13 May 1909
Page 1
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Newspaper
Laurel Ledger
Location
Laurel, Mississippi, United States of America
Date
May 13, 1909
Page
1
Henry Riggins receives sentence after case of child cruelty reported on the streets. Prosecution detailed repeated harm against a minor, with witnesses describing abuse and police involvement leading to the ruling.
Henry Riggins was arrested and brought to the police court on a charge of brutal beating of his five year old step-daughter. Evidence described a leather strap beating leaving the child injured and nearly black. He received fifty dollars plus costs and 30 days on the streets with attempted escape halted by a threatened shooting. Public anger grows and ladies plan to pursue grand jury action and a possible peace bond upon release to protect the wife and child.
Uncle John Valentine, a Confederate veteran, celebrated his 1st birthday with about 150 attendees at G. A. Valentin's on May 5, 1909. The event featured a basket dinner, music by the Gi tano string band, and stories of Iuka Corinth and Vicksburg. He served in three battles, was wounded near Tallahally, and later moved from Mississippi to Tennessee. He married Frances A. Coats in 1858 and has six grown children, five sons and one daughter.
A series of services will begin next Sunday at 11 A.M. at Main St Methodist Church and continue for several days. Rev. D. I. Kelly, a well regarded revivalist, will assist the pastor T. W. Adams urges everyone to attend.
The Heidelberg shop of M. G. Travis & Col. was robbed Saturday night. Missing items include men’s shoes clothing and hats valued at $50 or more. Entry was gained through the front door with a key.
The Northeastern changes its schedule with a southbound local passenger now due to arrive at 9 25 instead of 9 55. Dill Pickles appear at Laurel Grocery as a noted item.
The Protestant Preachers' Association did not meet this week but reports from Kingston Baptist and other churches are positive. Kingston Baptist sees strong attendance, active Sunday school work, and encouragement from visiting leaders I E French and Fred Long with Mrs. Turner and Rev. Lewis. Delegates came from Montrose, Bay Springs, Richton, Pachuta, Wisner, Mt. Olive and others. The old folks service was a success with traditional songs and a suitable sermon.
The church holds services on the first and third Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Pastor is A. B. Barry with Sunday school at 10:00 a.m. led by R. W. Perker. Prayer meetings occur Thursday nights and the second and fourth Sunday nights at 7:30. Next Sunday May 16 at 10 a.m. the subject is Methodist Protestant Church.
The Oak Street pool room closed this week and Graves Trading Co moves furniture stock into the former barbershop quarters. The former furniture room is split into a pressing club on the east side and a barber shop on the west, run by Mr Aaron under J J Cross.
Independence Lodge No 140 I O O F mourns the death of Brother D P Bradford who departed this life May 9 1909 at Brookhaven. The lodge declares his faithful service to Odd Fellowship and offers heartfelt sympathy to his family, praying for divine comfort until they meet in the rest.
The piano fund for the public school rose by 236 dollars after a tag day rally. Willie May Bradley won first prize with 13.59 dollars from Miss Kelley’s first grade. Freda Becker earned 10.50 from Central School eighth grade. Ball game and picnic planned for May 21 at Lindsey Park as crowds visit daily.
Meridian fielding its strongest squad travels to face Laurel in a two game set this Friday and Saturday. The city league matchups feature seven teams, and Meridian aims to stem a run of defeats while pursuing a growing tally of victories.
R K Van Gossbeck of Savannah joins Laurel Steam Laundry management with twenty five years of experience in shirt and collar departments. He will be in actual charge for now, with a plan for him to invest and run the plant. Laurel needs a modern sanitary laundry and public patronage is urged to support the venture.
Wanted to Purchase. A farm within four miles of Laurel, would prefer land with inexpensive improvements. Address W. I. Pryor, Laurel, Miss.
Mrs Thomas Keith and her young daughter from Decatur Mississippi paused in Hattiesburg for a visit and traveled on Sunday to continue homeward once their stay concluded.
The Lepeer editor visited Spring Hill last Sunday and praised the progressive community. They have built a fine school house and large church in three years. J. B. Black led and Della Walters played organ while the all day singing session included dinner on the ground. Mr Hill will teach there in early summer. The harmony and pride impressed the visitor, a model for other settlements.
A crowded Antioch district community notes attendance at the Mill Creek District Conference on weekend. Local residents J F Martin, J A Lewis, Tanner Boutwell, Wade Crocker, and J S Williams are mentioned with visits and travels. Weather hurts cotton, some planting resumes. Laurel Grocery offers India Relish in bulk and fresh vegetables. A boarder notice seeks a man and wife near the new school. Sidewalks and cement walks expand across town with grading in Westland.
Large Crowds attended the Mill Creek celebration with several lectures on church work. N M Walters received a diploma at Laurel Graduation Day May 8 for the free school curriculum. Miss Mellie Freeman and Cora and Fannie McNeil of Fenlcutta attended Mill Creek services. J T Blacklidge visited Laurel for dental work. L J Lawrence and wife visited JD Blacklidge’s home and attended Mill Creek services. Lawrence formerly from Alabama, worked with D C Blacklidge. Welcome them in our midst.
James Bush died Monday on an operating table in Hattiesburg.
James Bush died Monday at 1 30 PM from a wound at the depot April 1. A large artery under the collarbone was severed, causing a lake of blood in the neck and upper chest. He was moved to Mattys burg for an attempted tying of the artery but died. interment in Hickory Grove cemetery at Laurel Wednesday.
A. W. Noble resumes leadership of the Chronicle after a Monday lease contract with Hendon and Aylesworth was cancelled. He plans to bring in an associate soon to handle active management duties.
Mr. A. J. Denson of Ray Springs will speak at the rally in Jauret. Denson is well known locally and is expected to give a helpful talk. Special music is planned for the occasion.
Lost Wednesday night a full blood hound bitch, red sold, with a split in one ear. Finder urged to notify W. T. Johnson at Rowell barber shop and claim reward.
The East Tallahala Singing Convention will meet at Mt. Oreal two miles east of Laurel on May 29 and 30. Great preparations for a good meeting. All are invited to attend and urged. Yours, J. D. Holifield, Pres. J. A. Walters, Sec.
North Laurel sees strong land transfer activity with businessmen purchasing land along the Main street extension north of the corporation. Public road frontage on both sides from the city limits to Vance and Lowe properties has been snapped for residence development, with several sites slated for immediate construction. Also, ripe olives from Stringer and Knight in the county drew attention on the street, while demand for Laurel Coffee grows daily.
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