Saturday a big day in Kellyton: Coosa County farmers organized into the Southern Cotton Growers' Association; Joel F. Webb of Birmingham gives the welcome, W. W. Walden of Kellyton elected secretary

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SATURDAY A BIG DAY IN KELLYTON

Seymour Speaks to Coosa County Farmers

HEFLIN MAKES ADDRESS

Farmers Are Organized Into Branch of the Southern Cotton Growers' Association—John W. Johnson Is President.

Kellyton, July 30.—(Special.)—Yesterday marks a new era in the progress of the agricultural interests in Coosa county. One of the most notable and important meetings that was ever held in Alabama was in session yesterday, and great interest was manifested by the great number of farmers present, who had gathered here from nearly every section of Coosa county, and also from the adjoining counties.

Although the primary purpose of the meeting was to interest the farmers in diversified farming, and the necessity of organization, the distinguished speakers present gave interesting talks not only on the above subjects but also on the various industries that aid the farmers materially in their onward march.

Joel F. Webb of Birmingham in a most eloquent address gave all the people a hearty welcome. He gave a glowing picture of the possibilities of Coosa county and expressed a desire that in the near future Coosa county will be one of the foremost counties in our state, in agricultural as well as educational advancement. Among other things in discussing the railroads and their relations to the people he said: "The railroads are the largest factor in the progress and growing development of our state. They have done more than all other forces combined in the development of our resources. Yea, I go further than that, railroads carry with them influences that revolutionize society, educate our people, enlighten illiterate masses and bring beneficent results to all classes of men and women. We need all the railroads we can get and should do all in our power to encourage them." His remarks about the railroad were cordially received by all the people.

President Seymour Speaks.

The address of W. H. Seymour, president of the Alabama Southern Cotton Growers' association aroused the keenest interest and brought all the farmers present to a realization of the necessity of organization.

Mr. Seymour began his address by congratulating the farmers of Coose [sic] on their first step towards organization. He urged that it is now time for the banker, farmer and professional man to have thorough understanding. He then gave an account of the agricultural interests in other counties, and showed that agriculture has always been an index of the civilization of mankind. Mr. Seymour spoke of the three necessities of civilized people, food, raiment, and shelter, but dwelt particularly on the one necessity, raiment.

He gave a history of the Cotton Growers' association, and showed that as result of their organization, cotton is now worth from $5 to $10 more per bale. He closed his earnest speech by urging the farmers to follow closely the "line of policy" adopted by the convention at New Orleans. "Holding cotton, reduction of acreage, reduction of fertilizers." After the address of Mr. Seymour, a recess of one hour and a half was taken during which time a delightful dinner was served. After dinner J. Thomas Heflin, congressman from the Fifth district, spoke in his characteristic style to the farmers. Mr. Heflin always holds his audience spell-bound, but on this occasion his manner was perhaps happier than usual. The people were delighted with his eloquent speech.

After this speech J. H. Harris of Chambers county, held a farmers institute and he together with other farmers, gave very instructive discourses on the cultivation of crops.

Mr. Seymour then called a special meeting of the farmers of Coosa county, and organized Coosa county into the Southern Cotton association. John W. Johnson of Lauderdale was elected president and W. W. Walden of Kellyton was elected secretary for the county.

Kellyton is growing rapidly and will soon be one of the best towns in east Alabama.

Citation: "Saturday a Big Day in Kellyton: Seymour Speaks to Coosa County Farmers; Heflin Makes Address," a Kellyton dispatch dated 30 July, The Birmingham Age-Herald (Birmingham, Ala.), Monday 31 July 1905, p. 3; image, Chronicling America, Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn85038485/1905-07-31/ed-1/?sp=3).