DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS, 1935
Transcribed by Larry E. Caver, Jr.
January 3, 1935:
Mrs. George JONES died at her home near Prattville Monday afternoon, the victim of a
stroke of paralysis… Mrs. JONES was, before her marriage, Miss Mary Ella WALLACE,
daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. M.P. WALLACE. She was born at Independence on
January 27th, 1884, and was reared in that community. On August 7th, 1902 she was
married to George D. JONES, also a resident of Independence. In August 1913, they
moved to Prattville… Surviving the deceased are the husband, three sons, Wesley, L.M.,
and George Heflin; two daughters, Mrs. G.W. RYALS, of Montgomery, and Mrs.
Sanford HOLMES, Prattville, and three brothers, Phil WALLACE, Independence; Ben
WALLACE, Ensley, and Joe WALLACE, Tallassee… The remains were carried by
Griffin to Independence, where burial was in the Jones Cemetery.
The death of Mrs. Carl MONTGOMERY early Monday morning at her home in Stony
Point brought sadness to that entire community. The deceased was only 30 years of age
and her death came as a shock to many of her acquaintances… Burial was in the Pine
Level Cemetery. She is survived by her husband and five children (not named), her
mother, Mrs. Elizabeth O’NEAL, three brothers and four sisters. Two of the brothers,
Messrs. Verdell and Milton FISHER, reside in Prattville.
Lawton JOHNSON, Jr., eight-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Lawton JOHNSON, of
Prattville, died at the home of his parents on the afternoon of Friday, December 21st
(1934). After suffering for two weeks with an attack of influenza, this young fellow
appeared to be recovering. Complications set in, however, and he rapidly grew worse…
Burial was in the Durden Cemetery with Griffin in charge.
After a few days illness Mrs. Lola Shelly ROY died at the home of her son, Wesley D.
ROY, near Prattville, on the night of December 28th (1934). Lola SHELLY was born
November 1st, 1865, and was just past her 69th birthday. She was married to the late
Reverend John Wesley ROY on January 1st, 1894. He preceded her to the home beyond,
April 14th, 1900. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Church… Surviving her
are one son, Wesley D. ROY, and three daughters, Mrs. F.L. WADSWORTH, Mrs.
Grady W. GOLSON, and Mrs. W.R. NORTHINGTON, all of Prattville. The pall bearers
were her grandson, Joe PHILBRICK, Allen Frank, Jr., and Roy WADSWORTH, Shelly,
Wesley and William GOLSON, and Adolphus and Charles NORTHINGTON… Burial
was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Griffin in charge.
Mrs. J.C. WALTERS passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rebie
KILPATRICK, in Prattville, Tuesday afternoon after a lengthy illness. Funeral services
were held from the home Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Durden Cemetery
with Spigener in charge.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
January 3, 1935 (continued):
The subject of this memoir, F.J. McNEEL, was born in Autaugaville, January 8th, 1857,
and died December 4th, 1934. He had lived all of his life in Autaugaville… He was a
member of the M.E. Church…
Friends of Mrs. Josephine BUCKNER sympathize with her in the death, last Wednesday
at Tallassee, Alabama, of her half-brother, Dr. Jesse GULLEDGE, age 61, who married
Miss Viola TAYLOR, December 23rd, 1900. He was a very popular and successful
physician, having practiced in that vicinity since his graduation from Mobile Medical
College in 1899. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Euclid, of Montgomery; Frank of
Tallassee; two daughters, Misses Josephine and Elizabeth of Tallassee; two brothers, Ben
F. and W.J. GULLEDGE of Tallassee; two sisters, Mrs. Susie FOSTER of Eclectic, and
Mrs. Josephine BUCKNER, of Prattville; two grandchildren (not named) and a number
of nieces and nephews… He was a member of the Baptist Church, Tallassee, whose
pastor, Reverend Collis CUNNINGHAM, conducted his funeral at 2:30 p.m. Thursday,
December 20th, and burial at Tallassee Cemetery.
Friends in Autauga County of Mr. Norwood C. SMITH will regret to learn of his death
which occurred recently at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. SMITH was a
native of Autauga County, being the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. William D. SMITH, and
a brother of Mrs. J.T. FLOYD, who still resides here… For the past 12 years he had
resided in Los Angeles. Mrs. SMITH died three years ago. The deceased is survived by
three sons, Ernest, Otis, and Lamar SMITH.
Christmas morning was a very dark one in the home of Mr. & Mrs. J.M. GIBBONS. One
of their twins, Dorothy Jean, age three, was called to her home in heaven… Surviving are
her parents, six brothers, including her twin, Bobby Dean, and one sister (not named)…
Only 13 months ago the death angel took another child, Ida Mae, aged nine, from this
home.
January 10, 1935:
Funeral services for Mrs. Frank BLOCKER, who died yesterday morning at Kilby, will
be held from the residence of Mr. & Mrs. G.P. WALLS, in Prattville, this morning… and
burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with Diffly in charge… She was born in Tallassee on
May 18th, 1886, and came to Prattville with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. George W. WALLS,
when a small child. She was married to Mr. IRA Luther in 1905, but her husband was
killed… She was later married to Mr. Frank BLOCKER, of Prattville… Surviving the
deceased are the husband, one son, George LUTHER, one daughter, Mrs. Jack ALFORD,
one brother, Mr. George P. WALLS, and one sister, Mrs. W.M. ANDERSON, of Troy.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
January 10, 1935 (continued):
Mr. Ike CRAWFORD, of Columbus, Mississippi, has returned home after spending a few
days with Mr. & Mrs. Revie KILPATRICK. He was called to Prattville by the death of
his sister, Mrs. Neva WALTERS.
Mr. Oliver C. COLLUM, 47, for 14 years a Prattville merchant, died at his home on
Factory Street Sunday night. Mr. COLLUM suffered for months with pellagra… He was
born near Jemison, Chilton County, on July 27th, 1887. On July 5th, 1908, he was married
to Miss Mary MILTON, also of Chilton County. They moved to Prattville in 1911. Mr.
COLLUM was a member of the Methodist Church, and also a member of the local
Masonic Lodge. Surviving the deceased are his widow, one son, Loyd COLLUM, and
one grandson, Wayne COLLUM; parents, Mr. & Mrs. D.C. COLLUM; two brothers,
W.A. and J.W. COLLUM, and one sister, Mrs. S.D. SMITHERMAN… Burial was in
Oak Hill Cemetery with Griffin in charge.
Joseph Wheeler MILLS, son of W.B. and Mattie Parker MILLS, passed away at his home
in Wylam, Alabama, on December 25th (1934). The deceased was born in the L.B.
Parker home at Milton, April 17th, 1899, and lived in that vicinity until he married Miss
Annie KLINE, of Birmingham, on December 22nd, 1922. Since then he had lived in
Wylam, where he was employed by the T.C.I. Company. Mr. MILLS is survived by his
widow, two small daughters, Vivian and Mary Elizabeth; his father, Mr. W.B. MILLS,
now of Houston, Texas, two brothers, W.E. MILLS, of Edgewater, and P.G. MILLS, of
Prattville; two sisters, Mrs. J.E. ROSS, of Fremont, and Mrs. R.P. MARTIN, of Houston,
Texas, and several nieces and nephews.
January 17, 1935:
The death of Mr. Edwin S. JONES, 51, at the home of his parents, Mr. & Mrs. A.B.
JONES, in Autaugaville last Saturday night brought sorrow to the many friends of this
prominent family. Mr. JONES became ill Thursday, suffering a stroke of paralysis, and
grew gradually worse until his death Saturday night. The deceased was born near
Autaugaville on May 25th, 1884… He was married in June 1929 to Miss Alice
EDWARDS, of Camden, a teacher in the Autaugaville School. His wife died in January
1932. Surviving are his parents; seven brothers, R.A., O.H., Robert, and Claude JONES,
all of Autaugaville; Dr. J.P. JONES, Savannah, Georgia; J.E., of Spigener, and Charles,
of Montgomery, and two sisters, Mrs. Frank LAMAR, of Prattville, and Mrs. L.C.
HERRMANN, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania…Burial was in Rocky Hill Cemetery with
Spigener in charge…
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
January 24, 1935:
(Birmingham, January 22nd) E.C. CHRISTIE, of Selma, veteran railroad conductor of the
Southern Railroad, died here late last night of injuries received when he was struck by a
train in the yards. CHRISTIE, who was 70 years old, was struck as he started to board a
freight bound for Selma.
Many Prattville people will regret to learn of the death in Mobile of Mrs. L.J.
MARTINEZ. She was the mother of Mrs. Leila BOOTH, of Mobile, and had often
visited in Prattville as the guest of Mrs. H.D. MURPHREE and Mrs. J.E. WILKINSON.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mollie McHearg INGRAM were held from the home of her
sister, Mrs. R.E. McGOWAN on Monday. Burial was in the White Pond Cemetery.
Besides the sisters and brothers (not named), Mrs. INGRAM is survived by her husband
and four small sons (not named).
January 31, 1935:
The death of Judge B.K. McMORRIS, 62, of St. Louis, in Wetumpka Wednesday
morning came as a shock to the people of Autauga County. Mr. McMORRIS, Judge of
this Judicial Circuit from 1919-1923, has resided in St. Louis for the past 10 years… At
the time of his death he was visiting his brother, Mr. S.J. McMORRIS, in Wetumpka…
Miss Annie BOWEN, 73, a life-long resident of Prattville, died at the home of Mr. &
Mrs. J.W. RICE Tuesday morning after several months illness. Miss BOWEN was born
in Clinton, Georgia, on November 19th, 1861, the daughter of Dr. James H. BOWEN and
Annie Montgomery BOWEN. She came to Prattville with her parents in 1865…
Following the death of her parents she made her home with a brother, Mr. W.H.
BOWEN, until his death 10 years ago. Since that time she had resided with her sister,
Mr. J.W. RICE… The deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. J.W. RICE, and Mrs.
F.D. SMITH, of Mishawaka, Indiana… Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with
Spigener in charge… An unusual coincidence in the death of Miss BOWEN is the fact
that she died of the same malady at the same age, and in the same month of the year as
her father, Dr. James H. BOWEN.
Mrs. S.A. SANDERSON, 62, of Vida, Alabama, died at her home early Friday morning
after a long illness. Surviving are her husband; one son, Charles J. SANDERSON, of
Autaugaville; four daughters, Misses Callie and Jessie, both of Selma, Mrs. Retice
DAWSON and Mrs. E.H. HESTER, both of Vida; and seven grandchildren… Burial will
be in the Mulberry Cemetery with Griffin in charge.
Mr. W. Frank PREDDY, 64, formerly a citizen of Prattville, but for the past ten years a
citizen of New Prospect community, died last Thursday morning. He had been in ill
health for more than a year… He was ready to go, however, and Monday morning before
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
January 31, 1935 (continued):
he died he went out to the White City Cemetery and selected the spot he wished his grave
to occupy… Mr. PREDDY came to Prattville some 15 years ago and for several years
was foreman of the weave shop in the local cotton mills… Mrs. PREDDY, who was Miss
Lola PAYTON, of White City, survives him…
Mrs. Annie CORY died at her home in Birmingham Thursday of last week following a
short illness. Mrs. CORY was the widow of Maury CORY, who was the brother of Mr.
H.H. CORY, of Prattville and Mr. Lonnie CORY, of Selma. She was the mother of Mrs.
Blan HOLLOWAY, now of Birmingham. Funeral services were held in Birmingham
Friday with burial in Elmwood Cemetery.
Mrs. Ida HOOK, 74, native of Prattville, died in Birmingham Saturday after an illness of
two weeks. The remains were brought to Prattville where funeral services were held at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.E. GILLESPIE Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Oak
Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge…
(Independence) Many hearts were made sad Friday morning when the sad news came
that the death angel had visited the home of Mr. Sam SANDERSON and claimed his
beloved wife, Lula…
Friends in Autauga County of Mr. & Mrs. I.F. PATTERSON, former residents of
Prattville, will regret to learn of Mrs. PATTERSON’s death, which occurred in a
Montgomery hospital Tuesday morning… The body was sent to Mt. Carmel, near Sellers,
for interment. Besides her husband, the deceased is survived by two brothers, Dr. L.Y.
POWELL and S.L. POWELL, of Montgomery; two sisters, Mrs. Julia INGRAM and
Mrs. M.C. GURLEY, both of St. Louis, Missouri. She was 67 years of age…
February 7, 1935:
Mrs. Vester Jewel TATUM, 33, wife of William Thomas TATUM, employee of the local
plant of the Continental Gin Company, died at their home north of Prattville on Monday
of last week, after a week’s illness of pneumonia. Vester Jewell was the daughter of John
Abb TATUM, prominent farmer of beat 10. She was born and reared in Autauga County,
and was married to William Thomas TATUM, June 27th, 1925. She was a member of the
Liberty Baptist Church… Mrs. TATUM is survived by her husband; one son, Thomas
Haywood, Jr., seven years old; a sister, Miss Gertie Louise TATUM; six brothers, Ernest
F. TATUM, Toledo, Ohio, and Gresham, Gray, Albert, Preston and O’Neil TATUM, all
of Deatsville… The body was carried to Liberty Cemetery for burial, to be placed at rest
beside her mother, Griffin in charge.
On Friday morning, January 25th, Mrs. Carley R. PETERS, 36, died at her home near
Wadsworth, after a week’s illness of pneumonia. The deceased is survived by her
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
February 7, 1935 (continued):
husband and four small children (not named), her father, Mr. Jack CONNELL; five
sisters and three brothers (not named). She was buried Saturday afternoon, the 26th, at
the Wadsworth Cemetery.
(Billingsley) Mr. Bob WILKINS, an aged resident of the Bethlehem community, passed
on to the World Beyond, and was laid to rest Monday. He leaves a large family, all of
age, and a wife (not named).
February 14, 1935:
(Birmingham, February 12th) Jerome Theodore FULLER, 60, of Centerville, widely
known Democrat and a prominent political figure in Alabama for years, died in a hospital
here today from injuries received Saturday night in an automobile accident on the
highway between Woodstock and Blocton…
Reverend J.H. LIMBRICK, member of the Board of Revenue of Autauga County, was
fatally injured when the automobile he was driving was struck by the west-bound
passenger train of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Davis Crossing near Billingsley at
11:30 Thursday morning of last week…. John Harmon LIMBRICK was born near
Billingsley on December 26th, 1876, and had lived in that section all his life. He was
married to Miss Sarah BOWLES on February 9th, 1899. Shortly after his marriage he
joined the Methodist Protestant Church at Concord and entered the ministry one-year
later. At the time of his death Mr. LIMBRICK was pastor of the Pleasant Hill circuit,
made up of Pleasant Hill, Kingston, Mt. Pisgah and Oak Grove churches… The deceased
is survived by his widow, two sons, Curtis, of Kansas City, and Atticus, of Billingsley,
and one daughter, Sarah Maud, of Billingsley. He is also survived by one brother,
Fletcher LIMBRICK, of White City; two half-brothers, W.F. LIMBRICK, Billingsley,
and Martin LIMBRICK, Montgomery; two sisters, Mrs. Sealey GRAY, Billingsley, Mrs.
Jim THRASH, Jemison, and four half-sisters, Mrs. Needy THRASH, Mrs. Alice
WILLIAMS, Mrs. Sadie BENSON, Jemison, and Mrs. Bessie VINSON, Montgomery…
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Werline BUFORD, widow of the late Dr. W.D. BUFORD of
Hayneville and Mt. Willing, and a native of Dallas County, died Saturday evening
following an illness from pneumonia and the infirmities of old age. She was 83 years of
age, having been born on December 17th, 1851 at Pleasant Hill, Alabama. She lived in
Selma for the past 15 years, making her home with her niece, Mrs. J.B. RAYFIELD, Sr.
Mrs. J.A. WADSWORTH, Mrs. J.A. ALEXANDER, Miss Nell BURNS, Messrs.
Leonard WADSWORTH and Harold ALEXANDER attended the funeral of their aunt,
Mrs. Mary E. GOODGAME, in Rockford Friday. Mrs. GOODGAME was the last
surviving member of the family of Capt. J.C. BURNS. She was 91 years of age and up to
two weeks ago had enjoyed the best of health.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
February 14, 1935 (continued):
(White City) Mary Elizabeth Ella CULPEPPER, two-year-old daughter of Mrs. Sara
Hargett CULPEPPER, died on Tuesday and was buried on Wednesday afternoon at the
White Pond Cemetery…
February 21, 1935:
Mr. Lewellyn SPIGENER, 82, died in a Washington, D.C., hospital Saturday afternoon.
His death was the result of injuries received when struck by a truck while crossing a
Washington street intersection two months ago. The remains were shipped to Prattville
where funeral services and interment took place in Oak Hill Cemetery yesterday… The
deceased was born in Prattville in 1853, being the son of Col. & Mrs. Lewellyn
SPIGENER. He was a brother of the late Mr. G.C. SPIGENER, for many years one of
Autauga’s prominent businessmen. After graduating from Alabama Polytechnic Institute
at Auburn, the deceased went to Pensacola, Florida. He resided there until six years ago,
when he went to Washington, D.C., to live with his only sister, Mrs. Julia FISHER…
Mr. George SPIGENER, of Tuscaloosa, Miss Marguerite FISHER and Mrs. Wilma
FISHER, of Atlanta, attended the fuenral of their uncle, Mr. Lewellyn SPIGENER in
Prattville yesterday.
(White City) The people of this community were greatly shocked to learn of the death on
Saturday afternoon of Icie Belle DENNIS, youngest child of Mr. & Mrs. J.W. DENNIS.
She was carried to a Clanton hospital late Friday morning preceding her death. Icie Belle
was only 21 years of age… Burial was at White Pond Cemetery with Martin in charge.
(Independence) Saturday night the death angel came unexpectedly and claimed the
precious wife and mother of Mr. P.M. WALLACE and daughters, Minnie and Sadie. She
was a good Christian, and a member of Bethesda Baptist church… Reverend A.S.
BENTLEY, of Plantersville, conducted the services at the Jones Cemetery at
Independence Monday at 10 o’clock…
February 28, 1935:
(Autaugaville, February 21st) Mrs. A.T. MITCHELL, 70, died at her home here today at
2 p.m. The funeral was held at Rocky Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m. Friday… Surviving are
four brothers, H.S. WILSON and Jim WILSON, of Autaugaville; G.W. WILSON, of
Clanton, and Pete WILSON, of Wetumpka, and two sons, J.E. and J.F. MITCHELL, of
Autaugaville.
The sudden death of Mrs. B.F. DONOVAN in Jacksonville, Alabama, last Saturday
afternoon came as a shock to her family and friends in the Mt. Creek section among
whom she had lived for many years… The deceased was born near Marbury, January 28,
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
February 28, 1935 (continued):
1867, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen WELCH. She was married to Mr. B.F.
DONOVAN 45 years ago. One month ago she went to Jacksonville to be with her
daughter, Miss Gertie DONOVAN, student in the Jacksonville State Teachers College.
Funeral services were held at the Donovan home Sunday afternoon. Burial was in
Prospect Cemetery with Griffin in charge… Surviving the deceased are the husband, two
sons, Messrs. Walter DONOVAN, Prattville, and A.L. DONOVAN, Mt. Creek; four
daughters, Mrs. T.E. WELDON, Alpine, Mrs. S.M. DAVIS, Clanton, Miss Bettie
DONOVAN, teacher in the Pine Level school, and Miss Gertie DONOVAN… Three
sisters, Mrs. Thomas BROWN and Miss Betty WELCH, of Florida, and Mrs. Willis
PEYTON, of Birmingham, also survive.
Mrs. L.W. LOWERY died at her home in the Liberty community on February 16th. She
was 67 years old… Surviving the deceased are three sons, Messrs. Shady LOWERY, of
McWilliams, Alabama, Elmore LOWERY, of Montgomery, and Daniel LOWERY, of
Deatsville. The body was shipped to Greenville, with burial in the New Prospect
Cemetery with Diffley in charge.
Miss Trannie EVERS, 19, daughter of Mrs. Nora EVERS, of Prattville, died in a
Montgomery hospital Sunday. Funeral services will be held this afternoon… Burial will
be in Oak Hill Cemetery with Griffin in charge.
March 7, 1935:
Mr. Will CARTER, prominent farmer who has resided near Billingsley, died in a Clanton
hospital Tuesday following a short illness of pneumonia. Funeral services were held at
Billingsley Wednesday at 12 o’clock. Mr. CARTER was a brother of Mr. Henry G.
CARTER, disbursing officer of the Autauga County Welfare Board.
At 6 o’clock Tuesday morning God called to the Eternal Home little Mary Louise, 10month-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. G.T. JOHNSON. She had been ill of pneumonia only
a short time… Besides the parents, she is survived by her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. W.O.
JOHNSON and Mr. & Mrs. S. McDONALD, of Prattville, three brothers, a sister and a
large number of cousins, uncles and aunts (none listed).
(Billingsley) On last Sunday evening the Death Angel came and took young Robert
SEARLS, the eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. C.A. SEARLS. He was about 20 years old. It
will be remembered that he and Dick KLINNER were both injured in an automobile
accident a week ago, SEARLS injuries proving fatal. He died in the Clanton Hospital…
the remains were laid to rest in the New Cedron Cemetery five miles north of Billingsley,
Monday at 3 p.m., J. Mel Martin in charge.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
March 7, 1935 (continued):
Dr. William Posey HURT, a former pastor of the First Methodist Church of Prattville, …
died in Eufaula on Sunday, February 24th, after a brief illness, following a gradual decline
in health for some months past. Funeral services were held on Tuesday morning… The
remains were carried to his old home in Troy where interment was made beside his wife
who was buried there in 1926. Dr. HURT was born near Troy 75 years ago and received
his training for the ministry at the old Southern University at Greensboro. He became
affiliated with the Alabama Conference in 1880…
(Bridge Creek) Mr. & Mrs. M.P. HOLLON, and Mrs. Allie HOLLON attended the
funeral of Mr. Jim MOORE at Bethlehem Tuesday of this week.
March 14, 1935:
Mrs. Tom ECHOLS, 76, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.R. BOGGS, Thursday
night of last week after several days illness. Mrs. ECHOLS was a native of Liverpool,
England and came to America in 1880 with her husband, who was also a native of
Liverpool, settling at Ensley. Mr. ECHOLS died there three years later. Mrs. ECHOLS
continued to reside in Ensley until six years ago when she came to Prattville to reside
with her daughter. The remains were carried to Ensley where funeral services were held
from St. John’s Episcopal Church, of which the deceased was a charter member, Saturday
afternoon. Burial was in the Fraternal Cemetery with Spigener, of Prattville, in charge.
Surviving Mrs. ECHOLS are three daughters, Mrs. A.D. SLYE and Mrs. J.L.
MULLARKY, Ensley, and Mrs. J.R. BOGGS, Prattville, and one sister, Mrs. Sarah
PAGE, Ensley.
The home of Mr. & Mrs. J.M. ARANT of Wadsworth, was saddened by the death of their
daughter, Miss Lorine, age 15, which occurred Thursday (Tuesday?) afternoon. Miss
Lorine was brought to the hospital Saturday and little hope for her recovery was
entertained by her attending physicians. She was buried Wednesday afternoon at
Wadsworth with Spigener in charge.
William T. (“Bill”) CARTER, who died in a Clanton hospital last Tuesday, was the third
of the Carter brothers to die within the past four years. Charlie was the first to go, dying
at Selma late in 1930. Then followed Marvin, who died in Clanton in 1933. A sister,
Mrs. Mary GRIMES, died at her home in Bessemer during that year also. And now
“Bill”, as he was known to many friends follows after two weeks illness of pneumonia.
The deceased is survived by his widow, who was Miss Earthey BILLINGSLEY before
her marriage; four sons, William Joseph, Wilton, E.J., and Harold; three brothers, Henry,
Prattville; Erby, Chathom, and Tommie, of Birmingham. Funeral services were
conducted from the home near Indian Grave Wednesday morning… and burial was in the
Indian Grave Cemetery.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
March 21, 1935:
Mr. I.N. NUNN, 81, for many years one of Autauga’s prominent citizens, died at his
home in Autaugaville Monday morning. Mr. NUNN had not enjoyed good health since
an infected arm was amputated two years ago… Isaac Newton NUNN was born near
Autaugaville on December 21st, 1853, and has lived in Autauga County all his life. He
was a son of Mr. & Mrs. William James NUNN, who were among the pioneer families of
that section… Funeral services were held from the residence in Autaugaville Tuesday
morning. Interment was in the Nunn Cemetery, near Independence, with Spigener in
charge. The deceased is survived by his widow, two sons, C.J. NUNN, Burnsville, and
W.J. NUNN, Prattville, and one daughter, Mrs. Mamie C. TURK, Montgomery…
Mrs. Pauline Hall PEARSON, 26, died at her residence near Wetumpka Monday morning
after a brief illness. She was a member of the Baptist church. Surviving are her parents,
Mr. & Mrs. S.J. HALL, of Elmore; one daughter, Odessa PEARSON; two sons, John
Oliver PEARSON and Rudolph PEARSON, all of Wetumpka; three brothers, Amos
HALL, of Montgomery, Crawford HALL, of Elmore, and Dewey HALL, of Elmore; and
three sisters, Mrs. Mattie POWELL, of Elmore, Mrs. Ruby JARRICK, of Elmore, and
Mrs. Lennie POWELL, of Elmore. Funeral was held from Good Hope Church Tuesday.
Burial was in the Good Hope Cemetery.
Nine deaths among colored people of Autauga County were reported for the month of
February:
Sadie Mae TYUS, Autaugaville.
Minnie HUTCHINSON, Prattville.
Eliza C. DOUGLAS, Prattville.
Bernice MITCHELL, Jones.
George Anna FULKNER, Jones.
Eulas DAVIS, Mt. Creek.
Elizabeth SUTTON, Verbena.
Infant daughter of Eddie & Iona WILLIAMS, Prattville.
Infant son of Bill & Mamie DAVIS, Billinsgley.
Another of Autauga County’s good citizens are taken away to the Great Beyond on
February 15th. Mrs. LOWERY was before her marriage Miss Milty Eveline MAJORS…
Mrs. LOWERY was born in Butler County in 1896… Surviving are three sons, Messrs.
J.D. LOWERY, of near Deatsville; S.F. LOWERY, of McWilliams, Alabama, and J.E.
LOWERY, of Montgomery; ten grandchildren, four brothers, Messrs. J.A. MAJORS,
J.D. MAJORS, of Georgiana; J.W. MAJORS, of Eclectic, and S.B. MAJORS, of
Greenville. Interment was in the New Prospect Cemetery in Butler County…
Friends of Miss Sara STROZIER sympathize with her in the death of her sister, Mrs. Guy
BECK, which occurred Saturday in Waverly.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
March 21, 1935 (continued):
(Autaugaville) Friends of Mr. & Mrs. W.L. DeBARDELABEN regret to hear of the
death of Mrs. Molly HULL, of Montgomery, who was an aunt of Mr.
DeBARDELABEN.
March 28, 1935:
Ross FRIDAY, 19-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Wade FRIDAY, who reside four miles
northeast of Billingsley, died* Sunday night at the home of his brother, Mr. Earl
FRIDAY, of Billingsley…. Funeral services and burial were at Bethsalem Church in
Chilton County Monday afternoon… (*See full article for details).
Reverend T.Y. ABERNETHY, the old-set minister of the Alabama Methodist
Conference, died at his home in Pensacola Monday. He joined the conference in 1873 in
Selma and the records show that he never missed a conference roll call. The deceased
was for four years presiding elder of the Prattville District.
Dr. William S. HANNAH, well-known young Montgomery physician, died last Friday in
the Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, New York, following an acute illness.
April 4, 1935:
(Wetumpka, March 31st) George Wesley LITTLE, 50, of Tallassee, was killed instantly
here tonight when he was struck by an automobile…
Miss Hazel DUFFEE, daughter of Mr. Clarence DUFFEE, died yesterday afternoon at
the Taylor hospital where she had been under treatment for the past two weeks. In
September this popular young lady grew seriously ill and was carried to a Montgomery
hospital for treatment. For weeks her condition was critical. She improved, however,
and returned to Prattville where she lived with her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. R.L.
DUFFEE… the deceased is survived by her father and step-mother, Mr. & Mrs. C.L.
DUFFEE, a half-brother, C.L., Jr.; two half-sisters, Helen and Elizabeth, and her
grandparents.
April 11, 1935:
Mrs. Annie Guthrie SANFORD, 82, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Nina
HUNT, in Prattville Monday morning. Death came to Mrs. SANFORD in her sleep…
The deceased was born in Gainesville, Georgia, March 20th, 1853. She was married on
January 21st, 1879 to William Daniel SANFORD, native of Autauga County, and went
with him to reside near Wadsworth… Surviving the deceased are four daughters, Mrs.
Nina HUNT, Prattville; Mrs. H.A. JONES, Ariton; Mrs. H.S. WALLACE, Wadsworth;
Mrs. Maggie MYRICK, Wetumpka, and one son, Mr. K.R. SANFORD, Wadsworth.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
April 11, 1935 (continued):
Twenty-seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services
were held Tuesday afternoon in the Pine Flat Presbyterian Church… Burial was in Pine
Flat Cemetery.
Walter Richard BRASSEL, 68, an employee of the city of Montgomery for more than a
quarter of a century, and a commissioner under both the Robertson and Gunter regimes,
died Monday night at his home in that city.
April 18, 1935:
Mr. Richard VINSON, 88, probably the oldest resident of our city, died Monday night at
the Taylor Hospital in Prattville… His death was attributed to heart failure. Funeral
services were held from the home on Washington Street yesterday morning… Burial was
in Oak Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge. Mr. VINSON was born near
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, February 15th, 1847, and came to Alabama with his parents at
the age of nine. They settled near Rockford in Coosa County, and for 79 years the
deceased called that section “home.” Enlisting with the Southern forces, he served in the
Confederate army during the last year of the Civil War… He was married to Miss Fannie
ALLEN, who also lived in that section, on November 17th, 1868 and for 65 years they
had lived happily together. Mrs. VINSON, now 86 years of age, survives her husband.
Surviving also are four sons, Walter, of Prattville; R.J., of Sylacauga; Grover, of Titus;
J.W., of Birmingham; three daughters, Mrs. W.E. GUY, Montgomery; Mrs. G.W.
HEWEN, Dodson, Louisiana; Mrs. Walter WARD, Sylacauga; a number of
grandchildren and great-grandchildren…
Ten deaths among the colored people of Autauga County were reported to the County
Health Department during the month of March:
Beatrice HALL, Prattville.
Charlie BRUENTON, Prattville.
Infant daughter of Jimmie & Bessie WYATT, Autaugavile.
Cornelia JOHNSON, Autaugaville.
Lutie Lewis MACK, Autaugaville.
Infant daughter of Thomas HUBBARD & Lillie Mae MOORE, Autaugavile.
Katie Cobb LEE, Autaugaville.
Infant daughter of Willie JACKSON & Ellen HOLLISON, Route 3, Selma.
Woodrow PERRY, Route 3, Selma.
Kitty HALL, Route 3, Selma.
Funeral services for James B. GARDNER, well-known farmer of near Verbena, who died
last Wednesday afternoon at his home, following an extended illness, were held Thursday
afternoon from the Verbena Methodist Church. Burial was in the Verbena Cemetery with
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
April 18, 1935 (continued):
Martin and Sons in charge. Mr. GARDNER, who was 59 years old, had spent his entire
life in the community in which he died. He was born and reared only a few miles from
Verbena, and was one of the best known citizens of that section. He is survived by his
widow; one daughter, Mrs. Judson MESSER; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes TATE and Mrs.
Grier CULVER; and one brother, N.L. GARDNER, all of Verbena-Reprint from Chilton
County News.
News has been received here of the death of George D. SHILLING, World War veteran
and former resident of Montgomery, who was fatally injured in an automobile accident
Wednesday at Newberry, South Carolina…
April 25, 1935:
Dr. Chas. A. CARY, state veterinarian, and dean of Auburn Polytechnic Institute school
of veterinary medicine, died at his home in Auburn of a heart attack late Tuesday night…
Mr. J.C. TAYLOR passed away at his home in North Prattville Tuesday afternoon
following a lengthy illness. A heart attack was given as the immediate cause of his
death… The deceased was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He early became interested in
civil engineering and had followed that profession all his life, doing construction work in
Nicaragua, Central America, Cuba and many sections of the United States. He married
Miss Elizabeth SMYTH, of Louisville, Mississippi, while engaged in construction of a
railroad out of Mobile. Later he became associated with Hon. Woolsey FINNELL, of
Tuscaloosa, and when the Prattville dam broke in 1919 they were given the contract to
rebuild the structure. While building the dam, Mr. TAYLOR and his family learned to
love Prattville and its people and they have remained here… Funeral services were held
from the home Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Griffin in
charge. The deceased is survived by his widow, two sons, James, of Montgomery and
Cole, of Prattville; his mother, Mrs. J.H. TAYLOR, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and
one sister, Miss Hettie TAYLOR, of Brownsville.
Arthur “Buck” CHAPMAN, 19-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Ira CHAPMAN of Elmore
County, died in a Montgomery hospital Sunday, a victim of meningitis… The youth
became ill last Thursday and died Sunday. The funeral was held yesterday at Deatsville.
May 2, 1935:
Reverend Sol BATES, highly respected colored minister of Autaugaville, died at his
home there Monday night. His death brings sorrow to both the white and colored people
of Autauga County, for he had many friends among both races.
13
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
May 2, 1935 (continued):
Miss Mae LOVELESS, one of Prattville’s most highly esteemed women, died at the
home of her sister, Mrs. Eva WILKINSON, Tuesday morning after an illness of several
days. Miss LOVELESS suffered a stroke of paralysis Tuesday afternoon of last week…
The deceased was born in Tuskegee, the daughter of Dr. E.L. and Mary Andrews
LOVELESS. She resided there with her parents until February 1910, when her mother
died. The remains of the mother were brought to Prattville for burial. Dr. LOVELESS
became ill during the funeral and died here one week later. Miss LOVELESS had since
that time resided with Mrs. WILKINSON… Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Eva
WILKINSON, a niece, Miss Louise LONG, of Prattville, and a nephew, Mr. Loveless
LONG, of New York City. Funeral services were held from the residence Wednesday
afternoon… Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge.
On April 21st, God in his wisdom called the soul of Mrs. J.M. WILLIS from our midst
into the realms of eternity. A severe heart attack was given as the cause of death. Mrs.
WILLIS was before her marriage Miss Lura GRANGER. She was born December 25 th,
1862 in Autauga County. At the age of 18 she united with Salem Methodist Church,
where she remained a member until after marriage, when she moved her membership to
the Big Springs Baptist church, later moving it to Evergreen, where she was a loyal
member until her death. On January 17th, 1886, she was married to J.M. WILLIS. To
this union was born five children, all of whom survive… Mrs. WILLIS is survived by her
husband and five children, Mrs. Walter JACKSON, of Independence, Mrs. John L.
TAYLOR, of Pearlington, Mississippi, Mrs. B.J. CAVER, of this community
(Evergreen), Mrs. J.A. JACKSON, Selma, and Mr. T.C. WILLIS of this community.
Also, one sister, Mrs. William HUNT, of Birmingham, 14 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from Big Springs Church…
Interment was in the cemetery there with Griffin in charge.
E.S. HOWARD, 67, died at the family residence at Lowndesboro Saturday after a brief
illness. Surviving are the widow, two sons, H.M. and Cook HOWARD, and one
grandson, E.W. HOWARD, all of Lowndesboro.
May 9, 1935:
Mr. J.A. HUBBARD died Thursday morning at the home of his brother, Mr. W.B.
HUBBARD. He suffered a stroke of paralysis early last week… The deceased was 87
years of age. He was born in Anniston and grew to manhood in that city. While never
considered of strong physique he was active until at the age of 23 he suffered a serious
illness. He recovered to some extent, but for the remainder of his life he suffered a
severe handicap. He came to Prattville 31 years ago and has since resided with his
brother… Funeral services were held at Oak Hill Cemetery Friday morning… Surviving
the deceased are four sisters, Mrs. T.J. PONDER, Waycross, Georgia; Mrs. E.B.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
May 9, 1935 (continued):
NELSON, Birmingham; Mrs. W.R. BOLTER, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mrs. A.H. ATKINS,
Florence, South Carolina; and one brother, Mr. W.B. HUBBARD, of Prattville.
Mrs. W.J. WILSON, 64, died at the home of her son, Mr. M.R. EVANS, in Prattville,
Saturday afternoon. For several months she had been ill with dropsy, and a weak heart
hastened her death. The deceased was born in the old Gaines Water Mill settlement,
present site of Bridge Creek Fishing Club, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ben GAINES.
She was married first to Mr. Henry EVANS, also of Autauga County. Surviving this
union are six sons, M.R., of Prattville; C.R., of Jones; W.I., Columbus, Ohio; Marbury,
Kansas City; T.J., Memphis, and G.T., of Hot Springs, New Mexico. Several years after
the death of her first husband, the deceased was married to Mr. W.J. WILSON, of Booth,
who survives her. Surviving also are two brothers, Mr. R.H. GAINES, of Bridge Creek,
and Mr. John GAINES, of Birmingham, and two sisters, Mrs. E.F. GUNNELLS,
Bessemer, and Mrs. A.E. WHITE, of Prattville. Funeral services were held Sunday
afternoon from the Pine Level Church… Burial was in the Pine Level Cemetery…
Mrs. Mary Lee CROW, 83, died Sunday afternoon at her home in Prattville, after a long
illness. The deceasd had been a resident of Prattville for the past 30 years… She is
survived by three daughters, Mrs. J.W. TURNER, Mrs. Henry BARBER, and Mrs.
Charlie WHITE, and three sons, C.C. CROW, G.C. CROW, and J.B. CROW, all of
Prattville; twenty-eight grandchildren, and twenty-six great-grandchildren. Funeral
services were held from the home Monday afternoon… Burial was in the Durden
Cemetery with Griffin in charge. Pall bearers were six grandsons, Lonnie and Olice
CROW, Hubert HAYNIE, Clarence TURNER, Ruben CROW, and Heflin
RAWLINSON.
May 16, 1935:
This community was greatly grieved Sunday when the sad news reached the neighbors
and friends that God saw fit to call from our midst Mrs. W.E. JONES… Mrs. JONES is
survived by her husband, and two daughters, Mrs. Gene DeRAMUS and Norma JONES.
The funeral was conducted from the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. W.L. KING…
Burial was in the King Cemetery Monday morning.
(Oak Grove) Many hearts were made sad in this community by the death of Mrs. W.J.
WILSON and Mrs. Jim CHAVERS.
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DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
May 23, 1935:
News was received by Mrs. B.W. GRESHAM last Thursday that a nephew, Mr. Willie
Ben JORDAN, had been killed in an automobile wreck near his home in Woodland,
Georgia. Mr. & Mrs. Clifford BATEMAN and Mrs. Rena BATEMAN attended the
funeral of the unfortunate young man, which was held in Woodland Friday.
Twenty-three deaths in Autauga is the record as compiled by the County Health Unit
from reports for the month of April, as follows:
White
Mr. James Cole TAYLOR, Prattville, April 23rd.
James Edgar GUY, Prattville, April 3rd.
Mr. Richard VINSON, Prattville, April 15th.
Mrs. Annie SANFORD, Prattville, April 8th.
Miss Hazel DUFFEE, Prattville, April 3rd.
Bobby Ruth DAY, Autaugaville, April 10th.
Mrs. Laura Granger WILLIS, Billingsley, April 12th.
Colored
Henry WELLS, Jr., Prattville.
Eliza HOUSE, Prattville.
George COFIELD, Prattville.
Mattie Pearl TODD, Prattville.
Ira STOUDENMIRE, Prattville.
Sallie C. DERAMUS, Booth.
Billie STEELE, Selma, Route 3.
Willie BIVINS, Selma, Route 3.
Willie MATHEW, Selma, Route 3.
Eula CLAY, Billinsgley.
Mollie FORD, Autaugaville.
Jimmie TYUS, Jones.
Milo PARKER, Jones.
Infant son of Will & BamaUNDERWOOD, Billingsley.
Infant son of Orrie Lee DURDEN, Vida.
Henry BROWN, Mt. Creek.
(Independence) Friends and relatives gathered at the Harmon Cemetery Thursday
afternoon to see Mrs. J.H. BATES, of Selma, laid to rest… The deceased is survived by
one sister, Mrs. W.M. DERAMUS; three brothers, John and Clinton DURDEN, of
Birmingham, and Ben DURDEN, of Independence; three daughters, Mrs. Martin
WALKER, of Huntsville, and Mrs. Dewey COX and Mrs. Katie COLEMAN, of Selma,
and a number of grandchildren.
16
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
May 30, 1935:
Miss Renee Eloise CANNON, a student of the University of Georgia, Athens, and a niece
of Mr. Alva K. COOPER, Prattville merchant, was killed late last Friday when she fell
from a horse on the campus of the college… She was a sophomore in the university and
the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C.R. CANNON, of Conyers, Georgia… Funeral services
were held Sunday afternoon with burial in Covington, Georgia, where her grandparents,
Capt. & Mrs. J.O. COOPER, reside…
Col. Alfred Moore TUNSTALL, one of the outstanding members of Alabama’s
legislatures for more than 30 years, passed away at his home in Greensboro Tuesady
night, following a two weeks illness… He was 71 years of age and the infirmities of age
had begun to tell on the veteran legislator… He represented Hale County in the House of
Representatives nine terms during two of which he was speaker and in another was
speaker pro tem, and served one term as a member of the State Senate. Funeral services
will be held today from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greensboro, with burial in the
Greensboro Cemetery.
June 6, 1935:
Mary Ann GRAHAM, 12-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C.M. GRAHAM, who reside
in Montgomery at 221 St. Charles Avenue, and granddaughter of Dr. & Mrs. James M.
GRAHAM, of Prattville, died at 6 o’clock last Saturday morning after two days’ illness
of toxic poisoning. Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon…
Mrs. Bettie SOLOMON, widely known Montgomery woman, died at a Montgomery
hospital Tuesday night. She was 78 years old. She had lived in Montgomery all her life.
Surviving are three sons, Fred SOLOMON and H.D. SOLOMON, both of Montgomery,
Alex SOLOMON, of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Mrs. Celia MOUNT and Mrs. Tillie
PEYSER, both of Montgomery.
The life of little Joe FARRELL, four years old, was taken by his father, James
FARRELL, middle-aged cotton mill worker of Prattville, last Friday night. The tragedy
occurred at the FARRELL home in Allenville. From reports it seems that a number of
persons were attending a dance at the FARRELL home. Liquor flowed freely…
FARRELL secured his shotgun and fired several shots at members of the party. One of
the loads hit his little four-year-old son, Joe…
Mr. Ellsworth ELLIS, prominent citizen of Autauga County, died last Thursday morning
in a Montgomery hospital a few hours after he had suffered a stroke of paralysis. Mr.
ELLIS was a member of one of Autauga County’s most highly esteemed families. His
father, Mr. W.H. ELLIS, and brothers, Everett and Claude, have for years been engaged
in poultry raising at Marbury. The deceased formerly taught in the Chilton County
schools, later being connected with the Alabama School Supply. At the time of his death
17
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
he was connected with the State Tax Commission. Surviving are the widow and two sons
(not named), the father and two brothers, all of Marbury. Funeral services were held
from the Marbury Baptist Church Friday afternoon.
June 13, 1935:
(Billingsley) A large number of our citizens attended the funeral of a former merchant of
this place, Mr. E.N. GAINES, who fell dead while working in his garden in Birmingham,
and was laid to rest near Haynes last Friday.
June 20, 1935:
Marbury and surrounding communities were greatly grieved last Friday when the sad
news reached us that God saw fit to call from our midst Mr. L.C. HAWES. Mr. HAWES
had been sick for about two weeks… The deceased is survived by six sons and one
daughter (not named). The remains were laid in the New Harmony Cemetery, Saturday
afternoon, with Spigener in charge.
The funeral ofMrs. Fannie MERCER, 76, who died Monday night at her home at Elmore
Station, was held Tuesday at Mt. Hebron… Surviving are six sons, John H. MERCER, of
Oklahoma, C.W., W.R., R.L., F.A., and A.L. MERCER, all of Elmore Station; two
daughters, Mrs. Ralph BRYANT, of Elmore Station, and Mrs. Fred DAVIS, of Cairo,
Georgia; two sisters, Mrs. B.L. CROWELL and Mrs. J.F. MORRIS; and three brothers,
A.D. HENDERSON, M.D. HENDERSON, and H.F. HENDERSON.
Mrs. Frances Browse McDONALD, wife of the Reverend P.N. McDONALD, rector of
the Church of the Ascension in Montgomery, and the Prattville Episcopal Church, died
last Thursday in St. Mary’s Hospital at Mayo’s Clinic, Rochester, Minn., where she had
been under treatment for three weeks…
June 27, 1935:
Mitchell STREET, colored, is dead and Dave ROSE, also colored, is in the Autauga
County jail as the result of a shooting occurring on the Gunter plantation in the
southwestern part of the county last Saturday night…
July 4, 1935:
Mr. & Mrs. Deason JONES, and Mrs. Stanley JONES, of Columbus, Georgia, are dead
and four others are in Montgomery hospitals more or less seriously injured as a result of
an automobile crash… on the Montgomery highway near Red Devil Lake Saturday…
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley JONES, formerly residents of Prattville, moved to Columbus last
year…
18
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
July 4, 1935 (continued):
In the death of Mr. Eddie BAZZELL, 69, in Prattville last week, Autauga County has lost
a good citizen. Mr. BAZZELL was born in beat 10 and had spent his entire life in
Autauga County. He was for years connected with the Autauga Oil & Fertilizer
Company, but at the time of his death was employed by the Prattville plant of the
Bradford Cotton Mills… He is survived by two brothers, W.C. BAZZELL, of Prattville,
and J.C. BAZZELL, of Deatsville, and a sister, Mrs. W.L. JONES, of Prattville…
July 11, 1935:
Mrs. James FERRELL was carried to a Montgomery hospital Saturday night suffering
with an acute attack of appendicitis. An immediate operation failed to save her life, death
coming Sunday morning. The remains were brought to Prattville and funeral services
were held Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge.
Autauga County lost one of its most prominent and worth-while citizens in the death of
Mr. C.W. SMITH, which occurred at his country home six miles southwest of Prattville
last Sunday morning. Mr. SMITH had been confined to his bed for several weeks and for
days before his death it was known that the end was not far away. Claude Whit SMITH
was born in Autauga County on August 11th, 1868. He was the son of C. Whit SMITH
and Colista Ward SMITH, early pioneers of this county… He attended the old Prattville
Academy, and later the University of Alabama… In the late 1890’s he became associated
with two of his cousins, the late McQueen and Major M. SMITH and continued farming
operations on a larger scale, part of their farm being the lands on which the beautiful
Smith home now stands… On July 22nd, 1903, the deceased was married to Miss
Margaret Graham SMITH, one of Tuskegee’s sweetest and most accomplished young
ladies. To this union was born one daughter, who is now the lovely and attractive
Margaret SMITH, who resides at Tuskegee, where she has lived since infancy, first with
her grandmother, Mrs. Sara Anna SMITH, and later with her aunt, Mrs. E.R.
ALEXANDER. Years after the death of his first wife, Mr. SMITH was married to Mrs.
Sarah SMITH, beloved Prattville woman. She died in 1927. In early life the deceased
joined the Prattville Presbyterian Church… Mr. SMITH was for years a member of the
Board of Revenue of Autauga County…
July 18, 1935:
Mr. D.C. CAMPBELL, prominent citizen of Ft. Worth, Texas, died last Saturday at his
home in that city after a lingering illness. Mr. CAMPBELL, who was a native of
Wetumpka, and who married a sister of the late Mrs. Sarah BOOTH, of Prattville, was
influential in civic and religious affairs in his Texas home… Surviving the deceased are
the widow and four children (not named).
19
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
July 18, 1935 (continued):
Mr. Charles Clifton SMITH, for many years one of Autauga’s most prominent citizens,
died at the home of his brother, Mr. T.M. SMITH, Sunday night… He was born on
March 31st, 1867. He was a son of Col. A.Y.& Mrs. McKeithen SMITH, members of
pioneer families of Autauga County… On November 23rd, 1909, Mr. SMITH was
married to Mrs. Eleanor CONE…Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery… Mr. SMITH is
survived by his widow, a stepson, Mr. Will CONE, three brothers, T.M. SMITH,
Prattville; A.Y. SMITH, Wauchula, Florida; A.M. SMITH, Acadia, Florida; two sisters,
Mrs. Mary STANSFIELD, Wauchula, Florida; and Mrs. A.C. BILLUPS, Birmingham…
(Opelika, July 14th) The funeral of Edmund POWELL, 62, former Opelika merchant,
who died in Columbus, Georgia, Frdiay night after a long illness was held today… burial
was at Rosemere Cemetery. Mr. POWELL was a resident of Opelika for nearly a quarter
of a century and during this time he was engaged in the retail grocery business. He
moved to Columbus about two years ago where he has resided with his son, B.E.
POWELL, until his death… Surviving are the widow, the former Miss Annie GRIFFIN
of this city, and one son, B.E. POWELL, of Columbus, Georgia, a brother, B. POWELL,
of Battle Creek, Alabama… Mr. POWELL was a brother of the late J.L. POWELL, of
Prattville.
July 25, 1935:
Mr. William Middleton FISHER, for a number of years a prominent citizen of Prattville,
died Sunday morning at his home in Washington, D.C… Mr. FISHER was 69 years of
age and was born in Columbus, Georgia, but moved to Prattville at the age of eight. He
was an employee of the Continental Gin Company until 17 years ago when he moved to
Washington and there resided until his death… The funeral was held in Washington
Monday and the remains were brought here for burial. The services were held at Oak
Hill Cemetery Tuesday… Mr. FISHER is survived by his widow, Mrs. Julia Spigener
FISHER, three daughters, Miss Marguerite FISHER and Mrs. W.F. YEARGER, of
Atlanta, Georgia, and Mrs. A.O. DOOLEY, of Washington, D.C.
Mr. B.A. TUCKER, 67, died Tuesday at a Montgomery hospital after a brief illness. He
is survived by his widow, four daughters and one son (none named). The funeral was
held from Diffly’s funeral home yesterday…
The friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Lillie Bowen SMITH will regret to learn of her
untimely death, which occurred at Prattville July 22nd. Mrs. SMITH had been in feeble
health for more than a year, and while on a visit to her daughter in Indiana, was seriously
stricken, and died a very short time after reaching home… She was 71 years of age, and
had spent her whole life in her hometown. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon
from the home of her sister, Mrs. John RICE. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
20
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
August 1, 1935:
Mr. A.M. “Boss” SMITH died Tuesday morning at a hospital in Arcadia, Florida… Mr.
SMITH was born and reared in this community being the son of Col. A.Y. & Mrs.
McKeithen SMITH… He was a brother of Mr. C.C. SMITH who died here on July 14 th.
The deceased is survived by three sons, Dr. A.M. SMITH, Jr., Tampa, Florida, Mr. A.Y.*
SMITH, Langley Field, Mr. Bruce SMITH, St. Augustine, Florida…
*Paper is in bad condition. The first letter is not legible. The name is assumed to be “A.Y. SMITH”.
August 8, 1935:
Grover Cleveland SEXTON, 43-year-old textile worker of Prattville, was almost instantly
killed at 4 p.m. Friday when he was struck down by an automobile near the center of the
Alabama River bridge on the Birmingham Highway… Mr. SEXTON is survived by his
widow and five children, of Prattville (none listed); two brothers, W.M. and H.L.
SEXTON, and two sisters, Mrs. John TURNER and Mrs. George TURNER, all residents
of Honoraville. The body was sent to Cool Springs, Crenshaw County, from the Griffin
Funeral Home in Prattville.
August 15, 1935:
Roy WILLIAMS, colored, of the Lily Hill Community, died Saturday night in a
Montgomery hospital as the result of a wound received that afternoon when shot by a
pistol in the hands of Jim GILL, another colored man…
(Selma, August 13th) Funeral services were held today for the victims of two unusual
accidents. James H. BREWER, 75, died Sunday from injuries received when a porch
collapsed at his home at Forkland. Aron ROPER, Range Line Road farmer, died of a
broken neck, received when he dived into shallow water in Mulberry Creek.
August 22, 1935:
The following deaths among colored people of Autauga County occurred during July:
Infant son of Isaiah & Mayleen ROPER, Prattville.
Ann McCLAMON, Prattville.
Lillie STEWART, Prattville.
Theodore DAVIS, Prattville.
Jesse Lee BELL, Prattville.
Owen HOUSER, Jr., Autaugaville.
Infant son of Alex & Rosetta FRAZIER, Autaugaville.
Willie NUNN, Billingsley.
Mary DERAMUS, Vida.
Frank SIDNEY, Mt. Creek.
21
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
August 29, 1935:
(Selma, August 25th) Arthur L. DAY, 28, prominent Selma real estate broker, was
instantly killed early today when the automobile he was driving left the highway and
plunged down an embankment near Pelhatchie, Mississippi, some 25 miles from Jackson.
Joe CALE, 31, of Docena, was killed instantly Saturday night when struck by a Frisco
freight train near his home about 12 miles west of Birmingham… Funeral services were
held at Docena Union Church Monday. Burial was in Fraternal Cemetery, Pratt City.
The Cale Family were formerly citizens of Autauga County and have many friends here
who will regret to learn of the tragic death of this young man.
On Wednesday night, August 22nd, the death angel came and claimed the life of Mr.
W.G. JACKSON while his devoted wife was at the bedside of their daughter, Mrs. James
BUSBY. Mr. JACKSON was born December 8th, 1867, near Independence and has lived
here all his life. On January 1st, 1892, he was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth WYATT.
Unto this union were born 11 children, 10 of whom survive his death; Mrs. J.W.
WOODARD, of Harbeson City, Florida; Mrs. L.N. WALLACE, Longview, Texas; Mrs.
Mable KING, Montgomery; Mrs. I.G. ARMSTEAD, Warsaw, Georgia; Mrs. H.L.
JACKSON, Shreveport, Louisiana; Mrs. J.H. VINSON, Jones; Mrs. C.M. WAGNER,
Lakeland, Florida; Mr. W.F. JACKSON, Mrs. James BUSBY, and Miss Louise
JACKSON, of Independence, and 12 grandchildren… Reverend Peacock conducted the
services at the WYATT Cemetery Friday afternoon with Griffin in charge…
(Tallassee, August 25th) Chester ESTES, 29-year-old farmer, died in a hospital here this
afternoon from bullet wounds officers said were inflicted by a colored tenant farmer
during an argument…
September 5, 1935:
Perry GOODSON, 80-year-old colored man, was instantly killed Saturday night when
struck by the engine of an M & O freight train four miles west of Booth… GOODSON
was for many years active in the pastorate of colored churches in this section and enjoyed
the respect of the people of both the white and colored races.
Funeral services for Mr. W. O. DURBIN, prominent Autauga County farmer, will be held
this afternoon at 3:30 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Chilton County… Mr. DURBIN died
yesterday morning, following a lengthy illness, at his home on the Booth-Independence
Road. He was 55 years of age and was considered a splendid citizen and industrious
farmer. He is survived by his widow and three children (not named).
(White City) The infant of Mr. & Mrs. Clarence THORNTON, of Prattville, was buried
in the White City Cemetery Friday afternoon…
22
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
September 19, 1935:
Last Wednesday afternoon, just at the time we were preparing an article for The Progress
stating that Mr. William J. GAFFORD, who was in a Montgomery hospital, was better,
the condition of this good man became worse, and death came to him later in the day. At
the passing of Mr. William James GAFFORD (better known as Uncle Bill) Autauga
County has lost one of its best citizens… He was born June 29th, 1858, and departed this
life September 11th, 1935… Funeral was held from Big Springs Church Thursday…
Interment was in the cemetery there, with Martin in charge…
Vital Statistics –Month of August
As reported by the Autauga County Health Unit:
White Deaths
Son of Mr. & Mrs. Clarence THORNTON, Prattville.
Grover E. SEXTON, Prattville.
Claudius W. SMITH, Prattville.
William George JACKSON, Independence.
Colored Deaths
Virginia WILLIAMS, Prattville.
Bertha Seal HOUSER, Autaugaville.
Julia Lee WHITE, Autaugaville.
Eliza Jane HOWARD, Autaugaville.
Alma Arleen SAPP, Mt. Creek.
Twin sons of Booster & Hattie PARKER, Billingsley.
Lee ARMSTRONG, Plantersville.
September 26, 1935:
Information contained in a letter to Prattville friends from Dr. & Mrs. A.D. ALLEN states
that their son, Carroll ALLEN, died suddenly at their home in Decatur, Alabama,
recently. Dr. & Mrs. ALLEN formerly lived in Prattville and their son, Carroll, who was
only a little fellow when they moved away from here, is remembered by many of their
friends.
Mrs. D.L. YARBROUGH, of Rocky Mount, died in a Montgomery hospital Tuesday
morning, following a short illness… it was discovered that pneumonia had developed and
the end came in a very short time. Before her marriage, Mrs. YARBROUGH was Miss
Alice Tulula MAY. She was born in Prattville, being the youngest daughter of Hiram J.
& Mattie Fralick MAY, who were among the county’s pioneer citizens… On September
22nd, 1911, the deceased was married to Mr. D.L. YARBROUGH, one of the outstanding
farmers of this section… Two sons, D.L., Jr. and Harry, and two daughters, Elizabeth and
23
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
September 26, 1935 (continued):
Dorothy, survive this union… Others surviving are the husband, and two sisters, Mrs.
Minnie WEIR and Mrs. Ida WEEKS, of Prattville. Funeral services were held yesterday
afternoon in Rocky Mount Church… burial was in the Rocky Mount Cemetery with
Griffin in charge…
(Deatsville, September 22nd) J.M. STROCK, 86, pioneer citizen of Elmore County, died
at his home near here this afternoon following a long illness. The funeral will be held
Monday from the Ebenezer Church, with burial in the adjoining cemetery… Mr.
STROCK was born and reared in Elmore County and was a prominent farmer. He was a
member of the Protestant Methodist Church. Surviving are one son, A.E. STROCK, of
Deatsville; two daughters, Mrs. T.J. RUCKER, of Elmore, and Mrs. D.J. LONG, of
Montgomery, and nine grandchildren, including the following: L.D. MORGAN, of
Mansfield, Louisiana; Mrs. Dewey ROY, of Deatsville; Mills COWLING, of
Montgomery; and L. COWLING, of Elmore.
October 3, 1935:
Mr. W.E. FORD died at his home in Prattville Friday night. Mr. FORD had been under
the care of physicians for the past six months… William Ernest FORD was born in Selma
on January 24th, 1879. For some years after reaching manhood, he resided in
Birmingham. He was married on March 29th, 1913 to Miss Maudena BATTLES, also of
Birmingham. Coming to Prattville in July 1922, Mr. FORD accepted a position with the
local cotton mills…He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and
Shrine, being a member of Zamora Temple in Birmingham. Surviving the deceased are
the widow, three sons, William V. and Ernest, Jr., Birmingham, and Virgil, of Prattville;
four daughters, Mrs. Annie BEVIS, Birmingham, and Misses Gladys, Dimples, and
Nellie FORD, of Prattville. A brother, Mr. Virgil FORD, of Bonham, Texas, also
survives. Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon… Burial was in
the Durden Cemetery with Griffin in charge…
(Liberty) Our community was greatly saddened on last Thursday by the death of a
beloved and useful citizen, Mrs. Ella BOONE. Mrs. BOONE suffered for many weeks
before being taken to a hospital with an infected foot, caused by an ingrowing toenail.
The toe had to be removed while in the Prattville hospital. Later in a Montgomery
hospital, her leg had to be amputated. All efforts failed and she died from the result.
Mrs. BOONE was a member of the Baptist Church for 56 years… Surviving the deceased
are her husband, W.E. BOONE; parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.N. COOK; two brothers, Jim and
Nix; and five daughters, Mrs. C.D. RAWLINSON, Mrs. Arthur BEARD, of
Montgomery; Mrs. Jim RAWLINSON, Mrs. John HOLLON, and Mrs. Tom BICE, of
Deatsville; four sons, Hannon, Robert, of Montgomery; and George and Oliver BOONE,
of Deatsville. Fifty grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren also survive… Funeral
services were held Saturday morning.
24
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
October 10, 1935:
(Verbena, October 7th) The funeral of F.A. GULLEDGE, 86, prominent Chilton County
citizen who died Sunday morning at his home where he had lived for 59 years, was held
today at 3 p.m., from the Verbena Methodist Church… burial was in the Verbena
Cemetery… Surviving Mr. GULLEDGE are five sons and daughters, Mrs. (-) B.
OLIVER*, Mrs. Samuel SCOTT, (-) H.*, W.A., and Charles E. GULLEDGE, all of
Verbena. His wife died about two years ago. Born in Coosa County, September (-),
1849, he made his home there until the Fall of 1876, when he removed to Chilton County
and settled at Verbena, engaging in the mercantile business… At the age of 19, he was
married to Miss Cordelia Ann COLLIER…Although he was too young to serve in the
War Between the States, he has always been intensely interested in the activities of the
Confederate Veterans… His brother, Gen. J.W.E. GULLEDGE, is one of the few
veterans of this war now living in Chilton County.
*NOTE: Paper is in bad condition and the first initial of this name is illegible.
October 17, 1935:
Will ALLEN, farmer of near Eclectic in Elmore County, died* Sunday at his home from
shotgun wounds… Allen, about 50 years old, died while his family was at church, it was
reported. He is survived by his widow and a number of children.
*See article for full details.
Mrs. Sarah B. PASSMORE, 70, a resident of Montgomery for 28 years, died at the
residence, 110 Capitol Parkway, Montgomery, Monday after a short illness. Surviving
are a daughter, Mrs. G.B. BARNETT, of Montgomery; a son, G.C. PASSMORE, of
Prattville; three sisters, Mrs. T.B. HAIGLER and Mrs. J.H. CARAWAY, both of
Louisville, Alabama, and Mrs. Will RICHARDS, of Texas; three brothers, T.B.
PICKETT, of Columbus; Edgar PICKETT, of Cottonwood; and John PICKETT of
Cottonwood; and three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were
held from Diffley’s Funeral home… Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery…
Mr. J.R. WILLIAMS, one of Autauga’s oldest and best citizens went to his resting-place
October 29th. If he had lived until October 16th, he would have been 85 years of age. Mr.
WILLIAMS was born in Macon County, and came to Autauga County with his parents at
the age of five… He had been married 62 years, and had been a member of the church 65
years. The deceased is survived by his wife, 88 years old, and four children, J.R.
WILLIAMS, Jr., and Mrs. H.A. HAND, of Prattville; Mrs. A.J. THOMAS, Deatsville;
and Mrs. J.E. HAND, Mt. Creek. He is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 30 greatgrandchildren. Interment was in the Liberty Cemetery…
25
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
October 24, 1935:
Mr. Porter FORT, for several years one of Prattville and Autauga County’s prominent
saw mill operators and lumbermen, died at his home in Morristown, Tennessee, recently
following a short illness. Funeral services and burial were in Morristown…
(Holtville, October 22nd) The funeral of J.L. BAXLEY, 66, who died here Monday, was
held at 2 p.m. today. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. BROWN and Mrs. S.B. RAY, of
Montgomery; one brother, J.H. BAXLEY, a member of the Montgomery police
department, and four sisters, Mrs. Ella HOOD, of Montgomery; Mrs. O.P. WOMBLE, of
Holtville; Mrs. Ever NORRIS, of Dallas, Texas; and Mrs. Jennie JACKS, of Prattville.
Vital Statistics for Autauga County
The following vital statistics were reported to the County Health Officer for the month of
September:
Deaths-White
Mr. William Earnest FORD, Prattville.
James Gilbert GRAY, Prattville.
Theodore STROM, Autaugaville.
Deaths- Colored
Fannie Mae TYUS, Prattville.
Bessie M. JONES, Prattville.
Perry GOODSON, Booth.
Bettie WASHINGTON, Prattville.
Thomas STOUDENMIRE
Mims MOTEN, Selma, Route 3.
October 31, 1935:
(Independence) Mrs. Charley HENRY and Lester WYATT, of Pleasant Hill, and Odell
WYATT, of Sylacauga, attended the funeral of their nephew, Willie Franklin WYATT.
Dr. HALL, of Billingsley, diagnosed his case as diphtheria.
November 7, 1935:
The sudden death of James R. CLOUD yesterday morning came as a great shock to the
people of Prattville, and throughout Autauga County. His death occurred about 7:30 in
his office located in the rear of the Prattville Mercantile Company… James Ross CLOUD
was born in Texas on November 15th, 1883. He was brought to Autauga County by his
parents when only three years of age and has since made Prattville his home… Surviving
are the widow, who was before her marriage, Miss Fannie MURPHREE, of Troy; two
sons, James, of Prattville, and Bert, of Anniston, and one daughter, Mrs. Cecil STOKES,
26
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
November 7, 1935 (continued):
of Anniston. Funeral services were held from the home this afternoon. Burial was in
Oak Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge….
Mr. A.J. ALDRIDGE, 69, died suddenly Saturday morning at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Tom WEBB, in Pratt-Mont… He slumped over suddenly as he was stricken with a
heart attack, and death came within a very few minutes. The deceased was born in
Chilton County, January 1st, 1866. He came to Prattville in 1908, and for years
conducted a meat market here. Funeral services were held at Liberty Church Sunday
afternoon… Burial was in the church cemetery with Griffin in charge. Surviving the
deceased are two sons, W.L. of Marietta, Georgia, and G.C., of Sherman, Texas; five
daughters, Mrs. W.L. TATUM, Clanton; Mrs. Maude MOORE, Sylacauga; Mrs. Tom
WEBB, Mrs. G.F. FISCHER, and Mrs. Flossie BORDERS, of Prattville. Twenty-nine
grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.
(Autaugaville) Mrs. Robert THOMPSON was called to Greenville Friday on account of
the death of her mother, Mrs. CONNER.
November 14, 1935:
Bernas TILLIS, 20-year-old colored man, was shot* Saturday night… dying Sunday
morning from wounds received… *See full article for details on this homicide.
(Independence) Friends and relatives extend their deepest sympathy to Mr. & Mrs. J.T.
RAINWATER in their bereavement. Their twins were laid to rest in the New Cedron
Cemetery last Friday afternoon…
(Autaugaville, November 11th) Sunday afternoon with his many friends and loved ones
about him, Mr. J.G. HICKS was laid to rest at Rocky Hill Cemetery. Mr. HICKS was
one of our most outstanding citizens…Our community is going to miss Mr. Jay, as all his
friends called him, and as he took upon his frail shoulders the added burden when his
brother, Mr. L.D. HICKS, died, so his remaining brother, Mr. Tom, as we all know him,
will carry on…
Mrs. Charles A. RUSH, wife of a former presiding elder of the Prattville District of the
Methodist Church, died Tuesday night at her home in Brundidge after a long illness.
Mrs. RUSH moved to Brundidge two years ago with her husband, who is pastor of the
Methodist Church there. The funeral was held here yesterday afternoon from the
Methodist church. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Spigener in charge. Surviving
are her husband, the Reverend Charles A. RUSH; sons, Dr. Richard RUSH, of California;
Charles A. RUSH, Jr., of Dothan; and John RUSH, of Jacksonville, Florida; and two
daughters, Mrs. Robert DAVIDSON and Mrs. N.D. DENSON, both of Opelika.
27
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
November 21, 1935:
(White City) Funeral services for Delbert CASTLEBERRY were held at the Baptist
church Wednesday morning. He was the two-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest
CASTLEBERRY, of near Verbena. He died of diphtheria. We are extremely
sympathetic for Mr. & Mrs. CASTLEBERRY, as this is the second child they have lost in
two years.
Vital Statistics for Autauga County
The following deaths were reported to the County Health Department in October:
White
Infant son of J.B. & Ruth THOMAS, Prattville.
Mr. Jack HOLMAN, Prattville.
Mr. William Oscar DURBIN, Independence.
Mr. James Robert WILLIAMS, Prattville.
Colored
Infant son of Jimmie & Minnie HOWARD, Prattville.
Infant son of Henry & Maldo RAWLINSON.
Infant son of Queen WASHINGTON.
Millie BOOGE, Booth.
Maria STEWART, Prattville.
Alice Motley FRAZIER, Autaugaville.
Fred HOWARD, Autaugaville.
Infant daughter of James & Lillian WILKINSON, Autaugaville.
Infant daughter of Willie & Phibie WILLIAMS, Selma, Route 3.
Hiney GRISHOM, Selma, Route 3.
Percy JENKINS, Selma, Route 3.
Infant son of Jesse & Idell UNDERWOOD, Autaugaville.
Harriett SHELTON, Plantersville.
Lewis MIMS, Vida.
Julius WRIGHT, Deatsville.
Infant daughter of Truth & Alice RAY, Mt. Creek.
Infant daughter of John & Elaine WILLAIMS, Mt. Creek.
28
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
November 28, 1935:
One of Autauga’s saddest tragedies occurred Thursday night of last week when Dorsey
SIMPSON, of Autaugaville, received burns which resulted in his death. Mr. SIMPSON
was employed as watchman at the gravel pit being used in the paving project on the
Prattville-Autaugaville Road. About 11 o’clock Thursday night an oil lantern which he
was using exploded throwing burning kerosene over his clothes… He died at 10 o’clock
Friday night. Dee Dorsey SIMPSON was 35 years of age. He was born in Autaugaville,
and had spent almost his entire life there. He was married in October 1922, to Miss
Lucile RANDALL, of Birmingham. The widow and one daughter, Ruth, survive.
Surviving also are one sister, Miss Edna SIMPSON, and one brother, Robert, all of
Autaugaville. Funeral services were held from the Autaugaville Baptist Church Sunday
afternoon… Burial was in the Hicks Cemetery with Griffin in charge…
John Henry ANDERSON, 55-year-old colored man, died Saturday night about 8:30, an
hour after he had been struck by an automobile… The accident occurred on the
Birmingham highway near the residence of Mr. Johnnie BOONE…
The body of Jesse THORNTON, employee of J.F. Nichols and Company, of
Montgomery, who was drowned on November 14th at Lake Jordan, was recovered shortly
after 8 a.m. Sunday…The body was taken Sunday to the home of Mr. & Mrs. W.F.
THORNTON, at Wetumpka. The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Monday at Bullard
Cemetery near Eclectic.
December 5, 1935:
Many of our citizens were made sad last Saturday by the news that Miss Alma
McGAUGH, 66, a former principal of the Autauga County High School, had died
suddenly in Montgomery… Miss McGAUGH came to Prattville as a teacher in the
Autauga County High School during the 1915-16 session…. In 1918 he was elected
principal of our high school, a position which she filled faithfully and efficiently until
1923, when she accepted the principalship of the Pike County School, located at
Brundidge… Survivors include a brother, A.H. McGAUGH, of Tilden, Alabama; and
three sisters, Miss Inez McGAUGH, and Mrs. Eugene BALLARD, both of Montgomery,
and Mrs. J.E. TAYLOR, of DeLand, Florida. Funeral services were held at Memory
Chapel in Montgomery, with interment in Greenwood Cemetery.
Mr. Raymond WELCH, 36, died suddenly at his home in Clanton Thursday morning of
last week. His death, which was attributed to heart failure, came as a shock to hundreds
of friends of this popular young man, who lived for a number of years in Prattville, while
his father, Dr. O.S. WELCH, was pastor of the First Methodist Church here… Funeral
services were held in Clanton Friday. Burial was in the Rocky Mount Cemetery near
Prattville Friday afternoon with Spigener in charge. The deceased is survived by his
widow, who was before her marriage Miss Olive YARBROUGH, of Prattville, two
29
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
December 5, 1935 (continued):
children (not named), his father, Dr. O.S. WELCH, prominent Methodist minister; and
three sisters, Mrs. Allen NORTHINGTON, Misses Kathryn and Thelma WELCH.
Mr. George B. MORGAN, 74, native of Prattville, died at his residence in Montgomery
Sunday afternoon following a short illness… George Beauregard MORGAN was born in
Prattville, June 5th, 1861. He was a son of Charles & Sarah E. MORGAN, pioneers of
the town. He grew to manhood here. For a time he was connected with the local plant of
the Continental Gin Company, and he was also for years overseer of the plantation of the
late H.S. DOSTER… Funeral services were held from the home in Montgomery Monday
afternoon… Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Prattville. Surviving are six daughters,
Mrs. Charles FAULKENBERRY, Mrs. William COINE, Mrs. A.C. O’CONNER,
Montgomery; Mrs. J.N. TAYLOR, of Prattville; Mrs. E.B. COLLINS, of Tuscaloosa, and
Miss Bert MORGAN, of Montgomery; two sons, Charles T. MORGAN, of Birmingham,
and George A. MORGAN, of the Panama Canal Zone, and two sisters, Mrs. Hattie
KITCHENS, of Collouden, Georgia, and Mrs. Charles STROZER, of Macon, Georgia.
Twenty-five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also
survive.
Mr. Wallace MYRICK, 47, one of Myrick Chapel community’s prominent farmers, died
Friday night in the Prattville hospital just 30 minutes after he had been admitted seriously
ill… Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from Myrick Chapel… burial was in
the church cemetery with Griffin in charge. The deceased is survived by his widow, one
son, Karmit Leon, and his mother (not named), all of the Myrick chapel community.
December 12, 1935:
Autauga County lost another mighty good citizen last Thursday afternoon when death
came to Mr. George HOUSTON at his home in Mulberry. Mr. HOUSTON, who was 82
years of age, had spent his entire life in Mulberry… He was also one of Autauga’s highly
educated citizens. He graduated from the University of Alabama when a young man and
later completed a medical course, but, growing interested in farming, never practiced his
profession… Funeral services were held from Ivy Creek Church Friday afternoon, with
burial in the church cemetery. Surviving the deceased are one daughter, Mrs. Tom
KENNAMER, of Birmingham, and two sons, Messrs. Arch and Marcus HOUSTON, of
Mulberry. Another son, Ewell Smith HOUSTON, was killed during the World War,
falling in the Battle of Chateau Thierry.
(Hayneville, December 10th) Walter J. COKER, 61, for the last nine years assistant
executor of public accounts for the state of Alabama, died at his home here Monday
afternoon. Mr. COKER, who was engaged in the mercantile business here for years, was
a native of Mt. Willing, Alabama… Interment will be in the family cemetery at Mt.
Willing, Wednesday with Spigener, of Prattville, in charge.
30
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
December 12, 1935 (continued):
Edward Keith JOHNSON, 19, who held an important position with the Johnson tire and
Supply Company of Montgomery, was killed instantly early Sunday morning when the
car in which he and three other persons were riding was crowded off the Birmingham
highway two and a half miles south of Verbena…
December 19, 1935:
Elinor MIMS, four-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ed MIMS, died Tuesday, after a
week’s illness. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the home, with
interment in the Durden Cemetery… she is survived by her parents and several brothers
and sisters (not named).
Vital Statistics for Autauga County
Deaths reported to the Health Department in November were as follows:
White
Mr. J.R. CLOUD, Prattville.
Miss Ida Mae COMPTON, Prattville.
Mr. John BERRY, Prattville.
Mr. Jay Golson HICKS, Autaugaville.
Mr. William Henry JENNINGS, Deatsville.
Infant son of Mr. & Mrs. William EVANS, Marbury.
Colored
Rasby ERVIN, Prattville.
Infant daughter of Zettie WALTER & Belzora HULL.
A.L. MOTEN, Autaugaville.
Mary Eliza STEELE, Autaugaville.
Wesley LEE, Selma, Route 3.
Minthrone BLIVINS, Statesville, RFD 3.
Jim WOOD, Selma, Route 3.
Martha ALEXANDER, Plantersville, Route 2.
John GIBBONS, Prattville, Route 2.
Infant son of Hiawatha WOODSON & Lezeate TYUS, Mt. Creek.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary E. GIBBONS, 77, a lifelong resident of Pine Flat,
Autauga County, who died at her home early Friday night, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday…
with interment in Pine Flat Cemetery. Surviving are five sons, J.M. GIBBONS, of
Caugah Falls, Ohio, and B.T., S.H., R.P., and W.H. GIBBONS, all of Deatsville; two
daughters, Mrs. Susie E. GREEN, of Pratt City, and Mrs. Mary E. GOLSON, of
31
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
December 19, 1935 (continued):
Autaugaville; a brother, J.P. JOHNSON, of Wetumpka; two sisters, Mrs. F.M. NORRIS,
of Deatsville, and Mrs. H.E. HONEYCUTT, of Birmingham…
Mrs. Myrtle Blackmon CAIN, 56, mother of John CAIN, noted University of Alabama
football star, and aunt of Bill TERRY, manager of the New York Club of the National
League, died early Friday morning at her home, 206 Lexington Road, Montgomery, after
a long illness. Mrs. CAIN had lived in Montgomery for the last 22 years and was a
member of the Clayton Street Baptist Church.
December 26, 1935:
The funeral for James F. MARTIN, 53, who died Thursday morning at his home in Pine
Level Community, was held at 3 p.m. Friday with burial in the Pine Level Cemetery. He
is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mamie MARTIN, Pine Level; two sons, Joe and Prentis
MARTIN, both of Prattville; six daughters, Mrs. Geneva BAZZELL and Mrs. Belle
ROBINSON, of Deatsville; Mrs. Dolly Mae COOK, of Prattville; Misses Salem, Mary
Joe and Lilly MARTIN, all of Pine Level; two brothers, Rube and T. MARTIN, of
Deatsville; four sisters, Mrs. Ada GRIER, of Mobile; Mrs. Dosie JOHNSON, of
Montgomery; Mrs. Glacie GLENN and Mrs. Mamie TATUM, both of Prattville.
Funeral services for W.P. ALDRIDGE of Marbury, who died at a Montgomery hospital
last Wednesday, were held from the home of R.L. ALDRIDGE, of Mt. Creek, Friday…
burial was in the Marbury Cemetery with Spigener Funeral Home in charge. Mr.
ALDRIDGE is survived by his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Marcelet SPENCER, Misses
Frances, Evelyn and Sue ALDRIDGE; one son, James ALDRIDGE, all of LaGrange,
Georgia; mother, Mrs. Robert ALDRIDGE, Marbury; three brothers, Thomas J.
ALDRIDGE, Clanton, Robert, Jr., Marbury, and John P. ALDRIDGE, of Verbena; five
sisters, Mrs. M.J. CONNELL, Mt. Creek, Mrs. B.H. HOWELL, Mrs. J.L. WILKINSON,
both of Birmingham, Mrs. Henry COOPER, of Montgomery, and Mrs. Lily ELLIS, of
Marbury.
Edward OKEL, 62, an architect and outstanding Masonic leader for many years, died last
week at his home in Robinson Springs after a long illness. Mr. OKEL, a native of St.
Louis, came to Montgomery in 1908 and drew the plans for the Grand Theatre on Dexter
Avenue… Surviving are his widow and a son, of Millbrook, and another son, William
OKEL, of Montgomery.
Mr. Charles Cleveland COOPER, well known salesman for the Kenny Company in
Montgomery, died suddenly at his home in that city Thursday morning of last week.
Funeral services were held the following day. Mr. COOPER is survived by his parents,
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur COOPER, of Montgomery, and two brothers, William E. COOPER,
Prattville, and Arthur B. COOPER, of Atlanta…
32
DEATH NOTICES FROM THE PRATTVILLE PROGRESS
December 26, 1935 (continued):
E.C. WELDON, of Clanton, was killed almost instantly about noon yesterday when the
truck on which he and several other people were riding overturned on the ClantonBillingsley highway several miles west of Clanton… Surviving WELDON are his
widow, one daughter, Joyce, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.E. WELDON, four brothers, O.O.,
Tommy, Osmond and Cecil WELDON, and five sisters, Mrs. Zadie HEWITT, Mrs.
Roberta CULP, Mrs. Sophie Lee MOATES, Mrs. Doshie MIMS and Mrs. Sarah
PIERCE, all of Billingsley.
Richard Herman SOLOMON, 24, son of Mr. & Mrs. J.B. SOLOMON, 516 Alabama
Avenue, Selma, was instantly killed when the automobile in which he was riding failed to
make a turn for a bridge near Lillian, Florida, and rammed into a house boat in the
Perdido River yesterday…
33