Coweta County GaArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for SEPT 1909 September 1909 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: C T Gravelle http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00023.html#0005680 August 19, 2006, 12:30 am The Herald And Advertiser September 1909 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE HERALD AND ADVERTISER", Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia for SEPTEMBER 1909 NEWSPAPER Issue of Friday, September 3, 1909 SENOIA News Mr. Julius Huddleston left Friday for Atlanta where he has accepted a position as bookkeeper and city salesman with a good company. --- Mr. Snowden Swygert shot and almost instantly killed a negro, Dan Rowe, near Haralson on Tuesday night. The negro was advancing on him with a knife when the killing occurred and Mr. Swygert was found as entirely justified in the deed. ---- DEATH OF CAPT. C.N. FEATHERSTON Rome Tribune-Herald, 31st ult. Rome has lost one of her most valuable citizens, for Capt. Charles N. Featherston died in Seattle, Washington on Sunday night after an illness of several days of pneumonia. This sad news was received here Monday in telegrams from Mrs. M.R. Rixie, Mrs. Featherston's mother. The telegrams were very brief telling only of the Captain's death. The circumstances surrounding the death are particularly sad. In company with Mrs. Featherston, Mrs. Rixie and C.N. Featherston Jr., Capt. Featherston left Rome, Ga. six weeks ago, with bright anticipations of a Western journey, and a visit to the Alaska-Yukon Exposition. Illness seized upon him while in Seattle and death put an end to the career that had been such an honorable one. In some manner, Capt. Featherston caught a severe cold which developed into pneumonia. He had been ill for a number of days at his hotel in Seattle and for more than a week his physicians had realized that death was liable to come at any moment. Capt. Thompson Hiles who was in Seattle at the time, called to see him several time but found him always too ill to receive company and all visitors were kept from his room. In Capt. Featherston, the Grim Reaper garners a man who, though reserved and unassuming, left a strong impress upon the community, a man who had often been honored by his fellow citizens, and whose attainments merited a distinction that he was too modest to claim. Capt. Featherston was born at Franklin, Heard county, Ga., about 70 years ago. He came of distinguished parentage being the son of the late Judge L.H. Featherston who occupied the Superior Court bench in that circuit. His youth was spent in his native county and from there, after a preliminary education in the common schools, he went to Emory College. He graduated from Emory just before the war and was the first honor man of his class. Then he taught school for a short time but laid by his books to take up the sword when the call to arms came. The title of Captain was not an honorary one, but was due to the fact that he held that rank in the Seventh Georgia Cavalry. He went to the head of the company from Polk county and commanded it at the Battle of Manassas in 1861. After 12 months of service he was mustered out and Capt. Featherston entered the service again as an aide on the staff of one of the Generals and served in that capacity until the end of the war. When the conflict was over he returned to Georgia and again took up school teaching. For several years he presided over a school in Vann's Valley. During this time he was studying law and being naturally adapted for that profession by temperament and heredity, he made rapid progress. In the late '60's, he came into the office of Wright & Broyles at Rome and under their tutelage was admitted to the bar which he adorned for four decades. In a short time Col. Broyles left Rome and Featherston was admitted to partnership with the lamented Judge A.R. Wright and continued in that relation until about 1880 since which time he has practiced under his own name. In 1880 he was married to Miss Sallie Jones. She was the daughter of a prominent and wealthy Alabama family and is one of Rome's largest property holders. Their union was a most happy one and was blessed with one child, Charles N. Featherston Jr., now a youth of 17, who is a student at the Darlington school. With Capt. Featherston at the time of his death were his wife and son and his wife's mother Mrs. Rixie. It is expected that they will accompany the body home, but owing to the distance of Seattle, the funeral party will probably not reach here until late in the week. ---- RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT ON THE DEATH OF B.J. McDOWELL Whereas, it is pleased the Great Spirit in His all-wise providence to remove by death our brother B.J. McDowell, who was transplanted on May 2, 1909 to the happy hunting grounds of the Great Beyond, from whose bourne no traveler returns. Resolved, that in the death of Bro. McDowell, Modoc Tribe No. 70 (I.O.R.M.) loses one of its most devoted members and his family a kind and loving husband and father. We would say to his wife and children, sisters and aged mother, "look just beyond the narrow stream that divides that heavenly land from ours and note the beckoning hand that's calling on you." Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be sent his family and mother, be spread upon our minutes and also sent the Herald and Advertiser and Newnan News for publication. J.T. Curran A.L. Grimes J.C. Millians, Committee --- RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT ON THE DEATH OF L.H. KIDD On July 17, 1909, our beloved brother L.H. Kidd was transplanted from the shores of time to the happy hunting grounds of the Great Beyond, where all is peace and rest and no more racking pains shall come. Resolved, that in the death of Bro. Kidd, Modoc Tribe No. 70, I.O.R.M., loses one of its most beloved members, and his family a kind and affectionate husband and father. We would say to his family, "mourn not, for he is just beyond the narrow stream that divides time from eternity and is waiting and watching for you there." Resolved, that a copy of this memoir be spread upon the minutes of our lodge, a copy sent to his family and also to the county papers for publication. J.T. Curran A.L. Grimes J.C. Millians, Committee ---- SENOIA News the 26th inst. It will be of source of regret to her many friends to learn that Mrs. J.C. Hardy remains quite sick. --- Mr. G.S. Hardy and family who have resided at Brooks Station for the past two years will move to Turin to make their home. --- TURIN News On Sunday last the writer and his good wife paid a visit to Mrs. R.H. Woods at Brooks Station. We found the venerable lady grieviously afflicted, both in body and mind, but cheerfuly resigned to the will of our heavenly father. She is now in her 80th year and patiently awaiting the summons that must come to us all sooner or later. She seemed to greatly enjoy a religious service held for her benefit. --- Mrs. Kate McKillip of Homeland, Fla., is visiting Mrs. W.F. Gay. --- LUTHERVILLE News Sept. 1st Messrs. Carl and Paul Bowen of Decatur are visiting their sister Mrs. M.S. Archer. --- WELCOME News Sept. 1st Miss Georgia Mize who moved with her sister to Alabama two or three years ago, died Monday. Her remains were brought to Mt. Carmel on Tuesday for interment. Rev. F.J. Amis conducted the funeral service. --- Mrs. J.B. Hutchens is visiting her sister Mrs. Echols at Cullman, Ala. --- LONE OAK News Sept. 1st A reunion of the children and grandchildren of Mrs. S.E. Waggoner was last Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shade Hogan in Hogansville, celebrating the eightieth birthday of this dear old lady. --- LOCAL News Mrs. B.W. Bentley of Valdosta is visiting her sister Mrs. E.D. Fouse --- Hon. W.C. Kiser, a well known citizen of Campbell county, died on Monday. --- Miss Mary Lou Downing of Columbus is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Thos. J. Jones. --- Mr. John Cleveland of Harrisonville is visiting his sister Mrs. Wm. E. Woods. --- Mrs. O.T. Jeter of LaFayette, Ala., has been here on a visit to her daughter Mrs. J.A. Stephens. --- Mrs. Jack Lyndon of Athens who has been visiting her sisters Mrs. Julia Lundie and Mrs. John Askew, left Monday for Palmetto where she will spend a week with relatives before returning home. --- Ab Burch, the well known colored restauranteur, died Saturday afternoon after a protracted illness. He was about 62 years of age and had been engaged in the restaurant business continuously for more than thirty years. He was a twin brother of Jim Reid, chief cook at the Coweta Cafe. --- Maj. John W. Tench of Gainesville, Fla., was a visitor in Newnan for several days last week and received a warm welcome from his many friends. Maj. Tench is a native of Coweta but for a number of years has resided in Florida where he has distinguished himself in journalism being regarded as one of the foremost editorial writers in the state. --- Capt. C.N. Featherston, whose death notice is printed elsewhere in The Herald and Advertiser, was a brother of Mrs. G.W. Peddy and Mr. J.E. Featherston of this city. He was one of the oldest and most prominent members of the Rome bar and a leading citizen of that town where his death is universally lamented. He was about 70 years of age and a veteran of the Civil War. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Friday, September 10, 1909 SENOIA News the 9th inst. Mr. E.L. North of New Orleans was the guest of homefolks here this week. --- The friends of Mr. J.D. Adcock and Miss Mary Kate Hunter were surprised to learn that they were married the first Sunday in May, Judge Williams officiating. They have many friends who wish them years of peace and happiness. --- Our readers will learn with regret that Dr. J.D.L. Tench will leave in a few days for Gainesville, Fla., where he expects to make his home. Dr. Tench has been doing dental work in our city for the past five years and has always given satisfaction. He is a quiet, unassuming gentleman who makes and holds friends. The people of Gainesville are to be congratulated upon securing this valuable accession to their list of professional men. --- McCOLLUM News Mr. Jesse Posey of Tallapoosa spent a few days last week with the family of his brother Mr. R.B. Posey. --- Mrs. R.P. Posey and babies spent a few days last week with her sisters Mrs. E.S. Banks and Mrs. J.W. Hines in the Second district. --- Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Tolbert of Grantville spent Sunday with their brother and family Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Hembree. --- RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT ON THE DEATH OF MRS. E.J. BRADLEY It has pleased God, in his Infinite wisdom to take from our midst and church, our beloved sister Mrs. E.J. Bradley, who departed this life Aug. 5, 1909. She was born Dec. 14, 1836 which made her 73 years of age at the time of her death. She was the daughter of Jas. P. Askew and she married J.W. Bradley on Nov. 6, 1856. She was the mother of four children; three sons survive her. She united with the Baptist church in early girlhood, later moving her membership to the First Baptist church in Newnan, Ga., and lived a consistent member until the day of her death. She was a good and fond mother, a consecrated Christian worker, a true friend, a loving neighbor and ever ready to lend a helping hand to the sick and needy. Her life was an example of devotion to the Master's cause and her faithful conduct an inspiration to those who knew her. As a church we regret to lose her presence and wish to express our appreciation of the influence which lives after her. We pray God's comfort upon the members of the family and upon her friends and in the same petition we ask for lives of similar faithfulnes and consecration. Resolved; that the above be inscribed on our minute book, spread upon the minutes of our Women's Missionary Society and also ask that the same be printed in the Herald and Advertiser and Newnan News. Mrs. Mary Buchanan Mrs. I.N. Orr Mrs. J.H. Simms, Committee --- TURIN News Sept. 8th The many Coweta friends of Rev. T.N. Rhodes were deeply grieved to learn of his death. In years gone by he served our people in diffierent localities both as pastor and teacher, hence the sorrow at his death. We tender our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family. --- Mr. Wm. Austin was sent to the State Sanatarium a few days ago for treatment. He has been in poor health for some time and it is hoped that he will fully restored by the treatment, both in body and mind. The community extends warmest sympathy to the family in their affliction. --- WELCOME News Sept. 8th We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. A.S. Hutchens which occurred at the home of her son Mr. Little Lane of Centralhatchee. She had been sick several weeks and on Sunday afternoon breathed her last. The funeral occurred Monday at Salem church. --- LOCAL News Miss Estelle Dobbins, 31 years old, died yesterday morning at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Dobbins, after an illness of about ten days. She is survived by her parents, four sisters and two brothers. The funeral services will be conducted at the residence this afternoon and the interment will be in Westview. The Atlanta Constitution, the 8th inst. --- Walter Barrentine, a young man who shot and killed his brother in the Hurricane district about eighteen months ago, and who was afterwards convicted and sentenced to the State prison Farm for a term of five years, was granted a pardon by Gov. Brown upon the recommendation of the State Prison Board. Barrentine is a half-witted fellow, and, in the opinion of those familiar with all the circumstances, was regarded as irresponsible for his murderous act. Several weeks ago, Col. J.C. Newnan and Col. W.L. Stallings became interested in the case and, with the cooperation of many good citizens in the western part of the county, went to work to secure a pardon for the young man with the result stated above. Barrentine returned home last week and seems to be enjoying his liberty. --- ORDINARY'S COURT News The following business was disposed of at the regular monthly term of the Court of Ordinary on Monday last: John Hugh Johnson, administrator of the estate of Gabriel L. Johnson, deceased, granted leave to sell the lands of said deceased. --- C.D. and E.M. Grimes, administrators with the Will annexed of Calvin Grimes, deceased, granted leave to sell the lands of said deceased. --- Alton W. Arnall, guardian of John W. Willcoxon Jr., granted letters of dismission. --- I.N. Farmer, administrator of the estate of Laura N. Hubbard, deceased, granted letters of dismission. --- B.T. Thompson, administrator of the estate of Y.C. Thompson, deceased, granted letters of dismission. --- T.E. Atkinson, R.J. Atkinson and Mrs. W.Y. Atkinson, executors of the Last Will and Testament of William Y. Atkinson, deceased, granted letters of dismission. --- T.E. Zellars, guardian of Ella Estelle Zellars, minor, granted letters of dismission. --- Earl V. Thurman, granted letters of guardianship of the property of Mrs. Willa C. Thurman. --- H.A. Hall appointed administrator of the estate of Mrs. Rebecca J. Jackson, deceased. --- Twelve months support set apart to Mrs. Bettie Mealor and her minor children out of the estate of Geo. W. Mealor, deceased. --- Twelve months support set apart to Mrs. Mary Lula Kidd and her minor children out of the estate of Lewis H. Kidd, deceased. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Friday, September 17, 1909 A CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY FORTY-THREE YEARS AGO Newberry S.C. Observer, the 31st ult. Mr. and Mrs. Elisha C. Cureton left Newberry yesterday. Their home is at Moreland, Ga. Mrs. Cureton is a daughter of Mr. James B. Reagin of Newberry. Mr. Cureton himself once lived in this county. He has many relatives and friends here who have known and respected him for many years. Strangers have noticed a clean-shaven, handsome man of middle life, of a cheerful and intellectual face, propelling himself along the sidewalks in a wheel-chair. That was Mr. E.C. Cureton of Moreland, Ga., out here on a visit with his wife to her father's family. Mr. Cureton, though a man of affairs and the head of a large and prosperous business, has not walked a step in forty-three years. Mr. Cureton's father was James Cureton, a native of this county. His mother was a Schumpert. In 1839 they moved with the Youngs and Carmicals to Coweta county, Georgia. In 1862 he moved back to his Newberry, S.C. county home, retaining ownership of his Georgia farm. On the night of Dec. 25, 1865, a party of thirty or forty negroes went out from the town of Newberry, armed with rifles and muskets, shotguns and pistols. At that time the negroes had been free less than a year. There was no civil law in South Carolina and the administration of justice was in the hands of Yankee garrisons. The garrison stationed at Newberry was composed of as thorough a gang of scoundrels as ever wore white skins. They had undoubtedly filled the negroes minds with the notion of killing off the white men and taking possession of the country, as some of the negroes afterwards confessed, and had supplied them with guns and ammunition with the admonition to "return them before daylight." Between 9 and 9:30 this gang of negroes, without any warning and for no provocation on earth, broke into the home of Mr. James Cureton, 8 miles from Newberry, the crashing of the front door being the first intimation the family had of danger. It was a large two-story dwelling. Downstairs in one room, were Mr. and Mrs. Cureton and their two little girls on a trundle bed. The fire had not burned out and there was a flickering light on the hearth. Outside the moon was shining brightly from the clear, cold sky. In the upstairs rooms were their daughter Mrs. Harris, the young widow of a Confederate soldier; their son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. George Broom who had been married six months; and their 13 year old son E.C. Cureton. The elder son Fred, who had been a member of the "Boy Volunteers" of Co. A. of the 4th Batallion, had been sent by his father to their former home in Coweta county, Georgia. When the front door crashed in and the noisy half-drunken fiends rushed in, Mr. Cureton leaped out of bed and was fired upon by several of the party. An ounce ball from an Army rifle pierced his right lung and went clean through his body. He dropped down on a chair and fell over onto the bed. Mrs. Cureton caught up the two girls from the trundle bed and rushed upstairs with them. The negroes continued to shoot and yell like demons, demanding "Where is George Broom?" The wife and children had gathered at the head of the stairs where Mr. Broom stood with a five barrel pistol, determined to get as many of them as he could if they attempted to climb the stairway. Rushing from the yard into the house and then into the yard again, none of the negroes attempted to go upstairs. Meanwhile, the 13 year old son, E.C. Cureton, unobserved by the others, slipped down the stairway and going to his father's room, picked up a double- barrel shot gun that stood in a corner and was turning with it when a negro raised his army rifle and fired at him. He felt a stinging sensation in the shoulder and fell over on the floor, the ounce ball having ploughed its way through his spinal column. He thought he had received his death wound but felt no pain, and never afterwards felt any pain from the wound. At the earnest entreaties of the women, Mr. Broom consented to go for help, for the negroes had shouted up the stairs that if he didn't come down they would set fire to the house. He went to a back window, got on the roof of the shed-room and reaching the edge, leaped from the roof, passing right over the heads of the two or three negroes who were standing under the eaves. He struck the ground running. As soon as they recovered from their surprise, they fired several shots at him and started in pursuit, but could not overtake him. Mrs. Broom missed her little brother and in desperation went down to her father's room, where some of the negroes still were. She stood in the door leding into an adjoining room and while there saw three negroes, who were at another door, poke their guns through the crack of the door and fire at her father who was sitting on a chair with his body fallen onto the bed, and partly concealed by the open door. He uttered no sound and she suupposed, as they all had supposed since the shooting first began, that he was dead. While she stood there searching the room with her eyes for her brother she heard him call to her. She went to him. He told her he was wounded and could not walk, and asked her to take him out of the room. She gathered him under the arms and half toting and half dragging him, was carrying him from the room, when a negro, with his army rifle, fired at her, the ball passing so close to her head that the concussion knocked her to the floor. When she came to herself, her mother was there and one taking the lad by his body, the other by his knees, they carried him upstairs to his bed. The negroes left soon after that, and when the wife and daughters came downstairs, expecting to find the husband and father dead, they saw a most pathetic sight. His nightshire was on fire and his breast severely burned and he was bending over with his hand to the floor dipping up his own blood with which he was trying to extinguish the fire, which was burning his shirt, and also the blaze that had spread to his bed clothes. At this time, he told afterwards, he was perfectly conscious, but made no noise, hoping that when the negroes thought he was dead, they would go away. George Broom, when he left the house, went first to Mr. Jacob Long's about a mile away and thence to Mr. Ellis Schumpert's and thence to Mr. George Schumpert's, where the young people of the neighborhood were gathered at a party. When he returned with assistance it was near 2 o'clock. The white men gathered rapidly. Physicians at Newberry and Prosperity were sent for. They found that, besides the wound in the lung, through which the air rushed at every breath, Mr. James Cureton had received a heavy charge of buckshot in his side and hip. The doctors thought it was no use to dress his wounds; that he must die very soon; but Dr. McFall insisted and his wounds were dressed. Strange to say, the wound through the lung began to heal at once and he would have recovered but for the wound in the side, which proved fatal, death occurring five weeks later on Jan. 29, 1866. While the white men of the neighborhood had gathered at the Cureton home, in response to the alarm given by George Broom, and the doctors had been sent for, search was begun at once for the guilty negroes. By the early morning several had been caught and, their liquior having died down and being separated from their leaders, their courage failed them, they being seized with terror, began to confess and to reveal the names of their accomplices in the crimes. The leader was a negro preacher who had belonged to Mr. Jacob Long. There were several others of the immediate neighborhood though most of them had come from the town of Newberry. One of them was a young negro named Dave Harris who had been give to Mrs. Harris by her father-in-law. He was a favorite of the family when a slave, and afterwards was very fond of the young Cureton children and they of him. That very Christmas Dave had come up to the "big house" and called out "Christmas gif', Mars James" and received his gift. He then told Mr. Cureton that he was going to town that day, and asked if there was anything he should do for him before he should go. Mr. Cureton told him to catch and saddle his horse for him and hitch him at the gate and he did so. That night, in the midst of the pandemonium, even the children recognized Dave's voice as inflamed with liquor, he joined in the maledictions and curses against the white people. Not one of them had any grievances of any kind against Mr. Cureton who was a good, kind man. Either of their own design or instigated by the Yankee garrison, they said the latter, they had set out to murder all the white men in the neighborhood and to take possession. Their plan was, after killing Mr. Cureton and Mr. Broom, to proceed to the homes of Mr. Jacob Long, Mr. Elisha Schumpert, Capt. Matthew Hall, Col. William Lester and others and to kill at the white men there; and they would have done so but they knew Mr. Broom had given them warning. Mr. Cureton had recognized several of the party and so had Mr. and Mrs. Broom. After twelve or thirteen of the murderous band has been caught by the white men of the community, the question came up as to what should be done with them. The younger men were for putting them out of the way without other formality of the law than their own verdict of their guilt; but the older men begged them to wait. They consented to wait until they could send to town and consult with the officers of the garrison. The officers were induced to go out to the scene of the crime, where they might see the evidences of their fiendish work, the father fearfully wounded with guns and his head hacked with an old sabre, one of the ears being cut almost from the head; the lad desperately wounded; the door broken down, the window panes shattered and the many bullet holes in the walls of the house. They went and saw, and expressed horror at the deed, and promised that if the negroes, whom the white men had hidden away to await the decision, were committed to jail they would see that justice should be stricly and speedily administered and punishment meted out to the guilty. Acting upon the promise of the officers of the Yankee garrison that the negroes would be brought speedily to trial and would have justice meted out to the guilty, the white men brought the negroes to the county jail. Mr. James Cureton, before his death, knowing the horrible associations that would linger around the old home, advised his family that, as soon as his affairs could be settled up, they should return to Coweta county, Ga. and make their home there. In March they were ready to go; but the negroes had not yet been brought to trial. All the family except Mr. and Mrs. George Broom left Newberry county that month for Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Broom had recognized several of the negroes on Christmas night and they remained in the county in order to testify against them, the garrison promising that the trial would soon come on. In April the Yankee officers announced that it was necessary to carry the accused to "headquarters" in Columbia for a trial; that the trial could come at an early date and that Mr. and Mrs. Broom would be notified of when to appear in Columbus as witnesses. They waited until some time in the month of April and then learned that the negroes, every one of them, had been turned loose without any form of trial whatsoever. Most of them left the country, fearing to return. The leader, Rev. William Long, who had belonged to Mr. Jacob Long, father of Mr. G.F. Long, disappeared entirely, going North, no doubt. Lewis, a negro that belonged to Mr. G.F. Long, remained in Columbia or near there and Mr. Long saw him some years afterwards in that city, and subsequently received a letter asking him for financial help, which he did not get. Lang Singley, who had belonged to Mr. Jacob Long, returned after a time to the neighborhood and on the night of Nov. 6, 1908, was shot and killed by Lou Singley, his daughter- in-law who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. There was at least one of the gang that met his reward, though it is a pity that he could not have been hanged three times to pay for the three lives that he had, by his own confession, taken, one very close upon the other. His fate is best told by his own confession (in 1866) which follows: CONFESSION OF LONDON JONES, FREEDMAN By Rev. Samuel Leard, The Chester, S.C. Standard, 1866 In giving the following confession of the above named notorious robber and murderer, London Jones, freedman, it is necessary that I should state that I have given the facts as clearly as I can, in his own words, and that I assume no responsibility as to the truthfulness of his statements. They were made to me voluntarily on his part, and with the knowledge that it was my intention to make them public. He says: " I was born in Newberry district, S.C. and am about twenty-two years of age. I have no children. I formerly belonged to Mr. Lambert Jones of Newberry district. I knew Belton Cline from a boy, and regard him as wanting in good sense. I joined the Methodist church, South, some years ago, under the ministry of the Rev. J.R. Pickett, but being hired out to persons who treated me roughly, I soon lost all religious concern and became reckless. In 1864 I went into the Army with my young master and remained with him until the close of the war. About the 1st of April, I moved to Columbia. But before that, on the Monday night before Christmas, I helped to kill James Cureton. My gun was near his body when I fired. He died some days afterward and if it was buckshot that killed him, then I am the man that killed him, for my gun was loaded with buckshot. We went into the house after George Broom, who had married Cureton's daughter, intending to shoot him but he got away. We did not intend to rob the house or insult the females. Belton Cline brought Morris to me in Columbia and through their persuasion I agreed to go to Chester to rob Mr. A.D. Walker. This was on Friday night before the murder of Mr. Walker. I never saw Morris until that night. It was not our intention to kill Mr Walker but only to rob him. We came on Sunday night on the train from Columbia. Morris gave us whiskey but I was not drunk. I knew all I was doing perfectly well. Morris laid the plan and we did just as we were told to do. I jumped on Mr. Walker first, while Belt ran after Mr. Estes. He (Walker) turned suddenly and asked "What do you mean?" I threw him down and by that time Morris and Belt both came. I then started after Estes and when I got about a hundred yards I heard a pistol fire. I believe that Belton Cline shot Mr. Walker, as Morris was very angry about his being killed and left us immediately. Belt and I then went to the house for the purpose of scaring Estes. We did not intend to kill Mrs. Walker or Estes as we easily could have done so if we wished. I cut the wardrobe with an axe. We got only $6.85 in money besides the watch and clothing. As we came back Belt ran his hand in Mr. Walker's pocket and got out two dollars more. This happened on the night of the 22nd of July. On the following Wednesday we went into the neighborhood of Mr. Lane in Newberry and watched for a chance to murder and rob him, until Friday night when we accomplished it. There were six of us altogether. (Mr. C.G. Clinton in Chester has their names in an affidavit made by London Jones on Friday morning just before his execution.) We intended to murder Mr. Lane and then rob the house. Morris waked him up in the yard when he was sleeping and by agreement made beforehand, while Morris was talking to him, I slipped around behind him and struck him on the head with an axe. The first blow killed him but I hit him the second time to make sure of it. Belt and I then went through the house, hunting the money, the most of which we gave to Morris, who put in in a carpet bag. We put some into our own pockets and that was all we ever got. I had some $800. afterwards and Belt gave me $100. more, in all $900. I have not seen Morris since that night. Belt and I went to Petersburg, Va. where I spent the most of my money gambling." The above are the leading particulars of the crime as detailed by London Jones to me within a few days of his execution and we leave your readers to form their own judgment as to their reliability. The circumstances connected with the apprehension, trial and escape from prison and recapture are all to well known to need repetition here. Of one subject alone in connection with the prisoner we shall speak, and that is his repentance, and the apparent change in his moral character. Soon after sentence of death was passed upon him, I was sent for to visit him in prison. I found him in distress of mind and very desirous of religious instruction. He seemed to have an imperfect but real sorrow for the sins of his past life. He confessed his ignorance of all religious experience, that he did not know how to pray, and that he was afraid to stand in the presence of God with all his sins resting upon him. I asked him if he had not had misgivings of conscience while pursing his course of crime. He replied that he had been reckless and did not at that time care what might happen to him. But now he had time to reflect and could not think of the certain approach of death without alarm. A large part of Friday morning, the day of his execution, I spent with him in his cell and left him at about an hour or so before he was taken out, with a humble hope that God has been merciful even to so vile a sinner as himself. He expressed great gratitude for the kindnesses shown him during his imprisonment; begged the forgiveness of all whom he had injured; sent messages to his young master, his mother and wife and relatives; and with much apparent calmness and firmness, went to his place of execution. Written by Samuel Leard The Mr. Lane spoken of in the above confession of London Jones was Mr. Lemuel Lane, who was murdered at home in Newberry county in 1866. One of the murderers was hanged in this county. Mr. Lane was the father of Mr. J.J. Lane and of the late John C. and Wm. H. Lane and the grandfather of Messrs. Ernest and Olin Lane. ---- LONE OAK News A cloud of sadness spread over our community on Friday evening when news came of the death that afternoon of Mrs. Owen Ponder at Round Oak, Jones county, to which place, after rallying from a long and serious illness here, she had gone to visit her mother. Few in Lone Oak new that she was again ill, and even to her husband and his family, no thought of danger had come until over the wires flashed the news that the end of her precious young life was near. After hours of torturing delay, her husband reached her side only to find her a corpse. It was but last winter that he had brought her to Lone Oak, a lovely radiant young bride, whose charms of person and character won the hearts of all whom she came in contact. Intellectually, morally and spiritually, she seemed so qualified for a life of usefulness in her chosen sphere, the wife of a minister of the gospel, that we can but grieve that she has been taken. To all who loved her so dearly and who had claims upon her affection, our hearts go out in deep sympathy, but most sorrowful are we for the devoted young husband whose happiness was bound up in the precious life that love had made a part of his own existence, and whose loneliness and disappointment none can fathom but the heart of his Father in Heaven. ---- MORELAND News News comes from Atlanta that Mr. and Mrs. F.N. Martin are celebrating the fourteenth addition to their household, a son. --- Mr. E.C. Cureton Sr. has been ill but is convalescing. --- Miss Ida Webb of Newnan visited her sister Mrs. Taylor Windom last week. --- OBITUARY OF MRS. LUCY A. HINDSMAN MORRIS Again, and the second time in the space of five months, the Death Angel visited the home of Mr. J.L. Morris on the night of August 15th and claimed the gentle spirit of his wife, Mrs. Lucy A. Hindsman Morris, and wafted her sweet spirit to the Great Beyond, there to bask in the sunshine of God's eternal glory until the resurrection morn, when it will "put off this mortal and put on immortality" and appear before the judge of the quick and the dead to hear the welcome plaudit "Come up higher." The deceased was born March 15, 1850. She was married to J.L. Morris on Sept. 10, 1867. This union was blessed with eight children, three having preceded her to the grave. She united with the Baptist church at old Holly Springs (now Moreland) in the early '70's, was baptized by Rev. R.E. Pitman and remained a consistent member of the same up to the time of her death. She was a regular attendant on her church meetings when able to do so, and had an abiding faith in prayer. For two years she was in poor health and for some months prior to her death her sufferings were intense; yet she never murmured nor complained, relying on the precious promise, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." As the end drew near she expressed a readiness to go and be with her Savior, whom she trusted for life and salvation. She is survived by her husband and five children, besides numerous other relatives. We realize that our loss is her eternal gain; therefore, we bow in humble submission to the will of "Him who doeth all things well." To the bereaved husband we would say, "weep not for Annis is not dead but only gone before and is waiting and watching the coming of loved ones and beckoning them on to that sweet haven of rest." To the children we can only say, "heed the admonitions of your mother; emulate the life she set before you; remember that she cannot come back to you but you can go to her, where there will be no more farewells." Thus, we are reminded that, one by one, we are being gathered home, to part no more. H. St. Charles, Ga., Sept. 10th, 1909. ---- GRANTVILLE News Mr. Jas. H. Gilbert is in south Georgia where he was called to the bedside of his brother Mr. Luke Gilbert who is quite sick with the fever. --- Miss Willie Mae Lambert and Mr. Carl Sewell were quietly married Sunday evening by Dr. J.F. Mixon. They left on the 9 p.m. train for Chattanooga where they spend their honeymoon. They have the best wishes of many friends. --- TURIN News Sept. 15th It is with deep regret that we chronicle the death of Mrs. J.C. Hardy of Senoia, which sad event occurred on Sunday last. We tender sincere condolence to the stricken family. --- LUTHERVILLE News Mrs. Minnie Anderson and family left for Decatur last week where they will make their home in the future. --- HANDY News Mrs. R.H. Ware of Newnan is visiting her mother Mrs. Lucy Davis. --- On Thursday, Messrs. Joe Beavers, Joe Stephens and Will Kidd, together with their families, went to the home of Mr. Aubrey Wiggins where all contributed and gave a birthday dinner in honor of Mrs. L.M. Wiggins' 57th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Beavers gave Mrs. Wiggins a beautiful dress in honor of the occasion which was very much appreciated. --- Mrs. Sarah Grimes and granddaughter Miss Clara Grimes are visiting Mrs. Grimes' daughter, Mrs. Tom Brazil in Hogansville. --- Clyde and Ora Lee Grimes visited their sister Mrs. Adolphus Hardegree on Sunday. --- MIDWAY News Mrs. L.H. Kidd visited her mother Mrs. Amanda Eady in Heard county on Saturday, who is quite sick. --- Mr. Harmon Hardegree left Friday for Clearwater, Fla. He will be greatly missed in our community. --- Mrs. S.S. Kidd is visiting her son Mr. E.H. Kidd at Enon Grove. --- Mrs. Dora Herndon and mother Mrs. D.L. Hardegree visited Mrs. Amanda Eady last Monday. --- Miss Eliza Cash and Mrs. J.T. Cash and daughter Miss Viola visited Mrs. R.H. Eady at Enon Grove on Monday last. --- LOCAL News Mrs. F.B. Ferrell of Bartow, Fla., is visiting her brother Mr. C.A. Merck. --- Mrs. B.F. Brimberry of Camilla, Ga., arrived Wednesday on a visit to her sister Mrs. Sam Hill. --- Mr. Hugh Sponcler left this week for Washington, D.C. where he will enter Columbia Naval Training School with a view to prepare himself for admission to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. The training course is seven months. --- Cassie Jenkins Keith, a married daughter of Andrew Jenkins, one of our best known and cleverest colored citizens, died suddenly last Saturday at her home in Nashville, Tenn. The remains were brought to Newnan for interment, and the funeral which took place Monday morning, was largely attended. The deceased leaves a husband and two children. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Friday, September 24, 1909 TURIN News Sept. 22nd We were called to Brooks Station on Sunday to preach the funeral of Mrs. R.H. Woods, widow of the late Capt. R.H. Woods. The remains were carried to County Line church for interment and a large concourse of mourning friends attended the obsequies. The deceased was a daughter of the late Hillyer Brooks of Brooks Station. She was in her 80th year and had been a member of the Baptist church for upwards of sixty years. She leaves two sons, three sisters and one brother, the latter being Mrs. Frank Woods of Atlanta, Mrs. "Tip" Peeples and Mrs. Abe Steinheimer of Brooks Station and Mr. John Brooks of Nyson. Thus one of the best women of our acquaintance has passed over the river to join her loved ones on the other shore. ---- MORELAND News Mr. John F. Hindsman has the sympathy of everyone in the loss of his wife, nee Miss Rosa Scogin, whose death occurred Tuesday. She leaves four children. --- WELCOME News Mrs. Levi Hollingsworth of Heard county is spending this week with her daughter Mrs. Sam Crain. --- CARD OF THANKS We desire to thank the good people of Moreland who so nobly assisted us during the illness and upon the death of our wife and daughter Zephra Barrett Gordon. That the blessing of an all-wise providence may abide with each and every one is our prayer. Mrs. W.C. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. L.P. Gordon Mrs. and Mrs. Neil Barrett --- LOCAL News Mr. Edgar Stephens left this week for Gilmer, Texas where he will engage in business. --- Judge and Mrs. R.W. Freeman announce the engagement of their daughter Nancy Clare to Mr. William Kennet Stringer of Belton, S.C., the marriage to be solemnized at their home in Newnan on Oct. 27th. --- Several friends gathered at the home of Mr. Elam Deracken yesterday to celebrate his 79th birthday. He is a most excellent gentleman and we hope will celebrate many more of these happy occasions. The Senoia Enterprise-Gazette, the 16th inst. --- Mr. R.B. Thompson of the Sixth district was receiving congratulations of his Newnan friends yesterday upon his happy marriage to one of his charming neighbors over in the Seventh district, Mrs. Minnie Phillips. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's father Mr. Allen West, the ceremony being performed by Elder W.H. Smith. --- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/coweta/newspapers/newspape2569nw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 43.1 Kb