The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic: May 7, 1925
WEDDING BELLS-JOHNSON-WHEELING: The home of Mrs. Johanna Wheeling in this village was the scene Wednesday evening of a wedding ceremony performed uniting the life destinies of Mrs. Wheeling's daughter, Juliet, with those of Mr. Fred L. Johnson of this place. The officiating minister was Rev. R. C. Myers and the only witnesses were the mother of the bride and Mrs. R. C. Myers. Following the ceremony, a delicious wedding luncheon was served and later in the evening the wedded pair went to the home in the west part of the village which the groom purchased some time ago from J. W. Stine and which had been thoroughly furnished and prepared for occupancy by himself and the bride.
The bride and groom are both numbered amongst Stronghurst's best known and most popular younger set. The bride received her education in the grade and high school of this place and since her graduation has followed business pursuits for which she has shown unusual talent. For several years she was employed as bookkeeper and clerk in the hardware establishment of George Dixson and has continued to act in the same capacity with the new firm of F. O. Tweed.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Johnson of the Olena neighborhood and has been in the employment of the Santa Fe Railroad as assistant agent and operator at the local station for several years. During the war he served his country overseas as a member of the Anti-aircraft Division in France.
CELEBRATING THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY: A May Fete will be presented on Saturday, May 9th at 3:30 p.m. on the Harter lots opposite the Stronghurst village park under the auspices of the Stronghurst Community Women's Club. This fete is in the nature of a play entitled, "When Polly was Queen of the May" and is composed of songs, fairy revelries and crowning of the Queen of May. It is being directed by Mrs. M. L. Evans and Mrs. F. Allen Annegers assisted by Mrs. Harry Painter, Miss Jean McElhinney, Mrs. Oriville Boyd, Mrs. Albert Kaiser and Mrs. Estel Mudd. A great deal of time and labor has been given to make Stronghurst's first May party a success. The Committee solicit the patronage of the public. Tags will be sold at ten cents each. In case of unfavorable weather, the fete will be postponed to a future date.
(During the 1920's bank robberies were common. The following article details plans to subvert such a crime happening locally.) COUNTY BANKERS TO ORGANIZE: "Illinois bankers are engaged in a duel to the death with bank robbers and the effects of a momentous campaign, now being conducted in every quarter of the state will be brought home when the Henderson County Bankers Federation has a meeting at the Masonic Hall on May 14 at 7:30 pm in Stronghurst. With a large section of Illinois already organized, virtually on a war footing, the federation here will perfect its plans at once and within a short space of time will be functioning as one of the most forceful protective groups among the 102 counties of the state.
When the organizers from the Illinois Bankers Association arrive here, this, in substance, is what may be expected to take place. Every banker in the county has been invited to attend the meeting as well as the sheriff, members of the board of supervisors, the state's attorney and the local peace officers. The chairman of the county federation is the presiding officer, being aided in the conduct of the meeting by the secretary of the federation and the protective chairman.
The Chicago party conducting the campaign will be composed from two to five officials, among them R. C. Saunders, former chief of police at Des Moines and a state agent under former Governor Harding of Iowa. It was he who was field organizer for Iowa in the vigorous campaign to put the bank robbers out of business in that state and he will explain the workings of the plan in the neighboring state besides helping the county federation to form a permanent protective soldiery here and in the other towns in the county. The bankers of the county welcome business men and others in the meeting as the subject is of general interest.
The sheriff is the principal functionary in the town guard system created with the principal aim of combating bank bandits, but it is obvious that the organization will serve the purpose of giving general protection to the entire community in which it serves. For instance, should there be a case of thievery or attempted robbery or vandalism in any other line of business or an attack on the home of homes of private individuals, the peace organization as formed under the supervision of the sheriff will be able to give almost instant aid in giving battle to the aggressors.
The town guard are chosen from a list of a dozen or more of the most likely citizens of each locality. Three to a half dozen of these will be selected. Each is to be deputized by the sheriff and will be furnished a revolver of heavy caliber; each organization will have at least two Krag carbine rifles approved by the government. Membership in the National Rifle Association will increase the expertness of the community town guard.
Every bank is to be supplied with a large red card easily discernible by crooks who may visit the neighborhood and which states specifically that $1,000 will be paid for the capture or taking of any robber or robbers, burglar or burglars dead or alive. In the county meeting this week, samples of these guns, revolvers, cards of reward and the like will be displayed for inspection by the meeting. Numerous incidents of how criminals have been sent to the penitentiaries for life or who have been killed outright while being sought in their desperate operations will be told by Mr. Saunders.
Every county visited in the campaign, thus far, has placed itself behind the town-guard plan by 100%. The bankers and the county officials, particular the sheriff, have been on record unequivocally in favor of such an organization and in the counties, it has been almost impossible for the campaign officials so arrange their time for the succeeding meeting:" (Bonnie and Clyde watch out!)
5th PLACE IN MILITARY TRACT MEET: In the Military Tract and Knox Relays track and field meet held at Galesburg, the Stronghurst High School team finished in 5th place with a score of 9 1/3 points. Four points were made by Wilcox who finished 2nd in the 50 yd dash and 4th in the 220. Burrell made 3 1/5 points by taking 2nd in the discus and tying with 4 others for 4th place in the pole vault. Kemp added one point by finishing 4th in the 440yd dash and Mills added 1 point by taking 4th in the high jump:
-OBITUARY-REUBEN THOMAS: Reuben Thomas, an aged citizen of the village who moved here from Burlington last summer into the property across the street south of the U.P. parsonage, passed away at his home at about 7 o'clock pm on May 1st. The deceased was born at Greene, N.Y. on June 27, 1842, making him 82 year, 10 months and 4 days old at the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted as a private in Captain Bell's Company on the 28th day of August 1862. He was a member of General Sherman's army, but on account of injuries received in action, he was unable to participate in the famous march to the sea, being confined at the time in a hospital. He received his honorable discharge from service at Convalescent Camp, Va. on Dec. 19, 1863. He was a descendant of General John Thomas of the American Continental Army. For a number of years following the war, Mr. Thomas was engaged in the mercantile business at Pontoosuc, Ill, later moving to the vicinity of Burlington, Iowa where he took up the pursuit of farming, retiring from active duties in 1909.
Mr. Thomas' wife, who survives him, was formerly Euphemia Augusta Jones, a sister of Mr. A. E. Jones of this village. The couple were united in marriage on June 23, 1865. Three sons born to this union survive with the mother to mourn his death, namely Alfred Edward of Chicago, Ill., Osborne Melville of Centennial, Wyo. and Howard William at home. Funeral services were conducted at the Stronghurst U.P. Church with interment of the remains in Hope Abbey mausoleum.
FREE TRIPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS: The Santa Fe Railroad is again cooperating with the National Boys' and Girls' Club by offering 59 trips to the Fourth National Congress to be held in Chicago next December. This is the third year the Santa Fe has been active in this work having taken 65 boys and girls to Chicago in 1923 and 50 in 1924
Nine states will get the benefit of the Santa Fe's offer, and the trips which will be awarded to county champions by other outstanding club members in livestock and crop projects, and will be apportioned as follows: Texas 19, Oklahoma 13, Kansas 12, Missouri 4, Illinois, Colorado and New Mexico 3 each and Iowa and Arizona 1 each:The purpose in offering these trips which not only permit the winners to attend the National Club Congress but also the International Livestock Show, is to encourage more boys and girls along the Santa Fe to become interest in club work, officials of the company believing it is an effective way of promoting agricultural efficiency for the future. The Illinois boys and girls who made the trip of the Santa Fe last year were Donald Johnson of Morris, Robert Armstrong of Monmouth and Lyman E. Felgar of Bowen.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Alfred E. Thomas of Chicago, Ill., and Osborn M. Thomas of Centennial, Wyo., were called here by the death of their father, Reuben Thomas. R.T. McDill, who has been taking a ten day vacation from his duties as guard at the state penitentiary at Joliet, Ill., called on Stronghurst friends. John Marshall of the neighborhood west of Stronghurst suffered an attack of appendicitis and was taken to the Burlington Hospital where he underwent an operation. He is reported to be recovering nicely. Miss Edith Bell, a former missionary in Rhodesia, Africa, and now a field worker in this country for W.F.M.S. of the M. E. Church gave a highly interesting and instructive address dealing with the mission problem as related to present world condition last Tuesday evening at the local M. E. Church. Clifford Shafer, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Shafer, celebrated his birthday last Wednesday afternoon with a party at the house of his parents south of town. Delicious refreshments of ice cream, cake, sandwiches and pickles were served and a good time was reported by all the youngsters.
The city of Monmouth will entertain Second Assistant P.M. General Paul Henderson and Carl F. Egge, general superintendent of air mail service in the U.S. at a banquet next Friday night in the city armory. The officials will be in the city to inspect the government landing field. Mrs. Ruth Little and her sister, Laurel Foote, came down from Chicago for a visit with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Foote. Blandinsville's fourth big fire within nine months occurred last Saturday morning when the West Side Garage owned by R. L. Davis was destroyed together with two autos, accessories and garage machinery. The total loss is estimated at $20,000 and is only partially covered by insurance. The origin of the fire, which was first discovered at about 2 o'clock a.m. is unknown.
JOIN THE CARAVAN: A caravan of 35 cars will leave Carthage on Sunday, May 17th for Abingdon, Ill. where Grady Cantrell is to begin a series of evangelistic meetings there. Cars from Adrian, Ferris, Burnside, LaHarpe, Stronghurst and Biggsville will join the caravan at Berwick and starting from there at 2 o'clock p.m., the precession will proceed to Abingdon, arriving in time for Grady's opening meeting. Those from Stronghurst and vicinity who are willing to pledge the use of their cars for the trip are asked to report to one of the ministers in the village or to Mrs. Foster Lazier. Those from Stronghurst who have no means of conveyance on their own and who wish to accompany the Stronghurst bunch of boosters should contact the committee which will endeavor to arrange their transportation.
LUMBER COMPANY TO SELL FEED: The Pioneer Lumber Co. unloaded a carload of assorted feed this week. The local yard, as many know, is one of a chain of 15 lumber yards in Illinois. The Pioneer Lumber Co. has handles feed in some of their yards for some time, but only recently inaugurated this service in its yard situated in this vicinity. In selection the line of feed to handle, the company spent a great deal of time and money before making is choice and after a through investigation, it decided to handle the Purina Chows because of the high quality of the ingredients used and the class of service the Purina People give to farmers:
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: Both John Marshall and Gid Bailey are in the Burlington Hospital recovering from a surgical operation for appendicitis and are making very satisfactory gain. Mrs. Charles Lant, who has been quite badly afflicted in the past several days, is gradually recovering her normal health. Many of the country schools, their teachers and pupils have been going to different points so the pupils could take the final exams. Both Miss Spear and pupils of the Olena school and Miss Burrell and students went to the Bacon school. Miss Esther Johnson and pupils in Carman and Miss Thelma Peterson and pupils went to Media. Quite a number of the nearby schools have re-employed their teachers with a slight raise in salary. The Hopper school closes May 5th with a picnic for pupils and parents. The Olena school will close May 7th with a picnic in the grove on the Dean farm occupied by Lon Lage and wife. Mrs. Hazel Johnson Fisher of California has sent her mother a few settings of turkey eggs such as they raise in the land of sunshine and plenty. We will now focus our eyes on this home along about Christmas time. (Editor is asking for an invitation to dinner.) Cool weather is delaying planting by farmers. Two gentlemen from Burlington have been shearing sheep in the Marshall neighborhood.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: The division of the United Presbyterian Church with Miss Mary Millen as captain met with Mrs. Clara Ericson. Making quilt blocks was the work of the day. The next meeting will at the home of Mrs. Pearl McCormick. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bell and son Paul of Stronghurst were callers Sabbath afternoon at the homes of Mrs. H. J. Millen, Robt. Mekemson and John Fagan. Rev. Barnes of Monmouth preached at the United Presbyterian Church last Sabbath. A united unanimous vote was extended by the congregation to Rev. Caughey of Red Oak, Iowa, to become their new minister. Miss Dorothy White attended the track meet at Galesburg and stayed over Sabbath with her sister, Miss Madaline at Knox College. Bert Liby returned from California making the trip by land. Dr. Babcock is having his office overhauled and decorated.
Last Friday evening at the M. E. parsonage in Burlington, Henry Kaiser and Miss Mildred Kilgore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kilgore were united in marriage. Mr. Kaiser has been here the past two years in bridge work and he and his bride left for Kansas where he has recently had a new home erected on his farm. Mrs. Kaiser has been one of the popular young ladies and school teachers. Mr. and Mrs. Jake Tharpe are guests at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. John McKee. The Tharpe's just returned from an eight month stay with their daughter at Washington, D.C. Thank Offering services of the Women's Missionary Society and the Light Bearers of the Methodist Church was held last Sabbath. A good attendance was present and the thank offering amounted to $25; the children's society was $2. That evening the Monmouth Epworth League attended the local Epworth meeting. In two weeks, the local league will go to Monmouth.
While the two little boys of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Moore were at play at their home northeast of town, Max, the older boy, was handling a supposed not to be loaded revolver, but it was and discharge in some manner and the shot hit J. Wilbur, going through his cheek and passing out of his neck. Mrs. Chas. Whiteman has been quite sick the past few days. Mrs. Alph Renwick has been suffering with pleurisy (pain in the chest area with each breath) at her home west of town.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: A musical comedy, "The Wishing Well," will be given by the high school students at the Academy under the direction of Miss Mary Dixson, the musical instructor. The price of admission is 25 and 35 cents. The Men's Bible Class of the United Church has increased so in numbers that it has been decided that to have more room they will in the future meet at the M. E. Church for Sunday school at ten o'clock. They will adjourn in time to be at the U.P. Church for the closing exercises of the school. The congregation of this church is growing so that more church room is going to be needed badly. The Wednesday prayer meetings are to be held at the M. E. Church. Prof. Neil Ausmus, who has been principal of the high school the past two years, has been employed as superintendent of the Dallas City Schools for the next school year. A. L. Beall, County Superintendent of schools, held final examinations for the pupils of the 7th and 8th grades of the rural districts of Media Township at the grade school building here on Saturday. The 7th and 8th grades of the Media school will take their exam later. "Mike" Howell who underwent an operation for appendicitis at Burlington Hospital recently was able to resume his work at the office of the lumber company. Miss Ruth Howell closed a successful term of school at the Stone school north of town with a picnic. The Senior class play, "Searching for Carolyn," was given at the Academy with proceeds being $60.65.
Prof. Ausmus, Coach Dixon and a number of the high school boys attended the athletic meet at LaHarpe. Clarence Vaughn won first in the 100-yard dash and second in the 440-yard dash. Mabel White had the misfortune to hurt her head quite badly Sunday afternoon while playing hide and go seek. She had hidden in the barn and when rising to come out, she struck her head on a rusty nail protruding from a beam above her, cutting a gash about three inches in length. Antitoxin for the prevention of tetanus was given her by Dr. L. T. Hoyt of Raritan. At school quite a lot of new books of fiction has been added to the high school library and a lot of new equipment for the laboratory was added there too.