The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, March 12, 1925
***OBITUARY***LONG AND USEFUL LIFE-MRS. EMELINE BAINTER: Mrs. Emeline Bainer, one of this community s oldest and most highly esteemed residents, passed away at the Bainter homestead farm 4 ½ miles south of Stronghurst, Monday evening, March 9 at 6 o clock. She had been practically helpless for the past 15 months as the result of injuries sustained on Thanksgiving Day, 1923 when she fell and broke her hip. During these months she was a patient sufferer, maintain a cheerful disposition and an unclouded intellect up to the very last.
Mrs. Bainter, whose maiden name was Emeline Snoots, was born at Zanesville, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1832, her parents being Henry and Nancy Snoots of Zaneville. On Sept. 9, 1852 she was married to Peter C. Bainter, also a native of Ohio, their first ear of wedded life being spent on a farm in that state. They decided to try their fortunes in what was then the West making what was to both their first railway journey as far as Cincinnati, Ohio where they boarded an Ohio river boat and continued their journey to Warsaw, Ill. Their first home in Illinois was near LaHarpe, Ill. where they remained amongst the early settlers of that community for seven years. In the year 1850 they moved to the farm south of Stronghurst which Mr. Bainter purchased for $25 per acres and where the remainder of both their lives were spent.
This home became a center of hospitality in the community and here they prospered in worldly affairs and reared a large family of children. On Sept.8, 1920, the aged couple celebrated the 68th anniversary of their marriage in a gathering participated in by their sever surviving children, many of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous neighbors and friends. Mr. Bainter departed this life August 3, 1921, his wife continuing to reside on the home farm until she was called to her reward last Monday.
Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bainter, seven of whom survive their mother, namely: Mrs. Nancy Veech, Mrs. Dell Doak, Mrs. Addie Ross, Mrs. Olive Beckett, Mrs. Orpha Lovitt and W. H. Bainter, all of this vicinity and Mrs. Jane Navins of Brooks, Iowa. There are also 22 surviving grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Bainter lived a sincere and consistent Christian life and had for many years been a member of the Terre Haute M.E. Church. funeral services were conducted at the home with the remains laid to rest in Hope Abbey Mausoleum in Stronghurst.
(This is the "Roaring Twenties when bank robbers such as Bonnie and Clyde terrified locals, prohibition was in full swing with booze being made in secret locations and the FBI just forming. The following story must have been hot news in its time and to think the widow would come to downtown Stronghurst to speak must have been exciting so even though today we do not remember S. Glenn Young, let's view her story through the eyes of the Graphic Reporter who tells the story.
LECTURE BY MRS. S. GLENN YOUNG: Mrs. S. Glenn Young of Herrin, Ill. delivered her lecture on "My Life and Romance with S. Glenn Young: last Monday evening at the Lyric Theatre before an interested audience which taxed the capacity of the room, there being a large delegations present from Oquawka, Biggsville, Roseville and other surrounding communities.
On the platform with Mrs. Young were her sister and another lady whose identity we failed to learn and Rev. Baird of the Roseville Christian Church. The latter presented the speaker in a rather extended introduction, in which devotion to the flag and the constitution was dwelt upon and in which he declared that the press of the country had never published the truth in regard to conditions in Williamson County which finally culminated in the death of Young and his bitterest enemy, Ora Thomas. Mrs. Young made the same statement in regard to the press in her opening remarks; but the facts as she related them later did not differ in their essential details from the accounts published in the newspapers during the progress of the series of tragedies which focused the attention of the whole nation on Williamson County.
There was, naturally, a decided tinge of bitterness in the speaker's references to the regularly constituted authorities in Williamson County with whom her husband clashed, and whom she held responsible for his death and also for the tragedy through which she was deprived of her eyesight. These authorities she denounced in an unqualified manner as gangsters and thugs of the worst sort.
Mrs. Young is a rather frail looking woman whose countenance bears traces of the anguish through which she has passed, the effect being accentuated by the dark colored glasses which she wears during her lectures. She stated at the beginning of her lecture that her age was 25 years. She gave a brief resume of her girlhood and school day life spent in Illinois and Texas, and said that at the age of 17 she went to Danville, Ill. where her father was a U.S. deputy marshal and where she become private secretary to the federal judge of that district and a federal court stenographer. It was while thus employed that she became acquainted with Glenn Young, who had been called as a witness in a liquor case in the federal court. She described her attachment for Young as a case of "love at first sight," and related how that after their marriage she became his companion in raids which he conducted in various states and localities as "special investigator" for official and unofficial organizations engaged in the work of ferreting out bootleggers. She ascribed her companion all of the noble qualities and virtues which are supposed to adorn the true patriot and high minded gentleman, which certainly is not less than could be expected from a faithful and devoted wife, and one who had shared in the suffering resulting from his activities along the line of his chosen profession. Following the lecture, photographs, portraying various scenes connected with the life and death of Young were offered for sale by persons passing through the audience and during this time, Rev. Baird again called attention to the constitution and the necessity of safe guarding its sacred principles, an audience?/position with which it is safe to say very few of his audience would disagree.
There was no admission charged for the lecture, but what appeared to be a very liberal free will offering was taken at the door.
Mrs. Young and her party travel across the country in the large closed car which was used by her husband and herself and in which they were driving when the attack was made upon them near Okawvillle, Ill., which resulted in her own blinding and the injuring of a bone in her husband's leg. This car with its numerous bullet marks in various places was an object of much interest to the public while the party was in the theatre.
(This story revolves around the strength of the KKK during this period of time. Stronghurst/Henderson County was very much a part of this organization even with local pastors attending rallies and giving the opening and closing prayers. Times were different, but we, today, can remember our true Christian values and not be distracted by outrageous claims Remember the story of The Good Samaritan and let's all be a good Samaritan-Virginia Ross..)
CIRCUIT COURT CASES: The Harbinson will case and two drainage district cases have been set for trial. In the case of P. J. Johnson vs Hugh L. Marshall-Trespass was called for trial; the Court instructed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. Wm. Hoskins and Robert Catterson, who had been indicted by the grand jury for grand larceny were arraigned for trial. They entered a plea of "not guilty", but after a jury had been selected, they withdrew the plea and entered of one of "guilty." In the case of Ennis and Dan Hardy indicted for forgery and in which Clarence Combites was the complaining witness, the charge of forgery was withdrawn and information changing to obtaining of money under false pretense was filed in County Court.
WEDDING BELLS: MCKEOWN-SIMONSON: Clifford McKeown, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. McKeown of this place. and Miss Grace Simonson, daughter of Mrs. Carrie Simonson, also of Stronghurst, departed on train No.9 for Overton, Nebr, where they were married on March 10th by Rev. Sam McKeown, an uncle of the groom, at his home in that city. After a ten day honeymoon the happy couple will return to Stronghurst where they will be at home on the W. J. McKeown farm north of town. The newly wedded couple are highly esteemed and popular members of this community's younger set, the entire lives of both having been spent in this vicinity. Both have been students in the Stronghurst High School. The bride lived with her mother on the Simonson farm southeast of Stronghurst until a few weeks ago when they came to Stronghurst to make their home. The groom has for the past three years been managing his father's farm.
OBITUARY: AGED BIGGSVILLE COUPLE DEAD: Mr. and Mrs. John Foster, Sr. of Biggsville, respected and long-time residents of that community, passed away within a few hours of each other last Saturday morning, March 7th. Mr. Foster died at about 5:00 o'clock and Mrs. Foster at about 8:30, Both were victims of the prevailing epidemic of "flu," a weak heart hastening Mr. Foster's end while the development of pneumonia was a contributory cause of Mrs. Foster's death. Mr. Foster was 80 years of age and his wife was 82. They had recently returned to their farm north of Biggsville from an extended visit with their son, Judge Harry Foster of Eureka, Ill.
The deceased couple are survived by three children: Judge Harry Foster of Eureka, Ill.; Robert Foster of Biggsville, and Mrs. Grace Knox of Oquawka, another daughter, Mrs. Birdie Boyd of Biggsville passed away several years ago. Funeral services were held at the Biggsville Presbyterian Church with interment in the Biggsville Cemetery.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY SUPPER: The March group of the Ladies Aid Society of the M. E.Church will give a supper and social in the Community Club room in Stronghurst the evening of March 17th Games will be held in the parlor and they'll be Irish too. Everyone is asked to wear something green. If not, a small fine will be expected. A program of Irish songs and other features will follow supper. The menu will be served cafeteria style at 6 pm: Irish stew, potato soup, roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, spice salad, hot rolls, corn bread, pickles, jelly, potato chips, cottage cheese, pie, cake, fruit salad and coffee
CARMAN CONCERNS: Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Babcook entertained a number of radio fans at their home to hear President Coolidge take the oath of office and deliver his inaugural address. A two-course luncheon was served. Fred Clover, James Lord, Archie Vaughn and James Johnson went to Stronghurst to attend the milch cow sale at the O'Gren farm; James Lord purchased a calf. Mr. Bert Bundy delivered a truck load of furniture to Earl Marsden at Burlington. The fire inspector from Canton was in town. Those on the sick list include Cora Penry, Mr. Wm. Pendry, Jr. and daughter, Miss Mildred Gillis, and Mr. Frank Marsden of Burlington who is still very poorly at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Dixon east of the village. Word was received of the death of Joseph F. Cisna of Burlington, formerly of this place at his home on Harrison Avenue after a lingering illness. Burial was in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Sympathy is expressed to his mother, Mary Cisna, whom he had made his home and to his four sister, Mrs. Fannie Gulick, Mars. Mary Schoop, Mrs. Pearl Hartman and Mrs. Ada Shoemaker, all of Burlington. Kirby School is closed because of scarlet fever.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: W. H. Cross is again able to attend to his business at the produce house after being confined to his home several days by illness. Mrs. W.F.Graham and daughter Miss Ruby returned from California. Miss Olive Beckett and sister Florence returned from Carrolton, Mo. where they went three weeks ago for the funeral of their brother George Beckett. Frank Rickles of Olena has been in town pruning grapes for different parties. Willis Keener reports the roads to Monmouth being in fair condition except in low places where they have not been dragged. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Vern Wood at their home. Mark Hudson, former editor and publisher of the Nauvoo Rustler is about to launch a new semi-weekly newspaper in Ft. Madison to be known as the Fort Madison Broadcaster. Clarence Walker is improving and able to be up part of the time; he is being cared for by his brother, Henry, who is staying with him. A. A. Cavins, who for over a year has operated the Lyric Theatre under a lease, left for Princeville, Ill. where he has leased a moving picture theater. Mr. Alfred Brown of the firm of Brown & Worden of Smithshire doing a general grocery business was in town between trains having some dental work done; he called on his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Spiker.
The Dallas City Review says that the city is all agog over revelations made in court at Carthage last week concerning two delinquent Dallas City girls who recently ran away from home. The confessions of the girls have involved many men and boys of the community from mere stripling youths to old gray headed men. The laborers who have been living here for sometime being employed by the Illinois Power and Light Corporation in building the new electric line through this section have all gone from here and moved on further east along the route to Galesburg and Galva. Owning to some litigation involved in securing right of way, a number of men were laid off last Saturday until these differences could be adjusted.
WEDDING BELLS: BERRY & DALTON-Miss Margaret Berry, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Berry and Patsl Dalton of Ellisville were married Saturday at the home of Rev. Zenet of the Christian Church at Galesburg. They were attended by a brother of the groom, Chester Dalton and wife of Ellisville and Miss Gladys Rice and Tom Trollin of Biggsville. They returned here early in the afternoon where a wedding supper was served at the home of the bride's parents. Mrs. Dalton has taught the Dutch Row School the past three years and will finish her school year after which they will be at home at Ellisville where the groom holds a position.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Mrs. Perry Schuler is a Grip victim. Mr. and Mrs. George Jamison have moved their household goods to Burlington where he has a position with the Standard Oil Co. Mrs. Pearl Brown has purchased a new loom and expects to do rug weaving at her home in the west part of town. Miss Virginia Allaman, who has been the teacher of the intermediate room at the grade school and who was called home a couple of weeks ago by the illness of her mother, came down and resigned her place in the school. The resignation was accepted and Mr. John Sandstrom who has filled the vacancy will finish out the school year. Ora Smith moved his family into the place recently vacated by Mr. and Mrs. George Jamison. Will Adair moved into the Smith house and will assist with farm work this year. The grade pupils moved into the new school house Monday where they are hoping to stay until the close of the school year. (This column contains another obit for the Fosters-see last week's column.)
MEDIA BASKETBALL GAME: The last basketball game of the season was played at the gym Monday evening when the high school team defeated the Blandinsville High School squad 22 to 18. Our boys were in the lead from the beginning except at the end of the third quarter when the score stood 12-12. The Blandinsville boys were hard fighters but were unable to break the strong guarding of the Media team which by their fast guarding, improved basket shooting and passing gave them more confidence in themselves and helped to win the game. They have been playing much better ball for some time. The crowd present were simply wild from the start of this fast and exciting game and as the time for the finish drew near the noise was simply deafening. Harnish from Monmouth referred the game. The line-up for Media was Campbell, G. Gilliland, Pogue, L. Gilliland, and Baskett. The Blandinsville team included Metcalf, Williams, Cox, Gordon and Grigsby.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: A moving picture show of the work of the foreign missionaries of the U. P. Church in Egypt will be given at the church Monday evening. There will be no admission fee but each one will be asked to contribute to the offering. A free moving picture under the auspices of the Farm Bureau will be given at the gymnasium Saturday night. The film to be shown is a four-reel picture, "Clean Herds and Hearts," which combines education and entertainment and tells in a pleasing manner the story of the eradication of tuberculosis. Five new members were initiated into the Tri State Mutual Lodge and several others were favorably voted upon. Those taking the work were Mr. and Mrs. Harry Norville, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Grossman and Miss Faye Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ross who have spent the winter at Miami, Fla., and other southern places of interest, even going so far as Cuba, are home again. They report a most delightful trip but say Florida weather was too warm for comfort. Joe Campbell left on Santa Fe train No. 22 for Detroit where he is employed. John Suydam is suffering greatly from an infected wart on the back of his left hand. A St. Patrick's social will be given at the church on March 17th. Everybody is invited to attend and wear either the orange or the green (Protestant or Catholic).
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: Most of the sick in this community are on the road to "Wellville." Mr. Charles Lyons is having his farm house re-shingled and some other needed repairs added. Mr. Waterman of Hopper is helping make these improvements. Quite a large delegation from here were summoned to Oquawka last week to testify in the P. J. Johnson and Dr. Marshall case. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hicks have moved into Olena where he has accepted a job on the public roads. On March 4th a young son arrived at the Charles Watson home in Olena; mother and son are reported as getting along quite nicely. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hulet have moved to the S. W. Black farm and Mr. Harry Fox and family have moved to the Annegers farm south of Olena. Mr. Oz Reynolds who has been living in the Schroeder property in Hopper the past year held a public sale. He will quit farming on account of his health. He will move into other property in Hopper and Chauncey Mayfield will move to the Schroeder farm. Mr. Reynolds has rented another farm but on account of ill health had to relinquish his contract. Mrs. Herman Burrell and Mrs. John Peterson have been quite indisposed the past few weeks. Mrs. Vern Kessler of Burlington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Peterson of near Olena who recently underwent an operation for gall stone trouble in the Burlington Hospital is reported as getting along as well as could be expected.
RARITAN REPORTS: Earl Starbuck was operated upon for appendicitis at the Monmouth Hospital. Mrs. Earl Bricker was taken to the Burlington Hospital for an operation for appendicitis. Mrs. Roy Moore of Lomax area underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Burlington Hospital. Kenneth, the small son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Waddell, was operated upon for appendicitis at the LaHarpe Hospital. (You just didn't want to have a stomach ache at this time period. Ever since the first successful appendectomy was performed by Dr. Wm. West Grant in Davenport, Iowa in 1885, it became a very popular operation.)