Tag Archives: DeFuniak Springs

The DeFuniak Herald – October 4, 1923

Santa Rosa News

Mr. Herman Weston moved his family into town last Friday so it would be handier or the children to attend school. He also moved his sawmill last week out on the Jack Martin place near the Gulf where he expects to put in a busy season.

Mr. Ward S. Paham and Mr. Moore motored here from Crosby, Ala., last Tuesday bringing the sad news that a sister of Vernie Shivers had died the day before and took Mr. Shivers back with them.

Miss Ruby Mathews of DeFuniak Springs spent a few days in town on business

F. S. Stallworth the West Florida Grocerie man transacted business in town last Friday.

We were pleased to see the smiling face of W. F. Hall of Freeport in town last Friday.

Jack Stringer went to DeFuniak last Monday where he will resume his studies in the T. I. I.

Rev. John Garnett of Camp Walton was in town most of last week to assist with and oversee the painting of the M. E. Church and also to conduct services Saturday evening and Sunday.

Mr. Fred Crookshank has just about completed the painting of his residence on Wilson Ave., and it certainly looks fine.

Have you seen the latest style for mules? We have a pair of mules in our town that is wearing pantaloons. Now we are not making fun of the mules. We rather think it is a very bright idea and one that it would be well for others to imitate.

Somebody, [presumably] some [n—–s,] got away with some of Mrs. Green’s chickens last night. Its a pity if people must steal that they can’t pick out somebody besides a widow lady to steal from. But woe! unto them if they are caught at it.

“Dad” Butler and D. W. Shunk drove over to Grayton Beach last Sunday on a tour of inspection.

Mrs. Bessie Noyes our former Postmistress arrived here from Mobile, Ala., last Sunday evening on the “Sarona.” Mrs. Noyes has many friends here who are glad to see her again.

The Civic League held a meeting at the home of Mrs. E. T. Ziel last Friday. Among other business transacted it was decided to give a fox social at the school house on Friday evening October 19th, the proceeds to be used for the school. It was also decided to have a “Bazaar” sometime in December the date to be set later.

We have two Women’s Clubs here and we are all working together for one purpose. That’s to raise money for two more months of school. We have six months but we feel that eight months would be better. We did not have any trouble in raising the money last year and we feel confident that it can be done again. Now we are not writing this for the sake of handing ourselves a bouquet. But it might help others. As we happen to know that there are other communities where they don’t have as much as six months school. Don’t just fold your hands and say, “It’s a shame our children can’t have more school, but we just can’t help it.” Just put your heads together and raise the money as it is surprising how quickly a sum of money can be raised if everybody will work together.

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 DeFuniak Herald – February 5, 1914 – Page 2

Red Bay

  • Clifford Meigs, of DeFuniak and Randall Hughes of Ponce de Leon were down here Sunday.
  • Mrs. Neil McLeod visited her mother, Mrs. David George, at the Valley Sunday.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Pat Kennington of Ponce de Leon spent Sunday with their parents.
  • Miss Irene Brown spent last week at home.
  • Rev. Peacock of Pleasant Valley preached here Sunday.
  • J.R. Brown and Marshall Chamberlain were in DeFuniak last week.
  • Daniel Alec McDonald and Reg Sanford were in Ponce de Leon on business Wednesday.
  • Edgar Chamberlain was in Argyle Sunday.
  • Tom Chamberlain wears a smile these days twice as long and large as the ordinary father wears. His twins are named Hurtis and Curtis.
  • The young people under the management of Mrs. Brown and Mrs. McLeod are practicing for a play to be given in about two weeks. It is to be given to raise funds with which to purchase a new fence to be used around the cemetery. A worthy object, and we are sure the young folks will receive the encouragement and patronage they deserve.

[Compiled by Emily Petroskey]

The DeFuniak Herald – February 5, 1914 – Page 2

Ealum

  • The health of the community is generally good- only colds.
  • Most farmers are preparing their land for farming, though some say it is too early. By the looks of it, spring is here.
  • Mr. Leonard Bell made a business trip to Florala last week.
  • The debate at Liberty last Thursday night was fine and enjoyed by all.
  • J.R. Turner and daughter Miss Vivian went to Mossy Head last Saturday.
  • The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Connie Jones is quite ill.
  • Mr. Tom Price, who moved here from Waycross, Ga., some two weeks ago returned last week. They leave but they have to come back to Florala.
  • Miss S.E. Ray spent Saturday and Sunday with home folks.
  • Miss Ruth Shelly left Saturday for Bonifay to visit her sister. BHer friends were sorry to see her leave, especially some of the boys.
  • Charlie Prater and Jesse Tompson were at DeFuniak last Friday.
  • Murie Bell and wife, from Glendale, were visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Turner, last Friday.
  • Notwithstanding the rain last Friday night the debate at Gum Creek was fine and enjoyed by all.

[Compiled by Emily Petroskey]

The Breeze – November 30, 1911 – Page 5

[The following sayings were taken from an advertisement placed by One Cash Price House on the McCaskill Block on Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs.]

“Trade here and get your money’s worth and then some.”

” A penny saved is a penny earned. It’s old, but it’s gospel truth.”

“There’s plenty of room at the top, but the elevator is not running today.”

“When you reach the top of the ladder–yell for more ladder.”

[Contributed by Michael Strickland]

The DeFuniak Herald — November 28, 1912 — Page 1

Captain John T. Stubbs, who suffered a stroke of paralysis nearly five years ago, died at his home in this city last Monday at the age of seventy-seven years and ten months. He was born at Marlboro District, S. C., January 25th, 1835. He served with distinction in the Confederate army in the war between the states, having attained the rank of Captain of Company C, 1st Alabama Regiment. He was a gallant soldier in war and a most honorable and estimable citizen in peace. He was married to Miss Emily L. Gerkey, on June 15, 1860 and reared a family of 8 children, 4 daughters and 4 sons, wife and six children of whom survive him.

When sixteen years old, Captain Stubbs, with the rest of his father’s family, removed to Alabama and located at Fort Deposit, where he resided until 1873, when he removed with his family to Milton, Fla. He removed to DeFuniak in 1883 and engaged with Mr. Murray Cawthon in the lumber business, afterward conducting the State Experimental Farm, just south of town, relinquishing this position to acquire and operate The DeFuniak Herald, which he did successfully up to five years ago, when a stroke of paralysis disqualified him for active newspaper work. He was a member of the Methodist church and was an earnest, consecrated Christian gentleman. He bore his affliction heroically and expressed no fear of the death which he has known was near for some weeks. All the members of his immediate family, except the eldest son, were present at the time of his death. The funeral services, which were under the auspices of the local camp of Confederate Veterans, of which organization he was a member, were conducted by Rev. D. P. Slaughter, assisted by Rev. R. Q. Baker and Rev. R. R. Ellison. The funeral, which was held at the home on Thirteenth street, was largely attended, and the casket was literally covered with beautiful floral offerings, paying mute, though eloquent tribute to the love in which the people held this good man, who has resided among us for thirty years.

[Contributed by Michael Strickland]

The DeFuniak Herald – March 11, 1943

Ben H Crawford Jr aviation cadet U S Army stationed at Fort Sumter SC was killed when his plane crashed Wednesday Mar 10. The young man was 21 yrs and volunteered for service several months ago. The son of Mr & Mrs Ben H Crawford of Crichton, Ala and a nephew of Miss Sallie Mae Crawford of Defuniak. Miss Crawford and her brothers, Sergt Wallace Crawford of Eglin Field and Hayes Crawford of Freeport attended the services in Mobile, on Sunday.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

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]