The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
MARRIED 41 YEARS: On last Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Allison celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary at their beautiful country home east of town. Owing to the couple not being in the best of health, the day was spent quietly in their home with near relatives. They received a number of greetings and floral remembrances from a number of neighbors and friends.
Mr. Allison was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Allison and came with his parents, sister and two brothers to Henderson County in 1850, coming via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Burlington, Iowa where Mrs. John Allison died soon after. The family crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois settling on the unbroken prairie north of where Stronghurst is today. He improved the land which in now the home of Mr. Will Allison.
On April 8, 1886 Mr. Allison was untied in marriage to Miss Hattie Rankin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rankin and made their first home on the farm owned now by Mr. Charles Johnson. They after moved to the farm just south where they have since made their home. Mr. Allsion and his three daughters, Mrs. Clara Gearheart of Raritan, Mrs. Merle Hixson of Monmouth and Mrs. Bessie Fort were all students of the Allison school near the Allison farm. Mr. and Mrs. Allison have today one grandson, Elbridge Fort, Jr. that is a pupil of the same school. Mr. Allison is still on the honor roll of the old school and is an honored guest at all the school picnics and special programs. On February 14 he was given a Valentine shower by the teacher and pupils of the school.
Mr. and Mrs. Allison are held in high esteem by the citizens of Stronghurst and community who extend congratulations and best wishes for many more years of happiness. Mr. and Mrs. Allison are valuable members of the United Presbyterian Church of this place and were always regular in attendance upon the Sabbath day church services as long as their health would permit.
LADIES AID MET: The Ladies Aid of the M.E. Church met Wednesday night at the home of Mrs. Grover Rehling. After the business meeting, the thirty ladies were furnished tissue paper, card board, flowers, pins and scissors and were requested to make Easter bonnets under the direction of Mrs. Walker and Mrs. A. E. Moore. The hats were judged by Miss Ethel Jenkins and Miss Audrey Marsden, guests of the evening. Mrs. Zoa Salter’s took first and Mrs. John Gilliland second. Delicious refreshments were served by the hostess.
IN PASSION PLAY: Miss Grace Freitag, a former teacher of English in the Stronghurst High School in 1922 is playing an important part in the Passion Play now going on at Bloomington. She played four parts, the main one being the part of the wife of King Herod.
FITZ SHOOL REPORT: The Fitz School of which Miss Anna Ahlers is teacher, has taken many honors for punctuality, active reading and intense study, for within the present school year 14 of 17 pupils have been awarded Reading diplomas, having read five Illinois Reading Circle books, four others have eared Diplomas in previous years, earned seals. Seven certificates have been presented for 100 perfect spelling lessons. Those of honorary mention are Helen Cherry, Hollis White, Lyman White, Lowell Clover, Bernice Clover, Stanley Little, Ruby Lease, Mildred Saben, Gordon White, George Little, Robert Little, Reva White, Wayne Little, Royal Lease, Edna Leave and Robert White.
WEDDING BELLS-REZNER and BROKAW: Mr. Dewain Rezner and Miss Ruth Brokaw were united in holy wedlock on April 12th at Galesburg, Ill. The marriage occurred at one o’clock pm with Rev. C. J. Bready, pastor of the First M.E. Church of Galesburg performed the ceremony at the parsonage. Those present to witness the ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Brokaw and Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Moore of Stronghurst, Mr. and Mrs. Loren Van Dorn of Raritan and Mrs. Chester Gibb of Biggsville. The bride wore a dress of pink georgette and carried a bouquet of pink roses and sweet peas.
Both young people were former residents of Stronghurst but now have employment in Chicago: the bride being engaged as bookkeeper in the Hyde Park State Bank and Mr. Rezner as a first-class salesman for a prominent oil company. Both are graduates of Stronghurst High School and also the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Ill. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Brokaw of Stronghurst. She and her husband are well known here and very popular.
After the wedding, the party enjoyed a splendid dinner at the Custer hotel. Immediately afterwards the newlyweds left by auto for a two-week honeymoon in Springfield, Ill. and Indianapolis, Ind. The couple will make their home on Chicago.
NEWS ABOUT TOWN: The Daniel McMillan chapter of the D.A.R. met in the home of Mrs. A. H. Kershaw on Saturday afternoon, April 9th. Following the singing of America and a prayer, a report of the state convention at Rock Island was given by those who had been privileged to attend: Mrs. W.J. McElhinney, Mrs. R.N. Marshall and Mrs. J. C. Brook. Delicious refreshments were served b the hostess and a social hour enjoyed. Robert Gerber is ill with an attack of appendicitis. His sister, Miss Alma of Fisher, Ill., is helping care for him at the home of their brother, Lester and wife. Mrs. Lloyd Rankin and Mrs. Edward Logan entertained some 20 friends at the Logan home last Friday evening. Five tables of bridge were played and prizes were awarded to Mrs. Fred Johnson and Miss Esther Marshall. A delicious two-course luncheon was served by the hostess at quartette tables. Mr. Jesse Denum, town marshal, has been kept busy decorating a number of houses with “measle” tags this week. One of the many signs was hung on the John Peasley home and of course, another had to be placed on the Haeflin dwelling next door for they are twin houses you see.
60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Allison celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary April 9, 1927 with a long to be remembered family reunion at their comfortable home in the east part of the village. Members of the immediate family and four of the six grandchildren were present to honor their aged ancestors. Owing to Mr. and Mrs. Allison’s unusually poor health on this day, it was deemed unwise to invite their many friends as it had been previously hoped. However, a pleasant time was had by those present and many greetings and beautiful flowers received from friends served to remind the aged couple of the high esteem in which they are held in this community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allison were pioneer residents of Henderson County and are associated with many important events in the progress of Stronghurst and the community.
Mr. and Mrs. Allison are the parents of four children, three of them who are now living, are married and have children. Their son Edwin H. and family make their home with their parents. William F. Allison, another son, now resides on the old homestead one and one-half miles east of Stronghurst. Maude, the only daughter, is the wife of Mr. A. C. Yaley and resides on a farm east of town. Harry C. Allison, the other son, died in 1891 when he was but sixteen years of age.
In 1851 Mr. Allison plowed and sowed the land on which Stronghurst now stands in wheat. He graduated from the district schools and a commercial college at Burlington. In August 1862 he enlisted in the 83rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was promoted in the rank of Corporal. Five years later he married Miss Jennie Taylor of Burlington. In 1893 Mr. Allison helped organize the State Bank of Stronghurst and was its first president. The bank was reorganized as the First National and Mr. Allison resigned the presidency in 1902. In 1900 Mr. Allison and his son Edwin opened a private bank in Connellsville, Mo. but sold out the next year. In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Allison moved to Monmouth, Ill. Thirteen years later they came to Stronghurst and have lived in this community ever since.
Mrs. Jennie E. Taylor Allison was a daughter of Allen and Margaret Taylor and was born in Huntington, Ohio in November 1844. She was a teacher in Des Moines County, Iowa and Henderson County, Illinois. She received her education in district schools, Burlington Institute and private schools.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Allison were staunch supporters of the Walnut Grove Church and later with the making of their home in the village became active members of the Stronghurst United Presbyterian Church and workers in the Sabbath School. Mrs. Allison has been active in community circles and is a member of the community Club, D.A.R. and W.T.C.U. and the several church organizations. Mrs. Allison still has her beautiful wedding gown of blue silk taffeta which has been kept in good preservation and is almost as beautiful as when purchased 60 years ago.
45th BURRELL ANNIVERSARY Mr. and Mrs. Herman Burrell who live near Olena were pleasantly surprised last Sunday when their daughters, Mrs. Joe Marsden who lives a mile west of them, Mrs. John Gibb of Biggsville and Mrs. Elbert Hartman who lives near Decorra came with well filled baskets to spend the day and help them celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Joel Marsden and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Moon of Raritan and Mr. and Mrs. John Gibb and family and Mrs. E. G. Hartman and Miss Pauline Marsden of Galesburg.
A bounteous dinner was served at the noon hour and the afternoon was spent in social reunion of the grandparents, daughters, sons-in-laws and eleven grandchildren. Miss Audrey Marsden presented her grandparents with a beautiful basket of cut flowers, snapdragons, roses, tulips and ferns as a token of remembrances. Mr. and Mrs. Burrell are held in high esteem and have many friends in the surrounding neighborhood who extend congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years of married life.
LOMAX LINGERINGS: The Tri-State Lodge held its regular meeting Tuesday night. Mr. A. B. Smith is planning to move into the Tannus property up on the hill. Mr. Ernest Staley is working in Galesburg. Mrs. Ed Hurd of Stronghurst is working at the S. F. Tannus home. The gospel team held an interesting meeting at the Christian Church Sunday evening. The speakers were Mrs. Dewey Cox, Mrs. Ruth Shanks and Faye Willey. Practices are being held at the Nazarene Church for the Easter program. Mr. Chas. Smiddy passed away at his home Monday night; his death was caused from heart trouble which he had been a sufferer for some time. A round-trip ticket to California is $50 ($902 in today’s value).
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: The Sewing Circle of the U.P. Church met in Ellison’s store Thursday afternoon. The afternoon was spent sewing rug rags. Miss Phyillis Pence is attending Burlington High School. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Pence returned home from visiting their son Fred and family in Wever, Iowa. The school election was held at the school house with Frank Shaw re-elected and C. E. Cisna chosen to fill the vacancy. Mr. George Sandy was re-elected school trustee. Kyle Colley of Lakeland, Florida is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Colley. Mr. Glenn W. Zerber will move his family to Alexis. Mrs. Jas. Sandy and sons Frankie and Dale went to Libertyville to visit at the Dr. Stephens home; Frankie will remain there for treatment. Harold Allen is at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Mr. Carmene of Burlington is installing two oil tanks near the stockyards here. Mrs. Bailey returned to her Burlington home after staying a week here caring for her daughter, Mrs. G. Zerber. Miss Vivian Galbraith entertained her Sunday School Class, the Happy Hustlers, at her home south of town Tuesday evening. The following officers were elected: President-Ruth Forward; Vice-President-Veda James; Treasurer-Catherine Randall; and Secretary- Edith Fryer.
RARITAN REPORTS: Mrs. Dean Cortelyou took Miss Florence to Burlington for hospital treatment. Miss Clara Spears, an aunt of Mrs. John Butler, who had been staying in the Butler home, died last Friday afternoon April5, 1927 from an extended illness from heart trouble and complications. Funeral services were held at the U.P. Church at Media with burial in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. The school election at Cox School resulted with Will Reedy re-elected and George Brokaw elected to fill the vacancy left on the board when Judd Wetterling removed out of the district. Esther Lind has been employed to teach at the Staley School. Farmers are tucking their potatoes into the damp, cool soil and busy hands are sowing and planting other seeds and bulbs.
Not long ago nearly 700 children attending 200 American schools were asked to select the 12 people whom they considered the world’s greatest heroes. It would be interesting to know just what influence and environment decided them to select the following 12 names for this placing: Louis Pasteur, Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Woodrow Wilson, Florence Nightingale, Joan of Arc, Socrates, John Guttenberg, David Livingstone and George Stephenson. (I am curious who would be selected today.)
ABOUT THE TOWN: Mrs. F. O. Tweed, who has been critically ill at her home in the west part of town is improving slowly. Mr. Frank Wilcox and Miss Doris Dixson are home from Monmouth College for the weekend. Mrs. L. A. Wilson has been confined to her bed with rheumatism for the past week, but is able to be about the house. Miss Stella Marshall and her brother Glenn joined their sister Miss Lois who is attending Normal at Normal, Ill. and together attended the Passion Play last Friday in Bloomington before coming home for Easter. Dr. and Mrs. I. F. Harter and Mrs. and Mrs. Walter Dobbin are furnishing the C. R. Kaiser residence which was recently purchased by Dr. and Mrs. Harter. They expect to reside there part of the time. Joe Long has been busy there At the school election, W. C. Regan and Joel Marsden were re-elected on the board of education for the Community High School district No. 104 and Frank Johnson was re-elected on the grade school board, district No. 30. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Milliken and son Emmett and wife moved into their new home purchased from Mrs. Chas. O’Green. Miss Helen Cook who has been night operator at the local telephone switch board has resigned her position here and accepted a position in the Kirkwood office. Col. J. W. Decker who has been suffering from an infection in his jaw went to the Monmouth Hospital and underwent a minor operation. He returned home much improved. Charles Anderson, who makes his home in this village made an office call to exhibit a deed to his farm southwest of town which was signed by President Madison. The deed was on parchment but due to extreme age was turning yellow and very hard to read. The date of its signature by the President was 1812.
Country School exams will be given to the seventh and eighth grade pupils in districts 24, 26, 27, 28,29 and 73 in the study hall of the Stronghurst Community High School on Saturday April 16th. Examinations will start promptly at nine o’clock or earlier is all the pupils arrive before that time. Miss Ruth Brokaw was the guest of honor at a luncheon and shower given by her friends of the Hyde Park State Bank in Chicago at the Shoreland Hotel. Covers were laid for 18 at a beautifully appointed table in the main dining room overlooking the lake. The high esteem in which she is held was expressed by the lovely gifts she received and many wishes for her future happiness.
Contributions were being solicited from people of this community to aid Mrs. Frank Cox of near Blandinsville, who is now in the Macomb Hospital as a result of severe burns sustained when the Cox home burned several weeks ago. When the home was destroyed all of the family’s clothing was destroyed but what they had on. Consequently, the father needs help in caring for the children. Some $45 ($838 in today’s values)was raised in the community to buy clothes for these children. Anyone wishing to add to this fund may see Ira Foote.
FAMOUS MAN TO LECTURE HERE: Almost everyone in this community have heard Dr. Shannon, pastor of the Central Church of Chicago, deliver many excellent sermons and lectures over the radio. Stronghurst is indeed must consider itself fortunate that this noted man will appear her in person. Dr. Shannon has been engaged to give a lecture at the Stronghurst auditorium at 8 pm Friday evening, April 22th. Everyone should hear his discourse on “The House of a Human” at this time.
VOICE OF SHS (high school paper) Tryouts for the track team to participate in the dual meet are to be held the last of the week. Lavern Chandler has been elected as captain of the Freshman track squad. The Seniors unanimously elected Clarence Harvey, better known as the “speed Demon,” as their track captain. The track is to be laid out soon on Mr. Sanderson’s field just south of Mr. Del Dixson’s house. The school is very fortunate in finding such aa level field. The school yard was given thorough harrowing by Mr. Sanderson after which it was sown to grass. The seniors voted unanimously to by dishes and a cupboard to put them in for the school. The school has for several years borrowed their dishes when giving a school party. The seniors have about $80 with which they are intending to buy trays, cups and saucers, cupboard etc. as far as the money goes. Seventeen young “flappers” made their SHS temporary home last Monday morning. The Agricultural Class had had their incubator set for three weeks and seventeen eggs have hatched. Marie Brewer sys that she enjoys riding in a Ford coupe. There have been two new Ford Coups bought by two Juniors this week and we don’t know which one she is referring to. Ida Ruth Sandy used to be seen riding in a Hudson, but of late, she has been seen in a Ford Coupe. She says “all that glitters is not gold,” but for some reason she likes the shine of this Ford.
Media Broadcaster: EASTER CELEBRATION-On Easter morning one year ago the United Church Sunday school set its record attendance at 171. Superintendent Howell asks everyone to come out and bring a few friends so that the entire community may set a new mark of attendance.
A special sermon preparatory to the Sunday Easter services will be held in the Media United Church Thursday evening at 8 p.m. A full day’s program is planned for Easter Sunday here with the regular sermon with special music to take place in the morning. Rev. Cross has requested that the Media congregation go to the Raritan Baptist Church for the afternoon meeting, In the evening an Easter program will be given here in the church.
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL NEWS: Coach Paul E. Clarke entertained Garland Gilliland and Roy Baskett in Galesburg over Friday and Saturday; they visited Knox College and athletic field. Mrs. J. P. Mink will lead the meeting of the Women’ Home Missionary Society Thursday afternoon with Mrs. Alice Schroeder. Mrs. Mildred Bealle and Roy Rankin were elected to serve on the high school board. Charles Pogue was re-elected to act on the public school board with Harold Gram and Cleve Hickman. J. P. Heap accompanied a shipment of two carloads of hogs to Chicago. Mrs. E. G. Lewis is resting at Hinesdale Sanitarium near Chicago and has improved slightly.
Mr. Clyde Lamb, formerly of Media, and Miss Annabelle Davis of Ray, Illinois were united in marriage April 11th. The couple have come to Media to make their future home where Mr. Lamb will work in the new saw mill. They are visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Everett Lamb. The Senior Class will give the play, “The Little Clodhopper,” at a future date. Don’t miss the big picture at the Media Community Theatre this Saturday night-Colleen Moore will be seen in “Ella Cinder.” The directors of the South Prairie School have hired Miss Leota Hutchins to teach the next school year. Mrs. C. S. McClure’ A.T.S. Class of girls of the M.E. Sunday School made 20 dozen fancy frosted cookies and sent them to the Baby Fold at Normal, Ill., this week.