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NEWSPAPER EXCERPTS
December 16, 1938 - July 21, 1939




The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  December 16, 1938

“Ike” Evans Dies of Injuries F. A. Evans of Marin died last Saturday night of injuries sustained in an automobile accident the night before.

While in route to Florence to witness a football game in the company of his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Evans and Mr. and Mrs. Davis, the car driven by Mr. Evans collided with one driven by Leon Gamble of Kingstree.  Gamble was killed instantly.  Mrs. Davis suffered serious back injuries.  he injured were taken to a Florence hospital.

Mr. Evan’s friends from his home town and from many other sections were shocked an saddened at the tragedy that took away the life of the genial young man.  His funeral was conducted by the Rev. Johnston, pastor of the Presbyterian church.  The floral offerings attested the esteem in which he was held.

He is survived by his widow and little daughter Alice Louise, and several brothers and sisters.  He was the so of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Evans of Marion.  He was widely and proximately connected.  Latta people knew and loved Ike and feel personal bereavement in his passing.  He once lived in our town.  The widow is the former Miss Louise Smith of Latta

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  December 16, 1938

On November 28th, Mrs. Ellen Watson Bass, who had almost reached the 86th year of her life was claimed in death.  She was the daughter of William Watson and Cherry Deere. She was born near Antioch Church on December 24, 1852.  At an early age she joined the Antioch Baptist Church and continued a member until her death.  She attended college at Murfeesboro, N. C.  The last forty years of her life were spent in Latta.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. LeRoy Leppard of Maxton, N. C. who had been a near neighbor and who had become a very close friend of the family.  By request the services which were held at Antioch Church was of the simplest nature.  Many friend and relatives from Marion and Dillon counties were present.

Surviving Mrs. Watson (Bass) are the following close relatives:
Joe M. Bass, Latta, S.C. and R. W. Bass, Columbia, sons;
Misses Cherry and Bernice Bass, Mrs. Herbert Bass Bethea, Latta, Miss Emma Bass and Mrs. Eunice Smith, Columbia, daughters; and Mrs. B. B. Sellers, Sellers, sister.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  January 6, 1939

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ellis on Christmas morning.

The stork visited Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Sellers, Jr. on Wednesday morning, January 4, and left a girl baby.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  January 6, 1939

Mrs. Cherry Bass died on pneumonia in McLeod's Infirmary in Florence late Tuesday night.  She had been ill for twelve days.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning at eleven o'clock at Antioch Church near Sellers.  The Rev. Warren Ariall officiated, assisted by Rev. L. D. Leppard of Maxton, N. C. and Rev. S. K. Phillps of Columbia.

Sh was a faithful and life long member of the Methodist church.  Altho she lived a quiet and reserved life, spending most of her time at home with her mother,
"Miss Cherry's" life was a beautiful one and her influence reached far.  Her sunny disposition will be missed by many friends. 

Miss Bass was the oldest daughter of Addison and Ellen Watson Bass.  The latter whom died only a month ago.

She is survived by the following brothers and sisters; Mrs. Maggie Bass Bethea, Miss Norma Bernice Bass and Joe M. Bass of Latta; Miss Emma Bass, Mrs. Eunice Bass Smith and R. W. Bass of Columbia.

Pall bearers were; T. J. Bass, Harry Sellers, Watson Sellers, H. H. Bass, Hoyt Watson of Florence and D. D. Watson of Burlington, N. C.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  January 6, 1939

Miss Bernice Lane and Mr. Robert Dixon James were married Monday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. McKay, of Temperance Hill. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Lane of Temperance but has made her home in Marion for the past few years.   Mr. James is the son of Mr. Julius B. James and is a  young business man of Marion.  They will make their home in Marion.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC, January 6, 1939

Mrs. Lula Foxworth Tartt, 66, widow of J. S. Tartt, of Andrews, died at Marion Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock after an illness of about six weeks at the home of her sister, Mrs. James R. Barham. 

Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Roy Phillips, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Marion were held at the Barham home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and left for Andrews after the ceremony where burial was in the family plot.

Surviving are three daughters; Mrs. Frank E. Rogers of Darlington, Mrs. Otto Matthis of Marion, and Mrs. James R. Barham of Marion and a son, J. I. Tartt of Florence; two sisters, Mrs. Eva Gaddy and Mrs. T. M. Bethea, and two brothers, Walter and George Foxworth of Latta;  Six grandchildren also survive.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  January 6, 1939

Mrs. Victoria M. Brown - Funeral services were held at two o'clock Friday, Dec. 29 for Mrs. E. L Brown, widow of Dr. E. L. Brown (who preceded her four months ago) at Harry's Funeral Home in Charlotte, N. C.  Rev. C. R. Patillo and Dr. Luther Little officiated and interment was in Oaklawn mausoleum.  Pallbearers were W. H. McLaurin, C. H. Knapp, W. W. Banks, Louis H. Ashbury, J. J. Pierce, Luke Castile, Lamar Dew and W. W. Burris.

She was visiting her son, Thedford G. Brown in Jacksonville when stricken on Dec. 19.  Her children was called to her bedside.  She was a charter member Eastern Star and U. D. C. chapter and being active in church affairs, she was loved by all who knew her and her life exemplified the near ideal Christian, the ideal mother and home maker.

We shall cherish her memory in our hearts with this thought:  "She is not dead, she is just away.  We will still think of her as just the same not dead, just gone away"

She is survived by her daughter Mrs. A. R. Edwards of Charlotte, N.C. two sons, George Brown of Louisville, KY and Thedford O Brown of Jacksonville, Fla, a grand daughter, Rosylin Edwards of Charlotte, N. C. and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. U. H. Patillo, Mrs. D. M. Dew, Miss Elizabeth Dew, Mrs. J. H. Tolar, Mrs.Flora Bennett, Mrs. W. J. Summerlin, Mrs. H. L. Kilpatrick, Mrs. H. H. Seymour attended the funeral of Mrs. E. L. Brown in Charlotte, NC.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  January 6, 1939

Rev. G. Emory Edwards, well know South Carolina minister died at the McLeod Infirmary at Florence at noon Tuesday, December 27. The news of this beloved pastor’s death brings sorrow to legions of friends in the county and state.

At the last conference Mr. Edwards was transferred to Cheraw after serving four years at Dillon. He had preached only one sermon at this new charge when he was stricken, and for four weeks he had been a patient at the Infirmary. Hope for his recovery was abandoned several days ago when he lapsed into unconsciousness. His passing removes on of the most outstanding member of the South Carolina Conference.

A son of David Samuel Edwards and Margaret Rebecca Carmichael Edwards, Mr. Edwards was born at Fork on November 16,1873. He spent his early life in Dillon county and attended the public schools. He was later educated at Hopewell academy and Wofford college. He graduated from the latter institution with an A. B. degree in 1899.

February 4, 1904, he was married to Miss Julia Hastings Moore of Greenville.

He taught in the Dothan school before entering the ministry. He was licensed to preach by the Marion district conference at Conway in May 1901. He had recently completed his 39th years in the Methodist conference.

Mr. Edwards was a member of the board of trustees of Columbia College. He was for ten years a member of the board of manager’s Pastors school and while secretary and treasure of the Christian education movement, he raised the sum of $221,000 for the Methodist colleges of South Carolina.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Julia Edwards, and four daughters, Mrs. W. J. Jones of St. Matthews, Mrs. H. L. Stoudemire of Mullins, Miss Florence Edwards of Cheraw and Miss Rebecca Edwards of Louisville, Ky. Surviving is also one grandchild Betty Jackson of St. Matthews, and two brothers and five sisters. S. J. Edwards, D. C. Edwards of Latta,; Mrs. C.F. Bass, Mrs. Kate Rogers, Miss Amanda Edwards all of Latta; Mrs. M. L. Caldwell of Lumberton, N. C., Mrs. C. L. Kilgore of Bishopville.

Funeral services were held at 3 0’clock Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church in Cheraw in charge of the Rev. Roy Phillips of Marion. Interment was at Dothan cemetery near Dillon.

Active pallbearers were his six nephews. The honorary pallbearers were the board of stewards of the Cheraw church and ministers from various sections of the state.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 3, 1939

Engagement party for Virginia Rogers and John Ed McQueen

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 3, 1939

Mr. and Mrs. Austin N. Edwards passed their 61st wedding anniversary last Monday.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 3, 1939

Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Holliday of Thomasville, N.C. announce the birth of a baby girl, Margaret Cyrette, born January 27.  Mrs. Holliday is the former Miss Margaret Bethea of Latta.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 10, 1939

W. K. Fore celebrated his 59th birthday Sunday.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 17, 1939

Mrs. Willie Ellen Fenegan, 55, died at the home of her son, Lanneau Fenegan in Mullins last Monday night.  She was the widow of Reedy W. Fenegan, who was the brother of T. W. Fenegan of Latta.

She was born in the Dothan community and was the daughter of the late Guss Ellen.  Surviving are two sons, Lanneau of Mullins and Reedy W. of Gaston, Ala.

Interment was at Riverside Cemetery at Dillon last Wednesday.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 17, 1939

On  Saturday afternoon, February 11, 1939, the soul of Benjamin Bethea Sellers entered into his eternal rest from his earthly home in Sellers.  He was born in Marion County, South Carolina, in the town of Sellers on February 13, 1874.  He was the son of the late John Calhoun Sellers and the late Maggie Mace Sellers.  On March 1, 1898 he was married to Miss Mary Norma Watson.

Mr. Sellers found his life work in the management of his farming interests, a field in which he was highly successful.  He was formerly mayor of his home town of Sellers.  He represented Marion county in the Legislature for three terms, 1907, 1814 and 1926.  The first time was before Marion county was divided and Dillon county was formed.  While in the Legislature he served on the Ways and Means Committee.  He served his church well: was a member of the Methodist Church of Sellers, was a Stewart and Trustee and at his death he was an honorary Steward and Trustee. About two years ago failing health caused him to give up his active work and he retired to live out his days in his home in Sellers.

He was very active in the affairs of his community and county.  He was loyal to the church he loved and served, sincerely attached to those who worked with him in his business and lovingly devoted to his family and kindred.  Ben, as he was called, was universally beloved by the citizens of his home community as well as by those of Marion County.  He was loved from the fact that he was a Christian gentleman. In an unassuming, but an equivocal manner he lived out the principles of the religion he professed and especially in his last years did he bear unfaltering testimony in the sustaining grace of his Lord in the uncomplaining acceptance of God's will through two years of unremitting suffering.  His life was indeed "a living epistle" and he was a constant inspiration to those who knew him and loved him.

Mr. Sellers early education was had in Pine Hill school in his home town.  He was graduated from Wofford College in 1895.  He taught school in the Hebron School in Williamsburg county the year 1896 and he taught one year at the Union school in Marion County (now Dillon County),  He was school trustee for a long time in Sellers district.

Surviving him are his faithful wife and companion, Mrs. Norma Sellers; three sons, Henry, Norton and Watson; and four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Edwards, Mrs. Ruth Sellers, Mrs. Celeste McGill and Mrs. Edwin Page, who rejoice in the memory of his triumphant Christian life.  Our loss is Heaven's gain.

His funeral was held from his late home at Sellers and he was buried at Dothan Cemetery beside loved ones who he loved and revered.  The services were under the direction of his pastor the Rev. E. Z. James, who was assisted by the Rev. Warren Ariall of the Latta Methodist Church, Rev. B. F. Allen, Pastor of the Baptist Church of Marion; Rev. F. J. Hay of the Dillon Presbyterian Church, and Rev C. P Coble, pastor of the Latta Presbyterian Church.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 17, 1939

Mr. Hal Oliver, 35, died last Monday at Siler City, N.C.  He was married to the youngest sister (Kathleen) of W. D. Sellers of Latta.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  February 17, 1939

Mr. Sylvester Pope, former resident of Latta, died in Florence last Wednesday.  He was 88 years of age.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 2, 1939

Friends of Mr. Henry C. Hayes extend their sympathy to him on the death of his daughter, Mrs. Annie Hayes Hendricks of Moultrie, GA.  Mrs. Hendricks died on February 23.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 2, 1939

Miss Marvel Bryant of Nichols, SC, formerly of Latta, and Mr. Theo Anderson of Fair Bluff were married.  Performed by The Judge of Probate, D. B. McIntyre, Marion, SC.  Miss Bryant is the daughter of Mrs. Omega Bryant of Latta, SC. Mr Anderson in the son of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Anderson of Fair Bluff. They will make their home in Fair Bluff, NC. (date of marriage was not given)

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 24, 1939

Dr. David Shepard Henry of Paris, KY, died last Sunday.  He was well known to everyone in Latta, having been a regular visitor to relatives and friends here. He was born June 6, 1873 and was 66 years old.  A graduate of the Dental school of Vanderbilt University.  He practiced dentistry until 1926, when he retired from that profession to enter the real estate business.  He also engaged in farming. 
Surviving are his widow and two married daughters, one brother, P. C. Henry of Latta; and three sisters, Mrs. E. A. Bethea of Latta, Mrs. S A. Alford of Chipley, Fla., and Mrs Thomas Phaff of Winston-Salem, N.C.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 24. 1939

Theodore Bethea Williams died of a heart ailment in a Richmond, Virginia hospital Saturday morning.  He had been in the hospital but two days.  His body was brought to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Williams of Latta Tuesday morning and was buried in Magnolia Cemetery at 11:00 o'clock.  Theo was 37 years old last February 17th and had been in Richmond for the past 20 years with the Kingham Packing Company. His frequent trips home kept contact with his many friends here.  Surviving are his parents, one sister, Miss Anna Margaret Williams, Converse college; four brothers , J. P. Williams, Cincinnati, Robert Williams, New York, Herbert Williams, Richmond and Joseph Williams of Latta.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 24, 1939

Oak Grove News:

Mr. and Mrs. M. Brigman announce the marriage of their daughter, Hattie Lou Cartrette to Raymond Rockholt.  The marriage took place February 25 in Chester. They will make their home in Catawba.

Mrs. M. B. Brigman celebrated her 63th birthday.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  March 31, 1939

Mr. and Mrs. Marion Parham are being congradulated on the birth of a baby boy, Thomas Clyde, at McLeod's.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  April 28, 1939

Miss Mary Edwards, formerly of Latta, and David Ashton Allen were married in Effingham last Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Allen was the daughter of Mr. Sam Edwards of near Latta for many years and now lives in Florence.  She is a graduate of Latta High School

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  May 5, 1939

The death of T. Leaholme Manning.  (not transcribed - transcription of his obituary from the Dillon Herald available by email <hbmoodu@bellsouth.net>

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  May 5, 1939

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bass attended the funeral of Mr. Bozard, father of Mrs. T. M. Berry

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  June 2, 1939

A large number of Latta people attended the funeral of Mr. Weatherly Bethea.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  June 16, 1939

Robert Johnson, son of Zeno and Beady Watson Johnson, 65, died May 21 at Latta.  Funeral services were held at the home, conducted by their pastor, Rev. W. G. Ariall on June 1.  Interment was at Lane cemetery, near Latta.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Leona Jackson and Mrs. Viola Jackson, one son Woodrow Johnson, two sisters, Miss Beady and Almira Johnson and a number of other relatives.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  June 30, 1939

The death of Percy Adams George.  (not transcribed - transcription of his obituary from the Dillon Herald available by email <hbmoodu@bellsouth.net>

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  June 30, 1939

Mr. James Thomas Coleman whose residence was in Charleston and who died there Monday morning is widely connected in Marion and Dillon counties. Connected by blood with the Stackhouses and Betheas and by marriage with the Braddys and Evanses.  His death brings sorrow to many.  Mr. Coleman was born in Marion 73 years ago.  He married Miss Sue Braddy who with one son Walker and two grandsons survive him.  Mr. Coleman was a graduate of the Citadel and later an instructor there.  He won honors as the best drilled cadet in the U. S. at the New Orleans Exposition.  His stately carriage remained with him till death.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  June 30, 1939

Mr. and Mrs. Myer Bristow Brigman announce the marriage of their daughter Mary Ella to Robert Foy Newkirk on Friday, the sixteenth of June, 1939 in Richmond, Va.  They will make their home in Richmond.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  July 7, 1939

Miss Mary Lieghton Bass and Mr. Jame Howard Van Hoy were married July 1, at the Latta Baptist Church.  She is the daughter of the late Luther C. and Julia Ballard Bass.  Mr. Hoy is a native of Winston-Salem, N.C.

The Latta Observer, Latta, SC,  July 21, 1939

A daughter, Florence Manning, was born to Dr. and Mrs. W. S. Bethea July 17 at McLeod's in Florence.

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