The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.1917
Stronghurst Graphic, Nov. 1, 1917
WAY BELOW MINIMUM: Henderson County is said to be the third county in the state in per capita wealth, but it evidently comes a long way from occupying a position so near the head of the column in the matter of patriotism as measured by contributions to the second Liberty Loan. According to figures prepared by County Chairman Whiteman, subscriptions in this county fell nearly $100,000 short of the minimum set by the government officials and over $270,000 short of the maximum amount.
In view of the fact that this is an almost wholly agricultural county, there would appear to be some grounds for the suggestion that the farmers were not rallying to support the government in financing the war as enthusiastically as some of the other classes of citizens. Perhaps, the poor showing reflects that a number of subscriptions of farmers have been made through banks located in other counties and in Iowa. (A breakdown of money collected by each county bank is given; if interested, check this issue on microfilm at the library.)
1892 GRAPHIC: The completed registry of voters in Stronghurst Township showed 186 names of eligible people to cast ballots. Dr. and Mrs. M.S.Hooper left for their new home in Macomb. The new Terre Haute M.E.Church was dedicated Sabbath morning, Oct.30th. A debt of $2,000 was wiped out by contributions made during the service. Sparks from a Santa Fe engine set fire to J.B.Fort's meadow west of town and before the flames were under control over, 200 rods of hedge and board fence and two large stacks of hay had been consumed.
LETTER FROM CORPORAL PUTNEY: "I suppose people in the old home town wonder how the soldiers like it at Camp Cody, N.M. so I will try and tell you. It is sure some country out here, only once in awhile we have an awful sand storm. Had one today and it nearly blew us away.We were issued all foreign service wool clothes today so I suppose it will only be a matter of a few weeks until we will be leaving the good old U.S.A. for France. They drill us about 8 hours a day in the trenches and are teaching us how to throw hand grenades. It is sure some sport but a little dangerous.
They are going to fill the company up with the drafted men before long. There will be 200 in all-133 privates, 33 corporals, 12 duty sergeants and 5 commissioned officers. (Math must not have been his best subject in school-only accounts for 183 persons.) It is going to be some company. (Corporal Putney and Private Crownover composed a farewell poem and it is found in this issue.)-Corporal A.A. Putney, Camp Cody, N. Mex.
BRUSH WITH DEATH: Henry Walker, who lives in the west part of the village, escaped death by a hairbreadth Wednesday afternoon at the Broadway crossing of the Santa Fe tracks. He was hauling a load of block wood to town from the Mudd timber just north of the village and drove his team of mules on the tracks at the crossing just as No.9, the fast California train, was approaching from the east.
He was sitting on the load of wood facing west and although the engineer blew several warning blasts of the whistle, Walker failed to realize his danger until the engine was almost upon him. He sprang to the ground and to safety just a brief second before the inevitable crash came. The engine struck the wagon squarely and reducted it to splinters, scattering the debris and the block wood along the right of way for several rods. The team of mules was unhurt and relieved of their load, continued placidly on their way as though nothing had happened. Witnesses say that the train was running at a tremendous rate of speed.
BLOCK WOOD FOR SALE: Block wood, good quality for sale at my timber tract north of Stronghurst at $3.50 per load-B.L.Mudd (Lacking coal to heat their houses, citizens were turning to wood as fuel. Obviously, Mr. Mudd would be one load short this day.)
ROSEVILLE RESIDENT DIES: Eli Dixson, one of the best known residents of Warren County, passed away at his home in Roseville last Sunday evening after an illness extending over a period of several months. He suffered from a physical breakdown last spring and from that time his decline was steady...Mr. Dixson was a native of Green County, Ind., and was born Jan. 8, 1853. He came to Illinois with his mother at the age of 4 years and located in Warren County. On Jan. 16, 1889, he married Miss Myrtle Talliaferro. He is survived by his wife, his daughter, Elizabeth and a sister, Mrs. Mary Lester of Roseville besides many other relatives. Mr. Dixson was one of the organizer of the Roseville Union Bank and for many years had been vice president.
He was a staunch democrat and in 1891 and 1892 a member of the state legislature. Funeral services over the remains were held at the Roseville Congregational Church.
LETTER FROM CORPORAL JOHN TRACY: From New Mexico- "I am getting along fine and have just taken a hundred dollar Liberty Bond-Well, father, you ought to have been here the other day. Our General took about three regiments of us out in the country on a Jack rabbit hunt. There were about 5000 soldiers and we killed about 4000 Jack rabbits. We did not have our guns, just used rocks and clubs.
We made about a three mile circle and the closed in. It was a sight to see. A French officer here started picking the rabbits up, but as we closed in on them, he found that he could not carry them all so he threw down what he had and commenced throwing rocks and clubs with the rest of us. He sure enjoyed himself. Mother, if you ask me what we were digging trenches for, we are digging them for practice so we will know how when we get to Frace. You also asked how many men there were in a squad.
There are seven privates and one corporal. We received some new clothes today and we did not get them before we needed them; for none of us had clothes enough to clad a hand car. I think they will send us away from here before long or they would not give us such heavy clothing. Give my best regards to everyone."