>From "The Cleburne News, Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, JANUARY 24, 1935 CLYDE ROOKS, 12, TAKEN BY DEATH Clyde, the twelve year old son of Mrs. Cora Rooks, died in a Birmingham hospital on Wednesday of last week. The body, accompanied by the loving mother and other friends was brought to Heflin on Thursday and interred in the Cedar Creek Cemetery. Usrey of Anniston was in charge. The boy's father was accidentally killed about two years ago while employed in the mines, thus heaping upon the wife and mother a double bereavement in a comparatively short period of time. The Cleburne News extends its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Rooks, trusting she will look to a higher power for sustainence of strengh and spiritual guidance throughout her bereavement. ----- ENJOYS CCC CAMP (Letter from Albert Fletcher) Fort Payne, Ala. January 18, 1935 Dear Editor, I wish you would grant me the privilege to write to the old friends in old Cleburne through your paper. I am in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Fort Payne. I am liking it fine. There are about two hunded twenty of the boys in camp. They all seem to be as happy as possible. The morning we left Heflin at 2:18, we arrived in Birmingham some time before daylight. We spent a part of the night in the city hall in Heflin. The people who were in charge of the city hall were real nice to us. They furnished us with mattress and blankets on which to sleep that night. We waited at the depot until Mr. Wager got there to carry us on to the old post office building where we were examined for the ride. We were examined and then turned over to an Army officer to be carried to the depot to take the train for Fort Payne where we are now stationed. A large number of the boys have been sick with their arms after they took the fever shots. Some of them suffered greatly with their arms after they took the Smallpox vaccination too. But as luck would have it they are getting along fine. A few of them got a little home sick for a few days after they arrived here but that has all left them now. We arrived here about 4:30 o'clock Tuesday evening, January 8. We were all tired when we reached here. We came to the camp and were greeted by a large crowd of boys who seemed well pleased to have us in camp with them. We have three Lieutenants here with us. The Commanding Officer is Lieutenant B.F. Davis. He is a fine man too, we all like him well. The next one is Lieutenant Barksdale. He is the educational adviser of the company. He has arranged for all the boys who wish to do so may take a course in the different kinds of work. Some are taking typewriting, some are taking wood work, some schooling, some radio and some mechanic. The next Lieutenant is Mr. Calhoun. I wish more of the Cleburne boys were here with us. We feel like they would like camp life that is our pleasure to now enjoy. We are within about one mile of Fort Payne; it is a good size town. They have traffic lights like Anniston. Instead of getting our mail on a route like we did at home, we get it in the barracks after we have supper. The house in which we eat is called a mess hall. We have plenty to eat. The Quartermaster is a real friendly man. He has lots of work to do at all times. Among the boys who are here from Cleburne county are: B.F. Noel William O. Campbell Joseph L. Riddle Vertis Whitman Fred Skinner Clyde Willingham, and myself. There may be some who I do not recall at present. This is Company 472, C.C.C. and they sure do have a good doctor. Sincerely yours, Albert Fletcher ----- PENSION LIST List of Pensioners and their address of Cleburne county, Alabama, January 1, 1935 CLASS A John A. Henry, Heflin, Ala. Joe L. Roberts, Muscadine, Rt. 1 W.H. Vaughan, Heflin, Ala. CLASS 1 Mrs. Mary E. Cain, Muscadine, Rt. 2 Mrs. Sarah J. Edwards, Heflin, Rt. 3 Mrs. Mary A. Ferrell, Graham, Rt. 1 Mrs. Phebe Hunnicutt, Heflin Mrs. Nancy E. Johns, Heflin, Rt. 2 Mrs. Martha A.E. Robertson, Fruithurst Mrs. Sarah I. Scott, Muscadine Mrs. Scytha M. Thrower, Heflin Mrs. Beddie C. Vaughan, Heflin Mrs. Augusta A. Willingham, Edwardsville CLASS 2 Mrs. Mary W. Almon, Heflin Mrs. Narcissa J. Carlton, Edwardsville Mrs. Ridona V. Hughey, Heflin Mrs. Martha S.F. Rooks, Heflin Mrs. Frances F. Snow, Bowdon, Ga., Rt. 4 Mrs. Nancy Turner, Heflin, Rt. 3 CLASS 3 Mrs. Sarah J. Buchanan, Ranburne Mrs. Willie Bryant, Heflin, Rt. 3 Mrs. Nancy A. Bussey, Heflin, Rt. 3 Mrs. Sarah E. Gibbs, Graham, Rt. 1 Mrs. Martha Harris, Heflin Mrs. Elizabeth Haywood, Heflin, Rt. 3 Mrs. Flora D. Johnson, Edwardsville Mrs. Myrtie E. Mullally, Delta, Rt. 1 Mrs. Viola Owen, Edwardsville Mrs. Martha Riddle, Heflin, Rt. 4 Submitted by A.H. Glasgow, Judge of Probate ------ BIRTHDAY DINNER A birthday dinner was given at the home of Mrs. Esten Johnson in honor of her father M.A. Richardson's fifty-fifth birthday. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Eston Johnson and son Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. O.S. Johnson and children Mr. and Mrs. Ozie White and baby W.F. Richardson Lester and Vesta Johnson Gladys Whitley Jewel Edwards Everyone had an enjoyable time and we wish for Dad many more happy birthdays. A Daughter ----- SHERIFF PRESTRIDGE; Cleburne's New Sheriff; A Native Son, Filled with Good Intentions and Capabilities A man who succeeds to the office of high sheriff is entitled public recognition in many ways. First, the office is usually sought by many individuals, hence a spirited contest is the result. Second, it takes a man who possesses intellect and sagaciousness to fill this important office with satisfaction to all concerned. Third, it requires a man who can perceive and will take full cognizance of his perceptions and act accordingly. In Sheriff Prestridge, we feel we have found the logical man to conduct the affairs of the Sheriff's office with credit to himself and with fairness to his constituency. He is a native of the county, having been born in that section known as Beat 8, a son of Larkin M. and Sarah Jane (Johns) Prestridge, also natives of Cleburne county. Sheriff Prestridge saw the light of day on July 21, 1882. During his early years he attended the public schools of his neighborhood, later attending the higher grades of learning in Heflin. By constant and persistent application he gained for himself a very creditable amount of knowledge, and, although he is self-made in every respect, he attributes his success largely to his ability to meet and greet friends with congeniality and holding a sincere respect for others, and to go deeper into this phase, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. William Thomas Prestridge married Miss Emma A. Crockett of Carrollton, Georgia. They have six interesting children, namely: Cora, quite an attractive young lady now engaged in a clerkship here in Heflin; Ambros, Louise, Roy, Howard and Clyde. Mrs. Prestridge is a member of the Southern Methodist Episcopal church. Their daughter Cora affiliates herself with the Missionary Baptist church. Sheriff Prestridge belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of the Hopewell fraternity, and of the Chapter of Anniston; he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Hopewell Lodge No. 352. We predict for Sheriff Prestridge a most successful term in office, this for the reason that we repose every confidence in his ability to serve with distinction and to the entire satisfaction of those who will have business with him. He is a man well fitted to carry out every detail of the work and he has surrounded himself with able assistants. His career as a life-long citizen has been marked with trustworthiness and a will to do and he is deserving of much credit for the success he has thus far made in life. -------- DR. GEORGE W. WAGER, OPTOMETRIST; A most Worthy Citizen; One Who Has Ever Engaged Himself in Promoting the Best Interests of Cleburne County Being a native of Carroll county, Georgia and coming to Cleburne county, Alabama at the tender age of twenty-three years, our subject, Dr. George Washington Wager, has, since then devoted much time and energy to the social and industrial upbuilding of this county and community. His father, Charles Christin Wager, was a native of Wittenberg, Germany; his mother Nancy (Knight) Wager, was a native Georgian. For years Dr. Wager's father was recognized as one of the leading civil engineers in this section. Dr. Wager, compelled to hitch-hike his way, as we would term it today, owing to lack of funds, arrived in Cleburne county, December 26, 1886. Thirty-four years ago he established himself in what is now the little city of Heflin, and since, he has devoted himself to his profession and, it is said, has endeared himself to the people throughout the county and beyond, by his honesty of purpose and his congenial professional attention toward the rich and poor alike. On December 26, 1889, Dr. Wager took for his bride Miss Irene Pounds, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. W.L. Pounds, well established citizens of the county. Mrs. Wager passed to the better world some two years ago. To this union nine children were born. All are still living but muchly scattered throughout the various states of the union, well situated and well established, in their various avocations of life. Of these children, six are girls and three are boys. Dr. Wager is a member of the local Masonic fraternity; a member of the M.E. Church, South; has been choir leader for the past eight years. In his profession he is a member of the Alabama Optometrist Society and of the A.O.A., a national organization of the profession he so honorably and scientifically represents. We know of no citizen who has perserved more steadfastly in the interest of the county and the city than Dr. Wager, and in this review of the men and women who have made us what we are today, the Cleburne News wishes to extend its best wishes to him, trusting sincerely that the best day of his past life shall be the worst day of his future life. ------- MRS. GIBBS LAID TO FINAL REST Mrs. Eula Gibbs, aged 39, wife of W. Jeff Gibbs, died at the family home in Ranburne about twenty miles distance from Heflin, on January 16, 1935, after an illness of some twenty days duration. Mrs. Gibbs was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Walker of east Cleburne. Besides her husband the deceased is survived by six children. Funeral services were held at Ranburne and interment took place in the cemetery there January 17. Court officials and the Ranburne schools attended the funeral and provided several floral pieces. To the lonely, faithful husband and devoted children, we can only extend deep understanding sympathy and weep with you. May the circle that is broken now be united again one day in a better world. Life here is so uncertain that nothing is really worthwhile except that which is connected with the eternal. KINDNESS ACKNOWLEDGED Jeff Gibbs and family, through the medium of The Cleburne News, desires to thank the people of this section for the many kind and thoughtful deeds performed during the sickness and death of his wife, Eula Gibbs. Especially do they want to thank the court officials and school officials for the floral contributions which added much to the solemnity of the occasion. ------ WILEY CLARK McMAHAN; A Lawyer of Old School; A Man of Fine Traits and Habits It is not a difficult task to write a biography on the life of our worthy townsman, lawyer, friend and much respected citizen, Wiley Clark McMahan, a native of Cleburne county, born December 18, 1865, only a few months after the closing of the War Between the States. We used the words "not difficult" but the reason is that he is an outstanding citizen who has done much for the community and is, at the same time, a highly respected and able representative of his profession. Mr. McMahan is a son of William and Adeline (Gaines) McMahan; his father being a native of Georgia, while his mother was a native of Virginia, a scion of the old and highly respected family of that name which dates back through the history of the colonies. Our subject was the eighth of ten sons, and lived under the paternal roof and helped his father until he became of age. At the age of twenty-one he engaged himself in teaching at the public schools, which vocation he followed for a period of eleven years. During the eleven years that Mr. McMahan was teaching, he served as a juror as his turn came, which, among other things, fitted him for the excellent service in striking a jury and today he holds the reputation of being the best of any lawyer along these lines, who ever practiced law in this county. At a very early age it occurred to our subject that he wanted to became a law practioneer. His father being a very large land owner tried in every way to dissuade him in this thought and endeavored to direct his mind to different channels, but nothwithstanding this father's demurers to his ideas, he persisted and at the age of 32 he came to Edwardsville and began to diligently prepared himself for his future life's work. He studied under the able instructions of R.L. Evans, Esq. So well did our young subject apply himself that at the expiration of ninety days he was admitted to practice in the courts of Cleburne County. Later when the county seat was moved to Heflin, Mr. McMahan also established himself here and has been a staid, able and conscientious practioneer and citizen until now, and during the interim he has in many ways portrayed his ability and interested himself in civic affairs, and today he stands as one of the shining examples of thrift, energy and a determination to do and be something in the world of men and its affairs. During Mr. McMahan's thirty-seven years of practice in the courts of Cleburne county and the higher courts, he has paid strict attention to business and has given entire satisfaction to his many clients, so much so, that during this long period of time he had never absented himself from his duties by vacationing or otherwise, being as it were "on the job" at all times. A blessing which God has bestowed upon our subject which is much in his favor, is that he has enjoyed good health, save from a stagnated blood which gives him from time to time, rheumatic pains in his right knee. Wiley Clark McMahan married first Miss Emma Groover, daughter of W.K. and Nora Groover. Her father served with much distinction in the Civil War, having been wounded thrice while defending the front ranks of battle. Four sons and three daughers were born of this union, all of which are now situated in their various stations in life. Mrs. McMahan passed to hear heavenly home in 1918. In 1920 our subject married Miss Cornelia Smith, daughter of Alf and Susie Smith, residents of Tallapoosa, Georgia. Two children, WIley K. and Freeman, both at home, are of this marriage. Mr. McMahan is a member of the local I.O.O.F. and of the Knights of Pythias; both he and his good wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, being regular in their attendance upon both church services and Sunday School and are a great promotor of all day singings, he having been Secretary of this movement for more than 25 years. He is also recognized as having a reputation of being the best writer in Cleburne county. It would be impossible for us to make commendable mention of the many admirable traits given to our subject, in as much as we feel he is generally recognized as a man among men, and has ever stood ready to do his full share toward the upbuilding and uplift of this section of Alabama. However we desire to call our attention to his modern and convenient home, the least expensive and most conveniently arranged in the county, as it is equipped with a complete lighting plant, radio and a home water system operated by a big windmill, an abundance of fruit, vineyards and good pastures, situated on an 80 acre farm. The life of Wiley Clark McMahan has been clean cut. He has never been an addict to the tobacco habit in any of its forms; he has ever refrained from the use of alcohols in any way; his habits have been regular and he has devoted his life exclusively to the practice of law and to the uplift of the community in which he has lived, and in helping the fallen to retrieve and press onward and upward in the battle of life, and as a result of this clean life, he has never suffered from headache, influenze or la grippe, never takes cold. ------- WILLIAM BASCUM THRASH; A Self-Made Man; A Highly Respected Citizen; A Popular County Official In conversing with Assessor Thrash a few days since, he told us that he had not done any, or in fact, many noteworthy deeds throughout his life. This assertion causes us to go deeper into the life and habits of our subject, and at its conclusion we decided to say the following concerning his useful career and his many admirable traits: William Bascum Thrash is a native of Cleburne county, where he has lived all his life. He is the son of W.J. and Nancy (Currie) Thrash. His mother is also a native of Cleburne county, while his father came here from Georgia. Mr. Thrash was born July 12, 1879 and lived with his parents on the farm until such time as he married Nora E. Howle, thence he became engaged in farming for himself. During his early years he attended the public schools of this section, but attributes his ability to various branches of study to the interest his father ever and always took in him. Just here, it is well to state that Mr. Thrash is a self-made man, whose energy and honesty has placed him in the position he occupies today. On three different occasions the electorate of Cleburne county has seen fit to entrust him with the records of the Assessor's office and during his three terms he has served the people with honesty and fidelity and in such a satisfactory manner as to leave a most favorable impression on all those who have had business with this office. In September 1927, Mr. Thrash together with his family, vacated the farm and moved to Heflin and has since resided there. In the general election held last November he succeeded himself in the assessor's office by the largest majority he ever received, thus giving conclusive proof of the fact that he has rendered entire satisfaction and is more popular with the masses now than ever before. Mr. and Mrs. Thrash are the parents of three children, namely: Woodrow Bascum, age 18; Fred Wyatt age 15; Nancy Elizabeth, age 12. Both he and Mrs. Thrash are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist church, as is also Woodrow Bascum Thrash, the eldest son. Mr. Thrash is a member of the Masonic fraternity; for nineteen consecutive years he served as the local lodge secretary. Mr. Thrash, as well as the other members of his family, take a decided interest at all times in any move that will promote the various interests of Cleburne county, especially the spiritual, moral, educational or other uplift standpoints. As a whole, they are a family of kindly dispositioned folk, who are much interested in the welfare of their neighbor as in that of themselves, standing willing and ready to do a kind deed for any deserving individual, or willing to help in any collective pursuit that will tend the uplift those who are fallen and depressed. The Cleburne News is exceedingly pleased to note these outstanding virtues in one of our local families and in this edition, wish to extend to Mr. and Mrs. Thrash our felicitations in behalf of their good citizenship and for the interest they continually manifest in any movement that will help us upward and onward. Soon after his marriage and long before children came to his home, Mr. Thrash played an important part in the erection of a school house in his section and contributed liberally thereto, evidence of the fact that he has always been a strong advocate of liberal education. Mr. Thrash was also much interested in the erection of the Hepsabah Baptist church in what was originally known as the Oakfuskee section, his grandfather at one time being postmaster there. -------