The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
WEDDING BELLS-Vaughan & Landon: At the Mr. and Mrs. Fred Landon home in Rio, Ill. on Wednesday afternoon occurred the marriage of Miss Helen Landon to Mr. Robert Vaughan of Stronghurst. At 4 o’clock Mrs. Floyd Meeker played Liebestraum, List, and Menedelsohn’s wedding march as an opening to the ceremony. Two little girls, Blondell Peterson and Mary Jean Frankenburger, came downs the stairs with beautiful streamers of orchids and peach colored ribbons. The little girls formed an isle with the streamers to the bride and groom who stood under a handsomely decorated arch covered with ferns and roses and supporting lovely white wedding bells. The single ring ceremony was used, Little Marjorie Vaughan being the ringbearer. The bride was given away by her father, Mr. Fred Landon. Kenneth Vaughan of Burlington, Iowa acted as best man. Miss Mary Adams of Peru, Indiana was the bridesmaid. The bride wore a charming dress of flesh georgette over peach and carried a beautiful colonial bridal bouquet of dainty Ophelia roses. The home was decorated with the bride’s colors, orchid and peach and large baskets of flowers beautified ever nook and corner of the room. After the ceremony an elegant two course wedding supper was served by Mrs. Johanna Wheeling, cateress.
A few years ago, Mrs. Vaughan was engaged as a teacher in the Stronghurst High School. She taught for several years here and during her sojourn made many friends. Mrs. Vaughan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Landon of Rio, Ill. and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. H.N. Vaughan of Stronghurst and is well thought of by all who know him. (Long list of out-of-town guests)
DEGREES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOS: Urbana-Champaign-Practically every nook and corner of the great state of Illinois has one of more of its young people obtaining degrees from this institution. From Henderson County were the following: Miss Gail Mildred Brook, A.B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Brook; Miss Marjorie Evelyn McKeown, A. B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Keown and also Miss Adaline Saben, B. S. of Oquawka.
RETURNS FROM SYNOD: Rev. Elmer J. Holt, local Lutheran pastor, has just returned from Philadelphia where he attended the annual convention of the Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America and also two special programs held by many Swedish churches and societies conjointly as a part of the Sesquicentennial celebration. This was to commemorate the worthy part the Swedish people have performed in building up of our country.
TRYING TO OUST THE STATE’S ATTORNEY: Some months ago, legal proceedings were begun to oust State’s Attorney Harry Blackstone. It was generally known during his campaign for election that he had not been admitted to the bar, but it was his announced intention to secure such credentials at the earliest date possible. this, it appears, Mr. Blackstone has never done and a recent court decision makes it clear that he is ineligible to hold the office of State’s Attorney. In regard to the latest action in the matter the Monmouth Review-Atlas had the following.
“Members of the Henderson County Bord of Supervisors and disbursing officers of Henderson County were enjoined yesterday by the circuit court of Henderson County from paying any claims or honoring any orders which might be based to Harry Blackstone whose right to the office is being questioned by a group of taxpayers represented by Attorney E. P. Field of Monmouth. Attorney Field appearing circuit court yesterday morning before Judge Walter C. Frank of Galesburg and petitioned the judge for a temporary restraining writ which was ordered issued and was served instantly on the county board members who were in session at their June meeting and the county clerk and county treasurer of Henderson County as well.
Quo warranto proceeding were instituted at the March term of Henderson County circuit court and since then the case has been dragging along while the court has been called upon to pass on several preliminary questions which have arisen. A committee of more than 100 citizens ask the court to remove Blackstone from office, their case being based on the fact that Blackstone is not a licensed lawyer and has no right under the statute to practice law in the courts of the state. The action will be called up for final consideration at the October term of Henderson County circuit court.”
BIGGSVILLE COMMUNITY RALLY: The people of Biggsville community will meet at the high school gymnasium at 8 pm June 24th. Mr. John Lugg of Monmouth will give the address and a good orchestra has been secured which will furnish plenty of good music. The purpose of the meeting is to try to finance a plan to put a new fence around the cemetery. The way this community keeps the cemetery is the best criterium of a large, progressive people. Everyone living in Biggsville community will join with the cemetery association in voting this much needed improvement. It is endorsed by the community club and other clubs in the community.
HYDROPHOBIA SPREADING: With hydrophobia prevalent among dogs and livestock to an almost alarming extent and danger to humans, especially children, growing in proportion to the increase in the number of “mad dogs,” Dr. Isaac D. Rawlings, state health director, issued today a warning advising county and municipal officials throughout the state to adopt and rigidly enforce muzzling ordinances. Laboratory tests at Springfield have showed rabies in 40 animal heads during the first five months of this year against 60 in the whole of 1925 and 30 in 1924 and only 1 in 1923. Human death has been reported this year with several score persons under treatment as a result of bites.
SPARE THE OLD MARE: The editor of the Blandinsville Gazette warned and even threatened holding up the arm of the law to the young men of the city who had been partaking of fast buggy riding upon the boulevards, especially upon Sunday evenings when the lady friend was along. He declared a speed which necessitated two handed driving unfair to the lady as well as endangering the lives of the buggy occupants as well as of pedestrians.
MEDIA TEAM STOLEN: City Marshal B. Holiday of Monmouth had received a telegram reporting the capture of a team of horses stolen May 15 from Berry and Kane, liverymen at Media. The horse thief was identified as Andrews, a short time resident of Media, who was not captured. Andrews had passed under various names and was connected with numerous “crooked deals.
BACK FROM ALASKA: W. M. Brook had returned from Atlin, Alaska a week ago and had since been visiting relatives and old friends. He was then vice-president and general manager of the Consolidated Spruce Creek Placers, Ltd., a corporation then capitalized at $2,000,000.
NEW FLUE STOP: Messrs. Nichols & Rankin had just secured a patent on their new fluestop and were to purchase special machinery to enable them to manufacture them on the large scale. They had the opinion of experienced men that this was the best flue-stop on the market.
HISTORY OF BOYD SCHOOL SINCE 1855: The following story will no doubt be on interest to many readers of the Graphic, which is taken from the Roseville Times of June 8 and concerns some of the activities of the early school life of one of our citizens, Mrs. Mar Dixon.
“Point Pleasant Township was about the last part of Warren County in which settlements were made. Solomon Sovereign and David Belding were the first settlers, coming in 1835 and locating on Section 13. Mr. Sovereign remained on his farm for several years and then removed to California. Mr. Belding moved to Missouri. After these pioneers, came Wm. Parkhurst, Mr. Sutton and Mr. Garett, the former hailing from New England. Lucius and Isaac Watson came in 1849 and settled on section No. 1. James Owen and John A. Waugh also came at about this time.
The first school house was built in 1849 and the first school opened Jan. 27, 1850 and was taught by Ruby L. Stice. This school house was located just east and north of the home of Mrs. Mary E. Lester and was Known as the Emerick School and received its name from the man who had donated the land on which the building was erected.
A number of settlements had been made in this neighborhood and these pioneers were very anxious that their children attend school. As there were no roads and tall prairie grass covered the rich fertile land, some means had to be devised whereby the children could get to school. Roll Cox, who owned a prairie team, was employed to make a trail for use of the children in going to and coming from school. Beginning near the present home of Mrs. Rosanna Boyd, thence south to the present school building, thence in a southeasterly direction to a log cabin which was then used for a school building. He threw two farrows each way, this made a splendid trail as the heavy upturned sod was smooth and held firmly together by the roots of the prairie grass.
Children dared not venture from this path in fear of being lost. It is told by one present today who walked that trail that it was often his duty to get a resin weed and help encourage some lagging pupil else he be late. John Smith was the first teacher at this school with an enrollment of 60 pupils. The two succeeding terms were taught by William Watson and Alec Byarly.
During this time more settlers had arrived and as most families had from 8-10 children, it was deemed advisable to establish a school nearer where it would be more convenient. Some of the families wishing a new school building were living in Ellison and some in Point Pleasant Township and a building was erected January 1855 on what is now known as the Burlington Road. The building was 20 x 30 feet and had three windows on the east and west sides, the door opening in the north end. Benches were placed on the three sides of the room, one near the stove in the center of the room being occupied by the smaller children. One corner of the room was reserved for the fuel. When a load of coal was brought, it was placed upon the floor and the teacher, when wishing to replenish the fire, had merely to pick up a shovel of coal.
On February 15, 1855 Thomas H. Boyd and his wife deeded the land, 74 feet from the enter of the building east, 74 feet from the center of the building west and 148 feet south from the road to Warren Park, Isaac Watson and Thomas Boyd-these three men constituted the board of directors for a number of years and as each was rearing a large family of children, He was deeply concerned in educational affairs. This was designed as District No. 2 and the first teacher to preside over the school was Miss Electra Strong. There were about 70 scholars in attendance and two these pupils were John J. and William T. Boyd. The next teacher in 1856 was Mr. Pennoyer, who was a very competent man but did not seem to be familiar with the fact that children came to school intent on other purposes than getting knowledge.
In days as now, children were very anxious to do things to please their teacher. Mr.Pennoyer always came to school on horseback. At the noon hour the older boys particularly John J. Boyd, were very anxious to take the horse across the road to the Crosier farm for a drink. Upon returning, their teacher would say, “Boys did the beast drink?” The reply would be, “no sir, he did not.” After three or four trips, however, the reply would be in the affirmative.
Upon dismissal of school when Mr. Pennoyer mounted his horse to ride away, with shouts of boyish glee ringing in his ears, he realized why so many trips had been made at noon. Some lad had placed a cob under the saddle and they all enjoyed to the fullest extent the leaping and rearing of the horse and Mr. Pennoyer’s imitation of Ichabod Crane.
Cupid seemed to be busy then as now, for we are told that one little boy drew his favorite girl friend on his hand sled to and from school when opportunity afforded, a distance of perhaps eight rods. Time has dealt gently with those two childhood friends of long ago for Mr. and Mrs. William T. Boyd have been allowed to enjoy 56 years of wedded life.
BOYD SCHOOL HISTORY CONTINUED: “The next teacher was Page Randall, a man of sterling worth and character. He was considered rather peculiar by his pupils however as he wore long curls which fell gracefully around his shoulders. Mrs. W. T. Boyd and J. W. Watson and Mrs. Mellissa Perry now of Nebraska were among his pupils. During this term Mr. Watson was given his first taste of tobacco by the older boys. The intense nausea which he suffered cured him of the habit for a whole life time.
The fourth teacher was Selasfia Griffin, among her pupils were two little girls who are with us today-Mrs. Mary E. Lester and Mrs. Mary Dixson of Stronghurst. The place where the building stood was just a little west and south of the house now standing on Henry Crosier’s farm.
After six years had passed, the people decided the place where the school house had been erected was not sanitary as they wished, the ground was low and after frequent rains was very undesirable. In January 1861 the neighbors placed the building on skids and with teams of oxen, moved it where the present building now stands. The land was owned by Stephen Dixson and he gave permission to leave the building on this site. It was a much better location as the land was higher. Mr. Post was the teacher at this time and there was a large enrollment, many of the pupils being from 17-21 years of age. Spelling bees were very much enjoyed during the years, examinations were unknown to the pupils. During recess periods in the winter time, snow battles were the diversions. Leaders were selected from the older pupils and the fun was on. Smaller children were not allowed to participate, but often were given a thumb paper reward for making piles of snow balls for the older children. School exhibits were held and the following song sung at one. (“Uncle Sam’s School”-read microfilm for all the words.) Mrs. Lester and Mrs. Mary Dixson were two of the girls who sang in the chorus and helped this song.
The school was fortunate in having for director, over a period of years, a man who was a natural and most efficient mathematician and who probably stood at the head of that class of geniuses in the state of Illinois at that time, James Owen. Miss Victoria Ragon was the teacher of this school in 1869-1870. She says the school board, which was composed of James Owen, J. B. Wiltsey and Thomas H. Boyd, was very progressive, making an improvement suggested by the teacher, which seemed worthy. During the first term the door was in the south side of the building but at her urgent request, it was placed in the west side for the second term. Three little girls in this school were Mrs. Priscilla Woodward, Mrs. Maggie Simmons and Mrs. Johnny Young. The teacher received a salary of $30 per month and paid $1.50 per week for her board, however, she does not measure her success by her financial gain for her heart was won by Cary J. Boyd, who was a kind indulgent husband and whose companionship she enjoyed for many years.
During the years from 1880-1889 no school was conducted in this district as there were but two pupils, Jennie Boyd and George Owen. They were sent to the village school in Roseville. In 1909 the present school building was erected. The directors at this time were George Owen, Andrew Livermore and Harlan Watson. The new building is a modern up-to-date school house, complying with the state school laws in every detail. It has been the ambition of the patrons to create a superior school but the one obstacle has been the lack of a large playground. Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Elizabeth Dixson Mc Raven of Kansas City, Mo., whose farm adjoins the school yard, the playground has been enlarged to one half acre. It seems quite possible that in a few years the patrons’ dreams may be realized.
The old school building was disposed of as soon as the new one completed. Eli Dixson purchased it for the sum of $50 and it stands on the farm occupied by James St. Ledger and is used for an implement shed.
Our ancestors who organized the churches, government and public schools within this vast unknown wilderness were practical, inventive, industrious and ambitious. Foreign travelers who visited them said they cared for nothing but money yet they had the vision to see the future of the vast rich continent and the courage and fortitude to undertake its conquest. Their success in this toilsome, yet romantic undertaking has given us this great, free, prosperous land we love and serve—UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. “
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mrs. Ella Parish and Mrs. Mae Morgan drove to Blooming and remain for a visit with Mrs. Parrish’s daughter, who is attending normal school there. Arthur Steffey, wife and daughter stopped to visit relatives before continuing by auto to Chicago where he will take a six weeks course in the Chicago university. Mr. Dean Rankin and Miss Lorna Pollock will be married on June 29th at the First Presbyterian Church, Huron, Ohio. Mr. Rankin is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Rankin of Monmouth, Ill, former Stronghurst residents. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tutwiler of Grand Island, Nebr. are visiting in the John Baker home. Miss Ruth McMillan who has been a teacher at Canton, Ill. for the past year, left for the summer normal at Ann Arbor, Mich. She was accompanied as far as Chicago by her mother who will visit with her son Leslie. Mr. Robert Ingerson is driving an Essex coach. Mr. R. N. Marshall is driving a new Flint sedan. Lorenzo Foote of Tunnel Hill, Ill. visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Foote. Miss Gertrude Gibb who has been attending the normal school at Bloomington, is home for the summer. Little Lloyd Holt, son of Rev. and Mrs. Elmer J. Holt, had the misfortune to fall out of a tree fracturing his arm. Mrs. John Staley left for Chicago where she will visit her son Manly Staley and wife and make the acquaintance of her little granddaughter. Miss Louise Gregory had the misfortune to dislocate some bones in her foot upon accidentally jumping out of the open door from the hay loft aSent from Mail for Windows
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mrs. Roxella Wanders and daughter left for Ellwood, Ill., where they expect to make their home while Mr. Wanders has employment at Drumond, a small station near Ellwood. All those wishing to take art work in Embroidery, Lamp Shade (in fabric) and Wax Work, meet at the Community room on Thursday, June 24 at 2:30 pm to organize classes. Models of the work will be shown. Miss Marjorie McKeown graduated from the State University; her mother and sister attended the commencement. Mrs. John Highfield, Sr., mother of Dr. J. F. Highfield of Stronghurst has returned to her home in Dallas City after an extended stay here where she has been caring for her little grandson during the illness of Mrs. Highfield, who is slowly recovering from her illness. The board of Review of Henderson County met in Oquawka and organized. This year the board consists of L. W. Curtiss, chairman, Frank Meyer of Oquawka and W. W. Ross of Stronghurst. They selected County Clerk J. J. Barnes as clerk of the Board. Mrs. W. B. Gregory was called to Kahoka, Mo. by the illness of her mother. Mr. Gregory took her as far as Keokuk by automobile making the trip by way of Fort Madison and Montrose. The remainder of the trip could not be made by auto on account of high water, The country around Montrose is a great strawberry growing section and placards were up advertising berries at $1.00 per crate. ($1.00 equals $15.93 in today’s values).
Mrs. Will Stine has sold her residence in the south part of town to Mr. C. Schenc. Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Carnes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Lovitt; Mrs. Carnes and Mrs. Lovitt are sisters. The Misses Agnes Findley, Doris Dixson, Frank Wilcox, Clifford Mills and Joseph Dixson are home from Monmouth College for the summer vacation. Mrs. J. C. Brook went to Urbana to see Miss Gail Brook graduate. Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Widney are now very pleasantly located at 4900 Kenmore Ave., Chicago, where they are resident managers of the Wm. Penn apartment hotel, a high-class property of something like 100 rooms. Miss Marjorie Thompson, daughter of Mrs. Marry Thompson arrived here from Tacoma, Washington where she had been engaged in teaching school and expects to return there next fall. Glenn Marshall left by auto for Urbana to attend the elevators conference: he was accompanied by his sister, Miss Stella who is attending summer school in Bloomington. Mrs. Ruby Crenshaw Bell came from Seattle, Wash., for two weeks stay with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crenshaw. On July 1st she will join the Northwestern University Alumni Student Tour through Europe. They will visit the capitols of 12 countries with entertainment in three royal palaces and a call on VonHindenburg of Germany by invitation. The trip extends as far south as Naples, Italy and through the fiords of Norway, Sweden and Denmark, returning Sept. 17th on the Leviathan to New York City and back to Stronghurst via Kentucky and Tennessee.
KEEPING FARM BOOKS: With the assistance of K.H Myers of the farm management department of the college of Agriculture, Farm Adviser Ernest D. Walker spent two days in visiting the men who are cooperating with the Farm Bureau in the farm accounts project. He will be checking over books and answering questions.
In addition, the men who kept the books last year and turned in the completed book to the farm management department were furnished a summary of the records which were secured in Whiteside, Henderson, Mercer and Rock Island Counties. For each individual farmer figures were also entered for his own book which afforded him a comparison with the results secured by other farmers. This comparison in all cases proved very interesting and the men who are taking part in the project are highly pleased with it.
IN THE MEDIA BROADCASTER: Bible Lecture: Dr. William P. White in the pulpit of the United Presbyterian Church made the old book new in his spirited talk. He is one of the most thorough Bible lecturers in America. Currently, he filling a two-weeks engagement at Stronghurst under the auspices of the Henderson County Bible School Association. Sunday School Teachers’ Training School and teaching he Bible systematically each afternoon and evening.
Personal and Social News: In spite of the threatening weather and muddy roads a very good crowd was present Sunday morning at the United Church of Media to hear the children’s program Mrs. Elizabeth Rankin has been appointed alternate for the local Foreign Missionary Society to the 43thd annual convention of the Women’s General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church to be held in Monmouth this year. Several families from the community drove to the Oquawka beach and enjoyed a fish fry. Those going were the following: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Beresford and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Norm Bereford and son, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cross and family, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gibson, and Mrs., Etta Thompson. An epidemic of German measles is evident in this village, but no children have been seriously ill so far. The Junior Media choir and the five little Norville sisters will each have a number on the program at the bible school meeting at Stronghurst Thursday evening. Mrs J. E. Campbell and Mrs. F. I. Baskett very delightfully entertained the ladies of the Community Club in the home of the former last Friday afternoon. Miss Ruth Howell was in charge of the social hour which was spent by entering into contests. The hostesses for the July meeting are Mrs. Elmer Powell and Mrs. George Hickman with Mrs. Phonso Beall as leader. Several people from this community are devoting their time to the Bible instruction school for Sunday school teachers being held in Stronghurst. Some are endeavoring to take the entire course which requires them to be present every afternoon for the past and present week. This will help in the preparation of instructors for the Vacation Bible School to be held in Media this summer for the benefit of children.