Imperial Bolivar 40
present time the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley eral important branches. The line from Mooi- Railroad operates 1,380 miles of line, of which head to Rulcville, built by another company 1148 miles are within the State of Missis in 1897, was acquired in July, 1900. This sippi This is 26 per cent of the total rail line was extended northward to Tutwiler and way mileage of the state. The combined mile- southward to Yazoo Junction, and through of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Rail service between the two points was inaugu road and the ’Illinois Central in Mississippi rated in September, 1904. Further additions consists of approximately 40 per cent of the and extensions have been made from time to aggregate railway mileage in the state. time to the main lines since then, until at the
METHODIST CHURCH. CLEVELAND Imperial Bolivar 41
Cleveland
The Metropolis of Bolivar County
LEVELAND, Bolivar County, Missis west, in Bolivar County, Mississippi, built a sippi, was founded by men of vision house and started farming. During the time C who dreamed of our present-day Im he wasn’t shooting deer and bear along the perial Bolivar and who set about the task of edge of his clearing he raised that famous building therein a capital city from which Bolivar County long staple cotton and shipped would radiate those lights that guide the it up the Mississippi River to Godfrey Frank forces and harmonize the interests of agricul & Co. of Memphis, Tenn. Along about the ture and commerce, business man and farmer. year 1884 a gang of section hands cut and The founders of the Metropolis of Imperial dug their way from Vicksburg straight up Bolivar were workers, and the wide-awake, the Delta, built a trestle across Jones Bayou progressive and cultured Cleveland that we two miles south of Col. Pcarman’s home, and know today—the child of their energies which when they had reached a point about oppo now has reached the urban dignity—is by far site his dwelling, stopped, threw up a small the most important city of its size to be found shack, called it a depot, and christened the in the Delta or any other section of Missis town Simms, although the postoffice was called sippi ; and the high eminence that she enjoys Fontaine. As soon as some steel was laid a today is appreciated best by those who have work train pulled up that far, the pay-car lived here, worked here, and seen here all that was set on a siding, and from that day until could be desired in the weaving of strong now this point has been a railroad division social and economic fabrics. Cleveland at and the more than three hundred railroad tracts those that seek metropolitan advan men now employed here get their pay at the tages in a town of three thousand people. same place where first stood the depot shack. This is no idle statement; it is a truthful Immediately opposite the coal chute and wa statement that, can and will be substantiated tering tank, Col. T. B. Johnson, who is today by an accurate portrayal of the character of one of Cleveland’s most prominent citizens her citizenry, and a true picture of the insti and business men, erected a small frame store, tutions wrought by their hands. and thus was born what is now known as Cleveland. Three or four years later the Early Cleveland Delta’s greatest philanthropist, W. A. Dock In the year 1869, Mr. W. L. Pearnian, who ery, settled in Cleveland and lived here seven passed to his reward only a few months ago, or eight years, but finally settled five or six made a clearing on the bank of Jones Bayou miles east of Cleveland on the Sunflower in the northwest corner of the northwest River, where he now lives. In 1886 Cleve quarter of Section 21, Township 22, Range 5 land was incorporated, and from this date
MAIN STREET, CLEVELAND 42 Imperial Bolivar until 1901 her progress was hardly up to the Ideally Located expectations of her founders. From 1900 until today, 1923, Cleveland’s growth may be The town of Cleveland is ideally located as well divided into three distinct periods. a center of business, social and educational life. It is 114 miles south of Memphis and Court House Erected about the same distance north of Vicksburg, lying in the heart of the richest region on In 1901 the court house was erected on the earth, on the main line of the Y. & M. V. square donated by Mr. W. L. Pearman. Dur Railroad. Lying midway between Memphis ing the years immediately following, Cleve and Vicksburg, two of the most important land’s population was more than trebled. railroad terminals in the South, it is natural Cleveland became the center of Bolivar Coun that Cleveland should enjoy the privileges of ty and by far the most important town be a railroad division point, which advantage tween Clarksdale and Greenville, New cannot bo over-estimated. Cleveland also lies churches were built; brick stores stood where midway between Clarksdale and Greenville, frame dwellings served before; the school and is by far the largest town and most im building was enlarged. Cleveland was coming portant business center in the territory lying into her own. But it was not until 1910, when between the capitals of Coahoma, on the she assumed the proportions of a thriving north, and Washington, on the south. In this little city, that the steady, uninterrupted connection it might be mentioned that in post- march began. Though she suffered a common office receipts, bank clearings, cotton receipts setback in 1914, along with other agricul and gross business clearings, Cleveland stands tural communities, her resourcefulness in the fourth in a list of real thriving, busy cities years that followed the outbreak of the Euro of the Delta. Cleveland is surpassed by only pean catastrophe laid a stronger foundation three cities—Clarksdale, Greenwood and for the years to come. Cleveland’s growth Greenville—and the smallest of these Delta since 1917 has been phenomenal, and the towns that outranks Cleveland in this respect gratifying thing about it all is that her pros has a population four times as great as our perity is a stable thing, an enduring strength. own. Cleveland is geographically the center Should one who left Cleveland in 1917 re of the great Yazoo and Mississippi Delta, and turn today he would not recognize his old its trade territory is by far the largest and home from its physical aspects. Cleveland’s richest section of Mississippi that any one population has doubled since that time, and town can command. Cleveland’s location the residential sections of the town have been makes it the logical educational center of the extended to include land taken up by cotton Delta, and with the establishment of the seven years ago. And today no town in the Delta Normal here next year, she will assume South can look forward with more assurance her proper place in that sphere. Cleveland’s to an unprecedented growth and development. natural advantages are most evident to those
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COUNTY COURT HOUSE' AT CLEVELAND, IN COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION Imperial Bolivar 43 who understand the fertility of the Delta soil cant fact, reflecting the character of the citi and the stability of the Delta prosperity. zenry and giving a fair indication of the Bear in mind that Bolivar County produces social and educational standards of the com more cotton, and of a far better grade and munity. Cleveland is the home of cultured, staple, than all of the counties south of the refined and enterprising people, who are here A. & V. Railroad in Mississippi combined. By to build for their children and their children’s reference to your map you will find that the children. How well they have budded is at A. & V. Road, running from Vicksburg to tested in the edifices of worship that adorn Meridian, divides the state into practically her beauty and in the magnificence of her two equal parts. In a word, Bolivar County, school, which is, by the way, the largest con of which Cleveland is the most important and solidated school in the world, according to largest city, produces as much cotton as prac the state superintendent of education. Hon. tically half of the entire state. Bolivar Coun W. F. Bond. ty is largest in ai;ea, largest in population, and largest in assessed valuation in the state. Sciiools Great and promising indeed must be the fu The Cleveland Consolidated School District, ture of her metropolis! Her growth is and which embraces the town of Cleveland and will continue to be the natural development the territory within a five-mile radius, boasts of a town so ideally situated, supplemented of a school system, building, equipment and by the untiring energy and enterprise of those attendance without an equal anywhere. The who are directing her energies to a bigger, magnificent Cleveland Consolidated School better and brighter eminence among the im building, an illustration of which appears portant cities of the state. elsewhere, was built at a cost of $200,000 two years ago and is a useful and enduring monu Cultural Advantages ment to the high appreciation of cultural Cleveland has always taken pride in her values by those who had her destinies in hand. churches, schools, women’s clubs and other The school, like other schools in the county, civic institutions, because her citizens know was built for the future, and while the enroll that without these things to inspire and di ment today is far greater than that of any rect, no prosperity can endure and no real other consolidated high school in the state, it happiness nor community spirit can be nour is steadily increasing, and the physical equip ished to its highest fulfillment. There are ment will, if necessary, take care of 1,500 more college graduates in the town of Cleve students. The present enrollment is about land than in any other town of like size in 1,000 and is growing larger each month. the country, with the exception of university The Cleveland High School is on the ac centers, where the population is altogether credited list of Southern schools and her grad made up of academic folks. This is a signifi- uates may enter the freshman class of any
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CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL ) ■
I 44 I Imperial Bolivar ; : I i Imperial Bolivar 45 land the office seeks the man, and they arc have the best paved town in the state; a rea accustomed here to calling the best. sonable contract with the public utilities cor Cleveland’s progress in the intimate mu poration, privately owned, for the supplying nicipal affairs started several years ago under of light and power; and capable and honest the administrations of Messrs. Todd and law-enforcing officers. In municipal affairs, Clark, and has continued through the three as in other movements, the success achieved administrations that followed. Under Mayor has been made possible through harmonious, Benefiel the waterworks were brought up to unselfish co-operation of every citizen and in their present standard of efficiency and gravel terest. streets were laid. It was also during his term Cleveland’s official family is composed of ■ that the volunteer fire department, which has Hon. J. J. Houston, mayor; aldermen, R. B. reduced fire insurance rates 20%. was organ Johnson, prominent hardware merchant and 1 ized. Under his successors, Hon. L. Q. Strong, bank director; Jno. T. Davis, planter and : prominent and enterprising insurance man, automobile dealer; W. G. Lowery, a progres . and Hon. J. J. Houston, retired planter and sive and successful young merchant; W. T. : successful business man, the town made its Winston, president of the Cotton Exchange i greatest strides, because they were capable Bank and extensive planter; and Dr. W. T. - leaders and the people were ready for pro Townsend, one of the most prominent men in gressive improvements. We now have six his profession in the state; Hon. L. M. miles of asphalt streets, every street in the Guynes, planter and successful business man, town being paved with an asphalt substance city clerk; G. II. Ingraham, marshal; and guaranteed for a period of twenty years; the J. L. Mathews, night marshal. This admin volunteer fire department has been brought istration, which assumed the direction of up to the highest standard of efficiency; we affairs last January, is working in absolute . ! MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN. CLEVELAND Top Row—(Left to Right)—Dr. W. T. Townsend, W. G. Lowery. W. T. Winston, Aldermen. Center Row—L. M. Guynes, City Clerk; John T. Davis. Alderman. Bottom Row—City Marshal Ingram; J. J. Houston. Mayor; R. B. Johnson. Alderman. 46 Imperial Bolivar J. L. SMITH ■ »! COUNTY SUPERVISORS I.. E. EDWARDS V. W. THOMAS harmony with one another and with every through the efforts of Hon. R. N. Somerville, other civic interest to the building of a is contributing its support to every commu Greater Cleveland. nity undertaking, and is taking its proper place among similar organizations in the Civic Bodies South. At the last district convention of the It is a characteristic and significant thing International Association, Cleveland, although about Cleveland that every organization of the youngest member, sent a 100% delega men and women throws itself into the service tion, thereby winning the silver trophy of of the community, and consequently there are fered for the largest percentage of member a number of organizations here that go be ship in attendance at the gathering. The yond the usually circumscribed limits of such club, while new, is headed toward useful serv institutions in their desire to serve and the ice and therein it cannot fail. work they accomplish for the common welfare. The American Legion has a post here named The volunteer fire company has been some in honor of a Bolivar County boy, Glen Cros thing more than a fire-fighting machine. It is by, who gave his all in 1918. This association serving a needed place in the social relation, of war veterans, under the capable direction the city providing it with commodious club of Commander D. C. Roby, is co-operating rooms which makes it the social and civic with other agencies, such as the Rotary and center of the community. And in this con the Firemen’s Clubs. nection we should give credit to whom it is The Pa rent-Teacher Association, an organi due in mentioning the name of C. C. Thweatt, zation of teachers and patrons of the local who has served as chief of the department for school, has done splendid work in its field and four years, and without whose work and en has brought home and school into a closer thusiasm it could not have filled its high pur union and understanding. pose in the social and civic relation. There are a number of women’s clubs, re The Rotary Club, recently organized ligious, purely social and literary, which ap- Imperial Bolivar 47 peal to refined, cultured and earnest women, hotels and three restaurants are necessary to and those clubs, democratic in their member care for the trade that comes here, and two ship, are no mean asset to the community wholesale grocery establishments are in a where the social amenities are observed as flourishing condition. There are four drug becomes Southern traditions. stores, two large department stores, a bakery, and a picture show that is the source of much Commercial Advantages pride to the citizens. Practically every busi Cleveland is so situated that she enjoys ness is represented here, including three hard good business throughout the year. The rail ware stores, lumber and brick yards, two road payroll here, which will soon be enor newspapers, five garages and automobile sales mously increased by the building of division organizations, two well-equipped barbershops, shops in Cleveland, and the fact that a num a first-class jewelry establishment, a number ber of planters in the immediate territory of dry goods, grocery and variety stores. furnish cash, rather than supplies, to farm Cleveland’s gross business is far in excess labor, brings a fairer balance of trade between of that of any other town of its size in the retailer and wholesaler, and for that reason state, and counts among her professional men practically every business house in town is in outstanding leaders of the state in law and a prosperous condition. medicine. There are two banks here, each capitalized Health Conditions at $100,000, with creditable surplus, which institutions take care of the interests of the During the year 1921, under the direction business men and planters of the trade ter and in co-operation with U. S. 'Government ritory. The Bolivar Compress, one of the sanitary engineers, Cleveland waged a war largest in the Delta, is located at Cleveland against the Delta’s most worrisome pest, the and is owned by local capital. There are mosquito, and whipped him to a frazzle. It about ten cotton firms, which keep their of cost the town something like $2,500 and the fices open throughout the year, and the dis Government a like sum, but Cleveland was trict office of the Long Staple Cotton Grow rid of mosquitoes for the first time in its his ers’ Association is located at Cleveland. Two tory. Provision has been made for the con- VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. CLEVELAND 48 Imperial Bolivar tmualion of this work, which eliminates al mills and is about as low as any town in the most entirely the danger from malaria, The state, and its bonded indebtedness is com cases of malaria in the community dropped paratively small. 75% in 1921, and this affliction is the excep Cleveland Has Arrived tion rather than the common malady in Boli var County today. Cleveland is drained by Cleveland was once the coming town of the Jones Bayou, which was only recently dredged Delta; she is no longer coming, she has ar and which will soon be covered with concrete rived. She has reached an eminence far be culvert. The death rate here is far below the yond her original hopes, and, as stated before, average and health conditions are all that she is the fourth most important town in the could be desired. Bolivar County maintains Delta, yielding only to Greenwood, Clarksdale here, in conjunction with the city, a health and Greenville. There are more white farm clinic which in its appointments and efficiency ers in the immediate vicinity of Cleveland can, if necessary, serve as a hospital. A hos than in any other section of the Delta, and pital capable of taking care of the needs of more are coming every day. Next year Cleve the county is being planned here and will be land will exert every effort to have estab erected during the coming year. lished here a state normal college, being ready Cleveland has a modern light and power now to offer to the state the buildings and plant giving service twenty-four hours each grounds of the Agricultural High School, and day, an ice plant, a steam laundry and three the county and city will also contribute to the cotton gins. A local building and loan asso financial support of the college. Cleveland, ciation is well capitalized and takes care of the metropolis of Bolivar County, extends a the need created by the town’s unprecedented welcome to those who seek the rewards of expansion. natural opportunities, applied energy and Cleveland’s municipal tax levy is only 12 broad culture. ! i. ";v: 1! -.V i \ ■ , am ! - - -.■«*s3 C. R. SMITH S RESIDENCE, CLEVELAND v Imperial Bolivar 49 - = i i •V LJ i feiJence y Dr W.T.Towrweiul ■ • Vresbulenan Church h ^ Cleveland r -JT/ ! 1 111 HI ii :: ! I i i ....:------id !! ED B. HILL lishment of a Cleveland Building & Loan As sociation, whereby those with small means ■ Among those who have played an impor might be enabled to build or buy a home. in tant part in the progress and development of The establishment of an Agricultural High ill Bolivar County may be mentioned the name School for the county was another project in of Ed B. Hill, a pioneer merchant and lead which he was deeply interested; in fact, he :l-; ing spirit in all public enterprises. Mr. Hill was a prime mover in all things pertaining established the first department store in the to the betterment of the community and ii county and with a motto of “Large Sales and county, always prompted by a spirit of un :: Small Profits/’ placed the necessities of life selfishness. : within reach of all. Perhaps no man in the Mr. Hill was a celebrity as a chess player, . Delta ever dispensed more charity, but so being at one time champion of three states, ! quiet and modest was he when making gen and winning many trophies for his skill in ii erous gifts that even his most intimate friends the royal game. His untimely death in De it were often unaware of his many charitable cember, 1915, cast a gloom over this entire - acts. He was especially active in the estab- territory, as in it the county lost one of her I = 50 Imperial Bolivar tt•'ll leading citizens whose activities among men his clear-focussed inspiration. He was largely meant much toward the shaping and making responsible for the location at Cleveland of of our Imperial Bolivar. the Bolivar County Agricultural High School and formed the stock company that bought WM. G. HARDEE land and incorporated it in Cleveland as the College Heights Addition. William Guy Hardee, a pioneer in the de Mr. Hardee’s efforts along home-building velopment of Bolivar County and more espe lines bore remarkable fruit. By erecting cially Cleveland, was born at Lowryville, dwelling houses and selling these to young Chester County, South Carolina, on May 18, married couples on exceptionally small pay 1878. In 1904 he migrated to Bolivar Coun ments, he enabled struggling young citizens ty, where he entered the employ of Charles to secure homes at a monthly expenditure f Scott, an eminent barrister, and while thus little more than equivalent to rental. To fur engaged studied law under this able scholar. ther stimulate young people in the acquisi In 1907 Mr. Hardee was admitted to the tion and ownership of their homes he organ bar and moved to Cleveland, associating him ized in 1914 the Cleveland Building & Lioan self with the firm of Moore & Clark. Upon Association, which he served as president and the death of the latter he became a member general manager until his death. The ma of the firm of Moore, Jones & Hardee. Mr. terial results of this Association were nearly Jones’ retirement left Messrs. Hardee and one hundred new homes built or acquired, Moore as partners until the death of Senator while the actual return to the municipality : ' ; Moore, after which Mr. Hardee continued his may only be reckoned in terms of value de practice alone and soon built one of the most rived from the type of citizenry who own * lucrative law businesses in the state. their homes. He became the husband of Miss Eugenia Mr. Hardee’s achievement as a public offi Dixon in 1909. This union was blessed with cial was by no means mediocre. Elected one :<; i one daughter, Virginia Guy Hardee, who now term as mayor of Cleveland, our splendid . resides in Cleveland with her mother, Mrs. outlay of concrete sidewalks and the present • Eugenia Dixon Townsend. system of water and sewer mains arc results Far-sighted and broad-visioned, Mr. Hardee of his capable administration. Besides his was ever a leader in enterprise and improve partieipance in local affairs, Mr. Hardee ment, not for personal gain only, but for evinced a lively interest in county and state public utility as well. In him may be found politics. At the time of his death he was the source of numerous movements beneficial attorney for the Board of Supervisors of Boli to his home town, and the healthy growth of var County, a position which he had held for Cleveland in recent years should in large several years prior thereto in a highly satis measure justly be accorded the outcome of factory manner. f j i' ! 3 i;; ! I i; Imperial Bolivar 51 Rosedale County Site of the First Judicial District OSEDALE, for years the center-of the was left outside of the levee line, which neces County, retains more of the romance sitated the removal of the county site to some R social and business life of Bolivar point within the new levee district. A point and grandeur of ante-bellum days than any about the center of the county, where the other town in the Mississippi Delta. The present town of Beulah now stands, was se I history of the county’s progress may be read lected. When the radicals and carpet-baggers in the gradual and wholesome development of got control of the county they concluded to Rosedale. The social standards of Bolivar remove the seat of government to some point County find their strength and inspiration in on the river. J. H. Fields, who had recently ji Rosedale’s loyalty to the ideals and traditions moved from Columbus to Bolivar County, had of the Old South, and therein lies her effec built a two-story residence on the courthouse i! tive and lasting appeal to those who cannot site in the present town of Rosedale. Florry, forsake the standards of the earlier days for the leading carpet-bagger, entered into a ne the “new” in the social relation. And a peo gotiation with Fields for the purchase of his I! ple thus determined in their fidelity to the residence for a courthouse. This was done things they know to be good are always the secretly, arrangements satisfactory with Flor first to seize the new, if progress and improve ry having been made, in which he secured a I ment are her handmaidens. number of lots in the town of Rosedale. He This, perhaps more than anything else, re surreptitiously secured the passage of a bill veals the charm and appeal of a town like by the Legislature of 1870, removing the ! Rosedale to an understanding and apprecia courthouse from Beulah to its present site, naming the new town Florryville, in honor of H tive people. She remains steadfast to her j faith in the social standards of yesterday, yet the radical who engineered the project. in industry, agriculture and business she is The first intimation that the people of Beu I first to sense the need and grasp the oppor lah had of the change came when they woke tunities offered in the progressive methods of one morning to find that all of the records of today. Rosedale is, above everything else, a the county had been moved in the night to i: town of personality, which has wielded a the new county site of Florryville. The new strong and wholesome influence over the county seat was located in a mudhole, a fit f Delta, as well as the broad limits of her own emblem of its sponsors. The streets were i! county. either dusty or muddy the year ’round. Its : Historical leading radical citizens were characteristically ; rotten, and all of her officials were habitually : It is said that a man’s personality repre drunk. B. K. Bruce, the negro sheriff, was ! sents the best that he has made of himself, quite a respectable citizen compared with his ! and so it is with a community or a town. A associates. In 1874 Bruce was elected to the \l man of unusual personality inspires study United States Senate, and on the overthrow and contemplation. We would know whence of the carpet-bag rule in 1876 the Legislature he came and how he grew to such manly pro changed the. name of the town from Florry- •• portions. Let us then, for a moment, turn villc to Rosedale. / our thoughts to the early Rosedale, that we may appreciate the strong foundation upon In 1877 the courthouse was burned and the !• departing carpet-baggers were strongly sus which the superstructure has been built. fi pected of burning it in order to destroy evi ;i Early Days dence of their rascality. The courthouse was rebuilt by the insurance company which held The Federate burned the town of Prentiss the policy on the building. In 1889 this old : in the summer of 1862, destroying every courthouse was sold for a town hall and re building, the courthouse and jail included. moved to an adjoining lot, and a commodious In 1S65, in establishing the levee system of brick building was built in its stead. This ; the Mississippi Levee District, Indian Point, building was recently condemned and a new the territory in which Prentiss was situated, court house is now in course of construction - 1 ; = h 52 Imperial Bolivar on the same old site where first was built the ciation of the finer things of life is inter- residence of J. H. Fields. m-eted in the useful monuments they erect. The first homes of the town were built byT \ ^Rosedale has a new consolidated high school, Judge Benj. F. Trimble. Col. F. M. Mont ''being built three years ago at an approximate gomery and John L. Gill. These residences cost of over $100,000. It is of Spanish Mis are now standing and they are the only build sion design and modern in every detail of ings of the early period remaining. Hon. its equipment. It may well be said that the Chas. Scott built a palatial home a few years architect conceived the beautiful and the later, but it was destroyed by fire. builder ha.s builded well, for there is not a more imposing and attractive school building The Builders in the entire state that can surpass it in The Rosedale of today symbolizes the char efficiency of plan and beauty. It is a source acter of the men who overthrew the carpet of pride to the patrons of the Rosedale Con bagger and placed in his stead a standard of solidated School that within those walls is a living and community spirit excelled nowhere corps of trained and efficient teachers which under the sun. Her builders were men of has brought the academic standards up to the character and they buildcd the “Town With requirements of Southern schools and col a Personality.” Hon. Chas. Scott, Governor leges. A graduate of Rosedale High School Charles Clark and his son of the same name, may matriculate in any of the leading col Walter Sillers, Colonel Montgomery, General leges and universities of the South without Nugent and others of equal prominence and examination, which fact attests the high strength of character—these are the men who standard of efficiency in scholarship pursued The laid the foundations of a good town, whose throughout the several courses offered, people have ever maintained the high stand school boasted of an enrollment of 250 during ards set by their distinguished forebears. the academic year 1922-1923, but the trustees of the school district have buildcd for the The Rosedale of Today future and their school equipment can well nJ take care/ of, comfortably, as many as 750 The Rosedale of today is the fruit of that students./ genius, nourished and strengthened by the influence of men of energy, industry and On tlYe campus there is a well-equipped vision. Rosedale is a progressive town of the playground with up-to-date features, which is highest order. Its wide paved streets, shaded utilized throughout the summer as well as : in the residential districts by overhanging during the scholastic year. During the sum oaks and elms that line the avenue, with a mer months it is the civic center of the com background of the beautiful colonial architec munity. ture, yield a refreshing Southern touch that finds perfect expression in the social life of V Five denominations are represented by the town. 1 churches at Rosedale. Four of them—the Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic— Rosedale nas a population of 2.500 and is have splendid edifices, while the Presbyterian one of the two largest towns in the county. Church is now under course of construction. It is the county site of the First Judicial Each has a large and representative member District, which, together with its favorable ship, for the community, as suggested before, location, makes it the natural business center is composed of church-going men and women, of the Riverside district. A modern court and the perfect harmony and co-operation house costing $100,000 is now being erected among the citizens in religious work is but to care for the needs of the people of the another indication of the high quality of that Second District. It is an architectural beauty citizenship. / and will add greatly to the attractiveness of the town. It will be completed about January Rosedale is the home of the only hospital 1, 1924, in time for the inauguration of the in the county, the King’s Daughters main new county officers taining here a commodious and modern sani Schools aJd Churches tarium. Its supervision is in the hands of capable men and women and it is a model There is nothing that reflects the character institution of its kind. In addition to the of a people more truthfully than her schools King’s Daughters’ Hospital, there arc two and churches. A community that gives gen private hospitals, owned and conducted by erously to these institutions reflects not only Drs. Austin and Noble, respectively, both of the prosperity of its people, but their appre- whom rank high in their profession. — / ** M x : ■o~- : Alex Scoti's esiaence 11 i I. ■ W.F. Walls l^si ■ i: school - l^xsedale ! ; ;? ! i l; : ' ;•: ' : • I; 1 . 1 . ill m.. i I : a I 54 Imperial Bolivar Business Opportunities tically new, its architecture (colonial) is in AYe have spoken of Rosedale’s civic and harmony with the finest private homes. social institutions as reflecting the spirit of Town Government and Public Utilities your neighbors should you go there, so let us for a moment study the “Town With a Per In this day of government regulation, mu sonality” from a practical or material stand nicipal improvements and necessity for public point. J utilities, the administering of the public af As we have stated elsewhere, B olivar Coun- fairs of a growing town, where business suf ty produces more long staple cotton than any fers for the want of man-power, where the ' other county in the world. Her production people are progressive yet business-like, and for the year 1922 was 97,000 bales, 25,000 of where the social and civic standards are so which were handled through Rosedale. It has high as to require the best that is obtainable, been conservatively estimated that Rosedale’s it is refreshing, illuminating and encouraging gross business for the year 1922 amounted to to turn to Rosedale and there find a model two and one-half million dollars—an almost system, supplemented by conscientious and fabulous figure when placed along the records capable officials, for administering the affairs of most any town of like size in the country. of a growing municipality. Rosedale’s pre-eminence along commercial Rosedale\s progress along this line has been lines may be attributed to a number of advan most noteworthy during the past ten years. tages, natural and otherwise. Rosedale is sit Twelve years ago, through indifference rather uated on the Mississippi River and the water than incompetence, her municipal interests traffic is growing increasingly large. Her ad were not receiving their deserved attention. vantageous freight rates, 25% less than any The town levy was unreasonably high and \ other town in the section, attract many cus her public utilities, such as they were, were tomers and dollars. She is in the very center not functioning in keeping with their reve of the finest staple cotton country in the world nues. It was at this time that Hon. J. L. and her immediate trade territory extends To Wilson, cashier of the Valley Bank, was pre a radius of ten miles, thus good trade and vailed upon to accept the office of mayor, and business is sustained throughout the year, it is due to his untiring efforts and the co even during what is commonly known as the operation of every citizen, which he easily dull season. Rosedale is the largest fresh enlisted, that the program for municipal im water fish market in the country, which in provements was successfully engineered. To dustry contributes no mean portion to the day Rosedale owns her own waterworks and ; general prosperity, of the section. electric light plant, having an appraised value j Rosedale has three banks, capitalized at of $30,000, which utilities serve not only those $100,000 each, which take care of the needs who reside within the corporate limits, but : of the planters, merchants and their patrons the entire surrounding country as well. The generally throughout their trade territory. city also owns and operates the municipal ice Their aggregate deposits total over $3,000,000, plant. The total bonded indebtedness of the 1 and in considering these figures it will be well town of Rosedale is only $20,000, and in re to bear in mind that there are fifteen other turn the people have a. complete system of banks in Bolivar County, if the reader is to gravel and oiled streets, concrete sidewalks on properly appreciate the volume of business every avenue, and the public utilities, which transacted during the year in this Town of constitute the real pride of those into whose Romance. A wholesale grocery here has an hands fell the task of running the town’s busi annual turnover of approximately a million ness along the lines pursued in their own. dollars, and there are any number of thriving The town levy has been reduced to the mini mercantile establishments, such as drug stores, mum, 10 mills, with a prospect for a good clothing houses, hardware stores, a bakery, surplus at the end of the year. dry goods establishments, two restaurants and Hon. J. L. Wilson, prominent banker and a splendid hotel. The Bolivar County Demo planter, is mayor, which office he has held crat, ably edited by Mr. A. D. Linnell, is for the past ten years. The Board of Aider- published here and will soon celebrate its men is composed of Messrs. E. R. Chaney, fiftieth anniversary of service to the commu A. R. Shat tuck, J. E. D at tel and L. P. Joest, nity. Rosedale’s hotel facilities compare all of whom are prominent in the business favorably with those of much larger towns, and social life of the community. Miss Lou her main hostelry being housed in a large ise Chaney is the very capable city clerk. An and beautiful brick structure. Though prac- interesting and refreshing fact to be noted in Imperial Bolivar 55 the services of the above named officials is and live where standards are high and busi I that none receives any salary for performing ness good all the year ’round. Her door is his or her duties. It is this spirit that has wide open to those who seek enlightenment ;r built Rosedale, and it is just that land of co and success and the finer things of life that operation that is going to make her bigger, accompany them. She joins the other towns »f better and brighter in every business and in the county in inviting to this rich alluvial social relation. land, where energy, intelligence and applica i Rosedale and Tomorrow tion will yield richer returns than anywhere Rosedale, the “Town With a Personality,” else on the globe. Rosedale, the “Town With is not only full of achievement, but great a Personality,” the home of builders, seeks promise. She welcomes those who would come more builders for the future. l . ■ i < ; Honorable Charles Scott Lawyer, Planter, Gentleman III :[ i In Charles Scott, Bolivar County has given kindly, and tasks stern enough to harden the to Mississippi a name that is honored wher softest of natures never diminished the gen ever it is read or spoken, within the confines tleness and kindliness that were distinguish- HI of the state or beyond, as illustrating the it i power of genius, joined with character, in private station, to attain an eminence that no public office could enhance or adorn. He was a typical product of the civilization of : the Old South, which, despite its defects, pro duced the highest type of manhood that his h: ; tory has given to the world, measured by the : standards that are universally accepted in fixing the stature of men in the human and divine relation; men distinguished for cour age, for honor, for fortitude, for reverence and for usefulness. ! The Civil War brought out many examples of these qualities, but they shone most re splendent in the struggles of reconstruction, where a civilization, builded out of the strug gle and sacrifice of generations of white men, was menaced by a black horde, recently emerged, through servitude, from barbarism, led by a rapacious venality inspired by hate. Charles Scott became a leader of men in this epochal struggle and retained that cap taincy during all the subsequent work of re habilitation and rebuilding of the social and U material structure of the land that he loved. CHARLES SCOTT. ROSEDALE His genius was peculiarly constructive, and his conduct and counsel in every crisis were ing characteristics of his social and personal marked by a rare wisdom combined with a relations. Nothing seemed ever to check the steadfast courage. Always earnest and pur flow of the milk of human kindness that en \H poseful, never relaxing effort in pursuit of riched his nature; strong, brave, brilliant and any end, his temper was always even and overwhelming in conflict, in the pleasant Ii I . \m : 56 Imperial Bolivar paths of peace, which he loved, he was the of their property to secure funds to pay each gentlest of men. Men followed where he led, depositor in full, although neither was legally because they trusted him and loved him. liable for these losses. Fifteen years before his death, Mr. Scott, In 1907, Mr. Scott became a candidate for then the largest individual cotton planter in governor, urged to this step by leading men the world, foresaw what is now universally in every part of the state. In no sense a recognized—that the hope of the Delta lay in politician, his candidacy appealed to the pa the breaking up of the big plantations into triotic and forward-looking men of every small farms and the encouragement of indus county, and while defeated for the nomina trious and intelligent white farmers to enter tion by a narrow margin, he had reason to in and possess them, either as tenants or be very proud of the character of the men owners, and devoted the last years of his life whose support he enlisted, leaders of every to the advocacy of this change in the agricul faction espousing his cause, and wherever he tural system of Bolivar County, now being went upon this canvass he received an ova rapidly accomplished, tion. The politicians defeated him, but his • Born in Jackson, Miss., in 1846, the son of fame outlives theirs. Chancellor Charles Scott of the Supreme Much of Mr. Scott’s time, means and tal Court of Chancery, Charles Scott came of ents were devoted to the work of enlisting distinguished colonial and revolutionary stock, Federal co-operation in the building and his great-grandfather being a major in the maintenance of the levees, and the secure pro revolutionary army and subsequently was ap tection that the Delta enjoys today against pointed marshal of Virginia by Thomas Jef overflow is largely due to his endeavors in ferson. A great-uncle was a brigadier-general this behalf. in the same army, and afterwards became Giving his later years exclusively to his governor of Kentucky. planting interests, he became the largest indi At the age of fifteen Charles Scott enlisted vidual cotton planter in the world. His vast in the Confederate army, joining Forrest’s estate is still kept intact and is being devel cavalry, and was with that famous command oped by his son, Alex Y. Scott of hosed ale, in all of its extraordinary military achieve who inherits his father’s genius for big ments. Returning home, penniless, from the undertakings. war, he found such employment as he could, Mr. Scott was a man of strong religious running as express agent for a time and conviction, and the Episcopal Church at teaching school, while he read law in the of Roscdalc is one of the monuments that endure fice of Judge William Yerger at Rosedale. to his memory in the social economy of Boli Admitted to the bar, he speedily came to the var County. front and gained recognition as a profound A year or two previous to his death, which lawyer and able advocate. As his practice occurred in Memphis at the home of his became more lucrative, he engaged in cotton daughter, Mrs. Max Henning, September 16, planting and became a leader of his people 1916, Mr. Scott went on a hunting expedition in the work of rehabilitation incident to the in Alaska, taking with him a skilled taxi post-bellum period. He became president of dermist, and the fruits of that chase adorn a bank at Rosedale, but had nothing to do his beautiful home in Roscdalc—one of the with its active management. When the bank finest collections of skins of wild animals to failed, he and his devoted wife mortgaged all be found in the United States. Imperial Bolivar 57 J. Merigold By Frank Wynne r ERIGOLD is on the main line of the cent of the population supplied the table with Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad, squirrels, wild turkey, ’possums and other I M 107 miles south of Memphis and thirty wild game, which was abundant. I. miles south of Clarksdalc. It is on two main About .1900 some of the more progressive trunk lines of gravel road running east and citizens of Merigold secured a charter for the i west and north and south. It is ideally lo ■ ■ Village of Merigold, ” the place at the time cated in the very heart of the long staple boasting, according to the petition filed with territory of the fertile Mississippi Della. Fif the governor of the state, of one hundred in teen minutes of reasonable driving will take I ' habitants. A mayor was elected, and it was ; you to the county seat. quite a shock to some of the more liberal of The growth of Merigold and Merigold com the citizens of the “village” when a marshal f : munity has really developed in the past fif was introduced. Wooden sidewalks were put teen years. Prior to that time there was but down as one of the first moves on the part of ; little organization among the people residing the new mayor and board of aldermen, but in and near the town. There was a store here when the first heavy rain came in the spring in 1888 doing a “general merchandise and they were all washed away. Even at that saloon” business, and that store constituted time there were only a few stores and those : the entire business element of. what thirty of the cheap frame variety. Telephones, ar it years later is one of the most progressive and tesian water, electric lights and other con \ live-wire parts of the Delta. The stock of veniences enjoyed by towns outside of the goods carried by Merigold’s first store can be Delta were unknown. School was held semi- ; • easily imagined from a page out of the rec occasionally in a one-room shack on the west . i ords of the chancery clerk’s office. In making side of the railroad. It was put on the west an abstract of the lots in the town of Meri side because no one lived over there and it gold several years ago the writer ran across would be of no bother to any of the people. ■ a very interesting item which showed that in The attendance was “indifferent,” usually t 1890 the sheriff of Bolivar County sold at a about ten or twelve pupils. 1 ' sheriff’s sale the entire stock of goods of Meri Among the pioneers in the settlement of the ?! gold’s first store to satisfy a judgment ren town of Merigold may be mentioned A. M. : : dered in favor of the Tennessee Brewing Wynne, W. B. Parks, J. M. Goff, H. R. Park, Company for a shipment of keg and bottled J. R. Smith, Frank Thomason and Mrs. L. E. beer, the sale showing that the amount of the : Gregory. I bill was seventy-nine dollars. The writer re members that at that time and for twenty It was in 1912 that Merigold hit its stride i. years afterwards there were no roads in or and the people of the Merigold community near the town which were traversible for more opened their eyes to the great opportunity than eight months in the year. which lay within their reach. Land values even then were not great. Opened land could Merigold originated as a sawmill town. No be purchased for $40 per acre, and cut-over one at that time thought of buying land for land could be bought for $20. Land rented the purpose of cultivating it. Here and there at from $5 per acre to $S per acre for the a small parcel of land was open and settled very best. mostly by people who were unable to get. away and go to some other place. Bear and Merigold of Today panthers were more frequent than rabbits arc At the present time the town of Merigold \\ now, and mosquitoes were considered charter has a census population of 616, but Merigold ‘ members of the community. Coons and cub proper and the Merigold community has the 1 bears were household pets, and the favorite second largest population in Bolivar County. target practice was shooting snakes along the The town of Merigold itself covers a very bayous and borrow pits along the new rail small area, but the Merigold community—and i* road. A few people who didn’t care to waste the community is what counts in an agricul 8v gunpowder raised chickens, but the larger per tural country—is one largely populated by J 58 Imperial Bolivar white people. As a voting precinct the Mcri- tower which supports a tank 125 feet from golcl box casts the second largest vote in the the ground. This tank, with a high-powered county. The Merigold Consolidated School electric motor, furnishes water for fire pro District is the second largest in the county tection. The electric motor will pump water and the third largest in the United States. at the rate of 500 gallons per minute. By a happy arrangement, if the water in the tank The Merigold community is made up of and reservoir should be exhausted, a pipe can many small and average-size farms or planta be turned into the bayou which adjoins the tions. We have none of the corporations or pumping station and water can be furnished syndicates holding or owning land. There are not more than three plantations in the Meri to fight a fire until the bayou goes dry or gold Separate Road District with an acreage until the electricity gives out. Destructive of more than one thousand. The majority of fires have been very scarce. Merigold has a the farms run from forty acres in size to 400 live-wire fire company, purely volunteer. acres. Many white farmers own eighties and Merigold has a sanitary septic tank sewer hundred and twenties. The soil is varied and age system, the most modern and up-to-date very fertile. Some of our farmers like “buck of the sewerage systems. Every house in shot” land and there is plenty of it. Some town is by ordinance forced to connect with prefer sandy loam land and there is plenty and use the town sewerage system. Typhoid of that. Poor land or run-down land is prac fever has been unknown since the installation tically unknown. Of course our principal crop of this system. 5 is cotton, but corn is raised in abundance. The electric light system furnishing the Alfalfa is being planted by most of our farm ■ town of Merigold with lights and electricity •» ers. Cotton of many varieties is planted, al is the last word in lighting efficiency. A pow though practically all of it is long or staple. 1 erful plant with two oil-burning engines as Very little short cotton is produced in this sures the town of plenty of light and elec section. Express (inch and three-sixteenths), tricity at all times. This same plant furnishes Weber, Del-Fos, Saulsbury and many others the town with a fire-fighting motor, the wiring of the noted long staple type are grown. The to the motor being so arranged that a fire practice here is to save very little of your within the limits of the town will in no in own seed for planting purposes. Most farm stance affect the running of the motor. Every ers every other year buy seed raised by seed specialists. The writer has been informed, street corner is furnished with an arc light and likewise every railroad crossing in town. i however, that this practice is to be dropped and some of the best known of the planters «■ The streets of Merigold are all graveled. in this community intend to engage in the Concrete walks cover the entire corporation. seed raising industry, so that it will be pos Most of the streets have storm sewerage, and sible for local farmers to buy the very best all of them are close enough to storm sewer , type of cotton seed at home without having age to insure complete drainage. The storm to pay the exorbitant prices that have been sewerage is taken care of by Jones Bayou, . in vogue for the past five or six years. While which runs through the center of the town. : this is being written good cotton of the Ex This bayou, however, has been artificially ar . » press and Weber.seed is being sold on the ranged so as to be in dry weather a flowing * streets of Merigold for thirty-five cents per stream of only about ten feet in width, but pound. Cotton seed is selling at the gins for so dredged as to take care of the water from $50 per ton. A 500-pound bale of cotton will the heaviest rains. net its owner more than $200. All of the large business houses of the town Merigold has everything that a modern of Merigold are brick in construction. There town can have. Our waterworks is modern are thirty-one stores, all doing a flourishing and up-to-date in every phase. An artesian business. Hotel accommodations are the very well of more than fourteen hundred feet in best. A three-story brick building, the larg depth supplies the town with water. This est between Clarksdale and Lei and, built by water has been passed upon by the state board John B. Thomas, gives to Merigold a hotel with of health and is classed with the very best in accommodations suited to a town thrice its the state. It is piped over the entire town size. Hot and cold water, steam heat and all and every house is supplied with good cool other modern conveniences are enjoyed by water. The surplus water from the well goes the patrons of Merigold’s hotel. Two up-to- into a reservoir with a capacity of 30,000 gal date drug stores and two hardware stores go lons. In connection with the well is a water to make Merigold a real town. / V'; ' \ I Imperial Bolivar 59 The Bank of Merigold is purely a home forty feet wide. The kindergarten is a school I institution, being owned and operated by within itself, having its own cloak room, lava local capitalists and business men. It is one tory, toilet room and private or separate play of the principal depositories for the county ground. The corridors and passageways in funds. Its president is W. B. Parks. Frank this building are covered with sound-proof i E. Jones, who enjoys the esteem and confi linoleum. The Babcock system of hot-air ' dence of every man and woman in the Meri heating is used, giving a regular temperature gold community, is the cashier and active of 70 degrees heat during the winter months. manager of the bank. He will accommodate The auditorium is equipped with a Simplex in every way possible, but don’t try to over moving picture machine. Three complete sets draw! of scenery afford an opportunity for the stu Schools dents to stage almost any play they desire, one “drop” alone costing $1,200. Electric The Merigold Consolidated School District fans are installed throughout the auditorium. | is the third largest consolidated school district A system of electric clocks places the entire in the world. Its school building in the town school within easy touch of the superintend of Merigold is a pioneer in architecture. This ent, the clocks not only furnishing the time magnificent structure is one-story; contains of day, but also, at a mere push of a button, fifteen rooms and auditorium, with an actual : conveying certain information to the teachers seating capacity of 610 people; not merely and to the classes. able to hold 600 people, but with 600 opera chairs actually installed. The building is of The Merigold School is unique in this: It brick, being faced with buff-colored face brick. is one of the few schools in the world that The roofing is tile. Absolute protection from not only owns the property upon which it is if fire. Fire drills are unknown. Among the located, but it also owns the entire section i numerous advantages of this school building upon which it is located. It owns 220 town ■ is a kindergarten room sixty feet in length by lots in the town of Merigold; it owns three •: ' I f t • :• i. k r jr i ! it: RESIDENCE OF J. C. JONES. MERIGOLD ! Reputed to be the finest dwelling in Bolivar County : Jr = I I 60 Imperial Bolivar the truck for school. The Merigold School is a pioneer in the proposition of consolidating country schools with town schools. This ar rangement has worked out very satisfactorily. A country girl in the course of a few months Jiff easily becomes the most dashing flapper in the whole school. The trustees of the school ...... _ have shown rare good judgment in selecting home-grown talent for the teachers. Fred W. Young of Tupelo is the superintendent ; W. B. Saunders, a former A. & M. man, is his assistant, and the other members of the fac ulty arc all good Mississippi-born citizens. A. M. Wynne, Frank E. Jones, Frank MERIGOLD CONSOLIDATEDat SCHOOL Wynne, J. C. Jones, Joe Fink, W. B. Parks, A Pioneer in School Building Architecture A. B. Wiggins, G. C. Michie, W. W. Gilbert and H. R. Parks were men who took promi gins; the building in which the Bank of Meri nent parts in the consolidation of the Meri gold does its business is the property of the gold schools and who deserve credit for the Merigold School. The hotel, the drug store present excellent school system which the building and one mile of the main line of the people of the Merigold school district have. Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad, with its The present trustees are A. M. Wynne, J. C. depot, belong to the Merigold School. The Jones and H. R. Parks. Merigold School is the richest public school The plans of the Merigold Public School in the world. building have been adopted by the towns of The Merigold School as it is organized to Rolling Fork in Sharkey County, by Rosedale : day represents the consolidation of three orig in Bolivar County, and by towns in Alabama inal districts. The school building is located and Arkansas. The one-story idea of a school within the corporate limits of the town of building has made a hit with other school Merigold, thus receiving the benefits of the districts. The picture of the Merigold School Merigold water and sewerage systems. Nu has appeared in various architectural maga merous trucks and school wagons are main zines, in school magazines, and adorns the tained by the district, and every student re cover of the magazine gotten out by the agri * siding outside of certain limits is brought to cultural demonstrator for Bolivar County, school each day without any expense to his which magazine has been sent, broadcast or her parents. Only first grade and college throughout the country. graduate teachers are used, and the school is affiliated with the state colleges and the state Churches university. If you are a farmer with four Merigold has been negligent in the past in children, your chief trouble in giving them one respect. That negligence has been cured. i a good education in Merigold is to get them Our churches—Methodist and Baptist—have up and have them dressed in time to catch been housed in buildings which did not come up to the Merigold standard. However, there is now under process of building one of the t finest structures that any church can boast of —it is being built by the Methodists. How ever, when it is said that the building is being built by Methodists, it is meant that the build ing is to be called the Methodist Church. As a matter of fact, Gentiles of all faiths and every Jew within the town of Merigold con tributed to the building fund. This building, about one-third completed, will cost $47,000. The Baptist Church has let a contract on to- plans prepared by a Memphis architect for a new church building to cost about $40,000. Work will be started on this building in the HOME OF DR. A. M. WYNNE. MERIGOLD near future. The completion of the two 5- Imperial Bolivar 61 churches will give Merigold probably the two best averaged churches in the Delta. The building committee of the Methodist Church is: II. B. Brooks, Frank Wynne and F. E. Jones. The Baptist committee: George D. Thomas, T. J. Davis and J. E. Taylor. The pastor of the Methodist Church is Rev. L. E. McKeown; of the Baptist Church, Rev. J. E. Kinsey. There are two Bible classes in the town of Merigold, both of which have aided materially in the betterment of the town. The Big Brothers’ Bible Class is a union class, having members from every denomination and from both Jews and Gentiles. This class was organ THE MERIGOLD HOTEL ized last year. The officers at the present Largest Hotel Between Clarksdale and Leland time are: J. C. Jones, president; Mr. Har vey, vice-president; P. M. Connell, secretary, You can go to Memphis, to Greenville, to and James Thomas, treasurer. Instrumental Vicksburg, to Rosedale on the river, to Drew, in organizing the Big Brothers’ Bible Class and thence to any point east, and be on a i were Mrs. E. D. Rayner, J. S. Fincher, Dr. highway as good as any built of gravel. Dirt A. B. Wiggins, J. B. Lee and many others. roads are kept in good condition the year I The Men’s Bible Class of the Baptist around, tractors, mules and good road ma Church has been a factor in the moral devei- chines being owned by the road district. The opment of the town. W. W. Gilbert, E. M. road tax in the Merigold Road District is one Causey, S. P. Johnston and Mrs. Guy Wal mill lower than in the other districts of the drop arc the prominent members of this class. county. The Sunday school attendance in the town Health of Merigold averages about 500 each Sunday. f; The Big Brothers has a membership of over Merigold is within fifteen minutes of the h 100, with an attendance of about 60 per cent. county board of health office. We have three The Men’s Bible Class has a membership of of the best physicians in the entire Delta. sixty-three, with an attendance of 60 per cent. They use Fords in their business calls and The Catholic Church has a modest struc furnish their wives with automobiles to drive. ;:i ture, which is one of the oldest church build If you think you are sick and don’t care for ings in town. The priest in charge is Rev. a doctor, you can go to the board of health Father Downing of Clarksdale. and have a blood test made without expense. i! Both the Methodist and Baptist Churches For the past three years the mayor and board own their own parsonages. of aldermen have had on an anti-malaria drive. Under this system, inaugurated by Roads Frank Wynne as mayor, an annual fight is ! made against the mosquito. All places in The town of Merigold is the business cen which the mosquito might breed are put un- ter of the Merigold Separate Road District, composed of sixty-three sections of land adja cent to the town of Merigold. In organizing the Merigold Separate Road District the pro moters had in mind the organizing of a road district which would comprise such territory as Merigold drew its trade from. In other words, the road district might be called the Merigold trade territory. The commissioners are Frank E. Jones, A. J. Smith and B. S. Mount. The Merigold Road District has trunk line gravel roads leading from the town of Merigold in all directions. Main highways I * • lead north, south, east and west. The roads are of good gravel, twelve to fourteen feet wide and from eight to twelve inches deep. RESIDENCE OF JOHN B. THOMAS. MERIGOLD I ' I 62 Imperial Bolivar der the ban, and water standing anywhere in the town for which there is no drainage is weekly treated with coal oil. The Rockefeller Foundation spent an entire year in Mcrigold and in Bolivar County experimenting on the anti-malaria proposition and as a result ma laria is easily handled. The death rate in Merigold is practically nil compared to the earlier days when mosquitoes were rampant. Dr. J. P. Wiggins is at present in charge of the anti-malaria campaign. * Taxes ..... - The tax rate in Merigold is the lowest in the Delta. Six mills cover the general tax. NEW ROW OF STORES AT MERIGOLD with four mills set for the waterworks and Just Completed by W. B. Parks sewerage bonds. This rate is made on the assessment made by the tax assessor of the say that the town was still normal. We county. If you own a residence which is as elected one of our fellow townsmen, A. B. sessed at $2,000, you can get fire protection, Wiggins, supervisor. That gives us for the the benefits of water and sewerage, gravel next four years the office which is of the roads and concrete sidewalks, for the sum of most importance locally. $20. A residence assessed at $2,000 in this Land of Opportunity county is usually worth about $6,000. Your school tax is six mills. The lowest school tax One of the photographs shown here repre in the other districts of the county is twelve. sents the highest priced residence in Bolivar If you are a farmer with two mules and a County. That residence is owned by a man wagon assessed at $250 (which is approxi that the writer was raised with. We went to mate assessment of a man with two mules), the same one-room school; we were very often and if you have four children going to school, whipped with the same cane, Wc know him the Merigold School will send a wagon each very well. Land of opportunity! The man morning to your front door, take your four that owns the highest priced house in Bolivar children to school, keep them there all day County started out less than twenty years and return them to you in the evening, ail ago as a rider on a plantation at a sum less for the magnificent sum of $1.50. Each one than $50 per month. Made it all in Merigold of your children will cost you 37y2 cents a territory. I was talking to a man the other year to receive an education as good as can day who said that when he came here thirty be had in the land. years ago his ambition was to make $10,000 and then go back to the hills. That man is Politics a millionaire now, owning land in Mississippi, The town is normally Democratic. In the Louisiana, St. Louis and Chicago. Did he go last election (held in August) wc are glad to back to the hills? Come over here and talk to him and you will stay in the Delta—and mighty close to Merigold. Anyone interested in Merigold or in the Merigold territory is cordially invited to write to any of the following gentlemen, who will be glad to give them any information for which they might ask. The address of all is Mcrigold, Miss. : W. B. Parks. Banker II. H. Hightower. Druggist I' - E- Jones. Banker F.. D. Rayner. Hardware S- F. Perry. Planter V. L. Harrington, Mayor A. B. Wiggins. Planter J. S. Fincher. Clerk Frank Wynne. Attornev W. W. Gilbert. Merchant . E. Wiggins, Physician W. H. Graves. Depot Agent A- Wynne, Physician J. C. Jones. Planter Dr. Haggard. Physician N. F. Kea'hofer. Drayman Joe Fink. Merchant James Thomas, Barber T. J. Davis, Planter w. C. Ryne, Restauranteur l • L- Perry. Merchant J. B. Thomas. Cotton Buyer 'J.' ^jeVde. Planter J. S. Borodofsky. Merchant J?’ .^eMe. Planter I. S. Borodofsky. Merchant T. E. PERRY STORE, MERIGOLD J. B. Lee, Planter0 , _ Foster's. Merchant Speakes Bros., Merchant f >■ - - Imperial Bolivar 63 I ◄ Shelby i Bv Mrs. E. M. Pease HE story of Shelby’s rise out of the was laid. Two gangs, one north and one I wilderness reads like an epic poem, south, were working towards each other con T adventurous, heroic, romantic. Less structing a railroad. Pat Lamb, levee and than fifty years ago its present site was a railroad contractor, had charge of the one on tangle of marshy vegetation and forest trees, the north and he put up the first commissary picturesque in its wildness, but of no serv in Shelby, a rude shack located near where i ice to man; the playground and lair of wild now the Carter Hotel stands, which he used animals and game; bear and deer roamed at for a supply house for his railroad gang. will; the scream of the panther and howl of These two gangs met in about August. 1884, the wolf wrought terror in the hearts of num on Mrs. Evans’ place near where the Shelby : berless smaller furred and feathered creatures. Oil Mill stands, and celebrated the occasion Then came Man, the Conqueror, “herald of with a gathering of settlers for a “big day” a higher race,” and at once the germs of civ and by driving down a golden stake. On ilization were planted, whose roots clung tena December 1, 1884, the first passenger train ran through from Vicksburg to Memphis, and ciously to an environment so fertile that j growth was spontaneous and irresistible. the railroad was called then, as now, the The wild creatures shrank farther back into Yazoo & Mississippi Valley. One of the first ■ the wilderness; many were luckless enough to passengers on this road tells that one could serve for his food; from the woods of the reach one’s hand out the window and pull as : forest came his habitation; a trail was blazed many switches as one wished! So much for under greatest difficulties and beset with dan the primitive methods of clearing and the i gers to establish communication with the next speed of the first locomotives. •' • | ! i. habitation. Thus out of the wilderness was Soon afterwards, in the spring of 1885. r formed the nucleus around which has grown, Blanton & Postalwaite erected and opened up gradually at first, then by leaps and bounds, the first dry goods and supply store. Dr. one of the most prosperous and cultured com A. P. Rose moved his family here November monwealths in a region favored by nature 15, 1885, and his was the first family to locate with beauty, productivity and climate, the in Shelby. He bought out Blanton and Pos ; i like of which can be found nowhere else under tahvaite and added some drugs to the stock. the shining sun. Dr. Rose was the first, citizen, the first doctor, : I Dr. Tom Shelby was the first landowner of the first depot agent and the first postmaster the section now known as Shelby. Later Mr. in Shelby. Belle Floyd, a colored woman, Godfrey Frank acquired a considerable part opened up the first boarding house and later of Jt. Capt. Ike Shelby, father of Mrs. J. R. sold it to Mrs. A. P. Rose. These three build 1 Murnan, was owner of the largest farm and ings, the only ones of which the little settle this was located on what is now known as the ment could boast, except Mr. Lamb’s rude “Edwards Place,” south of town. A Mr. commissary, were burned on Sunday morn Hume and his family lived on his farm of ing, June 6. 18S6. Dr. Rose then built a two- 150 acres, now called the “Thomas Place, J: room cottage on the lot where now the post- south of town. Mrs. Clementine Evans owned office stands, and Mr. Blanton rebuilt his l a large place lying to the north and west. store. Mrs. Evans’ daughter, Miss Emma, later mar In January, 1887, William Connell and Dr. ried Dr. J. B. Pease of Concordia and Gun J. C. Brooks opened up a general merchandise : nison. W. II. Johnson, father of Mrs. P. L. store. About the same time Godfrey Frank Whitworth and W. II. Johnson of Shelby, and Joe Stafford, Sr., opened up a store of owned a farm about one mile west of town, about the same description, which J. W. now the Ming Plantation. And Billie Stew Thomas had charge of, later buying it out ard owned what is now Scott Morrison’s and building up a very prosperous business place, located about two miles east. for himself. The first hotel was built and These were the earliest settlers and lived operated by Mr. Thomas. ! here prior to 1884, when the first railroad Among the first merchants of Shelby were i . : N \ V » <.. /!■' If Shelby Hofei ■ 04 and Rofhrock-Carnes Service Sfafion mi ,.^7 . ft -Mil i. Bi| : S -iff J mmj" ■m Masonic Hall &ispisssias^ stec ■ -^%S§§g££ 2^' i J^ISfer- HighSchoohShelby Oil Mill i . Colored School-Shelby !■' ’ ,7^'- o, V' i 1 \ Imperial Bolivar 65 . 4 also A. AT. Wooten, Hugo Calm and A. M. Wilkinson’s incumbency ten thousand dollars in bonds were issued for a larger school build Wynne. Dominic Cainponova was one of the ■ earliest planters and landowners. ing and the number of teachers was increased Soon after the railroad was completed the to four. About three years ago a separate Government officials put. in a postoffice, which school district was formed, and Shelbj', was called “Bellevue,” because that was the financed by her town board, erected a new name by which the original Tom Shelby plan two-story brick school building at a cost of tation was known. Then the name was $85,000. This building is thoroughly modern changed to “Shelby” by Mr. Geo. B. Shelby, and one of the best equipped schools in the i Sr., who gave it that name in honor of the county. It has a splendid new library, a fully- first landowner, Dr. Tom Shelby. equipped domestic science room, an audito The first school was taught in the back of rium with a seating capacity of 500, and play Dr. Rose’s medical office, and the teacher was ground equipment complete. The school ■ Miss Annie Luss, who roomed and boarded teaches a twelve-grade course and has the i with Dr. Rose and wife. During the first year accredited standing which enables it to affil i r she had five pupils: John Overby, Walter iate with all of the state colleges. There are Ming, Alice Rose, Fred Shelby and George thirteen teachers of the highest efficiency, cul Lombard. ture and refinement. There is a surplus of The first sermon ever preached was from ten to fifteen thousand dollars in the preached by the Rev. Gladney, who was pas school fund on hand at all times. Co-oper tor of the Methodist Church at Concordia at ating with the school is a live, wide-awake that time, and he preached under the shade Parent-Teacher Association. of an old oak tree near where the telephone The colored school, of which J. M. William exchange is now located. Then the next reli son is principal, is doing splendid work. Their I . gious service was held in the back part of building is a new one of brick, costing about Dr. Rose’s office, on account of the cold $30,000. The auditorium has a seating capac weather, and the sermon was preached by ity of about three hundred, and most of the ■ ; Rev. D. D. Milam, a Baptist minister. This equipment was furnished by the Rosenwald was about 1887 or 1888. and the Smith-Hughes Funds. The school The first church built was a small frame teaches ten grades and there are six teachers : I house on the lot where the Methodist Church employed. now stands, and was recognized as a union After L. B. Wilkinson, Dr. Mayers served ? church for about five years, when a Baptist as mayor until his death, when J. R. Turney Church was built. was appointed to succeed him and has served To write the story of Shelby and not men ever since, having been re-elected three times. i tion Godfrey Frank’s generosity would be He is a very capable and wide-awake official, failing to extend honor where honor is due. and during his administration Shelby has Mr. Frank donated lots for the depot, the continuously prospered aiid progressed. Sup Methodist and Baptist churches, and one for porting him as aldermen are five very splen the public school, on which a small frame did and prominent citizens: Messrs. W. H. house was built and used for years as a school, Craven, W. W. Denton, R. L. Aarons, F. C. employing only one teacher. Bullock and Dr. J. R. Human. The progress of Shelby up until about ten Shelby has only a six-mill town tax for gen years ago was gradual, if steady, but since eral purposes. The mayor and aldermen have then has been almost phenomenal. Before so financed the town that this year they have that time there were no concrete sidewalks, been able to put down a new well at $5,000 stock ran at large, the school was small, with and gravel every street in the town without one teacher and no accredited standing, but issuing any bonds or putting assessment on there was a fine waterworks and sewerage property owners. Graveled roads lead out system. About this time L. B. Wilkinson was from Shelby in every direction. We have one elected mayor of the town. With the begin of the best waterworks systems in any Delta . ning of his administration and that of the city. The average water capacity is 500 gal Board of Aldermen serving with him the town lons a minute. Shelby has one of the finest grew rapidly. Concrete walks were laid; a electric light plants in the state, which pro stock law in corporate limits was passed; duces 24-hour light, and serves Duncan, Hush- later, upon presentation of a petition to the puckana, Mound Bayou and Merigold in ad * Board of Supervisors, a separate district stock dition to our own town. law was passed. In the second year of Mr. Reports from the railroad show that Shelby u !■ I! £1 I ii.■ M 66 Imperial Bolivar has received and shipped out more freight has an attractive residence for its pastor. than any other town in the Delta except There arc two colored churches with large Clarksdale and Greenwood. memberships—Baptist and Methodist, Each Shelby has in the Shelby-Citizens’ Bank & of the Protestant Churches has a Ladies’ Mis Trust Company one of the best banking in sionary Society of full membership and doing stitutions in the state, with a capital of $175,- a splendid service for both home and foreign 000 and surplus of $100,000. The stockhold missions. The Methodist Missionary Society ers number one hundred people, all citizens for several years has led all other societies in of the Shelby community. this district of that denomination in the The farming land surrounding is second to amount of service accomplished and funds none in the state or in the United States. raised, which has entitled it to a gold star Long staple cotton is produced, which brings each year on the Harvest Day Banner, The a premium over short cotton of from five to pastor of our Methodist Church is now spend ten cents per pound. While cotton is truly ing a several months’ vacation traveling in king, fine fields of corn, alfalfa and many Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. other kinds of crops are raised in abundance. As a record of achievement the story of There is a fine pecan grove in cultivation just Shelby is not unique. It is only a unit in a north of town which yields pecans Avhose size wonderful, splendid whole, all blending to and flavor are unexcelled. The average num gether to complete the beautiful story of the ber of bales of cotton ginned a year is 12.000. Genesis and the Exodus of the entire Missis Shelby has five gins, two large cotton ware sippi Delta. Out of the wilderness into the houses built, of brick, and one oil mill. She richest, most beautiful and most productive has a large lumber yard, a wholesale grocery land on the continent, where highways as house, an up-to-date ice plant, and three fine, smooth as floors extend in every direction; fully equipped distributing stations, one of whose cities and towns exchange trade with which, the Ford Service Station, has just been foreign shores; whose churches and schools completed at a cost of $20,000 and is one of are unexcelled for service anywhere; and the finest in the whole state. whose citizenship possesses that innate culture Of our church denominations there are and refinement to which all attain who are three Protestant — Presbyterian, Methodist conscious of having accomplished splendid and Baptist—and one Catholic, each of which things. =7 / ' } i Imperial Bolivar 67 Duncan The Best Little Town in the Mississippi Delta ITUATED ninety-two miles south of Mem Schools phis, Tennessee, on the main line of the We have in the town one of the most up- s Y. & M. V. Railroad, sixteen miles south to-date public schools in the state, employing of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and twenty-one four teachers, with an average attendance of miles north of Cleveland, one of the county eighty-five. A truck is maintained to convey seats of Bolivar, it has a population of 500 the rural pupils to and from the school the people, 85% of which own their homes. It entire nine months. has a standard concrete walk to almost every home in the town, totaling nearly two miles This school, as well as the other schools in of concrete walks; a complete sewer system this vicinity, including the colored schools, is constructed by expert engineers; a deep well supported by the state and county and from flowing 225 gallons of water per minute, and the proceeds of a section of school land east ■ which is piped to every home in the town; a of town that is rented for $8,500 per year. complete and up-to-date electric lighting sys This enables us to carry on the school for tem, the current being brought from Shelby, full terms and to keep the building capacity Miss., twenty-four hour service at a nominal in accord with the increase in attendance, rate; graveled streets, and a good drainage which has been great within the last two sj'stem. years. We have planned a $40,000 school It has eighteen grocery and dry goods building, to be paid for by the rent from the stores, two up-to-date drug stores, two feed section of land mentioned above. We pay stores, one department store, one hardAvare no school tax at all except that assessed by store, an up-to-date hotel where the best meals the state. in the Delta are served, a nice restaurant, We have two large, up-to-date Rosenwald one of the liveliest little banks in the county, Schools for the colored pupils in this vicinity four modern gins, barber shops, cotton buyers and are planning another to be built on the and many other business enterprises that go school section and to be used as an industrial to make up a good town. We boast of having school. We have at last awakened to the need the “Best Little Town in the Mississippi of developing the educational possibilities of Delta.” our section. The town owes only ten thousand dollars in bond issue, and sinking funds are created Churches each year to take care of this issue when same We have one Baptist Church for white and falls due. Our taxes are only twelve mills, two for colored, and one Methodist for white i with a very low valuation. The expenses and and one for colored in the town. All are . obligations of the town are always kept with awake to the present-day needs. There are in the resources derived from the taxes. but four people in the town who do not be- ■ 1 TYPE OF THE RESIDENCES OF DUNCAN I 1 68 Imperial Bolivar long to some church. We have business men’s of high ridges and about 90 per cent of it is prayer service every Thursday morning at black loamy buckshot, the other being light 11:15 o’clock. sandy to sandy loam. It is adapted to any Roads crop that can be grown anywhere. Gardens the year ’round. The Government comment We are about to complete forty miles of on this soil near Duncan is that “It is the gravel roads with only a $250,000 bond issue, richest soil in the world, the Nile Valley not all of which has not been spent. There is excepted.” Our cotton is known the world not a farmer in this district who cannot get over for its length and the good character of to a gravel road within a half mile. its hard, wiry staple. Our road tax is less than that of any other district in the county. We have better roads Health and more of them for the money than any Yes, we have no cemeteries. What could other district in the county. Our money from advertise healthful conditions of a community the bond issue went into the roads. better than the absence of cemeteries? Drainage of Farm Lands Railroad Facilities While almost the entire district has a nat We have the largest depot and station from ural drainage (Hushpuckana River and its Clarksdale to Vicksburg. We have ten pas tributaries running through same), we are senger trains (five each way) daily. We have about to complete twenty miles of drainage excellent freight service, and the freight re east of town, no one being taxed except those ceipts at this place have been around $75,000 who are vitally benefited. during the past year. Soil We always try to co-operate with the com The larger per cent of our land is composed pany to serve the public better. Q THE MAYOR. BOARD OF ALDERMEN AND MARSH AI. OF DUNCAN Top Row—R. F. Smith. H. F. Simmons, A. L. Cade. Aldermen. Bottom Row—W. C. Turner. J. H. Bochert, Aldermen; O. O. Wolfe. Jr.. Mayor; I. T. Walker, Marshal. 69 Imperial Bolivar i- ;• I! «• r i! vr , ;■ J.SiiJi -/-'rr. — h ffc ,.,Pt o f ^ 'M >• ■. * / SH ■ ■ i 1 -3 i AltAf fcWMist Church -'Dnncan ! igsag£gpl- f '•^| DINKINS * r 2$ f- 3q i ijramraswr 1. fc zj. (Street <$cene-Ouncart Imperial Bolivar 71 Alligator The Northern Gateway to Imperial Bolivar County A LLIGATOR is located in the northern water that falls in this watershed. This water /\ end of Bolivar County on the main line from these watersheds empties into the big of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Rail Sunflower River. This network of lakes and road eighty-eight miles from Memphis, Tenn. bayous form almost a complete circle around Although a small town, it is noted for the our town at a distance of one to four miles large volume of business it handles, for the hospitality of its citizens, for the co-operation of its business and professional men, and for the universal good health of its people. Drainage of the Soil Alligator enjoys the distinction of being the highest town in the county. It is 162 feet above sea level and one of the best drained towns in the entire Mississippi Delta. It has one of the best systems of natural drainage of any town in the county, consisting of the following well-known lakes and bayous. Alli gator Lake, from which the town derives its name, is a lake five to twenty feet deep, with banks fifteen to twenty feet above the water METHODIST CHURCH. ALLIGATOR line. This lake furnishes ample drainage for our town and immediate territory, and emp and furnish a system of natural drainage that ties into deep Hushpuckona River about one can hardly be equalled. Added to this nat and one-half miles west of town. Howerton ural drainage system there is a number of Lake, two miles south of Alligator, a lake well-placed dredge ditches and tile drainage with deep banks, furnishes an outlet for the that make the territory adjacent to Alligator one of the best agricultural districts in the South. Fertility of the Soil The soil in this territory is as rich and I — fertile as can be found in the entire Delta, consisting of deep black sand, loamy buck shot and stiff buckshot—a variety of soils that will produce abundant crops of every thing that grows in this latitude. The char acter of the soil is such that diversified farm iliSpIf ing should pay well, but so far cotton has : i itfi been the principal crop grown in this terri tory in the past. This territory produces about 7,500 bales of cotton annually. This cotton, together with its seed, at the present price is worth well over one million dollars R. A. BUTLER’S RESIDENCE. ALLIGATOR ($1,000,000). All of this business is handled through our little town and is distributed water that falls in this particular watershed. through the ordinary business channels. Harris Bayou and Alligator Bayou drain the Good Roads territory east and northeast of the town. These bayous have well-defined deep channels Alligator has a splendid hard-surfaced road and are of ample size to carry off all surplus system. The thoroughfare from Memphis to 72 Imperial Bolivar Vicksburg passes through our town and is a be one of the best in the Delta. It is free most excellent graveled road—a road that from any bad taste or odor and is really affords easy access by automobile or trucks to softer than rain water, therefore it is excel the larger cities. We have other gravel roads lent for baths and for laundry. extending in all directions, affording the farm ers and planters an easy way to haul crops Business Section of Town to market. The roads in this district are of Alligator is an incorporated town of 260 the foremost in the county and are kept in people. It has two schools, two churches, six- good condition by a special maintenance fund. Due to the excellent condition of these roads we have some of the conveniences of the city. Bread wagons, laundry wagons and ice wag ons daily visit our. homes from the nearby larger towns. A bus line runs through this town and carries our citizens to nearby towns for a small price and at convenient times of the day. Water Supply of tiie Town Artesian water, as well as good drainage and good roads, has played its part in the PLANTERS mercantile company gin. alligator teen brick store buildings, six frame store buildings, two blacksmith shops, two lumber yards, two doctors’ offices and three modcrnly equipped gins. Summary Only a brief statement of the many advan tages possessed by Alligator has been at J tempted here. Located on high and dry land and surrounded by some of the most alluvial L. M. KLINE’S STORE. ALLIGATOR development of this country. Statistics for the past ten years will show that since the rv, .sSK&rsJks Delta has been using artesian water we have less malaria and a great deal less typhoid fever than the hill section of the state. The water supply of Alligator is furnished by a flowing artesian well 1,285 feet deep. The main well is located in the central part of lown and furnishes an abundant supply of pure water for the customers and the stock brought in by them. From this main well water is piped over town and has sufficient am. .— < pressure to force the water to the second GROWING .COTTON, BURBRIDGE PLANTATION story of all houses. This supply of pure water ever near is a great pleasure and convenience farming lands in the world, it is looking for to the thrifty housewives of our community. ward toward further prosperity and develop Some of the plantations have had the water ment. The pure water supply flowing from piped out to them, and several of the larger the deep artesian wells is a strong factor in plantations have artesian wells of their own. determining the health of its people. Its This water has been analyzed and found to churches and schools, offering moral and in- Imperial Bolivar 73 tellectual instruction, have also played their produce to market. The excellent freight and part in the development of a wide-awake passenger service furnished by the Yazoo & town. Also the splendid gravel roads that Mississippi Valley Railroad offer quick trans connect the town with the farming country portation to all markets. Therefore the north and with the other towns and cities furnish ern gateway to Imperial Bolivar County is a a means for quick and cheap transportation most excellent place for the man who desires to the farmers of this district in moving their health, prosperity and a happy home. ALLIGATOR LAKE Imperial Bolivar 75 A Progressive Community in the Heart of the Virgin Farmland OYLE is a prosperous, thriving, pro fields of cotton and corn, and the town, be gressive community of approximately a coming a community center, its interests were B thousand people, situated at the junc correspondingly broadened and other things tion of the main line and Peavine branch of than timber began to engage attention and the Y. & M. V. Railroad. In all of its char enlist the activities of the men and women of acteristics it is typical of the great county of the community. Adkins & Dockery estab which it is an important part; the construc lished the first store soon after the building tive motive and spirit prevailing here, as else of the sawmill. Hawkins Bros, came next, where, to build for a permanent excellence and then others in succession followed the instead of for an ephemeral show. In all of coming of the railroad. R. M. Dakin built the incidents of the town’s growth and devel the first brick store in 1904. In the mean opment that motive is conspicuous and is time the sawmill had built, in 1898, a logging strikingly revealed in its social, no less than railroad to Kimball Lake, and this, having its business, institutions. It is reflected in its served its purpose, was acquired by the Y. & schools and churches no less than in the char M. Y. Railroad as the nucleus of what sub acter of its business enterprises and the men sequently became the Peavine branch to the who conduct them; several of the present-day Riverside at Rosedale, opening up that ter notable figures in the constructive program ritory and adding new impulse to the growth of Imperial Bolivar being counted in its citi of the town. The first cotton gin was built zenship, names that are familiar throughout in 1898 by F. J. Ward, followed by another the Delta as builders in the current social and in 1906 by Gaines & Dakin. The success of business development; not to know of Gaines these enterprises and increasing cotton pro and Thomas, of Crawford and Dakin, Dr. duction in the surrounding territory shortly Shivers and Biles, not to speak of scores of thereafter induced the erection of a third other fonvard-looldng men who make their modern and well-equipped gin by C. S. Craw homes here, is to argue oneself unknown in ford, all of which are in operation today, this part of Mississippi. They are each and turning out an aggregate of approximately all of them builders with vision, who know five thousand bales of cotton annually. how to make their dreams come true, and the With the passing of the sawmill and the L character of these men is reflected in the com coming of the cotton gin, the building of the munity of which they arc both product and railroad to the river side and increasing acre creators. age given to the plow, Boyle continued to The occasion of the being of Boyle was the grow and prosper. Commercial undertakings erection here in 1872 by L. V. Boyle & Co. were broadened and a civic spirit developed of Obion, Tenn., in the heart of a wilderness, among its people to make their town an in of a hardwood sawmill, which was gradually creasingly better place to live in, do business developed into the largest enterprise of its in, and raise children in. Animated by this kind in the South, the wealth and variety of spirit schools were established and churches timber available for it being unsurpassed in built, the town boasting in its Methodist any other region. As this business developed, Church, erected in 1909, the first brick church an increasingly large number of men were built in the Delta outside of Greenville, and, required for its operation, and thus the nu with the Baptist Church, the first two brick cleus of a village, named Boyle for its found churches in Bolivar County. No mean dis er, was formed and incorporated as such, to tinction when we count the great number of be subsequently, in 1905, raised to the dignity such edifices adorning the cities and towns of of townhood. this rich region today. The first school, a With the coming of the Y. & M. V. Rail private one, was established by six families in road in 1885, Boyle shared in the impetus 1900, and the second by L. II. Gaines in 1905 given by this evangel of progress to the whole on the site now occupied by the teachers ’ - territory traversed by it. The rich lands home of the splendid consolidated high school. made available for cultivation by the removal With substantial foundations thus laid, the of the timber were rapidly converted into era of more rapid progress and development 76 Imperial Bolivar which began through the Delta in 1910 found the state, and a very capable faculty. This Boyle's house in order for her legitimate school, with complete modern equipment and share in that new growth and prosperity. splendid corps of teachers, would be a credit The opportunities presented through the sur to a town of 5,000 people, and Boyle is justly rounding territory in rich virgin soils at rea proud of it. sonable prices brought hither many people In its physical aspects and municipal equip who were soon thoroughly identified with the ment the town presents a fine example of the interests of the town and contributed to the modern town of the better sort; every reason creation of the splendid citizenship with its able provision for the comfort, convenience high moral and ethical standards which dis and health of the citizen is here made in broad tinguishes Boyle today. A community spirit graveled streets that are kept smooth and in was developed that has contributed immensely good repair, in concrete sidewalks, in a good to the common well-being in the social and drainage system that practically eliminates business life, and “What is good for Boyle mosquitoes, in an abundant supply of pure is good for me” is a slogan of universal ac artesian water for every purpose, in an elec ceptance. With the development of the agri tric light and power service of ample capacity cultural interest came the demand for good for every purpose, covering day as well as : ! roads, which were promptly built, and then night requirements, while a well-equipped and ■ • soon followed the organization of drainage well-organized fire department assures ample districts to promote a greater agricultural protection of property against this universal J productiveness, which, in turn, meant a great menace of cities and towns. The business dis ! er commercial activity. This meant a greater trict is built entirely of brick and comprises 1 accretion of population demanding new the usual quota of mercantile establishments houses to live in and do business in. Larger for a town of its size covering every com ; i 1 stores were established, and handsome resi munity requirement conducted by live, pro • i : dences. homes of culture and refinement, were gressive and substantial merchants, many of built, and Boyle began to gain recognition as which carry stocks of goods that would be a i : a community center of influence and impor credit to a much larger town; all do a thriv 1: k tance in the county, while it boasted in its ing business, sustained and facilitated by one citizenry several of the recognized leaders of of the strongest banks in the county in the ■ l progress and improvement—men who were Bank of Commerce. Cotton is here the pri influential in all county affairs, civil and com mary basis of all business, and a home market i mercial. An era of prosperity ensued, one of is made for it in the presence of several large the chief benefits derived from which was the cotton firms that maintain offices here through I establishment of the Boyle Consolidated High out the season. Throughout the Boyle trade School, where approximately five hundred territory are a number of comparatively small ' children of the town and surrounding terri farmers who own or rent farms of from 40 tory are given the opportunity, not only of to 160 acres, and these constitute a constant n i ! 1 an elemental, but an advanced education, un- and substantial support to the business of the der the direction of Mr. W. Ford Bufkin, the * town that is constantly growing and ex '■ superintendent, one of the best educators in panding. ■ ■ ii I :• t i ; i :■ I m 11 flfitrj' K .'II 1! : . ; DR. w. M. MERRITT’S RESIDENCE S. C. CRAWFORD'S RESIDENCE s i I? ; : ! b : ; i Imperial Bolivar 77 A just civic pride and loyally to their town animates every citizen of Boyle and creates a community spirit and unity of action that counts immensely for the progress of the com munity, eliminating entirely the factional spirit that so frequently mars the harmony and impedes the growth of such communities. That the individual welfare is bound up in and inseparable from the common welfare is a conviction of this citizenry that is lived up to in every movement, civic, social or com mercial, for the good of the town, and always enlists a hearty co-operation. A striking ex ample of the effectiveness of this spirit in producing results was manifested during the late World War when the Liberty Bell train •v :#■r was scheduled for a stop there of a few hours in its tour of the South. Every citizen at once got busy to make the day a red letter Ir one in the annals of the town, with the result that Boyle holds the record today for the largest gathering of people that was ever assembled at one time in the history of Boli var County. Fully fifteen thousand were there that day, by their presence to testify their patriotism and loyalty to flag and coun try. None who witnessed it will ever forget that inspiring occasion. i Boyle is conspicuously a town of beautiful homes, where the inward motive of culture and refinement is reflected in a manifestation of outward beauty. From the modest cottage to the larger residence, in its well-kept lawn, in its flowers and shrubbery, in its noble shade trees, and in every environment is spoken the home love that is the hall-mark of the best in our civilization. The atmosphere produced MARY EUDY BOOZER by such environment has its lasting influence Daughter of Mayor Geo. W. Boozer, Boyle upon the spiritual development of the chil dren blessed by its presence, and Boyle is note to business and society and make Boyle rich in this priceless endowment, for it is a a pleasant town to live in and do business in. town of homes with happy children in them. In addition to the usual church societies Supplementing the home influence, strength that contribute so much to the social unity in ening and elevating it, is the influence of the making people better acquainted with one an churches. Here it may be said that every other, Boyle boasts a Woman’s Club, affiliated body attends church and Sunday school, and with the State Federation of Clubs, where the the logical fruit of that custom is realized motive of a broader culture is strictly ad here, as elsewhere that it prevails, in the hered to by its members and intellectual pur maintenance of high moral and ethical stand suits are stimulated and encouraged for the ards, which create a sound and wholesome common social adornment. The women of social and civil condition for the common Boyle arc. therefore, distinguished more for L= benefaction. These standards are applied in their intelligence than for eminence in some = the business as well as the social relation, and of the lighter feminine pursuits, and this gives young men must conform to them or find to the society of the town a fine note of dig other fields for the exercise of their laxities. nity, which, supplementing other graces, ele The school and the church are positive influ vates and strengthens the whole social estate. ences that are constantly alive and active in The usual quota of fraternal societies are this community to lend an increasingly finer formed here with good memberships, and 78 Imperial Bolivar 1-. Boyle boasts one of the strongest Masonic The present city government, in its person lodges in the country, measured either by the nel admirably reflecting the character of the membership rolls or the personnel that con town, is composed of Geo. W. Boozer, mayor; stitutes them. All of the collateral divisions II. G. Smith, clerk; \V. I. Hollowell, marshal; of Masonry are well represented here in the and W. A. McDill, W. M. Merritt, S. B. leading citizens of the town. Farmer, C. S. Crawford and I. B. Kelly, M ?! A strong Parent-Teacher Association here aldermen, representative citizens and men of functions intelligently and perscveringly for character, substance and business ability. the social and civic, no less than the educa- . Thus briefly presenting the salient aspects tional, advantage, producing a fine spirit of of this Delta town of a thousand people, we co-operation between the school and the home see in its origin, its growth and development for the inestimable benefit of the pupil and a typical picture of the potent influences that ■ the fostering of a real interest in the school are building here in Bolivar County a splen in every household. The personal relation did civilization based upon a firm and endur • i ship thus established between mother and ing economic foundation, animated by a con ! ! teacher makes for a more perfect harmony structive spirit that is nourished by high * between them, from which both profit, and the ideals, and sustained by sound moral and . . child is the signal beneficiary. ethical standards. U l i! n i * * I i. ft- If If a i i * L •. BOy[£-h,qH'SCHOOL - BOYLE L-i 1 ' \ ; ) ! Z -c*. \ i • ! : ! . : ! . : SPliSfail*■-731 l . F3 . i,- ■ '' GILMER BLOCK - BOYLE L. 1 i i i ; \i ii! % i ■ i i I; : i STREET SCENE^ B : ; ’ 1 *?; . i i * • i f I 1 Imperial Bolivar 79 Pace By Courtney C. Pace T) ACE, the Axis of Bolivar, the exact ritory of 100 square miles of the purest allu J| geographical center of the county, sit vial Delta soil to be found anywhere in the ting on both banks of the Bogue Phalia, Union. The business places are all built on the Y. & M. V. Railroad, midway between along a wide street and face the railroad. the two county seats, overlooking the broad Across the railroad are most of the nice, neat est expanse of level, primeval Delta soil to be residences. Just behind the business block found anywhere in the state, is the most flows the Bogue Phalia, a large river, fur ideally located of any of the numerous Boli nishing the town with excellent drainage. var County towns. The township line which Water Supply divides the county north and south, and the judicial district line which creates the eastern The 1,400-foot artesian well at Pace is one and western divisions, intersect within the of the best in the entire state, flowing 250 corporate limits of Pace, rendering it near a gallons of clear, pure water a minute and compassed center. sending it through its mains in a four-inch It is the sole incorporated representative of stream to homes nearly a mile away. This the inland county. The logical trade center produces enough water for home consumption of this vast area. Located as it is, it is the and garden irrigation. most easily accessible town in Bolivar County. The Territory" of the Famous Bogue Cleveland and Rosedale, the two county seats, Phalia lie ten and twelve miles, respectively, east and west. These two towns formerly were the The Bogue Phalia is one of the most impor pivotal points in cross-country travel. Now, tant rivers in the state. It is Bolivar Coun however, the hypothenuse roads, remarkably ty’s greatest outlet and the hub of its won like the hypothenuse of a. right triangle, run derful drainage system. It handles the larg ning from Gunnison to Pace and from Beulah est volume of water, according to the length to Pace, have eliminated Rosedale in cross of its course and the area of its territory, of county travel from points on its north and possibly any river in the world. The Bogue south. The direct roads from Pace to Shelby, Phalia is typically a Delta river, the only one from Pace to Renova, from Pace to Shaw, which never moves beyond its boundaries. from Pace to Merigold, by virtue of shortened The Bogue Phalia (Beautiful Stream) is distance, have to a great measure eliminated the Nile of the Mississippi Delta. In the early Cleveland. Other than these roads there is formation of the Delta the Mississippi River, the magnificent pike from Cleveland to Rose- in the absence of its levees, would rise from dale, connecting the two courthouses, running its banks, spreading over and inundating the through Pace. In moving across the county entire country. The Bogue Phalia, being the it can be truly said that all roads lead to nearest river, rising only three miles from the Pace. Also Pace is the most important town present levee, would catch the largest volume on the branch line of the Y. & M. V. Railroad, of water, containing a fertile sediment, and which also connects the two county seats as would distribute this new land equally over well as acting as the connecting link between its entire upper territory. In this way the the main line and the Riverside Division. strongest section of the Mississippi Delta was Pace has a population of 400 people. A built up. live little town! With room to expand and The famous Bogue Phalia territory, widely an inherently wealthy territory to force ex known for its long staple cotton, produces an pansion, progress is inevitable. excellent, strong fiber which has earned an Commercially it is one of the leading towns enviable position in cotton circles. Many fac in the county. It is a bustling business cen tors and cotton brokers have often admitted ter, having fourteen live-wire merchants, an that for the length and strength of its staple enterprising bank, a modern hotel, two cotton it is in a class by itself, without a parallel Sms> a large consolidated school, artesian anywhere in America. The market is greedy water and telephones centered in a trade ter- * for this product, it always finding a sale at ft •> SO Imperial Bolivar % more than an average long staple price. With I-Iealtii average seasons it will yield three-quarters of Malaria has long ago been annihilated by a bale to the acre and mature early enough to the relentless campaign against the mosquito. successfully combat the boll weevil. Water is never given the opportunity of be This exalted position which it enjoys is at coming stagnated. With his breeding place tributed to the black buckshot land on the destroyed, it is seldom that a mosquito is seen. Bogue Phalia, the richest, most fertile, level alluvial soil to be found anywhere in the Education Union. Up and down the banks of the Bogue The autumn of 1920, when the Pace Con Phalia, from its source to its mouth, for in solidated School opened the doors for attend herent fertility and productivity the land ance, marks a new era in the town’s develop alongside cannot be surpassed. It is virgin ment. One large consolidated school usurped soil, still new, with scattering signs of stumps the position formerly held by three scattered yet to be uprooted. The country is as level One-teacher schools, and replaced it with one as an imaginary line, stretching over a vast larger, better and offering educational advan territory as far as the eye can see. Not a tages which under the old system would have hill nor a roll obscures the vision, but in the been impossible. distance one sees the restful green of wood The building, as may be seen from the pic land towering up into the horizon. Inocu ture, is a large, commodious three-story struc lated into this vast, level stretch is a wealth ture, consisting of ten class rooms, a spacious yet untouched and a capacity yet unknown. auditorium, a gymnasium equipped with Long staple cotton is the principal export showers, capable as a whole of well caring crop, but the land will produce abundantly for three hundred students, erected at the anything that land will produce. Corn, oats, ! handsome cost of approximately $50,000. It wheat, potatoes, any leguminous crop and all is a modern building with all facilities for a hays seem here to find a natural habitat. The progressive public school. The building is soil seems adjustable to fit the needs of any lighted by electricity, well supplied with run imported crop. Fruit, wild and cultivated, ning water, sanitary fountains, heated by grows here in abundance. Except for the un steam, a well-equipped stage and gymnasium. i questioned superiority of long staple cotton over that produced on other lands this would Automobile Trucks Carry Children to and be a section of diversified farming and varied From School interests. The Pace Consolidated School district ex Drainage tends about five miles in each direction from In the beginning, the land is admirably town. This territory is covered each day, naturally drained. There are no swamps nor forenoon and afternoon, by five enclosed lowlands that go untilled. Frequent bayous school trucks, driven by careful drivers, bring and drainage canals carry off all surplus ing to the doorway of the school two hundred * water. The wealth of the lowlands is utilized children for their daily instruction. Every : by placing drainage canals of sufficient ca child in the district rides to school in comfort. I ’ pacity in places of the greatest need. Course of Study Roads The course of study offered by the Pace There is literally a network of public high Consolidated High School is a comprehensive ways—highways good the year around re one, embracing kindergarten, grammar grades gardless of season. Pace is approachable from and a high school, affiliated with all of the any direction at any time. At one point in state colleges. The kindergarten is under the Pace five such roads form a juncture and able supervision of three of the ten experi move into the main thoroughfare. These enced teachers. The high school course covers i roads are all graveled or under contract. all of the preliminary arts and sciences, giv ing practical instruction in agriculture and Woodland domestic science, though in no way derogating . Approximately three-quarters of the land the value of the cultural arts, such as music, ! is in a harvesting state of cultivation. The languages and expression. These are all taken large portion of this land has been cleared in as one. moulding a well-rounded, mentally- the last ten years. Things move swiftly here. equipped graduate to assume positions in any During the month of August hundreds of college in the state. Music is especially : acres of this land are put into cultivation. stressed. Bridge Across Bogue Phalia Homo of J.T. Robinson J r-\ ; • r,; I!' m &■ •r.-. J rr. |v III ; The Bond-Hyman Block ;'©1 |;p.p : ■ w. ;• ^v ; ,n*J" —•• dM Pace Consolidafed High School Teachers’ Home on Left v ’'SMs Home of s**,ii V J.B. Bond. .. Wi 7 Bridge Across Bogue Phalia-Pace . y Home of - V J. H.Pace c * S2 Imperial Bolivar Teachers ' Home the church lias become too small to accom Connected with the school is a Teachers’ modate all of the people in the immediate Home—a neat residence, adjacent to the territory, and it becomes evident that new school, where the faculty of ten members re and larger churches are needed to confront sides. This, too, has all modern conveniences, the late conditions. So, to facilitate religious such as running water, heat, lights and tele progress, the churches mutually agreed to phones. separate their interests and each to build a Results more spacious and better church. The Methodists have already selected their Pace now has a large graduating class an site and in the course of a few months the nually, a* thing which under the old system church will be completed. Likewise the Bap was impossible. Children of this community tists have been stimulating interest in a simi will every year be found enrolled in all state lar project and at the present time there is universities. It has accomplished wonders in splendid promise of two better churches, creating a cultural atmosphere and educa working toward the same goal and able to tional enthusiasm, which is so essentially care for a larger and progressive public. necessary to any great, enlightened progress. No doubt that as the rapid growth con It has stimulated lethargic ambitions in the tinues more churches will be needed, and they children. It has improved the town, it has may rest assured of a hearty welcome, co improved the people, it has elevated ideas and operation and help. There will always be broadened the vision of the entire commu room in Pace for churches. nity. It is the one important feature of the town. The good work that it has accomplished A Survey cannot be exaggerated, nor does its future Pace is a growing town, The basis for its value fall within the pale of estimation. prosperity is agriculture—the soundest, most Religious Activities practical basis for firm and constant progress. Enormous potential wealth in agricultural re There is no more graphic example of the sources still lies undeveloped. Many acres of unusual co-operative spirit and the harmoni woods within a short radius of the tow’ll ous relationship w?hich exists among the peo awaits the axe before it will unfold its bounty. ple of Pace than that embodied in their one All cultivated land is now' yielding a wealthy church. In name a Baptist Church! In harvest, but it calls for more intensive farm- reality a Union Church! A modest monu mg. More labor must be exerted, more waste ment to God, erected in 1910 by and for the utilized, more scientific methods employed be entire community; a center of social activi fore maximum production and the greatest ties, a community gathering place, aiming at prosperity is attained. Vast wrcalth demands a higher and better towm and country through more thorough assimilation. unity and concentration of efforts, and dedi cated to the common purpose of worshipping At the present time the Bogue Phalia ter God. aided and assisted by a lively Sunday ritory is under the plantation regime. Grad school, B. Y. P. U., Woman’s Missionary So ually, however, the influx of more stable peo ciety and other similar organizations. ple is being felt and the land is being sold in forty, eighty and 160-acre plots. Cottages The time of using the church is allotted and rural homes with flowers will soon usurp equally between the Baptists and the Meth the whitewashed cabin. Herein lies the noblest odists. the two major denominations, wrhile the few' extra Sundays W'hich occur in each promise of development. year are conserved and devoted to Presby More home builders can be used; more sta terian sen-ices. All of these assemblies are ble, enlightened citizens can here find pros attended by the members of all of the various perity. This territory is excellently adapted denominations, and utmost freedom and lati for rural life, with its unparalleled soil, its tude are given to each of them. In a friendly improved roads, its healthful climate and its Modern and animated way these churches have ahvays consolidated school, conveniences, vied for superiority, but this natural rivalry coupled with a united and hospitable people, has led neither to discord nor strife, but offer an opportunity not to be surpassed. rather it has led to a broader attitude, which The greatest impetus to prosperity is in the has been conducive to reverence and tolerance. total assimilation of resources, not in their At the present time, in view of the star partial absorption. In gleaning, not in reap tling changes of the last decade brought about ing! Land now- yielding three-quarters of a by the wonderful development and progress, bale to the acre, or 750 bales to the 1,000 Imperial Bolivar 83 acres, under the present extensive system, land may be bought and paid for in five or can, with careful intensive farming and the six years, with its inherent value constantly utilization of science, be made to produce increasing. It may be rented for about fifteen probably a bale and a half, or 60 bales on dollars per acre, or it may be share cropped, 40 acres. Every year, if surplus labor is not where the landlord furnishes everything ex extremely plentiful, more cotton goes to waste cept board and labor and receives one-half of on plantations around Pace than is produced what is produced. Thrifty families on twenty on some of the poorer cotton lands in other acres, share cropping, can earn $1,200 an regions. nually. It is a land where equal opportunity This land may be either owned, rented or is given to all and anyone with ambition can share cropped. Forty acres of this land, rise. owned, well tilled and carefully supervised Pace at present is a town of about 400 by a thrifty family, will produce enough by people. It is bound to grow. Its territory- . living at home and conserving the consoli gives it a capacity of at least 1,000 inhab dated school opportunity to send all of the itants when it is well settled. It is a town children through college. Forty acres of this with a future; a golden destiny yet to unfold! ; . : I l! •/ ■ i ! :1 : i • i i 1 ; > f : s i ■ i : I Imperial Bolivar 85 Gunnison Center of Early Development in Bolivar County UNNISON, a town of 600 people, ten railroad, the entire population of Concordia miles north of Roseclale, the northern moved to Gunnison in 1890 and started the G most incorporated representative on the town. The Methodist Church and the Ma Riverside Division of the Y. & M. V. Rail sonic Lodge came. In the early days the road, founded within easy sight of the Mis lower part of the Masonic Lodge room was sissippi River levee, possesses a keenly inter used as a school room, the tutoring system esting history. having long since disappeared. In the remote history of Bolivar there was Concordia today is a derelict town. A de located, two miles north of the present site serted village! Only a few weather-beaten of Gunnison, a thriving river town named and dilapidated shacks mark the site where Concordia. From the early fifties through once it stood. The landing where the mag the Civil War and extending up into the nine nificent river steamers anchored in the seven ties, Concordia was an important harbor in ties is now rank woods. The river has moved. river traffic, at that time the only means of Annually, when the river is at low leveL transportation. numerous log teams enter to the extent of A penetrating novelist could find material two miles, bringing out thousands of feet of in Concordia about which to weave many de timber in huge virgin logs. The river has lightful romances. He could tell of floods; deviated three miles from the levee and tilled utter devastation and inundation; of immi the old course with the most fertile land grants moving south on the river in flatboats; known in the entire world. of the early levee construction; of the rav It is such towns as Concordia and other ages of the yellow fever scourge; of river river settlements of similar fate that make piracy and outlawry; of vast wildernesses Bolivar County’s history an intensely absorb through which only winding trails pierced, ing, legendary development. A more general ! with gigantic, impenetrable cane overlapping history of the early river territory, of which the top; of hardihood, fortitude and courage old Concordia is but a part, will be found in I displayed by pioneers, unsurpassed by tales the history of the county. of all other frontiers; all combined with the After the moving of Concordia the rise of luxuries of the old Southern plantations along Gunnison has been rapid and brief. Develop a narrow strip fronting the river and gilded ment moved swiftly. One year after its found with ante-bellum romance. ing it was the home of a splendid county Concordia was a thriving harbor up until paper, the Gunnison Enterprise. It became a the eighties, when it became very apparent stable town, the center of the county s most that the Mississippi River was again exercis progressive territory. Some of the chief fig ing one of its vagarious whims and was chang ures prominent in the growth of the preseat ing its course by moving its deep channel Gunnison and the old Concordia are Blan further out into its bed. Soon the harbor chards, Rogeskey. Rothehild. Frank A* Co.. began filling up, making it impossible for the Dr. Pease, Gunnison. Wrenn. Seaton. Todd. steamboats to approach within one mile, Burts, Fitzgerald, Arnolds. so the freight and passengers were trans Gunnison* Today ported to the town in tugs. Simultaneous with this process the new Gunnison is prosperous and growing. A Riverside Division of the Y. & M. V. Railroad thriving town, centered in a flourishing ter Company was under construction and moving ritory, with seventeen stores* a sound bank two miles south, through what is now Gun (capitalized at $15,000 L a magnificent con nison, but then only a bare field. The depot, solidated school, two churches, cool. wide, was erected on the plantation of Mr. Gunni hard-surfaced streets, shaded with large Delta son, who has long since moved back to his cottonwoods, laid off in blocks with a neat New Hampshire home. Hence the name of concrete walk to every door: equipped with Gunnison. every known modern convenience, such as Their harbor lost and desiring to be on the telephones, running water in every home and , y 86 Imperial Bolivar garden, and electric lights, wired to streets as river, would receive the fertile deposit of soil well as the homes. It presents the most bus and annually it grew gradually higher and tling atmosphere of any of the smaller towns higher until the point about Gunnison is one of Bolivar County. of the highest in the county. It slopes grad Located on the Riverside Division, only ten ually back from the levee eastward to the miles from Rosedale, and on the wide Clarks- interior of the county, with a gentle fall to dale-Greenville highway, it is the most con the network of bayous and drainage canals venient northwestern approach to the county which immediately carry off all surplus water. seat. From out of Gunnison rolls that mag Drainage is natural under such conditions. nificent cross-county pike to Shelby, a direct The Bogue Phalia, one of the Delta’s most straight line. This pike makes every north important rivers, rises north of Gunnison eastern point in the county easily accessible, about six miles and within a short distance while the short cut from Gunnison to Malvina of the levee. This famous stream flows di through Pace renders the southeastern points rectly through the center of the territory equally convenient. From north to south within two miles of the town of Gunnison, moves the Clarksdale-Greenville highway. So furnishing a natural outlet for drainage for excellent roads put Gimnison in ready, direct the entire surrounding country. As it slowly touch with every county point, regardless of wends its way southward, frequent bayous direction. and dredge ditches add their bit to its volume, forming a considerable stream by the time it Eighty Square Miles of Fertile, Alluvial reaches the heart of the local district. Territory' The great value of the Bogue Phalia can The most flourishing territory in Bolivar not be exaggerated. In past ages, before County is that centered about Gunnison. It there was any system of levees along the is that exceedingly high, level land formed by river, the Bogue Phalia served as an overflow the inundation of the Mississippi River. outlet for the Mississippi. As each spring the Every year the Father of Waters would rise floods would come, the channel of the Bogue from its banks and roll out over the country. Phalia would receive a large volume of water The country about Gunnison, fronting on the and. exactly duplicating the Mississippi, V? TW 11 • r * viJL HOME OF R. L. SLEDGE. NEAR GUNNISON ! f i Imperial Bolivar 87 i would distribute it over the country about, sources of the territory. Words might de building up from the imported sediment a scribe a shaded town, but words can never high black loam soil, the locally famous buck picture the crops, orchards and Jive stock, all shot land. So between the Bogue Phalia and redolent of general prosperity. The country about Gunnison is a country made up of large plantations, all ante-bellum. The glamored Old South is incarnated here. {, The ante-bellum mansion of the Sledge plan tation, one of the oldest in the county, is but typical of the many homes scattered over the v territory. . But the plantations do not monopolize the large territory. There are many of the small forty-acre farms, owned and tilled by small farmers—that firm, substantial, solid founda tion so essential for stably established pros perity. A forty-acre farm that raises a money crop of long staple cotton, produces feedstuff for the stock, an alfalfa hog pasture, and makes a garden, keeps the family in comfort, ....1 with a tidy bank account secured, educates the children through college, is considered the JIM McGJCE IN CORN FIELD greatest investment for the farmer, as well as the community, that can be made. the Mississippi, Gunnison has been extremely Water Supply fortunate to gain an elevation equal to any in the county, and which is so essentially The water in rural Gunnison is as adequate necessary to drainage. as in the town itself. Within a radius of live The black buckshot lands along the Bogue miles of the town there are seven ever-flowing Phalia from above Gunnison through the en artesian wells that are now piped over the tire county cannot be duplicated anywhere in greater portion of the total territory. With America. This land is widely known for in exhaustible virility and stamina. In the cot ton world it is recognized as producing the ;/'.l strongest fiber of all of the Delta cotton. Cot ton is the ranking crop, but exalting one crop "'V is no disparagement of diversification. »/' This inherently fertile soil will produce ' anything. Glance at the pictures—all made about Gunnison just as they stand. See that drove of uniform Hampshire shoats, 15,000 > pounds of meat in July, raised upon an al falfa pasture just south of the picture, with a little addition of home-grown corn. Notice the field of corn in the illustration, forty acres, two to three ears of matured corn on every stalk, capable of seventy-five bushels to NfSft# the acre without the addition of a pound of fertilizer, right upon the bank of the Bogue ■j ... Phalia. A short distance from the Bogue Phalia is the orchard, a home orchard, about DR. H. L. COCHERHAM IN PEACH ORCHARD one acre of exuberant Concord grapes, bend ing peach trees intermingled with pears and a reasonable expense running water may be apples—fruit with every season. put into every home in the entire Gunnison A town is as wealthy as its territory and community. Also within the same radius as prosperous as its people, so Gunnison has there are ten cotton gins, which are the great refrained from showing any snapshots of the est monuments to Delta prosperity. town itself, but has included the vast re- Every plantation around Gunnison has a — 1 ! = ss Imperial Bolivar gravel road running through it except two. Spring after spring the muddy, turbulent This means a gravel road in every direction, waters of the Ohio and the Missouri have been which includes an approach to every acre of loosed of their wild annual rampage south land. ward to the gulf, heaving and boiling with Under such prosperous condition, with the the relentless pressure, and assaulting this im greatest drainage in the world, health could mense dike, at times dashing and breaking its be none other than the best. The high, well- waves upon its crest, but for forty years it drained land, the sanitary conditions thus has stood there grimly, never trembling nor afforded, combined with a consolidated school wavering, but with remorseless consistency which laj^s especial stress upon hygiene, has has pushed this tremendous volume of water, gone far toward building up an ideal place miles across and many feet in depth, south to live. ward. Gunnison has never had a break in Undeveloped Resources its levee and never shall. It is a massive structure, made of millions Behind the levee lies thousands and thou of tons of dirt, bound and tied together by sands of acres of the richest land in the world, the tenacious roots of Bermuda. The cost of nowhere excepted. The main channel of the building this has been tremendous, but it is river is three miles from the levee. In this the one thing that has made this wonderful intervening strip is a vast stretch of woods. country possible. It is maintained by both Except for a few hundred acres, this is all the local Delta and the Federal Government. uncultivated. This land, from May to Sep tember, is many feet out of the water, and Consolidated School the vast fertility of it may easily be imagined, When Gunnison was founded out of the as every year the river comes out upon it and citizenship of the previous Concordia the lays against the levee. lower floor of the Masoiiic Hall was used as This land will some day be all utilized for a school room. Later a neat little school was summer crops. At present the few hundred built, accommodating probably fifty pupils acres in corn, which grows twenty feet high, and two teachers. But as progress glided on producing enormously, is but a mere bagatelle with the development of the country it was to what shall some day be here produced. soon evident that this school was inadequate for the town and community. The Impregnable Gunnison Levee A school like this has many faults. In a Gunnison is protected by a huge levee school such as this there is no room for the which follows the course of the river within development of the cultural arts, of which sight of the town. A veritable bulwark, sod music and expression are the most conspicu ded with green Bermuda, protecting planta ous examples. Two teachers are handicapped tions from floods, homes from inundation, and in teaching all of the grades which are neces the entire country from the devastating rav sary even in a kindergarten and grammar ages of water, is the greatest asset Gunnison school. But the greatest deficiency of this has or could have. method of education is in the neglect of the i GUNNISON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL I IM PER IAL B OLI VAR 89 rural children who live beyond a comfortable Tiie town of Gunnison and the surrounding distance from the town. With the changes country will now every year finish a high of season, in the winter's cold and rain, it is school graduating class and have entrants into impossible to expect children of tender years every college or university in the state. In to tramp through the mud and slush three former times this has been impossible, for the and four miles to school. schools only went to the eighth grade. From The people of the Gunnison School District the eighth grade upward it was necessary to realized this and sought some remedial im leave home to prepare for college. This sys provement. tem was not conducive to higher education. In the early part of 1922 the Consolidated The present school promises, in educating School project was launched, enthusiastically its boys and girls, town as well as rural, the advocated, and the building was soon under grandest gift that can be bestowed upon any process of construction. The building, as may community. The education of the youth, be seen from the picture, is a wide, low struc enlarging his vision, dreams and ambition, ture, consisting of six commodious class will give progress an irresistible surge for rooms, a large auditorium, a gymnasium ward and place Gunnison in one of the lead equipped with steam heat, electric lights, run ing places in the county. ning water, and all other facilities needed in a public school. The auditorium is capable Religious Life of seating 300 persons, which, with an excel Both the Baptists and the Methodists are lent stage and adequate scenery, is the center very creditably represented with each a nice of much of the church and social activities. church and a parsonage. These two churches The Consolidated School District consists of are the center of all of the religious activi about seventy-five square miles. This terri ties. The Methodist Church was moved from tory is plowed in every direction, morning Concordia and the Baptists built a little later, and night, by four enclosed trucks, driven by so both are old and well established. The careful drivers, bringing to the door of the present majority of people subscribe to one school all of the school children in their vicin of these two denominations, but the utmost ity. These trucks are run on the expense of deference and latitude are extended to mem the school, costing the individuals not one cent bers of all denominations. except the proportional tax levy. Each of the churches is in every way mod The building sits in the center of one of ern, well furnished and lighted, with Sunday the most lovely groves in Bolivar County. school rooms, erected at the present cost of Large, magnificent trees add a certain quiet about $5,000 to $7,000. ' The neat five and attractiveness to the building, besides furnish six-room parsonages provide comfortable, con ing a cool, refreshing shade for both the class venient quarters for each of the pastors, built rooms and the playground. The playground next to the respective churches and providing is equipped with all facilities that attract and all of the conveniences that Gunnison affords. engage the attention of healthy pupils. The pastors of each of the churches divide The course of study embraces as wide a their time with a neighboring town, thus ren range as any school in the county, including dering a greater service to a wider'field of music and expression, varying from kinder activities. But the dates are always so ar garten through the high school graduation. ranged that there will be service at one of The school is under the capable supervision . the churches while the other pastor is engaged of six efficient teachers. There is a special in the other field. This'forms a solidifying instructor in music and expression, and both union between the two churches that greatly of these are stressed through all of the grades. enhances their endeavors. School recitals for these students at frequent Gunnison, however, shall not cease to pro intervals greatly accentuate the interest of gress in a religious way; it shall continue to the students in these two very important cul climb ever higher. All denominations among tural branches. In the Gunnison Consolidated the people of the territory shall grow as the High School there is every facility which goes community grows, and all denominations shall to make an up-to-date, modern, accredited have churches—the vital center of their func high school. tionings. Ill —— —r I Imperial Bolivar 91 Short Biographies of Some of Imperial Bolivar’s Outstanding Builders GENERAL CHARLES CLARK, WAR he had received it from the people of the slate GOVERNOR OF MISSISSIPPI and to them alone would he surrender it. He was taken prisoner to Fort Pulaski, and there ! CHARLES CLARK was a successful law confined with other distinguished Southerners yer of Jefferson County when war was de until finally released by orders of Federal clared on Mexico. He went to the war as authorities. captain of the Jefferson County company and On his return home he resumed the prac became colonel of the Second Mississippi Regi tice of law in partnership with his son-in-law, ment. In 1852 he purchased a large tract of Major W. E. Montgomery, continuing in the land on the Mississippi River just north of quiet pursuits of private life until the sum Prentiss, in Bolivar County, and moved his mer of 1875, when he took an active part in slaves and family to Bolivar County, where the redemption of the state from the blight he cleared and put in cultivation a fine plan of carpet-bag rule. The people of the state tation. When the Civil War occurred it was at this period had about lost hope, but, gath one of the best improved plantations in the ering courage from despair, a taxpayers’ con county. When the war between the states vention was called and held in Jackson during began, he raised a cavalry company, the Boli the summer of the year, and Gen. Clark, a var Troop, of which he was elected captain, \ delegate from Bolivar, was elected chairman. but shortly afterwards, being appointed brig This was the entering wedge. The people rose adier-general in the Confederate army, he was in their might and white supremacy was re succeeded by Capt. F. A. Montgomery, after stored forever in the state by the election in i wards colonel of the First Mississippi Cav that year. Shortly afterwards, retiring from alry. The following short sketch of his life the practice, Gen. Clark was appointed chan is taken from “The Reminiscences of a Mis cellor of his district, which office he held until ? sissippi,” by Col. F. A. Montgomery: his death in December, 1877. He served in the Legislature from both Jef He sleeps his last sleep on a high mound i ferson and Bolivar counties. He was colonel built by some ancient unknown race, but as of a Mississippi regiment in Mexico. He was long as the history of his state is read his early appointed by Mr. Davis a brigadier- name and fame will live. general in the Confederate army, and com ( manded a division in the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded in the shoulder, carry COL. F. A. MONTGOMERY was a planter ! ing the bullet with him to the grave. in Jefferson County prior to 1S55. He mar He also commanded a division in the battle ried Charlotte, a sister of Gen. Charles Clark, of Baton Rouge. In this battle he received in 3848. He removed to Bolivar County in a wound which shattered his thigh, and his 1855 and opened a plantation on Indian horse, being shot from under him and falling Point. In 1858 he removed to the plantation on him, broke three of his ribs. Being con he named “Beulah,” where the present town sidered by the Federals to be beyond recov of that name is situated. He was a public- ery, Gen. Clark was allowed to be carried by spirited man and was soon made president of . his aide, young William Yerger, to New Or the Board of Police of Bolivar County. In leans, where he was placed under the care of 1861, when war between the states was de his old friend, Dr. Stone, an eminent surgeon clared, he enlisted in a cavalry company called of that day. After a struggle of many months “The Bolivar Troop,” of which Charles Clark he sufficiently recovered to be exchanged and was captain. Upon the appointment of Capt. returned to Mississippi. He was never able Clark, formerly a colonel in the Mexican War, afterwards to walk without a crutch. as a general in the Confederate army, F. A. He was elected governor of Mississippi in Montgomery was elected captain of the com 1863, and this trying position he held until pany. Later he was elected lieutenant-colonel forced by a Federal bayonet to yield. He of the First Mississippi Regiment, Arm was literally ejected from his office by force, strong’s Mississippi Brigade, which position refusing to give it up on demand, for he said he held upon the close of the war. He was 92 Imperial Bolivar captured in the last battle of the war, fought the loveliest girls in the state. Of this mar at Selma by Gen. Forrest, was paroled and riage, Charles, Fred and Dulaney, sons, and returned to his home on Lake Beulah, named Fannie, Anna, Margaret and Louise, four for his plantation home. He found his home daughters, were born. He was twice married, and all buildings on the plantation except one negro cabin had been burned by the Fed- erals. A skirmish occurred at his home; a party of reconnoitering Federals, occupying the premises, were surprised by a squadron of Confederates, resulting in a lively skirmish. Reinforcements from the Federal gunboats at hand forced the Confederates to withdraw. As a retaliation the home and all buildings were burned. He rebuilt a rough but comfortable home, and with the help of many of the old slaves who returned to him, he began to build up his plantation. Being a comparatively young man, he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and soon built up a lucrative law practice. His home was one of the first buildings erect ed in Rosedale, and is still standing and occu pied by his two daughters, Misses Matilda and Lottie Montgomery. He was active in the organization of the Democratic party of 1875, and was elected chairman of the first Demo cratic committee of the county. In 1879 he was elected as a member of the Legislature, FRED CLARK in which he served three terms. He retired from the practice of law in 1896 when ap his second wife being Miss Elizabeth Tony of pointed judge of the Circuit Court of his Pine Bluff, Ark., who survives him. Of this judicial district. He celebrated his “golden marriage, Helen, a daughter, was born. He wedding anniversary” in January, 1898. died at his home in Cleveland, Miss., in 1905. Col. Montgomery died December 17, 1903, at his home in Rosedale, leaving surviving him seven children, Jefferson, Frank A., Jr., Mattie M. Moore, Hattie M. Dulaney, Annie MAJOR W. E. MONTGOMERY became a M. Hull, Matilda and Lottie Montgomery. He law partner of his father-in-law, Gen. Charles was a man of kindly nature, of distinguished Clark, in Bolivar County, immediately after ability, public-spirited, and always took a the war, the firm having one of the largest leading'part in matters of public interest. law practices in the state. In 1874 the firm The last one of the Bolivar Troop, his old was dissolved, Major Montgomery moving to company, David Reinach, followed him to the California and Gen. Clark to Natchez, Miss. Great Beyond in January, 1923. During the Civil War he was a major in the Confederate army. He owned a fine colo nial home on Bogue Phalia in Bolivar Coun FREDERICK CLARK, or, as he was ty, which was burned by the Federals in re known, “Fred” Clark, only son of Governor taliation for the burning of a trading boat Charles Clark, inherited liis father’s talent by his company upon which was found a • for chancery law. He was a splendid lawyer, captain of a gunboat convoying the trading a high-class, honorable gentleman. He had boat. the confidence of the people and the love of Major Montgomery returned from Califor his friends. As a lawyer he was diligent in nia with his family to Natchez, Miss. His his office, fluent and logical as an advocate, wife was Mary Aclelia Clark, oldest daughter and strong in the argument of legal questions. of Gen. Charles Clark, and fifteen children His firm of Moore & Clark built up one of were born of this marriage, three sets of twins 4 the best law practices in the county. He among them, one of the twins, Samuel, being married Margaret, youngest daughter of a practicing lawyer at the Cleveland bar. Judge Winchester of Natchez, Miss., one of Subsequently he moved from Natchez to his Imperial Bolivar 93 7 » father’s old homestead, “Locust, in AVash- board was exceedingly heavy, involving intri ington County, which lie inherited. cate questions of Jaw and thousands of dol lars, which vast litigation he managed with He was elected secretary and treasurer of exceptional ability and success. In the case the Board of Mississippi Commissioners, which of the Board of Mississippi Levee Commis office he held for four years, dying soon after sioners v. Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Rail his term of office expired. road Company, in which Mr. Sillers was lead He was a man of fine character and public ing counsel, the board recovered $125,000. spirit. He was afterwards, in 1915-1916, president of the Board of Mississippi Levee Commis (From Dunbar Rowland’s “Biographical sioners. He has always been an ardent Dem History.”) ocrat and was a member of the Democratic executive committee of his county in 1880, HONORABLE WALTER SILLERS of and by his persistent efforts secured the adop Rosedale, Bolivar County, is one of the lead tion of what was known as the “Bond Reso ing members of the bar of that section of the lutions” by that committee, pledging all Dem state, an ex-member of the State Legislature ocrats not to go on the official bonds of ne and a representative of one of the honored groes, radicals or bolters, which measure pioneer families of Mississippi. He was born struck the death blow to radical rule in Boli on the home plantation near Fayette, Jeffer var County. He was for many years a mem son County. His grandfather, Walter Sillers, ber of the state executive committee and is a was of Scotch descent, born in North Caro prominent figure in state and county politics lina, and from that state came to Mississippi and is influential in the councils of the Mis while it was a territory. His father was Jo sissippi Democracy. He was married in 1880 seph Sillers, who served under Jefferson Davis to Ida Gayden, daughter of George L. and in the Mexican War, and also through the Martha Gayden of Bolivar County, Missis four years of the Civil War, dying in April, sippi, who died in 1883. He was again mar 1865, while a prisoner of war in Vicksburg, ried in 1887 to Florence Carson Warfield, Miss. His mother, Matilda (Clark) Sillers, daughter of Col. Elisha Warfield and Mary a sister of Gen. Charles Clark, a general in Carson Warfield of Kentucky. Their five liv the Confederate service and governor of Mis ing children are Walter. Mary Warfield, Flor sissippi during the war. Her father, James ence, Evelyn and Lilian Burrill. Clark, who moved to Ohio from Maryland, ; came to Mississippi from Lebanon, Ohio, in ( the early thirties with a large family, many OSCAR G. McGUIRE, youngest son of of whose descendants are prominent in Mis Judge Joseph McGuire, was admitted to the sissippi history today. Just before the war bar in the seventies and was a successful Joseph and Matilda Sillers moved to Bolivar practitioner for a number of years. County from Jefferson County with three He married Miss Pinkie Gerhart, who died small children, James, Anna, and Walter, and without children. > opened a plantation on Lake Beulah, where He took an active part in the campaign of the subject of this sketch lived during his 1876, and was one of the leaders in the poli i boyhood. He attended college at Oxford, tics of the county for a' long number of years, Miss., and read law in the office of his uncle, at one time being the district attorney for Col. F. A. Montgomery, and was admitted to his district. the bar in 1875. He organized the first Dem ocratic Club organized in Bolivar County. He has established a reputation as one of the THOMAS SCOTT OWEN, son of James well-read and able attorneys and counsellors and Martha Scott Owen, grandson of Judge of the state. He has always been active and Thomas Scott of Louisiana, was born at £ £ prominent in levee affairs and was attorney Glenwood,” the plantation home on Lake for the Board of Mississippi Levee Commis Beulah, on November 5, 1870. Being left an sioners for eight years. After the disastrous orphan in early childhood and all of his fam overflow of 1897 it was largely due to his ily having died, he was reared in the home efforts before that body that the United States of his brother-in-law and guardian, Walter River Commission greatly increased its ap Sillers. propriations to the levees of the Mississippi After his return from college he studied District. During his attorneyship for the law in the office of Walter Sillers, was admit levee board litigation for and against the ted to the bar and became his law partner. I Imperial Bolivar Later the firm became Moore, Sillers & Owen, seeking. His firm of Sillers, Owen & Sillers and after the death of Mr. Moore became organized the first drainage district of the Sillers, Owen & Sillers. county, the work largely devolving upon him He married Miss Miriam Roby and had —a work in which he took great interest and one daughter, Katherine. He died at his to which he diligently applied himself. home in Cleveland, Miss., in November, 1918. He was always a leader in every public He was one of the most splendid men Boli move for the good of his town, county and var County ever produced, one of the ablest state. He was loved by most who knew him and most successful lawyers in the comity. and respected by all. His influence for good He was public-spirited without being self- in this county will long be felt. ? * i ! i ■