The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.1918
Stronghurst Graphic, Dec.26, 1918
LOCAL TALENT SHOW A SUCCESS: Acting which would have done credit to professionals; beautiful and elaborate costuming; attractive stage groupings, dances and marches, the general effect of which were enhanced by colored lights; well rendered topical and patriotic songs and a happy blending of Oriental and Occidental atmosphere were features of the show "Katcha-Koo" given at the Lyric by local talent under the direction of Miss Annie McKittrick under the auspices of the Stronghurst Women's Community Club. Del Dixon as "Katcha-Koo," the audacious Yankee stranded in India and adopting the role of fakir to further his own particular interests, added new laurels to those he had acquired at pervious local talent shows as a comedian while W.C. Ivins as the Maharaja with a surplus of beautiful wives whom he could not prevent from flirting with the philandering "Katcha-Koo," played the part of the haughty East Indian price in an admirable manner. Miss Robinson as Mrs.Chattie Gadden interpreted her part as wife of Katcha-Koo, whom she had believed to be dead, furnished the main climax of the performance. Others in the production were Mary Dixson, Manly Staley, Miss McKittrick, Ethel Hartquist, Thelma Steffey, Mrs. Arthur McKeown, Miss Olive Kendrick, Miss Esther Curry, Mrs. Ruth Wilson, and John Stine. Two of the participants in the final scene were Master Mack Lazear and Miss Pauline Wallin, aged four and three years respectively, who dressed as "Uncle Sam" and "Miss Columbia" led the triumphal liberty march through the aisles of the theatre and upon the stage where the whole company of performers were grouped about the statue of "liberty" enlightening the world represented by Mrs. G.W.Worley.
DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER: One more succumbed to the deadly "flu" when Clemmie Tucker, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Tucker, passed away at home on Dec.24th. Pneumonia followed an attack of influenza and complications arising from these diseases resulted in his death.
Clement H. Tucker, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. B.L.Tucker, was born at Williamsfield, Ill. March 22, 1894 and passed away at his home in Stronghurst aged 24 years, 9 months, and 3 days. He came with his parents to Stronghurst about 6 years ago and has since that time assisted his father in his meat market business and has also engaged in minor business enterprises on his own account. The immediate surviving relatives are his parents, two sisters-Bernice and Opal, the former a nurse in an Iowa hospital and the latter at home, and a younger brother Tommy at home. The remains were shipped to Williamsfield for funeral services and burial.
LETTER FROM FLORIDA: "Mrs. Moore and I and the little girl, Lela, drove down in our Ford car, 1750 miles; a very interest trip on which we saw everything along the road: Mammoth Cave, Ky., some old battlefields (Civil War), Andersonville National Cemetery and the old prison stockade.
This is a beautiful place with orange trees loaded; we expect to plant 100 orange and grapefruit trees this winter. There seems to be good fishing and lots of oyster beds, but we haven't tried our luck yet." -U.S.Moore
HOME FROM OVERSEAS: George K. Peasley, the first of the boys from this locality to reach home from overseas, arrived in time to eat a Christmas dinner with his parents Mr. and Mrs. C.E.Peasley and other members of the family.
Gene, another son who has been stationed at Camp Taylor, Ky. was also home on furlough. George was in naval service in Northern Africa when hostilities ceased and was sent to Gibralter and then by transport to New York. Although assigned to naval service, he says dry land of old Illinois suits him well enough.
***OBITUARY***MRS. MARGARET PERDUE: Margaret Jacobs, daughter of Jacques and Mary Jacobs, was born near Olena March 9, 1894 and departed this life Dec.21, 1918 at the Burlington Hospital. She was united in marriage to Leslie Perdue Feb.25, 1913 and to this union three children were born: Dorothy May-5 years, Bernice Maxine-2 years, and an infant son who departed this life with his mother. Besides a husband and children she leaves to mourn her death a father and mother, three brothers and two sisters, namely, Mr. Martin Jacobs of Gladstone; Mr. Charlie Jacobs of Stronghurst; Mr. Frank Jacobs in the U.S. service somewhere in France, Mrs. Gertrude Thomann of Middletown, Ia., and Miss Catherine Jacobs at home. Funeral services were conducted at the home in Olena with interment in the Olena Cemetery.
LOCAL AND AREA HAPPENINGS: Homer Weddington is home for a few days from Camp Sheridan, Ala. Russell Brokaw received his discharge from the U.S. army at Camp Taylor, Ky. Arthur McKeown sold his 120 acre farm west of Olena to Henry O. White of Mexico, Mo. Mr. L. Odegard, who has been employed in a tailoring establishment in Galesburg for the last four months, has returned to Stronghurst and will resume his tailoring business here in the building he formerly occupied. Mr. and Mrs. N.B.Curry left for Nebraska where they will spend the holidays with relatives. Paul Hulet is home from Camp Stanley, Texas on furlough. Will Voorhees arrived here from Camp Morgan, Ala. for a few days. Russell White, who has been taking military training at Monmouth College, is home for the holidays. Mrs. Perry Cooper and son Tommy left for Crandon,
Minn. to join her husband on their farm in the badger state. Dr. H.L. Marshall has returned home from medical corps service in Maryland and has resumed his practice. He has taken a wife, the former Miss Alice Davidson of this place. Mrs W.C.Ivins left for Ivesdale, Ill. after learning of the illness of her daughter, Mrs. Robt. Milligan, and four children. Mr. Ivins, accompanied by Dr. Harter, followed her on Monday. When the doctor returned home, all were in somewhat improved condition.
LOMAX LINGERINGS: Ray Smiddy, who has been training in Kansas, was home. The Spanish influenza, which was entertaining a number of the village citizens last week, is thought to be "vamoosing." Ed Farquhar has departed for Ashdown, Arkansas where he will visit his sister, Mrs. Mary Love and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. S.E.Vaughn. Miss Hazel Paul, who is preparing herself for the technical points in music at the Chicago University of Music, is spending the holiday with her sister, Mrs. Forney Blakely. John Bowlyou of the Curtis Bros. Handle Co. Of Ft. Madison, Ia. spent Sunday with his family. Schools and churches are still closed on account of the flu.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: Dr. And Mrs. J.P.Riggs returned from Procter, Minn. where he was employed as a railroad physician for the past six months. Mrs. John Suydam is suffering from rheumatism. E.G.Lewis and T.W.Wilson left for an advertising trip through Hancock and Adams Counties. Homer Woods, who is in the Marines located somewhere in N. Carolina, visited home folks. Mail Carrier, John Gibson was not able to go over his route on account of the roads being blocked with snow. Work of taking down and sorting corn at the plant of the E.G.Lewis Seed Co. has begun. On account of the quality of the corn, it is expected that a much smaller force will be required than last year. At a box supper held at the Media public school as a benefit for the Victory Girls and the adoption of a French orphan a total of $94.35 was received. The cake of the most popular lady brought $10.06 and was won by Mrs. Leinbach. A box of candy for the homeliest man brought $25.30 and was awarded to Mr. Ernest South.