The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, Feb. 8, 1923
A FINE TESTIMONIAL: The Graphic is a little late in reporting it, but it will be none the less interesting to the many friends of the late Roy O. Randall to know that an unusual testimonial of esteem in which he was held by his business associates was given by them since his death last fall. Roy was in the employ of a national advertising association and was making a brilliant record as editor of its publication known as "The Poster." His genial nature had caused him to make many friends among the members and employers of the association. As an expression of their regard for him they raised among their number a purse of $2,300 ($31,556 in today's values) and presented it to the widow and Roy's two little daughters, Helen and Margaret. The gift was received at Christmas time and this manifestation of sympathy and good will must have done much to dispel the gloom in the home that had so recently been made desolate.
Roy was making rapid advancement and there was universal sorrow and regret when it was learned that his career had been cut short at what seemed to be the moment of promise.
FORMER SOLDIER MISSING: Requested is your cooperation in finding this veteran of the war, who recently disappeared and left no trace. Earl P. Pfeiffer, formerly Regimental Sergeant Major, Hdqrs. Co. of the 4th Engineers of Louisville, Ky. The last information about him follows his discharge from Patton's Institute, Patton, California, where he boarded a train for Louisville, Kentucky. Trace was lost of him at Kansas City, Missouri, where he was to change cars. This man's disability is dementia praecox, not due to military service, but if any clue is picked up, kindly notify this office immediately-Fred E. Hamilton, Acting Manager, Dist. No. 8, U. S. Veterans Bureau
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: The Frances Willard memorial meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. B. G. on Saturday afternoon. (She was instrumental in founding the Women's Christian Temperance Union.) The Santa Fe announced their intention to build its line into St. Louis. It is likely that they will leave its double tracks at Carrollton, Mo. and go on almost a beeline to St. Louis through one of the state's richest farming sections. It is to be a rush job.
While Robert Ingerson and Walter Gregory were in Chicago attending the automobile show last week, they chanced to drop into an optician's office in response to some attractive advertising, which was being distributed at the show. To their surprise they learned that the proprietor of the office was a former resident of Stronghurst, whose name is R. Worst. Mr. Worst was agent for the Santa Fe here more than 30 years ago and he had the names of many of the old-timers at his tongue's end. Mr. Worst is located in the Consumer's Building down in the loop and has been in Chicago for the last 20 years. Gene Wilson, son of L. A. Wilson, entered the Santa Fe hospital at Topeka, Kansas where he will undergo an operation for the removal of his tonsils and a growth in his nose. As they had quite a few patients ahead of him, he will be waiting for his turn.
The Sinclair Oil Co. offered Dallas City $4,500 to lay a pipe line through that town. The town held out for $5,000. The oil company would not come across and made a new survey on the edge of the city limits and are putting their line through the hills back of the city. When the Modern Woodmen building at Bardolph was burned a few weeks ago and it was supposed that the building and contents were insured; however, it appears both policies had lapsed. The camp was in debt $660 which the members will try to pay from voluntary contributions. The plant of the Perfection Tire & Rubber Co., Fort Madison, will be sold to the highest bidder in a sale to be held within a month's time. This was decided by Judge M. J. Wade in the federal court at Iowa City. The sale should take place as soon as possible as the value of the plant rests in the possibility of early operation.
CHARTER MEMBER OF GALESBURG KLAN DIES: Galesburg had its first Ku Klux Klan burial service Monday afternoon and the Mail tells the story: "First Ku Klux Klan burial rites ever held in this part of Illinois were celebrated last Monday afternoon at Linwood Cemetery for Fred T. DuVon, just as the casket had been lowered into the grave.
At the close of the Masonic funeral service conducted at the cemetery, 11 klansmen, wearing the full regalia of the order-the high pointed hoods and flowing white robes-marched from the southwest corner of the cemetery, formed a semi-circle about the grave and silently conducted the rites. Then they marched away in the direction whence they came. Not a word was spoken.
As Klansmen gathered at the grave their leader placed a large cross of white flowers at the head of the grave on which were the Letters "K.K.K...' Each of the klansmen carried two carnations which were thrown on the coffin.
Soon after the funeral procession reached the cemetery, two automobiles, fully curtained, were seen to enter the cemetery and drive by the grave in a southerly direction. There the occupants put on their robes and hoods. About the same time a local florist's wagon drove into the cemetery carrying the large cross of flowers. They were delivered to the klansmen as they marched by.
There was no excitement whatever as the klansmen came in sight and everyone present maintained utmost silence. The undertaken in charge of the burial announced that those present were privileged to remain for that part of the service. After the klansmen returned to their waiting automobiles, they removed their hoods and returned to town without their identity having been revealed. Mr. DuVon was reported to be one of the charter members of the klan here and is said to have been the leader of the band which the night before Thanksgiving visited the Salvation Army headquarters during a meeting and left a contribution."