Tag Archives: Gillis

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 21, 1946

L P Campbell 83, died Thursday. He was born in Euchee Valley. Services were held Friday of last week. Mr Campbell’s father Dr D L was a physician with Dr Angus Gillis, were county’s first two physicians. Interment was in Magnolia by the side of his wife who preceded him in death abt 2 yrs ago.

[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 – March 26, 1925

D A McLean died at Holly, FL last Monday. The body was conveyed here through the country by auto yesterday and services were conducted at the Valley church where interment took place. Mr McLean is a descendant of the Gillis & McLean family of this county, he having been born and raised in the Red Bay section. Survivors are his wife, 3 daughters 3 sons, and one sister.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The DeFuniak Herald – Obituary

[Excerpt]

March 5, 1925

Dr F M Plank passed away at his home in Jacksonville, FL, Thursday Feb 26. He was brought here to the home of his wife’s sister, Mrs H E Wickersham where funeral services were held, with burial in Magnolia cemetery. Dr Plank was 57 yrs and born in Chattanooga, Tenn. On Jul 19, 1917 he was united in marriage to Miss Chrissie (Charlise) Gillis of this city. Other survivors, besides his wife are brother, John H Plank; 2 sisters, Mrs M N Pugh and Mrs A Smith; he was brother-in-law to Mrs H E Wickersham, Mrs W E Quarterman and Hon. D Stuart Gillis of this city.

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The DeFuniak Herald – February 7, 1935 – Obituaries

Funeral services for W T Bludworth, whose death occurred Thursday, Jan 31 were conducted on Friday afternoon at 3:00 from the Methodist church, interment was in Magnolia cemetery. W T Bludworth was born in Dale Co, AL, Aug 21 1861. At age 10 his family moved to Florida, he was member of Methodist Church and graduate of Florida State Normal School.  Thirty nine years ago he was united in marriage with Mrs J W Kennedy nee Miss Lucy Jackson. He was a teacher, steamboat captain on the Choctawhtchee River, he practiced Law for more than forty years before ill health caused his retirement.  He is survived by his widow; sister, Mrs O A Watson of this place, 3 sons, Glen of DeFuniak, Ed of Sanford, and Walter of Columbia NC; 3 step children; John J Kennedy, Mrs D H McSwain and Mrs C H Johnson all of this place.

Funeral services for Malcolm A Morrison whose death occurred on Thursday January 31, were conducted at the Morrison home on the Circle Friday morning at 11:00. The deceased was born 44 yrs ago at Argyle, son of Mr & Mrs Malcolm Morrison, a descendent of one of Florida’s older families. He served in the wireless telegraph department during the World War. On July 12, 1920 he was united in marriage with Miss Mamie Ruth Tatum of Geneva, Al. Died of pneumonia, the deceased was an insurance agent for many years.  He is survived by his widow and 2 daughters, Mary Christian & Marjorie, one sister Mrs D Stuart Gillis all of this place.

Friends here are sorry to learn of the death of Mr D O Rowell, Tuesday night at his home in Cottondale, following an illness of long duration.  Present at time of his death was Mrs J A McDonald, a step daughter and Mr W W Rowell a son, both of this place, who had been with him since the previous Saturday.

Joseph Hassell, son of Mr & Mrs Wavey Wadsworth was operated upon for acute appendicitis at Pensacola hospital, Friday.  He was taken to Pensacola Friday morning and the operation performed that afternoon.  He withstood the operation well and is expected home in a few days.

On Sunday, December 23, 1934 we laid to rest an old patriarch, Uncle Marion Freeman. Last Sunday, January 20, we buried his son, Winfred R Freeman, just four weeks of time elapsing. W R (Win) Freeman was born in Shannon Co, Mo. November 25 1882, he died January 18 1935 at his home in Defuniak.  He was married to Hattie Ward May 19 1910. Two sons born to them, John & Elmer survive as does his wife.  (see Jan 24 1935). Also surviving are his aged mother, Mrs Annie Freeman, and 2 sisters, Mrs Cora Williams and Mrs Claten Culbertson, of Eminence, Mo.  The wife & mother brought the remains to Eminence. (long article)

[Contributed by Lois Danley and Sharon Watson]

The DeFuniak Herald – April 1925 – Obituaries

April 2, 1925

Judge Daniel Campbell was born near Knox Hill in Walton Co Fla on July 27 1844 and was the youngest son of Angus & Mary Catharine Campbell. He peacefully passed away on March 19th 1925 in 81st year of his age. At age 17 enlisted in Confederate Army. After the War, he went to Marianna, FL where he worked in store of Mrs Merritt and read law under Judge Bush. He was admitted to the bar about 1869 or 1870 when about 25 yrs of age. Soon he returned to Walton Co, where he married Miss Emma Bowers in Feb 1871 and became the father of 8 children, 2 sons Newton & Ralph preceded the father as did his wife who died on Dec 7 1914. Survivors are 3 sons, Judge A G Campbell, G Bowers Campbell and W O Campbell; 3 daughters, Mrs C I McKinnon, Mrs John McKinnon and Miss Emma Campbell all of DeFuniak Springs.  Services on Mar 20th with interment in Euchee Valley cemetery. (2 long articles)

Geneva Camps, Argyle, FL;  News was received here Friday of the death of Ernest Toole, of this place but was sent some time ago to the Government Hospital in Tennessee with the hope that he would be greatly benefited, but gradually became worse.  He was a fine young man and leaves a wife and one child. Another WW Veteran has gone.

April 9, 1925

Hurdis Green passed away at home of his brother W S Green at Agryle, Fl Saturday night. Mr Green was 46 yrs on the 19th of February last. He was born & raised in Walton Co. Services conducted at the Valley church on Sunday and interment was at churchyard cemetery. Survivors are 2 sisters Mrs M M Owens & Mrs W B Hammond; 3 brothers Walker, Angus and Malcolm Green.

Alexander Sessoms of Bonifay Fl died  Thursday last. He was 69 yrs of age and a native of Cumberland county NC, he moved to FL in 1808. Survivors are 4 sons; William A, Kelley P, E M, & David J Sessons; four brothers and one sister.  His wife and one son preceded him to the grave.

James Ealum the 11 yr old son of Mrs & Mrs Monroe Ealum, of Glendale, died yesterday at home of his aunt & uncle, Mr & Mrs J F Howell.

April 16, 1925

J Mallie Martin Jr. – the following dispatch clipped from the Pensacola Dispatch and sent from Johnson City, Tenn and dated Apr 8th.  J Mallie Martin Jr 18, son of Capt. and Mrs J Mallie Martin, died here Tuesday after being struck on the head with a baseball during a high school game. The body will reach Laurel Hill Thursday morning and burial will be made in Almarant cemetery, Thursday. Young Martin was a 3 letter athlete in his junior year. Five hundred students marched with the body to the train.

John Theodore McKinnon passed away at his home Monday, after suffering a stroke the previous week from which he never recovered.  Services were held Tuesday at Euchee Valley cemetery. Mr McKinnon was abt 57 yrs and was born and raised in Walton Co.  In his younger days he married Miss Maggie Gillis who, with one son, preceded him to the grave some 25 yrs ago. Survived by one brother Dr C B McKinnon of this city and a host of minor relatives.

Mrs Mary Neel, who made her home with her only daughter, Mrs T M Garrett, passed away on Monday.  Services were conducted Wednesday and burial took place in Sandy Creek cemetery. Mrs Neel was 83 yrs of age. Shortly after the Civil War she moved to Walton. Her husband, son and daughter preceded her to the grave.

Henry M Wadsworth passed away at home of son, Marvin at Florala, Ala.  He was former resident of this city, later moved to Ga and only recently making his home in Florala. Death came on Monday afternoon. Services were held Tuesday in Florala, the boy was then conveyed to Defuniak with interment in Magnolia.  He was 66 yrs of age and survived by 2 sons; Marvin and J W Wadsworth; one neice Mrs Ponder (nee Willie Mae) and was preceded to the grave by his wife who passed away some 12 yrs ago.

Mrs Mary Taylor and one grandchild were buried in Magnolia cemetery, Wednesday of last week. A few days later, another child of the family was buried and Tuesday morning another daughter died, Mrs C J Simmons, who is survived by a husband and 2 children. Services in Magnolia yesterday.

Two services were conducted at Gum Creek church last Sunday when the body of the infant child of Mr & Mrs Jacob Murphrey was buried, who suddenly passed away the Saturday previous. The many friends of the Murphrey family sympathize with them, this being the third and only child of the family.

April 30, 1925

In Memory of Laura Evelyn Weeks: born Sep 27 1920, died Oct 21 1924 at Green Cove Springs Fl.  Buried at Beulah Church.

[Contributed 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]