some eight years ago when a mere lad. He went to Texas and is now holding a good position with a lumber company. Upon interrogation we learned that his mother died a year or two ago and that he had married three years ago. His wife and child came out with him to Franklin, Ga., his old home, from which place they will begin their return tomorrow. John was always a good fellow and we are glad to learn that he is doing well in his adopted home at Gainesville, Texas. ___ A son was born on the 8th inst., to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Zobel. __ We regret to note that yesterday afternoon Mrs. Moore, the venerable mother of Mrs. Fleeth, fell from the veranda and sustained severe injuries. __ FAMILY REUNION A most delightful reunion will be held in Roanoke tomorrow; the family of the late W.B. Nichols Sr. Some of the members have already arrived and by tomorrow the following are expected to be here: Mrs. D.W. Peace of Douglasville, Ga. Mrs. B.F. Foster and Dal Nichols of Edwardsville, Ala. R.S. Nichols of Anniston, Ala. W.B. Nichols and family of LaFayette, Ala. Mrs. F.B. Smith of Texas is already here visiting her brothers F.P. and C.C. Nichols, and her mother who are residents of this city. The Leader wishes this prominent family an occasion of much pleasure and a return of any such reunions. ___ MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATED IN PATRIOTIC MANNER IN ROANOKE LAST SATURDAY; A Hundred Old Veterans Here; Brilliant Oratory and Music for the Living; Flowers and Tears for the Dead Saturday in Roanoke belonged to the old soldiers. They came in great numbers. Throngs of other people were here also. And all were welcome. Roanoke loves the men who wore the gray and delights to honor them. In the forenoon the local Veteran's Camp met in the K of P hall and held a most delightful session. This is a large Veteran's camp, numbering over 200 members and on this occasion 16 new members were added to the roll. So far as could be learned only 15 members had died during the past twelve months. Adjutant D. McConnaghy having removed, Major J.T. Coleman was elected Adjutant. After the feast of the forenoon the veterans formed in line, 100 strong and marched to the scene of the barbecue which the citizens had prepared for them. These functions being over they were in fine frame of mind and body to enjoy the memorial exercises. To the sound of the fife they marched to the college hall where they occupied reserved seats at the front. The large auditorium was soon filled and many were turned away. Prof. John T. Bowen was master of ceremonies and gracefully conducted the program to a successul finish. The musical rendition of Dixie brought forth the old time Rebel yell. Little Miss Leta Chewning recited with tender effect "The Confederate's Farewell." Prof. Bowen presented the orator of the day in the following eloquent words: "Ladies and Gentleman, Confederate Veterans: The occasion which calls us together today would scarcely be possible in any other land than ours. The cause for which the Boys in Gray fought was unique and not soon shall we be called upon to record the heroic deeds of another such struggle. The South is sometimes upbraded for observing Memorial Day by partisan spirits whose heated passions so obscure clear thought that they mistake the blaze of hate for the glow of patriotism. But surely every thoughtful patriot much know that it is best for this county, North and South, that we should continue to revere the memory of the men who died for their convictions and ours. When the South turns away indifferently from the humble mounds beneath which her devoted sons are sleeping, her living children will have learned the degrading lesson that to die for one's country, to die for one's principles, is at best a blunder to be forgotten and not an act of courage to be forever honored. No reliance could be placed in time of national peril in people from whose memory could so soon fade that picture at once pathetic and tragic of Southern soldiers returning with weary footsteps to their devastated lands and impoverished homes. And when our own little city among the hills shall have her Daughters of the Confederacy, I predict that nowhere can be found hearts which beat more responsive to the call of patriotism. No, my beloved Veterans, though the time must soon come when we shall not look again into your care worn faces, which carry the marks of suffering nobly borne; though the years shall move space and separate us further still from the bickering, changing partisanship of that bitter struggle, God forbid that the time should ever come when Southen people shall cease to cherish in sweet memory the sacred legacy bequeathed to them in the lifeblood of such illustrious spirits as Johnston and Jackson and Lee; may we never become so sordid that the noble self sacrifice of those who fought no less bravely in obscure ranks shall not sometimes call us away from forgetfulness to hear again the heavy booming of the cannon, whose death dealing shrieks carried to the sorrowing hearts of the South's noble women messages of fearful destruction, as the most valiant of Dixie's sons were being cut down for freedom's cause. I would not if I could, rob Grant, the great and noble chieftan, of his fame and glory. Every Southern soldier should stand with uncovered head when his name is spoken. For when all was lost, in the darkest and saddest moment in Southern history, he was magnanimous to Lee and kind to his tattered and famished soldiers. Along the blue lines of the triumphant foe, when the unhappy Confederates marched between them and laid down their guns, there was no shout of victory and flourish of trumphets, but only silence and tears. They tell us now that it is the New South, but the same old blood runs in the veins of these old Veterans and the same old spirit leaves their bosoms and flashes in their eyes. The mocking birds sing the same old songs in the same old trees and the brooks leap and laugh down the same old hollows. We till the same old fields and drink from the same old springs. It is the same Old South and we are the same old Southern people, the same old land of the free and the home of the brave. And now, my grizzly old friends who once wore the gray in the name of our young man, I congratulate you upon having lived to see the dawn of a brighter day of our hail scarred and storm swept country. You must soon answer to the roll call of eternity and join your comrades on the other side. I renew to you this day the pledge of your sons that they will defend the record you have made and themselves live up to the traditions of their fathers. In the name of the women, both young and old, I implore the blessings of the Lord upon you and pray that as the dews of life's evening are condensing upon your brow and the shadows of the long, long night are gathering about you, you may linger long in the twilight of loving hands to heal you and loving hearts to bless. "The moon give you light, and the bugles and the drums give you music, and my heart, oh my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love." And now it becomes my pleasant duty to introduce you to the speaker of this occasion, who comes to us with no uncertain reputation as a loyal and patriotic son of Dixie's land. He is one of our own sons of whom Alabama is justly proud, for it is to such as he that we must look for the preservation of the richest heritage ever bequeathed from sire to son, honor and true statesmanship in offices of public trust. Having already distinguished himself as in every way deserving of exalted stations of such trust, it is eminently fitting that on this day we should hear from his lips recited the heroic deeds of valor and courage which are so dear to every Southern heart. Confederate Veterans, ladies and gentleman, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the Hon. Jno. R.McCain of Montgomery, Ala." Mr. McCain spoke for one hour, and held is audience in rapt attention throughout. His address was a magnificent one from whatever standpoint considered. He was patriotic in sentiment, unaswereable in argument and historical citations, embellished with beautiful figures of rhetoric and delivered with grace a lecture of superb oratory. The speaker was frequently interrupted by demonstrations of approval and when he resumed his seat the applause was long and loud. Col. W.A. Handley, marshall of the day, formed the procession which marched to the two cemeteries where the little flower girls decorated the graves of Confederate and Federal soldiers alike. Thus closed one of the most notable and happy celebrations ever witnessed in Roanoke. ____ NEWSPAPER issue of Wednesday, May 21, 1902 CORBIN News Jim and A.P. Sikes are visiting their father near Heflin, who is in bad health. __ Jim Moore and Robert French are each boasting of a new boy in their homes. __ LOCAL News W.W. Wallace has gone to spend some time at his old home in Shelby County. __ Mr. Bob Cheney spent Sunday with his parents in Carrollton. __ Jim Stephens, son of S.S. Stephens, died Sunday afternoon at Pleasant Hill. The death of a promising young man is always sad. __ F. A. McMurray, better known as "Uncle Frank", was in Roanoke Saturday. He is over 92 years of age. __ At 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home of the bride's father, R.A. Moon, a mile south of town, Charlie Gauntt was married to Miss Ludie Moon, Rev. A.S. Brannon being the officiating minister. __ Mrs. E.E. Phillips has just returned from Texas where she has been visiting her mother, Mrs. W.E. Gilbert, who is 71 years old and is the mother of 12 children, 64 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She is in moderately good health. __ "Uncle Foxy" Robinson, father of R.B.F. Robinson and for many years a citizen of this county, died at Ashland last Thursday. He was a good and useful man who had the love and confidence of all who knew him. __ We sell banjos, guitars, mandolins, violins, autoharps, accordions, richter harps and all kinds of strings. The Odd Store, Frank Harper, Mgr. __ For millinery items, dress good, notions, etc. we are surpassed by none. Good line of men's shirts and ties. White & Awbrey __ We sell Babcock and Valdosta buggies, the best buggy sold. Harper & Weathers __ Mrs. William Harper died last Wednesday night. __ Messrs. H.L. and R.W. Griffin and Miss Cora Griffin went to Tuckersburg on Saturday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Tabitha Summers who as the mother of Mrs. H.L. Griffin. __ Jack Christian of Anniston has been visiting his sister Miss Lena Christian and taking in commencement. __ Misses Leila and Myrtie Gay of Motley have been visiting the family of Mr. Walden this week. __ Miss Pearl Reagan of Carrollton is visiting her sister Mrs. G.R. Radney. __ NEWSPAPER issue of Wednesday, May 28, 1902 OMAHA News Mrs. J.C. Burson is still very ill. She has been in bed for eight months. The good people of this community gathered in and plowed and hoed out the old man's crops today. There were 20 hands there. They met some tima ago and broke up and planted it for him. That is the way to help your neighbor when he has had back luck. __ Mrs. Sue E. Finney arrived at her home here Saturday after being absent nearly a year in Gadsden and in Rome, Ga. __ R.G. Bentley and wife of Tallapoosa, Ga. visited their son here last week. __ Geo. W. Robinson is spending this week with relatives at Tampa, Fla. __ In the preliminary trial last Friday, Martin Haynes, charged with the murder of Taylor Whaley, was acquitted. __ Mrs. P.A. Webb arrived in Roanoke on Saturday from Texas, after an absence of 11 years. She is visiting her sister Mrs. S.D. Lewis and other relatives. __ A serious difficulty occurred at a spring near a church in Beat 7 last Sunday. Jim Baker McCreary, son of N.E McCreary was dangerously cut with a knife by Ben Hanna. The latter was also severely hurt. An old feud caused the trouble. __ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/newspape608gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 16.5 Kb