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 28, 1935 Obituaries and Old News Items

In the death of J. B. Ward which occurred Monday at his home in North DeFuniak, the county lost a resident who bore several distinctions. He was the last remaining Federal pensioner from the Civil war in Walton County. He was among the older residents in the county, being in his 91st year at time of his death, having been a resident for 80 of those years. Services were held Tuesday at Sandy Creek Baptist. Five grandsons, Clyde Brown, Reginald Davis, Lloyd Davis, Alton Ward, Charley Davis and one great grandson Ray Howell acted as pallbearers. J. H. Ward was born in Henry County, Alabama, in May 1844 and removed to Walton County with his family a dozen years later. Survived by 4 children, one son having died, 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

The death of Mr. Charles Sutton Padgett occurred about the time the sun went beyond the horizon on Sunday, February 10, at his home. Services held in the home on Monday. Interment was at Sandy Creek cemetery in Holmes County. Charles Sutton Padgett was born in Walton County on February 20, 1855, the son of Mahala and William Padgett and was reared on a farm in the same vicinity in which his death occurred. He is survived by his aged wife Margaret Morrison Padgett, 3 sons, Billie, Alexander and Charles, one sister, Mrs. J. M. Miller of Ponce de Leon, 2 brothers, W. S. of Dady, Florida, and E. S. of Ponce de Leon.

F. Q. Tervin,  who suffered an heart attack on the street in DeFuniak earlier in the week, died at his home about 4 o’clock this morning. Funeral arrangements have not be completed at this time.

Three more arrests in the hit and run death of Judge Pearce’s death. Bascomb Guilford has been arrested for the second time, and the mail carrier’s father John H. Guilford was indicted for attempting to bribe Della Massey, the alibi witness of the defendant, and she was accused in a perjury indictment. The Guilfords were arrested late on Saturday at their Daleville home. The older Guilford posted bond of $500, but the mail carrier did not post $1,500 on the charge of first degree manslaughter until Sunday, having spent Saturday in the Houston County jail. Miss Massey was also arrested and did not post bond.

30 yrs ago from the February 23, 1908, Breeze:  Reuben Landrum died at the home of his brother, C. A. Landrum.

25 yrs ago from the February 24, 1910, Breeze:  Ben Sallas of Elam, claimed to have shot his brother-in-law, W. F. Nixon accidentally but County Judge Parish ordered him held for the grand jury.

15 yrs ago from the February 24, 1920, Breeze: Miss Sarah Gillis, 85, died at home of her niece in Pensacola.

10 yrs ago from the February 26, 1925, Breeze:  Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Morrison are the proud parents of a fine boy baby, who arrived on February 25th.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The DeFuniak Herald – February 21, 1935 Obituaries

The death of Mrs. M. A.  Stinson, wife of the late Dr. W. H. Stinson, who died in 1918, occurred Sunday morning at her home on Guava Street following an illness of about 2 weeks. Services were conducted from the home Monday morning at 11:00. She was Missouri Ann Colquitt and a native of Alabama, having passed her 80th birthday, being born on August 5, 1854. Dr. and Mrs. Stinson moved to DeFuniak from Rose Hill about 35 years ago. Survivors are 3 children: W. I. and Cecil both of this place and Mrs. George Burkhart of St. Petersburg, 4 grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Hal Richardson died early Tuesday at his home on 12th street of pneumonia. Hal C. Richardson was born in September 1890 at Darien, Georgia, the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Eugene Richardson. When he was eight years old his family moved to this place. In April 1922 he was married to Miss Christian Currie, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. D. J. Currie, paster of the local Presbyterian church for many years. He was a World War vet and member of the post of the American Legion. Survivors are his widow, and one son, Hal Jr., one brother J. P. Richardson of this place and 5 sisters, Mary Richardson also of DeFuniak, Mrs. Quarterman McCaskill of Marianna; Mrs. Reed Walker of Darien, Georgia, Mrs. Jim Northcutt of Notasulga, Alabama, and Mrs. Robert Oliver of Centenary, South Carolina. Service on Wednesday and interment in family lot at Magnolia.

Mr. Norman Gillis died on Friday, February 15, he was called “Uncle Norman” by many. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday from Valley church, interment was in Magnolia cemetery. Norman Gillis was born 85 years ago at the Pensacola Navy Yard. He was a mere child when his family moved to Knox Hill. About 1916 he moved to DeFuniak. He was married to Miss Nannie McSween and 4 children survive this union. Survivors are his widow, 2 brothers, Duncan of this place, Daniel of Panama City, a daughter Miss Kate and 3 sons, Alwyn of Orlando, Angus of Akron, Ohio, and William Campbell Gillis also of Akron, Ohio.

Angus Davis aged about 50 years killed himself shortly before midnight Tuesday at his home at Freeport by a self-inflicted shotgun wound. Davis made his home with a brother, William and a sister, Christine. Mr. Davis had been in poor health and it was thought that he committed suicide in a fit of despondency over his condition. Services were held Thursday and interment was in the Davis cemetery, an old burial ground northwest of Freeport. He is survived by 3 brothers William, James & Alex Davis, sisters Christine and Mrs. Arthur Stanley, and a niece, Dottie B Stanley.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The DeFuniak Herald, February 7, 1946

Jesse Gill died at his home Wednesday Jan 30 1946 at the age of 75. Services were held from the Elton Christian Church, near Gainer, Al, Thursday. Survivors are his wife, Mrs Sallie Gill, 2 sons L E & A M Gill, 3 daughters Mrs H F Davis, Mrs Dan Duke, Mrs D O Anderson, and one sister Mrs Senie Pridgeon.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

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 – February 5, 1914 – Page 2

Deerland

  • Pretty weather and good health prevails.
  • Revs. Brunk and Griffith preached at Deerland schoolhouse Sunday.
  • J. E. Ward attended Justice court at Mossy Head Saturday.
  • Misses Kate and Minnie Ward visited at Mossy Head Saturday.
  • W. J. Davis was on business at DeFuniak Saturday.
  • John Wright and family was here the last of the week visiting Mr. Wright’s parents.
  • J. E. McConnell was in Pensacola Saturday on business.
  • E. C. Hart and family visited on the south side Saturday and Sunday.
  • Will and Alex McCallum attended church here Sunday.
  • W. G. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Hart, Mrs. P. M. Griffith were among the visitors at the Bolton house Sunday.
  • Commissioner Steel was in our parts Monday.
  • J. W. McSwain passed through Tuesday morning going to DeFuniak.
  • W. A. Jernigan and wife visited down Crestview way Monday.
  • Mrs. M. D. Miller of Bonifay was in town last Sunday visiting her sister, Mrs. W. F. Meigs.

[Compiled by Emily Petroskey]

The Breeze – March 27, 1925

Alexander Douglass McKinnon was born in Walton Co on May 6 1842, one of 13 children born to his parents, John L & Catharine McKinnon.  Only one brother survives, Daniel L McKinnon of Marianna.  Mr McKinnon was twice happily married, first to Miss Ella D Speight of Washington Co on March 13, 1873, this marriage resulted in 4 children, Dr Clarence McKinnon of Jacksonville, Mr Curtis McKinnon of Atlanta, Mr Joseph A McKinnon and Mrs Annie McKinnon Davis of this place.  On Jan 17 1907 he was married to Laura Hannah of Pensacola who also survives him. He was a Confederate soldier and passed away suddenly on Saturday Feb 19, 1921 in Pensacola where he spent most of his time in the past months.  Services held Monday Feb 21 in DeFuniak with burial in Euchee Valley cemetery.

[Contributed by Rita Bridges]

The Breeze – May 3, 1917

Master Guy Davis, son of Mrs Annie McKinnon Davis, suffered a sad accident. The little boy abt 10 yrs of age was playing about the barn and found some dynamite cap and fuse and lit the fuse and blew off the first 3 fingers and half of thumb of his left hand and bruised his face.

[Contributed by Rita Bridges]

The DeFuniak Herald – January 1, 1914

Mrs J H Reddick of Noma, Fla died in Hill’s Infirmary in Montgomery  Monday of last week, and her body was brought to her home for burial. Funeral was held from the family residence Rev. McGlaun conducting the services. Before her marriage she was Miss Ida Davis of Pt Washington. She was 27 yrs of age and survived by her husband who is in business in Noma.

[Compiled by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

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]