January 23, 1900
Union Recorder
  On Wednesday, the 10th inst., the infant of Mr. and Mrs. Turner Pearson, who live near Carr's Station, to all appearances died, and a messenger was sent to this city for a casket in which to bury the little one. In the meantime the infant came back to life, and lived for two more days, when it died. The parents have the sympathy of many friends in this city.

February 10, 1900
Union Recorder
Mrs. Lizzie Fraley, widow of the late Mr. Henry F. Fraley, died at her home in thsi city last Sunday morning, at ten oclock.
   Mrs. Fraley had been in ill  health for several months and her decline was watched with great solicitude by her relatives and friends. She met death wih a christian resignation, and the end came peacefully.
   Mrs. Fraley was carried to Sparta yesterday morning, and her remains interred by the side of her husband.
   She was a member of the Methodist church, and her life was an exemplary one. She was a regular attendant upon services, and felt great interest in all church work. Her death has saddened the hearts of many friends.

February 20, 1900
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ POWELL-MIDDLEBROOKS. On February 14th, 1900, the Methodist church in Sparta was the scene of a happy wedding. The contracting parties were Miss Ella Powell and Mr. W.H. Middlebrooks...Miss Bessie Lamar presided at the organ...Ushers O. Culver, H. Little, R. Merritt, Chas. Dougherty; Attendants, Miss Middlebrooks and Dr. Jernigan; Miss Heath and Mr. Pierce Middlebrooks; Miss Bowen and Dr. Wm. Little; Miss Bass and Mr. F. Middlebrooks. The groom came in with the best man, Mr. M. Middlebrooks, followed by the bride and her maid of honor, Miss Powell. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas Pierce, of Greenville, Ga......
  After the marriage the couple held a reception in their new home. At a late huor sustantial and delicious refreshments were served in the dining hall.
  Mrs. Middlebrooks is the second daughter of Mr. L. Powell and has a host of friends in Sparta and other places where she has visited. The groom is a  grandson of Bishop Pierce, and one of Sparta's most popular young men.
  The following visitors attended the marriage:
   Mrs. B. P. Glenn, Savannah; Miss Ethel Park, Augusta, Ga.; Dr. Wm. Little, Macon; Rev. Thomas Pierce, Greenville; Mrs. Bass,Devereaux; Dr. and Mrs. T. O. Powell, Mrs. Julia West, Mrs. John Conn and Miss Bessie Lamar, Milledgeville, Ga.

February 20, 1900
Union Recorder
  Miss Ellen Pierce of Midway, and Mr. John Brookins of Hancock county, were married at the residence of the bride's brother, Mr. Dan Pierce, at Pierce View, Feb. 1st.

February 20, 1900
Union Recorder
  Mr. A. E. W. Brown died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Rebecca Brown, in this city, Saturday morning, after an illness of several weeks with pneumonia. His remains were carried to Sparta Saturday afternoon for burial. Mr. Brown was twenty-one years of age, and recently came to this city, with his mother's family, from Hancock county. He was an excellent young man, and his death causes sorrow among a large circle of friends.

February 27, 1900
Union Recorder
  Butler, the ten-year-old son of Mrs. Rebecca Brown, died in this city last Saturday afternoon, about one o'clock. He had just recovered from an attack of pneumonia, and a few days ago a rising commenced in his head, and developed rapidly into meningitis. His remains were carried to Hancock for burial. This is the second one of this family to die in a week's time. The grief-stricken mother has the deep sympathy of our entire community.

May 10, 1900
The Macon Telegraph
MRS. DUFFUS CLANCEY DEAD.She Passed Away Yesterday In Macon. Was Visiting Here Hoping to Improve the Health That Had Been So Rapidly Failing for Sometime-Funeral in Sparta.
Mrs. R. Duffus Clancey died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Robert McEvoy, yesterday morning. She had been ill for some time, the cause of death being eurasthemia.
   The remains were shipped to Sparta at 4:15 yesterday. Mrs. Clancey leaves three little children and a devoted husband. She was 39 years of age. Before marriage she was a Miss Little of Sparta, and was always a great favorite with all who knew her. She was a sister of Dr. Little of Macon. The first years of her married life were spent here, where she and her husband made many friends. Her death will cause profound sorrow throughout Middle Georgia.
   For the past several years Mr. and Mrs. Clancey have lived in Tennessee, but a few months ago it was thought a change of climate would improve her rapidly failing health, and she came to Macon. Later, it was thought there was no hope for her, and Mr. Clancey was summoned hurriedly to her bedside, but she lingered until yesterday morning.

September 3, 1900
The Macon Telegraph
   DEATH OF MR. JOHN TURNER. ONE OF HANCOCK COUNTY'S LEADING CITIZENS. His Family Closely Identified With Macon Interests - He Was a Son-In-Law of the Late Lamented Bishop Pierce.
 News was received in Macon yesterday that Mr. John Turner of Hancock county died Saturday night at his home, "Sunshine," four miles from Sparta.
  The funeral will occur at 10 o'clock today at the family burying ground.
  Aside from the fact that several of Mr. Turner's children reside in Macon, considerable local interest attached to his life and to his death, as his family have for a generation or more been identified in some way with Macon and Macon interests and few people in this section have been so prominent in the Methodist church work.
   Mr. Turner at the time of his death was in his 68th year. He was the son of Col. Thomas M. Turner one of Hancock county's wealthiest and most influential citizens. He was born in Sparta and graduated at Emory College. He married Miss Ella Pierce, the eldest daughter of the lamented Bishop George F. Pierce.
  Throughout his long and useful life he was a consistent member of the methodist church and reared in that faith a family of ten children, as follows:
  Mrs. R. C. Wilson, Mrs. Robert Smith, Mrs. Thomas Moore of Hancock county, Mrs. Stuart C. Davis, Mrs. Dudley Williams, Mr. John L. Turner and Mr. Josiah Warren Turner of Macon, Mr. John Sego of South Carolina, Mr. George Pierce Turner of Augusta and Mr. Thomas Turner of Indian Territory.
  It was an old custom in the family to have a reunion at each Christmastide, and last Christmas twenty-six children and grandchildren gathered around the family fireside.
  Thus it will be seen that in the death of Mr. Turner, Hancock has lost one more of those strong men who linked the past with the present, one whose life was full of good deeds and whose influence for the uplifting of mankind will be felt for a long time to come.
  Several of his children were with him when his final summons came.

November 20, 1900
Augusta Chronicle
Northen, Ga., Nov 18 At the parsonage at Culverton last night Miss Emma Brantly was married to Mr. Luther Brake by
Rev. J. R. Lewis, pastor of the Culverton charge. It was a quiet marriage, only a few friens of the bride and groom were present.

December 11, 1900
Union Recorder
  Mr. William Grimes a highly respected citizen of this county died at his home on Monday night, Dec. 5th, 1900.
  He was an old confederate soldier about 75 years of age. He was a kind, indulgent husband and father, a good friend and neighbor, and will be greatly missed by the people of the neighborhood. He was buried at Island Creek church of which he had been a member for many years. He leaves a wife and eight children, five sons and three daughters.

December 16, 1900
The Macon Telegraph
SKYES-GARRARD, A Pretty Home Wedding Near Sparta - Notes and News.
  Sparta, Ga., Dec. 15 - On the afternoon of December 9 at 3:30 o'clock Mr. Amos Garrard and Miss Bessie Sykes were united in marriage at the home of the bride's sister, four miles west of Sparta. Both bride and groom have hosts of friends who have their welfare at heart and rejoice in the consummation of their happiness. Mr. Garrard is a prosperous young farmer, who, by habits of industry and upright of conduct, has won popular esteem. The bride is the daughter of Mr. J. S. Sykes, a well known citizen of this county, and by her many charms of mind and person has endeared herself to a large circle of friends
  The Tuesday Afternoon club was most graciously entertained this week by Miss Sue Lamar at her lovely home on Elm street. For open-hearted hospitality the genial hostess stands unexcelled, and the assemblage of beauty, grace and wit were never seen to better advantage. Discussion of current topics, sparkling epigram, unique brain tests and substantial good cheer marked a red-letter reunion in the history of the organization. Mrs. H. W. Middlebrooks and Miss Lily Vardeman were the guests of honor on this occasion, and the latter was the fortunate winner of the prize, a tatting-bordered handkerchief of beautiful design.
  Sparta gladly welcomes Mr. Huell Britt and his mother, who have recently come among us from Fairview, S. C. with the intention of permanently residing here. At present they are the guests of Rev. M. C. Britt.
  Miss Mary Alfriend has returned from a delightful visit to relatives in Macon.
  After a pleasant visit to friends in Macon and Milledgeville, Miss Susie Day Powell has returned home.
  Mr. James T. Gardener of Augusta is shaking hand with friends here today. He is returning home from Columbus, where he attended the Garrard-Gardiner wedding, upon him having devolved the office of giving the bride away.
  Miss Clarice Barksdale of Augusta is the charming guest of Miss Waller of Culverton.
  Mr. Robert Wilson and Miss Florence Wilson entertained Friday evening at their home, near Granite Hill, in honor of Misses Waler and Barksdale. A number of Sparta's belles and beaux were in attendance, and reported an evening of unalloyed pleasure.
  Mr. John Elise Gibson of Macon was over this week on business.

December 24 1900
Atlanta Constitution
Sparta, Ga.
     The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Reynolds Lamar was resplendent with light and warmth and coloring on Friday evening in honor of their twenty-fifth wedding day anniversary. Decorations of holly, mistletoe, trailing vines and the rich foliage of tropical plants enhanced the attractions of the different apartments, the effect emphasizing the artistic sense that directed the arrangement. From a floral bower in the reception hall a massive silver punch bowl, with its steaming good cheer, gave to the guest a first welcome greeting. The was presided over by Mrs. W H. Burwell, who served the refreshing drink during the evening with her usual queenly grace. To the rear of the hall a space beneath the stairway was transformed into a fairy grotto from within which Misses Susie Yarbrough and Lily Vardeman served the assembled throng with delicious hot coffee. This proved a popular resort to the many weary young men who needed the refreshing beverage. Mr. and Mrs. Lamar, assisted by their daughter, Miss Sue, and Mrs. T. M. Jones, received in the drawing room, doing the honors with ease and grace and meeting congratulations and good wishes with expressions of grateful warmth. Mrs. Lamar wore the elegant dress of silver gray silk in which she stood a happy bridge a quarter of a century ago. Miss Lamar was charming in an evening dress  of pink organdy over pink taffeta. Little Miss Clara Lamar, a dancing sprite of twelve years, was a lovely vision in a costume of pale green and white. The one circumstance to mar the pleasure of their silver wedding  was the unavoidable absence of the two manly sons - Messrs. Lawson and Lavoisier Lamar. The elegant supper served in courses was in keeping with the other splendid  appointments of the occasion. A magnificent display of solid silver presents attested the esteem in which the host and hostess are held.

     A beautiful home wedding was solemnized Wednesday morning, December 19th, at the home of the bride's mother, near Linton. Mr. J. Ivey Roberts and Miss Bessie Louise Moran being the contracting parties. Mr. Harley Pierce attended the groom as best man and Miss Evelyn Roberts was maid of honor on the happy occasion. The ceremony, which occurred at 10 o'clock, was pronounced by Rev. L. W. Rivers, of Woodlawn, and was witnessed by the relatives and intimate friends of the happy pair. The bridal party arrived in Sparta as the afternoon hours were wanted and were tendered a reception by the groom's parents. Mr. Roberts and his charming bride will be welcome additions to the social life of our town. May the happiness they so well deserve be theirs.

     The reception tendered by the young gentlemen of Sparta to their lady friends Wednesday evening at the home of Dr. and Mrs. G. S. Vardeman was a brilliant social function. Decorations of similax, holly, ferns, and mistletoe formed a  fit setting for the animated assemblage, whose sparkling eyes, gay repartee and rippling laughter were sure indications that pleasure held sway. Conundrums and music furnished pleasing pastimes until the party was summoned from the "fest of reason and the flow of soul" to the dining room, where  a substantial feast and flowing bowl awaited. The charm of well laden tables was enhanced by the agreeable coloring of green and gold. The prizes for correct solutions to the conundrums were assigned by lot, as there were several correct lists. Mrs. E L. Culver drew the picture and Mr Frank Stewart the box of stationary.

     Miss Mamie Binion has returned from Gainesville to spend the holidays with her parents here. She has been taking a course of musical instruction at Brenau college.

    Granite Hill, the suburban home of Mr W. B. Lee, was the scene of a beautiful wedding this afternoon at 3 o'clock. At that hour Mr. John Ellis Gibson, of Macon, and Miss Grace Lillian Lee were united in marriage. Rev. B. H. Ivey officiated. Miss Lena Allen presided at the piano rendering Mendelssohn's wedding march with the skill of an accomplished musician while the bridal party marched into the drawing room. Miss Frances Briscoe, of Atlanta, with Mr. W. B. Lee, Jr., of Dallas, Tex.; Miss Ava Bomar, of Douglasville, with Mr. Walter F. George, of Mercer university. The groom followed on the arm of his best man, Mr. W.W. Driskell, of Millen, and received the bride from her sister, Miss Claude Lee, maid of honour. Amid a wealth of beautiful surroundings in the presence of many loving friends and admirers the happy pair were made one in solemn and impressive tones by the bride's pastor. During the order of congratulations Miss Allen delighted the assemblage with Lohengrin's bridal chorus. In the reception which following the ceremony Misses Ivey, Heath and Lynda Lee, of Talbotton, and Dr. C. S. Jernigan assisted the family in doing the honours. Mr. Gibson was accompanied from Macon by Messrs, J.A. Bryan, of The Atlanta Journal; Eugene Anderson, of The Macon Telegraph; W. W. Driskell and W. F. George and by Miss Lynda Lee of   Talbotton. Mr. Gibson is a graduate of Emory college of the class of '97. He is an enthusiastic Sigma Nu and gained distinction as a debater. Mrs. Gibson is a graduate of Cox college, a young lady of charming presence and popular wherever know. They will reside in Macon. May their future be as happy as their wedding day is auspicious.

December 25, 1900
Union Recorder
Mrs. William Boyer died at her home in Hancock county last Sunday night.

~excerpts~  Mrs. Mary Pearson, widow of the late Mr. Jerry Pearson of Hancock county, died suddenly, at the home of her daughter Mrs. W. R. Moore, Monday night, 17th inst.
  Her remains accompanied by the family, were carried to Hancock county, Wednesday morning and buried by the side of Mr. Pearson.

January 15, 1901
Union Recorder
  On Wednesday night, at eight o'clock, the marriage of Miss Hattie Bowen to Mr. Pierce Middlebrooks, took place in the Methodist church at Sparta.

June 27, 1901
Atlanta Constitution
John Daniel, Sparta, Ga. Sparta, Ga. June 26 - (Special) John Daniel, a prominent farmer and confederate veteran of this county, died at his home near here Monday. He was buried in the cemetery at this place today.

June 27, 1901
Atlanta Constitution
Sparta High School. Sparta, Ga. June 26 - (Special) The election of teachers for the high school took place yesterday. All the former teachers were re-elected except Miss Jessie Christopher, of the second grade, she having resigned. Miss Marcha Culver, of the primary department, was promoted to Miss Christopher's place, and Miss Eunice Thomas, a recent graduate of the Normal and Industrial college at Milledgeville, secured the primary.

June 30, 1901
Atlanta Constitution
58. WILLIAMSON- In reply to inquiry of Shelman of two weeks ago, I beg to say that I have in my possession the diploma conferring the degree of bachelor of arts upon the said William W. Williamson. The degree is issued from the University of Georgia and is signed by Joseph Meigs, president of the university, and is dated 1804.
     I cannot account for the diploma being in my possession, unless it be in the following manner: My father, Robert Raines, of Thomas county, was the son of Lucian Hamilton Raines, formerly of Hancock county, later of Thomas. My grandfather, Lucian Raines, had a sister, Martha who married Dr. Thomas W. Terrell, of Sparta, whose sister married the aforesaid William W. Williamson. This may explain the case, as the diploma was among the papers of my grandfather at his death.
  Elizabeth Williamson, one of the daughters of William W. Williamson, married Peterson Thweatt, father of Peterson Thweatt, late comptroller general of Georgia. My grandfather, Lucian Raines, was also very closely related to the Thweatts, his mother, Sarah, wife of Captain Robert Raines, of Hancock county, being the daughter of John Hamilton, of Hancock county, whose wife was Tabitha Thweatt.
  I am sorry I cannot throw any light upon Shelman's inquiry, but I trust what I have written will not be entirely uninteresting. I hold the precious document at the disposal of William Williamson's descendants, but would suggest that it be presented to the university, as this is its centennial year. I feel sue it will be gratefully received by the chancellor and students and would be a fitting gift at this season. THOMAS HART RAINES, M.D.
59. RAINES- Some weeks ago A.C.T. wrote to know either my address or to beg me to insert the genealogy of my family. I take pleasure in giving both. My home is in Thomas county, Georgia, but my present address is Kirkwood, DeKalb county, Georgia. I shall be pleased to receive any communication A.C.T. would like to make.
My lineage is as follows:
Captain Robert Raines, of the county of Hancock, was born July 11, 1766. He commanded company H, of the 1st Regt. of Georgia troops in the Revolutionary war. he also was a member of the house of representatives of Georgia in 1810 and 1811. He died July 31st, 1816. He married Sarah Thweatt Hamilton, daughter of John Hamilton, Esq., of Hancock county.
    Lucian Hamilton Raines, eldest son of the above, was born November 29th, 1801. He married Ann Emily Blackshear, daughter of Edward Blackshear, Esq., of Pulaski county, later of Thomas.
    Robert Raines, eldest son of the above, was born August 31st, 1835. He married Mary Judson Hart, daughter of John Stanford Hart, Esq., of Leon county, Florida. He died Sept. 22d, 1891.
     Thomas Hart Raines, M.D., only child of the above.
     Should A.C.T. care for more minute details of generation I shall be pleased to furnish these also. My connection with the Floods is from the marriage of Colonel Everard Hamilton, brother of my great-grandmother to Mary Haggard Floyd, daughter of General John Floyd. THOMAS HART RAINES

July 2, 1901
Union Recorder
Dath of Mr. Berry Roberson,  Carr's Station, Hancock County, Ga.
  It was the will of an all wise Providence to removed from our midst on (Tuesday last) 25th,  a dear and devoted husband, father and friend. He was a kind and loving husband, a tender hearted and indulgent father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was in his ninety second year at the time of his death and has grown great grandchildren. he has been a resident of Georgia nearly 50 years, living in Hancock county the most of the time. He had a large circle of friends and relatives who mourn his loss, as he was a kind and usful neighbor, a true and trusted friend, a useful and honest citizen, the loss of whom we sincerely mourn, but we are sure it will be for his everlasting good and eternal gain. CHILDREN AND FRIENDS.

July 16, 1901
Union Recorder
  Mr. William Thornton died at his home near Island Creek, in Hancock county, last Wednesday morning. He was seventy-five years of age, and had been in ill health for several years. For the past eighteen months, he had been totally blind. His funeral services were held at Island Creek church, Thursday morning, and a large number of the people of the neighborhood were present to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory.
   Mr. Thornton was a member of the Island Creek church, and was recognized by all who knew him, as a devout christian and good neighbor. He was also a member of Daniel Lodge of Masons. He has entered upon his reward after a long life of usefulness. His family all preceded him to the grave.

July 30, 1901
Union Recorder
  ~excerpt~ Died at his home in Linton Ga., June 22d, Walter Hall, son of Mrs. Sallie Pyron, aged seventeen years. He leaves a widowed mother, three sisters and two brothers to mourn their loss.

August 6, 1901
Union Recorder
Mrs. Rebecca N. Brown died at her home in this city, last Saturday night, after an illness of nearly three weeks.
   Mrs. Brown had been ill with fever, and was convalescing, when a few days before her death, she was attacked with another trouble, and on Saturday morning Dr. Williams, of Macon, and Dr. Robison performed an operation, which after consultation was decided necessary. The operation was successful, but left her quite weak, and she failed to regain her strength.
  The remains of Mrs. Brown were carried to Sparta yesterday morning for burial.
  Mrs. Brown was the widow of Mr. Z. Butler Brown, who died in 1893. After the death of her husband, she continued to reside on their plantation in Hancock county, until about 18 months ago when she moved to this city. A short time after her removal here her two sons died with pneumonia. She bore her affliction with a christian fortitude. She was a daughter of Mr. S. E. Pearson, on of Hancock's most prominent citizens, and was forty-four years of age. In early life she united with the Methodist church, and her life was one of a true, consecrated Christian, and though called upon to pass through great sorrow her faith in God never faltered, but grew stronger and stronger. She leaves five young daughters, who have the sympathy of our entire community in their deep sorrow.

August 18, 1901
Macon Telegraph
   HENRY THOMPSON.. Sparta, Ga. Aug. 17. Mr. Henry Thompson died at his home in Hancock county Tuesday. He was a Confederate veteran, an upright man, and good citizen.

A KILLING IN HANCOCK COUNTY
  News reached this city last Friday morning of a shooting scrape in Hancock county, in which Mr. Chauncey Boyer lost his life, and his brother Alex Boyer was dangerously shot, and Cliff Brooking, who did the shooting, was in turn dangerously wounded.
  The facts as far as could be learned are as follows"
  Cliff Brooking and Mr. Jake Stanley were on unfriendly terms, and Boyer undertook to settle the difference, and went with Brooking to Mr. Stanley's residence. Mr. Stanley came out, and after a few minutes talk, Brooking threatened to whip him. Boyer interfered and told him not to bother a man so much older than him. This angered Brooking, and he and Boyer had a tussle. Boyer threw Brooking down, and held him, until he agreed to be friendly. A few minutes afterwards the two men started to get in their buggies, when Brooking got his pistol from his buggy and shot Boyer, killing him instantly. He then left for his home about two miles distant. Messrs. Jasper Boyer, Howard and Alex, father and brothers of the dead man, who were at Brantley's store, about one hundred and fifty yards from where the shooting occurred, followed Brooking to his home. He seeing them approaching shot at Alex Boyer, the ball striking him in the neck, inflicting a serious wound. He then fired the last shot from his pistol, at the father. The ball struck him in the forehead, but glances and did not inflict a serious wound. Brooking then started from his stable to the house, and as he was going up the steps, Howard Boyer shot at him with a Winchester. The ball entered his abdomen, fatally wounding him. He went into the house, and shut the door. The Boyers and their friends guarded the house all night. The Sheriff of Hancock arrived on the scene Friday morning and arrested Brooking, and carried him to the Sparta jail.
  Brooking died in the Sparta jail Sunday.

September 21, 1901
Atlanta Constitution
Waller's Knife Draws Blood. Moore is Badly Stabbed in His Chest at Sparta
Sparta, Ga., September 20 (Special) Near the Culverton depot Wednesday afternoon J. O. Moore was badly stabbed in the chest by B. H. Waller. The wound, though a bad one, is not necessarily fatal. Both young men belong to prominent families in the county.

Not Much Cotton Handled
Sparta, Ga., September 20 (Special)
Very little cotton is being brought in now, as the unprecedented heavy rains have prevented the gathering of the crop, which promises to be very fair in this county.

December 28, 1901
Atlanta Constitution
BANKER R. A. GRAVES IS DEAD
One of the Most Prominent Men of Hancock County.
Sparta, Ga., December 27. (Special) R. A. Graves died at his home here today. He was a man of large wealth and prominence and was one of the best known and popular men in the county. He came to Sparta from Richmond county and engaged in mercantile business and in 1887 commenced the banking business. He had held many offices of trust in the county and at the time of his death was chairman of the county commission. Several times he was vice president of the Georgia Bankers' Association. His death will not interrupt the business of the bank of R.A. Graves, of which he was president, as J. D. Walker, cashier since 1890, has been made sole executor and he will continue the business.

January 14, 1902
Union Recorder
  Mrs. Matilda A. West, widow of the late Mr. Thomas J. West, died at her home in Hancock county yesterday morning at two o'clock, after an illness of a week. She was seventy-six years of age and leaves six sons and one daughter, and a number of grand-children and great-grandchildren. The funeral will take place today at her home. She was a member of Island Creek Baptist Church.

January 23, 1902
Macon Telegraph
Dublin, Ga. Jan 22 - Tomorrow evening at 6 o'clock at the Methodist church in Sparta, Mr. Andrew William Garrett, cashier of Laurens Banking Co. of this city, and Miss Mamie Culver, daughter of Hon. John P. Culver of Sparta, will be until marriage.
   At the marriage Thomas V. Sanders Esq. of this city will be best man. A sister of the bride will be maid of honor. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett will return to Dublin Thursday.

February 2, 1902
The Landmark (N.C.)
Mrs Julia Blandina Springs, widow of the late Col. A. Baxter Springs, died Thursday morning at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Jno. M. Scott, in Charlotte. She was born near Sparta, Ga., in 1826 and was married in 1850.

February 14, 1902
Macon Telegraph
  Sparta, Ga., Feb. 13. The death of Mr. Edwin F. Birdsong, for many years a wealthy planter of Hancock, but recentley of Warren county, occurred at his home Monday morning. His emains were brought to Sparta Tuesday afternoon and interred in the cemetery here. At the time of his death he was 94 years of age, and during his long and useful career he was never known to indulge in excell in either eating or drinking. The last seventy yers of his life he abstained altogether from animal food. He saw active service as cavalryman during the Indian war of 1836. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church; Rev. Mr. Delph of that denomination conducted the funeral services. He was twice married, both companions preceding him to the grave. His children are Mrs. Eleanor Irwin of Atlanta, Mrs. T. O. Powell of the State sanitarium at Milledgeville, Mrs. J. M. Jones of Culverton, Mrs. J. L. Whaley of Mayfield, Mrs. J. Kilgore of Winder and Miss Maud Birdsong of Warren county, Mr. Albert Birdsong of Sparta, teasurer of Hancock county; Messrs. Asbury and William Birdsong of Mayfield, and Mr. John Birdsong of Warren county. Mr. E. H. Berry of Sparta is a grandson, and he leaves a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren to revere his memory.

April 5, 1902
Macon Telegraph
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN HANCOCK COUNTY. Brooks Brown Kills Columbus Boyer a Prominent Farmer, Who Leaves Eleven Children.
  Sparta, Ga, April 4 - About eight miles from this city Brooks Brown shot and instantly killed Columbus Boyer, a progressive farmer and lumber dealer in this county.
  Mr. Boyer leaves a family of eleven children, all under 21 years of age.
  The affair is much regretted, as both are prominent farmers.

April 8, 1902
Union Recorder
TRAGEDY IN HANCOCK COUNTY.
  In Hancock county, about eight miles from Sparta, last Friday morning at eleven o'clock, Mr. Columbus Boyer, a prosperous farmer, was shot and instantly killed by Brooken Brown. Tom Allen, who runs the saw mill, near which the shooting took place, has been arrested as an accessory to the crime.
  It is impossible to get the facts of the tragedy at this time, as there are many rumors, concerning the evens which lead to it.
see Oct. 21, 1902

May 8, 1902
Macon Telegraph
    The marriage of Miss Bertha Ray to Mr. Alva B. Cornell occurred last evening at 8 o'clock at the residence of the bride's mother, at 664 Plum street, Rev. W. N. Ainsworth officiating.
  The couple left immediately for Culverton, in Hancock county, the old home of the groom. After a short visit they will go to Charleston and other places. Macon will be their future home. Mr. Cornell is employed by the Dunlap Hardware Company, and is a promising young business man of character, intelligence and industry. His bride is possessed of all womanly qualities, and will be for him a valuable help mate in life.

May 9, 1902
Atlanta Constitution
Burial of George F. Pierce. Sparta, Ga, May 8 (Special) George F. Pierce, aged 23 years, who died in Atlanta on Sunday, was buried here yesterday in the cemetery lot where rest the remains of his father, Hon. G. F. Pierce, one of the most brilliant lawyers of his day, and of his illustrious grand-uncle, Bishop Pierce.

May 11, 1902
Macon Telegraph
  Sparta, Ga. May 10/ There were married at the residence of the bride's parents in Linton, Hancock county, Wednesday afternoon, May 7, Dr. R. G. Swint of Milledgeville and Miss Mary Ella Glenn, Rev. B. H. Ivey officiating. After the ceremony the bridal party drove into Sparta and at 6 p.m. boarded the train for a tour to Washington, D.C. The bride is the daughter of Dr. R. G. Glenn and a young lady of rare charm of manner and personal attractions. Dr. Swint has recently been elected assistant physician at the State Sanitarium and is a  young gentleman of marked ability and character. Their home will be in Milledgeville.

June 3, 1902
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ Last Wednesday evening, at half past six o'clock, at the Methodist church, at Devereaux, Mr. William Edward Robinson, of this city, and Miss Marion Coleman Cunningham were united in marriage, Rev. Mr. Wood, of Sparta, officiating.
   Mr. W. E. Watson of this city, was best man, and Miss May Cunningham, maid of honor. The attendants were Mr. Chas. Coleman and Miss Tommie Coleman;
Mr. M. B. Brown and Miss Louise Moates,  Mr. Luther Moates and Miss Annie Lee Bass, ushers, Messrs. W. H. Stanton and Ira Coleman.
....The wedding march was played by Miss Julia Moates.
   Mr, and Mrs. Robinson came to this city on the evening train, and are residing at the Stinson hotel....having been a student in the G. N. & I. College. Mr. Robinson holds a position with Mr. E. E. Bass,  ...............

June 20, 1902
The Macon Telegraph
CUMMING-ROBERTS
Sparta, Ga, June 19. - A beautiful home wedding was that of MissMallie Roberts and Mr. Howard Cumming, which was solemnized at 10 o'clock this morning by Rev. T. J. Holmes of Tennille. The spacious parlors were unusually attractive in decorations of white and green. Similax, ferns and choice flowers were freely used and tastefully arranged. Miss Susie Yarbrough played the wedding march and the attendants entered in the follow order: Miss Beulah Ivey, daintily gowned in cream white, with Reese Brantley; Miss Kate Roberts, in pink organdy, with Oscar Smith of Milledgeville; the groom with his best man, W. K. Bell; Miss Willie Roberts, maid of honor, in a lovely costume of blue mull, with the bridge, whose elaborate toilet of filmy white was accentuated by a shower bouquet of lilies of the valley.
    After the ceremony and brief reception, the bride donned her going-away gown and the party boarded the train for their future home in Savannah. The charming personality of the bridge has won for her a large number of friends and admirers. Mr. Cumming is a rising young business man of Savannah and is esteemed for his integrity of character.

September 4, 1902
Atlanta Constitution
Frank Stacer, Hancock County   Sparta, Ga., September 3 (Special) Frank Stacer, an aged citizen of Hancock county, died Tuesday evening. He was for many years engaged in the lumber and saw mill business, but retired several years ago from active business. Three sons and two daughters, all married, survive him.

September 10, 1902
Macon Telegraph
   SPARTA, Ga., Sept. 9. Gaston Brown, a well-to do farmer, whoses home is seven miles west of Sparta, died at 8 o'clock Monday evening of paralysis. He leaves a wife, twelve children, two brothers annd two issters. His brothers are Messrs. Edward and Duncan Brown of Macon. He was about 60 years old, an active member of the Methodist church and a good citizen. 

September 16, 1902
Union Recorder
  Miss Tessie Pyron, the assistant teacher at the Linton school, died on Thursday, September 3d, 1902. She was a very efficient teacher always taking a lively interest in educational work in her community. She was a sincere christian teacher, and her good influence will still live and affect the lives of those she taught.

September 21, 1902
Macon Telegraph
    Sparta, Ga., Sept. 20. Mrs. Fannie Little, aged 80 years, died Friday morning at the home of her son, Edgar Litttle, and was buried today in the Sparta cemetery. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and a consistent Christian. Her surviving children are: Mrs. Frank M. White, Thomas M. and Edgar Little of Sparta and Mrs. George White of Camak.

October 21, 1902
Union Recorder
Tom Allen, who shot and killed Mr. Columbus Boyer, in Hancock county, last spring was found guilty of murder in the Superior court in Sparta last week. The jury recommended him to mercy, and he was sentenced to ninety-nine years in the penitentiary. Messrs. Allen & Pottle, of this city, assisted the Solicitor in the prosecution.

October 26, 1902
Atlanta Constitution
     Two prominent citizens of Hancock county who were here to take in the inauguration were Judge Frank Little and Captain Culver, former member of the state senate. Judge Little has long been identified with the politics and affairs of his county, both  as a leading member of the bar and judge of the county court. Captain Culver is a prominent planter, his residence being at Culverton. Culverton was founded by and named after his father, who represented Hancock in the legislature for several terms and was particularly prominent in religious and educational matters, being the intimate
a friend and coworker of Bishop Pierce. Captain Culver was in command of a company of the Fifteenth Georgia in the confederate arm. After the war he went back to his plantation and now recognized as one of the foremost planters in middle Georgia. He represented his county in the lower house for two terms, and in 1890 and again in 1896 represented the twentieth district in the senate.

November 16, 1902
Atlanta Constitution
Engagement Announced.
Sparta, Ga., November 16. (Special) The engagement of Miss Bessie Reynolds and Mr. Thomas Mallary Cheatham is formally announced, the marriage to occur Wednesday evening, November 19, at 6'30 o'clock. It will be a quiet home wedding. Miss Reynolds is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Reynolds of Mayfield, Hancock county, and is an attractive and cultured young lady. Mr. Cheatham is actively engaged in the saw mill and lumber business near Wadley and is held in high esteem. They will reside in Wadley.

November 16, 1902
Macon Telegraph
Dublin, Ga., Nov. 15. After having been divorced and remaining apart for fifteen years, Mr. Zach Todd and Mrs. Ninnie Todd of this county were united in marriage a few years ago.
  Twenty years ago Mr. Todd was married to Miss Ninnie Simmons of Hancock county. They lived together for a few years and then separated. A divorce was secured and some time later Mr. Todd was married to another woman. Mrs. Todd remained single and a few years ago moved to Laurens county. Mr. Todd's second wife died a year or two ago. Recently he hunted up his former wife, begged forgiveness, was forgiven and the two have again been united in marriage.

December 12, 1902
Macon Telegraph
   Sparta, Ga. Dec. 11. Mrs. Fannie White died in Camak Tuesday evening and her remains were brought to Sparta for burial Wednesday afternoon. Rev. M. C. Britt, her former pasor, conducted the funeral services. Until a year ago Mrs. White was a resident of Sparta, and was greatly beloved for her nobility of character and Christian graces. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Her husband, one daughter and two sons survive her.

February 4, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
HIS NINETY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY
Arthur Butts, of Milledgeville, Born in 1808, Celebrates
Milledgeville, Ga., February 3 (Special) Arthur I. Butts, the oldest and one of the most highly respected citizens of this city, celebrated his ninety-fifth birthday today.
  Mr. Butts was born in South Hampton county, Virginia, on February 3, 1808. His parents soon afterwards moved to Hancock county, and when a youth of only 9 years of age, he came to this city on horseback twice a week to secure copies of The Georgian, a paper then published here, to distribute through portions of Hancock and Baldwin  counties.
  He paid one visit to his old home in Virginia in 1827. He went on horseback and he was fifteen days getting there.
  Mr. Butts moved to this city in 1847 and has never left the state of Georgia since. He has lived under all the administrations since Jefferson, and he talks interestingly of those days.
  While feeble and somewhat infirm, he has a bright, clear mind, cheerful and happy disposition and is enjoying good health.
 His life has been a blessing to all who know him, and he can spent his latter days in the assurance that he has made the world better for having lived in it.

March 12, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
J. J. Flury, of 52 Lee Street, died yesterday afternoon in Milledgeville. He is survived by his wife and ten children. The following children  reside in Atlanta: A A Flury, H. B. Flury, J. H. Flury, T. T. Flury, Mrs. S. P. Jones, Mrs. M. L. Hamlett and Misses Gertrude and Ruth May Flury. The funeral will occur today in Sparta.

April 5, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
The old Mount Zion building shown in this illustration was used as a country store before the war, and later it did service as a dilapidated negro cabin. When it had ceased to be fit for either, it was then consecrated to the use of the community school, which purpose it served till 1901. For more than a year the superintendent of schools struggled with the community to awaken sufficient interest to build a new house, but he was defeated by the blind determination of each man to have the building near to his own door. Finally, the county board of education, looking only to 'the greatest good to the greatest number,' and irrespective of the wishes of any individual, selected a central location and proposed to the community to furnish the material if the patrons would haul and build the house. The proposition was accepted, and by the outlay of $200 by the board and $200 in labour by the patrons the building was soon completed and ready to use.   It is well lighted and well furnished, and is comfortable every respect. This house, with slight modifications, represents the grade of buildings that are being constructed throughout the county.  

May 10, 1903
Macon Telegraph
REYNOLDS=YARBROUGH. Sparta. Ga., May 9.- Mr. Arthur Lester Reynolds and Miss Mattie Yarbrough were married Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the home of the bride's parents. Rev. J. S. Bryan officiating. Owing to a recent bereavement sustained by the groom, there was no reception and only a few close relatives of the contracting parties witnessed the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs Reynolds are at home to their friends in Mayfield. The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Yarbrough, and is a young lady of many gifts and graces of mind and character. Mr. Reynolds is ticket and freight agent and train dispatcher at Mayfield, and is popular in both business and social circles.

May 10, 1903
Macon Telegraph
MALONE-CULVER. Sparta, Ga., May 9. The wedding of Miss Maude Culver of Culverton and Mr. Robert H. Malone of Barton was an event of interest in our social circles owing to the prominence and popularity of the contracting parties. The ceremony took place in the Methodist church at Culverton on Thursday afternoon at 6 o'clock, Rev. A, C. Cantrell officiating. The edifice was a splendid picture  in its eaborate decorations of white and green, the arrangement of which carried out most effectively the suggestion of spring-time. Mrs. J. B. Cody presided at the organ, and at the appointed hour giving the signal for the approach of the bridal procession. In the lead were the ushers, Messrs. R. W. Moore of Sparta and R. F. Cody of Jewells, closely followed by two attrative little pages, James and John Lewis. Little Misses May Moore and Margaret Dougherty, winsome flower girls in filmy white marched next, just in advance of the groom with his best man, Mr. Charles R. Dougherty, and the bride on the arm of her maid of honor, Miss Mamye Shivers of Warrenton. The bride was elegantly gowned in white chiffon over taffeta with trimmings of white satin ribbon and lace. Her bouquet was of Bride roses. The maid of honor, wore a dainty dress of white organdie and carried pink roses. A brief reception at the home of Mrs. Waller, sister of the bride, followed the ceremony, and at 8'o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Malone boarded the train for their home in Barton. The brides is the eldest daughter of Mr. Ben Culver, formerly a Hancock county planter, but recently a resident of Barton. She has been for some years a successful teacher, and is gifted with many womanly graces and charms. Mr. Malone is a leading business man of Barton, and is mayor of that town. 

May 22, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Martha Reynolds, Mayfield, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., May 21 (Special) Mrs. Martha Reynolds died at her home in Mayfield Tuesday morning after a protracted illness, having survived her husband, the late Jesse Mercer Reynolds, just three weeks. She was a member of the Baptist church and a consecrated Christian. Three daughters and four sons survive her. The are Mrs. T. M. Cheatham, of Wadley; Misses Pearl and Ruth Reynolds, of Mayfield; Frank Reynolds of Atlanta, and Arthur, Clarence and Ralph Reynolds of Mayfield.

June 16, 1903
Union Recorder
SAM BROADNAX PARDONED. Hancock County Lad Who was Sentenced for Poisoning a Little Five-Year-old Girl.
  Atlanta, June 10 - Governor Terrell, acting upon the recommendation of the board of pardons, issued an order today granting a pardon to Sam Broadnax, who in February, 1896, was found guilty of the crime of murder in Hancock county and sent to the penitentiary for a term of eight years, A peculiar feature of the case is that while the boy when convicted was only 11 years of age, the records do not show this fact at all, and no effort was made to show that on account of his youth he was not criminally responsible for the crime with which he was charged. It was claimed at the time that the boy poisoned the 4 year old child of Thomas Roberts, a Hancock county farmer, by placing a quantify of potash in a gourd with some water and giving it to the child to drink,
   The case was reviewed by the court below and the action of the court below affirmed.

July 5, 1903
The Macon Telegraph
HOLMES - GHEESLING.
  Sparta, Ga., July 4 - The marriage of Mrs. Annie May Gheesling and Dr. Charles Ellis Holmes occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Archer. Rev. T. J. Holmes, father of the groom, officiated. Many friends of the popular young couple witnessed the ceremony, after which a bounteous wedding feast was served. Dr. and Mrs. Holmes will reside at Millen

July 11, 1903
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Rev. Boling H. Sasnett died last night at 7:30 o'clock at his home in Atlanta. Rev. Mr. Sasnett was a son-in-law of the late J. W. Burke of Macon, and a man of literary prominence, being several years connected with the Methodist publishing house in Nashville. He was 56 years old and leaves a wife, three sons and three daughters. He was reared at Sparta in Hancock county and was the son of a prominent practicing physician.

August 31, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Gordon Moore, Sparta, Ga
Sparta, Ga., August 30.- (Special) - Mrs. Mary Moore, wife of Gordon Moore, a planter and daughter of Mr. and Mrs John M. Jones, of Culverton, died at her home, 5 miles west of Sparta, Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The funeral will occur today and the interment will be in the family burial ground in Culverton. Mrs. Moore was about thirty years of age, and her life was an example of devotion to duty.

September 1, 1903
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ Master Linson Garner, aged fifteen years, eleven months and two days old and youngest son of Mrs. E. L. Garder, died at his home in Hancock county, near Thena, Thursday morning, July 9th, 1903, after an illness of two weeks.

September 6, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
Three Farm Houses Burned.
Sparta, Ga., September 5 (Special) R. H. Moore, of Culverton, suffered a serious loss by fire Thursday, his three warehouses on the line of railroad having been consumed. They contained cornmeal, meat, salt, bagging and ties. The loss is estimated at, $1,200, with no insurance. The fire is attributed to sparks from a passing engine.

Negro Given Twenty Years
Sparta, Ga., September 5. (Special) John Dixon, the negro who attempted an assault a month ago and who was carried to the Macon jail to escape mob violence, was brought over by Sheriff Berry Thursday evening and place on trial Friday. He pleaded guilty of attempted assault and was sentenced to the penitentiary by Judge Lewis for twenty years.

October 13, 1903
Union Recorder
TWO NEGROES KILLED. Sparta Ishmaelite.
 ~excerpt~Tom Hamilton and Johnny Wesley, a negro man and a negro boy, who lived on J. P. Culver's plantation, near town, wee instantly killed Sunday evening by No. 32 the passenger train which arrives here about 6 p.m....
   Johnny was a son of Burke Wesley, a well-known and well behaved preacher, and Hamilton was a hard working and respectable negro, who worked for J. P. Culver.

November 29, 1903
Atlanta Constitution
PRETTY GEORGIA TOWN IS A GOOD FRUIT MARKET.
Sparta, Ga. November 28. Sparta, on the Georgia railroad about halfway between Macon and Augusta, is a town of 1,400 population. It is the capital of Hancock county and its people are noted for their culture, liberality and high moral tone. The Methodist, Baptist and Episcopal churches are comfortable buildings, each having a seating capacity equal to the needs of the congregation. The Presbyterians have recently erected a new building, which is a gem of architectural beauty.
   The high school building, which was erected ten years ago, is a monument to the enterprise of our public-spirited citizens. It is equipped with all the modern appliances requisite to the conduct of a successful school. This fall a building for manual training, consisting of three rooms, has been added to the original structure.
  The business of the town is on a solid basis and is increasing by a gradual and healthy ratio. It is surrounded by fine agricultural and fruit lands, and is an excellent market for all farm products. About 5,000 bales of cotton have been marketed here this season. Four large up-to-date dry goods stores, three smaller establishments dealing in similar lines, seven grocery, two drug and two millinery stores and an excellent market are supported by the public trade. There are two well equipped banks and two excellent hotels and a restaurant. The elegant colonial home of Mr. J. D. Walker, erected within the past year, is an ornament to the residence section of the town, as are the beautiful cottages of Dr. J. G. Harrison, T. H. Little, Mrs. H. H. Pierce and others. R. A. Johnson has just completed a substantial granite store house on Broad street, and the Ferguson building, a splendid new structure of brick with stone foundation on the corner of Broad and Spring streets, is receiving the finishing touches and will be occupied the 1st of December. The Sparta Ishamelite, edited by Mr. Lewis, is one of the strongest factors in the life and progress of our town. R. Wellborn Moore is our efficient and popular mayor. He is a lawyer of recognized ability and holds the office of county solicitor. He is also a successful farmer, having raised and marketed ninety bales of cotton this year.

January 6, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Charley Lane Caught Afire Keeling Before Hearth
Barnett, Ga., January 5-Mrs Charley Lane, of Powelton, Ga., a village 6 miles south of here, was frightfully and perhaps fatally burned at an early hour this morning.
   It seems that she arose and gone downstairs and while waiting for breakfast had kneeled before and open fire in prayer, as was her custom. While thus engaged her clothing caught fire and she was enveloped in flames before realizing her peril. She made and effort to wrap h some bed clothing around her body, but the fire burned so fast that she was unable to extinguish it.
  She is quite young, being not over 18 years of age, and has been married but a few months. Her father, who lives in New Orleans, has been notified of the sad accident, and is expected to arrive tomorrow. The many friends of this popular couple feel the deepest sympathy for them.
  Her recovery is extremely doubtful.

February 17, 1903
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ DIED At her home in Hancock county Jan 19, Mrs. Fannie Ellis, wife of Mr. Cooper Ellis, and sister of Mrs. Jesse and Mr. Ben Underwood, Oscar and John Jackson....

March 23, 1904
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Sparta, Ga., March 22. Mr. H. Harris Sasnett, a former citizen of our town, died of paralysis at his home in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday March 19. Deceased was a brother of Mrs. F. L. Little of Sparta and an uncle of Mrs. R. P. McEvoy and Dr. W. J. Little of Macon. A wife, three daughters and two sons also survive him, all of whom reside in Jacksonville. He was a Confederate veteran, a member of the Methodist church and an active Christian worker.

March 29, 1904
Union Recorder
~excerpts~ Mr. Joel Crawford Boyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Boyer, Sr., was born in Hancock county near Sparta twenty-eight years ago, and died at his home in Washington county, March 21, 1904. In 1893 he was married to Miss Annie Simpson, and this union was blessed by only one little boy.
  When yet a very young man, he was happily concerted and united with the Methodist Church. Some years late he joined the baptist church, of which he was a consistent member until his death. He was a fond and devoted husband, dutiful and affectionate son, a kind and loving father and brother, and a good and obliging neighbor....
  After services at the church he was laid to rest in the Zebulon cemetery, to await the resurrection morn.....

April 12, 1904
Union Recorder
   Mr. Turner Pearson committed suicide at the home of Mr. S. M. Devereaux in Hancock county, Sunday morning, by shooting himself through the head with a pistol.
  The news of the tragedy was received in this city Sunday, by a telegram to Mrs. W. R. Moore, a sister of Mr. Pearson, who was terribly shocked at the awful occurrence.
   Sunday morning abut ten o'clock, Mr. Pearson walked into a room, where a number of ladies, who were at the home of Mr. Devereaux, had gathered, preparatory to going to church, and stated that he was going to kill himslef. He then went to a bureau, and too a 38 pistol from one of the drawers, placing the muzzle to his head and pulled the trigger twice in rapid succession. He fell to the floor, as the ladies ran screaming from the room. Medical aid was summoned and it was found that he was dangerously wounded. He died about one o'clock.
    Mr. Pearson was well known in this city, having lived here several years ago, being in the employ of the Oconee River Mills. He left here about two years ago; he went to Atlanta, where he was employed by the Atlanta Milling Company. He came to this city Saturday, the 2nd inst., to visit his sister, and remained here until Tuesday, when he went the home of his father-in-law, Mr. S. M. Devereaux. It was noticed that he was despondent, and inclined to look on the dark side of life.
   His sad and untimely death was a shock to hs friends and acquaintances.

May 1, 1904
The Macon Telegraph
Smith-Davenport.
Sparta, Ga., April 30 - On April 27 at the Methodist church, was solemnized the marriage of Miss Stella Smith and Mr. James Pierce Davenport of Brunswick. The church was beautifully decorated in palms, ferns, smilax and roses, white and green being the color scheme.
  Promptly at 6:30 o'clock the bridal party entered to the strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The ushers, Messers. T. M. Jones, J. D. Burnett, H. T. Beall and T. G. Greene, entered first and took their places. Then came the attendants, Miss Julia Fleming and Mr. George Berry; Miss Marie Dumas and Mr. Algernon Baker; Miss Louise Edmundson of Eatonton and Mr. Howard Smith of Brunswick. Miss Annie Smith, maid of honor, entered alone, Mr. Davenport and Mr. George Smith followed. Then when the couples were gracefully grouped inside the chancel, the bride entered with her father, and under an arch from which was suspended a wedding bell, their vows were made. Rev. J. J. Lanier, of Milledgeville performed the ceremony, during which Mrs. Ellison Cook played some soft, sweet selections.
   The bride was gowned in white silk and carried bride's roses, and her beauty was enhanced by the bridal veil, which lent grace to her beautiful features.
  The bridesmaids wore white silk mull with light green ribbons and carried white roses.
  Miss Stella is one of Sparta's prettiest, sweetest and most accomplished young ladies, having a decided musical talent, and Mr. Davenport is one of Brunswick's popular and promising young business men.
  After the ceremony the bridal party, together with a few intimate friends, repaired to the home of the bride where an informal reception was held. The many handsome and costly gifts attest the popularity of those young people.
   Mr. and Mrs. Davenport left on Wednesday evening for Washington City, and after a few weeks' tour will be at home to their friends in Brunswick.
  Among the out-of-town guests who attended the Smith-Davenport wedding were Mrs. C. M. Sailey of Clinton, S.C., Mrs J. E. Davenport of Norfolk, Va., Messrs. F. E. Twitty, George and Howard Smith of Brunswick, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Greene and family, Miss Louise Edmundson of Eatonton  and Miss Mamie Harris of Milledgeville.

May 17, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Eliza Whitehead, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., May 16. (Special) Mrs. Eliza Whitehead died today at 10 o'clock after an illness of two years. She was a consistent member of the First Methodist church and highly esteemed by all. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. A. A. Turner, of Forysth; Mrs. Skrine and Miss Mary Whitehead, of Sparta. Mrs. Whitehead was 85 years of age.

July 06, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
DROWNED PAIR LAID TO REST. Particulars of the Jones-Harper Tragedy Just Now Obtainable.
Eatonton, Ga. July 5 - (Special) Particulars of the drowning of W. H. Jones and Miss Myrtle Harper, which occurred yesterday, are just now obtainable.
   The occasion was a Fourth of July picnic given in honor of Will H. Jones, the deceased; Albert Jones, his brother, and John Clopton. Quite a number of the party went in bathing. Among the number were Miss Harper, who was drowned, and several other young ladies. In the stream, is an island, on the Hancock side of which the water is shallow, but on the Putnam side is very deep. By those who were acquainted with the stream the bathing parties were warned of the dangers of the deep waters.
   Will Jones, with Miss Harper, whose hand rested upon his shoulder for support, undertook to swim across the deep water. The young lady's hand slipped, she became frightened and sank. Jones, in his efforts to save her, lost his presence of mind and went under. When discovered by their companions it was too late to reach them and save them from the impending doom.
   Every effort to rescue them failed, and when finally they were found and hauled out, their bodies had lain in the water four hours. In their efforts to save the drowning couple Brad Brake and Jim Clayborn narrowly escaped a watery grave.
  The body of young Jones was buried this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the family burial ground at Concord Church, near the family's home. The remains of Miss Harper were carried to her home in Hancock and buried this afternoon at 4.

July 23, 1904
Macon Telegraph
   Sparta, Ga. July 22. Two funerals were conducted at the Methodist church this afternoon, one immediately following the other. The first was that of Rev. Thomas Pierce, the aged minister, who died in Gainesville Wednesday, and whose body was shipped to Sparta for interment beside his brother, the late Bishop Pierce. The services were conducted by Dr. Robbins, presiding elder, assisted by Revs. Campbell, Eakes, Carey and Bryan.
   The second funeral was that of Miss Eva Daniell, daughter of Mrs. Emma Daniell and the late J. G. Daniell. An exemplary Christian. She was the stay and comfort of her widowed mother.

July 30, 1904
Augusta Chronicle
Sparta, Ga. July 29 - Mrs. Green Johnson died yesterday morning at her home at Bethel, near Sparta, after an illness of several days. She was buried today at the Bethel cemetery. She leaves a husband and four children, two little girls and two little boys. Mr. Johnson is a very industrious and popular farmer, and he has the sympathies of the entire county.

September 14, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Sparta, Ga. September 13.Mrs. Sarah Ann Jaynes (Janes), 93 years of age, and the oldest resident of Hancock county died yesterday morning at the home of Mr. L. Gaissert and was buried this afternoon in the Sparta cemetery.
 Mrs. Jaynes (Janes)  was a sister of the renowned author, Richard Malcolm Johnson (Johnston).Her husband the late Dr. W. Jaynes (Janes), an eminent physician of his time, died forty years ago. Two daughters, Mrs. Gaissert and Mrs. Warren, and two sons, Rev. W. M. Jaynes (Janes) and Mr. Arch Jaynes (Janes) survive her.

September 17, 1904
Macon Telegraph
Miss Gertrude Shivers. Sparta, Ga., Sept. 16. Miss Gertrude Shivers, died this morning at 9 0'clock after a year's illness. Three brothers and three sisters survive with the aged father.

September 27, 1904
Augusta Chronicle
~excerpt~Aiken, S. C., Sept. 26 (Special)-A somewhat romantic love affair culminated in a very quiet wedding in the parlors of the Hotel Aiken at 2 o'clock this afternoon, the parties being Miss Essie Howell, of Warrenton, Ga., and Mr. G. B. Boswell of Sparta, Ga.
   Miss Howell and Mr. Boswell came to Aiken by trolley from Augusta at 1:30  o'clock  and taking Mr. J. B. Clotworthy, proprietor of the hotel, into their confidence, the parlors of the hotel were placed at their disposal. Rev. F. D. James, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was summoned and presided with his usual grace and diginity.
   The marriage conract was signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Mr. H. Vincent Wyman, of Aiken, and Mr. Harry D. Calhoun, of Augusta, who happened to be here today on his usual drumming trip.
   At the conclusion of the simple ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Boswell explained that romantic sentiment prompted them to come to Aiken to be married, Mrs. Boswell stating that her mother ran away from her home in Warrenton just twenty-one years ago and was married in Aiken, and a piquant fancy to make history repeat itself could not be resisted by the lovers of today.
   Mrs. Boswell seems to be about seventeen years of age and Mr. Boswell looks to be about twenty-eight. Both were well dressed and refined in manner, and make a strikingly handsome couple. Certain remarks of the two seemed to indicate that Mrs. Boswell was a student at school in Milledgeville, and also that it was from there she came to join Mr. Boswell at Augusta, whence the two came to Aiken. It was also understood that Mrs. Boswell would probably return to school at Milledgeville and complete her studies, after which they would publicly announce their marriage.
   Mr. Boswell stated that he is a merchant in Sparta, Ga. The happy young couple left on the trolley for Augusta, only having married in Aiken one hour. The did not state whether they would go from Augusta to Milledgeville, Warrenton or Sparta.....................

October 9, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Thomas R. Lamar, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., October 6 (Special) Thomas Reynolds Lamar, until two years ago a citizen of Sparta, and a former clerk of the court of Hancock county, died in Sandersville Friday night, and will be brought here for interment Sunday morning. He died on his forty ninth anniversary.

October 14, 1904
Macon Telegraph
Sidney Shivers. Sparta, Ga. Oct. 13.Sidney Shivers, the four-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Shivers, died last night of diphtheria. This is the second very recent bereavement sustained by Mr. and Mrs. Shivers, their youngest son. Richard Henry, two years of age, having died about two months ago.

November 13, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Sparta, Ga.  Mrs J. D. Walker complimented the Heath-Culver bridal party with an antenuptial entertainment Wednesday afternoon.
     Miss Leola Birdsong entertained a party Wednesday.
     Mrs. E.L. Culver and Miss Susie Day Powell were hostesses at a linen shower Friday afternoon, complimentary to Miss Emmy Heath. The affair was at the home of Mrs. Culver.
     Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Waller, of Culverton, announce the marriage of their daughter,Anna Lou, and Davis H. Clary, of West Point, which will be solemnized Wednesday evening, November 16.

November 25, 1904
Augusta Chronicle
MR. JAMES MARTIN HARRIS DIED YESTERDAY AT SPARTA.
   News was received in the city last night of the death at Sparta, Ga., of Mr. James Martin Harris, father of Moses W. Harris, of the city. The funeral arrangements had not ben made when the news was sent here.
  The deceased was an old and respcted citizen of Hancock county. He was 86 years of age, and his long life had been a useful one. The death occured last night at 8 o'clock, after a short illness. Besides his son of this city, a number of relatives and many friends survive Mr. Harris, and they mourn an excellent gentleman..

December 27, 1904
Union Recorder
   Miss Holloway Asphyxiated. Atlanta, Ga. Dec 21. Miss Sue Holloway, 69 years old, one of Atlanta's most famous charity workers, was asphyxiated in her room at the Sheltering Arms Mission Tuesday night, and was found dead in her bed shortly after 9 o'clock Wednesday morning. The supposition is that Miss Holloway accidentaly turned on the gas for the little gas stove in her room just as she was about to retire, as that was the point from which the escaping gas came
    Miss Holloway was born in Hancock county, but had lived here most of her life and devoted all of her time to missionary work in this city. She had served as matron at the police station and at the county jail and in various charitable institutions in the city. Not a few have received tender consolation  and much needed aid at her hands. She leaves no near relatives.

March 17, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Joe Syker sic Sykes, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., March 16 (Special)Joe Syker sic Sykes died here today about noon. He was 73 years old, and one of the most noted citizens of Hancock county. He leaves six sons and six daughters. The burial will occur here tomorrow.

April 29, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
G. P. Culver, Culverton, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., April 28 (Special) Germah P. Culver, of Culverton, a small town 8 miles from here, died this morning., He leaves three brothers and one sister, a wife, three sons and one daughter, all of this county, except two sons in Mississippi. He was 87 years of age, and served in the Virginia army during the confederate war. The funeral arrangements have not been perfected, but the burial will occur here tomorrow.

March 21, 1905
Union Recorder
A Romantic Marriage.
  Miss Adeline Ennis, of East Baldwin, and Mr. Ivy Wood, of Hancock county, were secretly married on January 22 last.
  On the above date Mr. Wood called at the home of Miss Ennis to accompany her to Sunday school. All arrangements had been made for them to be married, and they were united in the holy bonds in Gumm Bottom, by Judge R. L. Renfroe.
  The young couple agreed to keep their marriage secret until August, and both returned to their homes. A few days ago, however, the secret became known. On Saturday, March 11th, Mr. Wood called at the residence of Mr. Ennis, and when he arrived he was received with the cry from a number of young people who were there: "You are married!" He went into the sitting room, which had been decorated with smilaz and ferns, where he met his fair young bride. When Mr. Ennis entered the room and asked them if they were married, and on receiving the answer "Yess" he gave them a few words of wholesome advice, in an earnest and impressive talk.
  The young couple were then congratulated by the family and relatives present.
   The bride is a daughter of Mr. Chas. W. Ennis, and possesses many lovely traits of character. She has many friends in her neighborhood, who lve her on a accout of her sweet disposition.
  Mr. Wood is the son of Rev. I. M. Wood, of Hancock cunty, and is a prosperous farmer. He is a young man of splendid character.
  The young couple commence life with the best wishes of many friends.

March 22, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
MRS. THOMAS REYNOLDS LAMAR aged 48 years, after a long illness, died about 11:40 o'clock last night at the residence, 46 Currier street. The deceased moved here from Sparta, Ga., about four months ago. She is survived by her four children, Lawson Lamar, Lavoister Lamar, Miss Clara Lamar and Mrs. Sam Whitaker. The body will be taken to Sparta, Ga., at 7:55 o'clock this morning for funeral and interment.

April 5, 1905
The Macon Telegraph
HANCOCK COUNTY JAIL IS BURNED DOWN. Prisoner is Said to Have Fired Structure to Liberate Himself and Others.
  Sparta, Ga., April 4 - Hancock county's jail was completely destroyed by fire last night. The origin of the fire was in a cell occupied by a negro, Frank Baker. It was said to be a scheme of his to liberate himself and other prisoners.
  All the prisoners were rescued and placed under guard. The building was an old one and a modern up-to-date structure will replace it.

April 16, 1905
The Macon Telegraph
Sparta's Oldest Citizen Dies. Sparta, Ga.,Aapril 15. Mr. John Frisk, Sparta's oldest citizen, died here today at six o'clock. He was 89 years old and is survived by a wife and six children, Charles, Victor and Ed. of Atlanta, his sons, and Mrs. Dockman, of Washington and Mrs. Smith and Mrs. McCook. He was born in Germany, but has lived here many years, and was highly respected by all. The funeral will occur tomorrow in Washington, Ga.

April 14, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Fannie Burnet, Sparta, Ga
Sparta, Ga, April 13 (Special) Mrs. Fannie Burnet, wife of William Burnet, died Wednesday evening aged 75. Her surviving children are Mrs. Lucy Kendrick, of Macon; Miss Anna Burnet, and Mr. J. D. Burnet, of Sparta.

May 1, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
To Replace Burned Houses
  The business houses that were destroyed by fire one month ago will soon be replaced with imposing structures. J. D. Walker will erect a three-story brick building with basement, and the two lots belonging to the Graves estate will have glass front stores. Workmen are busy on the new store of O. L. Binion.

May 23, 1905
Union Recorder
  Died on Monday night May 15, 1905, in Midway at the residence of his son, Linton S. Holsey, Mr. Gideon Holsey, in the 79th year of his age.. He had been in ill health for the past four months, but his death was rather unexpected.
 Mr. Holsey was born in Hancock county Feb. 18th 1837, where he spent all his life with the exception of four years in Alabama and the last two years in Baldwin county.
  Two children survive him, Mrs. A. B. Dickinson and Linton S. Holsey.
  His remains were carried to Sparta for interment.
   He was a consistent member of the M. E, church for over 50 years, He was of the old school Methodist. He often spoke of the old time preachers, the Pierces, Duncan, Richardson, Knight and others.
  Almost the last talk we had with him, he said that he was ling on borrowed time, and that he was ready to go on short notice. A FRIEND.

May 30, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
George Lewis, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., May 29 (Special) George Lewis, eldest son of Editor Sidney Lewis, of The Sparta Ishmaelite, died this morning. Besides his father, a brother, Robert Lewis of Atlanta, and a sister, Miss Bessie Lewis, survive him. He had had considerable experience in journalism and telegraphy, and was gifted with vigorous mentality.

June 6, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Miss Martha Stanford, Sparta Ga
Miss Martha Stanford of this town, died last evening. She leaves two aged and afflicted sisters, Miss Josephine and Miss Ann Stanford. Messrs. Oscar and Gunby Jordan, of Columbus, are her near relatives and Mr. George Young, of Atlanta, who has been at her bedside the past week, is her nephew.

June 17, 1905
The Macon Telegraph
NAVY OR THE JAIL? HE TOOK THE NAVY. Young Hancock County Man Prefers Work on Shipboard Rather Than Linger in Bibb's Jail Till Time for Trial.
   The United States navy or the Bibb countyjail? He took the former and is now upon his way to his home in Hancock county whence he will make his way North and join the floating forces of the United Stats government.
  Such, in brief, is a statment of the problem that harrassed the mind of James M. Jones, a young white man whose home is in Hancock county and who was arrested by federal officers some time ago on the charge of illicit distilling.
  Upon his arrest Jones was brought to Macon and given a preliminary hearing before a United States commissioner. A bondsman was secured by Jones and he was given his liberty.
  A few days ago, however the man who went on Jones' bond heard that the young man was thinking of joining the naval forces of Uncle Sam. Not wishing for Jones to skip this part of the country and thereby cause the money placed in the hands of the federal offical lost, the bondsman notified the Macon officials that Jones might take "French" leave. He then surrendered Jones and the prisoner was brought back to Macon and placed in the Bibb county jail.
  Since his second incarceration Judge Speer became acquainted with the facts in the case and decided that he would release Jones if he really cared to join the navy. Jones was more than willing to join and was given his freedom after Judge Speer passed the order. A personal bond of $100 was given.
  If Jones becomes a well behaved sailor he will not be made to answer to the charge of illicit distilling, but should his conduct be other than exemplary he will be brought back to Macon.

June 25, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
H. L. Middlebrooks, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta Ga., May 24 (Special) Henry L. Middlebrooks, an aged and esteemed citizen of Sparta, died suddenly at noon today. An hour before his death he walked to the post office and back home, and while reading his mail, fell dead. He leaves a wife, who was a daughter of the late Bishop Pierce, and six sons and three daughters.

June 29, 1905
The Macon Telegraph
Funeral of Mrs. Jenkins
  The body of Mrs. Havanna Jenkins who died Tuesday night at the residence of her son Mr. Tallie Jenks, No. 220 Calhoun street, was taken to Devereaux, Ga., yesterday afternoon at 4:20 o'clock over the Georgia railroad, where the funeral services will be held this morning. The interment will be in the family burial ground.

July 14, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
  The Georgia Improvement Company has planted large orchards near Sparta, and expect to ship about forty carloads. The company is composed of prominent business men of Sparta and Savannah, and have bought large tracts of lands upon which to plant peaches
  W.N. Coleman, of Northen, Ga., is another important grower, and does a large business. A small town has sprung up around his orchards and packing house, and will probably ship about thirty cars.
   W. W. Stephens, of Mayfield, Ga., is another large grower. He will probably ship twenty-five cars. Berkrian Bros. have large orchards at the same place and operate a nursery in connection with the fruit business. They will ship thirty to forty cars.
  J. M. McBrooks has about seven cars. Besides these growers, there are C.S. Cary, T. W. White & Son, E.A. Rozier, James T. Gardner, W. H. Britt, W. T. Beman, Ham Alfriend, Marshall Guill, E. H. Berry, Sam Mandle, Fletcher Waller, R. H. Moore, all of whom have large orchards and will ship from five to twenty cars each.
  The crop this year, while not very abundant, is fair, and unless there is a slump in the market, all will realize a nice profit.
  There is no sign of cessation in planting, and soon Hancock county will be a veritable orchard of Elbertas.

July 16, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
FIFTY-FITH ANNIVERSARY
Jewell, Ga., July 15. (Special) Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Long celebrated their fifty-fifth marriage anniversary at their home near Jewell Wednesday.
    Gathered with them were their ten children and thirty-nine grandchildren. They have seven sons and three daughters, all married except one son, who lives with his parents. It is remarkable about this family that they have never had a death in it, have raised then children and the seven boys are all living right near the old home, while the daughters reside in Waynesboro, Sparta and Mayfield.
     Mr. A.. M. Long is 78 years old and is still quite active. Mrs. Long is 72 years and she still looks after the household duties.

July 16, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
SPARTA, GA
Miss Maud Gaissert is in Albany.
Miss Aileen Johnson is at Jewells.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce McBrooks chaperoned a house party at Oconee Springs last week.
Miss Jessie Bowen has returned from Milledgeville.
Miss Carrie Harris is at Tallulah Falls.
Mrs. Samuel Maudle is hostess of a house party at Pine Green in honor of Miss Rose Sonnenberg, of Richmond, Va.
Mrs. A. J. Perryman and son, of Talbotton, are guests of Mrs. T. G. Thomas.
Miss Leola Birdsong entertained Friday evening in honor of her guest, Miss Emmie Bird.
Miss Boatwright has returned home from a visit to Miss Leola Birdsong.
Mrs. E. L. Fryer, of Blakely, is visiting Mrs. O. L. Binion.
Miss Gerturde Avant is in Milledgeville.
Mrs. J. D. Walker is hostess of a house party at her summer residence on Ogeechee farm.
Miss Janie Duggan is visiting in Warthen.
Miss Rebecca Little, of Milledgeville, is visiting Miss Marion Graves.
Mrs. Benjamin Ohlman entertained in honor of Miss Rebecca North.
Wednesday afternoon Misses Clancy and Vardeman chaperoned a straw ride in connection with this event.
Miss Emily Wilburn is in New York.
Miss Bessie Powell is in Atlanta.
Mrs. Connor, of Tuskegee, Ala., is the guest of Mrs. J. W. Allen.
Mrs. Asa Bates is the guest of Mrs. S. D. Rogers.
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Culver have returned from Dublin.
Miss Hattie and Lou Derrel Coleman are in Athens.
Mr. and Mrs. Wrench, of St. Simons island, are visiting relatives.
Mrs. Pierce, of Augusta, is the guest of Miss Claude McBrooks.
Mrs. R. A. Matthews, of Thomaston, is the guest of Mrs. S. R. England.
Mrs B. L. Binion is in Atlanta.
Miss Hodges, of Savannah, is the guest of Mrs. England.
Miss Effie Rush, of Social Circle, is the guest of Miss Annie Smith
Miss Ella Pounds is in Sandersville
Mrs. Frances Barnes has returned home after a visit to Mrs. Coleman.
Mrs. E. L. Culver is visiting Mrs. Tate, of New York..

September 21, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Barn Burned Near Sparta
Sparta, Ga. September 20 (Special) E. A. Rozier's barn and stables, together with a quantity of feed and other storage, were destroyed by fire last night. The fire was caused by a mule kicking over a lantern during the feeding hour, scattering burning oil on inflammable material. All the live stock and vehicles were saved. Losses are partly covered by insurance.

October 21, 1905
The Macon Telegraph
   Mr. J. G. Collins died yesterday afternoon at 4:20 o'clock in this city after an illness of several months. Mr. Collins came to Macon for treatment a few days ago from Sparta, Ga., his home. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. T. A. Buffington, of Macon, and Mrs. Jessie Jackson, of Hancock county; also a brother, Mr. H. M. Collins, who was at his bedside at the time of his death.
   The deceased was prominently connected in Odd Fellowship. He was a charter member of George F. Pierce lodge, No. 258, of Sparta, GA.
    The funeral services will take place at Smyrna church, Culverton, Ga., this morning upon the arrival of the 8:35 Georgia train from Macon.
.
December 3, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. W. P. Glenn, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga, December 2 (Special)
Mrs. Willie Powell Glenn, aged 42 years, died in Milledgeville Thursday night, and was buried in the Sparta cemetery at 10 o'clock this morning, Rev. S.R. England conducting the funeral services. She was the widow of Professor B.P. Glenn, who died in Savannah five years ago; and the eldest  daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Powell, of Sparta. Besides her parents she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. W.H. Middlebrooks and Miss Susie Day Powell,  and a brother James Powell. She was niece of Dr. T.O. Powell, of the State Sanitarium.

December 10, 1905
The Macon Daily Telegraph
MR. WADE HAMPTON LITTLE WEDS MISS ROSA LEE WATKINS.
Sparta, Ga., Dec. 9 - Mr. Wade Hampton Little and Miss Rosa Lee Watkins were united in marriage at 6 o'clock Thursday evening at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. B. J. Watkins. After the ceremony, which was pronounced by Rev. M. C. Britt, a reception was held. The home was a charming picture with its brilliant lights and decorations of cut flowrs, smilax, holly and mistletoe. The bridge was the embodiment of youthful grace and beauty in her wedding gown of white voile embelished with lace and ribbon. She carried white roses. She is one of Sparta's most winsome and attractive young ladies. Mr. Little is a progressive young farmer and fruit grower, and popular throughout the county.
  Dr. C. S. Jernigan entertained a party of twelve Wednesday eveing at a bird supper at his office in the new Ferguson building. Misses Lila and Rhea Illingsworth of Meriden, Conn., were the honored guests of the occasion.
  The engagement of Miss Martha Elizabeth Harris, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Harris and Mr. Samuel Bell Palmer of New York city, has been formally announced, the marriage to occur on January 2, 1906.
  Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Wiley and daughter have returned from Natchex, Miss., and are stopping temporatily with relatives here.
  Miss Elizabeth Graves has as her guest Mrs. Thomas Buttrill of Jackson.
  Miss Mary Watkins of Louisville, Ga., is the guest of Mrs. L. Morris.

December 15, 1905
The Macon Daily Telegraph
COL. BOWEN DIED AT RAILROAD STATION. SUDDEN DEMISE OF PROMINENT CITIZEN AND SOLDIER OF SPARTA, GA.
    Sparta, Ga., Dec. 14 -Col. W. L. L. Bowen, president of Jewell Manufacturing Company, died suddenly at Mayfield this morning while waiting to board the train for a short trip away. He was a prominent and wealthy man and one of Hancock's leading citizens. Col. Bowen was commandant of the Camp of Confederate veterans. He was a colonel in the Confederate army and was made brigadier general in March 1865. At the time of his death he was one of the trustees of Monroe College at Forsyth.

December 29, 1905
The Macon Daily Telegraph
Death of Thomas O. Stewart.   Sparta, Ga., Dec. 28. Mr. Thomas O. Stewart, one of Sparta's oldest citizens, died at 2 o'clock this afternoon. He was 75 years of age, a Confederate veteran and a former sheriff of Hancock county. A wife, four sons and four daughters survive him.

January 6, 1906
Atlanta  Constitution
CORPSE IS FOUND RIDING IN BUGGY
O. W. Meadows Shot and Tied in Vehicle
Ras. Sanders, White, and Charles Jones, Colored, Have Been Arrested in Connection with the Tragedy in Baldwin County
Milledgeville, Ga., January 5 - (Special) O. W. Meadows, who was formerly in the liquor business in this city, has been found dead, tied in his buggy, within half a mile of his home. The buggy had caught in a tree, but the tracks indicated that the horse had grazed around in a cotton patch. Mr. Meadows' coat was on hind part before and upside down. The wound that caused his death was near the heart.
  Warrants were sworn out for Ras Sanders, a white man of 18 or 19 years, and Charles Jones, colored.  They have been arrested and are in jail. It is reported that Meadows and Sanders had been driving around the country and became involved in a difficulty near the house of a negro, Charles Jones. In the difficulty Meadows was shot. It is believed he was placed in his buggy and the horse started for his home.
  The shooting took place some 3 miles from where the horse and buggy were found, at about 12 o'clock last night. Sanders, it is said, claims that Meadows was trying to take his pistol and that he was shot accidentally.
   Meadows' watch was missing. He leaves a wife and family.

(Note: O. W. Meadows, Ollie Walker Meadows was the son of Peter and Martha Meadows per census records. Ras Sanders went on trial  and was found not guilty.)

March 1, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
William A. Burwell, Sparta, Ga.
William A. Burwell, who was stricken with paralysis Sunday morning, died at half-past 1 o'clock this afternoon, aged 71 years. He was formerly a merchant and later a traveling salesman for a Boston shoe firm until age and debility forced his retirement from business. He was a deacon of the Presbyterian church.. Mr. Buwell was a native of Virginia and a direct descendent of colonial fame. His wife, two daughters - Mrs. S. M. Brooks and Ruth Burwell - and three sons, Cabell Burwell, of Brooksville, Fla,; Rev. Henry W. Burwell of New Orleans, and Colonel William Burwell, of Sparta, survive him and were all at his bedside when the summons came.

April 2 , 1906
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. M.J. Moore, Culverton, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., April 1 (Special) Mrs.Mary Josephine Moore, wife of Hon. James W. Moore, died suddenly at _ o'clock last night at her home in Culverton. Besides her husband, to whom she had been married fifty-six years, she is survived by seven children and many grandchildren. Her children are: Mrs. R H. Lewis and Colonel R.W. Moore of Sparta; Mrs R.A. Chapman, of Washington, Ga.; Mrs. D.L. Brown, of Macon; Mrs. T.A. Waller, Gordon Moore and E.L. Moore, of Culverton. She was 72 years of age.

April 18, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
A. Sidney Bass, Devereux, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., April 17 (Special) A. Sidney Bass, for many years a merchant and station agent at Devereux, Hancock county, died this morning of paralysis, aged about 65. He was a member of the Methodist church and a confederate veteran. A wife and two daughters, Misses Annie and Dora Bass, survive him.

May 15, 1906
Union Recorder
DEATH OF MRS. M. E. ROBINSON. The remains of Mrs. M. E. Robinson were buried in this city last Tuesday afternoon, being brought here from Hancock county.
   Mrs. Robinson died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Kennedy, at Devereaux, at half-past eight o'clock Monday night, the 7th inst., as the result of a stroke of apoplexy.
  Mrs. Robinson before her marriage was Miss Mary Elizabeth Anderson, and was a native of this county. Mr. Robinson died about twenty-five years ago, and left a widow with three little children. Mrs. Anderson was an employee at the State Sanitarium, and left there only a few years ago to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Kennedy.
  she ws a member of the Methodist church in this city, and was a good christian woman, and the fifty-eight years of her life was spent in good works. She was a cousin of Judge E. P. Gibson and Mr. W. H. Roberts of this city.

May 27, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Kate DuBose, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., May 25 (Special) Mrs.Kate Dubose, widow of Colonel Charles W. Dubose, died at 9 o'clock this morning at her home here, aged 80 years. She was a woman of strong mentality and personal magnetism. A writer of note, her contributions to literature are distinguished for depths of feeling and elevation of sentiment. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Her surviving children are Colonel A. Miller Dubose, of Sparta; Surgeon W. R. Dubose, of the United States navy, and Dr. George Dubose, of Washington, D.C.

May 31, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
John M. Hood, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga, May 30 (Special) John M. Hood, a prominent citizen of our town, a Confederate Veteran an an exemplary Christian, died this morning at 11 o'clock, aged 69 years. Besides his wife, eight children survive him. They are: Mrs. H. T. Mclain, Mrs. Carlos Duggan, Misses Ruth, Bessie and Renie Hood, and Messrs. Eugene Hood, of Savannah; James and Frank Hood, of Sparta.

July 8, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
SPARTA FARMER TAKES POISON. Carr, of Sparta, Becomes Despondent and Drinks Laudanum
Sparta, Ga. July 7 (Special)John Henry Carr, a prominent citizen and farmer of Hancock county, becoming desperate over financial troubles, took two ounces of laudanum Friday evening at 7 o'clock and died three hours later. He was 35 years old and leaves a wife and one young son.

July 10, 1906
Union Recorder
  On Wednesday evening, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., Mr. John Boyer, Jr., of near Linton, Hancock County, and Miss Nora Buck, of Linton, were happily married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Buck, Rev. Mr. Sappington, of Sparta, officiating.
  The home was tastefully decorated with simlax and flowers.
  A number of friends and relatives of both parties were present, and many presents, both useful and tasteful, were given.
  The bridge is one of Linton's most pleasant and amiable young ladies, and the groom is a prosperous farmer. Both bride and groom have a host of friends who wish for them a long, happy and prosperous life.

July 19, 1906
Augusta Chronicle
Sparta, Ga, July 18. While raking sawdust from the saw-pit at Walker's sawmill yesterday afternoon, Jim Jones, a negro boy, lost his footing and fell upon the saw blade, having bouth arms and both legs cut off. He died before medical assistance could be secured.

July 24, 1906
Union Recorder
DEATH OF AN INFANT
  The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Underwood sympathize with them in the death of their 16 months old baby, Marguerite, last Monday, at their home, in Hancock county.
  Marguerite was a sweet and loving child, and her death was a severe shock to the parents.
  The interment took place at Friendship church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. I. M. Wood conducting the funeral service.
  We extend the bereaved family our heart felt sympathy.

August 2, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
Farmer Killed in Runaway
George Smith is Thrown From a Wagon Near Sparta
Sparta, Ga., August 1 (Special) George Smith, a prosperous farmer living 3 miles east of Sparta, was driving home yesterday afternoon when his mules became frightened and ran away. Calling to his young son, who was in the wagon, to jump out, Mr. Smith held on, thinking he could control the team, but he was thrown out and instantly killed. The son was unhurt. A wife and seven children survive.

August 9, 1906
Columbus Ledger
  Sparta, Ga, Aug. 9 - The death of Joshua B. Jackson, a prominent merchant, occurred at his home, Granite Hill, yesterday. He was 44 years old, and is survived by a wife and seven children.
  The Odd Fellows, of which he was a member, will conduct the funeral today, and the Sparta Rifles will honor their dead comrade by attending in a body.
  Mr. Jackson was a candidate for the office of sheriff of Hancock county.

September 6, 1906
The Macon Daily Telegraph
James F. Bowen, of Sparta.   Sparta, Ga., Sept. 5 - The death of our town marshal, Mr. James F. Bowen, occurred this morning after a lingering illness. He was a mason, a Confederate veteran, and an exemplary citizen. Seven daughters and one son survive him. The are Mrs. C. R, Harper, of Milledgeville, Mrs. Frank Reese, of Atlanta, Mrs. Pierce Middlebrooks, Misses Minnie, Sara, Claude and Jessie Bowen, of Sparta, and Charlie Bowen, of Texas.

September 9, 1906
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Mrs. Flury Drops Dead In Depot Waiting Room. Coroner Young Held Investigation and Pronounced the Cause of Sparta, Ga., Woman as Heart Trouble - Deceased Was on Way to Atlanta.
  After making a thorough investigation into the sudden death of Mrs. Flury, of Sparta, Ga., who died in the ladies' waiting room of the Union Depot yesterday. Dr. A. B. Hinkle, who was summoned on the condition of Mrs. Flury being made known, is of the same opinion.
  The news of the death was telegraphed the different relatives of the deceased as such as their names could be learned from friends at Sparta, and four sons of Mrs. Flury, A. A. and J. H. Flury, of Atlanta, and L. F. and T. F. Flury, of Sparta, arrived in Macon last night. The body was taken to Sparta at 2:50 o'clock this morning for funeral and interment.
  Mrs. Flury arrived at the station on the Georgia Railroad train at 10:55 yesterday morning. She entered the ladies' waiting room and entered into a conversation with a woman sitting near here. There was no evidence in her appearance that she was not in the best of health.
    Shortly afterward as she returned to reply to a remark of her companion, Mrs. Flury placed her hand over her heart, and swayed to the arm of the bench. She uttered no word, and death was instantaneous.
  The body was taken to Hart's mortuary and Coroner Young was summoned. Her name was discovered, and it was found that her home was five miles from Sparta. The deceased was on her way to pay a visit to relatives in Atlanta.

September 25, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
William H. Burnett, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., September 24 (Special) William H. Burnett, a prominent citizen of our town, a Mason, confederate veteran and exemplary Christian, died this morning at 2 o'clock. He was 83 years old and during his long and useful life had held positions of trust with railroads and insurance companies. He leaves three children, Mrs. Lucy Kendrick, of Macon, Miss Annie Burnett and Julian Burnett, of Sparta. Messrs. Frank Burnett, of Sparta, and Eugene Burnett, of Columbus, are his brothers.

October 2, 1906
The Macon Daily Telegraph
  Sparta, Ga, Oct. 1 - John Roberts, 23 years of age died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Alice Roberts, at 5 o'clock this afternoon. He was the only child of his parents and his untimely death falls heavily on their hearts.

October 4, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Hattie Pierce, Sparta, Ga.
 Sparta, Ga., October 3 (Special) Mrs. Hattie Pierce died at 2 o'clock this afternoon of a stroke of parlaysis. She was the widow of Hon. George F. Pierce, Jr., and the mother of Mrs. Robert Hartri, of Beaufort, S.C.; Marion Pierce, and Hartri Pierce. Two sisters, Miss Annie Hartri, of Savannah, and Miss Mary Hartri, of South Carolina, and three brothers, Judge J. A., Sir B., and W. (I?) Hartri, also survive her.

October 9, 1906
Macon Telegraph
~excerpts~ Camak, Ga. Oct. 8 - The marriage of Miss Rachel Elizabeth Chapman and Mr. Walter Blanchard, which was solemnized in the Baptist church Thursday evening, October 4, at 8 o'clock, was an impressive and beautiful ceremony.....
  From the church the bridal party repaired to the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Chapman, where a brilliant reception was held.
  The bride, a cultured and lovable young lady, is a daughter of Mr. S. N. Chapman, of Hancock county. Mr. Blanchard is train dispatcher for the Georgia railroad at Camak, and is popular in business and social circles.

October 23, 1906
Union Recorder
   Mr. J. W. Cox, of Morgan county and Mrs. Mary Shivers, of Sparta, were united in marriage at the Mathews House in this city, Sunday afternoon, at one o'clock. Rev. Joel T. Daves officiating.

November 5, 1906
Macon Daily Telegraph
YOUNG WHITE MAN KILLED BY A NEGRO.   Sparta, Ga., Nov. 4 - Mr. Ed Benion (Binion), aged twenty-two, living in the western part of the county, was yesterday shot and killed by a negro named Jeff Lundy. No third person witnessed the affair. The negro escaped and is now being pursued by Sheriff, posse and dogs.

November 16, 1906
Macon Daily Telegraph
JEFF LUNDY CAPTURED BY DEPUTY DELOACH.   Sparta, Ga, Nov. 15 - Sheriff Berry received a telegram this morning to meet the 2 o'clock train with deputies. Deputy Sheriff Deloach, of Putnam County, had succeeded, after desperate resistance, in arresting Jeff Lundy, as some point on the Georgia Railroad. This is the negro desperado who several days ago shot a prominent young man of this county. Lundy was severely injured by shots made necessary by this resistance. It was decided by those having him in charge to leave him in Warrenton on account of his condition and for fear that he might be in further danger from the friend of the young man he murdered. There was a reward of $150 for his arrest.

November 26, 1906
Augusta Chronicle
NO TRACE OF MISSING NEGRO.
  Despite the fact that every possible clue has been followed out there has up to date been absolutely no trace of the missing negro, Jeff Lundy, who a few nights ago made his escape from the Lamar hospital. He was sent there for treatment of what were thought at the time to be very serious wounds and after the first night he was chained to his bed, and it was thought impossible that he could escape. If caught there is every reason to believe that he will receive a speedy trail and punishment.

November 27, 1906
Macon Daily Telegraph
REMAINS MRS. A. W. GARRETT SENT TO SPARTA FOR BURIAL.
    The remains of Mrs. A. W. Garrett, wife of Captain A. W. Garrett, president of the First National Bank of Dublin, passed through Macon last night, en route to Sparta for interment. The remains reached the city last night at 7 o'clock, via the Macon & Dublin road, and left over the Georgia Central at 2:50 this morning.
   Mrs. Garrett is survived by a husband and two small daughters. She was an estimable woman and had many friends, not only in Dublin, but in Macon and Sparta, which last named place was her former home.

November 28, 1906
Atlanta Georgian
~ex cerpt~ DEVEREUX-MATHIS. Sandersville, Ga., Nov. 28. Quite the most recherche affair of the season at Sandersville took place Tuesday night, at the bride's home, when at 8:30 o'clock Miss Rosalin Mathis was married to Mr. Samuel Devereaux. The bride is the second daughter of the late Gideon Mathis; the groom is from Devereaux, Ga., and is a member of the dry goods firm of Happ, Paris & Co. of this city. Both parties are popular and great social favorites.... .

December 3, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
ARE ELATED OVER VICTORY
People of Hancock County Rejoice Over Getting School
Sparta Ga, December 2. (Special) The people of Hancock county are highly elated over procuring theagricultural college of the tenth district. The committee, on its return from Augusta, was greeted with an ovation, and whenever a member of this committee stops on the street, even now, a crowd gathers around and bombards him with questions as to how the whole thing was done.
  Sparta's success last Monday is due principally to the adroit management, untiring energy, boundless enthusiasm, and shrewd political sagacity of our county school commissioner, Professor M. L. Duggan, whose name is expected to be inscribed on the cornerstone of the main college building. Yet, in accomplishing our success, others played no small part, and among these were: Judge Seaborn Reese, W.H. Burwell, and Messrs. E. A. Rozier and J. L. Walker.
  The college will be located three miles east of Sparta, on the road between Sparta and Culverton, and within a few hundred yards of the Granite Hill station. It will occupy a part of what was originally the country estate of the late Colonel A. J. Lane, and will be separated by the road and railroad from the broad fields, meadows and orchards of Rocky (ROCKBY), the home of the late Colonel Richard Malcolm Johnson, where his celebrated school for boys gave instruction to so many of the famous men of  our state.
  Rocky (ROCKBY) is now owned by C. J. Rocker, a thrifty and industrious German, and a most excellent citizen, who learned grape culture on the banks of the Rhine, and who, on coming to this country, served the confederacy most valiantly in the war of the 60's.
     The college buildings will be constructed of Hancock granite, which has been donated for that purpose. They will occupy an eminence presenting a fine view, both from the road and railroad. Work on them will begin at an early date, and it is expected that the school will be in operation by the fall of 1907. The executive committee of the board of trustees, with Professor Duggan as chairman, will have a meeting at an early day to agree upon all the details of construction. Owing to the certainty of this school land in Hancock county has already made a decided rise.

January 19, 1907
Augusta Chronicle.
  Sparta, Ga., Jan. 18 - Mrs. Edgar Barksdale died here yesterday of consumption. She had been sick for some time, and her death was not unexpected. Mrs. Barksdale was the  daughter of Mr. J. B. Reid a highly respected farmer living hear here. She was not over twenty years of age, and leaves a young husband, having just married a little over a year.

January 20, 1907
Macon Telegraph
     Sparta, Ga., Jan. 19 - On Monday morning at 9 o'clock the marriage of Miss Nannie Sue Duggan and Mr. Ridley D. Eadie was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Duggan. Rev. B. H. Ivey, of Warrenton, who twenty-three years ago pronounced the ceremony that united the bride's parents, was the officiating minister on this happy occasion. The bride, a cultured and attractive youn lady, was stylish in a going-away gown of green broadcloth, with gloves and hat harmonizing in shade. Mr. Eadie was formerly of Charleston, S. C. but is  now the popular president of the Vidalia Collegiate Institute, and he and his charmig bride left for that town immediately after the ceremony.
   Mrs. Dickerson, of Canton; Mrs. B. H. Ivey, of Warrenton; Miss Ruth Stone, of Linton; Miss Mabel Bowen of Jewels; Miss Gertrude Avant, of Atlanta, and the Misses Duggan, of Bessie Tift College, Forsyth, were the out-of-town guests at the Duggan-Eadie Wedding.

January 20, 1907
Macon Telegraph
   Sparta, Ga., Jan., 19.  On Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock at the Methodist church, the marriage of Miss Lois Sappington and Mr. Charles Ryan Dougherty was solemnized by Rev. J. S. L. Sappington, the bride's father. Miss Susie Yarbrough presided at the organ, and to the familiar nuptial music the bridal party marched to the beautifully decorated chancel. Little Misses Mary Sappington, Anna Sappington, Georgia Thomas and Louise Cook were the ribbon bearers. The ushers, Messrs. Ham Alfriend, Huell Britt, Edward Rozier and Marvin Middlebrooks, preceded the bride and groom, who entered together and were unattended. The bride wore a stylish gown of soft white silk elaborately trimmed in filmy lace, and carried a bouquet of bride roses. After the ceremony the bridal party and relatives were entertained at the home of the groom's parents. The out-of-town guests at the wedding were: Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Dougherty, of Augusta; Mr. and Mrs. Hill Waller, of Culverton; Mrs. Nancy A. Wood, of Franklin, Miss Nancy Sappington, of Atlanta, and Misses Louise and Julia Moate, of Devereaux..

February 12, 1907
Union Recorder
Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sue Hutchings in Hancock county near Linton, Tuesday night, after an illness of about two weeks. Mrs. Roberts was 85 years of age in January. She has been a consistent member of Beulah church a long number of years. She was the mother of Mr. J. W. Roberts of this city. She is survived by three daughters, and five sons, and a number of grand children and great-grand children. Her remains were interred in the old family burial ground near Beulah church in Hancock county.  She was a Miss Hutchinson before her marriage, and was proceeded the grave by her brothers and sisters. Her long life was one of devotion to her loved ones.

March 5, 1907
Macon Daily Telegraph
Death of Mrs. Mary Moore
Sparta, Ga, March 4 - Mrs. Mary Moore, wife of Col. R. Welborn Moore, mayor of Sparta, died at the home of Mrs. W. F. Brown in Atlanta at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Two weeks ago she went to Atlanta to nurse a sick sister, but soon fell victim to pneumonia, which terminated fatally today. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Treadwell. Besides her husband she is survived by three sisters, Mrs. W. F. Brown, of Atlanta, Mrs. George Young of Sparta, and Mrs. Sidney Brown, of Monroe, La. She was a member of the Methodist Church and the thirty-three years of her life revealed the sweetness, beauty and power of a Christian.

March 6, 1907
Macon Telegraph
  Sparta, Ga., March 5. The death of Mrs. Carrie Gardiner Simmons occurred Monday evening at the home of her sister, Mrs. Moses W. Harris, after a protracted illness. She was buried this afternoon in the Sparta Cemetery, Rev. M. C. Britt conducting the services. She was 42 years of age and an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. Three sons survive her - Clarence Simmons, Jr., of New Mexico; Gardiner and Alton Simmons, of Sparta.

March 8, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. R. W. Moore, Sparta.
Sparta, Ga., March 7 - The funeral ofMrs. R.W. Moore, of this place, who died on Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta, while on a visit took place yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Sparta cemetery in the presence of one of the largest gatherings of people that ever witnessed a similar service in Sparta.
  Mrs. Moore was the wife of R. W. Moore, mayor of the city of Sparta, and one of the most prominent young lawyers in middle Georgia. She had for fifteen years been a member of the Methodist church, always taking an active part in its work.

March 10, 1907
Macon Telegraph
Sparta, Ga., March 9.Hon. James M. Moore died this afternoon at 1 o'clock at his home in Cluverton, aged eighty years. He was Hancock's representative in the Legislature a number of years. His long life was one of usefulness and devotion to duty. His surviving children are Mrs. R. H. Lewis and Col. R. W. Moore, of Sparta, Mrs. R. A. Chapman and Gordon Moore, of Washington, Mrs. F. Walter and E. V. Moore of Culverton, and Mrs. D. L. Brown, of Macon. Mr. Moore lost his wife about a year ago.

March 15, 1907
The Macon Daily Telegraph

  Sparta, Ga., March 14.Wells Coleman, thirty-two years of age, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Harper Coleman, died this morning after a week's illness of pneumonia. He was assistant postmaster for a number of years, and was attentive to business and faithful to every trust. Besides his parents, five sisters survive him. His funeral will be conducted by the Odd Fellows Friday morning.

May 5, 1907
Union Recorder
Judge Seaborn Reese, of Sparta, was found dead in his law office, last Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. When his body was discovered that he had been dead only a short time.
   Judge Reese was one of the most prominent men in Georgia. He has served his state in the capacity of legislator, congressman and jurist. He was recently elected to the legislature from Hancock county. Judge Reese was well known in this city, and the news of his death was heard here with deep regret.

May 5, 1907
Macon Telegraph
   Sparta, Ga. May 3 - One of the most beautiful weddings ever solmenized in Sparta was that of Miss Sara Bowen and Mr. Henry H. Little. Promptly at 8:30 o'clock, to the strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March, rendered by Mrs. E. R. Cook and Miss Mamie Singleton, on organ and piano, the bridal party entered.
    First came the lovely little ribbon-bearers, Misses Elizabeth McEvoy and Ida Burnett, down the left aisle, Elizabeth Walker and Camille Berry down the right. They took their places around the chancel.
   The ushers, Dr. W. J. Little, Mr. Pierce Middlebrooks, Mr. W. W. Alfriend and Mr. W. H. Burwell, grouped themselves inside the chancel.
   The bridesmaids and groomsmen entered alone, met at the altar and formed a semi-circle. Firsc came Miss Florence Clancy and Mr. Marvin Middlebrooks, Miss Susie Yarbrough and Mr. R. L. Merritt, Miss Jessye Bowen and Dr. J. G. Harrison. Then the bride with her sister, Miss Minnie Bowen, and the groom with his brother, Dr. Y. A. Little.
  Rev. S. R. England performed the ceremony in a beautiful and impressive manner. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion with Southern smilax, palms, ferns and roses.
   The bride is the daughter of the late J. F. Bowen and numbers her friends by her acquaintances. The groom is a prominent lawye and is associated with many public enterprses.
  After the ceremony a reception was given by Judge and Mrs. F. L. Little. The many elegant gifts attest the popularity of this young couple.
  The out-of-town guests were Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Little and family, Mrs. R. P. McEvoy and Misses Margaret and Elizabeth McEvoy, Mr. R. D. Clancy of Macon; Dr. Y. A. Little and Miss Lillian Harper of Milledgeville.
 

May 8, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
MRS. JOHN TURNER PASSES AWAY. Was Eldest Daughter of the Late Bishop Pierce
Sparta, Ga., May 7. (Special) Mrs. John L. Turner, of Culveton, died Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Moore, where she had made her home since the death of her husband.
  Mrs. Turner was the eldest daughter of the late Bishop George F. Pierce. She was 72 years of age and had been an invalid for a number of years.
  She leaves the following children: Mrs. John Moore, Mrs. R. C. Wilson and Mrs. Robert Smith, of Culverton; Mr. Pierce Turner, of Monroe; Mr. T.F. Turner, of Indian Territory; Mr. John Turner, of Thomasville; Mrs. John D. Seago, of Greenwood, S.C.; Mrs Stewart Davis, of Macon; Mrs. Dudley Williams, of Atlanta; Mr. Warren Turner, of Arizona.
    The funeral services were held today at the Methodist church at Sparta.

June 19, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
Pioneer Dies at Masonic Home
Macon, Ga., June 18 (Special) Judge John T. Berry, aged eighty-three years, a former resident of Sparta, Ga., and a member of Sparta Lodge No. 442, who has since 1906 been an inmate of the Masonic Home here, died at 6:25 o'clock yesterday evening. He is survived by a son, J. T. Berry, of Chalker, and a daughter, Mrs. E. W. Sitton, of Atlanta. The remains left Macon this morning at 8:40 o'clock for Sparta, where they will be interred with Masonic honors,

June 27, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
Lyman Hearn, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., June 26 (Special) Lyman H. Hearn, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Hearn, of Eatonton, died at the home of his father-in-law, J.L. Culver. He was 30 years old. Besides his parents he leaves a wife, who was Miss Daisy Culver, to whom he married nine years ago.
  Drs. Frank E. and W.D. Hearn, of Atlanta; Messrs H.Reed Hearn and M. Hearn and Misses Mattie, Sarah and Rebecca Hearn, of Eatonton, are his brothers and sisters.

July 16, 1907
Union Recorder
  Mr. Nolen P. Shivers died suddenly at his home in Hancock county last Friday night.
  Mr. Shivers was for many years in the lumber business, and was well known throughout this section of the country. He was in this city the first of last week.
  His death was heard of with sincere regret by a large circle of friends.

July 24 1907
Atlanta Constitution
H. A. Lawrence
The body of H. A. Lawrence, who died at a private sanitarium Monday morning (July 22), will be taken to Sparta, Ga. this morning for funeral and interment.

July 28, 1907
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Reward Offered. Atlanta, July 27. Governor Smith today offered a reward of $150 for the arrest of Brooking E. Brown, a white man wanted in Hancock County for the murder of Columbus Boyer, April 4. 1902. He also offered a reward if $100 for the arrest of Michael Brazil, a negro wanted for the murder of Willis Sams, also in Hancock county. September 20, 1903.

July 28, 1907
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Romantic Origin of Louis G. Morris. Death of Georgia Whose Father Was One Of The Judges of Louis XVI
Sparta, Ga. July 28 - The death of Mr. Louis G. Morris yesterday at an advance age, furnishes the closing chapter of an interesting and remarkable life. He was born of French parents, whose original name was DeVere. His father, an ardent Jacobite, was an active factor in public affairs during that bloody period of French history, the revolution. He was a member of the tribunal that condemned King Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette to the guillotine. After the downfall of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty, finding his life imperiled, DeVere and his wife fled from Paris in disguise, and under the unpretentious name of Morris, obtained passage in a ship bound for America. It was during the voyage across the Atlantic that Louis George, the subject of this sketch, was born. The original patronymic was never resumed, the family preferring to retain permanently the name by which life and liberty had been secured. Mr. Morris came to Sparta, about fifty years ago, and has resided here continuously ever since. For many years he was prominently identified with the commercial life of the town. He was a useful citizen, a model husband and father and a consistent member of the Methodist church. The surviving members of his family are his wife, and two grown sons, Messrs, George and Merritt Morris.

August 7, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
DIED FROM LICK OF BASEBALL
Assistant Clerk of Hancock Superior Court Dead
Sparta, Ga. August 6 (Special) Avary Lamar,who, although only 23 years of age, has been for years assistant clerk of Hancock superior court, died Sunday night from peritonitis.
     In a game of baseball in which he participated a few weeks ago, young Lamar was struck in the side by a thrown ball when has since that time caused him to suffer greatly, but his condition was not regarded as being serious until within the last few days, when the disease which caused his death began to develop.
   He was a prominent secret order man. He leaves a mother, one sister and a brother.

August 13, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
C. P. Dougherty Ill.Sparta Ga., August 12 (Special) C. P. Doughtery, aged 69, was this morning stricken with paralysis. He was a confederate soldier, a member of the Nelson Rangers and was personally acquainted with General S.D. Lee and General Forrest. His illness is probably fatal.

August 20, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
DEATH TAKES DR.T. O. POWELL
Well Known Georgia Dies at Tate Springs From Pneumonia. Tate Spring, Tenn., August 19 - (Special) - Dr. T. O. Powell, superintendent of the Georgia sanitarium, died here last night from pneumonia. His wife, his daughter, Mrs. Julia Webb; his brother-in-law, John Conn, and Dr. H. M. Lamar were at his bedside when the end came.
     The remains were removed to Milledgeville today, where the funeral will occur.
     Dr. Powell had been in poor health for about a year, and when attacked with pneumonia shortly after his arrival at Tate Spring-had not the strength to combat the disease.
  Story of His Live.
    Dr. Theophilus O. Powell was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, in 1837. He was not more than 6 or 7 years of age when his parents removed to Georgia, settling in Hancock county. In this historic county young Powell received his education under that capable and distinguished educator, Richard Malcom Johnson. After studying medicine privately, young Powell attended lectures at the Georgia Medical college, Augusta, from which he was graduated in 1859.
    Soon after graduation, he located in Sparta, where he at once won recognition by his skill and ability. At the commencement of the civil war Dr. Powell at once enlisted as a private in the Forty-ninth Georgia regiment, in which he rendered faithful and devoted service until August, 1862, when he accepted an appointment as first assistant physician of what was then known as the Georgia State Insane asylum, now known as the state sanitarium.
  Record in Civil War.
    While in the Confederate army Dr. Powell was in all the battles around Richmond, besides many skirmishes.
    Having rendered most successful served as assistant physician, after the death of Dr. Thomas F. Green, superintendent, in 1879, Dr. Powell was elected as his successor, a position he has held ever since with increasing efficiency and honor to himself and for the best interest of the treat number of the state's unfortunates. His singular fidelity, his executive ability, his love for the patients under his charge, his innate nobility and piety are beyond all praise.
   In 1886, in compliance with a joint resolution of the house and senate, Dr. Powell rendered an exhaustive report on his investigations into the increase in insanity in this state and the most important factors in its causations. The report reflected distinct credit on his erudition, his profound study and his wide and patient research. This report at once added to his wide reputation as an allenist of note, and he was quoted the authority in all the great councils of physicians on diseases of the mind.
  President of Medical Society
   Dr. Powell has been a member of the State Medical Society for many years, and served as its president in 1887. He was also a member of the American Medico-Psychological Association and the National Medico-Legal Society, the former of which he had served as president. He was also a Free and Accepted Mason, being a member of Benevolent lodge No. 3, Milledgeville, Ga. He was a Knight Templar, a sir knight of Plantagenet commandery, Milledgeville. For years he had been a most faithful member and steward  of the Methodist church of Milledgeville. In the Methodist circles thought out the state he is known and honored as a humble Christian and a sagacious counselor. he has ever held the esteem and love of the officers and physicians of the  state sanitarium, who realized that he was not only a superintendent in name, but in fact. Dr. Powell was married in 1850 to Miss Frances, daughter of Edward Birdsong, of Hancock county, a union blessed with two children-wife of P.A. West, of Baldwin county, and Harriet, deceased wife of John Conn, of Milledgeville.

August 21, 1907
Macon Daily Telegraph
Death of C. R. Doughtery.
  Sparta, Ga., Aug. 20 - C. R. Doughtery died at his home here today at the age of 69, having had two weeks ago a stroke of paralysis. He is survived by a wife and four sons, Walter, Charlie, Hugh and Carlton. He was a gallant soldier of the South and the Confederate veterans marched to his funeral, which took place here this afternoon in the presence of a large crowd of mourners and citizens.

October 26, 1907
Atlanta Georgian and News
LEDBETTER-GRIMSLEY. On Wednesday at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Allen, at Sparta, Miss Lina Ledbetter, of Mayfield, was married to Mr. H. E. Grimsley, of Columbia, S.C. The ceremony was peformed by Rev. S. R. England, pastor of the Sparta Methodist church. The wedding was a quiet home affair, only a few of the friends and relatives of the young couple being present.
   The bride is one of the most popular, and accomplished of Hancock's young women. Mr. Grimsley is a sterling young business man of Columbia, S. C. Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley left on the afternoon train for South Carolina, where they will make their home.

November 2, 1907
Macon Daily Telegraph
Death of Mr. A. R. Robertson. Sparta, Ga., Nov. 1. A. R. Robertson died here this morning, aged 73. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to this country as a young man and fought in the Confederate army. He was married in Oglethrope County, Georgia, and had two sons. His family are now all dead. He was a prominent builder and accumulated a good deal money, but at the time of his death he had only about nine thousand dollars which is in cash on deposit here. He made a will with Dr. C. S. Jernigan and Mr. John D. Walker as his executors. He will be buried in Macon tomorrow.

December 16, 1907
Augusta Chronicle
    On Tuesday evening, at the residence of the bride near Culverton, Miss Evie Waller and Mr. Keenan Baker were united in marriage by Rev. C. C. Carey, of Culverton.
Miss Waller is the daughter of Mr. J. W. Waller one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Hancock and is young lady of culture and refinement. Mr. Baker is a son of
Mr. J. H. Baker prominent planter of this county, and a young man now conected with the First National Bank of Tifton, where he has splendid oppotunities for rapid promotion in the business world. The couple left on the Picayune for Tifton, their future home,
 

 Mr

March 8, 1908
Macon Telegraph
Sparta, Ga, March 7 - The death of Mr. J. A. Ivey, an esteemed citizen and prosperous farmer of this county, occurred at his home near Mt.  Zion, after a brief illness. A wife and two children survive him.

May 5, 1908
Union Recorder
  Mrs. Millard Butts died at her home in Hancock county this morning at five o'clock. Her remains were brought to this city this afternoon for burial. She was a sister of Mrs. J. R. Hines and a niece of Mrs. J. W. McMillian.

May 16, 1908
Macon Telegraph
  Death of Infant. Sparta, Ga., May 15. William Reid Burwell, only child of Col. and Mrs. W. H. Burwell, died at 7 o'clock this evening, aged thirteen months.

May 16, 1908
Macon Daily Telegraph
Peter Cooper Hanged at Sparta
Sparta, GA, May 15 - Peter Cooper, the negro convicted of Hancock Superior Court, paid the extreme penalty for his crime today at 2 o'clock. The execution was private.
  A new jail was built here several years ago, and at the time a steel gallows was built inside the building, and today was the first time that this gallows was used.
   The crime which this negro committed was one of great brutality. On the night of the 22d of last March the negro with an axe murdered his wife, afterwards cut her body in three pieces, placed the different sections in sacks and went and buried them in holes dug in the ground not far away. Returning to his home, he set fire to his house and burned it to the ground in order to hide the trace of blood.
  The Superior Court of Hancock County was in session at the time the crime was committed. The negro was caught by a posse of enraged citizens at Barnett two days after the crime was committed. He was brought here, tried and sentenced to be hanged during the same week,
  The execution was first fixed for the early part of April, but the Governor granted a respite, in order that the question of the negro's sanity might be passed upon. The case was put before the Prison Commission, and as the limit of the respite was reached today, the execution took place.

June 16, 1908
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ The angel of death entered the home of Mr. C. B. Scott, Monday evening, May the twenty-fifth, and bore away the spirit of our loved grandfather,
Mr. William Vinson.
  He was born the 28th day of April 1836, in Hancock county. When a young man he was married to Miss Julia Beall, a beautiful and an accomplishd young lady, of Talbotton, Ga. They lived together for twelve happy years when God saw fit to call her home....remaining true to her for thirty-six years.
  After the marriage of his eldest daughter, Mrs. Scott, he made his home with her....
  He leaves two daughtes, Mrs. C. B. Scott and Mrs. Dr. King, noth of this place, Mr. Thomas Vinson, of Cochran, the only son, nine grand childre, two brothers, two sisters, relatives and a host of friends...A Grandaughter. May 27, 1908.

June 30, 1908
Union Recorder
   Married. Mr Clifford (Clifton) Babb of East Baldwin, and Miss Eva Terry, of Hancock county, were united in marriage Sunday, Rev. Dolly Robinson officiating.
  The marriage was a run-away affair and was objected to by the parents on account of the youthfulness of the young people.

July 5, 1908
The Macon Daily Telegraph
Death of Mrs. Sally Martin
Mrs. Sally Martin died at 9 o'clock last night at her residence. She leaves her husband and two children, both girls, Velma Cone and Ella Louise; also her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hinsley, who live at Sparta. The body will be shipped to Sparta Monday morning where the interment will take place Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Rev. T. E. Davenport will officiate.

July 9, 1908
Atlanta Constitution
MRS. F. G. THOMAS DIES OF BURNS .  She Was a Member of a Very Prominent Georgia Family
Sparta, Ga, July 8 (Special) Mrs. Frank G. Thomas, who was so badly burned yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock died last night.
    Her husband and two daughters, Misses Mary and Lizzie, in endeavoring to extinguish the flames, were badly burned.
    Mrs. Thomas was 45 years of age and was regarded as one of the most cultured and most beloved women in this section of the state.
     She was the daughter of Dr. Josiah Lewis, a famous Methodist divine. She was a sister of Rev. Walker Lewis, D.D., and Mrs. Willis Caldwell, wife of a well known minister, both of Atlanta; Rev. William Lewis, of Texas; Editor Sidney Lewis and Hon. R.H. Lewis, of Sparta.
     Besides her husband who travels for a prominent Macon concern, Mrs. Thomas leaves nine children. The children are Wales W. Thomas, one of the editors of the Sparta Ishmaelite; Mrs. Smoot, wife of the principal of the Sparta academy; Miss Mary Thomas, teacher in the Griffin public schools; Miss Elizabeth Thomas, Lewis Thomas, Joe Sid Thomas, Frank Thomas, Georgia Thomas and Dorothy Thomas, all of Sparta.
   The husband of Mrs. Thomas is a brother of Mr. Lewis W. Thomas, the well-known Atlanta lawyer. This others brothers are Dr. Joseph M. Thomas, of Griffin, Walter P. Thomas, superintendent of the West Point public schools and R. H. Thomas of Sparta. Mrs. A. J. Perryman, of Talbotton, is a sister. They are all children of the late Dr. Francis Anderson Thomas, a native of Sparta, who was in his time one of the most eminent physicians of that section of the state.
     The funeral will be conducted some time tomorrow in Sparta.

July 23, 1908
Macon Daily Telegraph
Mrs. DeLamar Turner. Fitzgerald, Ga., July 22 - Martha Claudia, daughter of Irby and Martha Hudson, was born in Hancock County, 1849, and married to Mr. DeLamar Turner November 1, 1866, died in Fitzgerald of paralysis July 21. She leaves, besides her husband, five children, Frank H., of Macon; Marion, of Hawkinsville; DeLamar, Jr., of Waycross; Mrs. W. A. Beall of Sandersville, and Mrs. F. J. Clark, of Fitzgerald, Ga. and one brother, Mr. Irby Hudson, and one sister, Mrs. J. E. Jackson, both of Greensboro, Ga. She belonged to the Hudson family who originally settled Hancock and Putnam Counties during the first of the last century. The family leave with remains this evening for Sandersville, where she will be buried July 22.

July 28, 1928
Union Recorder
Mrs. Laura Jones died at her home at Carrs Station last Saturday, after a long illness. She was a member of the Island Creek Baptist church, and an estimable christian lady. Her remains were interred in the family burial ground Sunday. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Logan, and were largely attended.

August 30, 1908
Atlanta Constitution
 Mrs. M.H. Shelverton, of Decatur, Ga, writes: "Having seen the article, 'Proposed List of Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers' will give the names of two who were buried in Sparta, Ga.John Epps Scott (my great uncle), was buried near his sister, Mrs. Duke Hamilton. Both graves must have had stones of some shape over them. Mrs. Hamilton's grave was looked up and the tombstone placed in order over her grave by the sexton (by my request) some two or three years ago. A letter I received from the adjutant general this years says:  'It is shown by the records that John Epps Scott served in the years 1777, 1778, 1779 as a second lieutenant in the Eleventh and Twelfth Virginia regiment (consolidated) latterly known as the Eleventh Virginia regiment, revolutionary war. It is stated on the records that the officer resided in Dinwiddle county.' The other revolutionary soldier's name was Henry Mitchell, also from Virginia."

September 24, 1908
Augusta Chronicle
MRS J. R. BOYLESTON DIED IN SPARTA, GA. Special to The Chronicle. Sparta, Ga., Dept. 23. On last evening at  8 o'clock Mrs. J. Reid Boyleston died at her home here. Mrs. Boyleston had been seriously ill for some time and her death was not unexpected. besides her husband, Mrs. Boyleston leaves three small children, one boy and two girls. Mrs. Boyleston was formerly Miss Georgia Baxter, daughter of Capt. R. B. Baxter, one of the  most prominent and influential men of the twon.
   Mrs. Boyleston was a sister of Mr. E. B. Baxter of Augusta, Mrs. J. Lane Mullally of Macon, Mr. Thos. W. Baxter of Athens and Mr. John Baxter of Florida. Mrs. Boylston was 33 years of age, and a member of the Prebyterian church. The funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock and the interment will be in the city cemetery.

September 29, 1908
Union Recorder
  Mr. Eugene M. Sanford died at his home in Hancock county last Thursday morning after an illness of about ten days with typhoid fever.
  Mr. Sanford was a native of this city and was about forty-two years of age. For the past several years he has been engaged in farming in Hancock county. He was a frequent visitor to Milledgeville and was here the Saturday before he was stricken ill with fever. He had many friends and acquaintances in the city who were always glad to see him.
  He was an honest, hard working man and was held in the highest  confidence by his fellow men, and his death is deeply regretted. He is survived by his wife and children, his  mother, and  a sister, Mrs. P. Moodie of Texas. The Union Recorder joins  other friends in  expressions of sympathy.

October 2, 1908
Augusta Chronicle.
MISS HUNT'S FUNERAL AT SPARTA WEDNESDAY. Beloved Christian Woman Laid to Rest.
   Sparta, Ga., Oct. 1. The funeral services over the remains of Miss Willie Hunt, who died here last night, were conducted this afternoon, at 4 o'clock at her late residence, by her pastor, Rev. S. R. England, of the First Methodist church.
    Miss Hunt had been a sufferer for some time with tuberculosis, and her death was not unexpected. She was the daughter of the late William B. Hunt, a prominent citizen of Hancock.
   Miss Hunt was a devoted member of the Methodist church, and a woman loved and esteemed by a large circle of friends.
   As a token of their high appreciation of the untiring work Miss Willie Hunt did for her church, the stewards presented a beautiful floral offering. She was 44 years of age. Of her immediate family, she leaves one sister, Mrs. J. W. Treadwell and two cousins; Hon. T. H. Hunt and Miss Neppie Hunt.

October 8, 1908
Augusta Chronicle
HON. J. A. WALLER DEAD AT SPARTA, GA. Prominent Citizen and Former Legislator.
Sparta, Ga, Oct. 7. The funeral of the Hon. J. A. Waller was conducted at the Smyrna Methodist church this afternoon at three o'clock. Mr. Waller died on yesterday morning of Bright's disease. He had been a sufferer for some time and his death was not unexpected. He was 60 years of age, and besides a devoted wife, leaves three sons: Messrs. George, Hill and Robert Waller.
   Mr. Waller was one of the most prominent citizens of the county, and a man of considerable means, having a large farm and fruit interests. He represented Hancock county in the legislature at one time, besides being always prominent in everything that looked to the betterment of his community. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist church from earl childhood. This community loses a valuable citizen in his death.

November 10, 1908
Union Recorder
  Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 4 - After serving a term of 33 years in the Georgia penitentiary Eldridge Jackson, a negro, will be given his freedom tomorrow. He was convicted of murder in Hancock county in 1875. Practically everyone connected with the trial has died, so that those who investigated the case could learn no particulars of the crime. He was granted a commutation of sentence by the governor today, the same being based on his good conduct since his conviction and his old age at the present time. It was recommended by the prison commission.

December 5, 1908
Macon Telegraph
   The infant son of Mr.and Mrs. J. D. Howell died yesterday afternoon at their residence, No. 1916 Second street. The remains will be carried to Sparta, for interment this morning. 

January 9, 1909
Augusta Chronicle
PARDON OF TOM ALLEN WAS RECOMMENDED. Mother Worked Hard to Secure Release.
Special to The Chronicle. Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 8 - The state prison commission recommended the pardon of Tom Allen, a white man convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in Hancock county in 1903.
   Allen belonging to a prominent family. He was arrested for having aided in the murder of Columbus Boyer, the name, it was charged, having been caused by jealousy. Another was connected with the offense but escaped and has not been caught.
   The convicted man denied and still denies participation in the killing. During his confinement in the penitentiary his mother has been working to secure his release. In company with W. H. Burwell, of Sparta, her lawyer, she appeared before the commission yesterday, and was made the happiest woman in Georgia when informed that her son's release would be recommended.

February 20, 1909
The Macon Daily Telegraph
Sparta, Ga., Feb. 19 - Mr. D. P. Furgerson, familiarly known as "Uncle Dan," died here this morning of heart disease, at his home at 5 o'clock. He had anticipated his end.
  He leaves a widow and three sons by his former wife.
  During his twenty years' reasoned here he has held many important positions in civil life and was a devoted member of the Methodist church.
  He died in his seventy-third year.

February 25, 1909
The Macon Daily Telegraph
JEFFERSON'S OLDEST CITIZEN PASSES AWAY
Wadley, Ga., Feb. 24 Mr. Robert B. Gary, the oldest citizen of this, Jefferson county, died at his home two miles from this place, last night.
Mr. Gary was born in Hancock county, Ga., December 2, 1821. In his young days he carried a pony mail from Sandersville to Louisville and Waynesboro, making two round trips each week.
  After the Central railroad was built he entered the service of that company and, in 1853, superintended the digging of the noted cut on the Augusta and Savannah railroad known as Green's cut. He was at that place from August 1853 to May, 1854, when the job was finished.
  He then took charge of the construction train and crew of the Central railroad and continued in that capacity until 1862 when he was made general supervisor when Sherman's army destroyed the road.
  After the road was rebuilt he entered the service of the Western Union Telegraph Company and rebuilt and extended Company and rebuilt and extended its lines all over the division controlled by Mr. J. A. Brenner, of Augusta.
  He was with one exception the last of the old railroad men who served  under R. R. Cuyler and Wm. M. Eadley in an official capacity.
  He is survived by his second wife, six sons and one daughter Funeral and interment will be in the Methodist cemetery on Thursday morning.

March 27, 1909
Augusta Chronicle
DR. J. W. RHOADES DIED NEAR SPARTA. Well Known Physician Found Dead at Home.
  Sparta, Ga, March 26 - This morning Dr. Jas. W. Rhoades was found dead at this residence about ten  miles from Sparta. Dr. Rhoades was a widower, and had lived alone for a number of years. He had been in ill health for some time, and it is supposed his death was caused from heart failure. Coroner J. B. Long went this morning to hold and inquest over the body.
   Dr. Rhoades was a physician, but on account of ill health had discontinued his practice, and devoted his time and attention to his large farm and fruit interest. He was a very successful business man and at the time of his death had acquired quite a large fortune. He was a native of Taliaferro county, and about 60 years of age. No children survive him.

April 12, 1909
Augusta Chronicle
   Special to The Chronicle. Granite Hill, Ga., April 11. Miss Carrie S. Green, a student at the Tenth District Agricultural school, went to Sparta Saturday presumably to meet her father but met instead her fiance, Osman E. Ivey. After getting dinner at the hotel Mr. Ivey secured a marriage license and at 3 o'clock they were married by Rev. R. E. L. Harris at the Baptist parsonage in Sparta.
    The young lady is a daughter of J. E. Green of Carr's station, and Mr. Ivey is an employee of the Georgia State Sanitarium. The marriage was not expected by Miss Green's friends but it is not known whether or not her parents knew of it.

April 27, 1909
Atlanta Constitution
   A special instance of the application of this remedy is given by Mr. Duggan in a brief account of theCulverton Consolidated School of Hancock county. Here five schools, with a total of 128 pupils, have been consolidated into one, and four wagons are employed to bring in the pupils who formerly attended the other schools. Three teachers do more and better work because of consolidation and increased time for recitations in each grade, than was done by five under the old plant, while the cost, including four wagons and teams has been reduced from $238 to $218 per month. There has been no material change in the enrollment, and the average attendance is better than the aggregate for the five "one-teacher" schools.

May 5, 1909
The Macon Weekly Telegraph
Sparta, Ga., May 4 - Dr. Ambrose J. Avery, a prominent dentist, died here today. He leaves a wife, daughter and a son and large family connections. He had been in failing health some months and death was caused by progressive paralysis.

June 14 1909
Atlanta Constitution
W.M. Yarbrough, Sparta, Ga.
Sparta, Ga., June 13. (Special) Wiley M. Yarbrough, the receiver of Hancock county, and an ex-confederate soldier, died at his home last night, at the age of sixty-four years. He lost one leg at the charge at Gettysburg. He was a member of the Methodist church, and leaves a widow and four children. Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow.

June 19, 1909
Atlanta Constitution
16 Children Shocked By Bolt. Lightning Strikes Tree Near Sparta
During a Picnic at Martin's Springs a Storm Came Up. Little Ones Gathered Under Tree for Protection- None Seriously Hurt.
Sparta, Ga. June 18 (Special) There was a picnic yesterday at Martin's Spring, three miles in the country. In the afternoon a rain and thunder storm came up. Sixteen little children gathered under a large tree for protection. The lightning struck the tree and shocked every child more or less. None of them could walk, but some of them could crawl about on the ground. It has not proven fatal, so far; however, some of the children are in a serious condition.
  Many were strangely affected. On the bodies of some the tree was clearly photographed.

June 19, 1909
The Macon Daily Telegraph
Marriage at Sparta. Sparta, Ga, June 18 -Last evening Mr. George Morris and Miss Kate Louise Bass were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents.
  After the ceremony the bridal party repaired to the home of the bridegroom where a most delightful supper was served.
  It was strictly a home wedding. The bride is from an old Hancock family of antebellum days. The bridegroom is descended from a Hancock mother and a French father.
  Mr. Morris is industrious, sober and prosperous and any girl is counted fortunate who has captured him.

June 25, 1909
Atlanta Georgian and News
   Mr. and Mrs. John Morton Smith have issued cards announcing the marriage of their daughter, Maud, to Mr. George White, Jr., on Wednesday evening, June 25, 1909, Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. White and his bride will be at home in Sparta after July 15.

July 6, 1909
Union Recorder
  Mr. James J. Cade, of Texas, and Miss Pearl Baugh, of Hancock county, near Devereaux, were married at the residence of the bride's mother on the 27th of June. They left at once for their home in Texas. Mr. Cade is a large land owner, and a man of popular qualities. Miss Baugh is an old student of Milledgeville, and will be remembered by her many friends. She is one of Devereaux's most lovely girls as she is extremely youthful and pleasant and will be greatly missed. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. D. Echols, of the M. E. Church. A FRIEND.

July 13, 1909
Union Recorder
  Miss Hattie Ione Huff, of this county, and Mr. Olin Terry, of Hancock county were married at the home of the bride's grand-father, Mr. J. H. Huff,T. T. Smith, J. P., officiating. The bride is the only daughter of the late Mr. W. A. Huff, and has a large circle of friends. The groom is a young man who stands well in his community.

July 30, 1909
Atlanta Constitution
Judge Henry Harris.
Telegrams received in Atlanta yesterday announce the death at his home in Hancock county, near Sparta, of Judge Henry Harris. Judge Harris is surveyed by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. S.M. Park, of Atlanta, and Miss Martha Harris, of College Park, and one son, C.H. Harris, of Seattle. Judge Harris was about sixty-eight  years of age.

August 27, 1909
Milledgeville News
   ~excerpt~ Three deaths occured here within as many days during the past week, Saturday morning ex-sheriff C. E. Prosser, of Baldwin county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. T. H. Little, in Sparta. Mr. Prosser had been ill for sometime and his death was not unexpected.
  He was a Confederate soldier and for a number of years was sheriff of this county. he was sixty two years of age at the time of his death and leaves a wife and one daughter. The interment was in the city cemetery here, Rev. McRee officiating.

September 9, 1909
The Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. John L. Culver,aged 80 years, died Sunday morning last at an early hour at her home in Culverton, Ga., after a lingering illness.  Her husband, who survives here, was at one time a member of the Georgia senate, and has been a prominent citizen of Hancock county for many years. This excellent lady was well known and highly esteemed for beautiful and Christian-like character. She is survived by her husband and three children, Miss Anna Culver,Lewis E. Culver, both of Culverton, Ga. and Mrs. J. E. Kidd, of Milledgeville, Ga, besides eleven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

September, 1909
The Atlanta Constitution
   "Colonel Hugh Hall, my great-grandfather, who served with the North Carolina line, moved to Hancock County, and is buried near Sparta. I should judge that a number of people in that county can point out the place of his burial."

October 12, 1909
Union Recorder
Miss Dena Smith died last Friday at the home of her brother, Mr. Warren Smith, on North Jefferson street, after a long illness. Her remains were carried to Hancock county and buried in the old family cemetery. Miss Smith was known and loved by a large circle of friends.

October 25, 1909
Union Recorder
From Sparta Ishmaelite.
Sol Terrell, colored, for about twenty years a hotel porter for the Drummers' Home in Sparta dropped dead Sunday morning at about nine o'clock.

November 11, 1909
The Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. Mary Winslett. The funeral services of Mrs. Mary Winslett, who died Sunday night, will take place this morning at 8:30 o'clock from Greenberg, Bond & Bloomfield's chapel,  and the body will be sent to Granite Hill, Ga., for interment.

November 16, 1909
Union Recorder
Enoch Choice, a negro convict, who was convicted of murder in Hancock county eighteen years ago, was given his freedom Monday afternoon from the Baldwin County convict camp. He was sentenced for twenty years, but his term was reduced two years.

December 17, 1909
Milledgeville News
   The marriage of MissMable Bowen, of Jewell and Capt. James Millard Little was consummated Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock. Rev. Lamar Sims performed the ceremony and Mr. Allan Little, of Griffin, brother of the groom was best man with Miss Marion Bowen, sister of the bride as Maid of Honor. The attendants  were Misses Nettie Cone, of this city, Cliff Burks, of Fayetteville, and Lillian Jewell; Capt. Chas. C. Allen, aide de campe to Gen. Mills of the department of the gulf, Messrs. A. B. Little, of Charleston, brother of the groom; and Orlando Bowen, of Atlanta. The ushers were Messre. D. A. Jewell, Otto M. Conn, J. B. Codv and Dr. R. A. Cason.
  The wedding was at the Baptist church  and the decorations were exquisite in every detail. Immediately after the ceremony a reception was tendered the guests at the home of the bride's mother and the happy couple left on a southern journey on the first train and they will visit many Florida points and Cuba. They will be gone about a month. The number of presents served as index to the popularity of the bridal couple and they were of the most elegant type.
  Miss Bowen was one of the  best known and universally admired young ladies in the state and she will find a warm welcome here where she is already known to many. Capt. Little  is so well known  here that words would be useless. He is Captain in the United States Army and is at present Commandant at the G. M. C. Best wishes are extended the couple for a long and happy life.