1907-08 Calhoun Monitor

June 27, 1907

Some Old Papers

In this office is a bundle of old papers - some of them dating back as far as 1859, some of them are Calhoun county papers.  The Calhoun Times published by I. T. Blount & Co., another is the Calhoun Independent published by J. S. Ryan and J. R . M. DuBerry and is dated July 16th 1859.
A peculiar feature of these papers is that there is hardly a mention of affairs or individuals. One feature of the Independent might prove interesting and that is about one half the size of the Monitor. The subscription price was $2. per year and the advertising rates on most things were about three times as much as is charged by papers here now now {sic}. Candidates announcements just double what they now are. Several others are papers dated along during the war and are filled with war news. Below we give a few clippings from these old papers.

The Week

Sunday, Rainy, Monday, rain; Tuesday, Rainier; Wednesday, More rain; Thursday More rain and clouds still looming up and the deuce knows when it will stop. The small creeks are all on a "high," Yalobusha a regular "bender" and Schoona, has been "full" so long, that we fear the woman's crusade, nor even Senator Bennett's temperance bill will be able to bring about a reform.
But one thing we know about it and that is the farmers are getting dreadfully behind hand.
-- From the Calhoun Times, published by I. T. Blount and Co. in 1874.  The above paragraph will doubtless bring memories of that disastrous year, forcibly to the mind of many of our readers. They can console themselves from this with the fact that along in the almost forgotten past that "It rained and it hailed, and 'twas all sorts of weather."
Another one from The Times. "The court house at this place having been declared unsafe, Court was held in the Methodist Church this week. Another expense to our taxpayers that we call useless. We will have more to say on this hereafter.

From the Calhoun Independent, July 16th, 1859.  "Our Baptist brethren commenced a protracted meeting here on Friday the 8th inst., which is still going on. Among the ministering brethren present we notice Rev. Mr. Woodruff of Choctaw, Bullock of Yalobusha, Martin of Chickasaw, Hardin of Calhoun, and Woolard of this place.
 They have had and still have large and attentive congregations and though there has been but little excitement, we trust that much good may result from the efforts made and that their labors may be as bread cast upon the waters, to be gathered many days hence.
Lookout - We are reliably informed that a gentleman's hat was stolen from his head, last night while descending, in a crowd, the steps at City Hall. -- Morning Mississippian, Selma, Ala. 1864.

November 21, 1907
[Heading not copied .]

...now living that can call to memory the year 1816. This was called the year without a summer. In May the young deer were frozen dead and the ice formed half an inch thick on the ponds and rivers. June was the coldest month of roses ever experienced in this latitude, frost and ice were very common, almost everything green was killed.  Snow fell 10 inches deep in some of the Northern states. It was so cold all the year that the women knit socks of double thickness for their children. On the 17th of June there was a heavy fall of snow. The other day an old gentleman walked into the store of Mathis & Williams and asked Mr. Williams if they had any tobacco that they wanted chewed on the halves.

The people in Banner did not understand why it was that Mr. Williams went home with old Brother Dickson for dinner the other day, when some one spoke up and said "the old man has killed a hog and Mr. Williams loves shortening bread."

The people in Banner do not believe that it is constitutional for a man to be supervisor in two counties and a Union cotton weigher at Houlka as Mr. W. T. Zinn thinks he can do.
This money panic which we hear so much talk about today by both classes, the moneyed men and those who haven' any, does not imply that the banks are all in distress. This panic is a precaution against the exhaustion of cash supply in the financial institutions as on the other four occasions since the civil war. Think back to 1873-84-90-93.

The reasons some people don't blow their own horns is because they are waiting for others to donate the blowing instrument.

Good habits have to be cultivated, but bad one flourish like weeds even if left alone.
A man sewing on a button is as awkward as a woman driving a nail.
It takes young people lots longer to say good night that it does to say good morning.
Mrs. Newell has moved to her new home at the far end of North street.
Brother A. Shaw and Mr. Ernest McCormick visited Air Mount last week.
Mr. J. H. Gore made a business trip to Water Valley last week.
Messrs Harold Cobb and Georgie Peden went to Water Valley Saturday.
Owing to the rain Sunday, Bro. Floyd failed to preach his last sermon at Banner for 1907.
[signed W. F. E.]

Derma
Mr. J. Lee Bates of Pittsboro was in the city one day last week.
Miss Uadine McEuen, of Sacremento, Ky., is in town now. The attractive guest of her uncles, Mr. Jim McEuen.
We are glad to have her with us. A crowd of young people "stormed" Miss Ethel Hollis Saturday night.
Misses Clara and Ethel Lawrence have returned home after a short visit to relative in Eupora.
A jolly crowd of boys and girls enjoyed a hay ride into the bottom Saturday afternoon on a "nutty" expedition.
Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Hardin left for [not copied]
...department, it seems that all os [of] the children anywhere near should avail themselves of the vast opportunity for further development which is offered by the competent teachers.
Mr. Sampson Mabry and his sister, Mrs. Green, have moved into their pretty little cottage, which has recently been completed for them.
Miss Eitelle Brock entertained a few of her friends on Monday evening, complimentary to Miss McEuen. Progressive games were played; Mr. John Wilks winning the first prize (?) and Mr. Oscar Lawrence the booby (?) [sic].
I shall close by asking you a riddle: "What relation is your uncle's brother to you who is not your uncle?"
[signed] Buster Brown

Sarepta
As there has been nothing of importance happening in these parts we have failed to send in any items.
School is progressing nicely. Miss Maggie Shipp has been employed to teach in the place of Mrs. Strain's until her little daughter, Amie, who has been quite sick, gets better. As most of the schools have begun nearly all our young ladies and some of young men are off teaching.
We welcome Mr. J. B. Martin and family into our midst. They moved into the residence vacated by Mr. Johnson, he having bought out Mr. John Riley.
Since our last items, Mr. Lee Evans has sold his mercantile interest to Chas. Riley. The firm will now be Helms & Riley. Mr. Evans will move to Vardaman and his residence here will be occupied by Dr. Reid.
Mesdames J. M. Sheffield and A. B. Henderson who have been visiting in the delta returned home Thursday.
Mr. Tobe Freeman and family left last week for the "Flat Woods" where they will reside in future. Their old home [not copied]

Advertisements

A. J. Bounds & Comp'y   Real Estate Agts.  Pittsboro, Miss.Notice: I have a house and stable and blacksmith shop for sale, lease or rent; also three good horses and two wagons for sale.  
I have some outstanding accounts that ought to be paid. All parties indebted to me in any way will please come forward and settle at once as I can't live on promises. 
I have just moved a part of my stock to Calhoun City where you will find J. E. Dye who will sell you cheap for cash up-to-date men's and boys cloing, [clothing] underwear, also dry goods and groceries.  Call before buying elsewhere.  P. L. Dye, Pittsboro, MississippiMy Hotel -- 15 rooms, nicely located, doing a paying business, fine well of water, good crib and stable and lot and nice garden. Price, with most of furniture, all new $3500. Will lease or rent to right party. Better investigate.  Call on or address.  T. E. Jones, Calhoun City, MississippiJ. H. Ramsey, Represents the E. E. Forbes iano [Piano] Co., 
If you want a good Piano or Organ apply to him and he will do you right. Patronize a home man especially when you can do better. Soliciting your orders, I am Your Friend,  J. H. Ramsey 
  Reagan
Mr. Editor: - It has been sometime since we were represented in your paper, so will give you a few dots.
Mr. Charles Simmons is numbered among the sick this week.
Mrs. Lizzie Hitt is spending a few weeks with Mr. and Mrs. Rich Gregg. She is just getting well from a long spell of typhoid fever.
Mr. Willie Lester and wife spent Friday night with Mr. G. W. Lester and family.
Bro. Jim McPhail filled his regular appointment at Pleasant Hill Saturday and Sunday.
The debating society at Pleasant Hill Hill [sic] school house is still going nicely. Everybody is invited to attend.
Among those who attended preaching at Pleasant Hill Sunday were Mr. Calvin Hannah and Mr. Spencer Moore.
The school at this place will begin next Monday. Hope they will have a good school. Miss Sallie Vance has begun her school at Pleasant Hill.
[signed] Uno

Notice for PublicationDepartment Of The InteriorLand office at Jackson, Mississippi, October 19, 1907
Notice is hereby given that Rafe Horn Ellenburg of Slate Springs, Mississippi, has filed notice of his intention to make final five year proof in support of his claim, viz; Homestead entry No 38007, made Oct. 2, 1902, for the NW qr SW qr S 24, T 22 N, R 9 east Choctaw Meridian, and that said proof will be made before Chancery Clerk Calhoun County, at Pittsboro, Mississippi, on Nov. 26, 1907. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of the land, viz: H. S. Moore, W. F. Davis, M. C. Hardin, Scott Hardin all of Slate Springs Mississippi.
L Q C Lamar, Register.

November 28, 1907   

Derma Community News

Miss Mary Denton from Eupora, has been the charming guest of Miss Ethel Lawrence for the past week.
Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Hardin have returned from Memphis where the Doctor went to attend the medical association. Mrs. Wade ?. Askew and daughter, little Edna Lawrence, of Hattiesburg are on a visit to her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence.
Mr. Sommers was over from Houston on business this week.
Miss Ethel Lawrence entertained a few friends with a chaffing dish party Thursday night in honor of Miss Denton.
Rev. Goar and daughter, Mrs. Bryant were in town last Monday
The painters are busy with their brushes on Mr. J. A. Harrison's house. This process constitutes the finishing touches to his lovely residence which has recently been completed.
Mr. V. B. Stone, one of Hattiesburg's handsonme young gallants, was out the first part of the week to see Miss Clara Lawrence.
Mr. J. F. Smith and Dr. Lawrence went to Walthall Monday on business.
The jolly crowd from Benela enjoyed a hayride over here and to Calhoun City on last Saturday ...[copy stop]

Tribute to M. C. Hardin[poem not transcribed]

M. C. Hardin was born June 3, 1864, in Calhoun county and departed this life in Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 5, 1907.  He was happily married to Miss Mally Neal in Montgomery county in May 1892, who, with three boys and one sweet little girl is left to mourn, not as those who have no hope, for about twenty two years ago Mike was converted, joined the Baptist church, at Spring Hill, and was baptized by Rev. A. Hicks, and lived the life of a christitan, and by his works left the evidence that our loss is his gain, for ...J. J. H.
Veterans MeetingSeptember 26, 1907
Pursuant to appointment Camp James Gordon met at {met at} Pittsboro on Monday Sept. 23, 1907 for the transaction of such business as might come before it. Com. R. N. Provine presiding.
On motion and second T. L. Beadles was appointed as committee of one to draw up resolutions on the death of John Taylor.
On motion H. S. Moore was appointed to draft resolutions on death W. H. King.
On motion James Pryor was appointed draft resolutions on death of M. C. Allen.
On motion T. L. Beadles was appointed as committee of one to draft resolutions on death of M. M. Boland.
On motion R. H. Connor was appointed as committee of one to draft resolution on death of J. H. Woodward.
On motion and second the Adjutant is requested to keep a copy of these resolutions and paste them in the record of this Camp.
On moton M. D. L. Howell was appointed to draft resoultuion on death of W. F. P. Andrews.
On motion James Rich was appointed to draft resoultions on death of John Hastings.
On motion the following were elected as delegates to the State Reunion at Meridian on 26th and 27th of October: T. L. Beadles, Dr. Dottery, R. N. Provine and J. L. Lyon.
On motion J. W. Jacobs and J. B. Going be requested to write an expression of sympathy for Comrads Tom Moorman and Poly Criss.
On motion the following were elected as officers: R. N. Provine, Com., T. L. Beadles, 1st Lieut. J. M. Byars, 2nd Lieut., R. Cruthirds, Adjt., Jas. W. Bryan, treas., Rev. R. P. Goar, Chap., A. A. Griffin, Com Sear, P. L. Dye, Color Sear.
On motion J. F. Bennett was added to committee to draft resolutions on death of John Hastings.
There being no further business Camp adjourned to meet Fourth Monday in March, 1908.
R. N. Pronine, [Provine] Com.,  R. Cruthirds, Adjt.

Buggies and Surreys: -- For the next sixty days we are going to sell buggies and surreys cheap for cash. Come and get yourself a nice rig cheap. We guarantee every job to you.  Courtney Bros. Derma, Miss.

(September 26, 1907)- 

Reagan Community News

Editor Monitor: -- Will give you and your readers a few more of the happenings round here, health generally good, people very busy round here now, finishing pulling fodder and commencing to pick cotton which is pretty short, but opening very fast.  Corn crop is rather better than we once thought, so I think we will not have to depend a great deal on the railroad for corn and meal, thre has been no deaths in this vicinity since my last little write up.
Rev. M. C. Allen who used to live near Slate Springs, but of late at Eupora, died a few days ago. So another old Confederate soldier and soldier of the cross has crossed the river never to return to the world until the great resurrection of the dead.
Mrs. Shaw's son, who was shot at Calhoun City is said to be doing very well. I am not posted about how the shooting occured.

There has been a singing school on here at old Pleasant Hill church for two weeks by Prof. High from Greenville and who is here on a vacation. People are taking considerabe interest in the music and singing using the organ with it. Will close out Saturday evening.

Well it was your correspondent's privilege to attend the reunion at Calhoun City, the 16th of this month, Glad to see the people of thie town treated [copy ended]... AGB

Sarepta High SchoolFirst class opportunity for young men and young women who desire an education, to secure one. Board from $6 to $8 a month; tuition, from $1.50 to $2.50 a month. HEALTH UNSURPASSED BY ANYOTHER TOWN IN CALHOUN COUNTY.  Sarepta has not had a case of slow or typhoid fever in years, due to the excellent water to be bad here. Sabbath school two churches. Local patronage composed of studious boys and girls. This school will contribute ten first grade teachers to Calhoun's corp of teachers for the session of 1907-1908, all of whom were prepared by the present principal. No other school in the [county] can make such a showing.
Next session begins Sept. 15, 1907 And continutes nine months. For further information, address the principal.

J. R. Strain, Prin.  Sarepta, Miss.

Oct. 10, 1907

Negro Will Hang

Receives Death Sentence With Absolute Indifference.
The negro "Lynch Phillips" who was tried and convicted of murder in the recent term of the Circuit court, has been sentenced to be hanged by the neck until he is dead, dead, on November the 20th.  When asked by the court if he had anything to say as to why sentence should not be passed on him, he said he had not, where upon the court very impressively passed the final sentence upon him.  He took the sentence with apparent indifference as if he was merely having a light fine imposed upon him. Ever since he has been confined in the jail here, he has maintained an indifferent mood as to his fate, in reality expressing a hope that he would receive the limit of the law. He has not since his conviction changed in his attitude and appears to be perfectly willing to meet his fate. Unless executive clemency is extended him, which is not at all likely, or an appeal is taken from the decision of the court, he will be legally hanged at some place which will be designated by the Board of Supervisors at or near Pittsboro, on Nov. 20.

Nov. 7, 1907

Stenographer Patterson said Monday that he had received notice that the case of Lynch Phillips, the negro murdered now incarcerated in jail at this place would be appealed.  Well, this will stay for a time his execution; however, there is little probability of reversal of the decision of the lower court since there was not a single exception noted in the trial.  The negro's own testimony convict him, unfortunately though, he was not allowed under the law to plead guilty.  It will cost the county twelve or fifteen dollars a month to keep him pending the decision of the Supreme Court.

The Calhoun Monitor - Dec 19, 1907

Rev. R. P. Goar

[Photo not copied, too poor]Above we reproduce the likeness of one of the most familiar faces in Calhoun county, and when putting his name in type we felt that it was hardly necessary for us to do this, for there is hardly a man, woman or child in the county who is not personally acquainted with Richmond Polk Goar. It is with a feeling of great pleasure that we thus have the opportunity of presenting this soldier of the cross, soldier of fortune and soldier in the ranks of his comrades when human gore flowed freely upon the field of battle, to our readers, and we do so merely in an effort to do honor to a man whom we feel so richly deserves it.

Of Br. Goar’s early life there is little to narrate save that he was left an orphan at an early age in life and began the battle which he has so bravely fought often against the greatest odds up to this good hour. In his young manhood he gave his heart to God and shortly thereafter entered the ministry in which he has since rendered valiant service to the master’s cause.

When the war cloud hung low over this beautiful Southland and the call was sent down the line for volunteers there was no one who offered his services more readily, and we have heard those who know say that never a more daring, more valiant, nor more gallant soldier shouldered his musket and marched to the front, than was Rich Goar, when in the early 60’s he joined Capt. T. B. Ford’s company, at the tender age of 17 and sallied forth to lay down his life on the altar of his country if needs be, in defense of the principles which he believed to be just and right. Bro. Goar saw much service during the war and today wears the marks, proudly of a wound which he received.

In the ministry, he has been a worker, that has gained the admiration, respect, confidence and love of those he came in contact with, both saint and sinner he is never happier than when doing service for his master. “I’ll go where you want me to go, I’ll say what you want me to say,” is his motto in his work, and the golden rule is his motto in his dealings with men.

He joined the North Mississippi Conference at Columbus in 1880, and has traveled the following circuits: Benela, Pittsboro, Mt. Vernon, Charleston, Horn Lake, Arkabutta, Tyro, Chester, Pleasant Grove, Paris, Pleasant Hill, Cochran and then again to Pittsboro where he has just closed four years of faithful and profitable work. In finishing his work here, he has also finished his service in this Conference in regular work but arrangements were made to give him a small work on what is now known as the Albert Bounds Mission (see appointments elsewhere.) The Monitor feels safe in saying that no preacher ever left a work who was more universally loved and revered by the people of his charge than is Br. Goar, and now as he begins to see the evening of his life draw near, he has prepared to spend the closing years of his life among the sons and daughters of the men and women who were boys and girls with him back in another days – a people who love his as few men are loved. There is much more we could say of him but space forbids. We trust that he who reigns supreme may spare to him many years yet, but death holds no terrors for him. When the grim monster calls he will find Rich Goar ready.

 Nov. 14, 1907

Appeal Taken.

Atty. A. T. Smith informs us that notice of appeal has [been] filed in the case of Lynch Phillips, the negro murderer.  So there will be no hanging here on the 20th inst. as was decreed by the trial court.  This will have the effect of delaying the execution for a while at least.  An effort was made to get the sentence commuted to life imprisonment, but Gov. Vardaman promptly turned the petition down.   March 12, 1908Negro Lynch Phillips Gets A Reprieve

Sheriff M. P. Burke received official notification Monday eve that Gov. Noel had granted a reprieve until April 15th to the negro Lynch Phillips who was to hang here March 25th.  It is supposed that the governor wants more time to look into the case, as he has been petitioned to commute the sentence to life imprisonment.  If he does not grant the petition the negro will be hung here April the 15th. The Board of Supervisors declined to interfere with the fixing of the place for the hanging of the negro. This likely means that the hanging will be private, as the law says that unless the Board of Supervisors, for good reason fix the place of execution at some other spot, the hanging shall be in the jail in which he is confined, or in an enclosed jail yard. In all probability a scaffold will be erected at the north side of the jail and enclosed so the hanging can not be seen by the public. The negro seems to be resigned to his fate and employs his time in reading the bible and singing religious hymns.

April 16, 1908

No Hanging Yet.

The negro, Lynch Phillips, who was sentenced to be hung here on March 25th, but who was granted a respite by Gov. Noel until April 15th, has been granted another reprieve until May the 7th.  The reason given for the first reprieve was that the Governor wanted time to investigate in full the negro’s case and we suppose that the last one is because he has not finished his investigations.  We have been told that when our efficient District Attorney was approached for his opinion by the governor that he said “if Calhoun ever needed a hanging, she does now.”  It is also reported that Judge Dunn declined to say anything in the negro’s behalf, when the governor asked for his opinion. A pretty large petition has been gotten up and presented to the Governor asking for a commutation of the death sentence to life imprisonment, because of the negro being weak minded and being in a fit of jealous rage when he committed the crime, for which he is sentenced.

We are not of a bloodthirsty disposition, nor don’t want to see a hanging just for the name of having one, but we heard the negro’s own testimony against himself, and have been seeing him almost every day since he was put in jail here Aug. 6th, 1907 [Note: paper missing issue], and we have failed to see any of the symptoms of a weak mind any more than usual, and we are inclined to agree with our District Attorney that if he doesn’t deserve to be hung, Calhoun will never have one that will.

May 7, 1908

Life Imprisonment For Negro

As has been freely predicted and generally expected by a majority, the governor last week commuted the death sentence on the negro Lynch Phillips, who was to have been hung here on May the 7th, to one of imprisonment for life.  While this in no way concerns us, and while we do not really care what is done with the negro, as a matter of justice he should certainly have received the death penalty. We are firm in the belief that when a man is tried before a competent judge and intelligent jury, under the direction of the laws of the state and given the benefits of all doubts, presumed innocent until proven guilty and then that jury finds him guilty and the judge fixes his punishment, he should receive just exactly what they put on him. And especially when the case has been gone over carefully by the supreme courts of the state and affirmed.
The pardoning and commutation power vested in the governor is, to our mind, always more or less abused, no matter who fills the executive chair. This is easily understood, for only in rare instances is there more than one side of the case shown the governor. 'Tis true that an investigation of the records of the trial will show him the true merits of the case, but it is not often that a counter petition is presented, when a petition for pardon or commutation is filed before the governor. It is a well known fact that there is a tendency in the nature of most men to sign any petition that is presented to them of this character and making peace with their conscience with the thought that "Well, my name won't amount to anything anyway." This thought is a mistake however for a man who is the right kind of a man, while filling the place of a public servant wants to do, as far as is possible the things the people want him to do, and when a petition containing a large number of names is presented him asking him to do certain things and there is nothing from the other side, he naturally believes that the people he is to serve want this thing done, else they would never have signed it.

We have no quarrel with a man for signing a petition, if he wishes the petition granted, for this is a free country and we are broad enough in our views to grant every man the right to think for himself, but we do think that this commutation and pardoning business is over worked. We realize that a man is often placed in a position where he is almost forced to sign these petitions, even though it be against his principles of right and justice to do so, because of the ties of friendship, kinship or pity for relatives of the criminal. We do not mean to say that every petition of this kind should be turned down, for in many instances there are circumstances that make it almost absolutely necessary that something of this kind be done, and when this occurs we would not hesitate to sign it.

Again, we say that we have no personal feelings in this negro's case, except that of justice to all, yet we can not help but feel that in this case as in hundreds of others, there has been a miscarriage of justice.