Randolph County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for OCT 1916 October 1916 ************************************************ 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 January 7, 2006, 5:48 pm The Roanoke Leader October 1916 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE ROANOKE LEADER", Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama for OCTOBER 1916 NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, October 4, 1916 WELL KNOWN NEGRO DEAD A striking exhibition of the cordial relations existing between the two races in Roanoke, and of the appreciation which the white people have for faithful service rendered by the members of the Negro race, was witnessed at the Colored Baptist church last Thursday afternoon when the funeral services of A.B. Sankfield, one of the town's best known and liked negro citizens was held. He had been in failing health for some weeks. The house was crowded. In one section seats were reserved for white friends of the deceased. There were present, the ministers of the city, the mayor and mayor-elect, members of the council and police force, business and professional men. After the talks by the pastors of the colored churches, short talks were made by several of the white visitors. In all the talks, the respectful, cheerful disposition of Sank, his honesty and faithfulness to duty were emphasized and commended to others. Mr. Sanders, in whose employ Sank had been for nearly 23 years, spoke in praise of his loyalty and of his commendable traits. Mr. Sanders looked after the old negro during his last illness and gave him a decent burial. ---- MARRIED AT ABANDA SUNDAY An interesting marriage occurred at Abanda on Sunday when Mr. Byrd Robertson and Miss Mittie Belle Gilbert, a popular young lady of that place, were united in matrimony's happy bonds. Mr. Robertson is employed at the Chero-Cola Bottling Works and is a worthy young man. He and his bride have rooms at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Terrell on Louina street. Mrs. Terrell and Mrs. Robertson are sisters. The lovely bride is welcomed to Roanoke. ---- BACON LEVEL News Oct. 2nd Rev. W.H. Henry, wife and babe returned to their home in West Point last Tuesday, being called here by the illness and death of the former's sister, Mrs. Z.D. Ussery. --- Mr. Joe Culpepper of Americus has been spending a week with his sister Mrs. J.H. Phillips. --- Miss Laura Belle Phillips spent this weekend with her aunt, Mrs. Jim Talley at Texas, Ga. --- LOCAL News G.W. Adams of Double Springs arrived last night to visit his brother F.M. Adams. --- RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF J.F. BARRON Whereas in the wisdom of our Heavenly Father, Bro. Joseph F. Barron was been called from his labor here to his reward beyond, the Roanoke Baptist church, in recognition of his christian character and fidelity to duty, ordered in conference Sept. 24, 1916 through its committee that a letter of condolence be sent to the family. Bro. Barron moved from Rock Mills, Ala., to Roanoke, Ala., in 1883. He at once joined the Baptist church. Bro. Barron had to his credit while a member of our church many christian qualities, a few of which we will mention: 1. He was recognized as being more familiar with the Scriptures than any layman in the church; he could readily turn ot any passage necessary to be found. 2. Fidelity to his church. Always present at Sunday school, preaching service, prayer meeting and all other church services. 3. He was a praying christian man and had great faith. He did much personal work and was instrumental in leading souls to christ. 4. He was a lover of music and possessed talent in that direction. His faithful work in the song services were helpful and greatly appreciated. 5. He filled the office of Deacon faithfully. A poor man in his world's goods, but rich in heavenly treasure; yet he always did his part in the finances of the church. The Roanoke Baptist church will always cherish the memory of this good man who was a beloved member with us for 20 years or more. We extend to his bereaved family our deepest sympathy and love. Jno. Fausett F.P. Nichols G.W. Hill, Committee ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, October 11, 1916 LOCAL News Charles C. Dial, who was being held in the city jail under bond to appear before the grand jury on the charge of being engaged in a cutting affray, made his escape Monday night. With the aid of outsiders he was sawed out of the bum old lock up. The town greatly needs new jail quarters, properly located with cells inside the building in the rear thereof. ---- CARD OF THANKS We desire to thank every one who was so good and kind to us in the loss of our husband and son, father and brother. We pray God's blessings on all these good people. Mrs. J.W. Ponder and children ---- WEHADKEE News Garvey Kent has been confined to his room several days with typhoid fever. --- REV. A.S. BRANNAN STRICKEN Rev. A.S. Brannah suffered a stroke of paralysis on the left side while attending church in Wadley last night about eight o'clock. His son, B.B. Brannan left Roanoke imediately for his bedside and will arrive in Roanoke this morning with his father on the eleven o'clock train. A long distance telephone message brings the news that while Mr. Brannan is some better, he is yet in a serious condition. ---- CARD OF THANKS Words can't express our thanks to our friends and neighbors for the kindness and sympathy shown us during the illness and death of our dear wife and mother. J.R. Melton and family, Abanda, Ala. --- DOUBLE TRAGEDY LAST WEDNESDAY Near New Hope in Chambers County Shocked This Entire Section This horrible double tragedy in which Messrs. J.W. Ponder and son Lumas Ponder lost their lives at the hands of Mr. Sim Estes near New Hope last Wednesday evening at nine o'clock, was a shock to the people of this entire section, particularly so to the relatives and friends of the unfortunate men implicated. All three men were well known and Estes lived on the Ponder place. There had been some unpleasantness between the two families and trouble had been feared. It is stated that the two Ponders accosted Estes on the road at a point about a quarter of a mile north of New Hope and a struggle ensued, in which the latter received some bruises, but succeeded in shooting both his antagonists through the head, the elder Ponder dying almost instantly and the younger man some hours later. Estes reported the occurrence and went to LaFayette and gave himself up. He was held in jail till Saturday when his preliminary trial was held and he was set at liberty. The funeral of the deceased was held at Truett, the bodies being accompanied by sorrowing relatives and a large company of sympathetic friends. ---- LOCAL News Twin daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Amos Holliday last Wednesday. --- Mrs. J.M. Early arrived last week from Berea, Kentucky to spend some time with her daughter Mrs. C.B. Holder. --- Mrs. James Henry died at Hickory Flat on Saturday. She had been in feeble health for some time. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, October 18, 1916 AN AGED LADY IS GONE TO REWARD; Mrs. Harper Died Last Week in Rock Mills Last Monday, Oct. 9th, our Heavenly Father sent a message to Mrs. S.F. Harper telling her, "the summer is ended, the harvest is over, I am ready for you, come home." Although she had suffered many years, having been confined to her bed the past nine months, she bore her affliction bravely, patiently and lovingly. No one ever heard her complain. She was conscious almost until the last and told her children not to weep, that Heaven was not far away and she would be soon at rest. At one o'clock she closed her brown eyes gently and the angels wafted her spirit to the One who gave it. Mrs. Harper was 77 years of age and had lived a consecrated life for three score years, having united with the Primitive church in her youthful days. The body was borne from home by her three sons and sons-in-law, Frank, Courtney and Tom Harper, and W.W. Bonner, D.M. Yates and E.B. Hearn. Followed by a large concourse of friends, the remains were taken to Wehadkee for burial. Funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Elder Morgan and Rev. E.M. Barnes. ---- WEHADKEE News Mr. Larry Cobb and Miss Pearl Holder were married last Sunday. M.F. Williamson, Esq., performed the ceremony. --- Tom Holder went to Atlanta last week to join the Navy. --- STANDING ROCK News Oct. 16th A wedding of interest to friends and relatives in this section was that of Miss Matylene Terry and Mr. Richmond Earle, which occurred at Langdale Sunday. Among those who attended from here were Mr. J.M. Durham and family and Miss Annie B. Ozley. --- M.T. Lee is in a very serious condition as a result of getting burned while working with his automobile Saturday afternoon. --- TWO CITIZENS OF ROANOKE DEAD; Rev. A.S. Brannan and Mr. F.M. Adams passed away. During the past few days, Roanoke has suffered the loss of two well known citizens. At one o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Arthur S. Brannan died as a result of the paralytic stroke he sustained in the Baptist church at Wadley on Tuesday night previous, shortly after he had led in public prayer. Every effort that could be made to rally him was in vain. The funeral was conducted at the First Baptist Church Sunday afternoons, Rev. J.W. Rucker, E.M. Glenn and W.C. Bledsoe taking part in the service. The house could not contain the friends who came to pay their last respects. Many colored people were in the galleries. The offerings of flowers were numerous. Mr. Brannan was one of the most widely known ministers of this section and had served many of the churches. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and was possessed of a most genial disposition, which drew all classes of people to him. He was 56 years of age. He leaves a large family to mourn his demise. Monday afternoon one of Mr. Brannan's near neighbors, Mr. F.M. Adams, entered upon his final rest, after an illness extending over many months. He bore his sufferings patiently and bravely awaited the end, which he knew was inevitable. Mr. Adams was a quiet, good citizen, held in esteem by a large circle of friends. Just two months previous to the day, Mrs. Adams was called to her reward. In this double affliction that has come upon the children, they have the sincere sympathy of all our people. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by Rev. E.M. Glenn, assisted by Rev. C.C. O'Neal. The floral designs were beautiful. The body was interred with the ceremony of the Masonic fraternity in the local cemetery. ---- RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF MRS. MARY KATHERINE MELTON Whereas, our Heavenly Father, in his infinite wisdom, has called to her home above, our beloved friend and fellow worker Mrs. Mary Katherine Melton, we, the members of the Ladies Aid Society of the Abanda M.E. Church, South, therefore resolve; First, that while we deeply deplore the loss of our beloved friend and co- worker, we rejoice to know that she has found abundant entrance into the mansion above. Second; that we cherish her memory and seek to emulate her beautiful example, looking forward to the time when, through the storm and tempest, safely anchored just on the other side, we find her dear face looking through death's shadows, not changed but glorified. Third; that we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved and commend them to him who hath said, "I will not leave you comfortless." Fourth; that a copy of these resolutions be spread on the mintues of our society and published in The Roanoke Leader. Mrs. L.E. Tatum Mrs. Chas. A. Tatum Mrs. J.P. Harris, Committee ------- A FORGOTTEN GREAT MAN The following article is from the "Youth's Companion" publication, about General Timothy Ruggles, the great grandfather of Mr. H.G. Ruggles of Roanoke, Ala., Mrs. M.E. Trolinger of Roanoke, Ala., Mrs. J.A. Boggs of Rock Mills, Ala., and Mrs. Walter Welles of Tonganoxie, Kansas. Their father, Mr. W.O.G. Ruggles, the grandson of General Timothy Ruggles, served as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War, was wounded in a battle near Atlanta but recovered and lived to a ripe old age. " How many readers of The Companion have ever heard the name of Gen. Timothy Ruggles? Probably very few indeed; and yet it was believed in his own day, which was the era of our Revolution, that had General Ruggles remained true to the patriot cause, he would have at least as good a chance as Washington to be chosen the commander of the colonial armies. He was a natural leader in the civil and military affairs of the colonies. He was president of the Stamp Act Congress, which assembled in New York City in 1765, and at that very time he was Chief Justice of the Court of Common pleas of Worchester County, Massachusetts, having been promoted from the bar where he had only one worthy rival, James Otis. General Ruggles was also the chief military figure of the northern colonies; he served four years in the French and Indian War, and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. He was a colonel at Crown Point and second in command at the Battle of Lake George. He commanded a brigade in Lord Amherst's expedition against Montreal. He was famous for his daring and skill, especially in the command of Indian troops, and for his ability as drill master. The very men who fought at Lexington and Bunker Hill had been trained by Ruggles on northern fields. In the events of that stormy period, Ruggles remained a patriot up to the actual scene of the Stamp Act Congress. At the end of the third day's deliberations, when the protest to His Majesty George 111 had been drawn up, he refused, to sign, and laying down his gavel of office, left the hall. That was one of the dramatic events of the period, and for it, he was reprimanded by the General Court of Massachusetts. Ruggles was several times mobbed on his way home to Hardwick, Massachusetts where he had a great estate; but he was not a man to be frightened by demonstrations of that sort. His faithfulness to the crown was soon rewarded with his appointment as a member of the King's Mandamus Council. When Boston was taken by the colonists in 1776 he decided to leave Massachusetts and he received a grant of ten thousand acres of the best land in Novia Scotia. He removed to that colony and started a model farm on the site of which is now the town of Wilmot. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four. General Ruggles never took spirits in his life and is said to have virtually been a vegetarian. He was a man of commanding stature and presence, and on his splendid estate at Hardwick he dispensed the old fashioned open-handed hospitality of an English country gentleman. All strangers were welcomed to his home and his entertainments were among the great social events of the colonial period. A great lover of horses, he kept a large stud of hunters with dogs for hunting and he was for his time a farmer and a stock breeder of unusual progressiveness and intelligence. The Youth's Companion ----- RANDOLPH COUNTY U.S. COURT CASES According to the Opelika news, the following disposition was made of illicit distilling cases hailing from Randolph County, in the United States Court in Opelika last Wednesday: Alonzo L. Waldrop, plead guilty and was fined $100. or 30 days in Randolph County jail. George Holiday found guilty and sentenced to $100. or 30 days in the Randolph County jail. Cage Cavender of Randolph, case was dismissed on account that he is now serving a sentence in the penitentiary, having been sent up from the state courts. John Gravitt was found guilty and sentenced to 90 days and was told by the Judge that if he was ever up again before him (Judge Clayton) would give him three years in Atlanta. This is the second time Gravitt has been sentenced for illicit distilling. Tom Johnson, Roanoke, plead guilty and was fined $100. or 30 days in jail. Nat Woodward of Randolph county plead guilty and was fined $100. or 30 days in jail. ---- LOCAL News BACON LEVEL News Oct. 19th Miss Lois Echols is spending some time with her grandmother Mrs. Almon at Walnut Hill. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Wednesday, October 25, 1916 MAN BADLY SCALDED At 2 o'clock Monday morning, Lon Royston, a young whilte man and night watchman at the oil mill, was terribly scalded on the body and limbs by the bursting of a steam pipe. A negro was also painfully burned on the hands. Mr. Royston's sufferings were painful to witness and as this writing, there is doubt of his recovery. His wife was burned to death two years ago. The mill company is doing everything possible for the unfortunate man's relief. ---- WEHADKEE News Oct. 23rd Bryan, son of J.L.B. Green, had the misfortune to get his arm broken Sunday morning while cranking an auto. --- C.G. Moses left Mondayto try his fortune in Florida. --- W.F. Costley left last Friday to visit a sick brother in Newnan. --- CAPT. BRYAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN FALL FROM FREIGHT CAR LAST WEEK; Narrowly Escaped Death Captain E. Bryan, formerly of Opelika and who married an Opelika girl Miss Mabel Longshore, had a very narrow escape from death late yesterday evening while standing on top of a Central of Georgia freight, which was switching near Jackson Gap. He fell between two moving cars and suffered serious injuries, being badly injured on his head, one arm painfully hurt and his back sprained. Indicating the narrow escape from being run over by the train, the heel on one shoe was cut off by a car wheel as smoothly as if a knife had been used. Mr. Bryan was put on an engine and rushed to Alexander City where he was given medical attention and was then brought on passenger train No. 4 to a hospital in Columbus last night. The doctors state he was very painfully injured and though no bones were broken, the most serious injury is the sprained back. The many friends of the genial railroad conductor hope for him an early recovery. The Opelika News, the 17th. ---- A NEGRO BOY KILLED Ira Ferrell, a negro boy 16 years of age, was caught in the belting at the oil mill yesterday afternoon and almost instantly killed. This is the second serious tragedy that has occurred at this plant this week. --- LOCAL News Frank Hodges and Mrs. J.O. Ellis of Abbeville, S.C. arrived last Thursday to visit their brother F.D. Hodges and family. --- Mrs. Malcolm Manning will return to her home at Thorsby after a visit to her sister Mrs. W.L. Holder, who with her husband Mr. Holder has been visiting relatives in the Wehadkee section. Mr. and Mrs. Holder will return to their home in Washington City on Friday. --- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/newspape808gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 19.2 Kb