The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.19
Stronghurst Graphic, May 24, 1917
SHOT THROUGH THE HEAD: Sheriff James Barclay of Macomb was shot and instantly killed last Friday by Walter Niles whom he had arrested at Good Hope and was taking to Macomb in an auto driven by the sheriff's son. Barclay had failed to search his prisoner and when a few miles from town, the latter drew a revolver and shot his captor through the head.
The son, without stopping the car, immediately grappled with the bandit and while he was so engaged, the auto ran into a bank on the side of the road throwing the struggling men out. Niles then fired at young Barclay at close range, the powder from his revolver burning the latter's face and partially blinding him.
Taking advantage of the opportunity for escape, Niles made his get-away on foot and took to the Crooked Creek bottoms where he was a few hours later surrounded by a posse from Macomb and the neighboring country. Seeing that his chance of escape was gone, the desperado turned his weapon upon himself and shot himself through the head, dying in a Macomb hospital a few hours latter.Niles lived near Abingdon and was wanted for hog stealing and also on the charge of obtaining an automobile by means of a worthless check.
WINS FIRST PLACE: With the score standing Roseville, 35; Kirkwood, 35; Stronghurst, 28; Biggsville, 15 and Alexis, 4, at the close of the point counting athletic events at the Bi-County high school meet held at Roseville. The judges decided to let the relay race count for points in order to break the tie between Roseville and Kirkwood for first place and by winning the relay, Roseville carried off first honors.
In the literary and musical contests first place was awarded to Kirkwood with 20 1/2 points. Roseville scored again in the essay contest with "American and the Immigrant" by Carrie Thompson. Ruby Hicks of Stronghurst won first place in the Declamation contest with her topic " The Hazing of Valiant" and Ernest Watson of Biggsville with "Reformation and Transformation" and Curran Nicholas of Kirkwood tied for first in Oration. The Biggsville chorus garnered first place with "Tripping O'er the Hill."
***OBITUARY*** ELMER OTIS WOLFORD: Elmer Otis Wolford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Wolford, was born at Olena, Ill, May 29, 1899 and died at the home of his parents in Decorra on May 16, 1917 at 10:15 a.m., aged 17 years, 11 months, and 16 days. He leaves to mourn his untimely death, his parents, three brothers, two sisters, two grandparents and numerous more distant relatives.
He had chosen railroading for his life work and had made a promising beginning when a cold contracted through exposure and which developed into pneumonia compelled him to give up work for what it was hoped a short period. All was done for him that loving care could suggest but without availing to stay the hand of the Divine Messenger. His last words, spoken to his mother were, "Don't worry over me, Jesus is with me."Funeral services were conducted from the Stronghurst M.E.Church with interment in the North Olena Cemetery.
COMMENCEMENT WEEK, JUNE 1 TO 8: On account of time lost through the closing of the high school during the two weeks quarantine period in April, the exercises connected with the closing of the local high school year and the graduation of the senior class have been deferred to the first week in June. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the seniors will present their class play "The Hoodoo" at the Lyric theatre. On Sabbath evening, the Baccalaureate sermon to the class will be delivered at the U.P.Church by Rev. W.P.Anderson. Commencement exercises proper at which the class of 16 will receive their diplomas will be held in the Lyric Theatre on Friday evening. Prof. Dwight E. Watkins, head of the public speaking department of Knox College will deliver the address.
LOCAL AND AREA HAPPENINGS: Otto Steffey won fresh laurels for himself and for the local high school at the Neighborhood Track Meet of the Military Track by hanging up a new record of 11 ft. 21/2 in. in the pole vault. An open air concert will be held on Main Street Saturday night featuring the local band. After suffering since the April 3rd birth of her child, Mrs. Howard Wray of Granville passed to the other world on Monday, May 14, 1917. Mr. Wray was doing the family washing with the motor machine and his wife had been about as usual that morning; he stepped into her room just in time to see her pass away quite suddenly, caused the doctor said, by a blood clot, the result of infection.
Tuesday, June 5th while not marked in red letters on our calenders is destined to become one of the most important dates connected with American history; for on that date every American citizen between the ages of 21 and 31 years, has been commanded by solemn proclamation of the chief executive of the nation to offer his services to his country as a solider whenever called upon to do by registering his name upon of the roll of all male persons in the nation between the ages specified. (The Draft started.)
Chalmers Fort has returned home from Northwestern University. A.S.McElhinney reports the sale of the 40 acre from of Clara E. Rankin to Frank Lant and Jennie Rankin. Joe Long was called to Calhoun County by a message announcing the serious illness of his mother who lives there. The trustees of the U.P. Church have very materially improved the appearance of the church grounds by extending the terrace on both street fronts. Miss Thelma Smith closed her school at Ellison Valley with a picnic and weenie roast.
H. F. Turner and family drove from Canton, Ill. and visited at the McMillan home here. The trip was made in a new Reo car which Miss Helen, who finishes her high school course this month, received as a graduation present from her parents. Fifteen Oquawka young men have enlisted for service in the army and navy, eleven of them offering their services since war was declared with Germany. Stronghurst High School has followed the example of many other institution of the same character and is making an effort to simulate patriotism by extending credits to boys who have had acceptable grades heretofore and permitting them to return to their father's farm. A number of the boys have availed themselves of the opportunity.