NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for MARCH 4th thru MARCH 11th, 1937 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, MARCH 4, 1937 SHERIFF LOOKING FOR SECOND MAN IN TWO KILLINGS Sheriff Tom Prestridge is continuing the investigation of the roadhouse gun battle the night of Feb. 14 when two men were killed, another man receiving a bullet in his arm and a young woman being shot in the abdomen, her intestines being punctured seven times, it was said. Burt Austin, operator of the roadhouse, and Herbert Clayton, 33 of near Lebanon, a customer, were killed when two masked men were said to have entered the building and commenced firing almost instantly, following their command to "hold up your hands." The woman, listed in Anniston as Ruth Jean Sailors, 22, was shot in the abdomen and Al Bell of Tallapoosa received a bullet in the arm when the masked men opened fire with pistols, reported the sheriff. O'Neal Clay, 17, was found Monday morning with a bullet wound which penetrated his left lung. He told officers that he was in front of the building when the shooting started. He said he was struck by a stray bullet. It was said that he lay out all Sunday night in the woods near the scene and that a pistol and a black mask were found. He was carried to an Anniston hospital and two officers were placed to guard him as a suspect. His condition Sunday was reported as "good." If Clay was one of the masked gunmen, it is not known whether Austin shot him, but a pistol with three empty shells in it was found near Austin's body. Another arrest is expected in the fatal shooting, the sheriff says, but he has no information as to the whereabouts of the suspect. It was first thought that jealousy was the motive for the killing as it was said the woman had been at the roadhouse for several weeks. It is now believed that robbery was the motive. ONE CHANCE IN 1,000 TO LIVE; Injured Girl Recovers Anniston, Ala., March 1 One chance in 1,000 to live; those were the odds against Ruth Jean Sailors, age 22, when she reached Garner Hospital two weeks ago, seriously shot in the abdomen during a Cleburne county roadhouse hold up in which two men were killed. The young woman won the battle for life in face of the long odds and early this morning she was removed to her home in Tallapoosa. The bullets which perforated her intestines seven times are still in her body, but is is said will leave no ill effects. ---------- BROOKS FUNERAL AT IRON CITY Funeral services for Millard Brooks, age 80, of Old Davistown, Iron City, were conducted from the Iron City Methodist church at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon by the Rev. H.R. Carter, assisted by Rev. C.E. Kaylor. Interment was in the Iron City cemetery, directed by Usrey of Anniston. Mr. Brooks, a farmer for 45 years at Old Davistown, died suddenly at the supper table Friday night. He was a member of the Golden Springs Methodist church. Surviving him are his wife, six sons, J.O. of Heflin; W.J., E., M., A. and R.M. of Little Rock, Ark., a daughter Mrs. Brooks of DeArmanville, and A.L. , ? Hugh Howell ? of Heflin, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Nelson of Edwardsville. ------- IN MEMORY OF JEFFERSON SOX Jefferson Sox was born in Lexington, South Carolina on April 18, 1861 and died at his home near Ranburne, Feb. 4, 1937, age 75 years, seven months and 16 days. At the age of 25 he moved from South Carolina to Edwardsville and remained a citizen of Alabama until his death. We, the members of the Methodist church Sunday school, Literary school and community have suffered a distinct loss in the passing of Mr. Sox from our midst. He was noted for his work in the educational world for 50 years or more, serving as County Superintendant of Education of Coosa county for 12 years. He was teaching in the Ranburne schools at his death. He was an inspiration to many young boys and girls and many owe their success to his teaching and wise guidance. At an early age he united with the Lutheran church. After his moving to Alabama, there being no church of the Lutheran faith, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and remained a faithful member until his death. He was a teacher in Sunday school and was a great inspiration to his class. He married Maud Thomason, Aug. 9, 1893. To this union was born five children, one dying in infancy. The others living are Mrs. Marie Sox (?) of Bowdon, Ga., P.T. Sox of Fruithurst; Tom Sox of Birmingham and Parker Sox of Jay, Fla. He also leaves three grandchildren, Ray, Barbara and John Thomas. His death came suddenly. He was preparing his usual day's work when the Death Angel touched him and said "Come Home" and Mr. Sox was ready to go. Everyone feels a personal loss in the death of Mr. Sox, but he still lives with those whom he came in contact. His charitable deeds will live on and on with those who knew him. We offer our sympathy to his brave family, that our hearts go out to them in their sorrow, and that our tears and sympathy may in some degree help them bear their loss. Mrs. A.W. Greer Mrs. C. Moody J.H. Hand, Committee ------- IN MEMORY OF MARY WHEELER CAIN Death angels visited the home of Miss Bessie Cain and took her dear grandmother, who we with sad hearts, miss so much. Grandmother was born Nov. 15, 1844; died Dec. 14, 1936, making her stay on earth 92 years and 29 days. On Aug. 8, 1862 she was married to C.C. Cain; to this union four sons were born, Willie, Jimmie, Wharly and Tatom; her husband and two sons preceded her to the grave several years ago. She leaves two sons, Willie and Jimmie, both of California and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren to mourn her departure. She and her husband joined the Missionary Baptist church in their young days and remained faithful until death. To know her was to love her. She was always ready and willing to visit the sick and do all she could and speak comforting words to the sad hearts and bereaved. All was done for grandmother that loving hands and medical aid could do, but God in his wisdom,saw fit to call her home as her suffering was great for two weeks before she fell asleep in Jesus. After services by Elder Ira Patty, her body was laid by the side of her husband at Mt. Paran cemetery, who preceded her 21 years ago. It was so hard to give grandmother up, but we feel that she has fought a good fight, finished her course, kept the faith; henceforth there is a crown of glory laid up for her which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give her. She took her departure from suffering and now rests from her labors; life seems lonely without her sweet smiles but we bow in humble submission to our God, who doeth all things well. Written by a friend that dearly loved her. Jocie Pruitt ------- IN MEMORY OF G.T. YARBROUGH On Thursday, Jan. 14, 1937, Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Yarbrough were called to the home of a brother J.W. Yarbrough of Lineville to the bedside of their father, G.T. Yarbrough who suffered a stroke of paralysis. He lived until Saturday morning, then the death angel came for him, bearing his spirit to a home prepared for those redeemed by the blood of christ. Mr. Yarbrough was married to Miss Jane Benefield at the age of 21; to this union were born six children, four boys, W.H. of Woodland; J.W. of Lineville; W.T. of Hobson; and C.P. of Edwardsville; two daughters, Mrs. Lela Smith of Newell; and Mrs. Lucy Ware of Hobson. He had 62 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends who mourn his going. His body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Providence church, the Rev. Charlie Heard and Rev. Monroe Yarbrough of Glenloch, Ga., officiating. He was 86 years old and had been a faithfulmember of the Baptist church for 60 years. It is sad to part with loved ones who were so dear to us in life, but death is a debt that we all must pay. I only knew Bro. Yarbrough for a short time but I found that to know him was to love him. May God bless the relatives and friends of this Brother. May you feel that your loss is Heaven's gain. I know that heaven is made brighter for you with the presence of your father there. In Luke 12:40 Jesus says " Be ye therefore ready also, for the son of man cometh at the hour when ye think not." Rev. C.E. Garner -------- IN MEMORY OF MRS. PESNELL On Friday morning, Feb. 5, 1937, the death angel entered the home of N.J. Pesnell and took from him his beloved wife Edna. She was born March 21, 1892. Her life was a shining light in her community. She was a loving mother, an affectionate wife, and a true christian woman, always ready to help others in sharing their sorrows. She always had a kind word for everyone she came in contact with. To know her was to love her and her friends were numbered by the score. We know it is hard to give her up but our loss is her eternal gain and heaven has been made brighter by her going. She is now at rest and is singing with the angels and wearing a golden crown with all of God's chosen ones. She is gone where there will be no more suffering, sorrow and tears and no more sad good byes. No one knows how she suffered during her illness but she bore it patiently, without a murmur. She faced the battle of life bravely. She has fought a good fight and kept the faith, henceforth there is a crown of righteousness laid up fo rher and not for her only but for all that love Him. There is a vacant place in the home which can never be filled. Oh, how the dear husband misses her in the once happy home. But may he say as one of old, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh; blessed be the name of our Lord." Funeral services were held at Bethsadia Church with Rev. A.G. Styles officiating. A friend. CARD OF THANKS We wish to thank each and every one for their kindness shown us during the sickness and death of our beloved wife and mother. May God's richest blessings be bestowed on everyone, is our prayer. N.J. Pesnell and Children ------ LOCAL News Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Butterworth (nee Dulsie Champion) are visiting the latter's mother, Mrs. Bart Champion near Bell Mills. Mr. Butterworth is in the Navy and has been stationed at Long Beach, Calif. and Portsmouth, Va. the last year. ---- HARRIS FUNERAL HELD AT ANTIOCH Miss Mae Harris, widely known Abernathy woman, died Tuesday of last week in an Atlanta hospital. She had been in ill health for more than two years, being an inmate of hospitals in Anniston and Atlanta several times. But death came Feb. 23 and relieved her of all pain. Funeral services and burial were conducted at Antioch church on Thursday of last week, Rev. T.B. Harris and Rev. C.C. Keathley officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, directed to Owens. The Cleburne News extends sympathy to the bereaved relatives. CARD OF THANKS We take this method in thanking each and every one for the kindness shown us during the sickness and death of our daughter and sister, Mae. We also thank the minister and undertaker for their service. May God's richest blessing be with you is our prayer. Mrs. J.M. Harris Charlie Harris and family Odus Harris and family Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Harris ------- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, MARCH 11, 1937 TURNER FUNERAL HELD AT CONCORD Heflin, Ala., March 5 Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Turner, age 81, who died at the home near Concord on Wednesday, were held at Concord Baptist church on Thursday afternoon with the Rev. A.G. Stiles of Bowdon, Ga. officiating, assisted by the Rev. R.L. Bates and the Rev. Rufus Johnson of Lebanon. Interment was in the church cemetery, directed by Owens of Heflin. Mrs. Turner was the widow of Manse W. Turner. Both were pioneer Cleburne countains. Surviving are three sons, A.H. Turner of Lebanon; L.C. Turner of Carroll County, Ga. and Tom Turner of Tallapoosa, Ga. Pallbearers were three sons, two grandsons Hugh and A.D. Turner and a nephew, Will Stephens. ------- CHARLIE WILDER DIES; Randolph County Has Only Three Confederate Veterans Left Wedowee, Ala. The death of Charlie Wilder, 92, a Confederate veteran, leaves only three Confederate veterans remaining in Randolph county. Mr. Wilder died at his home four miles north of here Friday and funeral services were held at Union Church on Saturday. He is survived by two sons, John and Joe Wilder of Wedowee and two daughters, Mrs. Ella Cooper of Addison, Ala., and Mrs. Emmit Hadley of Newell, Ala. ------ THREE AGED HEFLIN CITIZENS ILL AT THEIR HOMES Dr. J.D. Duke, 75, wo was stricken suddenly at his office, showed little improvement Sunday, members of his family report. He has been a resident of Heflin about 40 years, coming here from Graham, Randolph County, to practice medicine. D.D. Perryman, 77, widely known merchant, and connected with the firm of Perryman Brothers here for about 45 years, continues seriously ill. Due to declining health he retired from active business about seven years ago. J. Tom Boyd, 72, a former circuit clerk and county treasurer, is in serious condition at his home here, where he has been confined several years. ------- CLEBURNE COUNTY WOMAN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY Heflin, Ala., March 6 A large number of relatives and friends attended a celebration held at the home of Mrs. J.T. Connell in the Cane Creek community on her 78th birthday anniversary. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Phillips and children of Anniston Mr. and Mrs. Raston Phillips and children of Oxford Mrs. Inez Waites of Anniston Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Gaines and children, Perlie, Calvin of Ai Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gaines and daughter Mary Joyce of Oxford Mr. and Mrs. Willaim Gaines and son Billy Joe of Birmingham Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Buchanan and children of Ranburne Edgar Gaines of Heflin Mr. and Mrs. Willie Connell and son Edward of Birmingham Mr. and Mrs. Noah Connell and children, Zelma, Pauline, Edna, Freddie, Nellie, Roy, Mary and Bertha Adline of Cane Creek Mr.and Mrs. James Connell of Blue Mountain Misses Ola, Bertha and Mertie Connell of Cane Creek ------