The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.


The 1925 Graphic

Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross

Stronghurst Graphic: October 22, 1925

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?  About 30 citizens of Henderson County representing its farming, manufacturing, commercial and allied interest met in the Biggsville Township High School auditorium and launched a movement which it is hoped will result in a closer union of communities, individuals and industrial and occupational groups with in the county in an effort to convince outsiders who may be seeking a location where they may live and prosperously, happily and contentedly of the possibilities which this section presents along these lines…Preliminary steps for the formation were taken at meeting by the effecting of a temporary organization consisting of three men from each township with Mr. E. G. Lewis of Media as Chairman, Mr. Paul Erickson of Media as secretary and Mr. D.A.Prescott of Stronghurst as treasurer.  They decided to hold a banquet on Nov. 19th in the Biggsville gymnasium inviting everyone in the county who are interested in the Chamber of Commerce movement.  The principal speaker will be Wm. Ware, secretary of the Chicago Association of Commerce and a recognized expert on organization work. 

DEATH OF CARTHAGE ATTORNEY: Franklin K. Hartzell, a prominent young attorney of Carthage, Ill. died suddenly at his home Monday evening following a heart attack.  The deceased was the son of Attorney W.H. Hartzell and was associated with the latter in the practice of law.  He was a Democratic candidate for representative from the 32nd legislative district last fall, being defeated by William Adcock of Warren County.  Another son of Attorney W.H. Hartzell was killed several years ago while engaged in overseas service in the World War.

MADE THEM TAKE NOTE:  The Chicago Herald and Examiner of last Friday gave Henderson County a nice little boost in an illustrated article describing a feature of the county’s exhibit at the Illinois Products Exposition.  The illustration showed an attractive looking young lady holding a huge “guinea bean” in the pose of a batter about to line out a “homer.”  The following “write-up” accompanied the illustration: “If Max Carey, the baseball slugger, had used a string bean like they raise in Henderson County when he went to bat yesterday, his average would have been a thousand.  Last week when Princeton, Ill., produced an eight-pound bean at the Illinois Products Exposition, Paul Erickson in the next booth, decided it was time to out bean Princeton.  So, he wired down to Henderson County to come on with a real bean.  The result was a nine and a quarter pound bean so proudly displayed by Mr. Erickson in the Henderson County booth.  Miss Charlotte Wahtuck is assisting at the exhibit.”  The bean mentioned is now on exhibition in the window of the Herald Examiner’s office in Chicago.

(Guinea Bean The New Guinea bean is neither from New Guinea nor a bean, but rather a climbing edible squash. Known as 'Cucuzza' by Italians or 'Lauki' or 'Dudhi' by Indians, this rampant vine produces long pale green fruits with white flesh. They are brilliant in stir fries, stews, curries and my favorite cake of all time! Apr 26, 2018-internet)

(Three articles of interest to some may be the Farmers Institute and the County Women’s Club Picnic detailing programs and attendees.  Another article features the requirements to participate in the Calf Club Work with pictures of winners from the last show. Check out this issue.)

SHOOTING AT LA HARPE: Ward Bright, a young farmer of the Fountain Green neighborhood, was shot through the left arm and chest last Sunday afternoon at La Harpe when he attempted to escape from the custody of Mayor Adams and his Son Gordon, who were taking Bright and a companion, Ralph Wilson, to the city jail following their arrest for drunkenness and disorderly conduct on the streets.  Being overtaken, he attempted to resist the mayor and his son who pulled their guns and started firing at him.  He then broke and ran again for several blocks, bringing up in a private garage where he was later found suffering from bullet wounds in the chest and arm.  He was removed to the La Harpe Hospital where the wound in his chest was found to be of a serious nature.  His recovery, however, is looked for unless complications develop to aggravate his condition.  Bright is only 18 years of age and is the son of Marion Bright who was killed a few weeks ago when an automobile ran into his buggy in the darkness.

OBITUARY***MRS. JAMES HOUSER***The remains of Mrs. Houser of Henderson, Iowa, accompanied by her son Eddie of Colorado and her sister, Mrs. Dora Haislet of Yuma, Colo. were brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Marsden early Tuesday morning and in this home at 1:30 pm short services conducted by Rev. Hubbs of Gladstone were held.  Burial was in Olena Cemetery.  This service was largely attended.  Many friends from a distance came to show respect and appreciation for one whose young life was spent in this immediate neighborhood.

Martha, daughter of Hamilton and Anna E. Evans, was born in Henderson County, Illinois, July 28, 1854 and departed this life at her home in Henderson, Iowa after a brief illness on Oct. 16, 1925, aged 71 years, 2 months and 18 days.  Her girlhood days were spent in Henderson County. Here she grew to charming womanhood.  She was united in marriage to Addison McChesney in Henderson County, IL.  To this union were born four children, three of whom preceded the mother to the spirit world.  In early life she was converted to Christ, uniting with the United Presbyterian Church and lived an earnest, consecrated life.  In 1880 her husband departed this life in Henderson County, Ill.  In the year 1899, Oct.4th, she was united in marriage to James Houser of Henderson, Iowa, where they continued to reside till sister Houser was called by death to her heavenly home…Some months ago she suffered an attack of “flu,” since which time she was not as strong as before.  Her final illness was of short duration with death coming suddenly and unexpectedly to her loved ones and friends…She was a good mother as long as health permitted, a fine sister, a good neighbor and a true friend…She leaves to mourn her departure the loving husband, aged mother, a son, J. Edward McChesney of Los Animas, Colo. and sisters and brothers as follows: Mrs. Nancy E. Burrell of Henderson County, Ill.; Mrs. Mary Bennington of Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Sara C. Marston of Dexter, Iowa; Mrs. Dora Haislett of Yuma, Colo.; John T. Evans of Winfield, Iowa; George M. Evans of Oakland, Iowa; also four grandchildren and one great grandchild and other relatives and friends.  (Notes from the funeral in Henderson, Iowa included in this article).

LOMAX LINGERINGS: Geo. Admire and family of Dallas City have moved to Lomax and are living in the Roth property.  He is working on the Santa Fe.  The meetings that have been held at the Nazarene Church for the past two weeks by Rev. Ford, closed Sunday night.  Rev. Ford, being hired, returned to his home to make arrangement to move his family to Lomax. 

LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Floyd P. Clark of this village is to represent the local I.O.O.F. lodge at the annual state Odd Fellows’ convention in Springfield.  Mr. and Mrs. William Forbes and their daughter, Mrs. Furgazza and young son, all of Denver, Colo. visited at the home of the gentleman’s brother, C. S. Forbes and family this past week.  Joe Huff and family were visitors with friends at New Boston, Ill.  They report that evangelist Cantrell and Pecaut have closed a series of revival meetings with 85 professed conversions.  A large crowd of young people from the Lutheran church attended a “weenie roast” at the Malmberg home.  Nate Groom, who has been with a threshing crew in Canada, returned home.  Mr. Jesse Avery of Dallas City, a brother of Joe Avery of Olena, passed away at his home last Tuesday following a paralytic stroke.  Ray Salter has been a patient in the Burlington Hospital due to a recurrence of the same trouble for which he was treated there several months ago.  He may be able to return home soon.  Mayor Earl Curtis of Dallas City gave a radio talk at the Illinois Products show in Chicago which he told of the resources, industries and possibilities of Henderson County and also the excellent product which the Curtis Ax Handle Co. of Dallas City of which he is present is turning out.

CARMAN CONCERNS:  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kirby were in town on the way to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where they will remain for a few days before returning to their work at Oquawka where they will remain for the winter helping Clyde Mead who is superintendent of the county farm.  Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marsden are the parent of a 12 lb. baby daughter born to them Monday morning of this week.  Mrs. Martha Mead remains in critical condition.  Mrs. Frances Dixon left for Springfield as a delegate from the Carman Rebekah lodge at the state convention. 

MEDIA MEANDERING: A company of Media citizens purchased a moving picture machine for the purpose of conducting a picture show here in town.  The machine is practically new and one of the best made.  It has been decided to hold the shows in the new gymnasium, which is the most ideal place in town for that purpose.  It is now up to town people to boost and support this new project as it is undoubtedly an asset to the community. Jim Brewer of near Stronghurst id drilling a well at the new house built recently here in town on property owned by E. G. Lewis.  A number of people enjoyed an oyster supper at the home of Mrs. Etta Thompson.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Powell and son, Harold; Mr. and Mrs. F. I. Baskett and son Roy; Mr. and Mrs. George Hickman and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gibson.  Rev. John Bradford of Chicago delivered a sermon from the United Church last Sunday.  About 28 years ago Rev. Bradford spent seven years in town as pastor of the United Presbyterian Church and instructor at the Wever Academy.  Mrs. Shelby Vaughn was brought home from the Burlington Hospital; there isn’t much change in her condition.  Chas. Pogue, one of Media’s grid-iron enthusiasts, attended the Illinois Iowa game at Iowa City last Saturday.  Mr. Pogue had a reserved seat right on the 50 yd. line and reports the game a thriller.  The Men’s Bible Class is steadily growing in numbers and have taken up under their supervision the building up of Wever Lake.  They were the promoters of the purchase of the moving picture machine for use of the community for educational programs.  It is the desire of this class to enroll every man in the community and a cordial invitation is extended to anyone to join.  Considering the bad condition of the roads a fairly good crowd attended the Federated Club Picnic held here all-day Thursday.  Biggsville and Stronghurst were both well represented.  The picnic will be held in Raritan next year.  The day’s program consisted of reports, election of officers, music and a picnic dinner. 

BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Mrs. R. O. Mudd came from Lewiston for a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Essex.  A large crowd was present to hear the first number of the season Lyceum course, which is in charge of the Senior Class of the high school which was given Saturday night by a quartette of colored men.  Miss Elizabeth Sloan has been granted three months leave of absence from her work as second trick operator at the C.B. & Q. station here and after visiting friends at Galesburg, Monmouth and Batavia, Iowa, she will go to Florida to spend the winter.  Everett Davis will have the second and Lyle Graham of Burlington will have the third trick. (A trick was someone who did not work directly on the railroad, i.e., station manager, telegraph operator, etc.)  Miss Carol Everett, who is teaching in the high school of Hull, Ill. is at home as the school there has been closed on account of diphtheria.  John and Hanie Berresford have been having a siege of chicken pox.  John is back in school now. Members of the Methodist Church and those affiliated with the congregation were asked to meet at the church today to put the church in readiness for the laying of the new carpet.  Dinner was served at the noon hour and each one was asked to bring table service, sandwiches and one dish.

RARITAN REPORTS: Mrs. Will Lauver was at Stronghurst having some dental work done.  Chas. Lyons, an aged and highly respected citizen, passed away at the home of his brother Fred, 2 ¼ miles east of Raritan Monday evening following an illness of several months.  He leaves to mourn his departure one brother, two nephews, an uncle and other relatives.  He was one of the community’s best hog raisers.  Funeral services were held at the house.  A number of farmers of this community have started picking corn.  Lue Parson, who has spent the past summer in Washington in the interest of a patent which he is trying to get put through, arrived home.