News Briefs From Monroe, N.C., and Vicinity, Oct. 7, 1919

From The Monroe Journal, October 7, 1919

Local and Personal

--The Journal today carries an advertisement of a big auction sale of land, which takes place near Chesterfield Friday and Thursday, Oct. 9 and 10. Nearly 1,000 acres all told, besides farming tools will e sold to the highest bidder.

--One of the big features of the farmers’ rally, which will be held here Saturday, Oct. 18, will be the auction sales of Mr. J.G. Rogers. He invites everybody to bring something to town to sell at auction during the day, whether it be a piece of furniture or a mule.

--Mr. A.L. Helderman, manager of the Monroe Electric Service Co., local dealers for the Delco lighting plant, received word this morning that the Delco company has been merged with the General Motors company, one of the largest and strongest organizations in the country.

--The Waxhaw school made an excellent record for attendance in September. Although the enrollment is only 161, the average attendance was 157. Prof. Ray Funderburk, superintendent of county schools, says absences, due to cotton picking time, are dwindling fast, and that he hopes to see the compulsory school attendance law in this country enforced 100 per cent.

--Thomas Wilson, a negro farmer of Sandy Ridge township, was fleeced of $506 here Saturday. After selling his cotton Wilson met up with a friendly negro who was anxious to change a thousand dollar bill which he had found on the street, and was willing to take $500 in exchange. The Sandy Ridge farmer was induced to enter the second story of a building and after securing the $506 the swindler escaped by way of the back stairs and an alley.

--The Union Baptist Association convenes with Philadelphia church to-morrow. Rev. A.C. Sherwood of Bennettsville, S.C., will preach the introductory sermon. Mr. Sherwood is the pastor elect for Meadow Branch and Marshville and is a fine preacher. Rev. Joel S. Sndyer of Fayetteville will present the $75 million Campaign. A full delegation from the churches, and many others, are expected to attend. This will be one of the most important sessions ever held. Everyone is cordially invited.

--Last Sunday was observed as “rally day” at the Presbyterian church and the Sunday School rendered a very interesting program. Promotions were made from the primary to the intermediate department. Margaret Alexander Henderson and Mary Steele Norwood recites the child’s catechism and received certificates and testaments. An offering was made for the Sunday school extension of $50.80. The rally spirit was manifested in the church as well, a large congregation being present. The communion was administered to the largest number in the history of the present pastorate and the right hand of fellowship was given to new members. The service flag was lowered with simple but impressive exercises.

--80,000 enumerators will be needed to take the next census, and Mr. L.A. Martin, supervisor of the census for the 7^th congressional district, which includes the counties of Davidson, Randolph, Yadkin, Wilkes, Richmond, Hoke, Union, Scotland, Anson, Moore, Montgomery, Lee and Davie, states that he will need about 205 enumerators for this district. Active, intelligent and reliable men and women, not less than 18 years of age, are eligible for this work. Requests for application forms should be sent to Mr. Martin at Lexington, N.C., by October 15. As a test of their fitness for work applicants will be required to fill out a sample schedule and will be duly notified of the time and place for this test. So far as practicable the place selected will be one which is easily accessible.

--Mr. Hargrove Bowles, secretary and treasurer of the Peoples Building & Loan Association, announces the opening of a new series beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, which gives an opportunity to renters to buy or build a home. Shares cost 25 cents per week, and mature in 6 ½ years, and earn interest at the rate of 6 ½ per cent annually. The association is now making loans at the rate of $1,000 per month, and Mr. Bowles hopes to increase this amount considerably in a short while. Mr. C.E. Carpenter, secretary and treasurer of the Monroe Hardware Co., and the Bearskin Cotton Mills, is president of the association.

--For the first time in its history the Monroe high school has a real foot ball team. Mr. Herndon Hasty, ex-University star baseball and football player, and Mr. James Morrow, are coaching the team, and are well pleased with the showing the boys are making. The team is composed of the following: Everette English, captain; John Wray,  Bivens Helms, John Redwine, Emsley Laney, Ira Tucker, Dwight Plyler, Garah Caldwell, John Coble, Pete Russell, and Billy Phifer.

The local boys lost their first game to Hamlet last week. This was due to lack of practice and because the Monroe lads were not accustomed to playing in sand. Hamlet comes here Friday to play a return game, and the supporters of the Monroe team are urged to attend and root for a home victory. A small admission fee will be charged. If hamlet fails to show up a game with Charlotte will be played either here or in Charlotte.

--Prof C.M. Beach will deliver an address Sunday at Hopewell Baptist church in Goose Creek township at 11 o’clock. The public is invited.

--The second base ball team of Monroe High School was defeated by Mt. Carmel’s second team Saturday. The score was 12 to 9.

--Mr. J.G. Rogers, cotton statistician, reports that 2,161 bales of cotton were ginned in the county up to Sept. 25, compared with 1,836 on the same date last year.

--Messers. N.C . Price and J.T. Fowler leave tonight for western markets to buy stock which will be handled at the former’s stable in Unionville.

--Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Long of Goose Creek township left yesterday morning for Atlanta to attend the Confederate Reunion and will visit their son, Mr. Mark Long, whose home is in Atlanta.

--News from Dr. Watt Ashcraft, who is seriously ill in a Charlotte hospital to day is that his condition is somewhat improved. His friends are many who hope to soon see him out again.

--Mr. Ellis Godwin was re-elected keeper of the county home by the county commissioners in session yesterday. His salary was increased from $600 to $800 per year. Nothing else except routine business was taken up at the meeting.

--The Wingate public schools have an excellent principal in Rev. E.H. Kahn, a Lutheran minister of Mt. Holly, who possesses a Ph.D. degree, besides being a polished gentleman. Mr. Kahn serves his church at Mt. Holly every Sunday, driving back and forth from Wingate in his automobile.

--Mr. D.W. Austin of Vance township returned Friday from Raleigh, where he was called on account of the serious illness of his son, W.C. Austin, a student at the A. and E (which is now called N.C. State University). Mr. Austin was taken ill quite suddenly on Tuesday and underwent an operation for appendicitis and is improving nicely now.

--The city aldermen, at their meeting last night, raised the salary of several city employees form $85 to $100 per month. The recipients of the $15 raise are: Mr. Ernest Barrett, sanitary officer; Mr. James McNeeley, city collector; Mr. Clyde Winchester, day policeman; and Mr. Frank Irby, night policeman.

--Frank Stutts, young son of Mr. M.A. Stutts of Benton Heights, who was bitten by a rabid dog last week, is being given the Pasteur treatment by Dr. George Pruitt. Until the past few months or so it used to be considered necessary to send a patient to Raleigh for this treatment, but local doctors are now equipped to administer it.

--Major F.E. Harrington, who is here to make a health survey of Monroe, discussed his plans with the city aldermen last night. He declared there are entirely too many flies and mosquitoes in the town, considering its high altitude, and he plans to discover and stamp out their breeding places. A mass meeting of the citizens will be held soon to go over the health situation with Major Harrington.

--At the celebration of Benefactions Day at Trinity College October 2^nd and 3^rd, it was announced that Dr. J.W. Neal had established a loan fund for students in memory of his son William Neal, who died at Trinity College last spring. The loan is so arranged that it increases each year and can be used by needy students at the discretion of the faculty. William was in his Freshman year at College at the time of his death.

--The meeting which has been in progress at the Baptist church for 10 days closed Friday night and Dr. and Mrs. Wicker left immediately for Richmond. The ordinance of Baptism was administered to 34 candidates Sunday night. The congregation and members of the church presented Dr. and Mrs. Wicker with a check for $450 in appreciation of their valuable services.

--H.E.C. Bryant, Charlotte Observer correspondent, writing form Washington, says: “News has reached here that Ellis C. Williams, formerly of Monroe, has been made president of the Rogers Refining Company of San Antonio, Texas. He was connected with the war trade board here for a time and went from Washington to Laredo, Texas.” This is interesting news to Monroe people, who are glad to learn that Mr. Williams is doing well in Texas.

--Dr. George C. Truett of Dallas, Texas, will deliver an address in Charlotte Wednesday evening in behalf of the Baptist $75 million campaign and many Monroe people expect to hear him. He is one of the foremost religious leaders of the Nation and considered by some to be the greatest Baptist preacher in the world and certainly in America. Dr. Truett is pastor in the largest Baptist church in the South. He speaks only seven times in this State.

--“T.C. Lee & Son” is the name of a new Monroe firm, Mr. T.C. Lee having taken his son, Mr. Sam Lee, into partnership with him. The business will be conducted at the same location near the roller mills. The junior member of the firm just recently returned from Germany after a year of overseas service. He is a young man of good business ability. In addition to their grocery business, the firm will handle general merchandise, and are in the market for country produce.

--Mr. C.C. Sikes is in the western markets buying stock for his firm.

--Harry, the year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Gulledge, is very ill in a Charlotte hospital.

--The Wesleyan Philathea class will meet with Mrs. Will Barnes this evening at 8 o’clock.

--Yank Alexander, colored, was in Recorder’s court Monday charged with speeding and running a car with cut-out open. Instead of a fine, he was made to promise not to drive a car for four months.

--A still can and worm, together with 3 ½ quarts of liquor, were seized Friday night on the farm of Mr. Luther Nash in Marshville township by Deputy Sheriffs Paul Griffith and Clifford Fowler, and Constable C.L. Gulledge. There was no clue as to the operators.

--Mr. John S. McCollum, son of Mr. J.H. McCollum of Monroe township, who has been in service in the medical department of the army for the past 18 months, returned home Friday. Mr. McCollum had three sons in service during the war, the other two having returned some time ago.

--Mr. M.A. Rountree died at the county home last Thursday morning after several weeks illness. He was a good old man, Confederate soldier, and a faithful christian. He is survived by his widow who is now in very feeble health at the county home. Mr. Rountree came to this country several years ago from Mecklenburg county, and has no relatives in this county to save his wife. The funeral and burial service was held at Corinth church, conducted by Rev. R.M. Haigler.

--The Oxford Orphanage Singing Class will give a concert in Monroe at the Strand Theatre, Tuesday, Oct. 13^th, and Marshville Oct. 15^th. It is to be hoped that our people will turn out in large numbers to hear these children, who represent a most worthy cause. A splendid program has been arranged and the Orphanage children always do themselves credit. The concern is well worth more than the admission charged.

--“Guy,” team-mate of “Brady,” and one of the best-loved horses ever owned in Monroe, died the other day at Sikes stable where he had made his home for nearly 20 years. Before the advent of the automobile, Guy and Brady, both dapple greys, were in great demand by the women folks of Monroe on account of their beauty and gentleness. There are few older residents of Monroe who have not at one time in their lives driven this team of horses, and they will learn of Guy’s death with regret. Brady will not survive his team- mate long, for he is getting old. The Sikes Co. has refused to dispose of either even after their usefulness had passed, and were always careful not to hire them to any one whom they thought might possibly mistreat them, or drive them too hard. Guy was a well-trained animal, and many believe that, in his youth, he received circus training. Anyhow, eh could jump a high fence with ease. When a convict escaped from the chain gang, Guy was always secured by Capt Fletcher to follow the blood hounds because of his ability to clear a fence with ease. The horse was about 30 years old, and will long be remembered.

Marshville

--A real estate deal of interest to Marshville citizens was the purchase by Mr. Bob Price of Unionville of Mr. F.O. Caudle’s house and lot in east Marshville. Mr. Price will probably move his family here in the near future.

--Mr. J.M. Little has sold his brick livery stable on Main street to Mr. E.C. Griffin.

--Captain Stokes Hamilton, who recently landed from overseas is here on a visit to his sisters, Mrs. L.E. Huggins and Mrs. James P. Marsh. Captain Hamilton, who is a dentist by profession, has not definitely decided as yet upon a location.

--Messrs. J.M. Long, E.E. Griffin, J.M. Little and W.J. Kennedy have just returned from the Atlanta market with two car loads of mules and horses.

--The cotton gins ran all night Friday night in order to accommodate the farmers who had brought their cotton here. One gin turned out over 100 bales in two days. This was the forerunner of a very busy day in town Saturday.

--Mrs. M.P. Blair was elected leader of the Marshville Methodist church at a conference called prior to preaching service Sunday morning. This is an honor which heretofore has fallen to men only, but under the new laws of equal rights to women in the Methodist church, the women are enjoying a wider scope of church work.

--Mr. C.B. Covington left Monday for Columbia, S.C., where he will enter upon his new work with the Federal Land Bank of that place.

--Prof. Beach of the Wingate School made an interesting talk at the Baptist church Sunday morning, filling the preaching hour.

--Miss Arlene Fitzgerald, who underwent an operation for appendicitis in the Presbyterian hospital of Charlotte two weeks ago, has returned home.

--Friends here were very much distressed to learn of the serious illness of Dr. Watt Ashcraft of Monroe. Dr. Ashcraft has an extension practice here, and is widely popular with all who know him. It is hoped that his recovery will be soon, and complete.

--Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Griffin and daughter Virginia motored to Statesville for the week-end.

--Miss Alice Bivins, who has been quite sick with tonsillitis, is very much improved.

--Miss Lottie Harrell, who is teaching at Polkton, spent the week-end with her parents.

--Misses Otis and Mary Marsh, students of Queen’s College, Charlotte, spent the week-end with their parents.

Indian Trail, R.F.D. No. 1

--Miss Mollie Anthony and Mrs. Ernest Poplin were happily married the other day at the residence of the officiating magistrate, Esq. H.M. Furr. Hundreds of their friends and acquaintances join us in best wishes for them.

--Rev. T.J. Huggins of Unionville preached a good sermon at Union Grove church Saturday night. He had a good audience, which left the house highly pleased with the efforts of their pastor.

--A flock of wild geese flew over your correspondent’s home Saturday night in a southern direction. This indicates cold weather, so I have always been told. These birds are of hardy stock, and when they think it necessary to seek a warmer climate it is a good sign for us in this section to begin to prepare for the extreme cold of winter. I hope, however, that we do not have frost on Oct. 27, as some are prophesying. Frost at that time would wreck untold injury upon late cotton.

--Mr. Herman Furr has a positon with the Cole manufacturing company at Charlotte.

--Ebenezer Baptist church has called Rev. A. Marsh to supply it for one year. Rev. Mr. Marsh is a good preacher, who will receive a warm welcome in this community.

--Some possum hunters tied the whistle cord of the local saw mill engine the other night, and for about an hour a shrill blast was heard. Many thought some calamity had befallen he community, but they soon learned the cause. Mr. J.E. Funderburk, owner of the saw mill, investigated, and found the whistle cord tied, as above stated.