The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-24
TROY

Troy, February 23-(Special)- )-Pike county has a very interesting character in the person of an old negro who lives on a farm south of here, near Milo. The negro, Jim Chapman, has lived in that section for about 50 years, Coing there from Florida shortly hefore the war be- tween the states. He was born in Africa and brought to this country as a slave. He gave in his age at the census in 1910 as 125 years, and is now about 135 years old. It is believed that he is the oldest person in Alabama He has a remarka- ble memory. remembering things of very lcng ago. He never wears shoes. says he has never worn shoes in his life. His teeth are sound and strong now and he says he has never had the toothache. He has another striking distinction for his race He has never been arrested for any cause. He is a good, hard working negro and well liked by the white people of that section.
 His wife, who recently died. was also a native African and brought to this country by slave dealers. She was sold off the block at the slave market in Montgomery and came to Pike county as a servant shortly before the war. She was called Jennie Boutwell,, and after Jim Chapman came to this section they were married
 The initial meeting of the Board or Commerce was held Thursday night and was marked by much enthusiasm The meeting was held in the city hall and President Alex Henderson presided over the meeting. Reports of special commit tees were heard. About 20 new names were added to the list or members. T. J. Wood submitted a partial report on can- ming plants and was instructed to visit other plants Two propositions for can- ming plants were submitted and taken up for consideration.
 A committee was named to revise the constitution, since the organization has so enlarged it's scope. J. w. Bowers asked that the board pledge assistance. in se- curing the Baptist orphanage for Troy. This was heartily done. Other reports were heard and special meeting called for next Thursday night to hear reports l of special committees.
 John Floyd Lawrence, an aged negro, who won much respect not long ago when there was jail delivery by refus- | ing to leave the jail when the other pris- ! oners made their escape, has been l brought back to PrSe county from | Muscle Shoals to answer four charges
 against him. The grand jury. recently l held, indicted him four charges for
 stealing hogs.
 ] IT, l.. Greene of the northern part of
 the county. brought to Troy this week several interesting souvenirs which his
 son Harris has sent him from Germany where he is with the army of occupa-
 tion. He had a German officers dress
 helmet on which was engraved in Ger
 man, With God and the Kaiser for the l Fatherland." He also mas a gas mask.
 two compasses and a pedalmeter.
 | Trainmaster Black of the Atlantic
 Coast Line, was hero Friday to look
 after picking up two freight cars, which
 went through a trestle at Shellhorn re-
 gently. The cars were loaded with lum-
 Der, which has been picked up already. 1 An extra engine for switching has been
 put on here to facilitate the work dur
 ing the fertilizer season, when a great deal of car shifting has to be done. \