Martin’s Cross Roads

1883

Our correspondent from Martin’s Cross Roads sends us the following:

We had a killing frost on the 31st of October and the first day of November, but it was too late to do any damage.

Walter Morris, a brother of E. G. and L. G. Morris, died on the first day of November at the residence of E. G. Morris at Morrisville.

Crops are now about all gathered and are far short of an average crop, but some of the farmers have made plenty of corn for their own use and have some to spare. I saw Mr. H. T. Francis’ crop of corn a few days ago and think he has a surplus of one thousand bushels, but he is one out of a great many that has even made enough to do him.

The subject concerning the moving of the Courthouse from Jacksonville to Anniston is being discussed pretty freely in the western part of the county, and about one out of ten favor the program, but a majority of the people want a new county made by cutting off a portion of Talladega county, and adding it to the western portion of Calhoun, with the county site at Lincoln.

The idea that our Courthouse will be moved from Jacksonville to Anniston, as the Hot Blast tells, will never be done. The “boss” of the Hot Blast seems to be very mad with Judge Woods about the poor Negroes he sent to the chain gang so wrongfully. We would advise the gentleman to try and cool his blast down a little for fear that he does himself an injury, as there is no danger of him injuring anybody else.

The health of this neighborhood is improving very much. Of the great number of people that had chills two weeks ago there are but few cases now.

Source: Jacksonville Republican, 10 November 1883, page 3, column 2.

Bera

1883

Our Bera correspondent writes: Mr. G. W. Peterson is very sick with pneumonia.

Mrs. Emma Wilson, a daughter of J. S. Canada, whose life has been despaired of for several days, is thought to be better.

B. P. Bynum is building a nice residence on Coldwater.

The little boy Cummings, who got his leg broken by a runaway mule sometime back is fast getting well.

Source: Jacksonville Republican, 17 November 1883, page 1, column 2

Hebron

1884

The delightful spring weather of last week has changed the appearance of everything except the roads which are almost impassable. The farmers in this section are badly

behind with their work, having done nothing scarcely towards making a crop this year.

Now, I must say a word in regards to Hebron for she richly deserves the praise. Scarcely 4 months ago she was not thought of. Now she has a depot, dinner house, and two large business houses which are daily sending goods to all points on the E. & W. R. R., from Broken Arrow to E. & W. Junction and has got orders for an express, telegraph and post office, all of which will be opened shortly.

Mr. and Mrs. M. Clements, of Broken Arrow, are visiting in Hebron this week and are the guests of Col. J. C. Acker. We wish them a pleasant stay in our midst.

That clever and genial salesman, Mr. Bob Earle, of Rome, Ga., paid Hebron a flying visit last week.

We are glad to say that Mr. J. P. Gore, who has been suffering with rheumatism, is able to attend to business again.

Miss Mary Fullenwider has been teaching school this week in Mrs. F. F. Gore’s place, who is sick at present.

Miss Fanny Archer expects to leave for Broken Arrow shortly to take lessons in telegraphy under Mr. Wade Peacock. We wish her success in anything she may undertake.

Source: Jacksonville Republican, 23 February 1884, page 3, column 3.

Ohatchie [sic]

1886

Ohatchie, March 15.—It has been a long time since I saw a local from here, and I think one from the west will not be a miss. Our section, as others have had a long and bleak winter and the appearance of spring has hardly come yet. The farming interest is suffering, but little work yet done towards another crop, yet with good weather, we have plenty time yet to make a good crop, as most of the lands on the creeks are good.

Ohatchie has received a new citizen, Dr. M. F. McRae from Heflin. He is preparing to build a nice residence, also a drug store. He has secured lots from Mr. Ott Smith on which to build.

The Gadsden Iron Co., are hauling their ore to Greensport and shipping to their furnace at Gadsden. They are making a thorough test of their ore beds, and rumor says it is only a question of time and a plant will be started at or near the old Janney furnace.

Health of the county good with the exception of colds, Mrs. Ott Smith has been quite sick but convalescent now.

Politics dead through this section. Would not know who wanted office if it was not for your weekly visit. I guess they will find us before August.

What’s the matter with our mail. Rarely get the Republican before Monday.

Source: Jacksonville Republican, 20 March 1886, page 3, column 3.