Jerry Aiken was one of the few men over 100 who had proof of his extreme age. There can be no doubt that the age given is nearly if not exactly correct.
Before the war he was owned by the father of Capt. J. A. Bale, of Rome, Ga. Captain Bale, who is now over 70 years of age, counts among his earliest recollections the figure of "Old Uncle Jerry," then an old man about the place. After the war, when the slaves were freed, the former owner of Jerry gave him a life interest in a lot of land, little thinking that the old man would live more than a few years at the utmost.
Jerry Aiken was a picturesque and original character, and we shall never again gaze on his like.
On the wall of the Inquirer sanctum hangs five pictures of "Uncle Jerry" taken about a year ago. They are part of a series taken just before Uncle Jerry was taken to the Atlanta Exposition by Mr. Jeff Stewart and associates of this city to be exhibited as the "only one of the kind on earth."
He stands before the door of his log cabin which looks almost as old as himself. His face is as black as charcoal while his hair is as white as snow. His clothing consists of a cotton shirt, a pair of pants, which he has been wearing for forty years, and a string serves as suspenders. By his side is his constant companion -- a very large and snarling coon.
The pictures show very few wrinkles on the old man's face and he has a look of peace and happiness which passeth all understanding. Perhaps no man has lived on the earth since the day of Methuselah who has experienced more joy and contentment and fewer troubles and trials than this simple negro who was a slaves for the major portion of his life.
The old man was tenderly cared for during his last days and wanted for nothing. He was buried on Tuesday and many of his friends, both white and black, attended the funeral exercizes.
Peace to his ashes. The Weekly Times, 28 May 1896, p.5, c. 1.
Mr. Tom Amberson died in Wetumpka on the 29th after a lingering illness. His remains were brought to this city on the 30th instant and interred in Carmel cemetery. Mr. Amberson was well known in this section; having lived the greater of his life at Spring Garden. To the bereaved family and relatives the Inquirer tenders warmest sympathies in their affliction. Piedmont Inquirer, 3 Aug 1895, p. 1, c. 4.
Joshua Anderson, a colored fireman of the Times Democrat boat, Susie B. was drowned at Montgomery on the 23rd. He was decently buried by the officers of the beat. The Anniston Hot Blast, 27 Oct 1883, p. 1, c. 4.
BYNUMS, Jan. 8--Mrs. W. R. Anderson died at her home, near Coldwater yesterday morning. She leaves a husband and four children, who have the sympathy of many friends. The Weekly Times, 9 Jan 1896, p. 8, c. 3.
The Hot Blast, a few days since, contained a brief notice of the killing of Mr. William Bachus at his mill in Clay County.
The Heflin New Era secured the following additional details of the unfortunate man's horrible end:
Mr. William Bachus, who lived in Shinbone Valley, on the northern border of Clay County, who owned a grist mill there, was grinding stock feed last Monday something got wrong with the water gate, when he went down to adjust it, he was caught in the gearing of the rapidly revolving machinery and was torn to pieces Death was instantaneous. Fragments of his body were found in different parts of the mill. The deceased was about thirty years old and a son of Mr. Western Bachus, a prominent citizen of this county. The Weekly Times, 26 March 1896, p. 7, c. 3.
It was a sad Christmas in two homes in this section.
Mrs. Annie Baker, who was mentioned a few days since, of being very low, breathed her last at 10 o'clock p.m. Friday and was buried at Harmony Church yesterday. Rev. J. A. Scott who hs been her pastor for more than 25 years, conducted her funeral. Death came to the deceased as a relief, as she has been a great sufferer for more than two years. She was in her 79th year and has been a consistent member of the Harmony church since its organization many years ago. She leaves a husband and several children to mourn her loss. The Weekly Times, 31 Dec 1896, p. 6, c. 2. [no tombstone found in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery 1986]
A young white man named Bentley died with la grippe near Choccolocco Friday. The Oxford Voice, 30 Jan 1892, p. 1, c. 3.
A small child of Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Blankenship, corner of Cobb & 15th sts., died yesterday morning and was buried yesterday afternoon. The Weekly Times, 1 June 1893.
The funeral of Mrs. Blanton was largely attended yesterday. She was an excellent lady, and universally beloved. The Anniston Weekly Watchman 22 Apr 1886.
Mr. W. C. Bledsoe on Wednesday the 15th inst. at his home near the city, after a lingering illness of several months, he was about 55 years of age. He will be buried today (Friday) at Coldwater with masonic honors. The Oxford Echo, 17 June 1887, p. 3, c. 2.
The many friends of Judge Bond of Mobile will regret to learn of the death of his son Jimmie.He died Wednesday in Jacksonville from a cold contracted on the night of the recent fire. The young man was about sixteen years of age and remarkably bright and promising. The family of Judge Bond were spending the summer in Jacksonville. The remains were taken to Mobile for interment. Anniston Hot Blast, 29 Sep 1883, p. 4, c. 3.
BYNUMS--Jan. 16 (Special) Tuesday evening while Lizzie Bowie, col., was away from home, her child caught fire and was so badly injured that it died soon afterwards. The Weekly Times, 23 Jan 1996, p. 6, c. 2.
Mrs. W. B. Bray of Anniston died on Sunday the 10th inst. of Typhoid fever. She leaves a disconsolate husband and seven children to mourn her loss. The Oxford Echo, following issue (date not visible on film), p. 3, c. 1. [tombstone inscription, Oxford Memorial Gardens--Melissa L. Bray, b. 30 Aug 1848 d. 19 June 1887 wife of B. A. Bray very hard to read; Byron A. Bray b. 13 Dec 1844 d. 9 Apr 1927 Co B, 48 GA Regt CSA]
Little Marvin, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Brookline was called from earth to a fairer clime on the evening of the 27th.
He was born on the 8th of last February and his days on earth were few and full of pain, but he was a great comfort and pleasure to those who had the care of him. In his feebleness and innocence he twined around their hearts, but God knew best and took him from a world of care and sorrow to join his mother in the Better Land.
"We should not grieve when children die, They 'scape the hand of time and sin. Stretched in their innocence they lie Fair as the Best plucked flowers of spring. A Friend. The Piedmont Inquirer, 28 Sep 1895, p. 1, c. 3.
Mrs. Mamie Lee Brown (nee Miss Mamie Lee Henderson), was born in Calhoun county, Ala. in the year 1869 and died at her father's residence, near Ragland, in St. Clair county, Ala., Oct. 18, 1896. Sister Brown, in her girlhood was bright and happy and when she became the wife of Mr. James Brown she carried with her into this new relation, all the sunshine of her young life. God blessed their home with a sweet little boy, Lawrence, and for eighteen months he made his parents happy by his winning ways and childish prattle, when God called him home and he died at Jacksonville and we laid him to rest in the cemetery at Ohatchee. God gave Bro. Brown and his wife another babe, little Brownie. She lived fourteen short months and then passed from the mother's embrace up to the paradise of God. We laid the little form beside the brother that we buried two years before. The beautiful flowers that were strewn upon the two little mounds were fit emblems of the sweet spirits that had gone to be with God and the angels.
Just two weeks after we buried the babe the mother was called away. It seems strange that one in whose features and form there appeared every token of health and buoyant life should be so soon called away. She professed religion and joined the Missionary Baptist church at Jacksonville in her child hood. Her life was hort but she lived long enough to demonstrate the fact that she was a dutiful daughter, a faithful wife and an affectionate mother. She was loved by many friends who mourn her loss. The writer preached her funeral at Ohatchee church in the presence of a large congregation, among whom were her aged father, her husband and a host of brothers, sisters and other relatives, after which we laid her to rest beside her two sweet children that had preceded her to the world beyond. As we laid her so close to the two little mounds we thought of the glad reunion of the mother and her babes on the heights of glory. She left many stricken ones behind but it is but another strand laid in that silken cord that binds them to the heme of the blest.
Joshua Warren, Coal City, Ala. The Weekly Times, 12 Nov 1896, p. 7, c. 2.
CARNAHAN--Died October 15th, 1883, at Anniston, Ala., BARRON CARNAHAN, infant son of Rev. Wallace and Mrs. Mary S. Carnahan. Norfolk, Louisville and San Antonio papers please copy. Anniston Hot Blast, 20 Oct 1883, p. 4, c. 1.
The remains of John Chappel were entered in Hillside Cemetery yesterday and many friends wended their way mournfully to the grave. The Weekly Times, 27 Apr 1893.
Mr. E. M. Clark died last Saturday and was buried Sunday at Hebron church. His death was caused by injuries he received on Monday from his mule running away with him. It occurred at Duke. The Weekly Times, 29 Oct 1896, p. 7, c. 4.
Mr. and Mrs. Cobb's little girl died Saturday evening and was buried at the Green grave yard at 3 o'clock last Sunday evening. Rev. W. F. McCain conducted the burial service. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of all their neighbors. The Weekly Times, 22 Oct 1896, p. 8, c. 4.
Tecumseh, Jan. 12--(Special) One of the most diabolical murders that ever occurred in North Alabama was enacted yesterday evening near the furnace on Terrapin Creek, on the Williams Farm. Andy Collins, a most prominent citizen, went hunting, taking his ten year old son and the son of William Price. They hunted along together until they came to Terrapin Creek when they parted, the boys going on one side of the creek, and Collins on the other. They started down stream when a rifle shot from hands unknown caused Collins to fall with a bullet through his brain. He died in thirty minutes. Intense excitement prevails. Bloodhounds were telegraphed for. After being shot, Collins called the two boys, and told them he was going to die. He did not think he had an enemy in the world. He leaves a wife and eight children. The entire community is excited and scouring the country. The boys report that after hearing the shot fired laughter was indulged in by the murderer. Along the creek is a thick swamp. Some think Collins was mistaken for a revenue officer who are dreaded by the moonshiners. The Weekly Times, 16 Jan 1896, p. 6, c. 5.
Mattie Lue, the sweet little two and one-half-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Cosby, died at 4 o'clock Tuesday evening after an illness of ten days. She was the pride of a fond father and the delight of a loving mother. Our hearts go out in tender sympathy to the bereaved parents and friends. She was buried in the old cemetery this morning "in a little grave on the green hill side." M.H. [Hillside Cemetery, 10th & Highland Ave., Anniston, AL] The Weekly Times, , 30 Jan 1896, p. 9, c. 3
Mrs. C. W. Cotton, who was shot by the Cleburne county white caps Friday night died yesterday from her wound. The Weekly Times, 2 Feb 1892, p. 8, c.3.
Mrs. Crow, wife of Rev. G. L. Crow, died at the home of her husband in Oxford on Sunday the 28th ult. Her pure Christian character gives her many friends full assurance of her acceptance with the God that she loved and served. All our hearts go out in sympathy to the bereaved husband and little orphan children that she left. The Oxford Echo, Sept. 7, p. 2, c. 1 [tombstone inscription Oxford Memorial Gardens: Wily Francis Crow b. 16 Jan 1852 d. 28 Aug 1887 Beloved wife of G. L. Crow Hers was the life of a Christian]
Died at Iron City Wednesday at 4 o'clock p.m., Mrs. Carrie Davis, the only daughter of Rev. John A. Scott, after a lingering illness of many months with that dread and wasting disease consumption, which she bore with patience and without murmuring to the end.
The deceased was left a widow several years ago with eight children. Since the death of her husband the care and responsibility of the family which has been a heavy burden upon him in his declining years, which has proven to him not withstanding the hardships and arduous duties of nursing his only sick child, and the providing for her little ones, left fatherless dearer to him if possible than if they were his own offspring. It has been to him a pleasant task and though far advanced in years, it seemed that he, like an eagle, has renewed his strength, laboring with hi hands from day to day for their support and serving faithfully as pastor of four churches.
About a year ago, the youngest of the children, a boy, died suddenly, which weighed heavily on the heart of the aged grandfather, more heavily perhaps than the death of his daughter, the mother of these children, for her demise was not unexpected. But without her that home will be, oh, so lonely. Though helpless on a bed of affliction she wielded a mother's influence over those dear children more beautiful and interesting than if she had been in the enjoyment of strength and health, and now that she is gone the patriarchal father in Israel under whose care they have been left will be more closely tied to home.
But it is hoped, however, that it will not be to the interference of his ministerial work. His services to the cause of Christianity too valuable to be given up. It may be [film scraped] that the Lord will provide someone to look after his little ones while he continues in the good work he has been doing for many years.
The remains were buried at the family burying grounds at Iron City, funeral services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Thompson, of Heflin. The Weekly Times, 31 Dec 96, p. 7, c. 4.
BYNUMS Feb. 18 -- A daughter of Mr. Dill died with measles near Eastaboga last week. The Weekly Times, 20 Feb 1896, p. 4, c. 5.
BYNUMS--Mar 6 (Special) Anderson Dill, a prominent citizen of McFall, died with measles Sunday. The Weekly Times, 12 Mar 1896, p. 7, c. 2.
Died at his residence two miles south of Piedmont on the evening of the 24th inst., Mr. Hiram Dugger, aged 85 years. Mr. Dugger was one of the first white settlers of this section coming here over 62 years ago when the country was a wilderness and inhabited by Indians. That year he worked in Mr. Joseph Nolen's farm just east of the city, now known as the Hughes farm. Soon after this he married Miss Zaney Nolen and settled at the present family residence where he lived uninterruptedly for 60 years, and until his death. Mr. Dugger was a man of remarkable vitality and was quite active up to a short time before his death. He was a great hunter and was very fond of the chase which he indulged in up to a year ago. He was known as a kind and accommodating neighbor.
His aged wife is the only remaining member of the family that survives him.
His remains were interred in the Wilson family burying ground near Bethel. The Piedmont Inquirer, Sat. Morning, 31 Aug 1895, p. 1, c. 4.
Mr. Jean Eachern, who was found dead in the woods near his home on Monday morning was buried that evening at Mt. Zion. The many friends of the young man were shocked to hear of his untimely death and deeply sympathize with his parents and relatives. The Weekly Times, 3 Oct 1896, p. 5, c. 4. [tombstone inscription Mt. Zion Cemetery, Vol. XVI, Calhoun County, Alabama Cemeteries, --Eugene McEachern 14 Jan 1874 - 3 Oct 1896, son of D. & M. I.]
The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. William Ellis will regret to learn of the death of their infant son Johnnie. The spirit of the little fellow passed into eternity Wednesday afternoon. He died from capillary bronchitis. The sympathies of the community are with them in their sad bereavement. Anniston Hot Blast, 25 Aug 1883, p. 4, c. 4.
Mr. John Enochs, a prominent lawyer in Lowndes county, died at his home in Hayneyville on the 5th inst. The Anniston Hot Blast, 27 Oct 1883, p. 1, c. 4.
At Mobile, last week, Mrs. Elizabeth Fell, while engaged in her household duties, died suddenly of heart disease. The Anniston Hot Blast, 27 Oct 1883, p. 1, c. 4.
Tecumseh Ala. Feb. 18--(Special) The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster died at Baker Hill this morning. The Weekly Times, 20 Feb 1896, p. 5, c. 6.
The remains of Dock Garrett, the demented son of Mr. Frank Garrett, were brought from the asylum at Tuskaloosa yesterday and buried at Harmony church. The funeral was conducted by Revs. J. A. Scott and Asa Allen. the deceased was a young man and had been in the asylum for more than a year. It is supposed he lost his mind from sun stroke. Sending him to the asylum was a sad blow to his parents and his returning a corpse was a sore trial but they have the assurance that he is now better off for prior to the loss of reason he was a model young man. The Weekly Times, 12 Mar 1896, p. 7, c. 6.[Tombstone inscription Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery: Doctor F. Garrett 15 May 1873 10 Mar 1896]
Round Mountain, Aug. 5--John Garrett and Henry Groover fell out over a debt of 20 cents here Saturday and engaged in a fight. Garrett was getting the best of the fight when a son of Groover ran up and shot a load of buckshot into his father's assailant.
Garrett died and Groover escaped and has not been apprehended.
It seemed that Garrett went to Groover's house and demanded a settlement, and both being in an angry mood words soon brought on blows. Piedmont Inquirer, Saturday Morning, 10 Aug 1895, p. 1. C. 5 [Note--Round Mountain was six miles north of Centre in Cherokee Co., AL. Most of this area was covered with waters of Weiss Lake.]
Mr. Henry B. Glenn, an old and respected citizen of Calhoun county and father of Mrs. Sim Langford of this city, died at his home in Duke, Jan. 3rd. The Weekly Times, 16 Jan 1996, p. 1, c. 4.
Capt. J. R. Graham died Thursday night at his home in Ladiga. He had been very ill for some time and his death was not unexpected. His funeral will take place at Pleasant Gap, Cherokee Co.
Capt. Graham was 75 years of age, and one of the most prominent men in the county. He had been a member of the Baptist Church since early manhood and was a gentleman and a Christian in every sense of the word. His wife, two sisters in Arkansas, Mrs. J. H. Savage and Mrs. D. C. Savage, his daughters, and Mr. Tom Graham, his son, the three latter of this city, survive him. The Weekly Times, 25 May 1893.
Mr. Robt. Graham, who lived near Spring Garden died last Saturday morning after a long illness. His remains were interred at Carmel cemetery last Sunday. The Piedmont Inquirer, 28 Aug 1895, p. 1, c. 1.
Anniston, July 2 -- Dr. R. W. Groce, ex-lecturer and ex-president of the Alabama Farmer's alliance and one of the most prominent members of that order in the state, died about noon today at his house in Munford after an illness of several months. Piedmont Inquirer, Saturday Morning, 6 July 1895, p. 1, c. 6.
DIED at noon today at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Haynes in Oxford, their infant son Woodruff, after an illness of several weeks, he was aged about ten months. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, of such is the kingdom of heaven." The Oxford Echo, Sept. 24, 1887, p. 3, c. 4. [tombstone inscription, Oxford Memorial Gardens: Woodruff Haynes b. 2 Nov 1886 d. 24 Sep 1887 Inf. of D. P. & R. J. Haynes]
At the home of her husband on Sunday at 3 o'clock a.m. Sept. 25th Mrs. Margaret Hazard, wife of Col. J. C. Hazard. She leaves a disconsolate husband and six children, the youngest but ten days old, besides a host of relatives and friends to weep for her. In her death the shadows have fallen over a home that was brightened by per presence, hearts of husband and children are breft because the loved hand that ministered to their wants is forever stilled, the voice that cheered them is silent, and the fond greeting that ever awaited their coming awaits them in their earthly home no more but in the bright celestial home the loved form of wife and mother awaits, the gentle hand still beckons her loved ones on; and one day the gentle voice will welcome father and children home. How keenly the anguish of grief-stricken ones is felt only they who feel it know. Every heart may pour out its sympathies to them yet the shadow will linger on still. But this wife and mother was a Christian, in her girlhood days she gave her heart to Jesus, joining the M.E. church South, she ever lived a consistent Christian. Thus in her death there is an assurance that she receives external gain though her loss to friends be deeply felt. While our hearts burn in sympathy for the stricken ones. We would remind them that "the Lord gave, the Lord took and he will restore the wife and mother again." The Oxford Echo, 27 Sep 1887, p. 2, c. 3. [Margaret George Hazard 12 Oct 1849-25 Sep 1887-- tombstone inscription Oxford Memorial Gardens, Oxford, AL--markers for entire family]
It was a sad Christmas in two homes in this section.
Died at her home three miles from D'armanville, Mrs. Heifner, early Christmas morning and was buried at Harmony church yesterday. The deceased was advanced in years. She was the widow of the late Obadiah Heifner and aunt of Mr. Walter Heifner, Mrs. D. Riddle and Mrs. Frank Heifner, the latter a former resident of Anniston. The writer was not so well acquainted with her as with Mrs. Baker. The Weekly Times, 31 Dec 1896, p. 6, c. 2. [several Heifners buried in Harmony, but no Obadiah]
John Berry Hill, a resident of Alexandria Valley died Friday night, his death resulting from knife wounds given him the Monday previous...The Weekly Times, 16 Mar 1892, p. 6
Death has again invaded our town coming this time to the quiet, peaceful home of our esteemed fellow townsman, C. T. Hilton, Esqr. and in answer to the summons of the death messenger Mrs. Elizabeth C. Hilton, his wife, yielded up her life on Sunday the 16th Inst. at five and a half o'clock p.m., after an illness of about one week. The deceased was fifty years of age and had been afflicted for a long while before her fatal illness, but amid it all she was patient, never murmering at the dispensations of providence. She loved God and trusted in him in the days of her youth she had remembered her Creator, and at the age of eleven years she had given him her heart, uniting herself with the Baptist church she lived a consistent Christian life, that glowed brighter and brighter as under sever bodily afflictions she approached the end of her journey. She had finished up a life of beautiful Christian womanhood, had set her house in order and was not surprised or alarmed when the messenger came but was ready to leave the Church militart and enter the bliss of the Church triumphant. She leaves a sorrowing husband and three children to mourn for her, many friends to offer the bereaved family their hearts' condolence and sympathies. These all mourn, not as those who have ho hope, but as those having the blest assurance that when Christ comes to make up his jewels, that their Christian wife, mother and friend will shine with celestial beauty and newness of life among them. "Life's duty done, as sinks the clay Light from its load the spirit flies While heaven and earth combine to say How blest the righteous when she dies." The Oxford Echo, 21 Oct 1887, p. 2, c. 2
[tombstone inscription, Oxford Memorial Gardens: Bettie C. Hilton 11 Sep 1837 - 16 Oct 1887 wife of C. T. Hilton Born King & Queen Co., VA She was a kind and affectionate wife, a fond mother, and friend to all
Mrs. Louise K. Hogan died at her residence in Dallas county, the old Kornegay place, on Sunday night at 8 o'clock. She was a daughter of Mrs. Tabitha Kornegay, who was the only sister of Vice President William R. King. Mrs. Hogan was born in December 1824 and was reared by her uncle, W. R. King, he being a bachelor, living with his sister. The Anniston Hot Blast, 27 Oct 1883, p. 1, c. 4.
Mrs. W. E. Hood died at the residence of her husband near Dearmanville. She was an invalid for twenty years. The Oxford Echo, July 29, p. 3, c. 1.
Tecumseh Mar 24 (Special)
Scarlet fever is raging east of Tecumseh about two miles with fatal result. Two children of Mr. and Mrs. D. Howard died last night after a short illness and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Donaldson lost one of their youngest children, three years old this morning. Two more are not expected to live. The disease is spreading among other families. The Weekly Times, 26 Mar 1896, p. 7, c. 4.
Mrs. Lila Huger, wife of Dr. R. P. Huger, died last right at 6:40 o'clock after a brief illness. In the death of Mrs. Huger Anniston loses one of her noblest women and brightest minds. She was known and loved in every walk of life from the highest to lowest, and there are many sad hearts in Anniston today. The poor have lost a kind, thoughtful and tireless benefactress who delighted in ministering to their temporal as well as spiritual needs and those more affluent mourn the taking away of one whose friendship was at all times sweet, helpful and full of sympathy. Hers was truly a lovely christian character, beautiful, gentle and useful.
Mrs. Huger's sad death leaves motherless children, one an infant of three weeks. The Weekly Times, 23 Jan 1896, p. 6, c. 6.
Mrs. John W. Hurt, after a lengthy illness, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. Mabbett, Friday Evening, at 8 o'clock in the 63d year of age. She was an excellent Christian woman, beloved by all who knew her. She leaves a loving and affectionate husband. The Weekly Times, Anniston, AL Thursday, March 20, 1890.
On of Anniston's Best Young Men Knocked Lifeless by an Electrical Bolt at Seddon Tuesday Afternoon--Houses, Trees and Poles Struck Here.
Mr. Thomas L. Hutchinson, lineman for the Western Union Telegraph company and one of Anniston's best and most popular young men, was struck and killed by lightning at Seddon, twenty-six miles west of here on the Southern railway, Tuesday afternoon shortly after 1 o'clock.
It seems that Mr. Hutchinson was putting in an instrument at Sedden and had two wires coming down from overhead arranged and was working on the ground wire which he had in his hand when he leaned over and it is believed touched with his forehead and other wires, making a circuit, when the bolt came and killed him instantly. A blackened portion of his temple was the only mark or disfigurement. there were two men in the room at the time but neither of them was hurt. The flash of lightning was a great surprise to them as the cloud did not seem to be so near.
Mr. Hutchinson was a member of the Presbyterian church, Masons, Knights of Pythias, Anniston Rifles, Daniel Tyler Hose company, and numerous other organizations. No man in Anniston had more sincere friends than he and when the news came it was a severe shock to the many who knew and loved him.
He and his brother, Mr. Noll Hutchinson, who is baggage agent at the union depot, have been living for some time in the Security bank building.
Tom Hutchinson was quiet and unostentatious and the glitter and glare of the world's frivolities had little attraction for him but he had a mind that was broad and well balanced and a heart big enough to sympathize sincerely and substantially with the weak and the unfortunate. He was one of nature's noblemen, and in his death a good man has been called to his reward.
The remains were brought over from Seddon on the 6:10 train last night and were met at the union depot by the different organizations of which the deceased was a member. Undertaker W. M. Franks embalmed the body last night and this morning it will be taken to Jonesboro, Ga., where some members of the family are buried for interment.
Mr. Hutchinson was thirty years of age but unmarried. His widowed mother, who lives near Charlotte, N.C., was informed of her son's sad death soon after it occurred and will meet the funeral party in Atlanta this morning.
Two members each of the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Anniston Rifles will attend the body to its last resting place. Messrs. Jos. E. Johnson and W. F. Brown form the committee from Anniston lodge, No. 91, K. of P. but the names of the others are not known. The Weekly Times, 28 Mar 1896, p. 8, c. 5.
In Russell county the 15th, Thomas Prince killed his father-in-law, S. B. Jeffrey. Jeffrey was drunk and had threatened to kill the whole family, when Prince shot him dead. No blame is attached to Prince, and at last accounts he had not been arrested and had made no attempt to escape. The Anniston Hot Blast, 27 Oct 1883, p. 1, c. 4.
At her home in South Oxford, 5 p.m., 25th inst., after two weeks sufferings. Mrs. Sophronia Johns, wife of Mr. Wm. Johns, in her 60th year, bid farewell to all earthly cares. Miss Sophria Ray was borned Dec. 17th, 1831. Married Mr. W. Johns, January 4th 1849. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church for 25 years. She leaves three married daughters and one single. Miss Rebecca who unfortunately, is blind. She was buried at the city cemetery. [Oxford City Cemetery --Sophronia Johns 17 Dec 1831 - 25 Jan 1892 "Death is the Crown of Life"] The Oxford Voice, 30 Jan 1892, p. 1, c. 3.
Mrs. Johnson, an aged lady, was brought to a corpse from Anniston and interred at Oak Bowery cemetery on Sunday last. Many friends and relatives were present. Rev. Nunnelly was very impressive in his sermon on the occasion. The Weekly Times, 29 Oct 1896, p. 7, c. 4.
Mrs. Johnson, who died here Friday night, was buried here Saturday. A funeral sermon will be preached at the Methodist church on the third Sunday of this month by her former pastor, Rev. Havgood, of Chulafinnee. The Weekly Times, 10 Dec 1896, p. 5, c.3.
Mr. Joe Johnson, a gentleman of fine physique came among us only a few weeks ago, the picture of health. He engaged in the photograph business and was prospering. About a week ago he was indisposed and called in Dr. Davis, who then thought that he was far from being well. He seemed however to grow better, and Wednesday morning went to the breakfast table. That night at 10 o'clock he lay a corpse, having taken with congestion during the day. He was a stranger in this section, his people living in New York and Michigan. His wife preceded him to the grave about t year, she dying before he came here. Mr. Johnson boarded at the home of Mr. A. W. Maffett, whose family did all they could for the wants of their sick guest. He will be buried here. Anniston Hot Blast, 29 Sep 1883, p. 4, c. 3.
Died on Monday the 19th, the four month's old child of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Jordan of this city. Interment took place at the Piedmont cemetery at 11 o'clock a.m. Wednesday. The Inquirer extends to the bereaved parents the sympathy of the community. The Piedmont Inquirer, Sat. Morning, 24 Aug 1895, p. 1, c. 2.