The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.1915
Stronghurst Graphic, Dec. 9, 1915
HARRY CARGILL DIES: Harry J. Cargill was born at Carman, Ill. March 15, 1890 and died at his home near Decorra on Dec.5th. Several years ago he was married to Miss Rachael Kemp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Kemp of Decorra, who with two younger children are left to mourn his departure. He is also survived by his father, James Cargill, one brother and two sisters. Funeral services were conducted in the Carman M.E Church and interment in the Carman Cemetery.
MRS. ELIZABETH STIMPSON DEAD: Elizabeth Bowman was born March1, 1826 in Indiana and removed with her parents to Kingston, Iowa, when a small child. There she grew to womanhood and married John Stimpson in 1846. Nine children were born to the union, only two now living: Mrs. Maggie Cogswell of Wataga, Ill., and Mrs. Millie Shick of Stronghurst. Mrs. Stimpson passed away at her home at Shokokon near Carman on Dec.3rd leaving to mourn besides the two daughters, 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. She was 89 years, 9 months, and 2 days. Funeral services were held at the Carman M. E. Church with interment in the Carman Cemetery.
SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Mr. and Mrs. W. J. McElhinney have spent all of the 25 years of their married life in the immediate vicinity and have been active in promoting the things which have contributed to the highest welfare of the village and community. Both have been identified with the United Presbyterian Church of the village almost from the time of its organization.
Mr. McElhinney has been an honored member of the session of the congregation and has also been its efficient and faithful choir leader. (In later years, Blanche Galbraith remembers playing the piano for church with Mr. McElhinney in charge. Saturday afternoon was practice time; they would meet and go over all the hymns for the following day's service. He was very particular about the music.) Mrs. McElhinney has also been active in the Women's department and loyally contributed greatly to the power for good wielded by the church.
The couple have also been very active in the social affairs of the community and their home is noted for its hospitality. In view of these facts their friends thought it appropriate to honor them in a celebration of the 25th anniversary of their marriage. On account of the large number of friends, it was thought best to hold the celebration in the U. P. Church. On the evening of the event, members of the congregation and other friends and neighbors numbering over 150 quietly gathered at the church.
Mr. and Mrs. McElhinney's son Glenn was asked to go over to the home a block away and get his parents to come to church. By working a clever ruse, he successfully carried out the plan and on entering the church, the pair were met by the assembled guests extending their congratulations.
A short impromptu program was carried out; Mrs. R.W.Upton had managed to secure and don the wedding gown of the bride of 25 years ago, rendering selections on the piano and Mrs. Anderson, wife of the pastor, gave a selected reading. Rev. Anderson on behalf of the assembled guests presented the couple with a number of handsome pieces of cut glass, consisting of a water set, vase and fern dish. He expressed the appreciation and esteem which accompanied the gift. Mr. McElhinney thanked the group and expressed his hope that he and his wife might ever prove worthy of their respect.
Young ladies assisted by the Young Men's Class served light refreshments.
TORRANCE DIES IN CALIFORNIA: Charles Torrance, a former prominent citizen and large holder of farm land in Point Pleasant Township, Warren County, died at his home in Fresno, California at 6 o'clock Friday evening after an illness lasting four weeks. During his nearly 40 years of residence in Warren County, Mr. Torrance acquired something like 1600 acres of choice land there. He also had real estate holdings in Missouri, Ohio, and Texas. He was a man of high character and much public spirit.
He has been a resident of California for the past 9 years. Mrs. R. L.Taylor, formerly of this place and who also passed away in California several years ago, was a sister of the deceased. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, namely, Mrs. Bertha Loftus and Mrs. Laura Loftus, both of Roseville, IL; and Mrs. Halle Sedinger of Fresno, Calif. Another daughter, Carrie, died in young womanhood. One son, Charles Torrance, Jr. met death by accident after the removal of the family to California. Mr. Torrance was in his 82nd year at the time of his death.
A FOND FAREWELL: In 1849 John Marshall and his wife, Ann Richey, took up their residence on the northeast corner of Section No.20, Stronghurst Township. After the death of Mr. Marshall in September, the mother having passed away some years before, Richard and Miss Emma who had been their father's constant companions, decided to remove from the old homestead thereby terminating an honorable residence of 66 years.
Relatives, neighbors, old schoolmates and friends (about 50) gave them a genuine surprise Dec.4th by coming unannounced to spend a last day in this popular pioneer home. After dinner impromptu speeches reminisced: Clarence Richey gave some early recollections of his boyhood visits; John Carothers estimated the influence the Marshalls had on many lives; Miss White of Stronghurst spoke of the perplexities of the stranger when confronted by Marshalls and Marshalls and Marshalls and Marshalls; Mr. Upton spoke of the noble character of John Marshall; Cecil Brook recalled the visits to the home from earliest childhood; Grace Marshall shared the delights of being a grandchild visiting the home; and Dr. Harter, the family physician, reminiscenced about politics. Contrary to the lifelong custom of this family, there was no minister of the gospel in attendance.
Richard and Emma expressed their gratitude to the assemblage. A note of sadness was distinct. Mrs. Sarah Evans, who had been a staunch friend of the Marshall's since pioneer days, was present. In removing from the neighborhood the good wishes of the entire community accompany them to their new home in Stronghurst. (They built the house in which Oscar Davis lives today.)
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: L. Odegard, the tailor, is the busiest man in town. Desirable patterns for ladies garments sold by the yard. Mrs. James S. Sloan died at their home in Biggsville on Dec. 4th. She was 44 years old and is survived by her husband and nine children.
Louis Dannenburg of Carman left on a business trip to Canada. He expects to stop at Minneapolis and get his brother William to accompany him on the remainder of the journey.
The interior of the Tucker bakery has been treated to a coat of paint of glossy whiteness; the improvement was made in compliance with the pure food law regulations which require scrupulous cleanliness in the preparation of all foods for public consumption.
Mrs. Elmer Davis underwent a surgical operation at her home near Decorra. Scarlet fever is reported to have broken out at the Virgil Davis home at Olena. Mrs. Hattie McClain is recovering from a somewhat severe attack of pneumonia.
One of the social events of the Thanksgiving season was the annual Lant family Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Lant of Olena; twenty-five guests were present for the sumptuous feast.
J. F. McMillan and Dale Davis, who have been touring the Pacific coast states, arrived back home safely. Mr. Charles Gerber and wife have purchased the Henry Tibbets farm southwest of Carman and will build a new house in the near future. The Royal Neighbors will give a social and also have a country store at their hall the evening of Dec. 11th. They have purchased a new piano for their hall.