The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
FORT TO BE STATE’S ATTORNEY: The June meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Henderson County was held at the county court house in Oquawka. At this session a resolution was passed by the board appointing Attorney C. E. Fort, Jr. to act as State’s Attorney of Henderson County for the June term of county court and for the October term of circuit court. Recommendations were also made for persons to take the examination at Springfield for Superintendent of Highways of Henderson County. Supervisors C. H. Curry, August Weigand and J. M. Neff were nominated to go and take such examination.
BAND TO PLAY JULY 4TH CELEBRATION: The Stronghurst band has been engaged to furnish the music at the Fourth of July celebration at Raritan. As the Fourth happens to be on Sunday this year, the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will take place in Raritan on the fifth of July. The Raritan Booster Club is sponsoring the observance and promise a real celebration in “ the town where folks shake hands.”
Stronghurst is proud of her musicians and boasts the only concert band in Henderson County. This organization has for some time given Saturday evening concerts on the streets of Stronghurst. It was the first band in this part of the country to give its opening concert and has been pleasing large crowds in Stronghurst with its well rendered music from the first.
WEDDING BELLS-ROBERTS & WHALEN: “Wednesday morning at seven o’clock, Forrest B. Roberts of Stronghurst and Mildred S. Whalen of Colchester Township were united in marriage at the Catholic Church, Rev. M. Ryan officiating. Only the near relatives were present. They were attended by Miss Erma Trapp of Quincy, a cousin of the bride, and Mr, Wybrandt of Tennessee, Ill. The wedding march was played by Mrs. Peter Kennedy, who also played during the service. Miss Mary Ellen Dougherty sang very sweetly “Ave Maria” and during the ceremony.
The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Whalen and attended the Teachers’ College here and later assisted with the work in the county Treasurer’s and County Clerk’s offices here. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Roberts, formerly of Tennessee, but is now engaged with his father in the auto business at Stronghurst where they will reside”—Macomb Journal
AGED RESIDENT OF OQUAWKA DIES: A.M. Thornton, one of Oquawka’s ablest business men, passed away at his home at about 8 o’clock last Tuesday morning. Mr. Thornton, aged 71, had been in poor health for several years and suffered from a complication of diseases. In the late winter he had an attack of influenza, which resulted in his death. He was a highly respected citizen and always worked for the betterment and advancement of his community, and his loss will be keenly felt.
Alphonso M. Thornton was born in Pekin, Ill. on June 20, 1885 and came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Thornton, Sr. when a small boy to Oquawka where he had since made his home.
He united in marriage to Miss Jennie Henderson in Oquawka on June 24, 1878(something is clearly wrong; the Illinois Secretary of State’s marriage index list the marriage as Oct. 24, 1878 so he could not have been born in 1885). They had six children who survive and all were at his bedside when the end came. The children are the following: William, George, Frank, Mrs. Grace Gedney of Oquawka and Fred and Harry of Windsor Canada. His death is also mourned by four grandchildren one brother-William Thornton, Sr. of Galesburg, three sisters-Mrs. Lizzie Magee of Monmouth, Mrs. Mary Jackson of Cherryville, Kan. and Mrs. Alice Ives of Moorhead, British Columbia.
Mr. Thornton spent practically his entire life in Oquawka and had held many positions of trust. He was postmaster under the second administration of Grover Cleveland and one of the organizers of the Building and Loan of Oquawka in 1878 and had been secretary until last year when he resigned on account of failing health. He also was an organizer of the Bank of Oquawka and at the time of his death was vice president of the bank. He had conducted the grocery business of Thornton and sons for many years. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon from the home with interment in the Oquawka Cemetery.
CELEBRATE SILVER ANNIVERSARY: Sixty-five people assembled at the home of Mrs. Mary Dixson last Saturday evening to celebrate the silver wedding anniversary of her son George and wife of Rochelle, Ill. The house was tastefully decorated with pink and red roses, the same color being carried out in the refreshments and favors.
At 8:30 P.M a vocal solo was enjoyed, Miss Doris Dixson, a niece of the groom, singing “All For You” accompanied at the piano by Miss Eileen Jones. Mendelssohn’s wedding march was played by Miss Eileen as Mr. and Mrs. George Dixson ascended the stairs accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Dixson, former best man and bride’s maid. Rev. Myers, pastor of the M.E.Church then spoke some fitting words to the bride and groom and congratulations were received from those present.
Miss Mary Dixson sang. “Pal o’Mine, accompanied at the piano by Miss Doris Dixson. Mrs. W. C. Ivins then very pleasantly entertained guests, reading an original composition, “Reminiscences,” in which she related many humorous incidents which had occurred in the lives of George Dixson and Edith Miller. Mrs. George Dixson read a poem written by Mrs. Ruby Butler which was sort of a toast to the bride and groom and was very well received. The program closed with a medley of love songs rendered by a group of young people and accompanied by Miss Mary Dixson at the piano and Joseph Dixson of the banjo.
A delicious supper of ice cream, cake and coffee was served by the Misses Fanny and Winifred Jones and Eleanor and Doris Dixson. Mr. and Mrs. Dixson were the recipients of many beautiful and useful gifts which carried the best wishes of the givers.. Out of town guests were Mrs. Inez Doty of Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Mabel Day and Don Dixson of Greenfield, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. S. Carothers of Dallas City, Ill.
MEDIA RECORD IN THE GRAPHIC-SOCIAL NEWS: Sam Howell of Stronghurst has charge of the Media Lumber Co. during the absence of his brother Walter. Mrs. Woods of Ohio is here visiting her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Rankin, and sister Mrs. Lewis Cavins. Mrs. Woods is the former Miss Gladys Rankin. John LaVelle is spending some time in Streator where he is visiting his son Mike and family. Several from here attended the opening of the Oquawka beach Sunday. Among those going were Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Dixon and family, Mrs. Dan Campbell, Clifford, Zelma and Carolyne Campbell. Garland and Mary Taylor of Knoxville were business caller in Media Saturday. A daily vacation Bible school will open next Monday, June 28 for children of the community from ages of 4-14.
LOCAL NEWS: Over 1,000 students are enrolled for the summer term of the Teachers’ College at Macomb and the total is expected to reach 1,200. The citizens of Cable, Mercer, County, held a special election and voted to dissolve the village organization as soon as the legal formalities can be complied with. Cable, at one time, was quite a little coal mining town, but the mines failed and many of the people moved away. Forty-nine votes were cast at the election. Charles A.Stevens, a resident of the Colchester community all his life, celebrated his 86th birthday on June 12th. As a remembrance of the occasion, he was presented with a pair of pure bred Toggenburg goats by Charles A. Stevens, who was named for Mr. Stevens of Colchester. The latter Mr. Stevens is a Chicago dry goods merchant whose hobby is raising these fine animals.
During the past few days, members of the state highway maintenance crew have been working on the state road just south of Gladstone where heavy rains lately washed away and pitted shoulders along the sides of the concrete pavement. Just east of the road intersection, the crew have built a barrier of sandbags which the engineers hope will swing the flood water of future storms away from the road.
OBITUARY: MRS GERTRUDE ANDERSON - Mrs. Anderson was an old, respected resident of Oquawka and passed away at the home of her daughter east of Oquawka on last Friday morning at the age of 75 years. The deceased had been in failing health for several years and suffered a stroke several days ago from which she never rallied. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. James Snodgrass, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church and interment in the Oquawka Cemetery.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Chas. and Leslie Welch were guests of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. N.Q. Welch and then left for California, making stopover visits in several states enroute. They expect to meet their brother, Clendon of Mare Island, who is a U.S. Marine, having been in service for three years. Mrs. Maggie Burrus visited her sister in the Monmouth Hospital who has pneumonia. Pupils from the piano classes of Miss Emma Folmer were heard in recital at her home. Thursday evening. Fred Wittman is improving the looks of his drug store with a new coat of paint. Dyson brothers are doing the work.
CARMAN CONCERNS: The Ladies Aid will meet today on important business. Miss Garnett Huff, who has been attending Normal, returned home on account of her health. She will take a rest this summer before starting her school this fall at LaHarpe, Ill. Mrs. Lena Dixon Walker now has employment as a nurse at the hospital in Galesburg for the coming summer. Miss Cheryl Babcook will preach here Sunday in the M.E. Church. A number of the members of the Stronghurst Club had a fish fry on their grounds at their new cottage west of the village. About 30 of the members of Carman Rebekah Lodge sent to Stronghurst Tuesday evening to put on the degree work. The community was shocked Sunday morning to learn the death of Mrs. Fred Siegworth of Delong, Ill. The marriage of Miss Winifred Finch and Mr. Albert Runge, Jr. was solemnized at the home of Rev. J. B. Seble at Terre Haute Wednesday. After the ceremony a wedding luncheon was served at the home of her sister here. Mr. and Mrs. Runge left in the afternoon for Oak Park, Ill, near Chicago where they will reside as Mr. Runge is engaged in the mail service.
AROUND ABOUT US (interesting, snappy news items concerning our neighbors): Several of the farm buildings on the Clarence Rowley farm in the Belmont neighborhood were wrecked by a storm. Half a double corn crib was blown away and the contents, about 600 bushels of corn, scattered. A buggy shed was torn down and a garage torn apart and a new Velie Sedan which was in the building was damaged slightly. The large barn was moved about 12 feet. Trees were uprooted and a windmill blown down. Chester Gillette, an Aledo telegraph operator has proved to be an expert gardener. Mr. Gillette has already eaten from his table new potatoes, peas, beets and beans raised by him in his own garden. E. C. Warren for 25 years employed in the LaHarper office as foreman, quit last Thursday says it had too much work. We, as printer sometimes feel like quitting the printing business too and “going to work.” He is painting with a local painter.
June 23,1901 GRAPHIC: At a meeting of citizens, plans were made to celebrate the 4th of July with bands and highest-ranking speakers. M.E. Beardsley of Stronghurst and Miss Metta Curry of Olena were wedded at 5 o’clock at the M.E. Church in Stronghurst. George S. Downs has been identified and held for the theft of a team of horses from Barry & Kane liverymen of Media. Miss Edith Miller, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Miller was wedded on Wednesday evening to George Dixson, the eldest son of the founder of Stronghurst. C. H. Nickham had one of Wyatt Stanley’s big Norman colts in town. The colt size set several people to guessing about its weight. Upon being weighed, it tipped the scales at 1,370 lbs. The colt was a little over 13 months old. The Stronghurst laundry was running full blast. Henderson McKee, the Biggsville monument dealer, called in town. Jack Saunders, Stronghurst hardware dealer, has sold 46 J.I.K. cultivators this season. H. J. Yaley and wife had driven over from Burlington to spend a few days visiting home folks. Horace had just completed his law course in the University of Iowa and is expecting to open a law office in the Tama Building in Burlington. Ordinance 55, concerning sidewalks-their construction, type and material and the fixing on who should bear the cost, was passed by the village board of trustees.
MEDIA RECORD IN THE GRAPHIC-SOCIAL NEWS: Sam Howell of Stronghurst has charge of the Media Lumber Co. during the absence of his brother Walter. Mrs. Woods of Ohio is here visiting her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Rankin, and sister Mrs. Lewis Cavins. Mrs. Woods is the former Miss Gladys Rankin. John LaVelle is spending some time in Streator where he is visiting his son Mike and family. Several from here attended the opening of the Oquawka beach Sunday. Among those going were Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Dixon and family, Mrs. Dan Campbell, Clifford, Zelma and Carolyne Campbell. Garland and Mary Taylor of Knoxville were business caller in Media Saturday. A daily vacation Bible school will open next Monday, June 28 for children of the community from ages of 4-14.
LOCAL NEWS: Over 1,000 students are enrolled for the summer term of the Teachers’ College at Macomb and the total is expected to reach 1,200. The citizens of Cable, Mercer, County, held a special election and voted to dissolve the village organization as soon as the legal formalities can be complied with. Cable, at one time, was quite a little coal mining town, but the mines failed and many of the people moved away. Forty-nine votes were cast at the election. Charles A.Stevens, a resident of the Colchester community all his life, celebrated his 86th birthday on June 12th. As a remembrance of the occasion, he was presented with a pair of pure bred Toggenburg goats by Charles A. Stevens, who was named for Mr. Stevens of Colchester. The latter Mr. Stevens is a Chicago dry goods merchant whose hobby is raising these fine animals.
During the past few days, members of the state highway maintenance crew have been working on the state road just south of Gladstone where heavy rains lately washed away and pitted shoulders along the sides of the concrete pavement. Just east of the road intersection, the crew have built a barrier of sandbags which the engineers hope will swing the flood water of future storms away from the road.
OBITUARY: MRS GERTRUDE ANDERSON - Mrs. Anderson was an old, respected resident of Oquawka and passed away at the home of her daughter east of Oquawka on last Friday morning at the age of 75 years. The deceased had been in failing health for several years and suffered a stroke several days ago from which she never rallied. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. James Snodgrass, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church and interment in the Oquawka Cemetery.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Chas. and Leslie Welch were guests of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. N.Q. Welch and then left for California, making stopover visits in several states enroute. They expect to meet their brother, Clendon of Mare Island, who is a U.S. Marine, having been in service for three years. Mrs. Maggie Burrus visited her sister in the Monmouth Hospital who has pneumonia. Pupils from the piano classes of Miss Emma Folmer were heard in recital at her home. Thursday evening. Fred Wittman is improving the looks of his drug store with a new coat of paint. Dyson brothers are doing the work.
CARMAN CONCERNS: The Ladies Aid will meet today on important business. Miss Garnett Huff, who has been attending Normal, returned home on account of her health. She will take a rest this summer before starting her school this fall at LaHarpe, Ill. Mrs. Lena Dixon Walker now has employment as a nurse at the hospital in Galesburg for the coming summer. Miss Cheryl Babcook will preach here Sunday in the M.E. Church. A number of the members of the Stronghurst Club had a fish fry on their grounds at their new cottage west of the village. About 30 of the members of Carman Rebekah Lodge sent to Stronghurst Tuesday evening to put on the degree work. The community was shocked Sunday morning to learn the death of Mrs. Fred Siegworth of Delong, Ill. The marriage of Miss Winifred Finch and Mr. Albert Runge, Jr. was solemnized at the home of Rev. J. B. Seble at Terre Haute Wednesday. After the ceremony a wedding luncheon was served at the home of her sister here. Mr. and Mrs. Runge left in the afternoon for Oak Park, Ill, near Chicago where they will reside as Mr. Runge is engaged in the mail service.
AROUND ABOUT US (interesting, snappy news items concerning our neighbors): Several of the farm buildings on the Clarence Rowley farm in the Belmont neighborhood were wrecked by a storm. Half a double corn crib was blown away and the contents, about 600 bushels of corn, scattered. A buggy shed was torn down and a garage torn apart and a new Velie Sedan which was in the building was damaged slightly. The large barn was moved about 12 feet. Trees were uprooted and a windmill blown down. Chester Gillette, an Aledo telegraph operator has proved to be an expert gardener. Mr. Gillette has already eaten from his table new potatoes, peas, beets and beans raised by him in his own garden. E. C. Warren for 25 years employed in the LaHarper office as foreman, quit last Thursday says it had too much work. We, as printer sometimes feel like quitting the printing business too and “going to work.” He is painting with a local painter.
June 23,1901 GRAPHIC: At a meeting of citizens, plans were made to celebrate the 4th of July with bands and highest-ranking speakers. M.E. Beardsley of Stronghurst and Miss Metta Curry of Olena were wedded at 5 o’clock at the M.E. Church in Stronghurst. George S. Downs has been identified and held for the theft of a team of horses from Barry & Kane liverymen of Media. Miss Edith Miller, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Miller was wedded on Wednesday evening to George Dixson, the eldest son of the founder of Stronghurst. C. H. Nickham had one of Wyatt Stanley’s big Norman colts in town. The colt size set several people to guessing about its weight. Upon being weighed, it tipped the scales at 1,370 lbs. The colt was a little over 13 months old. The Stronghurst laundry was running full blast. Henderson McKee, the Biggsville monument dealer, called in town. Jack Saunders, Stronghurst hardware dealer, has sold 46 J.I.K. cultivators this season. H. J. Yaley and wife had driven over from Burlington to spend a few days visiting home folks. Horace had just completed his law course in the University of Iowa and is expecting to open a law office in the Tama Building in Burlington. Ordinance 55, concerning sidewalks-their construction, type and material and the fixing on who should bear the cost, was passed by the village board of trustees.