Lightning death incident makes news a century ago in Monroe County

John McDuffie 

A century ago, in May 1914, The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala. published four editions during that month under the direction of Publisher and Editor Q. Salter. Those newspapers were dated for May 7, May 14, May 21 and May 28. What follows is a selection of new highlights from each of those editions.

MAY 7, 1914

Capt. H.L. McDuffie and a number of members of the local military company met at the armory Saturday for the monthly muster.

Mr. J.H. Brown, postmaster and leading merchant of Skinnerton, was a visitor to the county capital Monday and found time to exchange friendly greetings with ye editor.

The ladies of Excel will serve lunches and refreshments on Monday, May 11. The proceeds will be used in paying for lights at the Excel Baptist Church.

The first memorial exercises of Perdue Hill were held at McConico Cemetery Sunday afternoon, April 26, at four o’clock. Services were opened by the U.D.C. ritual followed by “Memorial Day,” which was read by Mr. Locklin Moore. “Passing of the Grey” was beautifully read by Miss M.P. McKenzie and “Our Heroes” by Mrs. G.A. Tuthill.

The young ladies of the community marked the graves of our departed heroes with wreaths and flowers, after which a benediction was given by Mr. J.H. Moore.

The Monroe County High School carried off the honors at the oratorical contest held by the schools of Central Alabama at Marion on Friday evening of last week, two of the students, Messrs. Riffie Simmons and Clinton Whisenhant, winning second and third prizes respectively.

MAY 14, 1914

President J.B. Barnett of the Monroe County Bank is attending the State Bankers Association at Decatur.

Capt. John McDuffie spent last week in the school of instruction for officers of the Alabama National Guard at Montgomery.

Messrs. M.M. Fountain and B.H. Stallworth went to Atlanta Monday, the former to participate in and the latter to witness the big Shriners parade.

The Commissioners Court was in session the first of the week, Messrs. Lambert, Jackson, Holloman, and Holloway in attendance. The court has placed an order for a portable cell for the confinement of county convicts at night while engaged in working the public roads.

During a thunderstorm on Thursday of last week Mr. Cooper Bohannon was killed by lightning. Mr. Bohannon and two other men, the Messrs. Daniel and a little boy were at work in their field when the shower came up and took shelter under trees on the creek bank. All the men were thrown to the ground and rendered unconscious by the shock and all but Mr. Bohannon shortly revived.

The Monroeville baseball team will play against Atmore on the local diamond Monday afternoon at three o’clock and Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission 25 cents and 15 cents.

MAY 21, 1914

Sheriff Hines and wife passed through the city on their return to Evergreen Tuesday.

Capt. J.L. Marshall is among the cadets of the University of Alabama whose services to the Confederacy prevented their graduation at that time, and who have just been awarded honorary diplomas.

HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT: The commencement exercises at the Monroe County High School is in full blast at The Journal goes to press and the town is filled with visitors who are enjoying the occasion to the full.

The present occasion marks the close of the third session of the High School which has proved the most prosperous and successful in its history.

The graduating class is composed of Messrs. Arthur Bayles, Otis Bayles, W.G. McCorvey Jr., Riffie Simmons, Ralph Jones and Stephen Hixon and Misses Ruby Posey, Lottie Busey, Ethel Jackson, Mary Maud Fountain, Inez Mims, Myrtle Hudson and Irene Rawls.

Mr. Wayne Blanton, one of The Journal’s most valued subscribers at Roy, was a pleasant caller Monday.

Capt. G.F. Sedbury, state examiner of accounts, who has been here for several weeks checking up county officials, has returned to Montgomery, having completed the undertaking.

The Women’s Missionary Society will meet at the home of Mrs. J.A. Lazenby at four o’clock Monday afternoon.

MAY 28, 1914

Prof. E.P. Yeldell and the entire faculty of the city grammar school have been reelected for another year by the local board.

Solicitor John McDuffie has returned after an absence of 10 days, having been engaged in an important trial at Gainesville, Fla.

Prof. G.A. Harris has been reelected president of the Monroe County High School by the state high school commission.

The ladies (of Excel) will sell ice cream and cake Saturday afternoon, June 6, in the Rhodes Bros. old store. The proceeds will be used for the Baptist Church. A liberal patronage will be appreciated. We especially invite those who may be passing by to stop and be refreshed.

Miss Adele Kirk left last week to spend vacation at her home at Lower Peachtree.

Mr. A.J. Kempton represented Monroeville on the G.F. and A. excursion to Pensacola on Wednesday of last week.

Among the novelties in her floral collection Mrs. Lucy Hughes is a growing pine from Jerusalem which was presented to her by a lady friend who some years ago toured the Holy Land. Although the shrub is not of great proportions it resembles somewhat the native growth in miniature.