10 Madison Enterprise-Recorder www.greenepublishing.com Zurn Back Zime Friday, February 19, 2010 Let's turn back time once again to November of 1909. Two shocking and senseless murders took place in the same month. The following is a recount of the murder of C. Black Ashley. It is printed verbatim from the November 25, 1909 edition of The Madison Enterprise-Recorder Shocking Tragedy Startles Town Col. C. Black Ashley, Prominent Lawyer and Citizen, Meets Death at Hands of James A. Beatty Without Warning or Known Provocation Beatty Shoots and Kills Ashley at Office of Latter Last Thursday Afternoon About five o'clock last Thursday after- noon, Col. C. Black Ashley, prominent lawyer and influential citizen, was shot down in front of his office in this city and in a few minutes was a corpse. J.A. Beatty, a saw mill man in business at or near Lee in this county, is the person at whose hand Col. Ash- ley lost his life. The streets were thronged with merry, happy people who were just returning from the performance of the John Robinson circus, and no one Col. Ash- ley least of all had the slightest intimation of the impending tragedy. Col. Ashley was seated at his desk in the office which opens di- rectly on the street, when a negro man ap- peared at the door and told him Mr. Beatty wanted to speak to him outside. Without a mo- ment's hesitation and absolutely unsuspect- ing, Col. Ashley walked across the sidewalk to the curb where Mr. Beatty was seated in his buggy, and putting one foot on the hug of the buggy wheel pleas- antly saluted Beatty and inquired his busi- ness. As far as we have am shot." Quickly the been able to learn the report was current that only conversation which passed was to this effect: Beatty said, "I want to get my note or notes." Ashley replied, "They are in the courthouse locked up. I'll get them for you tomorrow," and with these words yet upon his lips turned to go back into his office. It was then that two pistol shot reports rang out quick and sharp, and the throng on the street knew that something out of the ordinary had happened. Beatty threw himself back in the buggy, exclaiming, "I "Ashley is dead and Beatty fatally wounded, each having shot the other." An examination of Beatty's person by the sheriff who was im- mediately upon the scene, failed to discov- er the faintest suspi- cion of a wound and he was found to be feign- ing altogether. A search of Ashley's person failed to bring to light anything in the nature of a deadly weapon. The first shot fired by Beatty was while he held the pistol in his coat pocket, the bullet tearing its way through the coat lining. This shot is thought to have gone wild. It is said that after the first shot and when Ashley had turned, Beatty drew his pistol and taking delib- erate aim sent speeding the bullet which found lodgment in Ashley's side producing the wound from which, in a few minutes, his death resulted. So far as known the killing was without the slightest provocation. Ashley, as attorney for several creditors, had sued out attachments against the property of Beatty and this is sup- posed to have incensed him. It is stated that Beatty was somewhat under the influence of liquor when he did the shooting. From all re- ports Beatty drove in town direct from his home at Lee and drove immediately to Ash- ley's office. In a little while af- ter the shooting the sheriff had Beatty se- curely locked in the county jail where he is now confined awaiting trial for his awful deed. Beatty is a married man, his wife and two children being on a vis- it to Georgia at the time of the tragedy. They ar- rived her Saturday. Way ac he February 17, 1910 Mr. Hadden Parramore is spending a few days at Hampton Springs. George A. Davis, the contractor, spent a few days in Madison with his family. Ben Waring returned Friday night from a trip to see his brother, Howell, at Port Tampa City Ben looks very much improved by the trip. Dr. Bosworth, the eye specialist who has been at the Merchants for the past three weeks, left yester- day for his home in Atlanta, Ga. February 17, 1950 Mrs. John M Cherry entertained with a Valen- tine birthday party Saturday at their Lakeside home honoring her small son, Johnny, on the event of his third birthday Thirty children enjoyed the event. Red and white prevailed in the colors of the beauti- ful birthday cake, dainty candies and colorful bal- loons, which were given as favors. The children sang "Happy Birthday," and blew out the candles, after which the gifts were opened. Ice cream, cake and candy were served on the plates. Paper napkins and plates also carried out the Valentine idea. Mrs. Mar- cus Cherry and Mrs. James Stanley assisted in serv- ing. Walter C Herndon, in the merchant marine with the S. S. Logans Fort, has been promoted from oiler to fireman. He recently visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W B Herndon of Rt. 2 Madison, when his ship docked at Jacksonville. He is now en route to Lake Charles, La. He stated, "There is no place like Florida." It's a girl for Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Day of Greenville, born February 3rd at the Madison Coun- ty memorial Hospital, weighing 8 lbs. and 1 oz. The little girl had been named Brenda Ann. Mrs. George Cook was honored recently with a DIRECT. 150 Channels for 134.99 No Credit Card Required 386-344-2957 stork shower given at the home of Mrs. H. A. Whitaker, 837 Bates Ave., Winter Haven. The Whitaker home was beau- tifully decorated with arrangements of cut flow- ers in pastel colors. A social hour as enjoyed and Mrs. Cook was presented with many lovely gifts. February 19, 1960 Miss Smith was honored prior to her wedding with a lovely miscellaneous shower given by Mrs. B. M. Williams at her home. Co-hostesses with Mrs. Williams were Mrs. Cole Agner and Mrs. Carroll Agner. Miss Joyce Marie Garland of Brooksville was selected the ninth annual "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" at the Stephen Foster Memorial con- test at White Springs Saturday. Miss Garland, a so- prano, received her crown at the Jeannie Ball from Mrs. C. A. Bullock of Canton, Pa., president of the National Federation of Music Clubs. With the title went a $500 music scholarship. Twenty-one young Florida singers between the ages of 17 and 12 took part in the audition. Four runners-p in the contest each received $200 scholarships. The marriage of Mr. Charlie Wynn of Madison and Mrs. Margaret Ellen Robertson of Valdosta took place Sunday, February 14, in the First Baptist church, Madison. The pastor, the Rev James T Bar- ber, officiated at the quiet ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Gene Buchanan, of Pinettta, attended the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Benjamin Seals of Madi- son, Fl announce the engagement of their daughter SuEllen to a/3c Donald R. Placzkowski son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Placzkowski of Hanson, Fl. Miss Seals is a member of the Senior Class of Madison High. Mr. Placzkowski, graduate of Madison High, is now serving in the United States Air Force and is sta- tioned at Amarillo Air Force Base, Amarillo, Texas February 20, 1970 Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Musser of Valdosta, an- nounce the arrival of a baby girl on Feb. 12th weigh- ing 6 lb. 15 oz. and named Angela Musser. Mrs. Musser was the former Miss Bennie Rose Stewart of Madison. Bruce is the brother age 2. The proud grandparents of the first granddaughter are Mr. and Mrs. Ed Musser and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stewart of Madison. Miss Claire Cooke was honoree at a beautiful luncheon Saturday given by Mrs. J.P Johnson and Mrs. Charles Maultsby of Tallahassee in the John- son home. Lovely lavender carnations and chrysan- themums and pink camellias were arranged in the rooms where guests were entertained. Guests in- cluded, the attendants at the wedding, Mrs. J.O. Cooke, Jr. and Mrs. Helen Hembree, mothers of the bridal couple, and Mrs. J.O. Cooke, Sr. and Mrs. R.C. Dickinson, grandmothers of the couple, and Mrs. Larry Cooke of Tallahassee, and Mrs. Jimmy Cooke of Savannah and Miss Mary Lou Parrish also of Tal- lahassee. The hostesses were assisted in entertain- ing their guests by Mrs. Edith Bevan. A delectable three-course luncheon was served. The bride-elect was presented with silver in her pattern, and an an- niversary candle by the hostesses. Listening in each morning next week, Feb. 23rd to 27th, from 9:05 to 9:15 am on Madison's Broadcasting wave length. WMAF The public in and around Madison will have the privilege of hearing five young men of college age tell the graphic story of how their lives were changed when the Living God answered their cry and took over with exciting results. And why their SECOND BIRTHDAY will now be the most important one in their lifetime instead of the usual nature of morn- ing devotions, the Rev. A.W Guild had planned with these young men to be present and let the world know that the Living God is as much alive as ever in history and is at work transforming life, sweetening life as its source, and making their lives truly a rich experience. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Phillips entertained Fri- day evening at a lovely dinner party following the wedding rehearsal of their son Mr. Howard Phillips and Miss Patricia Panaway Thirty-four members of the wedding party and the families were entertained in the home of Mrs. T.C. Coody at a three-course din- ner. Red carnations and camellias emphasized the Valentine theme. Carnations centered the table where the bride's party was seated, and camellias were on the buffet table and living room mantel. The bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cone, and her sister is Miss Dama Williams. I IPLEASE JOIN U tK- coumk Monday Saturday 6:00 AM 9:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM 8:00 PM READY MADE MADE TO ORDER SANDWICHES SANDWICHES GROCERY Open Monday Sunday DINE STORE IN DELI serving Breakfast Lunch Dinner TAKE OUT Breakfast Bar Home-Cooking Buffet 6:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM --Till Cook To Order Dinner Anytime 249 7I ,3 *Ml0 ; I IM' PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH Jon D. Caminez Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney CAMINEZ & HARDEE, P.A. (850) 997-8181 1307 S. JEFFERSON STREET MONTICELLO, FLORIDA 32344 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.