Alan Anderson: Historic tidbits 1901-1902

Alan Anderson

Jan. 4,1901: "Changes in Office Ordinary ... Judge Speer retires to private life after having been judge of the court of ordinary for sixteen years. He was a faithful public officer, ever attentive to duty, and the people of Sumter but voice the sentiments of the last grand jury who, in making their presentments, said of Judge Speer, "well done, thou good and faithful servant." Both Judge Speer and his successor in office, Judge [Thomas M.] Allen, are old Confederate soldiers, and the people of Sumter honor themselves in honoring both in this position of public trust."

Feb. 13, 1901: obit of Mrs. Jane I. Livingston Brady, widow of pioneer settler Wright Brady, aged 81, survived by sons, Albert Brady and Charles I. Brady

Apr. 19, 1901: obit of Dr. James G. McCrary, died Apr. 16th, in Macon, age 81

July 27, 1901: "MAIL CARRIER IS PROSTRATED - INTENSE HEAT GETS THE BEST OF ALEX. SULLIVAN — Mail Carrier Alex Sullivan while making his rounds about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, was seized with a severe fainting spell and had to be carried home in a hack. The weather was intensely hot, and he was doubtless prostrated thereby. His condition was not serious however."

Aug. 20, 1901: “Death of Captain John L. Adderton,” for whom the street is named, N.C. native “when a mere lad removed to this section … and for half a century has been a resident of Americus …” served two years as judge of inferior court, state representative 1880-81 and 1884-85, city councilman 1887-90; married Miss Alice Guerry, daughter of James Guerry, one son and one daughter

Sept. 13, 1901: " ... Messrs. Miller & Clark, who erected the marble temple [over Providence Springs] ... sent one of their men, Mr. Giddings, to Prison Park to investigate the matter. Mr. Giddings reports that the spring is still flowing ... "

Sept. 20, 1901: "County Treasurer John E. Sullivan has sold his snug little farm of twenty or more acres over beyond East Americus and no more tells "the boys" at the courthouse of his wonderful turnips and prodigious cotton stalks. The purchaser is Mr. Charles Williams, of Andersonville, who will remove his family to Americus. The price paid for the Sullivan farm was $1,700."

Nov. 3, 1901: T-R began regular "Column For Colored People," by Dr. E.J. Brinson

Nov. 6, 1901: "The Daughters of the Confederacy will have an important meeting at 10 o'clock this morning at the home of Miss Mary Granberry, on Church street."; Charles D. Mize was shot and killed the previous night in self-defense by Guerry Adderton outside Birdie Walker's house of ill repute in the "tenderloin section" on north Jackson

Dec. 6, 1901: obit of Capt. Perry C. Clegg, died Dec. 5th at his Dooly County plantation, age 55, came to Americus in 1888

Dec. 7, 1901: “CAPTAIN S. M’GARRAH DIES OF PNEUMONIA,” native of south Georgia, went to Mississippi and served during the Civil War, returned to Americus afterward, city councilman 1893-94, survived by Mrs. S.W. Baker of Atlanta, Mrs. M.P. Pickett, Mrs. G.S. Jennings, Messrs. J.S., E.R., John M. and Will McGarrah, with “several brothers and sisters”

Dec. 12, 1901: "The old herdics, which always were hot stuff, will be converted into temporary stalls for the early sale of Christmas fireworks."

(Daily T-R, Dec. 16-31,1901 unreadable)

Jan. 12, 1902: Bank of Plains incorporated with capital stock of $25,000. Officers: R.S. Oliver, president; W.L. Thomas, cashier; Directors: R.S. Oliver, T.M. Merritt, W.L. Thomas, J.E. French, B.T. Wise, of Plains and Frank Sheffield, of Americus

Feb. 13, 1902: contingents from Albany and Macon organized 30 local citizens to establish the first Americus Elks Lodge; “THE FUNERAL FROM BETHESDA. Well Known Colored Woman Buried Tomorrow. The wife of Rev. C.H. Young, pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church, colored, died last night after an illness of some length … The deceased was held in high estimation by many friends.”; “TO RESUME WORK ON CHURCH. Building of First Methodist Will Be Started. The erection of a handsome house by the members of the First Methodist Church of Americus will soon be a reality … The good work was inaugurated last fall … the proposed edifice will be of pressed brick … will occupy the corner of the present church property at Lee and Church … ”

Feb. 15, 1902: 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Mary Ann Hardwick, widow of Dr. William A. Hardwick, at her nephew's, Mr. Lott Warren; Americus ranked 15th in the state in value of manufacturing products

Feb. 20, 1902: "NEGRO STABS CHIEF WHEELER. Boy Under Arrest Jabs Knife In Chief's Wrist. John Wilson landed in the barracks at 8 o'clock yesterday morning ... with the court proceedings now in store for him he will look like a dirty ace of spades in a new poker deck ... The Chief was so taken by surprise by the suddenness of the attack that Wilson carved more than once ere he could handle his stick and crack the coon's cocoanut [sic] ... Chief Wheeler quickly batted the coonette [a female accomplice] into submission ... then had the knife wounds dressed. The cuts were not at all serious and Chief Wheeler was back at his post again in a few minutes ... "

Feb. 26, 1902: “Council still refuses to pay Chief [W,W.] Wheeler and Officers [T.M.] Cobb and [J.H.] Albritton their salaries for January. But in the meantime, the coppers work along."

March 12, 1902: “A TELEPHONE ON PLANTATION. Mr. Hooks is Putting Up a Complete System. On his splendid farm and suburban home seven miles from Americus Mr. Thomas B. Hooks is having put in a complete private telephone system, connecting four remote sections of the farm. Six miles of wire will be put up, and by it Mr. Hooks can communicate with any portion of the plantation, thus facilitating the movement of his working forces. A line to the city may also be constructed. Mr. J.H. Hagerty has the contract for putting up the system.”

March 14, 1902: “DR. E.J. ELDRIDGE DIES SUDDENLY. “ … For a half century, perhaps, Dr. Eldridge has resided here … reared upon the eastern shore of Maryland and at an early age graduated with distinction from a Philadelphia college of surgery … went to Europe and as a surgeon in the English army served throughout the Crimean War … ” and in the Civil War was “ … attached to the personal staff of General Howell Cobb … ” he was a director of the Bank of Southwestern Georgia and the Planters Bank of Americus, founded the Americus Library Association, was president of the Americus Public Schools and was “ … instrumental in having the Columbus branch of the Central Railroad built to Americus …” and was survived by two sons from his first marriage, G. Morgan Eldridge of Tampa and A.R. Eldridge of Chicago

March 27, 1902: "For Treasurer — I am a candidate for the office of county treasurer of Sumter. If elected I shall discharge the duties of the office faithfully and to the best of my ability. My candidacy is subject to the action of the democratic primary and I will appreciate your support. A.C. SPEER."

March 28, 1902: "Judge Amos C. Speer in Race — ... there is no man in the county who is more worthy of the recognition he asks, and none more deserving of the suffrage of the people than Judge Speer. For many years he was the trusted ordinary of the county, the duties of which office he administered with ability, faithfulness and perfect honesty, serving rich and poor alike, dispensing justice to all in his kindly manner which will endear him to the people of Sumter ... Judge Speer has served his country in time of peace, and has a host of friends who will now rally to his cause."

April 24, 1902: "A drunken negro who staggered into the residence of Judge A.C. Speer was given a healthy and reviving dose in police court yesterday."

April 27, 1902: Van Riper took photo of Camp Sumter 642, Confederate Veterans with Americus Light Infantry, opposite City Hall Park

May 7, 1902: "LET'S HONOR HIM ONCE AGAIN — Voters of Sumter Should Deem It a Privilege — When the voters make up their ticket for today's primary let them remember the grizzled, battle scarred old soldier who remembered them when it cost blood and life to do so ... One old soldier who modestly asks for a little office at your hands today, needs it so badly.Remember Judge Amos Speer in making up your ticket. ONE WHO LOVES THEM."

May 8, 1902: "For a one-legged man Judge A.C. Speer is a sprinter, fairly outdistancing all others and winning the race in a walk. He will be county treasurer of Sumter."

May 9,1902: " ... Judge Amos C. Speer, the old battle-scarred veteran, though encumbered with a wooden leg, made the race of his life and clearly outdistanced his three competitors in the sprint for county treasurer ... A.C. Speer 427, Marion Sims 282, Lott Warren 272, J.O. McArthur 151 ... "; "JUDGE SPEER ILL WITH FEVER — Judge Amos C. Speer is ill with fever at his residence on Forsyth street. He has been confined to his bed since Saturday last, his illness being of such nature that he could not even be at the polls on Wednesday. But his interests were well cared for, as his friends knew there had been times in the past when he did "get there" and stayed there until the last gun was fired."

May 11, 1902: "Judge A.C. Speer is Grateful For Their Support — I desire to express to my friends my heartfelt gratitude for their loyal support given me in the race for county treasurer on Wednesday last. Particularly do I want to thank the young men who stood up so valiantly for me, and who were so enthusiastic for my success. I trust none of you may have cause to regret it, and I pledge everyone that the duties of the office shall be discharged faithfully, and as the law directs. Faithfully yours, A.C. Speer."

May 30, 1902: "Chief John Monahan, of the fire department, and Mr. John H. Kleckley engaged in a lively bit of a scrap on Lee street yesterday in which two or three resounding licks were delivered ere the combatants were separated. Statements attributed to Mr. Kleckley regarding Chief Monahan brought about the incipient eruption."

(Daily T-R, June 23-July 1, 1902 missing)

July 2, 1902: "Alex Sullivan now has a permanent position as assistant clerk in the Americus postoffice, filling a vacancy which occurred recently. For some time past he has had a sub carrier's place, and being next in line of promotion has just been given the vacant clerkship. Cleon Seig succeeds to the position of sub-carrier."

July 11, 1902: "The condition of County Treasurer J.E. Sullivan, who has been very ill for nearly three weeks, shows no substantial improvement in the past day or two. He was doing scarcely as well yesterday as on the day previous, though fully conscious and cognizant of all that went on about him. His condition is quite precarious."

July 16, 1902: "Mr. John E. Sullivan, one of Americus' pioneer citizens, is rapidly passing from this sphere of usefulness. He has been ill for a long while and for two days has been sinking rapidly. Yesterday afternoon it was reported that it was but a question of hours ere the brittle thread parted. At 9 o'clock last night he was quietly sleeping and hope was expressed that he might survive the night."

July 17, 1902: "There was a very slight improvement in the condition of Mr. John E. Sullivan. He passed a comfortable night and yesterday morning took a bit of nourishment and rested easy through the day. He is fully conscious, recognizing friends at his bedside."

July 25, 1902: “Judge Speer Free Of Fever — Judge A.C. Speer, who has been ill with fever and confined to his home for nearly three months, is improving very slowly and was able yesterday to sit up for several hours. He was stricken down three days before the date of the May primary, at which he was nominated for county treasurer, and has not since left his room. Treasurer Sullivan, whose successor Judge Speer will be in October, rested well yesterday though his condition is still precarious."

July 26, 1902: "There has been no apparent change for several days in the condition of County Treasurer J.E. Sullivan except that he is perhaps a bit weaker. He rests easy and takes a little nourishment daily, while readily recognizing all his friends about him."

Aug. 26, 1902: “Mr. John W.L. Daniel gave his many friends a genuine though glad surprise yesterday afternoon when a telegram was received from him at Abbeville, Ala., announcing his marriage to Miss Lula Espy, a pretty and popular young lady of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel arrived here at 10 o'clock last night and are at home at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Jennie Speer, on Forsyth street."

Aug. 27, 1902 : "The winding up and adjustment of the affairs of the Peoples Bank ... since the suspension of the bank several months ago ... is near at hand ... Among ... claims was that of County Treasurer J.E. Sullivan, who had some $6,000 on deposit when the bank suspended ... "

Oct. 7, 1902: "ANOTHER BLAZE IN A KITCHEN — Outhouse On Mrs. Speer's Premises Catches Fire — ... at 3 o'clock in the afternoon ... It promised to be a considerable blaze, the kitchen being an old building and also very dry, but the department got it under control and soon extinguished it, though the contents ... were considerably damaged by water ... "; "Mr. Douglas Mayes, recently with the Chambliss Warehouse Co., left yesterday for Augusta where he will pursue a course in the medical college there."

Oct. 10, 1902: "The sale of the Armstead Dodson property on Lee street is an item of interest in real estate circles. This is better known, perhaps, as the old Bivins home, and is very desirable withal. The purchaser is Mrs. Bessie Kleckley, and the purchase price was given at $2,000."; fire in kitchen of Mrs. M. Speer's home on the northwest corner of Church and Jackson

Oct. 18, 1902: "Mr. Thomas Sullivan is still ill with fever at his home on Forsyth street, though his condition was a little improved yesterday."

Oct. 25, 1902: "Mr. R.L. Sullivan is here from Moultrie upon a visit of a few days to his father, Mr. J.E. Sullivan."

Nov. 7, 1902: "Mr. G.T. Sullivan is a new Richmond in the aldermanic field, his announcement appearing this morning. Born and reared in Americus, and one of her successful business men, Mr. Sullivan's every interest is here and as a member of council he would work for the advancement of the city if elected to that honorable office."

Nov. 26, 1902: G.T. Sullivan ran second out of seven candidates for Americus City Council democratic primary

Nov. 28, 1902: "The visiting delegates are due Farmer Hugh Speer a vote of thanks for a big barrel of cane juice, which he sent the meeting with his compliments."

Dec. 17, 1902: ADP — "Mr. [James C.] Speer has charge of soliciting and circulating departments" for the Americus Daily Press newspaper

Dec. 25, 1902: ADP - "Mrs. Lucy Peel, of Macon, is at the home of Judge A.C. Speer for a few days visit."



Alan Anderson, archivist for the Sumter Historic Trust, lives and works in Americus.

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