The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.1919
Stronghurst Graphic, Jan.16, 1919
CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIES: One of the few remaining Civil War veterans of this community answered the final roll call last Monday evening when W.C.Walker passed away at his home in Stronghurst at the age of 80 years and one month. For the past three years or more he had been confined to his home, a patient sufferer from infirmities of old age. William C.Walker was born in Chillicothe, Caldwell County, Missouri Dec.14, 1833. He grew to manhood on a farm and received a common school education.
In September 1861 he enlisted in the service as a private in Co. F 50th Ill. Volunteers and was mustered into service. He was with his regiment at the siege of Forts Henry and Donnelson by Grant's army during its progress through Tennessee and Kentucky, participated in the siege of
Corinth and in the battles of Bussard's Road, Pittsburg Landing, Peach Creek For, Altona Pass and Resaca. He never missed a roll call during his term of service except when absent on duty.
After the war he engaged in the draying business at Dallas City and in 1875 started general merchandising at Carman which he followed for a number of years. On Feb.15, 1876 he wedded Miss Jane Sparks, daughter of Thomas and Mary Sparks of Dallas City. In 1894 the family moved to Stronghurst which has been the home of the deceased since that time.
Previous in his retirement on account of the infirmities of age, he was employed here as assistant by various mercantile firms.
Mr. Walker is survived by his wife and five children: Clara and Eva of Stronghurst; Logan of Lomax; Benjamin of Dallas City and Charles, who is in California and by 13 grandchildren. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Dallas City. Funeral services were conducted at the home with interment in Dallas City Cemetery.
BRUCE RANKIN ALIVE: Ever since last July the relatives and friends of Bruce Rankin, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Rankin of Media Township, have been greatly concerned regarding his safety. The young man was a member of the U.S.Marines who helped stop the German drive on Paris at Chateau Thierry in July and was reported wounded. Since that time his relatives have been unable to learn anything about him until yesterday when they received a message stating that he had been found and that he had recovered from his wounds and rejoined his company. The joy of this welcome news may well be imagined.
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION MEETS: The regular meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held with Mrs. H.D.Lovitt. After the transaction of business and a reading by Mrs. M.E.Beardsley entitled "The Vase of Life," the hostess assisted by her daughter, Mrs. Earl Beardsley and Mrs. Meredith Lovitt served dainty refreshments during the social hour. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. W.C.Regan. (All over America chapters of the W.C.T.U. were waging war of "Demon Rum." The following editorial is only a sample of general opinion on the subject at this time period.)
EDITORIAL ON BOOZE: The "booze" manufacturers and dispensers in the U.S. are in a panic over the prospect of the ratification of the prohibition amendment to the Constitution by the necessary 36 states within a short time and are making frantic appeals to the public to do something to avert the awful catastrophe which will result from the destruction of their businesses. One of the most ridiculous pleas which they are making is that national prohibition will bring on a reign of Bolshevism. The people of American are not likely to become alarmed over the prospect.
The vast majority of men and women including many of those who are not total abstainers, know that the saloon is the breeding place of vice and crime and that Bolshevism and vice to hand and hand.
STRONGHURST TELEPHONE CO. RATES AND RULES: In this issue is a three column article detailing rates and rules to apply to service. For instance, "Where the initial Rate is $.05 the initial period is 5 minutes; the overtime period is 5 minutes..." "For distance more than 18 miles but not more than 24 miles, initial rate is $.20."
1894 GRAPHIC: At a meeting of the Coloma Literary Society, Wm. McMillan, E.U. Overman, T.N.Baird and W.T. Weir debated the question as to which of the two main political parties were responsible for the hard times through which the country was passing. The Biggsville Clipper said that both sides won the debate. The death of Geo. M.Foote occurred at his home two miles south of Stronghurst on Jan. 12th. John Y. Whiteman had just been elected cashier of the bank at Biggsville. C.E. Peasley had six head of cattle killed and a number of others badly hurt by being struck by a fast Santa Fe train near Decorra on Jan.15th.
LOCAL AND AREA HAPPENINGS: George Werts, father of Assemblyman E.O. Werts of Oquawka, died at his home in Aledo. George Safford, a brother of Atty. H.B.Safford of Monmouth and a prominent attorney of St.Louis, died at his home there last week. Misses Kathryn and Vennie Colley of Gladstone visited the Misses Marjorie and Omega Lefler at their home west of Stronghurst. The balmy spring like weather which prevails in this section is in marked contrast with what was happening last year when temperature of 25 degrees below zero and one of the worst blizzards of many years was raging. Householders whose coal bins were empty were frantically endeavoring to secure fuel sufficient for a day's supply. At a meeting of the Lutheran Brotherhood of the Stronghurst Swedish Lutheran Church, the faithful janitor of the church, Mr. C.E.Peterson, was presented with a purse of money to supplement the salary which he receives. Mr. Peterson says that he will endeavor to show his appreciation of the generosity by continuing to serve the congregation to the best of his ability.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: Agent, C.F. Anderson will move to Biggsville next week and G.H.Tribler, who is known as "Pinkey" is the new agent at the depot. Any town is very fortunate to have either as their agent. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Galbraith very nicely entertained in their fine home at 6 o'clock dinner. Covers were laid for 10 and several courses were served after which the evening was spent with music and a social good time until a late hour. Gladstone has a new service flag with 48 blue, 2 gold and 2 silver stars and may be seen at the post office. Harry Walbaum of Chicago died of the "flu." Mrs. Elmer Pence is walking on crutches as the result of getting the ligament in her foot torn loose by a fall last week. Mr. Clyde Galbraith and Mr. George Garrett of Biggsville are in Missouri looking at the country; Clyde will go on to Texas where he has land interests. A grand ball was given by the jolly dancing club last Friday evening; a big crowd attended to enjoy fine music.
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: Mrs. Paul Lant is quite sick with pneumonia at the Charles Lant home. Word received from Isaac Downs and wife of Fullerton, Nebraska, conveys the information that they are in poor health and that Mrs. Downs' brother, Sam McClellan, who was born and raised near Stronghurst, had lost the sight of one of his eyes and the other was giving considerable trouble. Glen McKeown who recently went to Kansas City to attend auctioneering school, is quite sick and in the hospital there.
A apron and necktie social was held at the S.C.Lant place. Each lady and girl was asked to wear an apron, make a tie like their aprons. These were sealed and sold, then the purchasers had to find their partners from the ladies whose apron matched their ties. This, of course, caused much amusement and a dandy good time was reported and a neat sum realized.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Hicks visited the home of Ira Peterson west of the village. Last week was butchering time in the neighborhood as quite a fine lot of porkers and not a few cattle have been slaughtered. Mrs. H.B. Lant is consulting an ear specialist in Burlington.
The Olena M.E.Sunday School reorganized with new officers and teachers: Supt. Mrs. Lara Lant; Ass't Supt. Mrs. Lilly Veech; Sec., Mrs. Julia Francis; Ass't Sec., Miss Goldie Booten; Organist, Miss Hazel Johnson, Ass't Organist, Miss Fern McCannon; Librarian, Miss Vera Deitrick; Ass't Librarian, Miss Violet Lant; Collectors, Mr. Frank Detrick, Mr. Glen Carlson; Users, Mr. J. Long and Mrs. Keith Hicks; Teacher of the Senior class, Mrs. John Lant; Young People's class, H.S.Lant; Intermediate, Mrs. Anna Johnson; Boys; class Mrs. Lou Lant; Primary not yet selected.
(This list give you an partial census of the surrounding area) Mrs. Fannie Johnson and two children from Burlington visited Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Davis who took her back to Burlington where she has employment in the Ives grocery store. A box social will be held in the church parlors; ladies are to bring boxes and gentlemen are supposed to do the rest. Proceeds will go for the running expenses of the church and Sabbath School. Mrs. Francis has received word that her husband had reached the States and is in a camp in New Jersey.
CARMAN CONCERNS: Mr. Joe Marsden and family of Olena were in town Sunday to attend the funeral of Mr. John Parry and took dinner with his sister, Mrs. Walter Howell and family. Mr. Jess Kemp and wife have returned to their home in Nebraska after a visit with the lady's brother, Willis Dowell and family. Word has been received of the death of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson of Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Thompson was formally Miss Nora Brewer of Carman and her sister, Mrs. Joe Coates, left a few days ago to be at her bed side.
***OBITUARY***JOHN PARRY: John Parry passed away Saturday morning at his home. He had been in failing health for the last 15 months and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Parry was born Oct.25, 1844 in Monmouthshire, England and departed this life Jan.11, 1919 at the age of 74 years, 2 months and 16 days. He united in marriage to Miss Eliza McCannon of Shokokon on June 14, 1872 who survives him. No children were born to this union. Besides his wife he leave a half brother, G.W.Howell of Carman and a half sister, Mrs. Lizzie Edmonds of Terre Haute and a nephew, Thomas Howell of Oquawka.
At the age of 6 years he immigrated with his parents from England arriving in Ohio in the spring and later came to Illinois where he has since made his home. The deceased was a highly respected citizen. Funeral services were held at the church with the following friends acting as pall bearers: U.L.Marsden, A.C.Babcook, Fred Rehling, Chas. Kirby, Gus Rehling and Wm. Dixon. Interment was in the village cemetery.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: Pvt. Andrew Gram, son of Mr. and Mrs. N.G.Gram, married Miss Grace Bemiss in Peoria on Dec.23th. Robert Sullivan, who has been stationed at some naval camp in Massachusetts for over 8 months, returned home for an extended furlough. Nat Hickman and Frank Hamilton accompanied a shipment of stock to Chicago for E.G.Lewis. Mrs. Jack Palmer is quite sick; her school, South Prairie is closed pending her recovery. Edgar Gram, who has been in France for several months, is home following discharge and is going to Peoria to take up his old position; he is the first of the overseas boys to return. Charles Pendarvis has gone to the University of Illinois to take a short course in corn branding.
Mr. and Mrs. William Kane received a letter from their son, Edward, who was severely wounded in action in France. He was nearly recovered and expects to leave the hospital soon. The parents of Barnard White received a telegram saying he had arrived safely from overseas.