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Historical Newspapers & Articles

From the Wayne Citizen, Dec. 23, 1880, p. 1.

COLORED PEOPLE’S ENTERTAINMENT
Hop and Supper at Clifton, Tennessee, Friday, Dec. 31, ’80.
Given by Sallie DAVY and Susan WALKER.
No profanity or boisterous conduct will be allowed.
Parties from a distance are especially invited to attend. A good time is expected.
Doors open at 4 p.m.
Admission 25 cents each. Abstracted by Lee Freeman

From the Wayne Citizen, Dec. 23, 1880, p. 1.

Clifton, Tenn., Dec. 6, 1880.
The members of the M.E. Church (Col.), will give a Festival for the benefit of the church, MONDAY EVENING DECEMBER 27, at 5 o’clock.
The choir will make the music and Rev. BURDETT Lecture, subject “Wise Girls.”
ADMISSION 25cts.
Children . 10cts.
Rev. ANDY PORTER, Chairman. Abstracted by Lee Freeman

From the Clifton Times, Thurs., May 29, 1890, p. 4.
WAYNESBORO, TENN.

The excursionists to St. Louis returned last week, reporting a pleasant trip, and loud in the praises of the officers on the W. H. Cherry. Quarterly Meeting was held here last Saturday and Sunday by Rev. J. G. BOLTON. He was accompanied by his daughter, Mis [sic] Ida LOU, A charming little Miss of twelve summers.
Mrs. Suzie GRAY, accompanied by Miss Lizzie HUCKABA, left for the home of the former, Franklin, Tenn., on Monday. The many friends of Miss Susie regret her departure.
There is considerable sickness through the country. Our physicians are busy night and day. Lewis HARDIN has so far recovered that he has returned to town, and resumed his business. Mrs. Matthew COLLIER is much improved. It was with serious regret that we heard of Mr. WALKER’s death. The members of his church at this place held him in high esteem, believing him to be a true and noble man.
Miss Mattie SPRINGER, who has been indisposed for several days, is much better.
Judge MORRIS returned from Clifton last week. He has recovered from his attack of fever, though quite sick several days after his return.
Mr. and Mrs. WEAVER and children left recently for Alabama to visit relatives.
Miss Laura DIXON has been dangerously ill for some time, but it is now thought she will recover.
The citizens of our town deeply sympathize with the unfortunate ones who suffered by the fire in Clifton, many of whom have warm friends and relatives here.
Miss Sarah BEDFORD has gone to Perry County to teach. She is a most excellent lady and is a good teacher. Abstracted by Lee Freeman

From “Whitten’s Stand, Tenn.” News, Written by Mattie McCorkle, Clifton Times, Thurs., July 3, 1890, p. 3.

After being silent for sometime [sic] on account of sickness and death visiting this vicinity[,] also the home of the writer, I will now endeavor to write a few lines for the TIMES. That dark angel, death, visited us June 8th, taking away our darling baby, Lillie EARL, age 14 months and 4 days. She died from congestion of the bowels and brain, after an illness of eleven days. Dr. S. O. PAULK, of Martin’s Mills, treated her case, but all in vain. His good intention and the prayers of anxious parents, grandparents and many sympathizing friends could not save her. God called for LILLIE, and she had to go. I am sorely grieved to part with one of my dearest ties on earth, yet I entertain many consoling thoughts, knowing that she is free from sorrow, pain and death, and will ever rest with Jesus, who said suffer little children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of Heaven. And at the judgement day she will rise with the redeemed and be an heir to the resplendent courts of glory. I now feel that I shall soon meet my dear babe in Heaven, where parting can never mar our pleasures in the regions of that happy, blissful homes. If there were no sad partings here, there would be no happy meetings over there. I am sorrowful, because a sweet treasure has been taken away; joyful, because that sweet jewel glitters in God’s Paradise.
I feel greatly indebted to the people around Whitten’s Stand, for the kindness they have shown us in our trouble. The people of this entire community are worthy of praise for visiting the sick. Allow me also to express my appreciation for the kindness Dr. PAULK showed us. He has certainly written his name on the tablets of my heart by acts of kindness. I appreciate his kindness just the same as though he had rescued my darling babe from death, and restored her to perfect health.
Little Nipsy HOLT and Roxy PIGG have also died lately. The bereaved family certainly have our heartfelt sympathy.
I read with some regret, some weeks ago, in the columns of your paper, of the death of Mrs. A. O. MONTAGUE. I have never met her, but have often heard her spoken of as a real lady. My husband, while on Hardin’s Creek once, visited the home of Mrs. MONTAGUE. He said she seemed to possess all the qualities that belong to pure, true and noble women. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “T ? Creek” News, by R. B., Clifton Enterprise, Thurs., March 16, 1893, p. 2.

Died in Nance’s Bend, February 27, Miss Lestine KINCHEN. Also on March 7, Jo KINCHEN. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Sat., Oct. 31, 1896, p. 3.

Married.

On the 25th of October, 1896, Mr. A. J. WALLACE of Wayne county,
Tennessee, and Miss M. E. GIST of Lawrence county, Tenn. They
called on the Rev. J. G. HINES at his residence in Lauderdale county
to make them husband and wife, which he performed in his genial
way to the great pleasure of them and the crowd. Part of the crowd with
badges on their coats, 16 to 1. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Marriages,” the Wayne Citizen, May 23, 1880, p. 2.

At the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. Albert FLOYD, Mr. Guss
LANCASTER to Miss Eugenia FLOYD, by Rev. ROOKER, Wednes-
day evening of last week. May their future be pleasant and prosperous. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Local News,” the Clifton Mirror, Friday, Dec. 16, 1904, p. 5.

Boys and youths’ clothing at J. N. Davis & Sons.
Robt. M. SIMS attended chancery court Monday.
Mrs. N. W. [Louisa Jane Fowler] BRATCHER, of Indian Creek died Thursday.
Jack BRADY was in from Waynesboro Saturday.
Chancery court is in session at Waynesboro this week.
R. B. THOMPSON, of Wharton was in town Wednesday.
Geo. DOUGHERTY of Cumberland City, spent Saturday here.
Jim WILSON of Florence, was a business visitor here Tuesday.
E. S, [sic] LANCASTER made a business trip to Decaturville Monday.
T. J. TYREE, Sr., one of the oldest residents of Clifton is quite ill.
Mrs. Ida MITCHELL of Indiana, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Doc KING. . . .
G. W. HOWELL, agent for the Ayers & Lord Tie Co. at Bate’s Landing, was a business visitor here the latter part of the past week.
N. W. [Newman W.] BRATCHER has resigned the position of tollgate keeper on the Waynesboro and Clifton pike and J. H. METHANAY [sic] has taken the position.
The C. P. Church will have a union Christmas tree Christmas eve. Committees will be appointed next Sunday to make full arrangements.
A large number of wagons are at work on the Waynesboro and Clifton Turnpike, filling up the low places and otherwise getting things in shape for winter travel.
A certain young man of Clifton has oodles of fun when he goes to Yapunk. To these who are not well acquainted with the lay of Wayne County we wish to say that Yapunk is just over the hill from Hogeye. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Wayne Countian, Friday, February 18, 1927, p. 4.

HOUSTON.

Health is very good here.
Ross BECKHAM was here Monday.
Jack BECKHAM and Fred MELSON were in Pin Hook Saturday.
Louise EATON and Sue BECKHAM visited in Cloverdale, Alabama, this week.
Bill YEISER is here this week.
Harry MOORE and Hardin COLE were here Sunday.
Russ YEISER was in Florence [AL] Wednesday.
Farris MELSON, who has been in the army for the past three years, is now with home folks.
Sue BECKHAM and Louise EATON spent Friday in Hines, Ala.
Mrs. Dick BECKHAM and daughter, Frankie, are spending the week in Cloverdale, Ala.
Bill EATON spent Saturday night with Don EATON.
Elisha EATON and Noah BECKHAM were here Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe D. HORTON spent Sunday with Mrs. Matt SCHULL.
J. J. MELSON and sons Farris and Clyde were in Waynesboro Monday.
Several of the young people enjoyed a party at Mrs. Emma BRATCHER’s Tuesday night.
Misses Eula MELSON and Marie HALL spent Monday night with Lois MELSON and Clara HALL.
Miss Lola FARRIS was here Saturday. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Times, Friday, April 29, 1921, p. 4.

MIDDLE CYPRESS NEWS.

Dear Editor:

If you will please give me space in your dear old paper I will come for a chat.
The inhabitants of Middle Cypress are moving along with farm work. It seems like every one are trying to plant a little cotton.

Mr. Jim BURNS and family from Collinwood spent Sunday with Mr. OLIVE.
Mr. Creighton McCLANAHAN spent Saturday night with Mr. Allen ROBERTSON.
Mr. Sam WILSON and wife spent Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. J. N. BAILEY.
Mr. Floyd BRATCHER, Miss Waymon BRATCHER spent Saturday night with their sister, Mrs. Lillie ARNOLD.
Miss Bula ROBERTSON has returned home after a week’s visit to her sister, Mrs. Mamie JACKSON.
Mr. J. N. BAILEY is spending the first of this week in Nashville.
We are very glad to say that the Sunday School at Whitten schoolhouse is progressing nicely. We had a fine Sunday school class Sunday and also some fine singing.
Mr. Melton WHITTEN from Oakland [Laud. Co., AL] spent Saturday night and Sunday with his father and mother.
Mr. Linard [sic] McCLANAHAN and wife visited relatives on Second Creek Saturday night and Sunday.
Mr. David OLIVE spent Saturday night with his father and mother.
Well, as news is scarce, I will close and give a better writer more space. A BLUE-EYED GIRL Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Times, Friday, June 3, 1921, p. 6.

MIDDLE CYPRESS NEWS.

Dear Editor:

As I haven’t seen anything in print from this neighborhood in quite a while, I will come for a chat.
Health in this community is very good at this writing, but think people would feel much better if we could get a good rain. We are having some hot weather, and it is very dry in this part of the county.
Mr. Crayton [sic] McCLANAHAN and Mr. Willie PIGG spent Saturday night with Mr. Lannie MORGAN and wife.
Mr. Sam OLIVE spent Saturday night with Mr. David OLIVE.
Mrs. Lora [sic?] WALLACE and her two daughters, Misses Lillian and Ethel, spent Sunday with Mr. Tom OLIVE and his daughter Miss Lizzie.
Mr. and Mrs. WILSON spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. OLIVE.
Everyone seems to be interested in singing now, and I think it is a good thing for any community. We have been having a singing somewhere around in this neighborhood for the last few Saturday nights, which was enjoyed very much by the young people.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin OLIVE spent Saturday night with Mr. A. W. BRATCHER and family.
Mr. and Mrs. A. B. BRATCHER spent Sunday with Mr. A. W. BRATCHER and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Lannie MORGAN visited Mr. Dumont THRASHER and wife Sunday afternoon.
Miss Beulah ROBERSON and Miss Annie BAILEY returned home last Sunday after spending seceral days with relatives in Etheridge, Tenn., and reported a very nice time.
I will go, hoping to see this in print.

A BLUE-EYED GIRL. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Herald, Friday, January 17, 1902, p. 2.
Cypress Inn, Tenn.

The baby of Tom DARBY is sick.
The little baby of Rev. Ed PAULK died at Jackson, Tenn., and was brought to Threet [Laud. Co., AL] and buried at Austin Cemetery.
Mrs. Zether MORRIS visited the family of J. M. WHITTEN last week.
The death angel visited the home of W. C. HYDE and claimed for its victim his eldest daughter. Deceased had been sick with typhoid fever for some time.
Mr. J. R. AUSTIN went to Florence Monday to stand the teacher’s examination.
Miss Ona HYDE is quite ill with typhoid fever. Her LITTLE SISTER is very ill with the same disease.
Marion WHITTEN and wife visited the family of H. J. LINDSEY this week.

SCHOOL GIRL. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Married,” Florence [AL] Journal, Thursday, Sept. 9, 1869, p. 3.

August 22d, 1869, at the residence of the bride’s father, by the Rev. J. W. WHITTEN, Rev. W. M. RIPPY, of the Tennessee Conference, to Miss Sue T. GARNER, daughter of Wm. GARNER, of Wayne County, Tenn. Submitted by Lee Freeman

Newspaper unknown, date of clipping unknown.

Celebrates His 86^th Birthday
Collinwood, Tenn., Sept. 1 – (Special) – David H. Martin, the oldest citizen of Collinwood, celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday anniversary Wednesday.
Martin has taken an active part in the affairs of Wayne County. He still serves as a notary public. He is still active for a man of his advanced age, and takes pride in the fact that he still weighs 200 pounds and never misses a meal.
Martin has been a member of the Methodist Church for seventy-one years. He has been a Master Mason for sixty years, was made a Royal Arch Mason forty-five years ago, joined the Scottish Rite twenty-five years ago, and the Shrine twenty years ago. Martin and his wife have six sons, A. J. Martin, Wewokam, Oklahoma; T. A. Martin and Luther Martin, Collinwood; Noah Martin, Florence, Ala.; Charles Martin, Pulaski, and Henry and Wayne Martin, Milan, and four daughters, Mrs. Leona Bratcher and Mrs. Viola Bratcher, Florence, Ala.; and Mrs. Eunice Barnett and Miss Lois Martin, Collinwood. they have twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Submitted by Edgar D. Byler, III

From “The Nashville Tennessean” September 23, 1934

“Basket Maker of Shawnette Creek”

“Uncle Johnce” Warren is 89 Years Old but His Woven Products and Gospel Sermons Still Fetch Him Buyers and Audience”
“Collinwood, Tenn, Sept. 23 _ (Spl) _ A lesson for thousands of Tennesseans who have had to ask public aid during the lean depression years is contained in the experience of “Uncle Johnce” Warren, who despite his 89 years, makes his living at his little home a few miles from here with his own hands and the sweat of his brow.
“Uncle Johnce” is famous throughout Wayne and adjoining counties for the first_class baskets which he makes of white oak by hand. Never a market day comes here or in Waynesboro but “Uncle Johnce” is represented by some of his products.
“Cotton baskets, feed baskets, small ones for gathering eggs or cradling baby chicks __ they all appear from the skillful hands of “Uncle Johnce” at his little home on Shawnette Creek.
” ‘A man should never give up but keep going. I enjoy making baskets and besides I had rather wear out than rust out,’ philosophizes the old man on Shawnette Creek, who lacks only eleven years of reaching the century.
“It is natural for “Uncle Johnce” to be philosophical about his work and his life, because in addition to making baskets for the past twenty-five years he has also been a part-time preacher of the Christian philosophy and gospel.
“Before he began the basket-making trade, “Uncle Johnce” was employed in the logging business for twenty_five years. He hauled logs from Wayne county forests to saw mills with his yoke of oxen and was known for having one of the best trained teams of oxen in all this country.
“This experience in the logging business prepared him in part for basket_making. When he is ready to make a basket, “Uncle Johnce” goes to the woods, selects the best white oak tree he can find, hews it down and then cuts slits from the wood and weaves them into baskets by hand. By the time a basket is made there is a market for it.
“Of course baskets and preaching do not make a luxuriant living but “Uncle Johnce” prides himself on having always lived a simple, plain life. During his eighty_nine years he has felt no urge for more than good shelter, comfortable clothing and enough to eat for himself and his family.
“Beyond voting regularly ever since 1865, “Uncle Johnce” has take no interest in political battles. He prides himself on never having been indicted, arrested or sued, which he thinks is a good record for a man of 89, still able to earn his own livelihood with his own skill and labor.”
Note: Rev. J. J. Warren was born 10 Mar 1845 and died 29 Dec 1934. He is buried at Shawnettee Cemetery, Wayne County, Tennessee. Submitted by Edgar D. Byler, III

From the Watcher (African-American, from Florence, AL), Friday, November 2, 1888, p. 1.

The post office, in Waynesboro, Tenn., was robbed on the 20^th ult., of nearly $100. Submitted by Lee Freeman
Additional information about the newspaper: this item comes from Florence’s African-American paper, the Watcher, published by A. M. E. Rev. J. W. Williams, of Centre Star, AL.; W. C. Handy’s father, Rev Charles B. Handy was assistant editor, later business manager of this paper, which published from 1888-1889

From the Florence (AL) Herald, Saturday, November 29, 1890, p. 3.

OUT IN WAYNE COUNTY.

Its Wonderful Mineral Deposits and Possibilities.
All along the [roadway?] from Clifton, on the Tennessee River, to Waynesboro, the county seat of Wayne, is a never ending scene of grandeur to the mineralogist. The hills face each other as competing forts and the prospector has plenty of climb and no end of reward. The specimens tell the tale. At Waynesboro there is not much talk of ore, but it is surrounded with it and with timber and any amount of limestone. From Waynesboro toward Lawrenceburg there is a region which has been partially developed, and the only lack of greater development is a lack of transportation. Within five miles of Waynesboro there has been found brown hematite fifty to 90 feet deep, and manganese would be the underbed of a railroad longer than Rhode Island. The ore can be easily—necessarily cheaply—mined. The deposits of ore are thick and heavy and will analyze 50 pre cent. The result is cheap pig-iron.
The following estimate is a safe one for the capitalist to investigate: Ore can be mined at 50 cents per ton, charcoal produced at $5, limestone at 50 cents, labor paid $1.50, brain remunerated at $1, incidental expenses at 50 cents, repairs at 50 cents, and the result is pig-iron at $9.50 per ton.
The lands are on the way from Paducah, Ky., to Florence, Ala., and have springs and creeks and any amount of timber.—Nashville American. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence (AL) Herald, Thursday, December 6, 1905, p. 3.

Bring in Your Fruit.
Three wagon-loads of apples from Wayne and Marshall counties, Tennessee, were disposed of on the streets, Saturday. The fruit was very fine and found ready sale at good prices. One man arrived about dark and disposed of his apples inside of a half-hour. He says he has been bringing apples to this market for five years. He lives seventy miles from the city and makes the trip and return in five days. The people of that section will find an eager market for all their surplus products, in Florence. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Herald, Thursday, August 9, 1894, P. 3.

Baptist Association.

The Florence Baptist Association met with Liberty Baptist church Friday August 3 and 4th 1894. Twenty-one delegates were present.
Threets [Crossroads, in Lauderdale County, AL] is a delightful neighborhood for such a meeting. The people are very hospitable. They entertained all visitors by basket dinners on the ground each day. They had their tables ever loaded with the best of food. As a supplement to this, there was added a watermelon stand in the yard, which was covered with “red meat” the freshest and sweetest to be found.
The association was a treat to all.
Rev. J. M. Moore of Waynesboro, Tennessee had been conducting a series of meetings with Liberty church during the week and was meeting with great success in his work.
As one building would not hold the large audience two houses were occupied and both services were going on at the same time. On Sunday all were gathered together at a beautiful grove near the church for Sunday school and preaching. Revs. Dr. Brown of Tuscumbia [AL] and W. S. Brown of Florence preached good sermons to a congregation of four or five hundred. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Herald, Friday, May 18, 1923, p. 6.

Lutts, Tenn. Barnie McFall

A large crowd attended service at the Lindsey cemetery Sunday the 4th.
Misses Gladys, Lillie and Goldie Johnson motored to Lindsey cemetery Sunday.
We are sorry to say that little J. W. Bevis has pneumonia, hope he will soon recover.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Holt visited Mr. and Mrs. Billy Pigg Sunday afternoon Sunday afternoon [sic].Mrs. Joe Bevis and Mrs. Will Hipp and children were the guests of Mrs. D. H. Bevis Saturday afternoon.
Cecil Reaves visited his cousin, Morene McFaill [sic], recently.
Floyd Reaves visited Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Reaves last Sunday.
Mrs. Mack Henson and children of Jacksonburg [Laud. Co., AL] were in Tennessee Sunday.
Miss Vergie Bevis of Tennessee spent the last week with Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hyde at Killen [Laud. Co., AL].
Mrs. Arthur McFall was the guest of Mrs. Geo. Reaves Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Johnson and little son visited on Cypress [Creek] Saturday night.
Willard Reaves visited his aunt Saturday morning.
Mrs. Willie Montgomery and daughter Blanche of near Florence attended service at the Lindsey cemetery last Sunday a week.
Turner Bevis and daughter Effie were in Florence last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Alexander motored to Florence recently.
Misses Clura and Cecil Reaves have a fine lot of goslings. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Gazette, Saturday, December 20, 1879, p. 3. Waylaid and Shot.

At Cypress Inn, in Wayne county, Tenn., about eight miles North of Rawhide [now Cloverdale, in Laud. Co., AL], Bill Fowler was shot and killed last Wednesday. It seems he was a few yards from any residence, near the woods, when a shot was heard, and a woman ran to the door and saw him fall into a little spring branch. He was dead before anyone got to him. For many years the name of Bill Fowler has been a terror to the people for miles around his neighborhood, and he bore the character of being a desperate and lawless man. He has often acted as a guide for the United States Deputy Marshals in their raids through this and neighboring counties, and assisted in the arrest of many innocent men. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Gazette, Saturday, January 24, 1880, p. 3. The Wayne County Moonshiners.

The recent assassination of W. A. Fowler, an internal revenue employee, by Wayne County illicit distillers, has had the effect of making W. M. Woodcock, Collector of Internal Revenue, more determined than ever to arrest all engaged in the manufacture of liquor without license. It is understood that Revenue Collector Davis, the relentless enemy of moonshiners, will soon proceed to Wayne County, accompanied by a strong force, and attack the violators of the law in their mountain fastnesses. – Nashville Banner. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, May 25, 1923, sec. 2, p. 4. Cypress Inn, Tenn. (Madge and Alma Keeton)

Mr. and Mrs. Will Brown visited Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Keeton recently.
Nute Pigg of Florence is very ill; we wish him a speedy recovery.
Miss Ruth Sharp visited Mabel Brewer recently.
Mrs. Anna Winters visited Miss[es] Ada and Bethel Holt Sunday.
Mrs. Eliza Martin of Waynesboro was the recent guest of her mother, Mrs. J. I. Keeton.
Miss[es] Alma, Candy and Lillie Keeton spent Sunday night with Mrs. Hattie Brown.
Mrs. Adkisson [Atkinson?] of Collinwood was the recent guest of her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Barnette, of Florence. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, May 25, 1923, p. 8. Cypress Inn, Tenn. (Madgie Pigg)

Oscar Berry and family visited Philip Rich and family Sunday and attended preaching at Mt. Hope.
Louis Rich and family visited Mrs. M. J. Rich and little daughter Sunday.
Mrs. Clura Lawson and daughter, Ruby, visited Mrs. E. C. Pigg Sunday.
Bob Pigg visited his mother, Mrs. E. C. Pigg Sunday.
There will be sacrament and feet washing at Scott’s Chapel on the 4th Sunday in May; preaching will be by Brother Rich; everybody invited to come, dinner will be on the ground.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Holt visited Mr. and Mrs. Harve Rich Sunday.
Lonzo and Granville Harper attended decoration at Mt. Hope Sunday. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Gazette, Wednesday, April 16, 1879, p. 2. U. S. Deputy Marshals.

During the last week or two a party of U. S. Deputy Marshal[s] from Tennessee have been making some stir in this county. Last Sunday they arrested Cal. Myrick and Wm. Martin, and during a few days previous destroyed six or seven distilleries and all the whiskey, material, &c., about them.
The outrages of these scoundrels who are doing their devilment in the name of law, have kept the southern [sic] people for years in a state of dread and terror. In the southern counties of this state it has been their custom, at stated periods to make [sic] a certain number of arrests and as it would seem at haphazard, oftener getting innocent men than guilty ones, but until recently this portion of the state has been free from them. Now, however, the iniquitous practice has commenced here, in our own county and, in our opinion, without even the cloak of law. About that let us see. The party which recently wounded Luke Howell and broke up a still in that neighborhood, claimed to be from Tennessee, and that above referred to as having arrested Myrick and Martin on last Sunday is said to consist of the same men. Now, this is the Northern District of Alabama, with Jos. H. Sloss as Marshal, and hardly in Tennessee or in the jurisdiction of Tennessee Marshals or deputy Marshals.
What right has a U. S. Marshal for a Tennessee district, in Alabama? Clearly none. No more than a U. S. Judge [sic] for a district in Tennessee would have to come into Alabama and hold court. Then these deputy U. S. (blood-hounds) Marshals are committing a violation of law as well as an outrage and should be arrested by the state authorities. Again they, (these deputy marshals), destroy the distilleries, cut them to pieces, or burn them up, which they call illicit, while they take the victim up to court to determine whether he is one of the illicit sort or not. Now, by what power or authority are these fellows constituted Judge and Jury to sit in judgment upon any man’s property, and condemn and destroy it, without ever giving him a hearing? Isn’t it an outrage? Isn’t it a violation of the constitution of our Government? If on the contrary such is the law and they have this authority, then we say, and the voice of the whole southern [sic] people joins us, it is an iniquitous law and should be purged from the statute books.
Again, we are informed, that this party, about which we are writing, commanded the cook at Mr. James Kennedy’s house to prepare dinner for them, and when Mrs. Kennedy ordered them to do no such thing, they became enraged and cursed and swore about the premises and in her presence. Such conduct is another outrage and a violation of our state laws and Mr. Kennedy should take out a warrant against them and have them punished.
If we have illicit distilling going on in our county, let it be broken up, but let it be done decently and according to law and not in a spirit of ruffianism and by a crowd of lawless ruffians. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Gazette, Wednesday, April 23, 1879, p. 3. More Revenue Outrages.

Since our last issue some new facts have come to our knowledge concerning the doings of Davis and his party of United States Deputy revenue collectors. Two or three weeks ago, when they stepped over the Tennessee line into our county without commission or authority, they arrested Luke and Lee Howell and Pink and Hugh Reynolds, without any warrant and without having caught them in any violation of law-Of course this was unlawful, since, under the constitution of the United States,no [sic] man has a right to arrest another for a misdemeanor without warrant, unless he is caught in the act of committing the misdemeanor. But even if these deputy collectors had caught them engaging in distilling they had no right to arrest them without warrant, for only the deputy marshals have that right and all of this party were deputy collectors. Davis and his men knew these facts well, for they turned all of the parties loose after having arrested them, showing that they had acted purely in a vindictive and lawless spirit.
Again, they arrested an honorable and upright citizen of this county because, forsooth, he happened to have two and a half gallons of whiskey in his house in a keg which had no revenue stamp on it.
But what cared these lawless scoundrels for the revenue statutes? They must arrest this law abiding citizen, and knock the head out of his whiskey keg, and waste the whiskey. Again, they find an old still, which was not being operated and had not been for years, which had been taken for debt by a citizen of our town, and proceeded to confiscate and destroy it without making inquiry or investigation.
The above are a few of the facts which we have gathered about Davis, Fowler, Overton & Co., and in the light of them,is [sic] it any wonder that an odium rests upon the very name of U. S. Marshals and Collectors and the revenue laws themselves?
Has the citizen no rights, which are to be respected? Do we pay taxes to this great government in order that such reckless villains and scoundrels as these may be hired to come among us and violate every right and privilege guaranteed us by the constitution? If such be the case, away with the farce of a bill of rights and such nonsense as a constitution. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence [AL] Herald, Thursday, December 1, 1892, p. 3. AN INHUMAN BRUTE.

News reached the city [Florence] last Friday that William RAINEY, a white man living on Indian Creek, in Wayne County, Tenn., had murdered his CHILD in a most brutal manner. The CHILD had been left with its father while the mother went to a spring near by. In the woman’s absence, the CHILD commenced crying and the father, being unable to quiet it, picking up a stick of wood, beat its brains out. The brute then fled.

From the Florence [AL] Times, Saturday, July 6, 1895, p. 3.

Some Wayne county boys dropped on Haddock [in NW Lauderdale County] last week, got tight, and kicked up a row. They were arrested and tried at SHAW’S Store, and fined $3.25 each and put under bonds. The Haddock people don’t want any nonsense of that sort, and they are right.

From the Florence [AL] Herald, Thursday, December 13, 1890, p. 3. WAYNE COUNTY ORE.

Analysis Which Shows Them to be of the Very Best Quality.
Her Ores Superior to Any Other in the Western Ore Belt.

A PRACTICAL FURNACE MAN. Wayne Furnace, Tenn., Dec. 8, 1890.

A. W. STOCKELL, Esq., Florence, Ala.: Dear Sir: In reply to yours of the 28th of November, requesting me to give you my experience in the working of Wayne County iron ores; also, their superiority, if any, over other ores. I submit to you the following:
The brown hematite ores of Wayne county extend over a large portion of the county, and are very similar in quality. I have before me the analysis of ore taken from ten different ore deposits lying in different parts of the county, the average of the ten deposits shows:
Iron 52.271.
Silica 7.630
Phosphorus 0.480
The sample showing the highest in phosphorus was 0.590. These ores should make a smooth face ope[n] grain neutral iron. At the Wayne Furnace deposit, which I operated for eight years in making pig iron, her ores show by analysis:
Iron 54.080
Silica 5.880
Phosphorus 0.410
Before the war this furnace was cold blast and was operated by the Messrs. [POINTERS?], making bout ten tons of iron per day; about all of their output was used by the Gaylord Rolling Mill Company, at Portsmouth, Ohio, which made a specialty of boiler plate, and the Wayne iron was used for that purpose. Their boiler plate had a very high reputation. After the war the the war [sic] the Gaylord Rolling Mill Company bought the Wayne furnace for the purpose of securing this iron. They put the furnace in my charge. I remodeled it, put in new blowing power and a hot-blast of the Davis make, which gave about 600o heat, increasing her output to twenty tons per day, and made iron that analyzed:
Iron 95.151
Silica 0.563
Sulphur 0.006
Phosphorus 0.786
This iron was used in making boiler plates.
In 1870, the Gaylord Iron and Pipe Compny, at Newport, Ky., bought the property and used the output in making water pipes, the iron having the fluidity anfd the strength to stand the pressure required, which made it a desirable iron for them as a mixture with cheaper iron. The pipe works used this iron for four years, but being twenty-two miles from the Tennessee River, the nearest point for shiping, we had to close down, and have remained idle ever since. Whilst I do not claim Wayne county ores superior to all other ores, I do claim that her ores are are superior to any ores in this western ore belt, from the Cumberland river to the Alabama line, having larger and more reliable deposits, and being lower in phosphorus and silica, giving us an ore that will make a more uniform grade of iron. Yours respectfully, G. W. BOYD. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Lauderdale Times, Friday, April 30, 1872, p. 3.

A few days ago, Mr. Wesley Hill, a citizen of Wayne County, Tennessee, had a desperate fight with a dog belonging to his neighbor, Mr. Lakey. The gentlemen met in the Waynesboro road, Mr. Lackey’s dog accompanying him. The dog at once attacked Mr. Hill, although his owner tried to restrain him. Mr. Hill, with his left hand prevented the dog from gripping his throat, until he could draw, with his right, a half worn knife, with which, he, at length, succeeded in stabbing the ferocious brute to the death. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, February 6, 1903, p. 1. Big Land Deal Put Through.

Through the efforts of George R. Johnson of Wayne county, Tenn., 72,000 acres of rich mineral and timber lands have just been sold in that county. The purchasers are Eastern capitalists, and it is probable that the work of development will be commenced at an early day. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times and Journal, Wednesday, January 8, 1873, p. 3.

Married—In the public road, near A. P. Reynolds, Esq., by the same on the 27th ult. Mr. Alexander Brown and Miss Amanda Kiddy, all of Wayne County, Tenn.

From the Florence Times and Journal, Wednesday, January 7, 1874, p. 3.

Married by Esq. J. P. Bourland, at the residence of the bride’s mother, in this county, on the 18th ult., Mr. Thos. A. Phillips, of Wayne county, Tenn., and Miss Emily A. Givens.

From the Florence Times and Journal, Wednesday, January 22, 1873, p. 3.

MAN KILLED.—Week before last, a young man named Jehu Simmons of Wayne county, Tennessee, was killed eight miles from Florence on the Little Cypress road, by the falling of a tree on him, while sleeping in his camp. A limb of the tree struck his head causing instant death. The deceased and a friend were bringing cotton and marketing to Florence. A very large number of his friends, we are informed, attended the funeral, from which the inferences are made that his sad fate excited much sympathy amongst his neighbors, and that the young man was highly esteemed in his neighborhood.

From the Florence Herald, Friday, February 23, 1906, p. 1.

Kick of Mule Causes Death—
Of a Prominent Citizen of Lauderdale County and a Leading Mason—
Death Results in Short Time—
J. M. Pigg, Near Cypress Inn, Meets Violent Death While Visiting—
The sad news come from near Cypress Inn that Esquire Jasper Pigg, a prominent farmer, was kicked to death by a mule last Sunday. Mr. Pigg and family had been spending the day at the home of a neighbor’s, John Lawson. In the afternoon Mr. Pigg went out to catch his mules in order to drive home. In going near one of the animals, Mr. Pigg received a kick in the stomach, from which he died in about half an hour. The body was taken home and prepared for burial. The interment was made in the Lawson cemetery, where the ritualistic ceremony of the Masonic order was held, he being the worshipful master of his home lodge. He will be greatly missed in the community in which he resided. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Short Local Items,” the Florence Times, Friday, December 22, 1899, p. 8.

Mr. Poke Doddy, near Cypress Inn, Tenn., killed a rattlesnake Dec. 14, with seven rattles. His dog treed the snake in a hole on the creek bank, and Mr. Dodd’s son not knowing it was a rattler, put his hand in and pulled him out. The dog was bitten, but the boy escaped.

From “About Some County People,” from the Florence Herald, Thursday, February 8, 1900, p. 5.

W. C. Hyde of Cypress Inn, Tenn., is a believer in live stock as a paying investment. On Saturday last he passed through Florence with a bunch of twenty-two yearlings which he will run over until spring with as many more which he now has on his place. A local citizen made the observation as Mr. Hyde’s yearlings passed, that the bunch would double their present price by spring if properly cared for.
H. G. Townsend and Dave Darby of Cypress Inn, Tenn., sold last Saturday to T. M. Booth of Pulaski, Tenn., thrifty-two head of good pigs at $3.25. The bunch made big money for the raisers and will do the same for the buyer if properly fed. The sooner our farmers learn the difference between raising fine fine hogs to sell at good prices and raising cheap cotton, the better off Lauderdale County will be. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Tuscumbia, AL, North Alabamian and Times, February 9, 1883, p. 3. Gallows Birds,

Henry Clifton and Henry Robinson, two hardened negro rascals have been carrying on a high handed and systematic game of cattle stealing for a week or two. They stole a valuable ox from under the yoke on the streets one night last week and carried it to Florence where they sold it for ten dollars. They made two other trips selling cattle each time for much less than their worth, giving their names as Wagner and Lewis and claiming to be from the Northern part of Lauderdale county. Mr. Ed Blair [City Marshal of Florence] with that keen vigilance which makes him a terror to thieves, saw them and at once suspected them. Getting proof of the sales by them he came over here Tuesday to identify them, but as soon as the negroes discovered him they fled, but were soon overhauled by Messrs Gipson and Blair and committed to jail. They will have a preliminary trial to-morrow. We hope they will be held under a sufficient bond to ensure their trial at court. The patience of our people is being sorely tried by the wholesale stealing that is going on and they intend to have it stopped. These Clifton negroes are professional hog and cattle thieves and should not be allowed to go at large again in this community. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, January 29, 1904, p. 1. BAD MAN CAUGHT. Drew a Gun on Sheriff Hill at L. & N. Depot.

On Tuesday last Sheriff Hill captured a man on the southbound L. & N. train at the depot in East Florence after quite an interesting episode on the car.
The deputy sheriff of Wayne county, Tenn., had the day before come to Florence and notified our officers that George Keeton, against whom eight indictments existed at Waynesboro, was headed this way and asked them to look out for him. When the train came in, Mr. Hill and Constable Young boarded it, and when the sheriff called Keeton’s name (whom he recognized from the description given him) the latter grabbed his gun. The sheriff was too quick for him, however, and the man surrendered. Keeton appears to be a pretty tough citizen. The eight indictments against him were for assault with intent to murder, disturbing public worship, and highway robbery. On Tuesday afternoon he [left?] with his official escort for Waynesboro in a carriage. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Personal and Local News Notes,” the Florence Times, Friday, July 28, 1916, p. 1.

United States Marshal last Friday arrested three men at Waynesboro charged with assisting Jason Haddock to escape the jail there. Haddock had been arrested several weeks before on the charge of moonshining, but got away within twenty-four hours, and the officers charged that these men had a hand in it. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Local News About People,” the Florence Herald, Thursday, August 3, 1916, p. 1.

Mr. Dugan Holt, a prominent merchant of Cypress Inn, Tenn., and Mrs. Holt, came down Sunday and visited the home of their son, Mr. J. B. Holt, on Magnolia street. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, July 21, 1916, p. 1.

Waynesboro to Florence Road
Wayne County Wants Florence and Lauderdale to Send Big Boosting Crowd Aug. 12th.
The County Court of Wayne County, Tennessee, has set the dates for a bond election for the purpose of building good roads, and it is proposed to build one of them to the Alabama State line where Lauderdale County will connect with a similar road into Florence.
This is a move in the right direction. The Florence people are much interested in this movement, as it means much to their business men, and will bring into Florence a great deal of trade which cannot now get here.
On Monday, Mr. E.H. Steinman, Industrial Agent for the Tennessee Valley Iron & Railroad Company, located at Collinwood, came to Florence and met the Commercial Club with a view to interesting them in a movement to co-operate with the Wayne County people.
The line of road proposed would extend from Waynesboro to Florence via Collinwood, and as Collinwood is located in the center of Wayne County and easily accessible from every direction of the county, it is proposed to hold a big rally and picnic at that thriving little city on Saturday, August 12, bringing all the people of Wayne County together. A number of entertainments and amusements are being arranged for the day, and the proceeds will be donated to the funds of the two churches now building there. Prominent speakers from different sections of the State will deliver addresses, a special train will be run from Florence, leaving here early in the morning and returning in the evening.
The Commercial Club has entered heartily into the plan to take advantage of this occasion to boost the Good Roads movement and urge their members to go in a body to Collinwood, together with their friends from all parts of the county to help boost the project. They call upon all public spirited citizens to join them on this date.
Wayne County is also proposing to vote on bonds for a railroad to be built from the old Wayne Furnace to Savannah via Collinwood, which would develop practically the entire county and open up the immense deposits of iron ore that have laid dormant so long.
Lauderdale County is interested in the activities of Wayne County, and every citizen should come to the front with a helping hand and help push forward our sister county. It means much to Florence.
Posters will tell of train arrangements and rates.
Wayne County wants all of her former citizens to come back home on August 12th and have a big reunion at Collinwood. Come and visit your old friends and help boost the bond issue for good roads and a railroad. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Personal and Local News Notes,” the Florence Times, Friday, July 21, 1916, p. 1.

At a meeting last Monday afternoon with Mr. E.H. Steinman, of Collinwood, the Commercial Club heartily agreed to help the people of Wayne County in their efforts toward road and railroad building, and appointed Messrs. T.M. Rogers, N.C. Elting, A.B. Camper, P.A. Patrick, and H.C. Gilbert as a committee to help in securing a big crowd from Florence and Lauderdale to attend their big rally day on August 12th at Collinwood. A special train will make the trip from Florence. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Thursday, July 27, 1916, p. 1.

Big Picnic at Collinwood August 10th.
There will be a picnic at Collinwood, Tenn., on Thursday, Aug. 10th. A special train will run from Florence to Collinwood, one fare for round trip.
Good speakers will address the people on this occasion on the subject of good roads.
There will be plenty of good things to eat and amusements for all. Our people should attend this picnic, get acquainted with the people of that section of Tennessee, for they are our neighbors, and in building good roads we should co-operate for our business interests are mutual. Remember the date and make arrangements to go. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, July 28, 1916, p.1. The Collinwood Celebration

Announcement has been made that because of the inability of the L. & N. R. R., to furnish special trains on August 12th to handle the crowds to and from the big celebration at Collinwood the date has been changed to Thursday, August 10tth.
On this day special trains will be operated both from Florence and Columbia to Collinwood and big crowds are expected to attend from points all along the line to take in the festivities.
A number of people in Florence and Lauderdale have already signified their intention of going, and it is hoped that every business man who can get off will make an effort to attend and lend his assistance toward co-operating with the Wayne County people in working for good roads and a railroad. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Thursday, August 3, 1916, p. 1. SPECIAL TRAIN TO COLLINWOOD

Big Celebration to be Held Next Thursday in Interest of Proposed Pike Road.
A special train will leave Florence at 7:30 Thursday morning, August 10th, to accommodate the large crowd expected to attend the big celebration at Collinwood on that day. Train will arrive at Collinwood about 9:30. Fare for round trip 75 cents.
This big meeting will be held in the interest of the proposed Waynesboro-to-Florence Pike and to discuss the advisability of voting bonds by Wayne county [sic] to build a railroad to reach her vast undeveloped beds of iron ore.
Addresses will be made by the following able speakers: John H. DeWitt, Nashville: Frank Boyd, Waynesboro; Lon A. Scott, Savannah; George T. Hughes, Columbia; R. T. Simpson, Florence; C. T. Crawford, Lawrenceburg; and A. M. McDonald, Charlotte, N.C.
Our merchants should close their places of business on this day and give their clerks a holiday, so that all can attend and boost for the pike road from Waynesboro to Florence. It is hoped that fully one thousand will go from Florence.
Every citizen should put his shoulder to the wheel and help the Commercial Club boost for the pike road that will be of so much benefit to the people living north of us.
For other details see large bills. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, August 18, 1916, p. 1. COLLINWOOD DRAWS GREAT CROWD.

Estimated That at Least Five Hundred People from This County Attend Meeting.
Collinwood’s big day, last Thursday, was a great success from every point of view. It is estimated that five thousand people assembled in the little city in Wayne County to show their interest and enthusiasm for the forward movements being undertaken for that section in the establishment of the new railroad, and the Waynesboro to Florence Pike.
The special train which arrived there about ten in the morning carried almost a dozen coaches, and every one was packed to the limit, fifteen hundred visitors being on board. Of this number more than five hundred were from Florence and Lauderdale County, about three hundred going from this city, while the others were picked up at points along the line. The exercises of the day were most interesting, and the speeches made by gifted speakers from different sections were inspiring, and aroused in the minds of the crowd enthusiastic interest in the call to support the great developments that are underway for that section. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, August 25, 1916, p. 1.

WAYNE COUNTY VOTES BONDS
$150,000 for the New Railroad Received More than the Required Majority.
The good result of the campaign in Wayne County, Tennessee, for the issuance of railroad and road bonds, which reached its climax in the big celebration at Collinwood on August 10th, when about five hundred people from Lauderdale County attended, was shown in the election held last Saturday when thirty-five more than the required three-fourths majority voted in favor of issuing bonds to the amount of $150,000 for assisting in the construction of the railroad tapping the ore fields of the county, and connecting with Waynesboro and Collinwood, and running toward the Lauderdale line, [sic]
The next election, on the issuance of bonds to the same amount for road building, will be held on September 2nd, and it was conceded that if the first election carried there would be no question about the people voting for the road bonds. Besides, a majority is all that is required for the road bonds, while the law requires a three-fourths majority on the other question.
While the railroad will be of immense benefit to the county and its citizens, the farmers are more directly interested in the question of road building, and will receive more direct benefits from good roads.
The people of Florence and Lauderdale are also more interested at present in the election for road bonds, because its success means the construction of the pike from Florence to Waynesboro, which will be of vast importance both to Florence and Lauderdale and the people in the territory opened up. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, September 8, 1916, p. 1. WAYNE COUNTY DEFEATS ROAD

Row Develops as Result of Article in Clifton Paper and Bonds are Voted Down.
The prospect for the pike from Florence to Waynesboro went glimmering last Saturday when the people of Wayne County voted down the proposition to issue bonds for the purpose of building their part of the road.
It seems that an article appeared in the Wayne Countian, a paper published at Clifton, just prior to the election on the railroad bonds, attacking the movement in such a way that the people in favor of the railroad proposition all over the county resented it, and although the men leading the successful fight for the railroad bonds were earnestly supporting the road issue, the voters showed their feeling against the people who opposed them by voting down the road matter they were supporting.
The news of the “split” that developed among the people of our neighboring county came as a distinct surprise to the people of Lauderdale, as the big majority, more than three-fourths, given the railroad bond question had made it appear even more certain that the road issue would carry. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, March 5, 1926, p. 1. SUCCESSFUL RAIDS MADE BY OFFICERS THIS WEEK

Six officers from Wayne County, met Deputy J. O. Davis, Carl Copeland, T. P. Blackburn and Will Butler at the state line on the Chisholm Road and Butler Creek recently and raids were made on two stills in that neighborhood. Both of them being destroyed together with about 1,500 gallons of mash and twenty one gallons of whiskey. No arrest [sic] were made but two copper stills were found and confiscated. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, April 13, 1934, p. 1. SINGING WILL BE HELD

The Wayne County Singing Convention will meet at Waynesboro auditorium Sunday, April 15, beginning at 10 a.m. All lovers of sacred music have a special invitation.
We appreciate the cooperation we get from Alabama and expect more singers and better directors than ever before, according to announcement made by J. R. McClanahan, president. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Short Local Items,” the Florence Times, Friday, December 22, 1899, p. 8.

Mr. Poke Doddy, near Cypress Inn, Tenn., killed a rattle snake Dec. 14, with seven rattles. His dog treed the snake in a hole on the creek bank, and Mr. Dodd’s son, not knowing it was a rattler, put his hand in and pulled him out. The dog was bitten, but the boy escaped.

From the Florence Times, Friday, December 14, 1923, p. 1.

WAYNESBORO MAN IS ARRESTED HERE.
A man by the name of Montgomery, gunman, wanted in Waynesboro, for the shooting up of a church, disturbing public worship and the attempt to kill several women and children at that place was arrested on Monday by Sheriff Morrison and Chief Deputy Davis, on the Chisholm road a short distance from Florence.
Waynesboro had offered a reward of $50 for his capture and the sheriff and his deputies were on the lookout for him. He is reported to be a dangerous character. Officers at Waynesboro came to Florence today and took charge of Montgomery. He will be taken there to answer the various charges against him. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, September 6, 1940, p. 6. MARTIN FAMILY HOLDS REUNION ON SUNDAY

The Martin family reunion was held Sunday, August 25^th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Martin, of Collinwood. All members of the family were present with the exception of A. J. Martin, of Oklahoma. A total of 55 relatives and friends was registered.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Martin, of Collinwood; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Martin, Jane and Milton Martin, of Milan, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. N. W. Martin, of Milan, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Taylor and son, Don, Miss Mint Henson, of Collinwood;
Mrs. Leona Bratcher, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Bratcher and son, James, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Freeman and son, Billy, of Florence; Mrs. Viola Bratcher, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Bratcher and sons, Gene and David. Mr. and Mrs. Hobson Olive and daughter, Audrey, of Florence;
Mr. Erby Burns and son, Bobby, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, and daughters, Carolyn and Judith Edna, of Collinwood; Mrs. Eunice Barnett and daughters, Jerolyn and Joye Sue, of Cypress Inn, Tenn.;
Mr. and Mrs. Noah W. Martin and daughter Aileen, of Florence; Mr. and Mrs. Luther W. Martin and son, Harold, of Collinwood; Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Martin, of Pulaski, Tenn.; Margaret Lois Martin, of Waynesboro, Tenn.;
Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Martin, of Lutts, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Martin, of Sheffield [AL]; Mr. and Mrs. Cletus Smith, of Wilson Dam.
The guests were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Melson, of Collinwood. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Thurs., February , 1904. MAPLE GROVE.

Health is good in this community at present.
The home of George Ballentine was made sad by the sudden death of his infant daughter last week.
The Sunday School at the Cross Roads suspended for a while on account of measles. We think they are about starting up again.
Joe White of Wright visited his parents here Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. Clara McFalls visited friends near Burcham Mills Sunday.
Rev. Robert Crump of the M. E. Church South stopped in our midst one night last week. He seems to be a very earnest worker, as his people are already erecting a new church on his charge. We hope the same may soon be completed.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. McFalls, who recently moved to this neighborhood, attended the quarterly meeting at Mt. Pleasant, near Cypress Inn, Tenn. They report a pleasant time, with the presiding elder in the pulpit-who did good preaching both days. On their return home they dined at Brother Montgomery’s, who is one of these old time fathers and a strict member of the church, and a firm supporter of the same.
What has become of the “Alabama Girl?” Let us hear from her again.
Mignonette. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, July 7, 1905, p. 4. CYPRESS INN, TENN.

We are having plenty of grass and the farmers are busy fighting it between showers. Some people have laid by their crops and some are still planting.
A. Darby visited friends and relatives on Indian Creek last Saturday and Sunday.
Several of our people attended church at Liberty last Sunday and heard an excellent sermon preached by Rev. Ed. Paulk of East Florence.
Some of our young men attended Children’s Day exercises at Bethel Grove last Sunday and reported a nice time. B. L. Darby has almost completed a barn for C. B. Dublin.
Will Davis is dangerously ill at this writing. A telegram has been sent to his son, L. B. Davis, of Texas.
Kildee. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, July 7, 1905, p. 4.

In the case of N. C. Elting vs. Ches Wymond Co. for trespass in Wayne county, Tenn., tried before Judge Almon on June 17th, the decision lately rendered gives verdict for plaintiff in sum of $789.20. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, July 7, 1905, p. 7. WAYNESBORO

We are having lots of rain at this place.
On Monday last the saddest event of our town occurred, Mr. Tom Merriman being instantly killed by a flash of lightning. Just as the cloud came over he started to his home from where he had been in work in the field just a little ways south of this place, his horse also was killed. They both were found about two hours later.
On Tuesday of the following week little Susie, the four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cicero Morrow, while playing with her little brother, was also killed by lightning, the boy being unhurt.
The parents of both have our deepest sympathy in their sad affliction.
The Wayne County teachers’ examination was held at this place on Friday and Saturday, June 23-24[.] The preacher attended and I guess he had a chill as he was shaking like a leaf in a March wind.
What a sad time it is. As the school is old, W. H. B. says it is like going to his mother’s funeral to have to leave Miss Sophia.
Preacher. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Friday, August 14, 1931, p. 8. WAYNE COUNTY FARMER KILLED BY AMBUSH SHOT

Sam Ward, farmer of Wayne County, Tenn., who resided in the Holley Creek community about two miles east of Iron City, was shot to death Friday afternoon while riding horseback enroute [sic] to his home after a business trip to Iron City. Billy Kelly, brother-in-law of Ward, about 25 years of age, was arrested in connection with the shooting, according to reports received here. He is said to have confessed to shooting Ward three times. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From “Over the County: Happenings Told by Visitors to Florence,” the Florence Herald, Thursday, April 13, 1899, p. 8.

Dr. J. D. Duckett returned last week from Nashville, where he took a post graduate course at Vanderbilt University Medical College. Dr. Duckett has formed a partnership with his brother, Dr. L. F. Duckett, of Cloverdale, and makes headquarters at Cypress Inn, Tenn. These gentlemen will take care of their joint practice in Lauderdale and Wayne counties together. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Saturday, May 25, 1895, p. 3. MURDER WILL OUT.

An Alleged Murderer Captured Six Years After the Deed.
Six years ago a young school teacher of the name of F. M. Whittens, was murdered in the adjoining county of Wayne, Tennessee. The supposition at the time was that he was killed by illicit distillers because he had given information to the government officers concerning their operations–though the facts in the case had never been developed.
As a sequel to the murder, on Saturday morning last there arrived in Florence United States Deputy Marshal S. T. Minor, Of Tolihina, Indian Territory, having in charge Tim Wilson, who is charged with being implicated in the murder. Wilson had been captured in the Indian Territory six years after the crime for which he is in part charged. Marshall Minor had previously, last April, brought to Wayne county one Jas. F. Brown, who was also charged with the same crime.
Mr. Minor and his prisoner arrived over the M. & C. early Saturday morning, and left the same day on the 2 p. m. N., S. & F. road for Waynesboro. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Herald, Thursday, June 6, 1895, p. 4.

Mr. J. P. Paulk, of Cypress Inn, Tenn., has purchased the Denson farm, near Threet. Mr. Paulk will move his family to this county during the year. Submitted by Lee Freeman

From the Florence Times, Friday, February 2, 1906, p. 2. THREET

We are having plenty of rain and muddy roads.
The school here is moving on nicely under the management of Mr. Elmer Koonce.
Health of this neighborhood is very good at present.
Messrs. W. C. Hyde and Bevis Bros. purchased a farm of H. J. Lindsey. Bevis Bros. are hustling merchants at Threet and have many friends.
Rev.G. M. Randle preached to a large congregation at Salem the second Sunday, after which he united Mr. Jim Weaver to Miss Oakley Darby. The bride and groom immediately left for East Florence where they will make their future home.
Mr. Reader [sic], the book agent was seen in the neighborhood last Friday night. There must be some other attraction besides selling books.
Mr. Pugh Bevis and Leander Austin have been seen going toward Greenbriar lately. Listen for the wedding bells.
Lookout girls, Rusco has started out and we think he means business.
Mr. Jim Anderson goes to prayer meeting every Sunday night but he doesn’t go by himself.
I wonder if Henry Wright has a notion of Practicing medicine, he has been seen at Dr. Paulk‘s lately.
Everyone is invited to an all-day singing and preaching the fourth Saturday and Sunday at Liberty.
We are sorry to hear that Mr. A. N. Moore and family are going to move to Iron City, Tennessee.
We understand that Mr. Arnett, of Cypress Inn, Tennessee, will move to Mr. Moore‘s farm.
It is rumored that Ed Cough has gone to Savannah after a bride.
Yours truly, Dove. Submitted by Lee Freeman

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