1902 The Calhoun Monitor

Volume 2, Number 47 Pittsboro, Calhoun County, MS, Thursday, June 12, 1902 Price One Dollar, Cash.

Copyright by Rose Diamond
 
Special Thanks to the Monitor Herald for permission to transcribe these articles.

For Congress. We are authorized to announce Hon. W. S. Hill as a candidate for Congress from this the 4th district, subject to the action of the Democratic party.
The Boer war has ended and these old farmers have lost all save honor.
New Jersey capitalists are talking of establishing a big oil mill at Okolona, Miss.
And now the combine is on furniture, what next, or rather what is left to form a trust on.
Senator McLaurin, of South Carolina, has been given a fat office for life as a reward for betraying his democrate [sic[ constituents. Such is the trend of affairs.
Hon. A. J. Russell, Speaker of the House of Representatives, died suddenly June 4th, at Oxford Miss. He was a clever man, an able lawyer, and was a prospective candidate for Governor of Mississippi.
President Palma, the chief executive of the new and free Cuba, thinks it best not to begin pensioning Cuban soldiers just now. His message is warmly approved by his countrymen and the U.S. It is a document worthy of a careful perusal.
 
About the latest railroad news we have concerns the old survey up the Yelobusha [sic] via Graysport, Ellzey etc. The tidings are encouraging. But another road is proposed from the deep water at Biloxi Miss. via Laurel and Forrest on through Choctaw, Webster, Calhoun and Desoto to Memphis, the objective. Congress has just appropriated $10,000 for the improvement of the harbor at Biloxi.
 
We are requested by Mr. Fayette Howell to announce a meeting of the county executive committee on the first Monday in July. As several members of the committee have moved away from the county it is thought best to meet and reorganize. The following names appear as committeemen:
Dist. 1 – H. H. Creekmore, C. D. Shipp.
Dist. 2 – J. J. Burt, D. C. Hogan.
Dist. 3 – M. D. L. Howell, W. J. Stacy.
Dist. 4 – S. C. Bounds, J. W. B. Embry.
Dist. 5 – G. W. Dowdy, E. Parker.
County at large – T. M. Murphree, D. C. Cooner, L. B. James.
 
On our little trip in the southern and western portion of the county last Tuesday and Wednesday, ye senior observed closely the condition of crops by the way. We also heard expressions regarding same from several whom we met. It appears that crop prospects were never better at this season of the year in this section, both cotton and corn are in good condition and oats are much better than I expected to see, the last rain having benefitted them greatly. The people everywhere seem to be in dead earnest and not in fun about making this crop. It seems that they are economizing also, as the merchants are hopeful and say that they are taking in as much or more ready cash than usual. In the neighborhood of Dr. Holland’s and ____ church, we noticed fine crops of cotton, corn and oats growing in some places, almost into the road with no fence about The Messrs Shipp’s, Capt. T. L. Beadles and others whom we met seem pleased with the outlook. But withal, there’s many a slip ‘twist the cup and the lip.

An Old Relic

Knowing our fondness for antiquities Dr. C. K. Holland brought to this office last week the “American Senator”, an old book containing proceedings of the U. S. Senate in 1796 when George Washington was serving his last term as president. In this old book, which is 106 years old, two letters of the alphabet were made exactly alike, “s” was made just as “f” is now, and “t” was made like “f” also, except it curved over to the left above, hence it is very difficult reading for the people of today. It appears from the arrangement of phrases and sentences in the “Senator” that the speakers and printers of those days had very little knowledge concerning our present rules of grammar. “Mr.” Andrew Jackson was then a member of the senate body and when our old ally, France threatened the U. S. for having made a certain treaty with Great Britain Jackson voted his impatience and wanted to strike back at the country of Lafayette. Washington read his message to the senate Dec. 7, 1796, and then handed one copy to each, the speaker and clerk. In this message he finds himself for the last time in the midst of the representatives of the people and prays that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved and that the government instituted for the protection of liberty may be preserved. What a contrast is here presented between Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. We can’t think that Washington would have used the “water cure” on the Fillipinoes [sic] had he undertaken to conquer them. We find the names of many of the old heroes of the Revolutionary war among the Senators who served in 1796, and John Adams was Vice president. Taken altogether the “Senator” is an interesting relic of bygone days, when the money question cut but little figure and when principle and “honour” [sic] sat enthroned in the heart.
 
After a good deal of study and worry [sic] we have at last ‘figgered” out why so many country editors get rich. Here is the secret of their success: A child is born in the neighborhood; the attending physician gets $10, the editor give the loud-lunged youngster and the “happy parents” a send off and gets $0. It is christened, and the minister gets $5 and the editor gets $00. It grows up and marries; the editor published another long-winded, flowery article, and tells a dozen lies about the ‘beautiful and accomplished” bride. The minister gets $10 and a piece of cake and the editor gets $000. In the course of time it dies; the doctor gets from $5 to $100, the minister perhaps gets another $5, the undertaker gets from 25 to $50, the editor publishes a notice of the death and obituary two colums [sic] long, lodge and society resolutions, a lot of poetry and a free card of thanks, and gets $0000. No wonder so many country editors get rich. – Monona Index.
 
Who Did It?
 
It is neither manly nor brave to shoot pistols in the nighttime especially about the homes of peaceable citizens. The violator may conclude that there is no chance for anyone to find out who he is and that he can frighten women and children with impunity and continue to do so at sweet will, but he is following a dangerous business. This thing is getting to be monotonus [sic] about Pittsboro and some of the people are being stirred up. Must a law and order society be organized here? A vigilance committee/ How will you manage to protect your families from these disturbances and insults? We want proof, who are the violators.
 
Texas Letter.
May, Texas, May 27, ’02
Ed. Monitor:
 
I have anticipated writing to the dear Monitor ever since the reunion at Dallas, but it has been delayed until now and it has therefore been so long since the reunion that I will not tax your patience with any reunion talk. But you may tell the boys who came out that they came just about a month too soon. During this month, we have had abundance of rain, and as for crops there has never been a better prospect to date since I came to the state. Texas just simply has on her Sunday clothes every thing except small grain. Of course the rain came to late to make what otherwise would have been. But you know a very wise man said no man knoweth [sic] what a day will bring forth, so I will give you some of what I shall call Texas proverbs. It is sometimes said of this great state that in the way of crops it can promise more and do less and promise less and do more than any other country that you ever saw. Yes, and there are more creeks and less water, more cows and less milk, more preaching and less religion. Though these proverbs perhaps are not altogether as true as those of Solomon. It is said there is never a sweet without a bitter, whilst everything is now so lovely we have had some very destructive storms in portions of Texas this spring, which has resulted in the loss of many lives and a great deal of property. Though it is here as it is everywhere else in the universe of God. He does these miraculous things that his power may be made manifest. Well, Mr. Editor, I bespeak for you and all of Calhoun a happy semi-centennial. How much I should like to be there and shake the hands of the many that will evidently attend on the occasion.
Now, in conclusion let me say that I will second the motion for the nomination of Judge A. T. Roane for governor, for if any man in the state has been more loyal, more faithful in the discharge of his respective duties than Judge Roane has I would like to see him. More anon.  T. A. West.
 
Arkansas Letter.
Magnet Ark., June 2, 1902
 
I will again pen a few lines for your colums, [sic] but I fear your readers will tire of reading my scribbling.
 
I having just received and read The Monitor of last week am favorably impressed with the ide [sic] of you people having a Semi-Centennial celebration of the organization of your county for which you are to have the mass meeting to day, I hope you will have the celebration on the 26th inst. And that Col. Stephens will be able to attend and be one of the orators of the day, for it seems to me without his presence something would be lacking.
 
Health is good here now and crops are looking and doing well notwithstanding we have had a superabundance of rain lately.
 
“The Choctaw” connection between Benton and Butterfield is completed and passenger trains are running through to the Hot Springs. Should you or any old friends travel the Choctaw route to the Hot Springs we would be pleased to have you get off at Butterfield and come out three miles to our house and spend part of your life with us. Butterfield, like all inland towns when a new railroad comes, has got its boom on. Besides two stores, a blacksmith shop and a saw mill, it has a telegraph and telephone office, an express and freight office and there is now begin built a –something else, -- My little granddaughter asked me a few days ago if the “blind tiger” would walk around. I told her not much.
 
The oil well between Malvern and Butterfield which capitalists has been boring since last October has been abandoned for the present, but a good deal of speculation is going on as to the cause Some think they (the capitalists) want to buy up the lands lying adjacent while others think their hopes are blasted. But we feel proud that we have nothing invested in the enterprise except the reputation and future of our country.
 
Hosea Carver, who when a boy lived near Crows bridge in Calhoun, (then Yellobusha) [sic] died at his home in this county a few days ago. His brother John died last June.
 
We would be glad to know that some of those much talked of railroads in Miss. would strike old Calhoun about center wise. But, then people would sell their most valuable stuff, the timber.
 
I will now give you a little of my recent experience as justice of the peace and then close. About three weeks ago, the plaintiff instituted suit against four defendants, an old man, his wife and two sons, for the unlawful possession of certain lands. The suit was brought in the name of the state in which case a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars may be assessed. Trial day came and a jury of 12 men was demanded by the defence, [sic] jury failed to agree, new trial last Monday, jury failed to agree. Trial again on Tuesday when a verdict was found in favor of the defendants. Both sides were well represented by counsel and a case is pending in our circuit court for ejectment from house which will be tried on the same evidence. Tell old man John McComic that the old man defendant in this suit is named Joseph Porter and says he knew him (Mc,) in Alabama, when he (Porter) was a boy. W. H. Bachman.

Communication

Editor Monitor:
I have been putting in some pleasant moments reading your paper, and while I am not a citizen of your county, I can well remember when it was organized and who was the first sheriff. I think I was at the first circuit court held in the county. I was then about seventeen years old and well remember that at [sic] night that old Joe Thedford, Ben Jackson, Joe Nations and others held a Kangaroo court. G. W. Walker was sheriff.
 
My father for several years was assessor of Chickasaw county prior to the formation of Calhoun county and assessed much land now belonging to your county. I have often heard him speak of many of the old settlers of the county, among whom were the Brazier’s, Murphree’s, Byars’, Parker’s, Gore’s Anderson’s, Caston’s, [Gaston’s], Kilpatrick’s, Sessions’, Stevens’, Woodward’s, Griffin’s, Spencer’s, Delashmet’s, Connor’s, McCormick’s, Buchanan’s, Enoch’s, Gables, Winter’s, Ryan’s Hawkins’s and a great many others whose names he frequently referred to as his friends. I too, know many of those old people, they frequently came to see my father and I well remember their jolly drinks by the old side board.
 
We had no railroads those days, our markets were Greenwood and Aberdeen, our nearest mill was Vance’s about thirteen miles off. Nearly every body, men, boys, women and girls worked in the fields. I have worked many days in the fields with my sisters and then my mother and my sisters would card and spin at night. They spun wool and made our clothes. I have had to help pick the seed from the cotton, so that it could be carded I have known my oldest sister to weave 11 yards a day. I have helped to spool the thread and put it in harness etc.
 
I spent one night with Dr. Ryan while he was living in Pittsboro and really enjoyed hearing him tell of the old times. He was our physician when I was a boy. He was speaking of the complaints then being made by the people of hard times. He said that in his early practice, he used to take his blanket to sleep on. He knew the circumstances of the people and said he remembered hearing my father say that on one occasion Capt. J. F. Walker was a candidate for the legislature and came to our house early one morning and hung around distressingly late for a man that had no meat for dinner and the he really offered but little inducement for him to stay, but that he did stay for dinner and when they went in to dine, father said: “Well Jim, I am sorry to say it, but I have no meat for dinner,” to which Capt. Walker replied: “Bob, that is alright, I don’t find meat at but few houses.”
 
 My father’s first frame house was put up from plank sawed by the Pappers boys. Plank was sawed by a whipsaw. Nearly all the houses in the early days in this country were floored by poplar puncheons. I can well remember old Col. Brazier. He was a loud snorer. The old days are past and gone, but I don’t see that the people are any better now than then. It is true, we live in a faster day than did our fathers, and we cannot prophesy as to what the future is to be judging by the past. I wish that we could all appreciate our blessings and be thankful to God for them. N. B. Crawford.
 
The noted Hooks trial in Memphis is nearing a close. Mrs. Hooks is no doubt guilty of all she is charged with, but from the evidence the jury will be apt to return a verdict of not guilty.
 
The old confederate soldier knows just how the Boers feel now while stacking arms and starting back to their dilapidated homes.

BLUE

As we have been absent for quite a while don’t believe we have been off on a visit of recreation, but just been saving our hay. We have it all cut and safe now and have a few leisure days to kick up our heels, would say go fishing , but the boys have done took and cotch ‘em all.
 
Oh such fine weather on the farmers. We have had plenty of rain, but not enough to stop us from plowing since 1st of April, just been at work all the time, but our crop prospect is sufficient to repay for all the labor done. If present weather continues only a few more weeks until we will finish up.
 
Ah Mr. Editor we agree with you as to educating, clinging to the farm, persuading some nice Calhoun girl to marry you and wait for the railroad. That is all very good, but when she won’t promise, then what?
 
(The old saying is: If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. – Eds)
 
Quite a crowd of young people attended children’s day at Atlanta Sunday the 8th. Had a nice time indeed. Recitations, essays and music could have not have been excelled.
 
Messrs Sam Dendy, Make and Jim Blue drove out a fine herd of beef cattle leaving Calhoun.
The Dowdy string band is practicing for the picnic 4th of July. Come round if you want to hear good music.
 
O yes, we will be on hand at Camp spring on 26th July with a basket of dinner too, Hope to meet many of our friends.
 
Rev. Nolan filled his appointment Saturday night at Midway school house. He delivered an excellent sermon to a large and attentive audience.
 
Health is good as ususal, except Joe Gable he is no better. [Signed] Trickey Boy.

WARDWELL

How is this for warm weather?
The health of our community is very good.
 
Misses Mary and Nannie Conner, who hae been in school at the I. I. & C. are now at home. Mr. Fuller Conner from Houston is at home also. Their many friends give them a welcome.
 
Misses Annie and Hattie Wells, Maude and Nellie Woodward attended children’s day services at Atlanta Sunday.
 
Mr. James Abernathy of Atlanta, visited on Woodward street Sunday.
 
Mr and Mrs. J. C. Wells visited their son at Vanrish Sun.
 
Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Dendy visited relatives at Tabbville Sun. and Monday.
 
Mrs. A. W. Owens and Miss Carrie Moore made a business trip to Atlanta Monday. [Signed] Polly

REAGAN

Mr. L. J. Puttman [Putman] has the misfortune to have two very fine yearlings killed by lightening lat Saturday during the thunderstorm.
 
Fruit is beginning to ripen and we guess the farmers will be enabled to appease their eager apetites [sic] occasioned by hard labor and scarcity of grub.
 
A much needed rain fell here Saturday afternoon, which greatly revived the scorching vegetation and relieved the anxiety of the farmes and the present indications are that we will receive more…[Excerpt] Napoleon.

The Calhoun Monitor

T. M. Murphree, J. B. Going, Publishers.
Entered at the Pittsboro post office as Second class matter
Pittsboro, Miss June 12, 1902
Official organ of Calhoun county

NEWS OF LOCAL INTEREST

 “If a fellow is a bad egg, don’t try to beat him.”
Mrs. Dr. Creekmore is said to be quite sick at this writing.
 
Miss Velma Bene of Coles Creek is visiting relatives in our town this week.
The Monitor received five new subscribers from one pot office last week.
 
Mrs. Roma Bennett is visiting relatives at Pittsboro – the family of Mr. R. Cruthirds.
Mrs. J. B. Countiss of Freedom visited her daughter, Mrs. G. W. Tindall of our town last Tuesday.
 
Mr. D. W. Johnson says they had a fine time at the mt Comfort singing last Sunday, good order etc.
A brand new stock of shoes just received at F. M. Ross’. Call and examine them and ask the price.
 
Attorneys Ford & Haman attended court at Banner last Saturday and we learn came out winners in their cases.
Misses Myrtle and Daisy Musick of Sarepta are visiting in Pittsboro this week, the guest of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Young.
 
Several drummers in town this week, among them the clever and genial Mr. Van Kincannon, so well known in Calhoun.
Mrs. D. E. Spearman and two daughters, of Air Mount, spent a few days in Pittsboro last week, visiting Mrs. B. Cruthirds.
 
Miss Stella Aven, who has been attending school at this place for the past session, returned to her home at Toccopola last Saturday.
We’re after the fleeting dollar and give value that never fails. W. H. Bailey & Bro.
 
Tax Assessor J. F. Smith and deputy Eli Powell have finished assessing and for the next few weeks will be engaged in making out their roll books at Benela.
 
The stave bucker/backer machinery loaded on five wagons, passed through Pittsboro yesterday evening going north and will be planted near Mr. D. C. Cooner’s for eight or ten days.
 
At the regular 11 o’clock services at Pittsboro o next 4th Sunday Rev. J. H. Rogers will by request preach of Moses, “The wise choice he made” etc. Don’t fail to hear him.
 
Mr. V. M. Brock and Mr. Andrew Bounds are serving as jurymen at the Oxford Federal court now. Messrs. G. W. Stubblefield and L. Pate were excused. They want good looking men or none up there.
 
Mr. Tucker Newell, a pupil of Pittsboro school and brother of the principal left for Banner Saturday. We regret to lose the many bright young folks from our midst; though, perhaps, temporarily.
 
We are requested to state that there will be a meeting of the Woodmen of World at the court house Friday night. A full attendance is desired, as matters of importance will come before the meeting.
 
Airy things for torrid days. Every thing for summer wear at W. H. Bailey & Bros.
 
Mr. J. S. Moore of Derma says the wolves have not all vamoosed the Yellobusha [sic] bottom yet. They killed a year old calf for him last Saturday night and have killed many sheep for him and his neighbors. Mr. Moore proposed a grand rally of the denizens and a thorough drive for these depredators.
 
Now is the time to look into the sanitary conditions of the town. There are lots of old planks, shavings, rotten wood and all sorts of rubbish under and between some of the stores, which would easily ignite if a match was thrown thereon, and this combustion is dangerous and unhealthy. Let our town authorities look to the welfare of the denizens.

CALL MEETING

Notes: J. J. Adams, chairman of the semi-centennial celebration calling meeting for Saturday, June 15, 1 o’clock at Pittsboro for committee appointments.
 
Notes: Concert at college Friday night successful. “Prof. Newell and his worthy consort have infused new life into our people and Pittsboro is on the upgrade. Such is the effect of a good school in a town. The teachers enthuse the pupils, the parents catch the spirit and the procession moves onward. Thus we have good preaching every Sunday, good Sunday schools, able lawyers, clever merchants, sympathetic physicians and least but not last three editors who have borrowed the word “Excelsior” from the school and are hurling solid chunks of wisdom (?) at their patrons. The ball is in motion, keep it moving.”
 
If the company is made up in Calhoun to purchase a boring outfit, let them try Pittsboro first, as there has been several failures here. Perhaps oil or some other mineral lies far beneath the surface; if not artesian water may be had, and it is needed for man and beast here. If we remember correctly the company that undertook to furnish the town with artesian water went down 426 feet to rock and lost their pay because they could not make the 500 feet. It seems that there is a prospect for more substantial machinery and we hardly see how a man can lose by investing in the same.
 
Mrs. Mosley of Bellefontaine passed to rest Monday morning, Mrs. Mosley, the grandmother of Dr. E. f. Arnold’s wife, who made her home at Dr. Arnold’s died June 2. Her son, Rev. J. R. D. King, who arrived at Bellefontaine Friday night on a visit to his mother, attended her burial at North Union cemetery Tuesday. She was very old and loved by all who knew her. Walthall Warden.
 
We call attention the change in the law card of Brewer & Creekmore. Mr. J. L. Bates, a young lawyer who has just completed the law course at Oxford, has located here and entered as the local member of the firm of Brewer, Creekmore & Bates. Mr. Bates is a young man of splendid business qualifications and any matters of business entrusted to his care will be given prompt attention. Office over the store of the Pittsboro Mercantile Co.
 
Marshal P. L. Dye, though barely able to be on foot from his long and recent illness, is after the boys for their incorporation tax. He also extends “fair warning’ for them to be on hand next Monday morning with tools preparatory to working the streets, in addition to this Messrs. J. J. Ellard and J. C. Clements are patching up the walks. “Oh, there’s life I the old land yet.”
 
FOR SALE
 
I offer for sale my store and entire stock of goods, also my dwelling house in Pittsboro. Anyone wishing to buy call on or write me. J. T. Perry, Pittsboro, Miss.
 
PROCEEDINGS B. OF S. JUNE TERM
[Board of Supervisors]
 
G. A. Martin allowed to erect gates across Pittsboro and Coffeeville road.
On petition of J. T. Baker et al, the following lands incorporated into the stock law, to wit: SE ¼ Sec 22, S ½ Sec 23, SW ¼ Sec 24, all in T. 12 R 2W.
Babe Malone and Mit Tallent dismissed from poor house.
Acct. of News dismissed.
Petition of R. F. Provine for stock law continued.
Petition of J. l. Turner for stock law dismissed.
Stock law petition of W. H. Hawkins et al dismissed.
Accounts number 6 and 7 of Walker, Evans, Cogswell & Co. dismissed.
W. T. Scott credited with the following amount in state cases $1059.25.
Ordered that sealed bids be received on or before July 1st 1902, to furnish county with stationery for the next two years, beginning on the above date.
Repairing of levee across Pittsboro and Banner road, let to lowest responsible bidder, in front of the court house door on 1st Monday in July 1902. Plans and specifications on file in chancery clerks office.
Sealed bids received on or before 1st Monday in July next for keeping paupers the next two years beginning Jan 1st 1903. Said keeper to furnish medical attention in addition to what was heretofore required.
 
Accounts Allowed:
W. T. Scott, feeding prisoners $9.55
Cooner & Harrelson, goods 1.75
C. A. Beasley, salary & postage 40.65
Monitor, assessors blanks 5.75
A. E. Kirkpatric, bridge 36.00
W. T. Scott, conveying Mrs. Sue Enochs to asylum and the same charged to her estate 65.45
A. J. Ruth, keeping paupers 102.50
W. A. Thomas, lumber 9.35
T. E. Gideon, timber 1.00
Sid Gilliam, timber 2.00
J. G. blue, timber 1.50
W. Z. Edmondson, ex-officio work 2.00
J. L. Cobb, ex-officio work 2.00
J. C. Beasley, ex-officio work 2.00
Walker, Evans Co. goods 16.00
Drs. Hardin & Creekmore medical attention to paupers 20.00
W. R. Byars, Pres.
 
PROGRMME [sic] OF THE ZION BAPTIST S. S. CONVENTION
 
The Zion Baptist S. S. Convention will meet with Pilgrim Rest S. S. class at Embry, Miss, Thursday beore the 3rd Sunday in july A. D. 1902.
PROGRAMNE [sic]
1st – Devotional exercised by chaplain.
2nd – Conventional sermon by Bro. C. A. Loveless, alt. Rev. A. B. Hicks
3rd – Organizing the convention.
4th – Welcome address
5th – What is the mission of the Sabbath School, Rev. T. A. Wilson, C. A. Loveless
6th – Qualifications and duties of a S. S. Superintendent, E. W. Goza, W. T. McQuary
7th – After the shadows comes the sunshine, Essay by Ida Hicks
8th – Is it right to omit teachings the truth to avoid giving a pence, M. L. Shepherd, J. E. Shaw
9th – Good behavior in church and Sunday School, Essay, by Miss Ode_ Branon.
10th – Best way to interest parents in the Sunday School, E. Wright, T. J. King
11th – Essay by Miss Nolia Mann subject of her own choosing
 
The Supt. Of each school is requested to appoint some one in his school to write an essay or deliver an address at next convention. Each school will please furnish in its letter the kind of literature used and the amount of money paid for missions. Respectfully, J. C. Winter, President, E. W. Goza, Secty.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS

[Excepts]
 
HOPEWELL
Dr. W. L. Dottery called on friends at Hopewell Friday evening while on his way to Slate Springs. …
Mrs. Sarah Ross of Maben is visiting friends and family…
Mrs. Annie Ward has returned to her home at this place from Iuka where she has been visiting her sister for several months.
Mrs. Sue Smith of Eupora, is visiting her sister, the Misses Johnsons of this place.
Mrs. J. M. Burlison and Mrs. Annie Ward went to Slate Springs trading last Wednesday.
Miss Roena Woods visited friends…
We learn that Mr. Eli Hardin and wife contemplate starting to Texas about the 20th of this month. [Signed] Madge.
 
LOYD

Mr. L. M. Bailey made a business trip to Okolona last week.
Rev. J. N. Flynn filled his regular appointment at Hurricane Sunday…
Mr. I. H. Murphree of Big Creek visited relatives in this neighborhood Saturday night and Sunday.
Some of our young people attended the singing at Mt. Comfort Sunday, among whom were Messrs Bradford Murphree and Jimmie Ellard. They report good singing and a nice time.
Mr. John Mitchell of the Pine Ridge neighborhood, who has been crippled for some time was able to attend preaching at this place today.
The protracted meeting will begin at Hurricane the third Sunday in July. …
Miss Catherne Landreth is visiting here this afternoon.
Oh! How do you recon those two young men felt that went to see their girls this evening, both riding the same horse. [Signed] Blanche
 
SAREPTA
 
The wife of Jessie Kellie (col.) died very suddenly last Wednesday evening, while going from the field to the house, a severe hemmorrage [sic] of the lungs was the cause.
Look out for the maddog! He was here Sunday he did no harm here that we know of, but several head of cattle and other stock have been bitten west of here.
Miss Willie Sheffield has been ill for several days. We hope she may soon recover. Several cases of chills are reported in the community.
N. R. Lamar of Pittsboro was in town last Thursday night. He was accompanied home by the Misses Musick who are visiting relatives in Pittsboro this week.
G. W. Stubblefield says he doesn’t know so much about the Calhoun delegation of the Federal grand jury being so good looking, but he is too good or not good looking enough (he doesn’t know which) to sit on a jury with the “kullud brederen,” therefore he leaves his place to be filled by some other good looking Calhounite.
We had two interesting sermons last Sunday. Bro. Riley preached on Lord’s supper and Bro. Huggins preached on Repentance and conversion. Very good congregations attended both services.
B. L. Griffin of Banner spent Saturday night in town. He filled his regular appointment to preach at the Card school house Sunday. Patrick
 
ELLZEY
 
Dr. Dotterry took a trip Thursday 5th to Slate Springs on business, has not returned yet.
The singing at Burgess church last Sunday was well represented from this community. Mr. B. M. Ellzey says there was about 700 people there and plenty to eat, but his girl wasn’t there.
 
We heard one of our good citizens remark that he wondered why brimstone didn’t rain down on this community. Of course he feels like that kind of stuff would satisfy him, but I tell you, if he gets his wish, I hope no other citizen will be injured by it, for we can’t see why such a calamity would be necessary on our people here. No doubt we have some ills among our good things as other settlements, but don’t think we can say as much for our community as Uncle Fuller did for his. We don’t have a fog of tobacco smoke in our church when services close, though some of our boys smoke, but such assersions [sic] referred to first in this article, is why our community gets a bad name off, when really we don’t deserve it. Our boys can’t get justice in a court in Calhoun county an it’s because they don’t get it at home. So we hope our leading church member won’t get mad at his neighbors that he wants fire and brimstone to rain down on them any more, but rather want it to rain some water to revive his neighbors crops and when he speaks of his neighbor let it be a good word or none at all. Old Rusty.
 
SLATE SPRINGS
 
A social gathering at the home of Mr. Verna Mallory Saturday evening was a source of much pleasure to our young people.
Prof. and Mrs. Goza are all smiles over the little daughter whose presence now blesses their home. Prof. says he will set his house in order, light the parlor and await the first card.
Miss Susie Strong of Derma, is the guest of her grandmother this week.
Mr. William Yarborough, who lives not far from here, is suffering from a temporary mental derangement.
Mrs. W. E. Dollitle, [Doolittle] is also quite sick. A few chills have visited members of Mr. V. M. Brocks family last week.
Mrs. Pearl Boland is now with her mother and her condition is much improved. The little daughters Grace and Mairie of Mrs. Jake Boland are visiting their grand parents at this place. Nan Tuckett
 
DERMA
 
Mr. Andrew Taylor, who is clerking for Taylor Bros. at Walthall, visited home folks last week.
Max, the baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey Hardin, has been on the sick list for several days.
The charming Miss Susie Strong is visiting relatives at Slate Springs this week.
Mrs. T. L. Hollis and daughter, Miss Ethyl, have been on the sick list several days, but glad to say they are much improved.
Mrs. Jennie Dye and little daughter Clifton visited relatives here last week. They were accompanied here by Miss Ivy Dye.
Mr. Eli Powell visited home folks today (Monday).
Mr. Alfred Rish passed thro’ these parts last Friday.
Mrs. Emily Smith visited her mother Sunday.
Mrs. Debby Betterton is in very feeble health at this writing.
Misses Rena and Virgie Langston visited relatives here Saturday night and Sunday.
Mr. Edgar Barton and family visited parents here Sunday. Chatterbox
 
HOLLIS
 
Singing and preaching at New Liberty today; good turnout.
 
Mr. J. H. Powell and wife and Joe Lucus and wife took dinner with ye scribe. These men are both good company, but our enjoyment was disturbed during the evening when a considerable smoke was seen over near the church. We, together with Mr. Seazer Kilgo and Jasper Easley started to the place were the fire was and on our arrival found the fire had got into the leaves and brush and had burned up to the grave yard and some little inside. We were just in time to save the pens and buildings around the graves. Some cigarette smoker had dropped a burning match on an old stump which caused it.
 
The latest report is that Charley Dye is still very sick. I haven’t learned the nature of the disease. …
The young people had a nice musical entertainment at Mr. Walter Orr’s last night, but the music was mostly chin music in fact it was all chin music. Misses Eva Adamas and Venie and Lillie Martin of Ellzey were over and composed a part of the band.
Several young men of south of Yalobusha were over here today. There seems to be some magnetism over here that has considerable influence on them by the way they come.
A few days and I’ll show you a cotton bloom if the lice don’t eat it up.
Holly Embry lost a fine young mule this week by death.
Railroad news is very encouraging whether we get the R. R. or not.
If anybody wants to have a 12 year old boy or 7 year old girl apprenticed to them see the president of the B. S.
Mr. Editors, happenings are scarce this week; nobody died; nobody married, not because they don’t want to marry, however, they haven’t , but you never saw more courting done. Uncle Fuller.
 
BISHOP
…
There will be an all days singing at Mt. Moriah the second Sunday and preaching the third Sunday and Saturday night before by Bro. A. J. Gaines, pastor.
Well, I will have to close. Sal is calling me to move a box. Black Eye
 
NOTICE: In pursuance of Sec 4219 Annotated Code of Mississippi and sheet acts 1896, page 156, the Board of Supervisors of Calhoun county hereby request sealed bids, accompanied by bond from any parties wishing to bid for the contract to furnish the county with all necessary books and stationery for the next two years. That all bids be filed with Chancery clerk of said county on or before the 1st Monday in July 1902. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids. This June 4th 1902. W. R. Byars, President.
 
Strayed from the farm of C. R. king near Beuna [sic] Vista, one Cream colored mare, medium size, with roman nose, black mane and tail, star in forehead and white right hind foot. Finder will please notify F. F. Foulks, Beuna Vista, Miss. and receive reward.
 
ADVERTISING
 
Earl Brewer, H. H. Creekmore, Water Valley and J. L. Bates, Pittsboro Brewer, Creekmore and Bates Lawyers. Pittsboro, Miss.
They will practice in all the courts of Calhoun and adjoining counties. Office up stairs over store of Pittsboro Mercantile Co
 
**
W. A. Alexander, Sabougla, Miss, Contractor and Builder
Consult me before letting your contracts.
 
**
Ford and Haman Attorneys-At-Law
J. H. Ford, Thos. L. Haman
Pittsboro, Miss
Office on west side of the square in office formerly occupied by Arnold Creekmore
 
**
S. R. Whitten
Coffeeville, Miss.
Represents The New York Life Insurance Co
The Greatest International Life Insurance Co
 
**
Sisson & Adams
Attorneys-At-Law
Pittsboro, Mississippi
W. S. Hill
To assist in civil matters in Circuit and Supreme Courts
Will practice in all the courts of Calhoun county, the Federal court at Oxford and Supreme court at Jackson.
Prompt attention given to all business entrusted to them
Office east side Court House.
 
**
A. T. Smith
Attorney at Law
Pittsboro, Mississippi
Prompt attention to clients.
 
**
Commissioner’s Sale
J. N. Vance et al vs A. P. Vance et al
In pursuance of a Decree of the Chancery Court of Calhoun county, Miss.,
rendered May the 20, 1902 as appears on record on minute Book No. 4, page 359 and 360 of said court in Chancery clerk’s office,
I will on Monday, July 7, 1902 in front of the court house door in the town of Pittsboro within legal hours proceed to sell
at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, the land described as SW ¼  Nw ¼ Sec 28 T 22 R 9e situated in Calhoun county for its purchase money.
This May 29, AD 1902
R Cruthirds Commissioner
Sisson & Adams, Sols for petitioner.
 
**
Commissioner’s Sale
J. N. Vance et al vs A. P. Vance et al
By virtue of a Decree of the Chancery Court of Calhoun county, Miss., rendered at the May term, on the 20th day of May 1902
in case No. 1689, Exparte M. B. Dottery et al, I will, within legal hours, on Monday the 7th day of July, A.D. 1902 in front of the court house door
 in the town of Pittsboro, Miss offer for sale to the highest bidder for cash, the following described land to wit:
Block 11, containing 5 acres, more or less, and Block 37, containing 2 acres more or less; all in the town of Slate Springs, Miss
This the 3rd day of June 1902
R Cruthirds Special Com

SEPTEMBER 3, 1902
 
Semi-Centennial Address of Col. M. D. L. Stevens July 26, 1902
 
(Continued from Last Week)
 
they had no right to take our slaves and personal property without compensation than they had to take our land, but we were overpowered, had to bow to their cruel behest as the result of the war.
 
If your county does not stand high in the great sisterhood of counties in the state, it is the fault of the people and not the county. You have one of the best upland counties in the state. You have good land, good water, good health and fine timber. Not more than one sixth of the land in the county is in cultivation. Your valuable timber is yet untouched and your water power has not been utilized. Clear up your vast bottom lands, straighten your rivers, creeks and branches, levee your unruly streams and put all the best land of the county in cultivation and you will be surprised at the result; these lands will produce anything that can be grown anywhere in the U. S. Land is as cheap in this county as in any county in the state and cheaper than in the far West.
 
A nation, a community county is just about what the people make it. You have made the county what it is and you can make it just as good as you want. A restless disconrented [sic] people never build up a state or a county. Contentment and industry are the main wheels of progress and prosperity. A contented and industrious and happy people are always a successful people. You must speak well of your community. The possibilities of your community are beyond computation. Your vast forests must be felled, your branches and creeks straightened, your rivers canaled, your brain and your muscles must be brought to bear, must be used; nerve and determination, can and will accomplish much, pull down your old dilapidated houses and build new ones and better ones, build churches and school houses in every community, teach your children to work, set the example, work yourself; educate your children, give them all the advantage you possibly can, make them comfortable at home. These things can be done by the poorest man in the county. It don’t [sic] take so much money, but it takes brain and muscle, pluck and energy. Don’t go to town so often, town is a poor place for a farmer or a farmers son. Take an interest in your stock, keep good horses, good cattle and fine hogs and sheep. Don’t mind about the dogs and gun but stick to the plow and hoe and don’t let your axe get dull. Repair your fences, fix that water gap, clean out the well, house your stock and look well to home generally and quit talking about Texas and Oklohoma, [sic] look after old Calhoun and old Calhoun will look after you.
 
You go working your land and plowing up and down the hills for years and make no returns to the soil. Reason and common sense teaches you better. You go on like your fathers did and complain at the crops. You should cultivate less land and fertilize it more and make it better every acre of tillable land in the county when well fertilized and well worked will produce a bale of cotton or 40 bushes of corn. If your land yields you $10 per acre annually, you should surely return ten per cent back to the soil every year. You pay your neighbor ten per cent for the use of his money, why not return ten per cent to the soil every year, it is fair, it is honest, it is business to do so, but you don’t do it. Farming is the most noble of all occupations, the most independent. Will you not with one accord resolve to stitk {sic] to old home and to Calhoun, quit talking of the west and go to work and make the county blossom as the rose.
 
One word to the pioneer mothers: Fifty years ago when the county was organized, you lived, many of you, in rude log huts near a spring of pure cold water gushing out of these towering hills, with your own hands, made the clothes that you and your children wore. Your bright eyed little boys and girls grew up around your feet. You had meat, corn, wheat, rice, potatoes and pumpkins. You were a happy and contented people. On the Sabbath day you went with your children to the log church and heard John Sanders, Hampton Gore, Lowery, Crocker or Fox expound the Gospel, while the husband and father was too often given to hunting and fishing or hanging around some pioneer who had a barrel of “Bust head.”
 
You and the children cultivated the crops while the head of the family hunted and fished or shot for beef. Hid away in the hills was a little school house, where some school master reigned with a rod of iron and the children studied the blue back speller and read aloud, and in the afternoon the teacher usually fell asleep in his chair and the children romped at will while the teacher slept.
 
But soon the bugle blast of war sounded and husbands and sons rushed to their country’s rescue. Many mothers grasped for the last time the hand of her husband or son. Far away on the distan [sic] fields of strife the father laid down his life, the husband fell in the thickest of the fight and the son pours out his life blood on the altar of his country. The mother, the sister, the wife, opened with trembling hand the well worn letter from the field of strife, which told of the death of the father, husband or brother, and with tearful eyes heard that the man the daughter, the sister loved had fallen in the bloody strife. But no time for grief, no time for morning; bread must be made for the little ones at home. The mother, wife, daughter and sister brushed away the tears and went to work in the field.
 
For four years this sad scene was repeated; times grew harder, the struggle with the women at home became still more severe [.] salt, the great necessity of life became a question of grave importance with the mothers at home, she had meat and bread for the children, but salt and cards could not be had, the women struggled on day and night, working for the children at home and to clothe the soldiers in the field, such devotion is without a parallel in history.
 
But enough of this sad picture. Let the war with its bloodshed and its suffering, slumber with the dead past. Let us look around and see the improvement and the progress we have made since the organization of the county fifty years ago. The forest have been felled [,] houses have been built, homes established, churches have been built, school houses erected in every neighborhood.
 
You can see culture and refinement on every side. The rising generation as a rule are taking advantage of our schools and colleges and reaching out for higher more advanced culture. The county has quite a number of young ladies and young gentlemen in our colleges and universities, that are making their mark. The day will soon come when Calhoun county will be noted for its culture, its refinement and its well organized society. Let your march be on ward and upward and the star of Calhoun will yet shine resplendently [sic] in the bright galaxy of stars representing the different counties of the proud old state of Miss.