The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
OBITUARY: L. D. COLYER-Lorenzo D. Colyer, one of the oldest inhabitants of this part of the state and a resident of Henderson County for the past 77 years, passed away last Sunday, Aug. 30th at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Lukens. He had been gradually declining in health for several months past and as the result of two falls, on of which he sustained in December last and the other in the month of July. Previous to the first accident, he had been unusually active and alert for his advanced age.
Mr. Colyer was born at Root, N.Y. Sept. 8, 1833, his age at the time of his death being 91 years, 11 months and 22 days. He came to Illinois when he was 15 years of age and has been identified with the growth and development of Henderson County since that time. On November 17, 1858, he was united in marriage to Nancy Carmichael on what is known as the Forward farm one mile east of Gladstone. During the Civil War Mr. Colyer responded to his country's call and became a member of the 47th Illinois Regiment of Infantry, serving until the close of the conflict. He then engaged in the milling business, operating mills at Kirkwood and Jack's Mill and also what was known as Ward's Mill near Gladstone. After retiring from the milling business, Mr. and Mrs. Colyer established a home in Gladstone where they lived until about ten years ago when they came to Stronghurst to be near their two daughters.
Besides his aged companion with whom he had shared the joy and sorrow of life for a period of 67 years, Mr. Colyer is survived by one son, Orville S. Colyer of St. Joseph, Mo.; two daughters, Mrs. Lena R. McKeown and Mrs. Margaret J. Lukens of Stronghurst and 11 grandchildren. Two sons, Oliver E. and Willard L. and one daughter, Mar Eva Cadle, preceded him in death. Mr. Colyer became a member of the United Presbyterian Church at South Henderson many years ago and continued to hold his membership there to the time of his decease. Funeral services were conducted the Stronghurst U.P. Church with interment in the Stronghurst cemetery. Pall bearers were Ray and Russell Cadle, Harold and William Lukens and Clifford McKeown, all grandsons of the deceased and Lester McKeown.
OBITUARIES-L. A. WILSON-Last week's paper stated the cause of death would be determined by the coroner's inquest and Coroner Emerson, however, decided after his arrival here and inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case that a formal inquest into circumstances was unnecessary; the physicians who had been called gave it as their opinion that death had resulted from a stroke of apoplexy. As stated in the previous article, Mr. Wilson expired on the lawn of his residence while engaged in completing a job of lawn mowing left unfinished by a boy whom he had employed.
Leonard Abney Wilson was the son of Robert D. and Lucetta Crenshaw Wilson and was born near Raritan, Ill. on Dec. 28, 1860. He passed away at his home in Stronghurst on Aug. 27, 1925, aged 64 years and 8 months. Mr. Wilson had been physically handicapped during the most of his life, having at the age of seven years been stricken with infantile paralysis from which he partially recovered. At the age of 14, he was thrown from a pony which he was riding, breaking his afflicted limb which left his a cripple of rest of his life. This affliction, however, did not suppress his ambitions. In early manhood he gained the confidence of his townspeople who honored him with the respective offices of Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk and Tax Collector. He also held the position of assistant postmaster for four years going to Dallas City, Illinois at the completion of his term at accept the position of bookkeeper for the Loomis Lumber Co.
At this time his health failed and he went to Kirkwood Mo. where he received treatment from osteopaths who were successful in restoring him to his usual health. He then returned to Stronghurst where he lived with his mother on the "home place" until her death. After moving into Stronghurst in 1908, he purchased the livestock shipping scales at the stockyards, which he operated until about two years ago.
Mr. Wilson was united in marriage on Feb. 12, 1896 to Miss Isabelle Jane Brown and to this union two children were born, Ruth Allyne, who died in infancy, and Robert Eugene, who lives at Williamsfield, Ill. In addition to his wife and son there remains to mourn his departure two brothers, Silas A. Wilson, Waitsburg, Wash. and John R. Wilson of Norman, Okla. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death…Funeral services were conducted at the Stronghurst Christian Church with interment in the local cemetery.
FIRE IN TERRE HAUTE TOWNSHIP: A serious conflagration was narrowly averted on the George Mathews farm in Terre Haute Township last Saturday when a hen house on the place caught fire from a pile of burning trash and together with another building of a similar nature was consumed. Another building standing only about 15 feet from the family residence was threatened and if it had burned, the probabilities are that the dwelling would have caught fire and been destroyed. Only the most strenuous efforts on the part of neighbors who in answer to a telephone alarm quickly assembled at the scene prevented the spread of the flames and the destruction of many thousand dollars' worth of property. As it was, the loss included the two hen houses valued at about $200 and a number of young fruit trees which were ruined by the scorching they received. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews wish to express their appreciation of the valuable service rendered by their neighbors who came to their aid so quickly after the alarm was sent out.
VISITED OLD HOME: Hugh O. Smith arrived home from a two weeks' visit with his aged mother in the vicinity of Salisbury, N.C. Hugh says that North Carolina has kept pace with the other states of the union in the march of progress in recent years and that many changes had occurred in conditions there during the 14 years which had elapsed since he came to Illinois. He was particularly impressed with the fine system of highways which has been built up and with the many improvements in living conditions which have followed the introduction of public utilities of various kinds. He thinks also that the opportunities offered by the cotton and tobacco growing industries for financial gain are equal if not superior to those which the corn and wheat growing states have to offer…
FARM BUREAU BASEBALL TEAM SUCCUMB TO TAZEWELL COUNTY: After a bad start in the first four innings of their game with Tazewell County, the Henderson County Farm Bureau baseball team made a desperate effort in the ninth to even up the score but fell short, the contest and state championship going to Tazewell by a count of 8 to 6. The home boys seemed a little nervous and over anxious in the first four innings when a combination of six hits and five errors gave their opponents a lead of seven runs which proved to be enough…(for an inning by inning account, read this article at the Henderson County Library on microfilm.)
A CELEBRY VISITS: Dr. and Mrs. I. F. Harter had as dinner guests Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Ward and two children, Mr. Roscoe M. Ward of Hollywood, Calif. and Miss Huff of Abingdon, Ill. Mr. Elbert Ward is principal of a public school at Downey, Calif. and Mr. Roscoe Ward is connected with the Max Sennett Moving Picture Production Co., both as actor and director. The two men came to Illinois to be present at the burial of their father, Roscoe Ward, Sr. who passed away at a hospital in North Dakota.
TWO FARMS FOR SALE: Edward Babcook-2 miles north and 1-2 miles south and 1-2 miles east of Carman and Mrs. Chas. O'Gren-40 acres or thereabouts adjoining Stronghurst on the east. Also valuable as a town sub-division proposition.
COMING TO BURLINGTON: BIG 101 RANCH WILD WEST SHOW: Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Real Wild West and Great Far East, the largest show of its kind in the world come to Burlington, Iowa on Sept. 15, and it will present the principal streets before noon that day what is positively the largest and most picturesque parade in this or any other land. Miller Brothers, owners of the famous 101 Ranch at Marland, Oklahoma, which contains nearly 150,000 acres, have a million a year each to spend. This year the seven-figure income of the ranch's president, Co. J. C. Miller, has gone into the show's performances, parade and features. The ranch as a company paid for the trains, the canvas, the wagons and the tons of equipment. The steel cars alone cost $300,000. These figures are not exaggerated, for 101 Ranch Real Wild West is out for glory on the road to give America a chance to see once more, on a great scale, our country's greatest romance reenacted-the winning of the empire of the West.
Miller Brothers have added the Great Far East so that gorgeous pageantry, elephants, camels, reckless riders of the entire world and exotic spectacles might make doubly sure the show's appeal as a thrilling, beautiful and dazzling entertainment. A three-ring circus was bought outright and merged with the performances.
Of course, Colonel Miller and his brothers, Zack and George, wish the huge troupe to be a mighty success and they know this cannot be unless it draws tremendous crowds so staggering array of features so have be added-world's champion cowboys and cowgirls; Russian crack Cossack contingents; Mexican Rurales; South American vaqueros; Chinese soldier banditti; Manchu irregular horse; Hindu and Burmese troupes, crack Zouaves from French Indo-China; Arabian tribesmen ahorse and Turkestan bareback troupe…Among the historical figures is Ezra Meeker, the only living person who crossed the Oregon Trail as an adult and who, at the age of 95, crossed the continent in an airplane. This romantic figure, the living link between the old West and the new, will drive an oxen team from his covered wagon in the parade and in the opening spectacle of the performance.
The big show requires 15 acres of canvas. The rectangular big top contains 240,000 square feet, and its opera chair grandstand with its auxiliary tiers, seats 14,000 people. There are 300 Indians, 300 rides, 600 horses, elephants, camels, buffalo, oxen, longhorns, burros, ponies and Eskimo dog teams with the show. There are about 1,400 people in all. Every famous chief and warrior now living will be seen in the arena and in the street parade.
WEDDING BELLS-MARSDEN & MOON: Miss Lora Marsden, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Marsden and Mr. Dale Moon, both of this vicinity, surprised their many friends b going to Kahoka, Mo. where they were married at the Kahoka M.E. Church.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mrs. Ruth Nesbit and son Edison of Chicago are visiting at the home of W. H. Bainter and family. Mrs. Hannah Parish of Boseman, Mont. Is a visitor in the home of her niece, Miss Ella McQuown. Jack and Clifton Regan, Albert Kaiser and Harold McMillan returned from a ten-day auto tour in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall are the parents of a daughter born Aug. 26th. The new arrival will answer to the name of Barbara Jeane. F.O. Tweed Hardware Store is offering five and six tube Freed-Eisemann Radio Sets. Mr. Gust Swanson and son Albert motored to Rock Island where Albert will be a junior at Augustana College. Riding along was Rev. Holt who wished to visit his alma mater and transact business at the Augustana Book Concern. Miss Edith Hartquist, who was operated on Aug. 22nd for appendicitis is reported to be doing very nicely. Walter Gould of this place has been spending considerable time working in the Raritan area helping his brother, John Gould, who is slightly ill. Alvah Nevius, who is employed by a big oil production concern with headquarters at Houston, Texas arrived here to join his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Nevius who have been visiting relatives and old friends. The ladies of the Lutheran Church will operate a refreshment stand at the Chautauqua grounds. The Junior Mission Band will sell homemade candy. Rev. Samuel McKeown, wife and daughter who have been visiting here left for their home at Overton, Neb. Rev. McKeown gave a very interesting sermon at the union services at the Christian Church.
Miss Sara McElhinney left for Waterloo, Iowa where she has been re-employed as a teacher in the schools there. Hurf Flanegin, who has just completed a summer course in engineering at Chicago University, is expected home Friday evening. Cadet G. F. Hicks arrived here from the U.S. C.G. Academy at New London, Conn. for a vacation visit with his family, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hicks. George Peasley who has been selling cars and looking after a homestead claim in Wyoming is visiting home folks. By annexing the former Taylor and Gray Lumber yard at Maquon, Ill, the Pioneer Lumber Co., which is the parent concern of the Stronghurst Lumber Co., now has 16 local yards in operation. Mrs. George Shafer and daughter Eva returned home after a month visit with Dr. and Mrs. E.B. Richey at Detroit, Mich. While there, Mrs. Shafer had her teeth extracted and Miss Eva had her tonsils removed. They also visited Windsor, Canada. John Peasley and family are moving into Stronghurst from the C. E. Peasley place where they have been living since their own home was destroyed by fire last winter. They will be giving their children the benefit of the school facilities. A.E. Moore and family returned from an auto trip to Winnipeg, Canada where they visited relatives of Mrs. Moore. They report fine gravel roads the greater part of the distance. Bert says that the Canadian farmers are favored with good crops this year and the signs of returning prosperity. A family reunion b the McKeown family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Jones in the west part of Stronghurst. (Long list of attendees).
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: Mr. William Hickman who has been very ill at the Burlington Hospital was brought back home; there has been little change in his condition. His daughter, Mrs. Frank Hamilton of Pontiac, Michigan is here helping care for her father. Waldo Erickson and Elbert Calhoun left for Des Moines, Iowa to attend the Iowa State Fair. Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Lewis, their two boys and Miss Eleanor Wragg returned home from an extended trip in the West. The field west of town owned b Mr. E.S. Mathers has been leased by the Media High School Board for the next five years; it will be used for athletic purposes. A very competent coach, Mr. Paul Clarke, has been hired and is already interesting the boys in football. There is no reason why M.H.S. should not have a real “eleven” this year if the public will support and encourage the boys.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Paul Bell spent Thursday and Friday nights with his cousin, Roy Millen. The High and Grade Schools commenced Monday with a good attendance. Seventy-seven students were enrolled in the high school. Prof. T. W. Everett, Glenn Pickens, Miss Grace Selbalt, Miss Eva Gibb and Miss Edna Jamison are teachers in the high school and Clifford Delabar, Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Gridley at the district school. At the grade school 88 students enrolled. Mr. Jack Keener is enjoying a two weeks’ vacation in Washington, D.C. Chas. Cooper and family of Terre Haute moved into the Wiegand residence.
LOMAX LINGERINGS: A number of teachers attended the institute in Monmouth. Lee Smiddy preached to quite a large crowd at the Nazarene Church Sunday. T.A. Howard, a highly esteemed citizen, passed away at the LaHarpe Hospital at the age of 84 years. He has been making his home with a daughter, Mrs. Robert Scott, until this last week when he was removed to the hospital. His wife passed away in January of this year. He leaves four sons and one daughter plus a number of other relatives. Funeral services were held at the Christian Church with burial in the Crane Cemetery.
SWINE SANITATION TOUR: An opportunity for farmers of Henderson County will be on Sept. 15 to study the results secured by the men who have been co-operating with the Farm Bureau and College of Agriculture in raising their pigs under the sanitary plan. This plan calls for the pigs to be farrowed in clean quarters and kept on clean ground until they are at least four months old. E. T. Robbins, livestock specialist in charge of the work over the state, will be present and his explanation of the plan and report of results secured will be a feature of the tour. He will also discuss special problems of pasture, watering and feeding which have been encountered and solved in other counties.