NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS - 1897
January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
GATHERED ABOUT THE COUNTY
Hon. John CUSEY, of Farmer City, took dinner with Sheriff NEAL yesterday.
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Congressman V. WARNER has returned from Washington and is spending his holidays at home.
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G. H. McKINLEY, of Parnell, and Miss Lottie HOLLENBECK, of Farmer City, were married Wednesday.
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A. MILLER, wife and daughter, of Creek township, went to Kokomo, Ind., Wednesday for a week's visit.
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E. H. SOMERS, north of Wapella, was presented a brand-new, kicking, crying girl by his wife on Tuesday as a holiday gift.
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A. W. SNYDER was in Clinton on Wednesday looking over plans for the construction of a big elevator for Col. T. H. SLICK.
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The U. B. revival at Central church, in Creek township, closed Sunday. In two weeks Rev. Mr. METZGER will begin a series of meetings at Shiloh.
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Congressman WARNER was in Champaign. He is having his time fully occupied learning the needs of his large constituency. No interest will be neglected so far as he can supply it.
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A little girl of Ed HAGGARD, of Harp township, died Monday. The disease was thought to be diphtheria. This is the second daughter of Mr. Haggard who has died in the last month.
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John SHELBY, south of Clinton, came to town Tuesday evening, and during his absence a number of friends gathered at home and a bountiful feast was prepared. The evening was well enjoyed by all.
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C. J. SEABORG, of Weldon, paid his PUBLIC to 1898. He had an old cannon of his own make, which was used by both Republicans and Democrats during the last campaign. Democrats paid him $5 and expenses when he used it to enthuse their rallies.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
COMMITTED TO JAIL.
Charles H. CONGER and Thomas BRENNAN were before Squire McHENRY charged with disorderly conduct and vagrancy. They plead guilty and were committed to jail on non-payment of a $10 fine, with costs.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
SHERIFF FOLLOWED COURT'S ORDERS.
WHITESIDES, who sued Sheriff NEAL for $10,000 damages, makes the following a basis for his complaint. He says that on September 11th he told Sheriff Neal that his term was served and he was entitled to his liberty. But Whitesides says the sheriff paid no attention to his appeals and positively refused to release him until November 20th. Whitesides claims that the cell in which he was incarcerated was wet, filthy and unclean, and, as a result, he suffered greatly and has since been afflicted. Whitesides claims that he did not sign a waiver of a jury trial and his detention in the prison was contrary to the state statute. He says, too, that he was not guilty of the charge and that his brother was the one who should have been arrested.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
FINGER AMPUTATED.
Dr. A. E. CAMPBELL amputated the finger of Dan McCANN on Sunday. His hands had been caught between the drawbars of freight cars at New Holland on December 23d. Being anxious to save the finger, Mr. McCann decided to postpone amputation for a few days. He found that there was not enough vitality in the injured parts to save the finger.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
RENEWED OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
E. W. BROWN and B. G. HENION, for many years members of the same fold as knights of grip, have done much in replenishing groceries with coffee and sugar. On Tuesday Mr. Brown put his sample case in care of Mr. Henion and enjoyed the true hospitality of an ideal landlord, whose years of experience has fitted him for the position of host.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
RETURNED AFTER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.
Miles T. CANTRELL visited his brother, Z. D. CANTRELL, whose health is very poorly. Miles T. Cantrell was born in this county and lived here 27 years, being a successful school teacher in and about Long Point for 11 years. Twenty-five years ago he became a pioneer of Kansas, and has been blessed with a good share of life's prosperity.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
KNOWS HOW TO FARM.
Sangamon county is perhaps as rich in soil and scenery as DeWitt county, but it takes one of Clinton's citizens to raise the banner corn crop in our neighboring county. H. Y. HENSLEY gathered an average of 75 bushels to the acre from an 80-acre tract near Pleasant Plains. Being a dispenser of "cure-alls" in G. W. CORDER's drug store, he may have discovered a corn-yielder that possesses more magic than the "one-night" corn-killer.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
AN UNFORTUNATE INVESTOR.
Rolla H. DRAGSTREM, of Waynesville, was the unfortunate owner of 25 shares of stock in the Atlas-National bank of Chicago, which has just suspended and gone into liquidation. While the depositors may get their accounts in full, the probabilities are that the stockholders will hold the bag. Down to the present time the Atlas bank was considered one of the most conservative and safest banks in Chicago. The directors have been borrowing too much money without any possibility of payment.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
ALMOST A RIP VAN WINKLE.
L. W. THOMPSON, of near Alvy, I. T., stopped off here Monday to see what old landmarks he could recognize, having left here fifteen years ago, at that time being a workman in Homer TAYLOR's livery barn on East Washington street. He hardly knew his old home—the Calvin THOMPSON farm—in Creek township, as he had been gone a length of time nearly equal to Rip Van Winkle's sleep. Rail fences have been supplanted by wire, the hills seem to have been leveled, and ponds that would swim a horse now make 70 bushels of corn to the acre. The country seems like a scattered town, in the Southwest houses being four or five miles apart, and nearly all of them are dugouts. The climate there is simply superb, he having been almost cured of a bad case of asthma. Clinton's progress strikes him as a dandy. He and his wife are unable to locate the points of the compass. He has decided to go into the cattle business in the Indian Territory on a large scale.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
A PLEASANT SURPRISE.
Tuesday, December 29, 1896, being Grandma DANISON's 82d birthday, a large number of her old friends and neighbors gathered to remind her that she was passing another milestone in life. Eli and Ed had decided that no one should leave Grandma's hungry, and the long table fairly groaned under the fat of the best land on earth. To say the guests did justice to the feast would be putting it mildly. The first table was occupied by the old "landmarks," among them being Mr. and Mrs. Jerry LANE, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. GRAHAM, Mrs. Rachel BOSSERMAN and Mrs. Drury THOMPSON. Everyone enjoyed being present.
After dinner all retired to the parlor, where Grandma sat in her easy-chair, surrounded by her family, in which three generations were represented, being the center of attraction for both young and old. The writer sat and thought what a wonderful inspiration that meeting was for a young and observing person, to see what a true, loving and devoted life would bring to its possessor before its protracted close, to see Grandma sitting as queen of so large and devoted a circle of relatives and friends, each one vying with the other to render homage due. I have seen the question asked many times of late in the Chicago Record, "What Constitutes Success in Life?" and for my answer I would point to the life of Grandma Danison. F. C. S.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
CITY NOTES.
A. B. CAPPS visited his parents at Illiopolis.
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Emerson VANDERVOR's infant son was very sick.
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As usual, the churches of Clinton will join in a week of prayer next week.
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C. L. ROBBINS went to DeWitt today to visit his mother, Mrs. D. F. ROBBINS.
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John O'DEA returned from a pleasant visit with friends in the country and looks happy.
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G. BAIN has moved from Lawndale to Squire TORBERT's house on East Washington street.
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Mrs. NAGELEY, who has been confined to the house for some time by sickness, is improving.
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Mr. and Mrs. Ira NIXON and family, of Weldon, attended the CAMPBELL family reunion on Christmas.
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J. O'BRIEN has sold his property and will remove to Squire TORBERT's house, corner of East Main and Edmiston streets: rent $7.
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As a result of a People's Column for one day in the Daily, J. H. SAVELEY rented his property on North Monroe street to Mr. LEASE.
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Arthur MATHERN, who has been visiting relatives and friends in the city, returned to his charge as teacher in Holy Name School at Chicago.
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Andrew HALF, who recently purchased J. O'BRIEN's property, has removed part of his furniture and will soon become permanently settled.
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The W.C.T.U. will meet at the home of Mrs. A. R. PHARES Thursday, January 7, 1897, at 3 o'clock. Subject, "The Suppression of Injurious Literature and Narcotics."
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Services appropriate to the close of the old year were held in St. John's church last night at 7:30. Father HOWARD, associate priest with Father M. A. DOOLING, spoke.
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Miss Gertie ROHM received from her father as a Christmas present one of those sweet-toned Washburn mandolins that have become so popular with young folks in the city.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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January 1, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
CLAIM COMPROMISED.
During the lifetime of J. Thornton SNELL, late president of the DeWitt County National Bank, R. A. LEMON attended to all his private legal business. When Mr. Snell died, Mr. Lemon claimed a balance due him for past services of $700. The administratrix of the estate refused to recognize the claim and Mr. Lemon entered suit for the amount before the county court of McLean county. The case was called for trial on Monday of this week, and while selecting a jury a compromise was effected by Mr. Lemon accepting $550 in full for his claim. Attorneys CARTER, BOOTH, BALL and Col. Pash WARNER were witnesses for Mr. Lemon and were in Bloomington prepared to testify at the trial.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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February 19, 1897
Clinton Register
Clinton Illinois
OLD PASTOR PLANS TO DIE.
REV. JAMES C. RUCKER ATTEMPTS SUICIDE AT EVANSTON.
He Buys a Pistol, Pruning Knife and Eight Pounds of Lead— Arrested While Seeking a Lake Pier.
For half a century a Methodist minister, thirty years a doctor of divinity, 80 years of age and venerable in appearance, Rev. James C. RUCKER, of Clinton, Ills., was arrested Wednesday night on the lake shore at Evanston as he was preparing to take his own life. Yesterday, repentant, he returned to his home at Clinton.
A Methodist to the last, even though he was contemplating an act designated by his church as a crime, he seems to have determined to die close to a stronghold of his faith. On no other basis can his journey to Evanston, taken confessedly for the purpose of suicide, be explained. Superannuated, in poor health and with a mind probably unsettled by domestic troubles, life held nothing else than misery as he looked forward, and religion had not the consolation to offset the picture or to restrain him from the act. At the police station he even confessed that he had once before tried to take his own life, and in evidence he showed a bandaged wrist, which he said he had cut open two weeks ago in an endeavor to sever the arteries.
When arrested by Officer Siegel of Evanston police station the aged preacher was armed with a revolver, a large pruning knife and eight pounds of lead bullets for "sinkers." It devolved afterward that his intention had been to seek the end of the Dempster street pier, from which Banker Hammond cast himself to death, there to slash the arteries in one arm and to shoot himself while close enough to the edge of the pier to cause his body to fall into the lake. The "sinkers" were to be so placed that his body would not rise.
PREPARING FOR DEATH.
Rev. Mr. Rucker belonged to the Central Illinois conference and is considered well-to-do. He went to Evanston Wednesday forenoon and bought a revolver at the hardware store of Connor &Arnold. At his request it was loaded with one cartridge and he went away. Some time later he returned and bought a pruning knife with a broad, keen curved blade. He then went to the Avenue house, where he ate luncheon. While in the dining room he acted in a way to attract the attention of the guests. After luncheon he registered and asked for a room, but came to the office again in an hour and paid for it with the remark that he was unable to sleep. It is thought that Mr. Rucker went to the room with the intention of ending his life. After his departure a new towel in the room was found to be cut in several places, as though the occupant had been testing the keenness of his knife.
PURCHASE OF SHOT.
An hour later Rev. Mr. Rucker again visited the hardware store, where he asked for 8 pounds of shot, done up in one-pound packages. Further inquiries aroused the suspicions of the clerk, and as soon as he left the store and started toward the lake the police were notified. Officer Siegel was sent after the minister and caught up with him at Sheridan road and Davis street. At first he showed great indignation at his arrest and refused to answer the question as to whether he intended to commit suicide. He said he went to Evanston to see L. C. PITNER, an old friend, and that if the police would see the latter he would explain everything. When Mr. Pitner came to the station, the aged prisoner confessed to him and Chief Bartram that it had been his intention to commit suicide. He begged that his relatives should never be informed of his acts and promised that he would never make another attempt.
"I see that it was never intended that I should die a violent death," he said, with a twinkle in his eyes, "and I guess I'll become a Calvinist."
Detective White accompanied the clergyman to the home of his niece, Mrs. CARSON, at 9 St. James place. Rev. Mr. Rucker has been married twice and is said to have separated from his second wife. —Chicago Chronicle, Feb. 19.
The attempt of Rev. Rucker to take his life about a month ago is known to readers of the Register. He left Clinton about a week ago, and returned yesterday.
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Sunday, February 21, 1897
The Decatur Review
Decatur, Illinois
RUCKER DECLARED INSANE.
Aged Clinton Preacher Will Be Taken to Kankakee.
Special to The Review.
Clinton, Ills., Feb. 20.—After three unsuccessful attempts to take his own
life, the friends of Rev. J. C. RUCKER became convinced some action should be taken
in his case and this morning he was brought before a jury in Judge Ingham's
court and adjudged insane. On account of the established kindness of Dr. Capen to
his patients, the Rev. Rucker will be sent to Kankakee.
See obituary
Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
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March 26, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
J. H. WHITE, of Farmer City, was on our streets Thursday.
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M. KENNEY has moved into the house vacated by Chas. CONWELL.
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J. Vernon BROWN, of DeSoto, Ill., is here visiting his son, J. B. F. BROWN.
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C. M. C. WEEDMAN, city clerk of Farmer City, was in Clinton Wednesday.
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J. R. SUMNERS is building a commodious barn on his property on North Center street.
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Oliver SPRINGER will leave for a week's visit with Wisconsin relatives next Monday.
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J. L. LEWIS moved his family from 901 West Main street to 308 East Johnson street Thursday.
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Dr. A. W. HYDE has returned to his home in Dakota, his father's health being greatly improved.
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Samuel BREWSTER, an expert plumber from Decatur, has taken a position with G. W. JAMESON & Son.
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Adam KLARR and his brother, Mann, were called to Shelbyville Tuesday by telegram informing them of the death of their mother at that place.
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Two members of the board of education and one president will be elected on April 17th. President WILCOX and members PHARES and McHENRY retire.
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Rev. J. A. CLARK returned from Galesburg on Wednesday. He says that six inches of snow fell there on Tuesday night and drifted nearly four feet deep.
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G. W. SCOTT is a veteran soldier. He is in sympathy with every principle dear to Republicans. He can be depended upon when needed. Give him your support.
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RYMER & EVANS have moved their bicycle shop from the room back of JAMESON's to WHEELER's building between ROHM's paint shop and DRAKE's feed store on Quincy street.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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March 26, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
A LEARNED JUDGE.
JUDGE CYRUS EPLER REFUSES RENOMINATION.
DeWitt County Bar Passes Commendatory Resolutions Which are Placed on Record.
An impromptu meeting of the DeWitt county bar was held in the courthouse Wednesday evening, during the session of court, a stop in the proceedings being taken while waiting for the verdict of a jury. On motion of R. A. LEMON, Hon. M. DONAHUE was called to the chair. Mr. Donahue stated the object of the meeting which was to convey expressions of appreciation and gratitude to Judge EPLER, who gave notice of his intention to retire from the judgeship.
Judge Epler, with feeling, expressed the following sentiments: While there have been collisions between myself and the bar, which in numerous cases have been unavoidable, I never held enmity, or any distressing recollection of such collision, but immediately forgot and forgave them because of the high esteem in which I hold every member of this bar. He also thanked them for the courtesies shown him.
In reply, Hon. M. Donahue said in substance: My acquaintance with Judge Epler extends over many years, and my observation convinces me he is a just, learned and impartial jurist. In the trying ordeals of judicial investigations, he has manifested that rare patience and diligence so necessary in the performance of judicial functions. In his intercourse with the bar and the people he has always been cordial, sympathetic and solicitous for the welfare of all. I hope that his future life may be one of pleasure and prosperity, both in this world and in the hereafter.
Mr. Donahue then called upon the members of the bar present, naming them in order, as near as possible, of their seniority of practice before this court as follows: R. A. LEMON, Judge G. K. INGHAM, S. K. CARTER, W. H. BOOTH, Fred BALL, E. J. SWEENEY, C. R. ADAIR, John FULLER, E. B. MITCHELL and Frank K. LEMON. They paid eloquent and feeling tribute to the fraternal relations that existed between the bar and this court for over 20 years. John W. McPHERSON, in behalf of the sheriff who was unavoidably away, made a few remarks as representative of the kindly feelings of the officers of the court towards the retiring judge. Circuit Clerk ROGERS expressed a eulogistic sentiment.
In speaking of Judge Epler to a reporter of THE PUBLIC the bar expresses itself as a unit in its regret at the judge's decision of retirement. The lawyers say that he was always moved by a desire to be impartial and fair in his decisions, and that he had as few reversals by superior courts as any judge on the bench.
On motion, the following resolutions, prepared by Wm. Booth, were adopted and ordered spread upon the records.
Whereas, At a meeting of the members of the bar of DeWitt county, held in the court house in Clinton, Ill., on the evening of March 24th, 1897, it being the occasion when Hon. Cyrus J. Epler, who has presided in the Circuit Court for 24 years, gave notice to the bar of his intended retirement, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the bar and officers of the court are hereby extended to Judge Epler for the distinguished ability, uniform courtesy, and exalted dignity with which he has so faithfully presided over us for so many years.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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March 26, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
FINED FOR GAMBLING.
Chas. GOSSETT was indicted for conducting a gambling room in Clinton. He had been doing business for about four months, quite a number of young men paying tribute to his ability to make money without honest toil. He left the city. Sheriff NEAL and Deputy Sheriff MORSE arrested him in Wapella on Tuesday evening and brought him by carriage to Clinton, where he was confined in jail. On Wednesday he appeared before the court, plead guilty and was fined $100 and $12 costs.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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March 26, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
GATHERED ABOUT THE COUNTY.
Considerable spring moving is being done. It takes four horses to move an ordinary load.
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Dr. C. T. McLEAN, of Hallsville, has been confined to bed since Saturday with lung trouble.
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Miss Edna HARRIS commenced the spring term of school at the Hampleman Monday morning.
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Assignee C. M. C. WEEDMAN is closing out the MOORE jewelry stock in Farmer City at auction.
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Miss Myrtle WATT, who has been taking telegraphy lessons in Bloomington, returned to her home in DeWitt Tuesday.
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Wm. CARLE returned Sunday from Port North, Texas. While there, he attended a meeting of the Cattlemen's Association at San Antonio.
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Collector FUNK of Santa Anna township says that "the delinquent list is larger this year than usual, the hard times preventing many from meeting their tax bills."
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John SHEEHEY, the milkman, has rented, for his own use, the farm and homestead lately occupied by his deceased father, two and one-half miles west of Clinton.
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The Republicans of Springfield have nominated Richard T. HICKMAN to succeed himself as clerk of that city. Mr. Hickman is a cousin of County Clerk HICKMAN.
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Aunt Betty CALLISON, of DeWitt, was stricken with apoplexy on Friday evening. She is gradually failing, her extreme age—over 80 years—being against her recovery.
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All of the collectors in the county have turned in their books. Most of them have collected less than last year. Clintonia is a trifle behind last year, but higher than the average.
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A letter received from Dr. John WRIGHT, of Portland, Oregon, states that he is slowly improving, but it is doubtful whether he will be sufficiently recovered in health to return to Clinton this spring.
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Wm. DRAKE, of Lane, was arrested on Monday by Deputy Sheriff MORSE on a charge of deserting his wife, daughter of Geo. MILLER. His trial will be held on Monday morning before Justice RICHEY.
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Three pupils will graduate from the DeLand schools this year. They are Mabel BECK, George HURSH and Walter DILLAVOU. Commencement will be held about April 15th. On the following evening the Alumni Association will tender a banquet to the class of 1897.
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Deputy Sheriff MORSE arrested Norman MORGAN Wednesday near Ospur. He is wanted in Jefferson county, charged with breaking into the dwelling house of J. H. MARK, near Mt. Vernon, and stealing personal property. He is now confined in the DeWitt County jail, awaiting the arrival of John R. WARD, sheriff of Jefferson county.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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November 5, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
CORRESPONDENCE.
KENNEY.
H. MORRIS, of Wapella, was in Kenney Sunday to see his son Homer, who is quite sick with fever.
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George GANDY, of Hallsville, was in town Thursday.
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Miss Lily WEAKLY returned from Indiana, where she had been visiting for two months.
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Ira MORRISON returned from the South last week.
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Mrs. WAMPLER received word from Sac City, Ia., that her brother Ed CLOUD, was married to Miss MYRICK, of that place.
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The Masons bought the lots opposite the Odd Fellows' block and will build next spring.
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Mrs. Katie WILLIAMS and daughter Lelia were in Clinton Friday.
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LANE.
Ernest OLESON is quite sick at Wm. LANE's house.
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Loceal FOSNAUGH is very sick with typhoid fever.
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Quite a number of young people gathered at J. D. GRAHAM's last Saturday evening and a fine supper was served. A good time was reported.
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Little Earl PENNINGTON is quite sick.
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Scarletina is in Lane and quite a number of cases are reported.
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Rev. Mr. FERMAN preached last Sunday.
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Uncle Jerry LANE is able to be about again.
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Mat PARKER and Mr. TREGO, of DeWitt, visited in Lane Sunday.
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Orville DAY finished husking corn for H. DAVENPORT.
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Byron STAYMATES stopped off in Lane for an hour or so on his return from Ohio.
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BIRKBECK.
A. J. DAVIS has just finished plastering his house.
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James FOSTER has another case of diphtheria in his family.
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P. H. WILSON has just moved into his new house.
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Fred SUTTON is able to be out again.
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Miss Bessie DAVIS and Newt LEMEN have each had an attack of sore throat.
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School is closed on account of diphtheria.
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Three of Sam POLEN's children have measles.
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Our Sunday-school is not progressing very rapidly. More interest should be taken in the lessons and not so much in another person's clothes.
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James REED husked 834 bushels of corn in 10 days for Leroy AGEE.
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Sam LAFFERTY loaded a car of hogs here last week.
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T. D. SUTTON has rented George GEER's place north of town.
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Ed THOMAS is again able to be out.
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WAYNESVILLE.
Mrs. Hattie DICK, of Clinton, is visiting Mrs. DRAGSTREM.
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Mrs. John EVANS, who has been dangerously ill, is much better.
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Mrs. Laura EVANS, of Taylorville, is at J. B. EVANS'.
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Rev. E. HARRIS has moved from Liberal, Kan., to Steelville, Ill. He has charge of two churches.
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Mr. BOWERS and sons returned to Chenoa Tuesday.
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Miss L. DAVENPORT writes from Selma, Calif., that they are having long and hard rains, ruining a great quantity of raisins.
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The Grand Army Post gave W. M. SAMPSON a pleasant surprise Wednesday night.
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W. H. MARTIN went to Clinton on Wednesday.
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WELDON.
A burglar went into Carl SWIGART's house Sunday evening and stole an overcoat, coat, vest and razor from Harry SWIGART, Jr.; then he went to the Record office and made investigation as to the stealitibility [sic] of the printer's possessions; thence to Cisco, where he purloined a gold watch worth $25.
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Nick GIRARD, three miles south, is very low with typhoid pneumonia.
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Henry, son of George SHAFFER, is quite sick with malarial fever.
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Art DANISON is visiting his mother and other friends. His home is in Iowa.
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On Monday, some 30 persons made a surprise on Mrs. Nathan NIXON on her 31st birthday anniversary. She was presented with a rocking chair, a gold watch and chain and a set of dishes.
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Maggie MILLER is visiting her brother at Sadorus. She will be gone some time.
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Pastor WIDNEY has put out cherry trees and grape vines at the parsonage. He believes in doing just as if he owned the property.
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Thomas ALLAN, who spent some time visiting his brothers in this vicinity, has sold his farm to his brother Sandy and expects to sail for Scotland after making a few visits with friends elsewhere.
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Worship GRAY returned from his Nebraska trip Monday.
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Farmer LOWE is building a house in the east end of town.
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Mrs. Andrew ALLAN had a very painful affliction of her left eye.
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T. L. COVEY has put a new roof on his store building.
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Uncle Joe BEGGS and wife, notwithstanding their advanced years, have been quite regular attendants during the summer at their church services at DeLand. They belong to the Christian church.
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HALLSVILLE.
P. N. MARVEL, who makes his home with Charles JONES west of Hallsville, was kicked in the face by a horse Tuesday morning and seriously injured. Mr. Marvel is well known in that vicinity, and it is hoped no bad results will follow the accident.
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Thursday night, at the home of James KEYS, three miles northwest of here, the Christian Endeavor Society of Midland gave a "hard times social." Anyone appearing well-dressed was subject to a fine, and a prize was given the most distressed-looking couple. Prof. B. J. MAVITY and Miss SUTTON won the prize. Pancakes, sorghum molasses and mush and milk were served. It was an enjoyable occasion. Proceeds netted $14.
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Charles PARKER and family visited relatives in Lincoln last week.
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Mrs. Thomas CAIN, of Weldon, who had visited at Kenney, returned home via Hallsville Saturday.
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Mrs. Ira THOMPSON, who visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amos WINEGARDNER, near here, returned home to Lane Saturday.
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James HALL and wife visited in Midland Sunday.
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Mrs. David McCLIMANS and daughter, Mrs. SAMUELS, were in Clinton Saturday.
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Mrs. HILDRETH and children visited relatives in Lane Friday and Saturday.
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James BARNETT, Sr., was in Champaign last week.
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Mrs. G. W. GANDY visited relatives in Clinton Saturday.
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Geo. SMITH and family, of Waynesville, visited relatives northwest of town Sunday.
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Mrs. G. E. PINGREE, of Helena, Mont., who visited her brother, James KEYS, and other relatives near here, has returned home.
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Rev. Mr. MONTGOMERY, of Waynesville, who preaches in Mt. Tabor M. E. church, was delayed Sunday morning. He found his surrey under a bridge, where it had been placed by some mischievous boys who were observing the old custom of celebrating Halloween.
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Edna NEAL, of near Clinton, spent Sunday with her parents, near here.
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Arthur STACKHOUSE was in Clinton Tuesday.
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Mrs. HUMPHREY, who had been very sick, is improving.
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Frank SAMUEL and wife visited relatives in Clinton Monday.
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Hattie P. WILSON visited the schools here Tuesday.
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Mrs. John KARR and children, of Cleveland, Miss., visited S. STACKHOUSE and family this week.
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James ROBINSON is preparing to move to Gibson county, Indiana, and will have a public sale Saturday.
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May 7, 1897
Clinton Register
Clinton, Illinois
HOMES IN MOURNING.
TWO BOYS BURIED IN A SAND BANK.
Earl Davis and Lloyd Funk the Victims— Elmer Morrow Narrowly Escapes.
Two Clinton homes are in mourning. Two family circles are forever broken by the untimely death of two bright boys. Their chairs are vacant and their parents are heart-broken. Their hundreds of friends are pained by the thought of the great burden of sorrow that hangs heavily about their homes and their hearts.
Last Saturday three boys left their homes in childish glee at the thought of gathering wild flowers from the fields for May baskets. As they skipped along looking here and there for the flowers, they were happy as the birds that sang their sweet songs in the trees above them. Their joyous and innocent laughter as they gathered violets from the grassy pastures were filled with childish glee, and perhaps sounded in the death-trap that awaited their coming like a huge beast, with jaws of death.
They had gathered their little hands full of flowers, and had gone to a sand bank in the pasture of Edwin Weld, two miles south of Clinton. There they were gathering pebbles and arranging their flowers into bouquets. Each had prepared a nice bouquet for his mother and they were happy in the anticipation of the sweet kiss their mothers would imprint on the innocent lips when they presented the flowers. All this time an awful death to two of them awaited near. When they were happiest with thoughts of mother and flowers, two of the sweetest words, the earth overhead, as if in waiting, loosened its hold and came down upon the three boys. Earl Davis, aged 16, was completely buried and must have died almost instantly. Lloyd Funk aged 7 years was covered except his head and hands. Elmer Morrow, aged 11, was more fortunate and soon freed himself.
He began to assist Lloyd, but before he could succeed another large bank of earth came rushing down, and little Lloyd’s life was gone out forever. Elmer was badly frightened; he hardly knew what to do, but he hastened to the public road and informed Frank Crang, who was coming to Clinton, of what had happened. The alarm was quickly given and Ed Weld, Dan Strine and others were soon at the scene of the accident and the dirt was moved from the bodies. In the meantime, Elmer Morrow had run all the way to Clinton telling everyone he saw what had happened. By the time he reached the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Morrow, he was completely exhausted, and remained very nervous throughout the night.
The bodies of Earl Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Davis, and Lloyd Funk, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Funk, of St. Louis, were brought to Clinton. The former was taken to the home of his parents and the latter to the home of A. M. Sackett, Mrs. Sackett [should be Mrs. Funk] being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sackett, and was visiting them. A short time before the family was informed of the accident, a telegram was received from Mr. Funk, saying he would arrive in Clinton on the Diamond Special to spend Sunday with his family.
Mrs. Funk refused to let her son, Lloyd, accompany the children to the woods for sometime, but at last consented, but still she felt uneasy and during the afternoon she felt an uneasiness about her son and so expressed herself to her parents, who had commenced to experience the same feeling. When the sad news was told upon the street that two boys had been killed, Mr. Sackett felt that his grandson was one of them and at once secured a rig and went toward the fair ground, supposing the children had gone there, but he soon heard where the accident had happened and started south and when he had gone but a mile, met Mr. Crang with the two bodies, bringing them to their homes.
Earl Davis owned a small black dog which always accompanied him on errands. The little dog was so devoted to his master that his absence was at once noticed by the dog and he seemed to realize the sad fate of his little master, and spent several hours in low barks and mourns, which seemed almost to be that of human instinct.
The funeral of Earl Davis took place from the Christian church Monday at two o'clock, conducted by Elder Pickerill, assisted by Rev. Kumler, of the M. E. church. Earl was a member of the Christian church and was one of its most useful young members. He was quiet, inoffensive and had a tendency to look for the bright side of all things. He will be greatly missed by his young associates at the church. The funeral was one among those sad occasions that is so often met with in this life. Hardly an eye in the vast audience refused to shed a tear during the progress of the funeral. The youthful pall bearers were his schoolmates as follows: Lloyd Howell, Alfred and Fred Blome, Elmer Bowles, Chas. Stivers and Herbert Smith.
School in the tenth room was dismissed that all his young school associates and his teacher might pay their last tribute of respect to him. A beautiful wreath of flowers was placed upon Earl’s desk in the schoolroom by the scholars and teacher, Miss Peck, who held him in the very highest esteem.
George Earl Davis was 15 years, 2 months and 20 days old and was born in Maroa, Ill., Feb. 10, 1882. His parents spent six years in Kansas and Missouri after which they located in this city. He was the only son of George and Eusula Davis, who live on East Main street.
Many beautiful floral offerings as a tribute to the departed were presented.
The funeral of Lloyd Funk was held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Kumler, who delivered an impressive sermon. Many beautiful floral offerings were placed about the casket by the hands of loving friends. The interment was in Woodlawn.
Again has the dark curtain of death fallen and shut from view two noble boys who had a bright future before them, and left broken hearts and sad memories to linger long with those who so fondly cherished these two promising buds of manhood. How true, that “in the midst of life we are in death.” Let friends offer words of comfort and hope to the sorrowing relatives to cheer them on through life’s rugged path, that they may be prepared to better stem life’s swift current, and when you visit these two little boy’s graves place flowers upon the little mounds of clay that hides them from gaze, and wait but a few short hours and see them wither and die, and their beauty fade, which tells you that you must soon imitate this sad example.
See the obituary of
George
Earl Davis.
See the obituary of
Lloyd Funk.
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November 19, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
GEO. NIXON INCURABLY INSANE.
R. A. LEMON arrived from Chester Saturday, where he had been on business pertaining to the board of pardons. Several years ago George NIXON was committed to the criminal insane hospital. He had attempted to cut the throat of Miss Susie WEBB. When seen by Mr. Lemon, a few days ago, he was as incommunicative as on the day of his committal, and the doctors declare him incurable.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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November 19, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
HEAVY SHEEP SALE
Jacob Zeigler Sells and Retires From the Sheep Business
Jacob ZIEGLER is a self-made man. His greatest concern is that his receipts exceed his expenditures, and his well-directed energies have given him a competency. He had learned every detail of the sheep business. His fold always sold at the top of the market, and his advice was sought by ambitious and careful amateurs on the raising of sheep. Deciding that he would retire from this department of his work, he sold 130 head of sheep, old and young, good and indifferent, to Weldon & Day for $11 a head. He is not fully satisfied that he did the best thing when he sold his flock, though he received a fancy price. The outlook for larger prices for sheep under a Republican regime is encouraging, and he understands every detail of the sheep business. Never before in this county has there been such a large bunch of highbred Shropshire sheep sold. Could such a sale have been closed during Democratic times?
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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December 3, 1897
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois
GOOD DOG STORY.
Remus Davis, of Kenney, Tells How DeWitt County Was Organized.
Remus DAVIS, of Kenney, who has lived in this county since 1836, tells the following interesting story of the organization of DeWitt county. He says:
"DeWitt county was made up from parts of Macon and McLean counties. R. POST got up the petition. He and others circulated the petition all over the territory of the proposed new county, but in spite of all they could do they lacked three names of the required number. They decided, however, to lay their petition before the state legislature anyhow, so M. Martin J. SCOTT, J. CLIFTON and R. POST started across the prairie for Vandalia.
"It was absolutely necessary that they should have those three names. They were afraid to risk the forging of names. They could not give up the notion of having a new county. A happy thought struck them. Why not put down their dogs' names. Martin's dog's name was Bull, so he put down the name of Bull MARTIN; Clifton's dog's name was Penn, so he added Penn CLIFTON to the list; Scott's dog bore the name of Watch, and Watch SCOTT's name adorned the petition. They now had the required number of names and proceeded upon their way, rejoicing. The petition was presented to the legislature, the county was organized and happiness reigned supreme."
This story sounds rather large, but Mr. Davis vouches for its truth and says the records at Springfield will prove it.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
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