Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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. . ^ ' ?siS The Camden chronicle VOLUME 48 CAMDEN, SOUTH CAROLINA, FRIDAY. JANUARY 8, 1937 . NUMBER 42 .u. . I m ? Veteran Editor Kills Himself at Kershaw Kershaw, Jan. 1.?-Captain Johu W. Hamel, 77, chairman ot the state pardon board and editor of the Kershaw Era, died in the rear of a barber shop here today from two bullet wounds which Chief of Police W. F. Mothershed said were self-inflicted. Mothersbed said friends had been able to ascribe no cause for the act of the pioneer editor, who bad conducted the paper here for more than 40 years after coming, here from Charlotte, N. C., his birthplace. The police chief said Hamel walked into the Robert Gardner barber shop shortly before noon, exchanged greetings with several persons and went into the rear room, from which came the sound of two shots immediately. Captain Hamel died immediately. Funsw of Captain Hamfl 1 Funeral services of Captain John W. Hamel, editor, were held from the Methodist church in Kershaw Sunday at 11 o'clock. The services were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. L. D. Hamer, assisted by his former pastor, p the Rev, R. R. Tucker, of St. Matthews, the Rev. C. M. Brown and the Rev. W. J. Bradley of Kershaw. Interment followed in the Kershaw cemetery. Captain Hamel was a man of high type and loved by all who knew him and had endeared himself to many. As a younger man he was a prominent figure in local, state and national politics, and was ever active in the welfare of the government up until his death. The state as well as this city has suffered a great loss. Captain Hamel w^is a native of Charlotte, where he was born June 18, 1861, the son of the late Henry C. and Mrs. Dora Hamel. As a boy he was connected with the Charlotte Observer. In early youth he removed toJ Lancaster, where he resided until coming to Kershaw 46 years ago. In his long residence here he had taken a very active part in church, fraternal, civic and business affairs, and was regarded as one of the outstanding men of the community. While in Lancaster he was assistant postmasrter from 1883 to 1891, and was for some time a member of the town -.council. He was cpptain of the Lancaster Guards for quite a while. After removing to Kershaw he was postmaster for four years, a member of town council, . and town clerk and treasurer, and for many years a trustee of the local schools. He was for several years master of Abney lodge, A. F. M., and an officer of the South Carolina grand lodge of that fraternity, He bad been editor of the Kershaw Era 46 ye&f*. Captain Hamel was a member of the South Carolina constitutional Convention of 1896, a member of the state house of repeentatives 1906 to 1906, and assistant clerk of the house 1910 to 1916. He waa presidential elector in 1913; For the last 11 years he had been a member of the state board of pardons and its chairman R>r the past ten years. He had also played * prominent part in the activltleB.pf the Knights of Pythias. Captain Hamel was for many years one of the leading members of the Kershay Methodist Episcopal church, 1 South. He was on the building committee which supervised the erection ?f the present edifice some' years ago. For a long period he was a steward of the church, being an emeritus (Steward at the time of his death. UnUl lus death he continued actively as teacher -of one of the Men's Bible classes. He had the unusual distinction of being secretary for some year* of the Surrit^ District conference, a position usually filled by a minister. He was a lay delegate to the general conference of his church at Birmingham, Ala., in 1906. He had token a prominent- part in prohibition work ,n thWaGa?Tahd was personal leader for this congressional district of the candidacy of Judge C. C. Featherstone for governor in 1910. Captain Hamel is survived by his widow, the former Mollie J. Lark, of Lancaster, who he married October 26; 1883. Fouj daughters,. Mrs. A. B, Hair, of Blackvllle; Mrs. H. B. Maglll, ofSt. George; Mrs. Sam I Bulst,* of Greenwood; Miss Ine* Hamel, of Hershaw. His only son, James H. Hamel, who was associated with him in newspaper work, dtad in 1918 as the first local victim of iafiuensa. k-' Captain Hamel was well known in Camden and throughout Kershaw j He at one time conducted a ^^^6nu!demwUfitoCam4en N#WB* 110(1 Scholarship Open j y Tft- Camden Boys Charleston, Jan. 4.?Qen. Charles P.. Summerall, prealdent of The CUadel, announced today that Clark Wllllama of Camdeu and New York, had established a pew scholarship at the military college. The scholarship will be open to a graduate of Camden high school, the beneficiary to be chosen by The Citadel acholarahlp committee on recommendations from Camden school authorities and citisens. Summerall termed the scholarship as "an evidence of his interest in the youth of South Carolina and his confidence In the educational and character building standards of The Citadel." Rov. L. N, Taylor At 8tatoburg The Rev, L. N. Taylor, rector of the Church of the Good gh,epherd, Columbia, will preach at the annual "Feast of Lights" Epiphany service at the ?hurch of the Holy Cross, Stateburg, Sunday night, January 10, at 7:30 o'clock. The Young People's Service League will present the pageant of the coming of the Wise Men. Members of the congregation will file out of the church at the close of the service bearing burning tapers signifying the missionary aspect of the gospel. 8old For 8ong Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 4.?The Florida East Coast''railways' Key West extension, pride of the railroad builder, Flagler and originally constructed at a cost of more than $28,000,000, was sold today for $640,000. Good Colored Woman Doad Annett Williams, 77, wife of Rev. Thomas J. Williams, died at her residence, 1004 Campbell street Thursday morning and her funeral was held on Sunday at Mt. Moriah Baptist church with Rev. J. W. Boykin officiating. She and her husband had lived their ehtlre lives in Camden, and had ten children born to them?eight of whom survive?they are Bertha Thompson, of Birmingham, Ala.; Dr. T. J. Williams, Jr., Dr. William R. Williams, Dr. Jacob A. Williams, pf St. Louis, Mo.; Eva W. Kelly, of Atlanta, Ga.; Ada G. McCollum, of Bennettsvllle, and Susie W. Massey, of Wadesboro, N. C. 4 _ / All of the children have moved away from Camden, and It is to be regretted that Rev. Williams, who for many years has been pastor of Hyco and Suttbn Branch Baptistv churches, as well as being one of the few oldtime blacksmith and horse-shoers remaining, may have to move away from Camden where he has labored so many years." t ' ' i " ? his tragic passing. Inquest Held The following Is firom the Tuesday's issue of the Lancaster News: "The sad news of the death of Capt. John W. Hamel of Kershaw, was received here Friday afternoon and the many friends throughout the county were greatly shocked to hear of his tragic death. A coroner's jury which was.assembled early lu the afternoon decided that he had died by his .own hand. ?. "The death of Capt. Hamel occurred about 11:30 a m. In the rear of the Gardner barber shop at Kershaw which Capt, Hamel had used for his office since hlB plant was burned alt most two years ago. "At the Inquest Robert Gardner, proprietor of the barber sho$, testified that Mr. Hamel had been In the front of the barber shop just a minute or two before the shooting and had exchanged a tew >rords with a man who passed by on the outside. Mr. Gardner said l?r. Hamel went to the rear of the shop when the sound of a pistol shot was heard. Mr. Gardner said he heard hut one siibt t>ut an examination of the body Bhowed that , two shoth .had* been fired. < Both shots took "effect in the side about two inches apart with, one of them going through the abdomen. . "Dr. T. L. Gregory was summoned and in- telling of the death of'M^, Hamel.at the Inquest Or; Gregory said Mr. Hamel looked up at him and shook his head. Dr. Gregory said that he felt sure that Mr. Hamel recognised him hut that he was beyond assistance. He died within about half an hour after the shooting. On Capt. Hamel's table were two letters, one addressed, to Dr. Gregory and the other to Dr. tyrasingtop. & Oa*dn?f, said that a day or two previous to the fatal shooting Mr. Hamel had told him that he was being shared tor the Ittttt time. Mr, Gardner sakl that he thought nothing of the Incident until after the i&i'-WAji. Js*:-' -U-vafcr Senator Sims On ' Social Security Act h ' (By John K. AulD Columbia, Juu. 6.?It is agreed by all observers hero, luclil&ing political leaders, economists, and long-time legislative newspaper reporters, that, as stated by Qovernor Johnston, Social Security legislation will be the "big thing" at the approaching session of the General Assembly convening at noon 011 January 12. Stajte Senator Henry Jl. Sims, who is expected to sponsor the major portion of this legislation, was asked for a statemeut as to Just what it is ail about, what it will cost the state, and what in Federal taxes the state will lose should it not enter into the program. "You have asked me three separate and distinct questions," said the Orangeburg Senator," and I will attempt to answer them as best I can. "The first essential step is the ratification of the constitutional amendment, authorizing the General Assembly to make payments by way of assistance to the needy aged, needy blind and dependent children. This amendment was approved by the voters at the general election on November 3, in a ratio of nine to one, and it is inconceivable that any serious opposition will be encountered in its ratification by both houses of the General Assembly. "While the amendment goes into oer^ tain unnecessary details, limiting the Bcope of the action of the General Assembly and containing certain restrictions in regard to the amount of aid to any individual and residence requirements, still these limltatons will not interfere with the adoption of the program this year, although they might embarrass us later on. C "After the constitutional amendment has been formally ratified it will be necessary for the General Assembly to enact proper legislation to carry out its purpose. As far as I am individually c^fBlrned I have not changed very much from the views f held in 1936, embodied for the most part in certain bills which passed the Senate but were not acted upon by tke House in 1936, which would have Automatically put the assistance program into operation in South Carolina upon the ratification of the amendment. "This year the General Assembly will have to provide the proper administrative organization to carry out the program, enact a law prescribing the qualifications to be met and the procedure to be followed by needy residents, who come within any of the three classifications, gamely, those over sixty-five years of age in need; blind in need, and dependent children under the age of sixteen years." Coroner Goodale 7 Goes Into Office Coroner Robert T. Goodale assumed the duties of cproner for Kershaw county on Tuesday, January 6, and he requests that he be' notified of all deathB when some one comes to their death by mischance or Accident, or dies without witnesses. Dr. Goodale succeeds Julian B. Rush, who has served in that capacity for several years very acceptably. Dr. Goodale's father held the office of coroner'from 1876 to 1892. Dangerous Curve Be Eliminated The state'highway department an-i nounced yesterday that a dangerous curve on U. S. highway No. 1, between Columbia and Camden, would ha eliminated. ? The'project, officials said, will be an important contribution to traffic ?safety. The curve Is approximately two miles from Columbia, In the section known as Avalon Park. A portion of the road will be relocated and shoulders will be widened. - Bide on this project alongwltb ap-. proximately ten others were opened by highway department officials on Tuesday.?Thursday's State. ' - . Grace Church Sefvloee - The services in Grace church will be: Holy communion at 8 a. m. Church school at 9:46 a. m. Morning prayer and sermon hy the rector, At 11:16. A. C. MoKaln will sing the offertory solo, m the evening the regular monthly meeting of the Laymen's League will be held at 8 o'clock. The rector will give the second of his addmaaee on the Bible. AO the men ** the parish see urged to be pre* Oil Mills Pay Highest Price Since 1927-1928 Cottonseed, once a wusto product, i brought Southern farmers $195,196,000 In 1936 as a result of the best prices since 1927-1928, according to, official Department of Agriculture estimates, just released. Southern cotton growers received $47,712,000 more for tholr 1936 cottonseod production tliun for their 1935 crop, an analysis of the Department's figures made by A. L. Ward, Educational Service Director of the National Cottonseed Products Association, shows. Farmers' income from cottonseed increased 32.3 per cent in 1936 over the 1935 total of $147,483,000. In spite of a larger crop than in 1935, cotton oil mills paid Southern growers a higher average price for their cottonseed than at any time since the 1927-1928 season, Ward pointed out. The average price of cottonseed in the United States during the 1936 marketing period was $35.41 per ton. the Department of Agriculture estimated. This compares with $31.19, the average for tho 1935 crop, and Is the highest average since that of $35.94 paid during the 1927-1928 season. Cotton oil mills paid growers a price in 1936 that was higher even than the average for 1928-1929, at the peak of the prosperity period. The 1986 average of $35.41 compares with the average of $36.26 for the 1928-1929 season. Cootonseed prices in 1936, as compared with 1986, showed considerably greater percentage increase than the. price of lint cotton. The percentage rise over 1935 for lint cotton was 10.9 per cent, while the average price of cottonseed rose ,13.5 per cent. Production of cottonseed in 1986 amounted to 5,513,000 tons compared [ with 4,729,000 tons in 1936, the Dej partment reported. A major factor in the greater rej turn received by Southern growers for their cottonseed has. been the higher value of cottonseed oil, Ward pointed out. Cottonseed oil, widely used in vegetable shortening, margarine, salad oils and other products, usually constitutes mora than half of the total value of the seed. "Even greater revenues from their cottonseed may be expected by South* era farmers if they, with the aid of other American fats and oils producers, can secure the removal of present restrictions against the sale of margarine, a food containing cottonseed oil and other American products," Ward said. "Taxes and- 11fsense fees, both Federal and in many states, unfairly restrict domestic margarine sales and the market for Southern cottonseed oil, beef fats, soybean and peanut oils, and similar products." Coffin Mystery Magician's Test Among the many amazing illusions to be performed by Mysterious <8mlth the great American Magician, who will open an engagement of two day* at the Haiglar Theatre on Thursday and Friday, January 14 and 16, is his famous Coffin Mystery. To l^ear this described makes one think it impossible, and to see it performed almost confirms the thought, despite the fact that it is done. Encased in a regulation United States straight-jacket, with every muscle tendered helpless, the magician is placed in an ordinary casket to be gotten from the regular stock of a local undertaker. The casket is then encircled by three straps, sealed by a local committee and then placed inside a cabinet In less than three minutes Mr. Smith emerges, freed from both straight-jacket and casket. It cannot be done, you say? Well, Mr. Smith does It and there are very few Instances, where he has failed to effect his escape in the allotted time. You will spend a lot of thought trying to figure out how it ia done. It is only one of many miracles which Mr; Smith will perform during his engagement here. VV' - o ? Soil 'Conservation Cheeks Three hundred and eighty-seven farmers In Kershaw county have received their checks under the Soil Conservation program. These checks amounted to $24,494.62. Approximate ly one handled farmers in Hhe county have not made application for theii payment, one thousand and six hun died have been sent In to Columbia tor payment atad we nre looking tea these cheeks in the near future. ' -? - ~ . j \ Chamber Commerce ! Being Reorganized (By Edward I*. Borden) At u meeting of the officers uud directors of the reorgunUed Camden and, Kurahuw County Chamber of Commerce held Wedneuduy night, January ,6 plana wore virtually completed for u constructive and energetic effort to stimulate business for merchauta, manuracturera aud producera of raw inateriala, both in tho town of Camden and throughout the county. A drive for membership will be undertaken. Tho campaign to interest everyone will aturt Monday, January 18. At the meeting Wednesday night, committees were appointed to study methods, and were directed to submit a plan of action as soon as they reach a conclusion. At -that timo, probably early next week, another directors meeting will be called and action taken. b rank H. Heath, of Milwaukee, Wis., has boeu named permanent secretary. Mr. Heath comes to Camden aud Kershaw county with a fine record as successful secretary to the Chambers of Commerce of Mt. Doro, bla., Eustis; Fla., and more recently, Marquette, Michigan.1" He will take up I his active duties on February 1. Offices for the Chamber of ComI merce have been taken in the Crockr er building, ground floor, front, on I DeKalb street, and last evening's I meeting directed that suitable arI rangemente be made for equipping l and furnishing them. I C. O. Kornegay, president of the I Chamber of Commerce, presided. Others present, were: M. B. Burns, vice president; Joe E. McKain, acting secretary and treasurer, and the following members of the board: DougI las Mays, David Kirschner, Gus BeleI os, Austin Shebeen, Dewey Creed, Basil Bruce and William F. Nettles Jr. ' I The enthusiasm for the new organization is apparent when it is noted that the attendance was one hundred I per cent. 1 The scope of the Camden and KerI ehaw County Chamber of Commerce has been considerably enlarged by g I determination to be of service not | only to the merchants _ of Camden, I but to the farmers throughout Ker| shaw county, who are earnestly asked to interest themselves in the ChamI ber> to attend meetings and to point out to officers and direcors ways and pneans by which the Chamber of Comj merce can assist them. | Th? "logan is "Service to Camden land Kershaw County," and the proI gram will back up the slogan. SOME RECENT DEATH8 I Many Families in County Bereaved I During Holidays I r' ' y . . i; Hanason D. Fitzgerald, oi Blauey, died January 1, at the ego of 81. He is survived by his wife. He was a I sou of C. J. Fitzgerald of Cherokee J oounty. The funeral and burial was I at Union Baptist cemetery near BlaI ney with Hev. R. Bryce Herbert of I Camden officiating, I Mrs. Trannle Jackson, age 55, the wife of David Jacksonralso^f Blaney, died on January 2, and her funeral was hold at Union Baptist church at Blaney, with Rev. R. Bryce Herbert 1 officiating. ' Hoyt Player, age 20, . a member of the Bishopville CCC camp, died on January 2 in the Sanders Memorial hospital in Florence. His funeral was held Kmt Autloch Baptist church on January 4 at 8 p. m. The entire membership of the Bishopville CCC camp acted as honorary pallbearers. Mrs. Ethel Mae Bowers, age 27, thl |gife of w* J- Bowers, of the Buffalo iqction and a daughter of B. W. Hor I ton (a?<i Ellen Spear Hor ton, died in | the Camden hospital on January 4, and the funeral was held In the But falo section at Buffalo church on Jan1 uary 6. Annie JLaurie Smith, age 9, daugh I ter of Clyburn Smith and Colzie Eljmoro Smith, died Thursday, January 7, at the home of her parents in tht | Beulah section. She was a grand daughter of J. W. Smith. Her funeral will be held Friday morning, January 8 at 11 a. m. at Beulah by Rev. God bold of Rembert, officiating. ! Bethesda Presbyterian Church Sunday, January 10, A. Douglas Mc , Arn? PMtor. Church school it 10 a. m Morning worship at 11:16. Pastor'i mid-week study group Wednesday ev enlng 7:80. .The public is cordlalb Invited to all servloes in tlds church 1 LodfWdt Of Tin, ]g th ' at hi. mother, Mr. Low UH Plavmakers Guild Starts Something (liy Edward P. Dordeu) Ewtely it hu? become upimrunt that thero are tdcmciitii in Cartid^u who demand good piayn and who are interested in the theatre, over and above what the moving pictures bring to ua. The Playmakora' Guild, a pemlorganized group who have boeu talking tlio aituation over for aome .time, have at last got started. Mra. Samuel Rusael) of "Mlllbank," president of the Playmakora' Guild, hua invited Mr. and Mra. Daniel Reed, of the Town Theatre, Columbia, to address a meeting at Hobkirk Inn on Sunday nigbt next, at which time Mr. and Mrs. Reed will outline some of tho advantages and sorao of the difficulties they encountered in the past with tho Town Theatre, which Is an outstanding example of the be/st In. the little theatre movement in tho United States. Everyone interested in either production or acting, in scenery makng, In play writing. In directing or if only in patronizing the theatre is asked to be present at this meeting. After Mr. Reed's talk, there will be a general discussion of ways and means of procuring an auditorium, plays, talent and the thousand and one things that go to make up a hit in the theatre. Mrs. Donald Morrison, who will be active In the direction of the, movement, hopes tb produce three plays ~ this season. ? -? Gee McGee In Cuba Readers of Gee McGee's column, a daily feature in tlie Index-Journal, will be Interested in the following from yesterday's Anderson Mall: Writing frozp Havana, Cuba, where he and hfe wife are vacationing, biank (Gee) McGee, Anderson, business leader and> well known humorist, warns Ahdereoninns never to come j to Havana with their winter togs. "If "Tt you ever come don't fetch any underwear," he wrote The Dally Mail. "It's 80 today in tho shade." He added with his usual wit: "Yep, the girls are very pretty, but the wife doesn't think so."-^-Index-Journal * _ r I . : * *OL9 The committee in charge of the Camden Mid-South ,Pok> Tournament for the Resell Memorial Trophy, to he held in Camden the week of Feb- ' ruary 7, net at the home of Wat'son Pomeroy on Broad street Wednesday afternoon. Those present were: Watson Pomerpy, Henry Savage, Jr., Charles DoBose, Jr., ahd Hick Floyd, Matters considered were the best way in tfhlch to get the ?"immii number of games with a minimum of wear on the two fields, and a review of the facilities lorTTMrtlng the horses and accommodating the players and their grooms. The survey showed thmt . Btabltog an<l accommodaUone w4ll be ample, despite the added demands which will bo thrust-on Camden by the entries in The Horse Show, to be held on Saturday, January 18, which will he a bye day for the polo tournament. To >ibid "Lamer fright??. f11? Camden Exchange Clnb wlU hold its semi-annual "Ladles' Night" at the Sarsfleld Club Honse, on next Tickets may be pnrchased from J. Dr zemp At the DoKalb Pharmacy, L. L. Wallnau at his store, Dewey Creed At his filling station or Arthur Clark at the Post Office. All Exchangltes ' WO urged tQ purchase their .tickets ' not later thah Saturday of thtf week ' lt iB necessary that the management of the Clnb House know just how" many will he In attendance by not later than Monday morning, and it win not be possible to get tickets after that time. The program- "committee Is arrang ing for a fine evening's entertainment, and a full attendance of the ExchangRes, their wives and lady friends is expected. ; Two State Roads Shut To Traffic , United States highway No. 76, between Columbia and Sumter*, was closed at 6:16 yesterday afternon at Wateree swamp due to high waters and No.^ 48, between Columbia and Just how long the roads wbuld re* [ this depending on how^fast^the Tntm? between Tlniniku d*P?-TtiMPa [Ixw^a