The DeFuniak Herald – January 1944 Births, Obituaries, and Weddings

January 13, 1944

Obituaries

Howell Jones, about 70 years of age and former resident of DeFuniak, died at his Memphis, Tennessee, home Saturday. While Mr. Howell’s death was not expected, his health has been poor. Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Howell Jones, and 3 daughters, Mrs. V. N. Davis,  Mrs. A. J. Frazer and Mrs. J. E. McCaskill.  Mr. Jones’ father, the late A. P. Jones, was a merchant in this place.

Mrs. Christian Stubbs passed away at her home at Rock Hill Sunday morning, January 9th, and was buried in Euchee Valley cemetery Tuesday afternoon. She was a native of Walton County. Survivors include 2 daughters, Mrs. Blanche Smith and Mrs. Mary Lou Torrence, and several grandchildren.

John Duncan Anderson of Walton County passed away at his home in Eucheanna Sunday night, January 9th, after an illness of 2 years. Mr. Anderson was 63 yrs and lived an entire lifetime in this county. Services conducted at the home Monday and interment was made in the Valley Cemetery. Survivors include widow and foster son Emory Campbell who is in the Army stationed at Eglin Field.  

Weddings

Miss Anna Knepper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. O. Knepper, to Lt. Elvin Mason Gurnea, USNR at Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina. The groom is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Miss Audrey Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bragg Miller of Florala, to Mr. Gerald W. Pittman of Fort Pierce on December 30, 1943, in DeFuniak.

Obituaries

Mrs. J. H. Hinote died at her home Saturday, January 8th. Before her marriage to Mr. Hinote, July 2nd, 1896, she was Miss Ida Leona Meigs. Born in Walton County nor far from Mossy Head, she lived her entire life within 10 miles of her birthplace. She was the mother of 11 children, 5 boys and 6 girls. They all survive her but one daughter, Mrs. Ruby Laird, who passed away 8 years ago. Survivors are Mrs. Gladys Shelley, Mrs. Maggie Chesser, Mr. Loyd Hinote,  Sgt. Curtis Hinote, Johnnie Claude, Newton Hinote, Mrs. Mae Adams, Mrs. Annie Richardson, and Mrs. Nora Boothe, 24 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  Interment was at Crowder Cemetery.

Mrs. Ada Lindsey, wife of A. L. Lindsey, died Tuesday morning at her home. The deceased was 57 years old and a native of Walton County. Services were Wednesday and interment was made at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLane, daughter Frances Jean, at Eglin Hospital, January 7th.

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Adams of Liberty, a son January 5th.

Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Holley of Darlington, a son January 6th.

Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Peterson of Pensacola, a son January 7th.

Mr. and Mrs. Hutch Padgett of Ponce de Leon, a son January 9th.

 Mr. and Mrs. Buford Swander of Defuniak a daughter, January 11th.

 Mr. and Mrs. Alcus Reddick of Niceville, a son, January 11, 1944.

January 20, 1944

Mrs. Cynthia Padgett, age 82, passed away at her home in Gaskin, on Friday, December 14, from a heart attack. The deceased had lived in that community since 1902, coming from Covington County, Alabama. She was married twice and is survived by 3 sons, Lloyd Mosely, C. Rex  Padgett,  and  R. Q. Padgett.  She was the mother of 7 sons, four of whom preceded her in death. Services were held Saturday at Gaskin Baptist Church and interment was made in church cemetery. 

Mrs. Dallas Miller, age 22, was so badly injured from burns, sustained in a wreck, that she died at Lakeside Clinic Monday. In trying to avoid a hog in the road, her truck overturned and caught fire. Mr. W. A. Burkett went to her assistance. She was severely burned all over her body. Blankets were wrapped around her and Mr. Burkett and Woodrow Holley brought her to the clinic in Mr. Holley’s car. Services were held on Wednesday at the Cluster Springs church with burial in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Celia Gainey died at her home Monday morning, January 18, at age of 82 years. She had lived in Walton County for 75 yrs. Services were held on Wednesday with interment at Magnolia Cemetery. 

Born at Lakeside Clinic

Mr. and Mrs. Ruby Thompson, Santa Rosa,  son January 14

Mr. and Mrs. Leon McDuffie, Red Bay, girl January 17

Pvt. and Mrs. Forrest Fiers, DeFuniak, son January 17

Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Brown, Portland, girl January 18

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Collingsworth, DeFuniak, son January 18

The DeFuniak Herald – February 5, 1914 – Page 3

Local News Items: Social and Personal Notes of Local Interest

  • Rev. D. F. Slaughter of Ozark, Ala., was in the city Monday shaking hands with old friends who are always glad to see his genial face.
  • Mrs. Ceal and son, of Birmingham, Ala., who have been here visiting her sister, Mrs. Geo. Davis, left for Jacksonville last Sunday night.
  • Mr. D. E. Richardson returned from Jacksonville last Friday where he had been to attend the Re Union.
  • Mrs. J. C. Walden Sr. was over from Andalusia, Ala., the first of the week to visit home folks.
  • Mrs. Dear left for Miss. last Friday. Mrs. Dear has a host of friends here who hope to see her again soon.
  • Mr. Wm. L. Campbell, of Bruce, was in the city the first of the week.
  • Mr. Pink Ward, of Red Bay, is in the city this week, much to the joy of his many friends here.
  • Mr. Patterson of Atmore, Ala., who has been here visiting his sister, Mrs. Kenneth Bruce, returned to his home last Sunday.
  • Mrs. Lancelot Hughes and daughter, who have been here visiting her parents, Dr. and Mrs. G. P. Morris, left for their home in Ponce de Leon last Friday.
  • Mrs. Seyfrit who has been here visiting her daughter, Mrs. Geo Davis, left for Bonifay last Tuesday.
  • Mr. J. C. Ward, of Union, was in our city last Friday on business.
  • Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Davis and daughter of Deerland were in our city last Saturday visiting friends.
  • Mr. J. M. Wilson and family attended preaching at Gum Creek last Sunday.
  • Rev. and Mrs. Buttrum of Freeport passed through our city last Friday enroute home after a visit to various cities in the county.
  • Miss Ruby Cawthon and brother Mr. Lewis visited Gum Creek last Sunday.
  • Mr. Amos Lewis of Marianna was in the city the first of the week.
  • Mr. Frank attended church at Gum Creek last Sunday.
  • Mr. Walker Green of Argyle was in our city last Friday and made a pleasant call at the Herald Office.
  • Dr. G. P. Morris returned from Carrabelle last Thursday night after spending a few days with friends.
  • Mrs. Obie Adams and daughter visited relatives at Freeport last Sunday.
  • Mrs. T. N. Townsend and children who have been here visiting Dr. E. L. Townsend and family left for their home at Carrabelle last Saturday.
  • Rev. P. M. Scott of Ponce de Leon was in our city last Saturday.
  • Miss Martha Morrison [of] Euchee Valley was in town last Saturday visiting friends and relatives.
  • Mr. D. H. King and mother Mrs. M. King attended preaching at Gum Creek last Sunday.
  • Mr. J. E. Clark of Mossy Head was in town on business last Saturday.
  • Mrs. J. C. Walden Sr. visited her sister Mrs. McLean at Freeport last Friday and Saturday.
  • Mr. and Mrs. L. I. Langley of Alaqua were in town last Saturday.
  • J. C. Walden Jr. visited relatives at Freeport last Saturday.
  • John Fountain of Lakewood was in town last Tuesday.
  • Mrs. Lowell, of Pensacola, arrived last Sunday to visit her friend, Mrs. M. A. Cawthon, [for] a few days.
  • Mr. Frank McLean of Pensacola arrived last night to visit his niece, Mrs. W. K. Jennings.
  • Mrs. Ratclift left last Friday for her home in Gloster, Miss.
  • Dr. C. Thompson received the sad news of the death of his sister, Mrs. Rose Albee, at St. Thomas, Ontario, last Thursday morning.
  • The W. C. T. U. will meet next Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock at the home of Mrs. Robert Buchanan.
  • Mr. H. Jernigan, of Portland, is in town visiting his daughter, Mr. Geo. Ward.
  • Dr. Mitchell left last night for Panama City on business.
  • Mrs. Claude Meigs visited friends at Ponce de Leon last Tuesday.
  • Mr. G. W. Parish of Niceville was in town yesterday to visit relatives.
  • Miss Anna Parish left last night for Lucedale, Miss., to attend the graduating exercises of her niece, Miss Hazel Jones.
  • Mrs. Ellen Ames of Texas arrived last Sunday to visit her friend, Mrs. M. A. Cawthon.
  • Mr. D. C. Campbell of Jacksonville was in our city yesterday to visit his father Dr. D. L. Campbell.
  • Mr. Bowers Campbell and family have rented Mrs. Sprague Cottage on the Circle and expect to move in as soon as some repairing is done.
  • By order of the Chancellor Commander of the Felton Lodge K. of P. [Knights of Pythias] there will be a special meeting Monday night the 18th to confer ranks. All members are earnestly requested to be present at this meeting.
  • Dr. S. E. Stephens of Mossy Head was in town on business Tuesday.
  • Mr. Dave Adams, of Paxton, was in our city the first of the week on business.
  • Mr. J. J. Meigs of Mossy Head visited our city on business Monday.
  • Messrs. R. E. L. Jones, D. Jones and John Cortney of Ealum were in town the first of the week.
  • Mr. Geo. Keene of Mossy Head was in town last Monday.
  • Messrs. Bud Adams and Allen Jones of Ealum were in town the first of the week.
  • Mr. Oscar Helms of Mossy Head was in town Tuesday.
  • Mr. H. E. Wickersham and family visited relatives at Knox Hill Sunday afternoon.
  • Mr. Norman Gillis of Knox Hill was in town the first of the week.
  • Mrs. A. D. Douglass and son Curry of Pleasant Ridge were in town Wednesday.
  • Mr. Chas. McIver, of Bruce, was in our city the first of the week.
  • Messrs. J. N. Boothe and W. D. McCallum of Dorcas were in our city last Tuesday.
  • Mrs. Miller and son Arthur of Bonifay visited relatives here Monday.
  • D. G. Ray and Alvin Gillis visited friends at Westville last Sunday
  • Mr. R. P. Winslett visited Bonifay, Caryville and Westville looking after Telephone business last Saturday.
  • Mesdames Chas. and Harvey Turner and son visited relatives at Mossy Head last Thursday.
  • Mrs. Jim Brigman of Westville returned to her home Wednesday after spending several days with her sister, Mrs. T. J. Miller.

[Compiled by Emily Petroskey]

The DeFuniak Herald – May 6, 1965 Obituaries

Mrs Frances Pricilla Wheeler, aged 96, of Freeport died Wednesday [April 28, 1965] in local hospital. She was native of Coffee Co, Ala and had resided in Freeport since 1960. Services held Saturday from Black Creek Methodist church with interment followed in church cemetery. Survivors are one son, J W Wheeler, 4 daus Mrs Cora Lee Bishop, Mrs Jane Simmons, Mrs Mary Frances Richards, and Mrs Lizzie Simmons, 9 gr ch and 13 gr gr. [See full obituary at waltoncountyheritage.org/obit/frances-p-wheeler]

James Saul Melvin, aged 62 yrs, died Saturday [May 1, 1965], a native of Ponce de Leon but resided in Freeport since 1904. Services Tuesday [May 4, 1965] with interment in Hatcher Cemetery. He is survived by his widow, Mrs Bessie Melvin, 3 son, Ned, Fred and Grady Melvin; one dau Mrs Bill Caswell; 2 bros, H P and Warren Melvin, 3 sis Mrs Maude Morris, Mrs Annie Blankenship and Mrs Minnie Gay; 4 gr and 1 gr gr. [See full obituary at waltoncountyheritage.org/obit/james-saul-melvin]

Mrs Minnie Bell Alberson, aged 72, of Gaskin died Sunday [May 2, 1965] in a Geneva Co hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Walton Co. Services were Wednesday [May 5, 1965] with interment in Gaskin cemetery. Survivors include 2 sons, Vernon and Hughey Alberson, 3 daus Mrs Pearlie Mae Henderson, Mrs Gladys Adams and Mrs Estelle Simpler; 2 bros B D and L G Alford; 4 sis Mrs Mattie Warren, Mrs Donnie Duke, Mrs Kate Dean and Mrs Rose Duke; 14 gr and 10 gr gr. [See full obituary at waltoncountyheritage.org/obit/minnie-bell-alberson]

Mr Verbon Richard Owen, aged 45, died Friday [April 30, 1965] at his home. He was a native of Oneonta, Al and resided in DeFuniak since 1954. Services held Sunday [May 2, 1965] at Oneonta, Al with interment in Oak Hill Cemetery there.  Survivors include his wife, Mrs Jean Owen, and son Michael Owen, 3 dau Valerie, Shannon and Jeffire Ann Owen; 3 bros, W E, Lloyd J and Hilton; 2 sis Mrs Grace Maddox and Mrs Paul Hule and his father B J Owen of Oneonta, Ala. [See findagrave.com/memorial/31468617/verbon-richard-owen]

[Summarized by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The Breeze – May 9, 1912 – Publication Notices

Notice of Publication

Albert D. Stanley of Freeport, HD #07?40, SE ¼ of NE ¼ sec 15, T1S, R19W, to make final proof 2 May 1912; witnesses: HE Adams, LW Melvin, RJ Burnham, HG Stanley, all of Freeport; Henry S. Chubb, Register

Robert Russ, of Argyle; HD #37517 for N ¼ of SW ¼, SW ¼ of SW ¼ and NW ¼ of SE ¼ Sec. 18, T1N, R18W, to make final proof12 June 1912; wit.: R?? Simmons of DeFuniak Springs, ?? , Grimes McNeil, James Fletcher, Richard Manning, all of Freeport

Deborah Thomasson, et al, complainants vs. Frances Hilton, et al, Defendants; Frances Hilton of Newton, Dale Co., Ala.  Ordered to appear in court 23 April 1912

[Contributed by Mary Ellen Wexler]

The Breeze – May 9, 1912 – General News

Happenings in our Neighboring Villages

Pleasant Hill

  • Miss Daisie L Foreman, of Perate (sic), Ala. is spending a few days with her Uncle, WA Jernigan.
  • Riley Bass, who has been working at JN Booths leaves for his home in Ala., Monday.
  • All day sing at Davis School House, Sunday the 4th
  • WF  and DH Arnett & Giley Mason called at A Jernigans, Sunday
  • WJH Matthews called at WF Arnett’s Sunday evening
  • Hardy Davis called at AD Ward’s Sunday
  • Rev. Riley will preach at Pleasant Hill, Sunday

Bruce

  • Miss Callie Ward teaches here satisfactorily
  • Misses Lillie & Laura Ward are at home for a while
  • Ralph Snowden came from DeFuniak to visit home folks
  • Mrs ER Ward, of Freeport, spends the week with her mother at JJ Ward’s
  • M/M NS Townsend were shopping here Monday
  • John F Silcox has moved here
  • WA Ward was in Washington Co. last week
  • WF Commander was over from Ebro, Monday on business
  • M/M C Ward were here on business, Monday
  • Mr. Joe Ward is still confined to her bed for over a year at home of her sone JJ Ward
  • Dr. Strong was called to see John Bozeman’s wife and baby last week. Mrs. Bozeman is improving, but the baby died Saturday night
  • Henry Rogers continues to show “Hard Sense” in running the school – long article.

Local News

  • AJ Loudermilk came up from Pt. Washington, Monday
  • RE McCaskill was in Pensacola Monday & Tuesday
  • WF Croft was in Crestview on business Sunday night
  • CA Moreland of the Brown Hotel was in Pensacola, Monday
  • “If feed goes much higher the dairymen will have to raise the price or dilute the milk.”
  • Doctor Adams & John Henderson of Glendale were here Monday
  • Henry Jernigan was here Monday on his way to Veteran’s reunion in Macon
  • MC Braswell is back from Florala where he ran a lunch stand during the Chautauqua
  • Unusual number attended the Commissioner’s meeting Monday.
  • Col. Flournoy left last night for Jacksonville meeting of State Executive Committee
  • WK Jennings bought the Saunders cottage just west of Mrs/ Mannings and will move in soon
  • Dr. Frank Cawthon has caught the fishing fever
  • JW Kelly of Portland was here Monday
  • WH Kennington of Red Bay was here Monday
  • NO Straughn of Florala was here first of the week
  • Quarterman McCaskill was here on business Monday
  • EW Richardson has opened a colored grocery store in the east end of town
  • M/M Herman Bludworth of Eucheeanna were in town Monday
  • AF Paderick continues to offer his house for rent or sale
  • JT McKinnon continues to offer pur bred Jersey Duroc pigs for sale
  • Joe Allen of the Breeze has the measles.
  • Major Harley Cawthon & Lt. Stinson are attending school for officers at St Augustine this week
  • Mr Biddle, chairman of the street committee, is having work done on the streets
  • Miss Gladys Storrs had a birthday party with 25 friends, Tuesday afternoon
  • Theo. Tharp now with the Crown Bottling Works at DeFuniak Springs came up Tuesday and spent Wednesday here with friends and relatives – Chipley Verdict
  • Rev. ACS Smythe purchased the WB McLeod farm east of town and will reside there with his sons, who will arrive about the first of the year
  • Dr & Mrs. WG Wade, spending winter with Capt. & Mrs. Lason, returned to their home in Monmouth, Maine thi week
  • County Commissioners: Monday approved firearms bonds for JW Taunton & JH Poole; notary bonds for SK Gillis & JH Warren; referring pension application of JE Owens to the UVC for examination; paid Dan Geohagan $25 for road right of way.
  • M/M MA Warren and daughter Myrtie held a graduation party for the seniors of Walton High School
  • Complete results of first Democratic primary, 30 April 1912 is printed.

Meeting of Ex. Comm.

Voting canvass – lengthy article; people named: SK Miller, WP Balkom, Peck Cawthon, Mr. McCrimmon, JG Churchwell, NO Straughn, JK Spradley, JD Howell, Herman Bludworth, Campbell, Henderson, Jeff Richbourg, Col. Steele, CD Meigs Mapoles

City Council meeting: ordinance regarding pool rooms – fixed age at 18 and laid out rules for operation. Sales of soft drinks, etc. on Sunday was tabled till next meeting. Delinquent taxes sale set for first Monday in July. Police docket addressed

The Schooner Thos. W. Knight, employed by Standard Oil, is at Pt. Tampa for a couple of weeks while Capt. TL Parrish visits home folks.

JH Richbourg thanks for support in vote and reminds public that he will be in second primary and asks for support, then; several others did same.

Teacher’s exams will be held at High School 4 June 1912 – books are listed from which questions will be asked

FT Nolin, one of Darlington’s leading farmers, in town Monday says the rain is hampering planting as well as ruing crops.

[Contributed by Mary Ellen Wexler]