Assorted Butler County, AL Newspaper Articles 1902-1926

Contributed by: Laura Leigh Elmore, MAY 2002

The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Perry - Roach
February 5, 1902
"Love's young dream" had a happy fulfillment in the marriage which took place six miles
east of this city Sunday February 2nd, when Mr. James R. Perry was wedded to Miss
Glenn, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs Henry Y Roach (should be Henry T. Roach). The
contracting parties were reared near this city. Mr. Perry is one of our successful business
men and is held in high esteem by all who know him. Miss Glenn is refined and possesses
a remarkably sweet disposition and was a vision lovely and fair as she stood at the
marriage alter, for

"Bright hopes that love inspire,
As only love can do,
Lit up the eyes with lustrous fire
Of a passion tender and true."

Rev. Mr. Chappelle pronounced the words which made them one, and the happy couple
left immediately for this city, their future home.
A. B. C.


The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Oaky (Oakey) Streak, Ala, Mch. 24, 1902.
Editor Advocate,
Dear Sir:- As we seldom see anything in print from this part of the moral vineyard, we
volunteer to give you a few dots.
The health of the people in these parts is good. But one of the things to be most desired
by our citizens just now is a doctor. This is one of the best locations for a good physician
we know of. Our nearest practicing physicians are at Red Level and Georgiana which are
12 and 15 miles distant. If this should reach the eye of any good medical man who wants
a location we have the place for him, and any of our citizens would be glad to correspond
with him.
Owing to inclement weather our farmers are somewhat behind with their work. Corn
planting just begining. However with a little favorable weather we will soon be in the boat
so to speak.
Our farmers are beginning to realize the importance of raising more supplies and feed
stuffs at home. Hence a large acreage in oats and much preparation made for hay. It now
looks like the cotton acreage will be somewhat reduced, and the acreage of corn and hay
increased. Oaky Streak, though she boasts of no real big farmers, has as good and
scientific a set of farmers as can be found anywhere. Generally in good circumstances,
many out of debt with some to spare.
Our lands though not level, produce the finest of crops. Our ginneries, four in number,
(operated by W.C. Shreve, J.B. & J.J. Hughes, W.A. Hogg, L.A. & E.J. Hughes) are
generally kept busy during the fall season putting the fleecy staple in marketable shape.
We have two churches. First, the Baptist, under the pastoral care of Rev. R.S. Hughes,
second the M.E. Church South, with the Rev. Hartzog as pastor.
R.G. Crittenden conducts our largest mercantile business with G.H. Smith a close
second.
C.A. Costen & Co., operates our only public distillery. However, with justice to them
will say it is a turpentine and not a liquor still.
Our courts are presided over by Justice E.Y. Shine, as clever an official as can be found
in Butler county.
Last but not least is our public schools. We have three established schools that are
generally taught by competent teachers. Taken as a whole it is seldom that any one
locality presents so many opportunities as Oaky Streak.
For fear of finding the waste basket I will subscribe myself,
Your friend,
L.A. Hughes


The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Pigeon Creek Items
June 15, 1902

John W. Hickman and Miss Essie Nix were married on the 2nd inst., at the residence of
the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.P. Nix, in this beat, Rev. A.T. Sims officiating.
Seventy or more of the friends and relatives of the contracting parties were present to
wish them all the joy and happiness imaginable, as this young couple are exceedingly
popular. Among those who were present at the marriage were Claud and Ed. Nix, from
Lockhart, Covington county, brothers of the bride.

On the 4th, there were four deacons elected to serve Sardis church, as follows: Simon
Russell, Jack Pitts, Thomas Russell, and Hill Wood. They were to have been ordained last
Sunday, but the preachers expected did not come, therefore the ordination did not take
place. There were more people present that day than has been at the church since the Zion
Association met there in 1892.

The oat crop is being harvested and is proving much better than was anticipated. The
late rains have done a great deal of good.
Reporter


>From newspaper clippings found in the Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and
History Room.

--------------

January 8, 1919

A Letter from France
(From Corp WM. I. Russell)

Well, here I come again. I am fat and feeling good. Ernest Pitts and I are in the same
tent. We have been together for three days; don't know how long we will be together. We
hope we will be together until we get back. I like France better every day, and the rest of
the boys seem to like it. We think we will be home in time to celebrate Easter, and go
fishing in the Spring a few days. All of you girls get your face powdered up nice and get
your Sunday look on your face. We are going to spread joy when we return to the States.
However, we are not worrying about getting back, as we are getting plenty to eat and
plenty to wear. Believe me our Uncle Sam is putting it to us. Well, I must go. Keep the
chicken fat and the water boiling until we get there.
Corp. WM. I. Russell

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Perry - Parmer
February 19, 1919

A quiet marriage was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents, Rev. and Mrs. C.L.
Perry, Monday morning at eleven o'clock, when Mr. Percy Parmer and Miss Gertrude
Perry were made man and wife. Rev. C.L. Perry performed the ceremony.

Only the closest friends and relatives were present, and immediately afterward Mr. and
Mrs. Parmer left for Marianna, Fla., where they will make their home.

Mrs. Parmer is a pretty, winsome young lady who has many friends who wish for them all
happiness. Mr. Parmer, though young in years, is holding with credit an important
position with the Southern Express Co., at Marianna, Fla., and promises to go high in his
chosen work.

----------------

John Simon Russell's obituary, From Newspaper Article dated May 2, 1919

Mr. John Russell Dead
On last Tuesday afternoon John Russell, of Pigeon Creek, died at his home, following a
stroke of paralysis which struck him on the 24th of April. Mr. Russell was 70 years of
age, had lived in that neighborhood practically all his life. He reared a large family of
children, most of them living in the same community. It is said that with children and
grand children there were between 75 and 100. He was a member of Sardis Church, and a
Mason of long standing. He was buried Wednesday with Masonic Honors. He leaves a
widow with whom he has been living about half a century. Mr. Russell was a prominent
man in this community and did not appear to be as old as he was. Only a few weeks ago,
he lost one of his sons.

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Pigeon Creek
June 4, 1919

Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Shell had a family reunion last week. There were the following
present: Dr. W.T. Shell and daughter, Miss Catherine, of Corsicana, Tex.; Mr. and Mrs.
C. H. Jones and daughter, Miss Clara; Mr. and Mrs. Jas. A. Pollard and three children,
Tyler, Virginia and James Rufus, of Greenville; Dr. J.O. Foster and wife and two children,
Miss Rubie and Master Ralph, of Luverne; Dr. R.L. Jernigan, wife and two children,
Robert and Eline, of Pigeon Creek. Dr. Shell was on his way to New York, Washington
and Boston, where he goes every year to take post graduate courses in medicine. That
keeps him abreast of his profession; while it costs a great deal of money to take these
yearly trips he finds it profitable to do so, and his brother physicians seek his advice and
counsel. Tho Dr. Shell is now living in Texas, he is a Butler County boy, raised in this
neighborhood and we all are proud of his success in life, especially are the people of beat
17 proud of him. He is now 45 years of age, but looks only to be between 25 and 30. We
all wish him continued success in life.

Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Shell spent the 4th Sunday in Luverne visiting relatives.

Misses Maggie and Bulah Huguley, of Mt. Olive, visited their sister, Mrs. A.A. Moore.

We are having gentle rains which are doing the oats good.

Reporter

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Pigeon Creek Items
July 18, 1919

On Thursday, July 24, all that feel interested are invited to come to Sardis Church to help
clean off the cemetery; cut the dead trees down and the dead limbs from the trees that are
standing, to clean out the well and make general preparation for the great revival that
will begin on the second day of August. Those who have lost sight of their loved ones'
graves can find them on this day, as there will be people there who will take pleasure in
helping locate them.

On the first Sunday in July Rev. Ross Arnold, pastor of the Greenville Baptist Church
preached Sardis Church at eleven o'clock.

Mr. J.M. McKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thagard and children attended the services at
Sardis on the first Sunday in July.

Program for Protracted Meeting
The meeting will begin at ten o'clock on the Saturday before the first Sunday in August,
with a prayer meeting conducted by Mr. Simon Russell; at eleven o'clock Rev. R.T.
McCord will preach, after which a business conference, after which the meeting will
adjourn until Sunday ten a.m., when a prayer meeting conducted by Mr. R.A. Shell, will
be held. Afterwards, preaching by the pastor, Mr. McLeod. Twelve, noon, dinner served
on the long tables. Prayer meeting at two p.m., conducted by Mr. W.L. Pitts. Preaching
at two-thirty; preacher to be supplied. Thereafter, Sunday prayer meeting at ten a.m.,
preaching at eleven; prayer meeting just before preaching at the night services, which will
begin at eight o'clock.

There is much sickness in this community.

After a good rain the corn is looking better. It seemed for some time that the corn crop
would be a failure.

Mr. Leon Russell is teaching the Summer School at the Garrett School House.

Rev. F.M. Fleather preached at the Center Hill School House several nights recently.

Reporter

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August 1, 1919

Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Baggett are happy over the return of their son, John T. Baggett, from
duty overseas with the army.

Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Hughes, of Oakey Streak, are happy over the arrival of their son,
sergeant Ellie W. Hughes, from France. Sergeant Hughes was one of the first called into
the service of Uncle Sam, being a member of the National Guard Company of Andalusia,
which was mobilized for active duty in June, 1916. He saw service on the Mexican
Border and afterwards was a valiant member of the A.E.F.

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Pigeon Creek News Items
November 12, 1919

The baby girl of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Curington died on the night of October 22nd, and
was buried at Sardis Church the next day. This little girl was one of twins.

Rev. A.W. Seekers went to fill his appointment at Buck Creek Church in Covington
County on the fourth Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. John Sims is seriously ill at his home near the Huguley Bridge.

Mr. Ollie Moseley and Miss Dana Wood were married on Nov. 2nd at Sardis at eleven
o'clock in the morning, Rev. W.T. Davidson performing the ceremony. Both are
prominent young people of Crenshaw County.

There will be an all day meeting at Sardis Church on the fifth Sunday in November, the
30th, and by request of the Woodmen of the World I am authorized to announce that
there will be an unveiling of the tomb of Sovereign Tommy Russell at one-thirty.
Everyone is invited to be present. There will be dinner on the grounds.

In church conference on the 2nd at Sardis McLean Russell was elected superintendent and
Miss Johnnie Pitts secretary of the Sunday School for some time and we trust that it will
take on new life now. The $75,000,000 Drive is getting interesting as we had a good
meeting for it just after preaching services on Sunday.
Reporter
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Pigeon Creek Items
December 3, 1919

On Sunday morning, Nov. 16th, Mr. Robert Pitts and Miss Jimmie Spears were married at
the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Spears, Rev. N.O. Mathews officiating.

On the same day, in the afternoon, Mr. George Nichols and Miss Clyde Chesser were also
married, Rev. N.O. Mathews officiating. May joy, happiness, long life and prosperity be
theirs.

Miss Leila Perry is teaching at the Sardis District School. Our schools are much larger
than usual, due to the compulsory school attendance law, which is a good law.

Mr. Ellie Campbell is moving back to the home which he left to make his home in Florida
a year ago. We are glad to have him back.

Mr. Edd Campbell has sold his place and is moving to near Letohatchie.

Mr. Jean Curington, who was so ill with Typhoid, is out again we are glad to say.

There are a lot of good fat hogs here ready for the scalding barrel. People are about out
of meat and are anxious to have a cold spell so that they may kill some meat. Syrup
making is not yet over. It has been going on some time, but the crop was a large one.

Mr. Rural Russell has a position in Montgomery.

Messrs. T.L. and Cecil Wood and their little sister, Miss Florence, attended Sunday
School at Sardis last Sunday. We have a good school and we want it to do all that it can
toward teaching our children the right way through the Holy Bible.

-----------------


This article was found in the Greenville, AL Public Lirbrary, Genealogy and History Room

Greenville, Alabama, Friday May 26th, 1922

Commission Approves Oakey Streak Route

Forty one Butler County citizens, headed by Judge C.F. Winkler and Hon. J. Lee Long,
went before the State Highway Commission at Montgomery Thursday with a plea that the
road linking Greenville with Andalusia go by way of Oakey Streak, a distance of 26 miles,
be ordered instead of the two miles at Garland completing the road running due north and
south, and this will be done.

The Butler County Delegation was very cordially and courteously received, and
immediately after the opening of the session they were given precedence over the other
business and Judge Winkler addressed them in a most forceful and convincing manner,
setting forth reasons that the change was asked and stating that this section through which
the road was desired had no roads, that they were twenty miles from a railroad, and
further that the road asked would serve more than 400 heads of families. Judge Winkler
has gone to much pains in this matter, having himself assisted in the census of the territory.

His speech was very favorably received and on motion of Senator John Craft the order for
the road was put. The chairman stated that, under the rules of the Highway Commission
this was out of order, as, before a road can be discontinued thirty days notice must be
given.

Acting on this rule, Sen. Craft stated that he gave notice that at the meeting of the
Highway Commission thirty days hence, he would make a motion that the road heretofore
adopted by the Commission for the Butler and Covington County Highway be
discontinued and that he would further make a motion that the road from Greenville by
Oakey Streak to the Covington County line be adopted, which was unanimously carried.

Sen. Craft made the motion, which was carried, that an engineer be sent to go over the
road and select the best route. This will be done at once.

The delegation was delighted with the outcome of the trip. The road is now assured and it
will fill a long felt want and be one of the most needed and most serviceable roads of the
county, and as a State Highway, will be possibly better built and kept up than many of the
other roads. It has a decided advantage in being part of a highway too, in that the State
specifications under the present system call for a much wider road than could be built if
the County alone had the construction of it.

At noon the entire delegation repaired to the Exchange Hotel, where the Greenville
business men of the party were the hosts at a delightful luncheon.

During the luncheon short talks were made by Judge Winkler, Mr. Long, Dr. Bolling
Crenshaw and several others.

Included in the party were the members of the Commissioners Court and men from all
parts of Butler, as follows: H.O. Norsworthy, C.V. Campbell, D.R. Jernigan,
Commissioner J.C. Herring, H.L. Huguley, Judge C.F. Winkler, R.A. Beeland, J.J.
Hughes, J.B. Hughes, J.F. Pitts, J. Lee Long, Leo Kern, Jesse Cheatham, Ed Winkler,
R.S. Corry, J.B. Stanley, Commissioner R.H. Watson, Commissioner J.D. Steen, W.T.
Steen, James Steen, J.R. Heath, Dr. Lewis Jernigan, J.W. Hickman, A.H. Wood, Jake
Heller, P.H. Jernigan, E.H. Smith, J.C. Campbell, Jack Pitts, Claude Nix, Will Waller,
Commissioner John Golson, C.E. Whiddon, Mrs. J.C. Campbell, Mrs. Tom Russell, Ralph
Peagler, J.H. Johnson, Claude Wilson, D.P. Nix, Leon Russell and D.M. Powell.


The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Pigeon Creek
March 12, 1924
They have two teachers at the Garrett School house and they are exceedingly popular
with the pupils, all of whom are learning fast. One of the teachers is Miss Francis Moore
of Red Level and the other is Miss Martha Ora Mosliey (Mosley?) of Greenville. A box
supper was given by these energetic young ladies on Saturday night, March the 1st, when
the nice little sum of $42.00 was realized. This will go to help buy new desks for the
school.
On Monday evening Feb. 25th, a negro boy named Pap Johnson heard some one talking
and as he turned around was shot twice. The shooting occurred on the branch on the road
that leads from John Bush's home to Al Whittles, where Pap was working as a laborer. He
managed to get to Al Whittles when he was taken to his mothers' at Marvin Shell's old
place. He was sent to an infirmary at Greenville where he died. The body was sent back
home and he was buried at Shilo cemetery. He was about 18 years old.
On Monday March 3rd, Mr. Jene Curington got his leg broken in two places. He was
taken to an infirmary for treatment.
Early Friday morning Feb 8th, Mr. Jack Campbell was stricken with paralysis and died
the next day, at his home near Black Rock, where he was buried on the 10th. His pastor,
Rev. Ed. Gafford, officiated. A very large number of relatives and friends attended the
funeral. He was born and reared in this neighborhood and was 74 years of age.
Mrs. Arthur Holloway, nee Miss Abbie Bass who had been sick for the past three weeks
with typhoid pneumonia, and at one o'clock on Wednesday morning the summons came
for her to go Home to Glory and to dwell with Jesus and all the other loved ones who had
gone on before. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. She was 43 years
of age. Burial took place at Mount Pleasant Home Church cemetery March 6th, Rev.
Robert Merrell officiating. She is survived by a heart broken husband and a number of
small children. It was so hard for them to give her up. Jesus said he would never leave
thee or forsake thee. Only trust Him. This death occurred just over in Crenshaw County.
There is a good deal of sickness in that neighborhood. Reporter extends sympathy for
the bereaved family.
Reporter



The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Parrish Gin Burns on Monday Night
September 9, 1925

The gin of Mr. C.M. (Charles Monroe) Parrish, on his plantation twelve miles east of the
city burned to the ground about eight Monday evening. The gin, saw mill and grist mill,
which were all close together, were all destroyed, and burning brands set a tenant house
nearly a mile away and this too, burned before it was noticed.
The fire evidently started from the boilers, and with everything so dry the whole building
was afire almost instantly. The gin had just shut down for the day and the last bale of
cotton ginned, belonging to one of the tenants, was also destroyed before it could be taken
to safety.


The following article (probably from the Greenville Advocate) was found in the
Greenville, AL Public Library, Genealogy and History Room.

Oakey Streak
July 14, 1926

The Sunday School of this place is progressing nicely. The enrollment is small, but we
hope to have more in the future for we feel that much good could be accomplished.
Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Hogg spent the week-end with her sister, Mrs. Eula Hydrick of
Gantt.
Mr. and Mrs. Hosie Wood are spending some time with his parents Mr. and Mrs. A.H.
Wood of Pigeon Creek.
Misses Ruth and Nell Hogg of Pine Apple are visiting their sister, Mrs. J.W. Williamson
of this place.
Messrs. Bennie Watson, Willie and Grover Little and Ingram Gomillion attended the
singing at Friendship Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Smith and family were the dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.W.
Williamson, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Pitts of Andalusia and Mr. and Mrs. Hollie Pitts of River Falls
spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Hogg.
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Cross and family were the dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. B.B.
Cross Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Y.A. Johnson of this place are visiting relatives in Montgomery.
Miss Ruth Pitts of Pigeon Creek was a visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Hogg
Sunday.
Miss Lillie Mae Little and Messrs. Willie Lee and Grover Little attended a picnic at
Dozier Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Gomillion were the dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Smith Sunday.
The revival will begin at this place the fourth Sunday, July 25, with Rev. McNeal of
Greenville in charge of the services. We hope to make it a great success and would be
glad for every body from far and near attend as much as possible.

 

Tracking Your Roots