NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for JANUARY 1932 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, JANUARY 7, 1932 MAN FOUND SHOT WITH FIVE WOUNDS Heflin, Ala., Jan. 4th With five bullet wounds in his body, both in front and back, the body of Leonard Prichard, age 37, was found beside his car in the southeastern part of Cleburne county late Saturday night within a mile of where Federal Prohibition agents Sellers and Barnes of Anniston, Deputy Sheriffs Jim Haywood and Tom Prestridge of Cleburne county and Special Officer J.W. Williams had cut down and destroyed a cluster of eight copper stills a few hours previously. Warrants charging murder were issued Sunday in Cleburne county for Bob Wright and "Rufe" Williams, two white men living in the community in which the killing occurred, according to reports here, and officers were also searching for a negro who is said to have run away when officers approached his home. Remoteness of the scene of the killing and the reticence which the investigating officers have met with since the killing, have handicapped the officers in their work. Many different stories have been in circulation since the body of Prichard was found riddled with bullets, evidently from more than one pistol. Reports were that six bullets from a small caliber pistol had been fired into Prichard's back and two larger bullets had entered from the front. The Federal and State officers had spent a good part of the day in the community destroying the stills which had drawn them to the community and their presence in the mountainous region had occasioned more or less attention from the residents of the community. All of the stills were reported as being ready for operation; the vats were full of beer, the furnaces had been repaired and ready for the fires to be started, but the caps and condensers and the worms and other paraphernalia had not been attached. Some of the equipment was found buried in the ground near the plant. ----- ANNISTON, Ala., Jan. 5th Four men are in jail today, one in Calhoun and three in Cleburne county, in connection with the murder of Leonard Prichard, 37 year old Cleburne county resident who was killed Saturday night near the Georgia line. Those in the jail at Heflin are Bob Wright and Bud Williams, white men and C.J. Drummond, a negro, all of whom reside in the eastern part of Cleburne county. Rufus Ross, of Bowdon Georgia, a negro, is in the Calhoun county jail here. Sheriff W.I. Owen of Cleburne county stated over long distance telephone today that Ross was sent here so that the four would be kept separated. Wright and Williams are in different cells and it was impossible to place the negroes in different cells under present conditions at the jail, the sheriff said. Sheriff Owen also stated that a negro woman who witnessed the shooting would be one of the chief State witnesses. Prichard's body, riddled with five bullets, was found beside his automobile in the southeastern section of Cleburne county Saturday night. Ross said here today that he did not have anything to do with the shooting of Prichard; that he saw the affair from a distance and did not know who the persons were that did the shooting. He also said that he saw two white men beside Prichard, near the automobile but stated that he did not know who they were. Funeral and burial services for Prichard were held at Concord Baptist church on Monday, the Revs. Caldwell, Warmack and Johnson in charge of the services, one of the largest crowds that ever assembled at this old church, being in attendance. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Mountain View Quartet. Besides the wife, seven small children, a father and mother, six brothers, Ottis, Otto, Collie, Luna, Willie and Webster survive. ------ LOCAL News A marriage license was issued in December for J.W. Warren and Mrs. Fannie Mitchell. ---- F.M. EDMONDSON DIES OF WOUNDS Anniston, ALa., Dec. 31st Funeral services for Frank Edmondson, age 24, of Heflin, who died in a local hospital Wednesday afternoon from bullet wounds received at the hands of a negro during an argument at the scene of an automobile accident near Holis Schoolhouse last Thursday night, will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at Chulafinnee Methodist church. Rev. L.D. Tyson will officiate and interment will be in Chulafinnee cemetery with Usrey in charge. Edmondson was shot twice in the chest, once in the arm and once in the leg by a negro whose name was said to be Mack Cook. Two automobiles were in collision and Emondson passed the scene in a buggy. Negroes were in one automobile and white persons were in another and were engaged in an argument concerning the accident. The negro's automobile was said to have contained several gallons of whiskey and Edmondson was said to have been shot when he suggested holding the negro for officers. Edmondson was brought to Garner Hospital by a passing motorist and from the first annoucement from the hospital, the wounded man was said to be in a critical condition. Surviving Edmondson are his father A.J. Edmondson of Chulafinnee, a brother Douglas, and five sisters, Mrs. C.E. Garner of Birmingham; Mrs. Iris Hall of Heflin, Miss Lucile, Miss Jessie and Miss Annie Belle Edmondson of Chulafinnee. Frank Edmondson was one of our most popular young men and his untimely death has cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire community. Every effort whould be made to bring his slayer to swift justice. The Cleburne News joins with hundred of sorrowing friends in deep sympathy to the family. ----- CARD OF THANKS We take this method of thanking each and every one for their kindness and cheering words at the tragic death of our beloved son and brother. May God's richest blessings be with you, is our prayer. A.J. Edmondson and family, Chulafinnee, Ala. ----- IN MEMORY OF LENA BAIN BRADY On December 7, 1931, God with his mighty hand plucked the beautiful wife, daughter, sister and friend, Lena Bain Brady, and carried her home. There was never a sweeter life than that of Lena. She was loved by those that knew her and always had a smile. She used to sing and play here but now she sings with the angels and plays a harp of gold. When she came into our homes it was a light. She took away all sorrows and darkness. She was a light of her home, church and community. Lena's gone to a better land, we know. So let's be prepared to meet her someday where we'll have to part no more. Mother, she is at rest; father, her sorrow is over; husband, sister and friends, be prepared to meet her where no pain or sorrow ever comes. To know Lena was to love her. Her life was that of love, peace, and happiness. Though Lena only stayed on this old earth twenty-two years, she had many friends. There was never a person that left as many broken hearts and tearstained eyes. While she leaves darkness behind, she brightens the home beyond the skies. A Friend. ------ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, JANUARY 14, 1932 WRIGHT PRELIMINARY TRIAL SET FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 18th The preliminary trial of Bob Wright, charged with the killing of Leonard Prichard about three weeks ago, will be heard Monday, January 18th before Judge A.H. Glasgow. Prichard was shot five times and was dead when found by the roadside. Witnesses who have been summoned by the state are Comer Gray, Gertrude Drummond, Zerdie Moore, Rufus Ross, B.T. Gay, W.J. Bennefield, Monroe Bennefield, Jim McGriff and Grady Beggs. The state will be represented by E.B. Parker, county solicitor. ---- BIRTHDAY DINNER The friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Holcombe gathered at their home at Hightower on Sunday, January 3rd to celebrate Tom's 52nd birthday anniversary. At the noon hour the two long tables were spread in the dining room and filled with everything good to eat, nothing had been forgotten. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lindsey and children Mr. and Mrs. A.L. White and son Kirby Mr. and Mrs. C.G. Holcombe and son Virgil of Anniston Etha Hanson J.O. Weir and daughter Blanche Mrs. M.M. Kennedy and children C. McElroy Marie and Jewell Grizzard Mrs. Newman Smith and children Mrs. Jeff Crumpton All of Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe's children were present except two, one daughter Mrs. Jessie Grizzard and one son, Alwin. We wish Mr. Holcombe many more happy birthdays. One Present. ---- LIST OF PENSIONERS OF CLEBURNE COUNTY The following is the list of Confederate Pensioners of Cleburne County, Alabama as of Jan. 1, 1932: J.W. Ferrell of Hightower W.H. Genry of Muscadine H.N. Gable of Muscadine Jno. A. Henry of Heflin Joe L. Roberts of Muscadine Jno. H. Scott of Muscadine S.F. Skinner of Bowdon, Ga., Rt. 4 W.H. Vaughan of Heflin Mrs. Mary E. Baughan of Heflin Mrs. Cynthia A. Brown of Bowdon, Ga., Rt. 4 Mrs. Eliza J. Bennett of Edwardsville Mrs. Mary E. Cain of Muscadine Mrs. Virginia C. Evans of Muscadine Mrs. Phebe Hunnicutt of Heflin Mrs. Rebecca Hopkins of Borden Springs Mrs. Nancy E. Johns of Heflin Mrs. Narcissa J. Lorren of Borden Springs Mrs. Margaret J. Payne of Heflin Mrs. Martha A.E. Robertson of Fruithurst Mrs. Emeline D. Turner of Edwardsville Mrs. Scyntha M. Thrower of Heflin Mrs. Bedie C. Vaughan of Heflin Mrs. Georgia A. Whitehead of Heflin Mrs. Mary W. Almon of Heflin Mrs. Narcissa J. Carlton of Edwardsville Mrs. Sarah J. Edwards of Heflin Mrs. Ridona V. Hughey of Heflin Mrs. Francis F. Snow of Bowdon, Ga., Rt. 4 Mrs. Nancy Turner of Heflin Mrs. Augusta A. Willingham of Edwardsville Mrs. Sarah J. Buchanan of Ranburne Mrs. Willie Bryant of Heflin Mrs. Sarah E. Gibbs of Hightower Mrs. S.A. Hill of Heflin Mrs. Elizabeth Haywood of Heflin Mrs. Flora D. Johnson of Edwardsville Mrs. Myrtie E. Mullally of Delta, Rt. 1 Mrs. Viola Owen of Edwardsville Mrs. J.R. Rooks of Heflin Mrs. Martha Riddle of Heflin Submitted by A.H. Glasgow, Probate Judge ----- LOCAL News Mrs. Sarah Jane Prestridge, age 72, is seriously ill at the home of her son, Deputy Sheriff Prestridge. ---- Mrs. Silas Prichard and Mrs. Harmon Nipper of Concord visited Mrs. E.A. Dougherty on Sunday. --- CARD OF THANKS We extend our thanks and appreciation to those who were so kind during the death and burial of our dear husband and father. May God bless you all. Mrs. Sim Harris and family; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Harris; Mrs. Ada O'Harrow and family. ----- WILSON - FOWLER Miss Natye, third daughter of Tax Collector and Mrs. J. Austin Wilson, and Mr. Byron Fowler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Fowler of Hightower, were happily married at Wedowee on Sunday, the Rev. Mr. Sharpton officiating. The Cleburne News extends congratulations. ----- BORDEN SPRINGS News Jan. 11th Mrs. W.J. Payne and son Stanley attended the funeral of Mrs. Grace at Rome on Monday of last week. --- Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Grace of Rome were visitors here on Sunday. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, JANUARY 21, 1932 $200 REWARD OFFERED IN DEATH Montgomery, Ala. Gov.Miller has offered a reward of $200 for the slayer of Frank Edmondson near Heflin on Christmas Eve. Cleburne county officers advised the governor that Edmondson was killed after stopping to investigate a collision between two automobiles on Anniston Highway. One of the cars was driven by a negro and officers said it contained a quantity of liquor. The officers said the car driven by the negro started moving when Edmondson approached and he called for the driver to wait. The negro then opened fire upon him, five bullets entering his body. ----- FUNERAL RITES HELD FOR MRS. SCOTT Anniston, Ala., Jan. 17th Funeral services for Mrs. Dixie Scott, age 61, a native of the eastern section of Calhoun county, who died in a Birmingham hospital on Friday after undergoing an operation, will be held at the residence at Old Davistown at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Rev. Mr. Carter will officiate and interment will be in Davisville cemetery with Usrey in charge. Pallbearers will be six nephews of Mrs. Scott. They are Charles Browning and Weldon, Winston, Wallace, Rudolph and William Scott. Surviving are two sons, W.C. Scott of old Davistown and P.M. Scott of Ensley; a daughter Mrs. Winnie Davis Teason of Los Angeles, Calif., and a sister Mrs. Amy Browning of Anniston. The Anniston Star ----- NIPPER RITES CONDUCTED LAST FRIDAY AT SHILOH Funeral services and burial for A.J. Nipper, aged Lebanon citizen who died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Bud Kuglar at Bowdon, were conducted at Shiloh, in Carroll county. Mr. Nipper had resided in Cleburne county and was widely known in the eastern part. He is survived by two sons, Harmon and Andrew and two daughters, Mrs. Kuglar and Mrs. Williamson, both of Carroll county, Ga. ----- J.R. CALDWELL FUNERAL RITES ARE HELD HERE Anniston, Ala., Jan. 15th Funeral services for John Randolph Caldwell, age 82, who died at a local hospital Wednesday following an illness of several weeks, were held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the First Christian Church. Rev. T.O. Slaughter officaited and interment was in Edgewood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Floyd Worsham, C.M. Evans, T.E. Edwards, J.D. Holcomb, Floyd Bagley and L.S. McKee. Surviving are the widow, two sons, Alton Caldwell of Los Angeles, Calif. and D.B. Caldwell of New York City; two daughters, Mrs. J.T. Black of Heflin and Mrs. O.L. Williams of Anniston, and a sister, Mrs. John Denman of Gadsden. Mr. Caldwell had been a resident of Anniston for the past five years, having made his home with Mrs. Williams. He came to Anniston from Gadsden where he was located for many years. The Anniston Star Mr. Caldwell was a native of Cleburne county and in 1891, the Masonic Lodge at this place was organized and named in his honor. He served as its first worshipful master with the late Joe M. Evans as secretary. Among the charter members were J.C. Bean, Joe M. Evans and Judge W.R. Hunnicutt. Mr. A.J. Haley is the only surviving charter member. ------ IN MEMORY OF S.F. HARRIS S.F. Harris of Heflin passed on to his reward Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1931. He is survived by his widow and 13 children to mourn his death. Our loss is his eternal reward. We weep not as those who have no hope, for we expect to see him again. He was raised in Cleburne county and was a member of the Methodist church. He was an upright citizen and honest in his dealings. One of his greatest desires was to owe no man anything. Mr. Harris was married three times; first to Miss Ellen McKelvey, and to this union, four children were born. His second marriage was to Miss Delilah Cockran and the third to Miss Mazurie Hendon and 10 children were born to them, seven boys and three girls. He was born May 8, 1859, thus living to be 72 years, seven months and 14 days old. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, JANUARY 28, 1932 IN MEMORY On Friday the 22 of January the death angel came into the home of Myrtle Lovell and took her precious mother. She leaves two children and one grandchild and other relatives and a host of friends to mourn her death. She was called home to rest with the angels to await the coming of our Lord. She was so patient in all her suffering. She took to her bed the sixth day of July and bore her suffering without complaint. She had only one daughter at home and how good and kind she was to her mother. She was never too tired to help and wait on her. Weep not, dear Myrtle, for your mother is sweetly resting with the loved ones gone on. Weep not, dear Spencer, for your mother has gone home to be with the redeemed; her going is to brighten the great beyond; just strive to be a better boy; we know you had a good mother and her heart's desire was to make others happy around her; she always had cheering words to encourage others to live right. Weep not as those that have no hope, for we expect to see her again in that blessed home where there will be no more suffering, but just peace and happiness. Her body was laid to rest in Rock Springs cemetery the 23rd, Bro. J.D. Eason conducting the funeral. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers, so we ought to strow flowers in Myrtle and Spencer's pathway by trying to live a more consecrated christian life before them in the year 1932 than we have in 1931. Two Friends. ------