Wesson 1864 - 1964

Wesson 1864 – 1964

By Miss Evelyn Williams in collaboration with Mrs. Paul Little

One hundred years ago on March 31, 1864, Wesson was incorporated as a town. Its history had begun only a short time before when Col. J. M. Wesson, having had his mills (cotton and woolen and a flour mill) in Choctaw County destroyed by a Union Army, built a lumber mill at this site. This was the first step toward building a cotton and woolen mill to replace the mills he had lost. He organized a company for the project. While he was in the East buying machinery, other members of the company chose this site located on the New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad. It was named Wesson in honor of Col. Wesson.

In 1866 Col. Wesson with associates, two of whom were Major W. H. Hallam and Major James Hamilton, erected a cotton mill, known as the Mississippi Manufacturing Company, and built seventy-­‐six operatives’ houses. It was expedient to extend the corporate limits and that was done by the State Legislature on October 30, 1866. This Mississippi Manufacturing Company was operated under Col. Wesson’s management until 1871 at which time it was sold to Captain William Oliver and John T. Hardy, businessmen of New Orleans. Captain Oliver moved to Wesson and assumed management of the factory until it was destroyed by fire in 1873. Mr. Hardy sold his interests to Col. Edmund Richardson. Captain Oliver and his associates made immediate plans to rebuild the mill on a much larger scale and soon the new building, later known as Mill No. 1, was erected on the site of the original mill. The name of the business was changed to the Mississippi Mills. Success crowned the efforts of the new owners, Col. Richardson was President and Captain Oliver the General Manager.

In 1877 the State Legislature redefined the boundaries of Wesson and 1884 changed the corporate limits to exclude portions on the west side of town.

In the 1870’s and 1880’s Wesson’s growth and prosperity centered around the Mills, whose growth was phenomenal. It was stated that “the best single example of the post-­‐war period was the Mississippi Mills.” In 1885 Mill No. 2 was built and in 1887 Mill No. 3. At the completion of the third mill the plant employed about 1200 and the population of Wesson had grown to 4000. At the peak of activity the Mississippi Mills were described as “the largest manufacturing institution south of the Ohio River.

After the death of Captain Oliver in 1891, the mills did not seem to prosper as formerly.

The plan of management in which every detail was centered in Wesson was changed to one in which all buying and selling was placed in the hands of brokers of New York City. Labor troubles began to develop. The Mills never did recover from the Panic of 1893. The hey-­‐day of the Mills was over.

In 1906 the mills went into receivership and in 1910 ceased operation entirely. In 1911 they were sold to the original bondholders and later to S. Odenheimer and Marks of New Orleans. In 1919 they sold the building to a group of businessmen in Copiah County, who resold them on January 9, 1920, to a New Orleans wrecking company. The closing of the mills was a severe economic blow to the town, resulting inevitably in the closing of some business establishments and a loss in population.

Town Seeks New Industries and Enterprises

Wesson businessmen began to seek new industries and enterprises. One result of their efforts was the development of Wesson as a Dairy Center. This proved a good venture for farmers and businessmen. By 1959 the shipment of milk from this locality amounted approximately to $3,000.00 per day. Wesson is no longer the Dairy Center but many dairymen operate in this area; a number of persons are engaged in raising beef cattle. Industries are locating in our little city, four plants being the Potter Company, which manufactures electrical equipment; the Monticello Manufacturing Company, a garment plant; Ashley’s Concrete Block Plant; and Copiah County Co-­‐Op. Wesson continues to ship forest products. Today (1964) Wesson is going forward. Its inhabitants, many of them descendants of the people who lived here in the Mill era, are actively interested in the town’s economic development, educational opportunities, social well-­‐being, and spiritual growth. They find employment both at home and in the neighboring towns of Hazlehurst and Brookhaven and some commute to Jackson and McComb. They have pride in their town and as individuals and as club members strive to make Wesson a healthier, more beautiful, and prosperous place in which to live and rear happy families.

Water Supply

The Mississippi Mills got their water from the spring-­‐fed Ford’s Creek, about 2 miles from town. The water was pumped into town where it was stored in a cistern of 115,000 gallon capacity. The Worthington pumps were capable of forcing water over the highest mill building (six stories). There was sufficient pressure for the use of strong fire hose all over town. After the closing of the Mills people had to depend on dug or bored wells on their premises.

Today (1964) our water supply again is the springs at Ford’s Creek. A recent improvement has been the erecting of a new storage tank of 150,000 gallon capacity and within a few months we shall have a new reservoir of 150,000 capacity.

Lights

In the early days of Wesson the streets were lighted by kerosene lamps. At every street corner there was a wooden post upon top of which was a kerosene light enclosed in glass; each lamp held just enough oil to burn through the night. Each afternoon the “ole lamplighter” went about his task of refilling and lighting the lamps. Mr. Scott Short, the father of Mrs. Florence

Short Rollins and Miss Allie Short, was one of the lamplighters. Later arc lamps were used.

New carbon had to be put into the lamps every two or three days. Mr. Granberry tended the lights. Mr. Bob Purse owned and managed the first electric light plant. Later the light plant was owned by Mr. W. H. Harvey with Mr. “Bully” Gordon as operator. The plant operated only at night. It is believed that Wesson had the first electric lights in Mississippi and even before Chicago. (Note: Chicago installed arc lights in 1883; it took an additional year before the power plant was constructed.) The Mills, electrically lighted, were described as a “Wonderful sight to see.” Passengers on trains gazed in wonderment and people came from far and near to see the “little light in a bottle.”

After the closing of the mills people again had to use kerosene lamps. Later a local plant supplied electricity, several managers being Gayle Williams, Jim McKnight, Walter Williams, and Harry Weathersby. Now the source our electricity is the Mississippi Power & Light Company.

Roads, Streets, and Camps

The roads of dirt, usually very dusty and muddy, were heavily traveled by the ox-­‐teams and mule-­‐drawn wagons. The circular watering tank located in front of the Davis Shell Service Station and now used as a flower bed is a daily reminder of the olden days. The sidewalks were made of planks and a number of wooden bridges for pedestrians spanned the deep ravines.

One foot bridge, which led to the hill on which set the house of Dr. John Beavers, Sr., was 20 feet high; road traffic passed underneath.

The State Legislature in 1877 approved an act stating, “That the Mayor and Aldermen of said town (Wesson) shall have power to require all persons residing within corporate limits…liable to road duty to work not exceeding six days in each year on the streets or public highways within the corporate limits of said town.”

A map of Wesson in the early 1880’s showed the Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans Railroad dividing the town into two parts. On the west side in the business section the streets varied in width. Factory Street being 100 feet; Spring Street 60 feet and Church Street 55 feet.

Streets in the residential areas on both sides of the railroad were approximately 60 feet but some were forty feet. Wesson Street was 100 feet.

In 1964 most of our streets are blacktopped, including the main streets in the cemetery; the sidewalks are of concrete. Few persons know the names of the streets but memories are stirred and smiles are seen when some mention is jocularly made of “Pig Alley,” “Buzzard’s Wing,” “Peach Orchard,” and “Silk Stocking Avenue,” the nicknames for certain streets.

There were camp sites for the oxen drivers, teamsters, and their animals, who sometimes remained in town for as long as a week. The cotton had to be sold and unloaded from the long, flat wagons and supplies loaded for the return trip. Mr. Charlie Hartwell was the buyer of the cotton. Stories are told of the divers practicing the snapping of their whips and

having contests that lasted until late hours at night, disturbing the slumbers of those who lived near the camps.

Real Estate; Liquor

The Mississippi Mills owned nearly all the real estate in and around Wesson. Whenever a piece of land was sold Captain Oliver, who was a strong prohibitionist, wrote a clause in the deed that if alcoholic liquor was ever sold on the premises illegally the title to the said property would revert to the grantors. Many of these deeds are on record at the Copiah County Courthouse.

Also, Captain Oliver was instrumental in having the State Legislature change the south boundary line of Copiah County by dropping down one mile square in order to have the entire town of Wesson in Copiah County, a “dry” county. Lincoln County was “wet.” In those days the “local option” plan was in effect. Today (1964) Wesson is still bound by Lincoln County on three sides. On March 9, 1888, the State Legislature approved an act stating, “That it shall be unlawful for any person to sell or to give away to induce trade, any vinous, spirituous or malt liquor, or other drinks which if drunk to excess will produce intoxication, within five miles of the corporate limits of said town of Wesson and Beauregard, Copiah County, Mississippi.”

Good residence lots could be had from $100 to $250 for 100 to 200 square feet. Farm property could be bought from $5 to $10 per acre, 2 to 5 miles from town; unimproved land 2 to 5 miles from town could be bought for $1 or $2 per acre. The property valuation in corporate limits in Wesson was $1,500,000.

Today, the town’s assessment amount to approximately $688,000, the total for Personalty (sic), Realty, Public Service, and Automobiles.

Banking

Al of the banking of the town was transacted through the Cotton Mills Office until the Bank of Wesson was organized on January 5, 1893. The Bank of Wesson has always been soundly and efficiently operated; even in the years of the Big Depression, which began in 1929, our people boasted proudly that the Bank of Wesson was “as strong as the Rock of Gibraltar.” The feeling was that Mr. R. E. Rea was on the job and “all was well.” Presidents of the Bank have been: Messrs. T. A. Lee, Garland Lyell, J. S. Rea, and R. E. Rea. The present President is Mr. Edward Berry, who came to use from Jackson, where he was affiliated with the First National Bank.

In 1957 the Bank of Wesson moved into a new, modern structure, described as up-­‐to-­‐ date in every detail.

Business Establishments

In the days of Col. J. M. Wesson’s regime, the Company had its own commissary for its employees, but after the plant was sold independent stores were established. A partial list follows of the 1880’s and 1890’s: Carey & Earns, later known as Earns & Lyell; Wimberly & Rea; Wm. Oliver, Son & Company; Dampeer, Riley & Company; Lee, Somerville & Boyd; Earns, Fant & Long; Oliver, Wimberly & Patterson; Lee & Lillie; Williams’ Brothers; Becker, Lyell, McGrath & Company; T. H. Wellman’s; S. A. Hammons & Company; Atkinson & McDonald; Alford & Price Drug Store; Sam Bloom’s Drug Store; J. E. Patterson’s Hardware; McDuff’s Barber Shop; Wright’s Barber Shop; Harvey’s Ice Plant; Purser’s Power Plant and Pettigrew’s Café. All those names are no longer in existence. B. F. Youngblood & Company closed its doors in recent years due to the retirement of Mr. Curtis Youngblood and his wife, Edith Little Youngblood. The last of the old establishments to sell out was McKay’s Pressing Shop and that was due to the retirement of Mrs. Rudolph McKay; her husband, popularly known as “Buck,” has been an invalid for several years.

Our citizens had their pictures taken by Mr. Morris, a photographer, or at the W. H. B. Hardy’s Art Gallery. Ladies purchased their hats from Mrs. R. A. Torrey’s Hat Shop, Miss Adelle Hamilton’s Hat Shop or from a millinery department of the larger stores. Dr. Charles Thompson was dentist and Mr. R. L. Hamilton had a lumber office.

Most of the business houses had two stories, were built of brick and had either metal or slate roofs.

There are several interesting records about the W. W. Dampeer building that was built on the same premises as his dwelling, which faced Spring Street. It was described in 1888 and 1889 as “in part a cow stable and in part an ice cream room.” Another record stated that it was used, “in part as a stable; in part by Monroe Smith for storage of coffins and burial caskets, and in part by Monroe Smith as a candy shop.” It seems that Mr. Smith also kept sashes, doors, blinds, and transoms there. In 1890 the building was “occupied as a stable, in part by D. F. Ford as a carpenter shop, and in part by J. H. Carlisle as a market house.”

The S. Sexton Building was described in 1890 as a “two-­‐story brick, metal-­‐roof building, occupied as a drug store, family grocer, general store, printing office, and dentists’ offices. This is the only privately-­‐owned commercial two-­‐story building of the Mills Era that still stands. It is owned by Messrs. Lonnie Freeman and Lester Furr, who operate the Wesson Pharmacy in the corner portion of it.

The Mississippi Mills owned a warehouse, which was described as a “two-­‐story brick, metal roof building, occupied for storage of goods, packing and sample rooms, and secretary-­‐ treasurer office, fronting on Main, Factory and Spring Streets.” This is the only Mississippi Mills building still standing in the business section of town; and for years it was occupied by Becker Lyell McGrath & Company and more recently by the Wesson Hardware, the latter moving in 1964 to the vacant B. F. Youngblood & Company store. The Wesson Post Office and the Bank of

Wesson for years occupied the old warehouse building. Both have moved into new structures build for their special activities, the Post Office in 1950 and the Bank of Wesson in 1957. The building, in recent years called the Beall Building, is now owned by Jesse Granberry.

Many of the older inhabitants of the community remember Furr’s Bakery which made delivery of fresh bread to the homes. The children listened for the ringing of “Old Bob’s” bell so that they could run with saucers and spoons to his wagon to buy delicious home-­‐made ice cream. Some of the seamstresses in the early 1900’s were Miss Lillie Coker, now Mrs. Morris Waddell, Mrs. J. C. Flippin, Mrs. Amanda Graves and Mrs. G. W. Montroy. Sid Craft and W. A. Decell operated livery stables. Mr. G. W. Montroy was a night watchman of the Mills’ property for 15 years without losing a night. His period of service included the time when the Mills were closed.

Business Establishments – 1964

Business followed by owner or proprietor

Donis’ Beauty Shop, Mrs. Wilbert Pickett; Watch Repair Shop, Olin Shows; Perritt’s Grocery Store, Mr. M. H. Perritt; 5 & 10 cent Store, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Jones; Wesson Cleaners & Men’s Wear, Jesse Granberry; Wesson Pharmacy, Lonnie Freeman and Lester Furr; The Dollar Store, S. F. Hailey; Wesson Hardware, R. E. Drane; Smith Mercantile company, Lamar Smith and Frank Lowery; Tyson’s Grocery & Market, E. F. Tyson; Ashley’s Barber Shop, A. L. Ashley; Pure Oil Service Station, Garland Case; Ashley’s Supermarket, James Ashley; (The super market is located on the side of the old cotton warehouse.)

Cities Service Oil Company, John (Buddy) Springs; Copiah County Co-­‐Op AAL, Ralph Smith, manager; Cowen Chevrolet Company, Hollis Cowen, Sr.; Davis Shell Service Station, Curtis L. Davis; Furr’s Gulf Service Station, Kenneth Furr; Hamilton’s TV & Appliances, John T. Hamilton; Harrison’s Cleaners, R. L. Hamilton, Jr.; Illinois Central Railroad, Archie Phipps, Station Agent; Johnny’s Auto Repair, Johnny Newman; Keenan’s Barber Shop, J. S. Keenan; Monticello Manufacturing Company, J. E. Dickey, manager; Pannell’s Service Station, J. M. Pannell; The Potter Company, Paul Reuter, Foreman; Purvis Dental Office, Dr. M. D. Purvis; Rea Insurance Agency, Lewis J. Weeks, Jr.; Rice’s Drive-­‐In, John Rice; Vanity Beauty Shop, Mrs. Lucille Shehea; Willie’s Beauty Shop, Mrs. Willie Spell; Wesson Auto Parts, Ben Adams, manager; Wesson Café, J. E. Fortenberry; Wesson Egg Farm, Ralph Smith; The Wesson Enterprise, Paul L. Robertson, editor and owner; Wesson Insurance Agency, Charlie King and Jesse Granberry; Wesson Motor Company, Brown Brothers; White’s Florist, Mrs. Grover White; The Hobby & Gift Shop, Mrs. J. W. Curtis’ Covington’s Syrup, H. H. Covington; Higg’s Shoe Repair & TV Service, T. M. Higgs; Smith Produce & Furniture, J. F. Smith; Roberts Welding Shop, Mr. Carl Roberts; Wesson Pool Hall, Lee Roy Granberry; Berry Grocery, Lee Will Berry.

Health

Wesson has always been a healthy community. In the old days it was believed that our elevation of 500 feet above sea level, good water, and excellent drainage contributed to a low death rate among our people. There was never a case of yellow fever in town. Mrs. Wimberly recorded in her diary that once trees were cut behind her house (known as the J. E. Patterson house) to keep away yellow fever mosquitoes, which the people thought would be blown in from Natchez. The mill workers were paid $1.00 per month for medical care and had the privilege of using the doctor of their choice.

Some of the doctors of the early days were Doctors: R. W. Rea, E. A. Rowan, Luther Sexton, John Beavers, Sr., Alex Fairly, and W. F. Scales; later there were Doctors: Albert Rowan, Preston Ware, John Beavers, Jr., W. L. Little, and Miller. At the age of 80, Dr. Little, who practiced medicine in Copiah County for 60 years, was named “outstanding general practitioner of Mississippi” by the council and house of delegates of the Mississippi Medical Association.

The Country Doctor – Sixty Years Ago

I have passed, another milestone On the long, long road of life, And sixty years of that was spent As country doctor’s wife.

I have watched the wheels of progress Bring improvement by the score To ease the toiling masses, Helping people more and more.

And that onward march of science That, in medicine along, Thrills the hearts of the profession, Just to know what it has done.

Then no rapid moving auto Could be traveling our road, With the mud up the hubcap— A hard pull without a load.

If Doc took a ten mile journey, ‘Twould consume about all day, He would think that he was lucky If it were not a longer stay.

And the doctor took a lantern,-­‐-­‐ Just to keep his cold feet warm In the buggy, while old Traveler Took him to the distant farm.

I am sure the title “patient” Suited well the sick who wait, While the doctor hitched old Traveler Most securely by the gate.

Homeward bound he did not guide him, For the horse was smart indeed, For he knew just where to go to And the place he got his feed.

Now the roads are smooth and level, And the cars that go so fast Make Doc feel so very thankful That all that is in the past.

Don’t inquire about the housewife, Varied and numerous were her tasks, I’ll not add them to these verses I’m too glad that they are passed.

1952 – The poem was written by Mrs. W. L. Little, wife of Dr. W. L. Little, when he had practiced sixty years as “a country doctor,” and the Mississippi Medical Association honored him by electing him as “outstanding General Practitioner of Mississippi.”

Dentist, who had offices in Wesson, included Doctors Van Zant, Patterson, and Charles Thompson.

Today we have only one resident physician and one dentist, Dr. Burton Freeman, and Dr. M. D. Purvis, respectively. A new brick building houses a branch of the Copiah County Health Center; it is open one day a week.

Churches

The first church erected in Wesson was a Methodist church, which was located at the northwest corner of Main and Church Streets in front of the present resident of Colman M. Furlow. Col. Wesson was a Methodist and it is very probable that he played a large part in the erection of this building, which later was destroyed by fire. About 1886 the Methodists erected a new frame building on the east side of Beech Street at the present site of the Methodist parsonage, built in the 1950’s. Rev. B. F. Jones was the minister at the time of the construction

of the second church; Miss Lillie Hallam (later Mrs. J. A. Boyd) was the first organist. On September 1, 1946 the Methodist dedicated their new modern brick structure, which they named in honor of Bishop Lloyd Decell, who grew up in Wesson to manhood. Rev. W. S. Cameron was the minister at the time of the building of this church. The air-­‐conditioning of the church and the laying of new carpets, which are recent improvement, can be attributed in part to Mr. Davis McCall, a former Wesson boy, now living in Kansas City, Missouri. The present pastor is Rev. Rod L. Entrekin.

The second church building to be erected was a Baptist church, which was located on the west side of the railroad on a lot north of the building that was the W. W. Decell Feed Mill.

About 1880 the Baptist erected a frame building on the east side of the railroad on the site now owned by Johnny Newman. The groundbreaking for a new, modern brick structure took place on April 17, 1949. This new building stands on the site once occupied by the Mississippi Mills, fronting Highway 51.

The church has air-­‐conditioning. A black-­‐topped roadway on three sides of the church provides good parking facilities. The present minister is Rev. Bobby Shands.

On the fifth Sabbath, December 31, 1871, a group of people met for the organizing of a Presbyterian church in Wesson. “After a sermon preached by Rev. M. W. Traweek, the Rev. W. Burges as Moderator invited all of the congregation who desired to unite in the proposed organization by letter or on profession of faith to come forward and present themselves for that purpose.” The following twenty-­‐six became applicants: R. G. Latting, R. G. Latting, Jr., Mrs. E. S. Latting, Mrs. E. Van Mabre, James Hamilton, Mrs. Maria Hamilton, John W. Dickson, Dr. W. C. Tillotson, R. S. Tillotson, Mrs. J. M. Tillotson, Miss F. T. Tillotson, Wm. Oliver, Mrs. Mary Oliver, B. D. Hartwell, Mrs. Mary Hartwell, R. B. Hartwell, Jas. S. Fithie, “Arch” Fairly, Mrs. Alice Burns, Miss Martha Burns, Mrs. Mary E. Hadley, Dt. T. P. Gary, Mrs. A. W. Gary, Miss Mina Gary, W. H. Phillips, Mrs. E. S. Easterling.

The service just described was held in “the Methodist Episcopal Church South through the courtesy of those brethren.” The church building, the third erected in Wesson, had its corner stone laid in 1877 and the first regular service in the sanctuary of this new edifice was on March 24, 1878. The exterior of this frame building is similar in architecture to the New England interpretation of the Christopher Wren churches. It is simple in design, has a beautiful steeple and Gothic windows. The J. S. Rea Annex was attached to the church a few years ago.

In 1963 the steeple was badly damaged when it was struck by lightning. Since then the church has been painted and the interior has been redecorated. Only seven ministers have had pastorates here: namely, Reverends J. Woodridge, Russell, Gowan, J. M. Williams, Norman Flowers, A. W. Duck, and John Degges.

Wesson at one time had seven churches: Methodist Church South, North Methodist Church, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic and the Last Chance. Today, we have three churches, which are the Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian.

Newspapers

Wesson has had four newspapers. The first was the Wesson Herald edited by Dr. E. A. Rowan. It is not known when the paper first started but the Bank of Wesson has a copy of an “Extra” edition dated November 9, 1881. The Copiah Signal was edited by Mr. Nick Hawkins; the Wesson Mirror, by Mr. J. B. Adams and later Mr. Parker. All these newspapers failed to survive. Without a publication, Walter W. Robertson established the Wesson Enterprise in May, 1899, and it survived. The founder edited and published the paper from its founding until his death in 1955. His son, Paul L. Robertson succeeded his father as editor and owner. The Enterprise is the oldest business institution in Wesson still owned and managed by the founding family.

Recreation

Years ago the height of evening entertainment was for citizens to go to the Opera House, where melodramas given by traveling players delighted the audience. Silent movies made their appearance and were well-­‐attended. Miss Florine McKnight and later Paul Robertson performed at the piano for the silent movies. Rowan Park was the scene of ice cream festivals and picnics. Ringling Brothers’ Circus, to the delight of young and old, occasionally pitched tent in the pasture behind the present home of Mr. G. F. Cowen, Medicine shows, minstrels, balloon ascensions, carnivals and summer Chautauqua’s were some of the forms of entertainment that thrilled and pleased the people. Baseball was the chief sport and Wesson had some very fine players.

Today, our people enjoy the football and basketball games. Our two bands, the Copiah-­‐ Lincoln Junior College and High School Band and the Red Knights, the Public School Band, are an asset to the town, being an important and colorful part of every parade, performing at football games, and giving musical programs. During the school year there are plays, musical programs, and other types of programs given at the college and the Elementary School. In the homes the television set, the radio and the hifi have their enthusiasts. The young folks enjoy dancing.

Railroad

On March 31, 1858, Copiah was first served by rail with the building of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Railway. The completion of the line from New Orleans to Canton, Mississippi, was the occasion for a celebration. It has been stated that, “a gold spike was driven to signify the completion” at a point eleven miles south of Crystal Springs. Wesson at that time was a heavily-­‐wooded area. In “The Cavalier,” written by George W. Cable, he described his ride through unbroken pine forests between Hazlehurst and Brookhaven; this was in the 1860’s.

One of the Laws of Mississippi passed in 1877 that concerned the town of Wesson referred to the “New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad.” A map of the town in the early

1880’s referred to the railroad as the “Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans Railway.” Evidently the names used above were “a manner of speaking” and a formal name for the railroad was not used.

On June 13, 1882, the Illinois Central bought the railroad operating through here, securing a right of way of 100 feet. The present north bound track is the site of the original line and constitutes the center of the 100 foot right of way. In 1884 the Illinois Central, recognizing the “continual prosperity” of Wesson, built “a beautiful three room, all brick passenger station.

It was one of the first passenger stations using brick in its overall construction.” The south bound track was constructed in 1902. Today, the trains are much longer and are pulled by diesel engines. Two popular railroad employees at the station a number of years ago were Miss Bacot, telegraph operator, and Mr. A. J. Drane, station agent. Mr. Frank Johnston was in charge of the “section gang.”

Recently, the Copiah County Co-­‐Op has erected an automatic system using a fan and elevator for loading and unloading railroad cars or trucks; it is located just north of the station.

The Co-­‐Op has rented the old station platform and converted it into two storage rooms for seeds and hulls; a similar automatic system (described above) is used for one of the storage rooms.

Mr. Archie Phipps is our present station agent.

The Mississippi Mills, 1873 – 1910

Early in 1871, a group of New Orleans businessmen, including Mr. R. B. Hardie (2014 Note: this is the correct spelling – most other references will have his name spelled, Hardy) and Captain Oliver, purchased the cotton mill, known as the Mississippi Manufacturing Company, which had previously been owned by Col. J. M. Wesson. In 1873 fire destroyed that plant but soon a new mill, erected on the same site of the original one, began operations under the new name of the Mississippi Mills. This new building being known as Mill No. 1 and the two succeeding structures as Mill No. 2 and Mill No. 3. Mill No. 1 had three stories, 50 x 350 feet; Mill No. 2, 50 x 212 feet had four stories and connected with Mill No. 1 by an eight-­‐story tower used for the storage of 20,000 gallons of water for the use of the mill and for inside fire protection. Mill No. 3, 50 x 240 feet had five stories with a six-­‐story tower at each end of the building for the storing of additional water. All the water towers connected with automatic sprinkling systems.

A fourth building, 40 x 340 fee, was a two-­‐story building that connected with a one-­‐story loom room, 175 x 340feet, that had a serrated or saw-­‐tooth glass roof to provide ample light to operate looms. A building not directly connected with the four mills, which were joined to make a composite whole, was the cotton warehouse which had a capacity for 6,000 bales of cotton, the approximate amount needed annually for production. The wool was stored in the basement of the loom room, which had a capacity for 2 million pounds. Another Mills

building was the two-­‐story warehouse used for the storage of goods, packing, sample rooms and the office of the Secretary-­‐Treasurer. It is the only building left standing.

In the Mills there were 25,000 cotton spindles, 26 complete sets of woolen machinery, 800 looms, and an abundance of machinery for dyeing, finishing, etc. It required four engines with a combined force of 1,000 horsepower to furnish the necessary motive power.

The system of waterworks was excellent. A 115,000 gallon cistern, which connected with five pumps and a 6-­‐inch water main and standing pipes at convenient points for attaching hose, formed an efficient system. The two Worthington pumps were capable of forcing water over the highest building.

One reason for the great success of the Mills as an industry was the great variety of their products. There was hardly an article in staple goods, made of cotton or wool, that could not be supplied. They produced: Jeans, Cassimers, Doeskins, Tweeds, Linseys, Flannels, Wool knitting yarn, Cotton rope, Cotton warp year, Cottondales, Flannelettes, Gingham plaids, Cheviots, Plaids, Stripes, Hickory, Brown sheeting, Skirting, Drilling, 8 ounce osnaburgs, Ticking for feathers and mattress, Sewing thread, Sewing twine for bags and awnings, Wrapping twines, Honey comb towels, Awning, Balmoral skirts, etc.

It was stated that “these goods have a reputation for excellence that is not surpassed by the product of any Mills in the world and the trade for them is drawn from almost every State and Territory in the Union.” Later knitting machinery was installed for making hose and underwear of a superior quality.

At the time of the completion of the third mill, 1,200 persons were employed. The 40-­‐ hour week was unheard of in those days; the 50 and 60-­‐hour weeks were quite common. The mills at their busiest had to operate at night, using extra shifts. Permission from the Insurance Company used by the Mills had to be secured for operating the Mills at night; for example, the Mills had to pay $14.49 for the privilege of running No. 1 Mill from November 23, 1889 to January 23, 1890 all night.

Many factors contributed to the closing of the mills in 1910. About 1919-­‐1920 the great Mills were torn away brick by brick. Their virgin timbers were sold far and wide; the splendid machinery was wrecked. The hundreds of mill houses were sold for as low as $10 to $40 and people moved them away. In 1964 all that is left of the famed Mississippi Mills is the two-­‐story brick warehouse, which was used for the storage of goods, packing, displaying samples and having the secretary-­‐treasurer’s office. It is located west of the Bank of Wesson.

Insurance

The J. S. Rea Insurance Agency of Wesson was created in 1881, becoming the first in Wesson and the second to be established in the State of Mississippi. It is still active and only recently took over the Insurance Agency of E. F. Anderson, retired. The Liverpool and London

and Globe Insurance Agency has been with the Rea Agency since its beginning in 1881 and the Underwriter’s Agency since 1882. The policies, written by Mr. Rea, especially in the 1880’s and 1890’s, reveal interesting facts about the town, the people, and their possessions. In his notes he drew diagrams of houses, in some instances gave the dates of their erection, and he made an excellent map of the town.

It was customary in that period for policies to name the articles insured. AN interesting example of such a policy states that one person insured, his bedroom set consisting of a bedstead, armour, dresser, table, washstand, towel rack, two rockers, bedsprings, mattress, climber & toilet sets, two lamps and two trunks, in the Wesson Hotel known as the Richardson House, J. N. Cooke proprietor (building owned by the Mississippi Mills).”

People insured dressing cases, wardrobes, wearing apparel, jewelry, silverware, china and glassware.

One notion made about a policy stated that M. M. Hallam (an associate of Col. Wesson in 1866) built his house in 1870 and painted it in 1880.

A permit was granted to Wm. Oliver “to use coal oil and insurance oil for light.” John Hopkinson could use “oil & candles for light.”

The Richardson House

The Richardson House (Wesson Hotel), located on the east side of the railroad, commands a full view of Spring Street, the center of town. It is a two-­‐story structure, consisting of twenty-­‐eight rooms, each opening onto a wide hall or a long porch. In the old days on the north side there were a parlor and six bedrooms. On the south side there was an office-­‐lobby, a sample room, two bedrooms, and a very large dining room with a cellar below it. Fifty feet behind the dining room was a building in which the kitchen and servants’ quarters were housed. Four bedrooms were on the second floor. Some of the bedrooms have now been converted into bathrooms. The steep front stairwell leads not only to the second floor but to the attic where there are four additional rooms, three evidently used as bedrooms and a fourth very large room reputedly used surreptitiously as a plush gambling casino. At a later period that room was used for playing poker. At each end of the L-­‐shaped and the reversed L-­‐shaped porches at the back of the building there is a very steep stairway, consisting of 30 steps.

About twenty feet northeast of the Richardson House is a house that was a part of the hotel property and likewise owned by the Mississippi Mills. In the 1880’s and 1890’s it was rented to the Rev. J. Woodbridge, the Presbyterian minister, until the manse was built. Rev. Woodbridge used a small building on the premises for this study. That part of the hotel property is not owned by Mrs. W. L. Beall. The Richardson House is owned by Mrs. Kelly B. Braswell.

The Richardson House being located near the railroad station, drew many customers, especially drummers. Some rooms were rented for long tenure. A familiar figure who met all passenger trains was a Negro porter, John Wade, who lived on the hotel premises. It is said that he possessed a keen sense of hearing that enabled him to hear an approaching train long before anyone else could. He was seldom without a cigar, the gift of a white friend. He was a faithful attendant at the Presbyterian Church.

Boarding Houses

Boarding and rooming houses of the past were the Latting house, Union Boarding House, the Blue Front, Palmer House, Smiley House which later became the Douglas House, Hotel Home which became Wilson Hall when it was converted into additional dormitory space for some of the boys attending the Agricultural High School. Mr. Jim Pannell, an instructor, was in charge of the boys. The building was called Wilson Hall in honor or President Woodrow Wilson. The Palace Hotel, the name applied to a long two-­‐story building located where the present Post Office and Wesson Enterprise are, had a hotel on the second floor and a variety of stores, the post office, and printing office on the first floor. The building was destroyed by fire in 1914.

Education

Private and public schools met the educational requirements of the children of Wesson during the Mills era. Some of the teachers of the private schools were Miss Minnie Collier, Mrs. Mary Gertrude Hamilton Long, Miss Lois Martin, Mrs. Christman and her daughter Agnes, and Professor Dickerson. Miss Minnie Gordon conducted a kindergarten.

The first public school building was a two-­‐room frame building constructed about 1875 and located near the present C. T. Furr home. A few years later when a new Baptist Church was erected east of the railroad a school was conducted in the old church building, remodeled for the purpose. It was located north of the building known as the W. W. Decell Feed Mill. When more room was needed for the growing population of Wesson, the lower floor of the Clanton Building, located west of the City Hall, was used for the primary grades.

A new brick building, which was erected in 1889, was destroyed by fire on December 18, 1890. A new building arose on the same site and was put into use in 1891 or 1893. This two-­‐ story building with a tower at each end of the long porches remained in use as a school building until 1960, at which time the public school activities were transferred to a new structure erected on the Lyell property on Grove Street. The old building is now being restored and is to be used as a community center.

The Wesson Pub School once “ranked second highest in the state, being surpassed by Meridian. Graduates from our school could finish at Whitworth and Blue Mountain in two

years even though they were four-­‐year colleges. This school had a well-­‐equipped laboratory for teaching physics and a large library.”

The following data will summarize the school developments over a period of years: 1891 or 1892 – a new brick building put into use and occupied until 1960 educating several generations of Wesson’s boys and girls. 1893 – First graduates: Malcolm Lyell, Orie Oliver, and Misses Lois Martin, Willie Ellis, Eliza Hopkinson and Katie Smith. 1915 – Establishment of an Agricultural High, a joint project of Copiah and Lincoln counties. The high school department of the Wesson Public School was transferred to the new school. 1928 – Establishment of Copiah-­‐ Lincoln Junior College and High School. 1938 – The High School department was restored to Wesson Public School; later it again was transferred to the college campus. 1960 – A new modern $300,000 school building was put into use, causing the closing of the building erected in 1891. 1964 – N. B. White is the principal of the Wesson Attendance Center of Copiah Center, a public school of eight grades. Mr. F. M. Fortenberry is the President of Copiah-­‐Lincoln Junior College having succeeded Mr. J. M. Ewing several years ago. Mr. Ewing had succeeded Mr. L. Russell Ellzey, founder and first president of the junior college. Mr. J. M. Lewis is principal of the high school. 1964 – Mrs. Kate Smith Tillman conducts a kindergarten which is located in the Baptist Church building.

The Wesson Library

The Wesson Public Library contains around 6,000 volumes, kept up-­‐to-­‐date by frequent additions of new books from the Copiah-­‐Jefferson Regional Library system, local funds, and the State Library Commission.

It is located in the City Hall building and since its enlargement and redecoration in 1960, has modern, attractive equipment. Miss Grace McMillan is the cheerful, efficient librarian.

Houses

Many company-­‐owned houses were erected for the employees and the officials of the Mississippi Mills. Those for the employees were much alike and were built to accommodate two families. A wooden partition, reaching from the floor to the ceiling divided the porches to provide privacy. Each house “had behind it ground sufficient for the raising of vegetables and for the keeping of a cow, a pig and chickens. In the front yard were plots of gay flowers, many of them of rare and valuable species.”

One of the oldest houses and reputed to be the first one built here is the one located near the north entrance of the cemetery. Many people recall it as the home of “Aunt Fannie” Marshall, who lived to be over one hundred years old.

The house now owned by Miss Evelyn Williams was built for the manager of the Mills.

This house is substantially built of cypress and certain parts of select pine. The original rooms

were 16 x 17 ½ feet with 12 ½ foot ceilings. The windows are 9’ 42”. In two of the rooms in the center of the ceiling are plaster of Paris medallions that were made by Jules la Branch, a Mullato bricklayer at the Mills. At the rear of the house are two small rooms build of brick.

One room has a large fireplace, high mantel and built-­‐in cabinets on each side of the fireplace.

The other room has a large window with big iron bars across it. The house, 97’ 5” long and with a depth of 98’ 4” on the north side, has caused some wags to describe the house as one in which “elevators run horizontally.” The front porch, running almost the entire length of the house, is 10’ 4” wide and has its original flooring as is true of most of the house. To roof this house 110 squares of shingles are required. In the old days there were formal flower beds, beautifully planted.

The house of Miss Decima Rea, built in 1878, is a very large, spacious one. The long, wide back porch is unique in that it completely encloses a square. The dug well is located on this latticed porch. The servants’ quarters and the bard are still standing behind the house.

The flower beds are laid much as they were years ago. A deep, concreted flower pit, no longer with the glassed-­‐in room above it, is in the side yard.

“The Highlands,” now occupied by Mrs. R. L. Hamilton, was built in the 1880’s by George Hamilton for his mother, the wife of Major James Hamilton. This house, consisting of two stories and a cellar, was made of select long leaf yellow pine. The house is in good condition, seldom needing repairs.

In December, 1874, Dr. Robert W. Rea and Miss Rilla Oliver were married. As a wedding gift, her parents, Captain and Mrs. Oliver, had a home built for them. It is now commonly known as the Dr. Rea home, which is now occupied by their three daughters: Mrs. Mary Rea Phillips, Miss Ella Rea, and Mrs. Sarah R. Anderson. Dr. and Mrs. Rea spent the first year of their marriage in the home of her parents, the home now known as the I. J. Williams home (2014 – Oliver House). The home was built of the best materials available anywhere and while it has been in use 90 years, it still retains its study construction. It is located in the center of town at South Main and Church Streets.

Across Highway 51 from the Dr. Rea home is that occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Furlow. It was built by the Mississippi Mill for its Superintendent, John P. Hopkinson, the only foreigner (an Englishman) employed by the Mills, occupied this house for a number of years. A few years ago the house was moved over a number of feet to make way for the new highway.

Since it was so well built, it suffered no material damage.

“Old timers” recall the home of Captain Lyell as one of the more pretentious houses. It was located on the property now owned by the Wesson Consolidated School District. It had two halls and spacious rooms, which included a drawing room with a pier mirror and a large library with massive horsehair chairs and divan. The yard was landscaped, a special feature being the fountain containing water lilies and gold fish. Wrought-­‐iron furniture graced the lawn. This lovely home was destroyed by fire a number of years ago.

Dr. W. L. Little’s home was built in 1892. Some of the 2” x 4” pieces are over 30 feet long. There is not one knot in the lumber. A number of other homes, built in the Mills era, still stand; some of the gracious homes have either burned or have been torn down to make way for modern structures.

There was a period when no new homes were built. Dr. John Beavers, Jr., is remembered as saying that after he built his house another was not built for 35 years.

In the last 10 years, a number of new homes have been erected, especially along Highway 51 and on Beech Street. New faculty homes dot the Copiah-­‐Lincoln campus. In north Wesson, there are new homes. Many old houses have been remodeled or redecorated and made more attractive.

Houses Built in Recent Years

Dr. Burton Friedman, G. E. Cowen, Hollis Cowen, Sr., Bob Greer, Mack Pickett, Jesse Granberry, James Ashley, C. D. Mullican, Ken Patterson, J. C. Ashley, Conn James, John Gruchy, R. G. Dube, Earl Ellison, E. G. Graham, Ralph Smith, Burdette Rutland, The Methodist Parsonage, The Baptist Parsonage, Wilbert Pickett, R. E. Drane, J. W. Curtis, J. M. Pannell, Rev. W. E. Derrick, Jesse Sandifer, Johnny Newman, Frank Newman, F. C. Graham, Preston Ray, Clint Rankin

Contents of a Letter Written by Mr. Virgin Youngblood of Brookhaven, On Request About His Recollections of Life in Wesson

“These things I remember – At the tender age of five years and three months, I attended school at the building that burned on the site of the present vacant brick building. Later, while the present school was being built, under the supervision of Mr. Woodin and with Jules La Branch as foreman of the bricklayers, the primary grades were taught in a wooden building that stood where the Co-­‐Op Feed Mill is now located. Two teachers who taught there were Mrs. Mary Hamilton and Miss Lizzie Bloch. Later, I attended primary school in a building on the west side of the I.C.R.R. just north of what we always knew as the Jerusalem crossing. Then back to the new brick building; I especially remember Prof. B. F. Hughes, Prof. Walker, Geor. Rea, Miss Jeanie Rowan and Miss DeLoach, who all made contributions to my school days.”

“Copiah-­‐Lincoln is very close to my heart. I remember the summer Mr. R. McDonald, I. J. Williams, Robert E. Rea and Prof. Landis, Paul Burt, and I met time after time in the afternoon after business hours and planned for this institution, to be known as an Agricultural High School. We secured the services of Mr. Chester Beacham and he and Mr. Landis canvassed both counties to get an election ordered to establish the school and then to authorize a modest bond issue to begin construction. We only had a $10,000 bond issue; with that we

bought the present site known as the Smith Quarters, and began the construction of two modest frame buildings. Mr. Landis was appointed Superintendent. He secured a small faculty: Mr. Russell Ellzey and Mr. James Ewing were among the first members of the faculty. This modest beginning has developed into one of the finest Junior Colleges in the state. About this time, Miss Fannie Callender and Miss Lula Stevens became members of the faculty.”

Business – No one who lived in Wesson in the latter part of the last century and the first decade of this century can ever forget the Mississippi Mills.

A number of most excellent families came to Wesson with Col. Wesson or shortly thereafter. It would take more time and space than I have available to list them.

Steam was the power for this mill and the boilers to provide the steam were fired with four-­‐foot lengths of long yellow pine, almost extinct now. During that time many people who lived near town made their living cutting and hauling this wood for fuel to the mills. Actually, hundreds of cords were stacked in what was known as the wood yard.

At the World’s Fair at Chicago in 1893, the Mills secured several blue ribbons for cloth that was displayed along with cloth from older manufacturing plants in the north. As many as 1,200 people were employed at times. The hours were long, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wages were low and living costs were also low.

Due to the Mills buying both wool and cotton in great quantities the town became noted as a cotton market and farmers from as far away as Perry, Jones and Covington Counties bought their cotton to Wesson to sell. In the Fall months, people came with their families bringing almost anything you can name that is produced on a farm and offering it for sale or barter – cotton, wool, cow hides, beeswax, tallow, chickens, eggs, just to name a few. Often they left home on Sunday afternoons, driving two or three yoked ox-­‐teams, camped on the road and usually reached Wesson on Wednesday. Sometimes the streets were so crowded with ox teams and wagons that one could not drive a buggy down Main Street. Alas, the picture changed. The wood was burned, price of lumber advanced, the Mills had to begin the use of coal and due to transportation costs, the operation became unprofitable. The Mills changed hands several times, had more or less labor troubles, and finally was declared bankrupt. For a number of years the Mills stood idle and vacant. The town lost population; at one time 4,500 to 5,000 people resided in town and nearby.

A few years after the First World War, I became associated with Hon. J. S. Sexton, Dr. Luther Sexton, and Mr. J. S. Wise and we bought the entire holding of the whole plant as well as the real estate, contracted with a New Orleans

wrecking company to demolish the Mills, and this great landmark became a memory.

At one time the Mills acted as a bank for the businessmen; however, early in this century, the Bank of Wesson (note – it was in 1890) was established.

Capt. J. G. Lyell became President and at his death Mr. Robert E. Rea was executive officer until his death. This bank has always been a financial bulwark and through depressions, panics and crop failures remained open and continued to grow.

During this period there were a number of strong mercantile firms that carried on what is known as a furnishing business; financing farmers to grow crops, mostly cotton. Finally, the boll worm changed the agricultural economy.

For a time a considerable business was developed in the growing and shipping of early vegetables: tomatoes, cabbage, beans and English peas. This also became an unprofitable endeavor and later the dairy business was developed. This has been a source of steady income for many farmers; timber also became of more value and with diversification, the farmers as a whole became much more stable in their operations than when they depended only on cotton.

Some of the old firms were Becker, Lyell, McGrath & Company, Wm. Atkinson and McDonald, Earls, Long & Co. My father came to Wesson in the Fall of 1890, entered in a small way with Mr. J. T. Suddoth in what is now a wareroom for the present drug store. He later moved to what was known as the John Marion Building and later bought the location that was finally occupied for more than forty years; it liquidated recently. Mr. S. P. Bloom operated a drug store, later moved to Brookhaven as did also Mr. H. C. Price and Mr. J. A. Alford.

This request has awakened happy memories of a goodly part of my life, spent in Wesson. I remember its fine families, the host of friends that I grew up to know and love, the fine Christian spirit that pervaded its activities, the fellowship among the various church denominations. These things that I have written are just those that come to mind as I write and certainly do not encompass all the fond and hallowed memories of forty years of my active life.

If they are of any help to you in writing your story, I shall be well repaid.

Sincerely V. D. Youngblood

The Cemetery

The Mississippi Mills accepted the sum of $1 for the land it granted, “to be used only for burial purposes and the proceeds of all sales of lots to be used exclusively for the improvement and keeping in order the cemetery.” This deed was signed on October 29, 1895 by Jas. S. Richardson, President of the Mississippi Mills and R. E. Williams, Secretary and Treasurer of the Mississippi Mills.

The land granted for cemetery use consists of 40 acres; 18 acres are in use. There are 3,600 graves in this large cemetery. A number of families in the old days erected wrought-­‐iron fences around their lots. There are markers of many types.

Mr. E. F. Anderson, as Secretary-­‐Treasurer of the Cemetery Association, gives freely of his time in supervising the up-­‐keep of the cemetery. Never before in the history of the cemetery has it been kept so well. The grass is kept mowed, the iron fences freshly painted, and unsightly dead limbs from shrubs and trees removed. The main streets in the cemetery have been blacktopped (May, 1964.) Any person who owns a lot or has a loved one interred is automatically regarded as a member of the Cemetery Association.

Clubs

The Masonic Lodge in Wesson was named the J. M. Wesson Lodge No. 317 A.F. and A.M. for Col. Wesson. Likewise, the Eastern Star Lodge was named the Wm. Oliver Chapter for Captain Oliver.

The Wesson Garden Club, organized in 1934, is a member of the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. and of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

Other organizations in the community are the Lions Club, YMCA, PTA, Band Aids (Sponsors of the Red Knights, the elementary school band), 4-­‐H clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Home Demonstration Club, American Legion and Legion Auxiliary and the Touchdown Club.

Spots of Beauty

The garden of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Curtis is one of the most outstanding plantings of our town. The abundance of azaleas, roses, daylilies, columbine and other flowers make it attractive at any season. A lake with its island center and large magnolias with heavy shade are inviting during the hot summer days.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Oswalt’s garden attracts many visitors who admire the variety of trees, roses, phlox, and bulbs in season. A large group of bird-­‐foot violets invite the passer-­‐by to come in, and the birds find a special sanctuary awaiting them each spring.

The wide, colorful border of Mr. R. L. Hamilton’s spacious yard is always a spot of beauty which is appreciated by those traveling the highway as well as the local citizens. “The Highlands” is well-­‐groomed at all times at all times and visitors are welcome to enjoy it.

Town Officials

The governing body of the town of Wesson is made up of a Mayor and five Alderman, one Alderman from each Ward and one Alderman-­‐at-­‐Large, elected by the people.

Since we do not have complete records on the following, we have done the best we could. Some of the former Mayors were: Captain Garner, Judge Bridewell, John F. Thompson, Sr., W. W. Robertson, Archie Ramsey, Carroll Robert Smith, and R. E. Middleton. Former members of the Board were: Frank Johnston, Mr. Marsalis, John Youngblood, C. O., Wright, Joe Fairchild, Walter Furr, W. E. Westbrook, G. E. Cowen, A. R. Peets, Sr., Ken Patterson, Lonnie Freeman, J. S. Keenan, W. L. Bradley, Lamar Smith, and Mrs. Rene W. Curtis. (Mrs. Curtis being the only woman in Wesson to hold an elective office.) The present town officers in 1964 are: Mayor – R. E. Drane; Alderman: James Ashley, E. F. Anderson, M. M. Munson, Burdette Rutland, and Curtis Youngblood. Clerk – Clyde T. Furr; Fire Chief, Kenneth Furr; Day Marshall – Andrew Hartley; Night Marshall – W. B. Carlisle.

List of voters in Town of Wesson, Mississippi, 1920: (Note – most of these people were voters in 1914 when Wesson passed her 50th anniversary) – L. L. Anding, E. F. Anderson, W. H. Anderson, Jr., J. L. Abbott, Paul S. Burt, Dr. J. H. Beavers, W. B. Bagley, C. C. Barlow, Ben Buckley, Jno. M. Box, J. A. Boyd, J. S. Burns, W. H. Clark, A. N. Carter, Sam Cobb, Y. D. Coker, A. J. Causey, P. P. Channell, Y. A. Coker, G. W. Davis, J. F. Dungan, W. A. Decell, Martin M. Decell, A. J. Drane, F. H. Dent, N. P. Dunaway, Willie W. Decell, J. D. Dampeer, J. J. Furr, C. M. Furlow, C. L. Ferguson, H. H. Furr, Ed Fuller, J. M. Flippin, J. M. Furr, T. S. Ford, Brown Ford, W. J. Finch, W. L. Hammons, R. L. Hamilton, G. L. Hayes, R. L. Harrison, J. D Harrison, S. K. Hartley, K. R. Hodges, R. P. Johnson, M. C. Jones, F. W. Johnston, A. H. Little, Jr., Dr. W. L. Little, M. M. Lyell, B. H. Lofton, W. L. Magee, J. T. Miller, T. J. Moore, H. I. Mullican, C. D. Mullican, S. Moody, Dr. C. R. McKee, W. J. McKinney, D. R. McKay, J. C. Magee, S. P. Nix, T. R. Patterson, J. M. Perritt, J. C. Pettigrew, J. E. Patterson, J. K. Patterson, H. E. Price, J. W. Perritt, H. M. Perritt, E. F. Pierce, Sam Price, Mack Price, T. B. Patterson, W. E. Patterson, J. C. Pickett.

R. W. Rea, L. Riddle, J. S. Rea, Robert E. Rea, W. W. Robertson, R. C. Ray, J. P. Sandifer, Lee R. Smith, P. L. Scott, J. S. Stringer, John W. Spence, S. G. Sorrells, R. W. Smith, T. B. Sandifer, W. R. Slay, H. Swinney, Dr. C. L. Thompson, John F. Thompson, W. R. Tyson, C. G. Thompson, W. F. Thurman, B. F. Talbert, J. W. Thompson, George W. Varnado, L. L. Wallace, Robert Watson, James Wallace, H. E. Wellman, W. H. Wallace, John E. Williams, W. F. Williams, W. B. Weathersby, J. K. Williams, I. J. Williams, H. Wilks, W. S. Woodall, Noah Wallace, Tom White, W. E. Westbrook, H. R. Williams, C. O. Wright, Joe C. Youngblood, Curtis Youngblood, V. D. Youngblood, Harry Youngblood, B. F. Youngblood.

The End

The following pictures accompanied the above article in the June 5, 1964, Wesson Enterprise.

Descriptions are from that edition of the Enterprise.

Above is Main Street Wesson, Mississippi in the horse and buggy days before the turn of the This view is from the

looking south.

The first building is where t a big store

century. north stood, the biggest store in this block being the Williams Bros. Store. This entire block was

wiped out by fire in the 1920’s and all buildings in this block were then rebuilt and presently were d irt and g ravel in t hose days.

stand. The roads

Below is another view of the Main street at the turn of the century. It looks north and gives

another front view of the great Cotton and Woolen Mills. It also shows the Wesson tank o r trough, and a w agon-­‐master atop his wagon of cotton giving his animals a watering drink. Most all used Wesson the pictures

here were made by the late Mr. W. B. Hardy,

photographer. The shots were those the Enterprise editor, W. W. Robertson, paid him to we found.

make a nd which

In 1884 the Illinois Central Railroad honored the town of Wesson by building this beautiful three-­‐ room railroad station. It was one of the first passenger stations in the United States using brick in its overall construction, railroad historical files reveal. Today this same railroad station still stands. What a treat is in store for Centennial visitors as they once again walk into this old building. The Mills can be seen belching smoke in the rear.

The buildings below are no longer here. They housed the Wesson Oil Mill. The big building on the left was the oil mill house, where the Ashley Block Plant now stands. The white building was the office with Mr. J. A. Boyd, m anager, now deceased. Next was the big cotton gin, and behind it the brick building that was part of the big plant. The railroad was in the rear and spur-­‐tracks to the building. The road in front led to Brookhaven, the road that now leads to Co-­‐Lin.

Above: No picture the Enterprise is carrying this issue will touch as many heart-­‐strings as this one. It is a picture of the upstairs study hall of the old W esson Public School, the building that is now being restored. It will look much like this when restored again, except the wonderful old-­‐fashioned desks are now gone. They were sold, we understand, when the new grammar school was built. Everyone who comes home for the Centennial will want to walk over this hall again.

Below: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Wesson. The two homes shown were originally the McDonald and Sam Moody home (if memory serves us correctly) now the Munson home. Next is the home built by a former Wesson editor, Mr. Adams, now the home of the Floyd Funchesses.

Here is the Richardson House, built by John Richardson. Today it is known as the Wesson Hotel. It can be seen from the heart of town, and is only a few paces across the street from the railroad station. It was the m ecca for traveling men, and people who stopped in Wesson in those heydays of railroad travel. It was widely known for its excellent meals and nice rooms. It was always full. This is where the Centennial Museum Rooms will be on display.

Below: Here is a picture that will bring fond memories to some. It is the Hollingsworth Boarding House, and is site of the present Jim Kennan home. This was one of the noted hotel houses of the era. Note the nice electric lights. Also the home south of it, now torn away. Only the lower floor remains today in the form of the Keenan home. The little girls in front are part of the Hollingsworth family. Miss Janie Hollingsworth still lives and resides in Jackson.

This is a building no longer here. It was the W. A. Decell and Son Livery Stable. Known as Mr. “Pig” Decell, this spot was one of the busy ones in the old horse-­‐and-­‐buggy days.

These buildings stood in the block where the home of Mrs. Jerome and son Percy now stands. And where the old Wesson water tank now rests. This is the street that runs behind the Enterprise office. The railroad crossing on the east side is closed. Mr. Decell’s son, Albert, still resides in Wesson.

Here is an interesting view of the Mississippi Cotton & Woolen Mills here, which we found in Editor W. W. Robertson’s files. It shows the rear of the Mills. This is looking east from the former Mrs. Emma Barlow home and at the corner where Carroll Robert and Ruby Pearl Smith now live. There was a sidewalk and road as well in those days. The road still remains and is in use. Part of the rear of the great building is where Ralph Smith’s Co-­‐Op stands today.