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 Breeze – September 9, 1920

Mrs. E. W. Thorpe was the first woman in Walton county to register for voting under the constitutional amendment which gave woman the power to vote. Mrs. R. Buchanan, Mrs. J. C. Prescott, Mrs. H. Thornber, Mrs. Anna Vinson and Mrs. Geo. Ward followed in that order, and Miss Bessie Tervin was the first single lady to register.

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 DeFuniak Herald – May 1935 – Obituaries

May 16, 1935

J E Spann was born Dec 10 1846 and died May 10 1935 at the age of 88 yrs, 5 mos. at the home of his granddaughter  and  son in law, Mr & Mrs Major Miller of Darlington. He was married to Miss Frances Redman in 1868 and to this union was born 2 son and 4 daughters. Survivors; Mrs Mary Ward, Darlington; Mrs Jennie Mcdonald , Mobile, Ala; Johnnie Spann, Geneva, Ala; Mrs Minnie Alford, Darlington, 16 grandchildren, 19 gr grands; 1 gr gr grand.

John J Ward of Panama City was convicted yesterday [May 15, 1935] in US District court of violating the Federal law which prohibits anyone from charging a soldier or ex soldier from charging for aid in collecting money from the government for World War services.  Ward was convicted on 4 counts; he was sentenced to 6 mos in Washington Co jail and fined $200 on 1st count; received 6 mos on 3rd & 4th count but sentences were made concurrent with 1st count. On 2nd count he was sentenced to 6 mos, but suspended on condition that he pay the $200 fine and pay back the 3 Negro veterans the money he charged them to aid them getting their War monies.  Alleged to have charged Robert Spoars $25 to collect $50.40 & $65.50 for collecting $115.50; Roland Hamerick $95 to collect $395; and Alexander Holloway $10 for collecting $18.

Ed L Pinney, about 35 yrs old, former Pensacola newspaper writer and native of that city, was killed Saturday night about a 12 miles west of Panama City, when a cow walked onto hwy and he crashed into the cow. With Pinney was Stanley Sweeny, who was not seriously injured. He was survived by a widow and two children.

[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 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]