NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS - 1890
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
THE OLD BATTLE FLAG.
Mr. Frank CONVERSE, of Decatur, called at THE PUBLIC office the other day with the remnants of the old battle flag of the Twentieth Illinois Infantry. When Martin MOHRLE was at home on furlough in 1864 he had a few shreds of the flag with him, part of which he gave his wife and she divided with Mrs. Frank CONVERSE. Martin Mohrle was the color bearer of the Twentieth, and at the battle of Atlanta, on the 21st of July, 1864, he fell mortally wounded on the battle field and the flag was captured by the rebels. The shreds that Frank Converse had was all that was left of the flag under which the gallant Twentieth marched and fought from its first fight at Fredericktown, Mo., on the 21st of October, 1861. Mr. Converse thought the relic so sacred that he determined to hand it over to one of the surviving members of Co. E, and to that end he brought it to Clinton and gave it in charge of Steve CARTER, who carries a rebel bullet in his body as a memento of the battle of Shiloh. This relic of the old battle flag should be carefully preserved by being enclosed in a glass case with its history attached, and if possible a photograph of the gallant Martin Mohrle, who fell on the field of Atlanta while bearing aloft the colors of his regiment, should be secured and placed in the same case. The survivors of Co. E should take immediate steps to preserve the relic.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Sometime last summer, while trimming a hedge on his farm, Mr. Seward MISKELLY cut himself on the leg with the hedge knife, and for months the wound kept him confined to his house. His enforced idleness with his low physical condition so preyed upon him that his mind has become affected, and his friends were finally compelled to apply for his admission to the asylum at Kankakee in the hope that a special course of treatment would restore him to mental and bodily vigor. Mr. Miskelly is one of the old residents of this county. He owns a large and valuable farm on the Clinton and DeWitt road, less than three miles east of this city, and is considered a reasonably wealthy man.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. A. A. CANTRALL, of Cisco, Macon County, was in Clinton last Monday visiting old friends and army comrades. He served in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and was a member of Captain Harvey MERRIMAN's company. Mr. Cantrall was raised in Waynesville township, but of late years he has lived in Macon county. Strange to say, he is an old bachelor.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
The celebrated case of ZORGER against the BUCK family was tried before Justice RICHEY and a jury on last Tuesday. Owing to the interest in the case, the Justice occupied the courtroom, which was well filled with spectators. The particulars of the case were published two weeks ago in THE PUBLIC, and were in substance that Charles Zorger is the owner of the property occupied by the Buck family. Mr. O. A. HOYT was an applicant to lease the property when the Buck lease expired, and he and Mr. Zorger went over one Sunday afternoon to look at the place. The Bucks have no love for Mr. Zorger, and when they saw him on the premises they charged down on him, horse, foot and artillery, and routed the enemy. They smote Charley hip and thigh, and added to the insult by beating him over the head with his own walking stick. Charley had them arrested for assault and after a patient hearing of the testimony, on last Tuesday, the jury brought in a verdict against Mrs. Buck and her son and daughter. They were fined five dollars each and costs. Charley swears he will never have any more dealings with widows.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Deserted His Family.
Editor Public.—W. W. McABOY left for California this week. He has left his family in almost destitute circumstances. Mrs. McAboy has been confined to her bed for several months, which is almost unendurable for her to bear. The family has the sympathy of the community.—Friend of the Family.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 17, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
A man went into the tax collector's office in the court-house to pay his annual tribute for the blessings of citizenship. Last year he paid the enormous tax of eighty-five cents, and out of this he had four children educated in the public schools for eight months. This year his tax was higher and it made the payer squeal. He had to pay $1.30, of which $1 was the tax on a dog. This year he had three children in the school, so while he paid $1 for his dog, he only had to pay thirty cents for the blessings of electric light, water works, and the education of this three children. Another man who owns fifty-three acres just west of this city, on which he lives, paid only $18 tax, and yet he growled. If he owned a respectable house in town that would not sell for the price of the fifty-three acres, he would have to pay more than twice $18 for the privilege of enjoying our city government.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 17, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
CURRENT TOPICS.
The doctors in this city report quite a number of cases of influenza during the past week.
Even the doctors are wrestling with la grippe. Dr. GOODBRAKE can now define all the symptoms.
"How's your Grippe?" is now the customary salutation on the street when one meets a friend who has been confined to their home for several days.
Colonel SNELL has been confined to his room in the Magill House for nearly two weeks. The old gentleman is getting at that time of life when it takes but little to lay him up.
The three prisoners that are confined in jail have had a bad attack of la grippe. The sheriff's family have also been victims of the unpleasant disease. The sheriff was laid up for a few days with it.
Billy GRAVES house, in Creek township, was burned down the other night. His friends circulated a subscription paper among the business men in this city and raised enough to pay for his loss on furniture.
The young ladies of this city have organized a D. D. club, in which the membership is limited to ten. They are to have weekly meetings, the first of which was held at Mr. L. FREUDENSTEIN's last Tuesday evening. Miss Hattie entertained her young lady guests in a handsome manner.
Not less than fifty people in this city have had an attack of la grippe within the past two weeks and antipyrine and quinine have been in great demand. It would be quite a job to give the names of all the victims, so rather than miss giving the name of one we will omit the mention of any.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 17, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
What La Grippe is Like.
An aged philanthropist, who has slumbered 'neath the nodding daisies these many moons, once fathered an idea that has stuck. He pointed out that every thing in the world had some good reason for its existence—was of some use to the great economy of nature.
But the philosopher, says the bright humorist who does the local writing on the Hamilton (Canada) Daily Herald, had never had la grippe.
Had he struck that snag he would have been less rash and promiscuous in his assertions.
About the only thing that la grippe is good for is to make inventive minds of a literary turn form new varieties of those sulphurous expressions which are accurately referred to as cursory remarks.
A real bad man who is a past master in the art of swearing, becomes a Kohinoor in the business under la grippe's baleful influence. A modest, quiet, peaceful man gets thoroughly depraved after one day's struggle with the Russian scourge. A man who is truly good and religious hesitates before he commits himself, but he has a wild desire to say things that would shock the nerves of a South Sea Islander under the influence of morphine.
Did you ever have la grippe?
Did you ever have every bone in your body aching like mad, did you ever have chills doing a song and dance up and down your anatomy, did you ever have your eyes look like oysters, your nose like a boiled lobster? No? Then you have not had la grippe.
But this is only a small part of the fun. La grippe comes on you in about eleven million sections. It enjoys itself with you all over. There is more hilarity in going through a threshing machine than in going through a spell of la grippe. There is more pure, cold-blooded hilarity in swallowing a large draught of the coy, unresisting, almond-odored Prussic acid than there is in toying with the deadly machinations of la grippe. Most anything in this world is more fun than la grippe.
It comes on you suddenly. Perchance you are lying in bed sweetly dreaming about the time when the city taxes will be reduced so that a man can really afford to own a house in Clinton without paying more than a rental value every year for it to the tax collector. Mayhap a sweet vision in amber robes, with love's laughter ripening in her sapphire eyes and her golden hair swirling about her in a cloudy mist, comes tripping toward you with her arms outheld and her red lips parting-parting. See, they move. She speaks. Listen! What is that she whispers?
"A-tchoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-h."
An ear-splitting, crashing, smashing noise permeates the dark recesses of your room. The fair vision vanishes. You wake up and wonder what all the fuss is about. In one minute you discover. You have la grippe.
Then your bones and your head, and your eyes and your ears, and your nose and your toes, and your teeth and your fingers, and every portion of your anatomy begins to get sore, and does get sore, and you prepare fantastic phrases that if published would forever debar you from occupying a position of prominence in any well-regulated Sunday school, and you wonder why you were ever born, and when you will die, and is life worth living anyhow, and whether your best girl loves you any more since you gave her an old bracelet for a Christmas present, and by and by you doze off again and dream, wake up and sneeze. Then you stay awake and sneeze. And the next day you subsist on a diet of hot baths and linseed poultices, and goose grease and red flannel, until you are ready to swear that existence is a wall-eyed sham and a hollow mockery, and ought to be hung out to dry on the clothes line for keeps.
A good dose of la grippe will produce a finer article of despair in the average mortal breast than anything else in the known universe.
Clinton people are suffering from it by the dozen and people who have not yet had it, may gather from this veracious account of it, by a young man who has had it and is sorry for it, just how it feels to have it and what they may expect when it comes their way.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton,
Illinois
A BOY KILLED IN TEXAS TOWNSHIP.
By an Accident a Musket was Discharged
and Crosley Payne Lost His Life.
A sad accident occurred at Mr. William HABERFIELD's home in Texas township on last Wednesday afternoon. Frank HENRY, aged thirteen years, has been living with Mr. Haberfield all winter. His father is Newt HENRY, yardman for the Illinois Central in this city. On Wednesday afternoon Frank got ready to go out hunting and as he was leaving the house Crosley PAYNE, aged seven years, a relative of Mr. Haberfield, wanted to go with him. Frank objected because Mrs. Haberfield had told him not to take the little fellow with him when he went hunting for fear of accident, but little Crosley persisted and cried to go. Frank, to quiet the boy, told him to go into the house and get his aunt's permission, and as the little fellow turned to go into the house Frank dodged around the corner of an outhouse to get away from him. He had the gun on his shoulder, but by some mischance he struck it against the building and the load of shot was discharged. Crosley Payne was about eighteen feet from him and he received the full charge in his right hip and back. Frank was panic stricken when the gun went off and as he turned he heard the shrieks of the wounded boy. As quickly as possible a messenger was dispatched to Clinton for a physician and Dr. Wilcox answered the call. The doctor found that the shot had penetrated his thigh and came through to the front of his hip tearing a large hole into which the doctor was able to insert his three fingers. After working with the patient a few minutes the doctor saw that there was no hope and he told the afflicted parents that their son would die. George PAYNE, the boy's father, is a nephew of Mr. Haberfield, and lives in a tenement house near Mr. Haberfield's home. Frank Henry was almost crazy over the unfortunate accident. He is a bright, industrious boy and has been working all winter with Mr. Haberfield.
(See obituary)
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
During the past week there have been several serious cases of la grippe in Clinton, and so bad were some of the patients that for a time fatal results were feared. Mrs. W. A. WHEELER, Mrs. S. K. CARTER and Mrs. A. H. ISBELL had severe attacks of pneumonia resulting from an attack of la grippe, but this morning we are glad to learn that all three are somewhat better. John W. DAY, Drew INMAN, A. D. McHENRY, Dr. HYDE, and Master-in-Chancery GAMBREL have been seriously sick. Mr. GAMBREL and Dr. HYDE are the only ones that are now considered dangerous. The above cases are the worst reported, though it is safe to say that there are not less than four hundred persons afflicted this morning in Clinton.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
From the best information we can gather there were not less than six hundred persons in Clinton down with la grippe last Friday and Saturday. About two hundred and fifty scholars were out of school last Friday on account of the disease. But few homes escaped, and in some nearly every member of the family was down at the same time. There is one peculiarity about the disease, it strikes its victim suddenly and in three or four days, except in rare cases, the patient is convalescent. But then they are not entirely cured for the victim is troubled with pains in the limbs and their legs weight a ton, and every bone in their bodies has a rasping feeling.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
William HASSINGER keeps a farmers' store at Lane where the F. M. B. A. can buy goods cheaper than his other customers. The other day, a number of farmers were gathered in the store when William drew out a revolver and was telling what it would do with his finger on the trigger and the muzzle pointed toward some bloated monopolist who might insist that taxed salt was worth more than a dollar a barrel. Of course this was metaphorically speaking, and William did not really mean that he would be guilty of injuring the aforesaid bloated monopolist. But the pistol did go off and thereupon was consternation. The ball whizzed through Jake ZOMBRO's pants, whistled past Gould DAVENPORT's ear, and grazed George STONE's knee, and then perforated a can of molasses and finally lodged in a nail keg. It was a close call for some of the boys and they breathed easier when they knew the pesky bullet had landed in the nail keg.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Dick SMITH is only about twelve years old, but he is tough for his age. He was arrested last Wednesday by marshal MOFFETT for pushing little girls off the sidewalk into the muddy streets and tearing their clothes. The boy's mother can do nothing with him, and he is a source of anxiety and cost, for scarcely a week passes that she does not have to pay for some of his pilfering. It would be a good thing to put him in the Reform School.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
January 31, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Prof. JESS, who some years ago was superintendent of the public schools in Farmer City, was badly injured in the Lexington (Ill.) high school, last Tuesday, by the explosion of a retort used in experimenting before a class in chemistry. Prof. Jess was badly burned in the face and head and it is feared that he may lose his eyesight. Seven of the scholars were also badly injured.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Drew INMAN is still confined to his bed, but his family hope to see him up in a few days. His case is not serious, but he has been very much prostrated.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
A week ago Mrs. W. H. WHEELER's life was despaired of and it was deemed advisable to summon her husband to come home. Mr. Wheeler went to Nebraska last fall to spend the winter on account of his health and it was thought best not to bring him home unless it became absolutely necessary. He arrived here at two o'clock last Monday morning, and almost from that hour there was a change for the better in Mrs. Wheeler's condition. She is still very weak, but the danger period seems to have passed. Mr. Wheeler is much improved in health and looks and feels better than he has for the past two or three years.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
In the early part of the seventeenth century there lived in England the MOFFETT family, who were the owners of large estates. In 1763, three of the brothers came to this country; one settled in Pennsylvania, one in New York, and one in Virginia. The original stock in England have died off, and now there is a fortune of $46,000,000 to be divided among the heirs of the men who came to this country in 1763. Marshal Moffett is a member of the Pennsylvania branch of the family, and he is now quite interested in tracing up his pedigree. He has letters in his possession that are over one hundred years old which will be quite material in proving up his claim. Already he feels that some of the millions are within his grasp and visions of the time when he will not have to tussle with drunks and dray them to the calaboose make him feel jubilant. Ex-Senator Tom MOFFETT, of Macon county, is also one of the heirs.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Over in Urbana, the furniture dealers sell card tables with hidden pigeon holes underneath in which to slip the cards when the minister or some extra pious brother or sister calls. Milt MATHEWS says that the tables are having a large sale as many of the church people in Urbana are "catching on" to the worldly games of cinch, whist and euchre.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Print WILLIAMS came over from Monticello last Saturday to visit his mother and sister in this city and remained here till Tuesday. Print has been unfortunate in his pension business. Some three or four years ago a communication appeared in THE PUBLIC giving a history of a cotton raid in Mississippi, in which a squad of the Fourth Cavalry had a skirmish with a squad of confederate cavalry, in which Print received a severe wound in the lungs from a carbine ball. By some means this communication was brought to the attention of General BLACK, who was then Commissioner of Pensions, and one of President Cleveland's pension examiners was sent to this city to investigate the case. The result of the one-sided investigation was that Print was stricken from the pension rolls because an effort was made to show that he did not receive his wound in the legitimate line of duty. If fighting with the confederate cavalry was not legitimate then what was the war for? Print gave his story of that raid in today's PUBLIC.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton,
Illinois
THE COTTON RAID IN MISSISSIPPI
Print Williams Describes the Part
Taken In It by the Fourth Illinois Cavalry.
Monticello, Ill., January, 1890
Editor Clinton Public,—Perhaps some of your readers will remember the article written about three years ago by Comrade W. O. Rogers, in which he gave a description of a fight between a little handful of Yankee cavalry and an overwhelming force of rebels.
His description of the fight was good, but he left us lying by the roadside and the remaining survivors in the guard house. (Now while he left us in a pretty country yet he left us in a poor condition to enjoy it.) Now my object in writing this is to get myself and the boys again under the protection of the stars and stripes.
As two men never see the same fight the same, I would like to tell my story, and I hope you will pardon me if I get a little tedious or repeat too much of what has already been told.
Late in the fall of 1863 the Fourth Illinois Cavalry was stationed at Natchez, Miss. At that time the country on both sides of the river was swarming with rebels. Sometimes they would collect a large force together, but usually they were scattered about in little bands. A portion of them were guerrillas who were trying to keep out of the confederate army. They were poorly armed but well mounted, having horses superior to ours, so that it kept the effective force of our regiment almost constantly on the hunt for them. But we made the place uncomfortable for them and kept the guard house at Natchez well filled with prisoners. While none of our men had fallen into their hands, such pens as Andersonville, Salisbury and others were gentle reminders that most any risk was preferable to being taken prisoner.
I distinctly remember one trip I was on over in Louisiana, in which nearly a score of rebels were shot down by the colored troops after being taken prisoners; and how could we blame them, remembering as they did how the rebels had used them at Fort Pillow and many other places. Of course we had nothing to do with such work, but it caused us to have grave apprehensions as to the treatment we might receive if we should fall into their hands. We were acquainted with every road and path for miles on the east side of the river, and although the white inhabitants were doing all in their power to help the confederacy yet we obtained much valuable information from the blacks.
In the spring of 1864 some reckless confederate bushwhackers were in the habit of firing on our pickets at night. They had succeeded in killing one patrol picket from our regiment. The commander of the garrison determined to break up this kind of warfare, and for this purpose he made details from our regiment to watch for those fellows. I was on a detail of a sergeant and ten picked men for this service. Our detail went out nights past our pickets and lay in ambush for them on the Washington road. We were excused from other duty, and we were in the habit of going out every other night. We had the countersign and a standing pass, and were encouraged in going out in the daytime so as to gain all the information possible concerning the surrounding country; therefore when we were not on duty we came and went as we pleased. I was on this detail when the ill-fated cotton expedition Comrade Rogers speaks of started out. I want it distinctly understood that this was not stolen cotton, but belonged to the speculator who hired the boys to guard it into our lines. I had nothing to do with the contract, had no agreement with anyone, and knew nothing of it until two of the boys who had intended to go came back into camp saying that the force was too small and they had backed out. I considered that I had a perfect right to go if I chose to run the risk. We had been out the night before watching for guerrillas but were not going that night. Although I had had no agreement with the boys I knew that if I went along and helped them out that I would get my share of the pay. So I mounted my horse and started out, overtaking the train at Washington, Miss., about five miles from Natchez. Miller and I were riding in advance when suddenly Miller exclaimed there is a rebel picket, at the same time firing at him. He missed him and the rebel made his escape. This ought to have been warning enough, but we went on, and little did we think as we rode along that we were shadowed and that a force would be waiting for us on our return.
We had secured the cotton and started for camp. We had gone about half the distance when I rode up to a plantation, about a quarter of a mile from the road. An old darkey was standing by the gate, and he motioned for me to come to him. He told me there was a rebel soldier under a tree asleep. So I took him along. One of the boys remarked that we could not take him into camp, at which the fellow began to cry and said he reckoned it was all up with him. I told him that we were not in the habit of shooting prisoners and would not begin on him. We had gone about a mile farther when Dale rode on ahead to investigate a track he had noticed in the road. I afterwards learned from the rebels that this track had been made by them in dragging a negro, whom they had killed, and that when Dale made a sharp turn in the road, which hid him from our view, riding along with his revolver in his hand, when he saw six rebels who were lying in ambush for us. He raised his revolver, but they were ahead of him, and they gave him a volley of buckshot, killing him instantly and wounding his horse.
When we heard the shots fired we knew that the rebels had dismounted and were lying in ambush, and we flanked to the right and gave them a race; but we were too late, they reached their horses first and made good their escape. We got the frightened darkeys back to their drays and started on, leaving poor Dale by the roadside, Rogers, Brewer, Thompson, Davis and Miller taking the advance, Taylor, Story and myself taking the rear. We had only fairly started when the six who had ambushed Dale came back. Story shot and wounded one of them. We called for reinforcements and Henry Brewer and James Miller came back, which was all we needed as the rebels retreated on their appearance, and was all that could be spared for we had to keep a guard at both the front and the rear.
This happened just at sunrise. The road was full of rebels. It was a command which had been stationed back by the plantation, and the man I had captured was their picket. The firing had wakened them and now they were after us. There was but one thing left for us to do and that was to make the best of our retreat, which was not very good as we had been riding all night and our horses were almost worn out. Before us lay a hill about one-half mile long called Cloverhill or Thornhill. On came the rebels with howls that would have done justice to Comanche warriors yelling at us to halt, and keeping up a fusillade with shotguns and revolvers. Our boys knew that it must be a hand to hand fight sooner or later. My horse was a good one, but he was continually stumbling when I rode very fast down hill, therefore I had to hold him back for fear of his falling, consequently I was the last one in getting down the hill, and the commands, "Halt! surrender you Yankee s of a b ," were ringing in my ears. But that part of the program had never entered my head. We finally reached the bottom of the hill, but the rebels had made two jumps to our one and they were there too. Some of the boys said rally at the bridge, at the bottom of the hill. I cocked my carbine intending to fire the instant I turned around, but my horse, poor fellow, was worn out and he stumbled and only kept from falling by coming against the bank. The way they made the lead fly around me for a few seconds caused one to think that the whole pack of them must have fired at me. I looked to my left and saw a fellow cocking his revolver for another shot, when I shifted my carbine into my left hand and put the muzzle almost against him and pulled the trigger, but there was no report. Our carbines were the Sharps and had to be capped. I suppose when I had loaded it the cap had not been properly fixed, as I had loaded it on the run; but that decided my fate, the fellow brought his revolver down on me. I spurred my horse but his bullet done its work, going through my right lung.
It is said of General Jackson, that in a duel he received the bullet of his opponent without flinching and then killed his man, but that ball took all the fight out of me. All I thought of was to get out of the way. I remember as if in a dream, how our boys made their mad rush past me and were engaged in a deadly hand to hand combat with the enemy. I remember hearing Henry Brewer cry out that he was wounded, but have no recollection of hearing a shot fired. A gentleman who witnessed the fight said, "I never heard corn pop faster in a skillet than revolvers did for about half a minute, and you Yankees seemed to be doing the most of it." I was the first man in the fight and the first one out. My horse gave a couple of jumps, when a ball struck him in the hip going through him lengthways. He hobbled on three legs up a little hill, about seventy-five yards from the fighting grounds. The boys coming along after the fight told me to jump off and take to the brush. I attempted to climb off but I could not use my right hand and fell. I got up and walked to the side of the road and stepped over a little rail fence. On the other side of this fence was an offset of about fourteen inches where I fell.
The next man in the fight was Brewer. The first man he met he blowed the top of his head off with his carbine, clubbed his gun, and made for Lieut. Willis, the man who had shot me. He struck him over the head just as the Lieutenant fired. They were riding side by side, and Hank was shot through close to the heart. By this time James Miller, Ambrose Story and Wm. Taylor had opened the ball in earnest, and woe unto the luckless "cornfed" that got in their way.
I am writing this as it was told me. They say that when our boys made a stand, that only seven of the confederates came into the thickest of the fight, the remaining number of about fifteen, stopped up on the hill, a little distance, and contented themselves by shooting from the distance; and out of the seven who came down, two were killed and five wounded. As the last man was going back up the hill, Taylor was attracted by the fine black horse he rode. He said he didn't care for the wounded Johnnie, but he wanted the horse. He struck out after him. The fellows up on the hill turned when they saw him coming and scattered like a flock of sheep.
It was with sad hearts that the little band turned their faces toward camp. They had been victorious but at what a fearful cost. Dale was dead, Brewer dying, and myself they knew not how badly wounded. Brewer's horse was wounded and lamed for life; Miller's horse was wounded, and Story had the bridle shot off his horse's head. They had their clothing cut in several places. Our prisoner had escaped, riding Dale's horse.
Up to the time I fell over the bank I was in no pain, but there I lay and panted like some hunted animal, but the reaction soon came and the pain began. Every breath hurt like a knife cut; but it would be too long a story to tell my feelings. A man placed in a desperate situation can do a great deal of thinking in a short time. I could hear Brewer groaning. Poor fellow, we had fought side by side in many a close place. A braver man never faced the foe, but soon his moaning ceased. I well knew the result.
After the fight was over the rebel Commander Willis sent some of his conscripts over to the hill where my horse was standing. They took the saddle off him and picked up my hat. Another said, "I'll bet $10,000 there is a wounded Yankee in the brush." But they were not particular about finding any more Yankees; they knew when they had had enough and did not tarry long. Presently I heard other voices and knew that they were digging Brewer's grave. Every minute seemed an age to me. I was too weak to make much exertion and the blood would start afresh when ever I moved. I heard a buggy coming and tried to halloa, but I was shot through the lung and could not make them hear. I groaned, but they whipped up their horse. I afterwards learned that it was two girls, and my groaning had scared them, but I knew that I must do something. I made a desperate effort and got up on the bank, where I was seen and taken to a house. A surgeon was sent for who dressed my wounds. The name of the man who had taken me to his home was Brown, and they could not have cared for me more tenderly if I had been their own son. Their family consisted of three daughters and a son; the son was about twelve years of age and the daughters were young ladies.
Dr. Tate, the man who watched over me and brought me through, deserves my lasting gratitude. There will always be a tender spot in my heart for him and the family who brought me through from the brink of death.
Lieut. Bertha, the man who had ambushed Dale, and his men came back and Mr. Brown told them that there was a wounded Yankee in the house. They said that they must take me back farther into the Confederacy, but when they came in and looked at me I pretended to be asleep. I was pale from the loss of blood, and when I breathed the air would make a whistling noise from the bullet hole in front. They said I would be dead by morning, but when they came back the next day I was still alive and I invited them in. The first question they asked was, "Does all your regiment fight like that little squad? If they do we don't care to meet them." They came to see me every day and we soon became very friendly. I did not consider them such valiant fighters, but they could brag as good as anybody, and were kind and considerate to me, so that I have only good will for them. I heard that they had Dale and the negro buried in the same grave, but that was while they were mad and they were ashamed of it afterwards. I had a great many visitors, but I had sometimes doubted that the visits were made entirely on my account or whether they came to see the three pretty girls and only used the wounded Yankee as an excuse.
Among my visitors was Stuart, the man I had taken prisoner. He remarked that the tables were turned, but said I had treated him well and I should be treated the same. I mentioned the fears that our boys had had of being taken prisoner on account of being connected with the colored troops. They said they did not hold us responsible for what the "niggers" done; they knew that a soldier had to obey orders. They said we had taken a great many of them prisoners and had always treated them well, and that if any of our boys should happen to fall into their hands they would be treated the same, but woe unto the "nigger." Lieut. Willis said that he was sorry he had had anything to do with us as he had lost all of his best men.
The seventh day after I was wounded the surgeon told me secretly that my wounds were healed on the inside, and that he thought that with care I could be moved to camp, and that if I had any way of sending word to camp I had better do so. He told me to play off on the Confederates and he would help me, which I did, and they thought that I was no better. I made a confidant of Mrs. Brown and, as she had been into camp several times before to bring supplies to me, she took the word to Captain Merriman. The Captain went to Col. Farrow, the commander of the post, and asked permission to take his company and an ambulance and bring me in. Col. Farrow ordered out nearly the whole garrison, consisting of our regiment, one regiment of colored troops, two regiments of infantry, and a battery, and they brought me into camp. It was none too soon, for after they had gone the Confederates came after me. I met the Lieutenant afterwards; he had come into our lines with a flag of truce; and he told me he was glad that I had gotten away.
Now to get the boys out of the guard house and then I will close. I will tell the story as it was told to me by an eye-witness: Major Townsend was in command of our regiment. He made out charges and specifications against those boys and handed it to the commander for his approval. The answer he made was, "Major, this little squad has gone farther and done more fighting than I can get you to do with your whole regiment. I know the most of them personally. They are good soldiers and have been punished sufficiently," and destroyed the papers. But in spite of this the Major ordered dishonorable reports made out against Dale and Brewer. I met Major Townsend at a reunion at Quincy a year ago last fall and heard him boasting of making $250 a month at Natchez. In looking back over the history of this fight I think of the many things which might have been different, and turned the tide of this history. I think of the many things which we were sorry for, but the bitterest cup which has passed our lips is that two of our regiment are sleeping in dishonored graves.
P. N. Williams
[Prentice N. Williams]
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Elijah BOSSERMAN, of Superior, Nebraska, was in this city the other day visiting his cousin, Joe BOSSERMAN. Elijah is the son of David BOSSERMAN, who lived on a farm near DeWitt till a few years ago. They went to Nebraska and engaged in the stock business and in banking, and fortune has smiled on the family. Elijah is going to Denver to establish a branch business.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
O. H. SWIGART, supervisor of Santa Anna township, recently sold his farm near Farmer City with the intention of going to DeLand to engage in the banking business with his father and brothers, they already owning a bank in Weldon. We learn that he has now bought a two-hundred acre farm near Champaign, for which he paid $16,000.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA.
Camp Badger, Cal., Jan. 16, 1890
Editor Public.—Thinking perhaps a few lines from the Sierra Nevadas would be of interest to your readers, many of whom are friends of mine, I will endeavor to write a short description of this lofty altitude in mid winter.
You will please remember that I am writing at a point nearly 8,000 feet above the sea, and you must not confound this climate with the genial climate of the San Joaquin Valley, where so many former residents of DeWitt county have chosen to make their homes. California can show a greater variety of climate than any State in the Union, varied from the tropical to the cold frigid snow fields of Alaska.
Myself and two other men are staying in the great pineries of Tulare county, about 55 miles east and north of Visalia, back in the mountains, near the Sequoia Mills, in the Redwood Forest. In fact we live in a grove of the farm-famed Sequoia (or giant trees) of California. The Kings River Lumber Co. has control of the great forests here and has built in the past year two large saw mills, each having a capacity of 60,000 feet per day and employing an army of men. They have built a dam on a stream of water known as Mill Creek, and converted a beautiful flat of perhaps 100 acres into a reservoir or lake, and this lake is the storage for the water that will be used in their flume, now in course of construction. It will be 48 miles long and will be used to flume lumber to the town of Sanyer on a branch of the S. P. R. R. It is a giant enterprise and shows what strides Tulare county is making towards getting the lumber out of the mountains on her eastern boundary. The mountains are clothed with magnificent forests of pine, fir, cedar, and redwood, which only awaited the coming of capital and enterprise to place it among the great lumber regions of America.
The winter has been an unprecedented one, even in this region where severe winters are the rule, and at date of writing the snow is nine foot deep on a level (the snow does not drift here) at our place. The Tulare county papers state that the snow is twelve feet deep at Sweet's mill site, but it is good honest nine feet and no more, and as I write it is still falling. Our house is almost under snow. The snow is level with the eaves. The mountains are clothed in spotless white save for the evergreen pines and cedars. Every stump and fallen log and bush is covered. It is a grand majestic scene.
Camp Badger is our post-office. It is one and a third miles down the mountains. We were there yesterday for our mail, and the snow is one foot deep there. It is a rare thing for snow to fall at Badger as it is 3,000 feet lower than our residence. The only mode of locomotion over the deep snow is to go on snow shoes. My brother and I went down on snow shoes for the mail. Our snow shoes are made of fir lumber; they are twelve feet long, five inches wide, and one inch thick, grooved with a concave groove underneath, steamed and turned up at the toes, boiled in a solution of pitch and tallow, and fastened to the feet with buckskin thongs. It would be rare sport for our DeWitt friends to take a ride down the steep snow-clad mountains at the rate of speed they would carry them. A toboggan slide dwindles away into insignificance in comparison and would be considered as child sport here. In riding down the mountain we use a long pole to act as a balance, and it is possible to ride for several miles at a rate of speed known only to experienced mountaineers. It is a short exhilarating ride from our place to Camp Badger, as the descent is very rapid, but it is a long, tedious, and a dangerous trip to face the rugged steeps on the homeward trip, and had we not been used to the cold, rugged winters of Central Illinois, I fear we would not be able to brave so hazardous a trip. However we make it easily in one day from Camp Badger to the Redwoods.
The good old CLINTON PUBLIC finds its way up here and is read with much interest by us. The last copy of THE PUBLIC that reached us was taken from the dead frozen body of the mail carrier, about two miles from our house on the trail to the Sequoia Mills, the morning of January 9th. A young man named McGEE, twenty-one years of age, a native of Canada, started from Camp Badger with a small pouch of mail on the morning of January 7th to Sequois Mills, fifteen miles up the mountain. He was mounted on Canadian snow shoes (a hickory bow bent pear-shaped and woven with leather thongs). They are good enough in Canada, but are unfit for the Sierra Nevadas. He struggled through the deep snow all day and had reached a point three-quarters of a mile from his destination when he succumbed to the cold and froze to death, still clinging to the mail pouch, and in it was our copy of THE PUBLIC. On the night of the 8th, the mill men, who are staying to guard the property, became uneasy about him, and a man went on snow shoes to meet him. He had only gone a short distance when he beheld a sight that froze his blood, for there in the moonlight he beheld the body of the poor mail carrier, lying almost buried in the snow. He was frozen as hard as stone. He went back and announced his find at the mill, and the next day the four men, who stay at the mill and the store, went after the body. They had to tie a rope to the body and drag it to camp in the snow. The coroner of Tulare was notified, but he could not ride snow shoes and did not come. There were only a few men in the mountains, nine or ten, and we made a box and buried him under the deep snow. He has a poor old mother in Canada and a brother at Traver, Tulare county. His brother came to Camp Badger but was unable to get up the mountain as he could not use snow shoes.
It is rather a wild adventurous life to lead in this remote wild mountain country, but to the adventurous loving it is a good place to be. Long may THE PUBLIC live and prosper.
J. H. BROWN
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 14, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
One of the best evidences of the value of farm lands in this county was given last Saturday when the executors of the estate of the late George A. HUME sold at public auction, in front of the courthouse in this city. The home farm of fifty-three acres lays close to the village of Wapella and there was a number of bidders for it. This place sold for $67.50 an acre, being bought by Mr. Ed NORVELL for the heirs. One man who was anxious to get the property ran it up to $67 per acre. The farm is well located, but it will cost considerable to tile it and repair the house and outbuildings. Thirty-four acres without any improvements, in the same quarter section, sold for $42.50 per acre, the same parties being the purchasers. Mr. LEGGETT, who owns the Barrick farm, paid $675 for ten acres of timber grove that joins his farm. Monroe NELSON was after him close and bid $67 an acre for the piece. Five acres of rough land, formerly timber, lying along the railroad track, north of the tile factory, sold for $110, Mr. George MORE, of Wilson township, being the purchaser. When land will bring such prices at public sale it shows that the people realize its value.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 14, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
On the Right Track.
The farmers in the neighborhood of the village of Lane, to the number of one hundred and thirteen, have organized a company under the title of "The Farmers Mutual Exchange Association," for the purpose of doing business in the shipment of grain and farm products and selling coal. The company begins business with a capital of $3000, with the following officers: President, Tilman LANE; Secretary, James BAKER; Treasurer, H. C. SPAINHOUR; Board of Directors, Tilman LANE, H. C. SPAINHOUR, John T. DILLAVOU, Frank SMALLWOOD, Samuel MYERS, James BAKER, and John W. MILLER. The articles of incorporation were filed in the circuit clerk's office yesterday morning. The company owns the scales and office and has leased three acres of ground adjoining the railroad station on which to build corn cribs and coal bins. They will employ a man to manage the business; and here is where the point of danger is, for unless they get an extraordinary good man, who has judgment in handling all kinds of grain as well as the other products of the farm, they are in danger of losing by carelessness or inefficiency more than the profits they now have to pay the middlemen to handle their stuff. All of the stockholders will have the privilege of storing their corn in the cribs, which they can haul in when the roads are good, so that when there is a demand for corn and prices are favorable they have it at the station ready to ship. This will be a great advantage for they will always be ready to avail themselves of an advance in the corn market. While the charter of the association provides for doing a general merchandise business the officers say that they do not intend to do anything in that line. All they claim for the association is an effort to get a fair price for their farm products and to make the profit that now goes to the middleman. At Lane they have only one firm buying grain and the farmers not having the benefit of competition are compelled to take the prices offered or hold their grain. At some future time they hope to be able to make advances on grain in store to men who are not able to carry it and are now compelled to take whatever price the market offers. This plan of cooperation seems to be feasible and can be made profitable if there are no leakages in the methods of management.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 28, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
HOME SWEET HOME.
These words have a new meaning to Fred L. HARPSTER since his return from Montana. Last Summer Fred went out to Montana with Drew INMAN on a prospecting tour, and going at the season they did, everything looked inviting. Both of the gentlemen came home filled with the beauties of the Montana country and the glowing prospects for business, and then and there they decided that it should be their future home. They saw wealth galore in its vast plains, which could be used in the cattle and sheep business, and the town of Great Falls seemed to be such a grand field for all kinds of enterprises that it was only a wonder to them that everybody in DeWitt county was not ready to start for Great Falls and Montana. They saw the bright side of the picture then, for it was summer time and everything was life and animation. But Fred saw the other side of the picture within the past few weeks. In the latter part of January he left this city again for Montana, this time with the intention of remaining and investing in business. He went out as a sort of John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of his family. In passing through Dakota the train he was on struck on of those mild blizzards for which Dakota is famous and this chilled his heart and made him long for his home in Clinton. Arriving at Montana, he found the place dull and cheerless, and a dozen men ready for every business opening or job. A man with small capital could find no place there, for every business seemed to be controlled by rings and syndicates. A man with large capital might make money in stock raising, but one who would try farming would starve to death. Fred shook the snow and mud of Great Falls off his feet as speedily as possible and visited other towns and localities, but the same state of things existed every where. Disgusted and weary he turned his back on Montana and his face toward God's country, and last Monday morning there was not a happier man in Clinton than Fred Harpster as he stepped off the train and was once more at home, sweet home. Fred will remain in Illinois, and we hope that he will find some business opening that will decide him to remain in this city.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 28, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
The Spy of Shiloh.
The Sons of Veterans of this city presented the military drama entitled, "The Spy of Shiloh," in the opera house, on two evenings last week. On both evenings the boys had the pleasure of playing to large audiences, and considering the difficulties under which they labored both in rehearsing the piece and playing it they did splendidly. The manager who came here to train the boys was drunk almost from the first day they began the rehearsal, and he continued in that condition till the curtain went down on the last act on Friday night. In presenting "The Spy of Shiloh" the boys had the advantage of their long training in the manual of arms and the duties of a soldier, so that in those scenes of a military character they moved like clockwork. Each of the boys had studied well his lines and the character he represented and had it not been for the unfortunate management the play would have been a greater success. However for all amateur performance it was quite creditable and it taught the boys a lesson in acting that will be of advantage when next they appear before the public. The young ladies who assisted did splendidly. Little Leah LISENBY, a four-year-old, played her part to perfection, and while the child was speaking her lines the audience was hushed to perfect stillness. The Sons had a good time playing actors even if they did not make much money, the profits being only $35. We can not omit mentioning the splendid manner in which J. J. TODD played his part. "Beany" can be comical without effort, and his natural movements and gestures as "Zeb," the darkey, were comical.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 28, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
On last Sunday Fred H. MAGILL arrived at his majority and on Monday his guardian, Mr. William METZGER, turned over to him real estate and cash amounting to between $50,000 and $60,000. Fred is the son of Robert H. MAGILL, who left quite a comfortable fortune to his wife and children at his death. Under the careful management of Mr. Metzger, Fred's share of the estate has been productive and yearly increased in value. With such a fortune to begin life with, Fred has a bright future before him, and if he is as careful a manager as was his father he will be able to leave his heirs in independent circumstances.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
February 28, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Some twelve or fourteen years ago three gentlemen in this city signed the bond of the guardian of a minor heir. Last Saturday one of the bondsmen had to pay nearly $10,000 to make good the defalcation of the guardian. The other two bondsmen left the state some years ago so that the whole burden of the defalcation fell upon the remaining one. When a man attaches his name to a note or bond as security for a friend, from that very moment he places his property at the mercy of that friend. Should the maker of the note or bond prove all right, no harm is done, but how often do we hear of men who have been financially crippled for life because of the misfortune or dishonesty of the friend for whom they endorsed. In the case above referred to, it was fortunate that the unfortunate bondsman was able to give his check for the full amount of the defalcation without serious injury to his fortune, but it was taking that much from what his family should enjoy. This gentleman has paid within the past fifteen years over $18,000 security deposits for his obliging disposition to help his friends. The editor of THE PUBLIC can sympathize with the unfortunate bondsman, for through the rascality of a preacher for whom we once endorsed we had to pay a note of $1000 some ten years ago. It was a hard and dearly bought lesson, but it is one that will not be forgotten. The safest plan is to give your friend the money if you have it, but never endorse a note unless you are able to stand the loss should the maker fail to pay it.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Drew INMAN has decided to remain in Clinton. Along in the latter part of last summer he decided to close out his stock of goods, sell his property, and move to Montana. Circumstances have changed his determination. Two of his children lie buried in Woodlawn and his wife could not bear the idea of going away and leaving her precious dead. Last week Drew went to Chicago and bought a large stock of goods and he is determined to become a fixture in Clinton. All of his friends rejoice that he has come to this conclusion. Today he makes announcement of his new stock of goods in THE PUBLIC, and invites his old customers and new ones to call and see him.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mrs. J. J. Sutton was entertained before her departure to her new home at Parnell by Mrs. E. M. TAYLOR. It was quite a surprise. A good time was had.
J. J. SUTTON and wife shook the dust of DeWitt from their feet Monday and commenced active life in their new home in Parnell. We hate to lose such good citizens from our town, but our loss is Parnell's gain.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 7, 1890
clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
W. B. McABOY has returned from California. He does not think that the land of climate is a perfect paradise, though a man might live there if there was not such a State as Illinois.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 14, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Otto H. SWIGART, the supervisor from Santa Anna township, attended his last meeting this week as a member of the board. Otto has bought a fine farm of two hundred acres adjoining the city of Champaign, for which he paid $16,000. He has already moved part of his stock to his new home and in the course of a few days will leave this county. He will be a loss to Santa Anna township, for never in its history has that township had a truer or better representative on the board of supervisors. Through his energy and efforts the heavy railroad indebtedness of the township was so adjusted as to bear more lightly on the people, and it is now in such shape that it can be paid in regular installments. Otto Swigart is one of the brightest young farmers in this county, and Champaign will find him a valuable citizen.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 21, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Baz CAMPBELL, of Ottawa, Kansas, was in Clinton a couple of days this week visiting his brother and sister. Baz begins to show the flight of time in his white hair and beard. He is growing wealthy in Kansas, but after all he thinks that there is no place like Clinton where he spent the flower of his youth and the vigor of his younger manhood days. His old comrades of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois gave him a warm greeting.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 21, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
T. C. TAYLOR, who moved from near this city to Wood River, Neb., about eight years ago, made his first visit back this week. He is a brother-in-law of Milt COLWELL. Mr. Taylor is on his way home from a visit to Ohio. He has a kind word for the great improvement in the appearance of this city, and no doubt would be delighted were he back here living among his old friends. He thinks Nebraska is a great State, but Wood River is not Clinton.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 21, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Ed WELD, Jr., son of Mr. Edwin WELD, was out chopping in the timber a couple of weeks ago and accidentally let the ax slip and cut a deep gash in one of his feet. Young Ed is still confined to his bed, and the chances are that he will be a cripple for some time.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
March 21, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mrs. Speedy RICHARDS was fortunate the other day in receiving notice from Washington that her claim for pension had been allowed, and from October, 1880, she will receive $17 a month. She was the wife of Major Rolla RICHARDS, who was surgeon in the Twentieth Illinois Volunteers. Dr. Richards died in Farmer City in the spring of 1868.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
April 11, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Phil WOLFE sent THE PUBLIC a card yesterday to say that the Clinton folk at Hot Springs are enjoying themselves and receiving some benefit from the springs. It seems the party enjoyed a donkey ride, a history of which is told in verse in today's PUBLIC. Phil says that his wife led the donkey party in the race, and he thinks that is doing pretty well for a woman who was pretty weak when she left Clinton. The party will arrive in Clinton the latter part of next week.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
May 23, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
The Fourth of July will be transferred this year from the town to the country. Arrangements are being made to have a celebration at Weldon Springs, on Jake ZIEGLER's farm, and the idea is to make it a farmers' picnic. While the speeches will be of a patriotic character, suitable to a celebration of the Fourth, there will also be speakers present who will discuss agricultural topics. Arrangements will be made to have the morning trains on the Central, going north and south, stop near the Springs for the accommodation of those who want to use that mode of conveyance. The Clinton band will probably be engaged to play during the day.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
May 23, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
About sixteen years ago Mr. Ben BURROUGHS thought he would confer a great boon on Clinton by introducing the English sparrow as a scavenger to kill insects and bugs that were injuring trees and shrubs. He sent to Indianapolis for sixteen pair of the birds and let them loose in town. The sparrows did not take kindly to the new territory into which they had been forcibly brought and they flew off elsewhere. Three years later they returned with their families and took up their residence in this city, and from that day to this they have been worse than the plagues of Egypt. The sparrow allows no other bird to poach on his preserves, and as a result the song birds have been driven from the trees and the English pest is monarch of all he surveys.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
May 30, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Abe SHOEMAKER, who works for Mr. Henry SIMPSON, came to town last Monday evening and bought a new buggy at Watsons' hardware store. The tap on one of the wheels of the buggy was loose and when Shoemaker drove from the front of the store the tap dropped off and off came the wheel. The horse ran away and Shoemaker was thrown out of the buggy. Before the horse had got any distance, the shaft of the buggy broke and the horse, in trying to kick loose from the broken shafts, cut his leg.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
May 30, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Drew W. BARNES, who lives east of the village of DeWitt, was arrested last Tuesday and is now in jail for refusing to marry a young girl whom he seduced. He claims that he compromised his villainy by paying the girl $50 to release him from all responsibility, and declares that he will fight the case in the courts. Better marry the girl, Drew, and be manly about it. Barnes is only nineteen years old and the girl is a year or more younger.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
June 6, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. John A. BARNETT feels that an injustice has been done him by the Denney correspondent to the Pantagraph in last Saturday's issue, by the statement that he has done anything to cause people to fear him. Mr. Barnett appears to be in good mental health, and claims he is so, and that to prejudice people against him by reciting his misfortune of having been in the asylum is wrong and unjust to him.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
June 13, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
A Lucky DeWitt County Boy in Texas.
Three or four years ago Merrick DAVIS went from Wilson township to Bailor county, Texas, to take charge of a cattle ranch which he and Nick FOLEY bought from the HARROLD Bros. Later, Andy LATIMER and Judge INGHAM became partners in the enterprise. Merrick was the resident partner in Texas, and he had to take the hard knocks during the depression in the cattle market while his partners had some of the experience at a distance. But it is of Merrick we are going to write. Last January Merrick had a solitary one hundred dollars in cash besides his interest in the ranch. Being a good boy in his youth he attended Sabbath-school out in the Heidelburg school-house in Wilson, and he there learned the parable of the man who had improved on the "talents" given to him. Merrick took the hundred dollars and out of it in less than six months he has amassed about $10,000. And this is the way it came about. Merrick's home is in Seymour, which was far removed from any railroad. Merrick is one of the hustlers for the town and for a year or more had been laboring to induce a railroad company to build through Seymour, and about the close of last year the committee, of which he was a member, were successful. Here was Merrick's chance. There was a corner lot in Seymour, in a good location, upon which Merrick had cast longing eyes, and for this he made a strike. The price was $200 cash down. Merrick had only his paltry hundred dollars, and of this he paid $50 on the lot on a ten day option. Before the time came for payment he sold the lot for more than double the price, and then he had a cash capital to go on. Before the end of the first month he had traded around in lots and had over $1000 in cash. It was smooth sailing after that. Day and night he was buying and selling farm lands and town lots till now he is over $10,000 ahead. A few weeks ago he bought thirteen town lots at $75 each, and last week he was offered $350 apiece for them. Merrick says they will be worth $500 before three months, and he intends to get it.
Mr. J. K. DAVIS and Mr. John BROWN, Merrick's father and father-in-law, were out in Seymour about eighteen months ago, and Mr. Davis was almost tempted to buy a section of land near that town at $5 an acre, but was persuaded not to do it as the prospect was not very inviting. Within the past month that same section of land sold for $25 an acre.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
June 27, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Some More Fortunate DeWitt County Men.
The article in THE PUBLIC two weeks ago which told of the good fortune of Merrick DAVIS down in Texas, has been the means of bringing to the surface the fortunate business transactions of two well-known Clintonians. About nine years ago Mr. W. L. GLESSNER, who was then the popular and able editor of the Clinton Register, left this city and went to Americus, Georgia, where he bought a weekly paper. Henry STOREY, who learned his trade under Mr. Glessner, and who also worked for a time in THE PUBLIC office, went to Americus to work for Mr. Glessner, and since then he has become his son-in-law and partner in the business. The Weekly Recorder was changed into a daily, and the firm has prospered. From a small beginning they have built up the business of the Recorder, and only a short time ago they refused $12,000 cash for it. They have now one of the finest printing offices in the State of Georgia, and occupy a building that was built expressly for their business. They have also been dabbling a little in real estate during the past couple of years. Their first venture was buying an acre of land on the edge of Americus, for which they paid $600. Within a month they sold half of it for $1200. Then they bought a block of sixteen lots for which they paid $1200, and have already sold eight of the lots for $2500. Lately they invested $7500 in a piece of land which will sell by September 1st for $30,000. So it will be seen that our old Clintonians have struck the tide of good fortune. From occasional notices that we see [of] Mr. Glessner in the Southern papers, it looks as though he cuts quite a figure in that country. He is the president of several big organizations, one of which is a combination of fifteen counties formed into an improvement company to advertise and develop the resources of Georgia. He also holds a prominent position with a railroad company that pays him a good salary as a "boomer." The many friends of Messrs. Glessner and Storey in this city and county will rejoice to hear of their prosperity.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
July 11, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Some of the children of Mrs. Elizabeth BARNETT made application to the county court for the appointment of a conservator to take charge of the old lady's property. The case was tried before Judge INGHAM and a jury, and nearly two days were spent in hearing testimony. At ten o'clock on Tuesday night the jury rendered a verdict ordering the appointment of a conservator. From the evidence it would seem that some of her children think that Mrs. Barnett is disposed to be too liberal toward her son Alexander, for she gave him between $600 and $700 to help build a house for Alexander's family. Mrs. Barnett lives with Alexander's family.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
July 11, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
William CISCO is in his eightieth year. For fifty years or more he has been a resident of this county except for a short interval a few years ago. The old man once owned a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he raised a large family of boys and girls. When he returned to this county he bought sixty acres, on which he made a good living for himself and wife. About ten years ago the old man married the widow GADDIS, and this second marriage was the fly in the ointment of some of his first wife's children because they thought that some of the second wife's children were faring sumptuously at the old man's expense. The molehill grew to a mountain till last Monday some of his children made application to the county court and a jury to have a conservator appointed to take care of the little remnant of their good old father's property. Some twenty or thirty witnesses were brought into court to prove that the old man was incapable of attending to his business, but they failed to make an honest jury see it. The old man is careful in the management of his affairs, and from the income from his small farm is able to support himself and wife in comfort. He owes nobody and will not go in debt. This alone is sufficient proof of the old man's good judgment. It did not take the jury long to decide that William Cisco was perfectly able to look after his own affairs. When his children were young he looked after them and furnished them food and raiment; now that he is old they want the law to look after him.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
August 15, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Last Sunday, August 10th, was the eightieth birthday of Mrs. Margaret Barnett, and her children surprised her by inviting her relatives and a few intimate friends to spend the day with her. They came to the number of seventy-five persons, with well-filled baskets, and spread a sumptuous dinner under the shade trees and awaited the venerable lady's return from church. All expected that she would be overcome with emotion, but as is characteristic of Aunt Margaret, she received them cordially in her usual dignified manner, and hoped they would enjoy the day as much as she appreciated their thoughtfulness of her. The weather was fine and the surroundings conducive to the highest state of social enjoyment. She was presented with a full set of beautifully decorated china dishes and some other useful articles. Conversation, music, &c., engaged the company till early eve, when all retired wishing dear Aunt Margaret many happy returns of similar occasions.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
September 12, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
In order to avail themselves of an opportunity to give their brother, who is the Democratic candidate for county superintendent, a special puff, the editors of the Register deliberately misrepresent THE PUBLIC. Now that is nothing new, and from now till November that paper will be full of that kind of argument. In no place in THE PUBLIC was there any suggestion that Candidate Hughes had no brains. The statement was not necessary. We did say that the defeat of Mr. John I. Barnett was a "case of location against brains." Every Democrat in the county will admit that Mr. Barnett has brains, for he is an educated gentleman, while at the same time it is generally conceded that Mr. Hughes had "location" to recommend his candidacy. We hope the Hughes Bros. will be satisfied with this explanation.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
October 10, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Wants a Divorce from His Wife.
In the Sangamon County Court at Springfield, Wesley VANDERCOOK has brought suit for a divorce from his wife. Mr. Vandercook is the resident civil engineer of the Middle Division of the Wabash Railway, with headquarters in Chicago, and his wife was formerly Miss Libbie CLAGG, of Clinton, daughter of Mr. William CLAGG, one of the early settlers of this city. They were married in Clinton on the 30th of March, 1871. Mr. Vandercook sets up the charge of adultery against his wife. The Chicago Tribune of last Saturday says that Mr. Vandercook has his headquarters in Chicago, but his home is and has been for years at Springfield, where his wife is well known among society and church people. The case will be hotly contested by the defense on the grounds that Vandercook is insane. Friends of the latter in Chicago deny this and declare Mr. Vandercook to be perfectly sane, although they admit that he has been greatly troubled about his domestic affairs for more than a year past. About that time Mr. Vandercook's suspicions were directed against a prominent Democratic politician and ex-State Senator at Springfield, whom gossip connected with his wife's name in a decidedly unenviable light. Mrs. Vandercook is a handsome woman of about 40 years of age, but rather young in appearance and is the mother of several children. Mr. Vandercook is well known among railroad men, having been with the Wabash for about eighteen years.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
October 17, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. Louis ZIEGLER, of Spokane Falls, Washington, was in Clinton this week on a short visit to his brother's family. He is a brother of the Hon. Jacob ZIEGLER, Republican candidate for Representative to the next General Assembly. Mr. Louis Ziegler formerly lived in McLean county, but twelve years ago he went to Spokane Falls where he engaged in banking and the real estate business. Fortune has smiled on him.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
November 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mrs. Anderson BOWLES is about eighty years old, and for the past eighteen years she has been so blind that unless the day was very bright she could not see to walk. In all other respects her blindness was almost total, for she could not see to do any work. After the death of her husband, which occurred a few weeks ago, Mrs. Bowles went to St. Louis to visit her daughter, and while in that city an oculist operated on her eyes. This week her son, Peter BOWLES, received a letter from St. Louis conveying the glad tidings that the surgical operation had been successful and that his mother's eyesight was so far restored that she would be able to see well enough to walk around and to attend to household duties in caring for her afflicted daughter who lives on the home farm with her mother in Barnett township. What joy it will be to the good old mother and her children. "I once was blind but now I see."
Submitted by Judy Simpson
November 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
Mr. David BOSSERMAN and wife, Ed. BOSSERMAN and wife, and William MYERS and wife, all of Superior, Neb., came to this county to attend the golden wedding of Mr. John BOSSERMAN and wife at Weldon. Mr. David Bosserman is in the banking business and has made lots of money since he left DeWitt county.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
December 5, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
In the case of an appeal from the county court, where a conservator was ordered for the estate of Mrs. Elizabeth Barnett, a trial was had in the circuit court this week. Mrs. Barnett was vindicated in the management of her own property and judgment of the county court was reversed.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
December 5, 1890
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
An Unlucky Number
On Tuesday morning thirteen people left Farmer City to attend the funeral of William ANDREWS, who was to be buried that day at Lincoln. One of the ladies of the party remarked before they left the station at Farmer City that thirteen was an unlucky number, and she was sure some accident would happen before the day was over. It did happen. In Lincoln when Samuel ROBINSON, Orin GEER, M. CRUM, Wm. BURFORD, Jesse WEEDMAN, G. T. WEEDMAN and Font ANDREWS got into the carriage to follow in the funeral procession the team became frightened and ran away, and in turning a corner the carriage was upset and the occupants were thrown out. All were more or less hurt, but Mr. Robinson and Mr. Geer were badly injured and were unconscious when help reached them. Mr. Geer's right leg was dislocated and his right shoulder badly bruised. It was fortunate that the horses broke loose from the carriage, for otherwise the chances were a worse disaster.
Submitted by Judy Simpson