The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Registrar for Daniel McMillan Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.1918
Stronghurst Graphic, Feb.14, 1918
HEREFORD DAY LAST FRIDAY: When the Henderson County Polled and Horned Hereford Cattle Association decided to hold an annual sale of choice offerings from the various herds of its members, the people of this section evidently decided to mark "Hereford Day" in red letters on their calenders and to observe it as a holiday. The first sale was held last February in the big new Knutstrom garage and its wonderful success served to firmly establish the reputation of Henderson county as one of the most important Hereford cattle centers in the U.S.
The interest attaching to this year's sale was enhanced by the fact that the association had erected an immense sale pavilion in which to conduct its annual auctions...The public paid just tribute to this display of enterprise by turning out in spite of the unfavorable weather and filling the big circular structure to the limit of its seating capacity. At a conservative estimate, not less than 1500 people were interested spectators of the proceedings by which a change of ownership of $27,475 worth of fine stock was effected.
Col. Fred Reppert, whose fame as a livestock auctioneer is nation wide, presided at the auction block and disposed of the 49 animals offered in a little over three hours. Col. James Magness of S.Dak., Hayes Walker of Kansas City, editor of the American Hereford Journal, and several local auctioneers assisted in the work of soliciting bids and the rivalry displayed by these assistants in the work was a feature which added to the interest on the part of the spectators...
The average price obtained for the 49 head offered was $560 and while this was not quite as much as last year when one or two animals sold at phenomenal figures, it was declared to be a remarkable average. The top notcher was Ralph Painter's 16 month old bull "Anxiety Beat" knocked off to Jenkins Bros. Of Orleans, Ind., at $3,500. Mr. Painter has the distinction of selling the top notcher in last year's sale, a 10 month old calf which brought $5,400. His offering this year consisted of 4 bulls and 3 cows which sold for the $7975. (Complete list of animals sold and their purchasers in this much longer article.)
HE'S SAFE: Cecil Clark, a brother of Robert Clark of Stronghurst, was on board the Tuscania when it was sunk last week. For several days it was not known whether he was among the survivors, but a dispatch from the Adjutant General informed the family that he was safe. Cecil's former home was at Princeton, Ind., but he gave Stronghurst as his home on account of his father and sister who are spending the winter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clark.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS: The Red Cross ladies will hold an auction of various articles and livestock. A.H.Van Winkle of Alberta, Canada, was found lying dead on the ground near a well which he was drilling. On account of numerous complaints from property owners and pedestrians concerning the use of the sidewalk of the village for roller skating and bicycling, the ordinance prohibiting such use will hereafter be strictly enforced-A.H.Kershaw, Village President.
Women's Club thanks all who assisted them in serving a dinner on the day of the cattle sale; the sum cleared was about $115. The Lutheran church nationally has inaugurated a movement for raising $750,000 to be used in welfare work on behalf of the soldier boys of the Lutheran faith. There are said to be something like 200,00 of these young men now in the service of the nation. Miss Della Brokaw who took the civil service examination at Galesburg a month ago received notice to report to Washington for duty next week; the salary to start will be $1100 a year.
A plan is now on foot to raise $4,000,000 to provide for the physical and moral welfare of the soldier boys now in camp and those who will in the future be called to the colors. Local chairman, Roy Pendarvis of Media attended a meeting in Chicago and on his returned organized a similar meeting in Stronghurst. Henderson County's quota is $1000 or a little more than10 cents for each person in the county...The purpose of this organization is not to duplicate the work being done by the YMCA, but rather to supplement it.
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: Five young children received the rite of baptism after preaching here Sabbath afternoon. Mrs. George Fort was able to return to her home from the Burlington Hospital and is doing nicely.
Joel Marsden is quite sick with pneumonia, but his fever has broken. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McKeown have received work from their son, Ernest, who was recently removed from Jefferson Barracks to the Atlantic coast, that he had taken unto himself a wife. Congratulations Ernest, hoping you help "can" the Kaiser and return to spend many years of happy wedded life in the land of the free and home of the brave.
Leslie Marshall is moving back to his farm in the village. It is rumored that a few of our villagers are making themselves scarce until after county court has convened (Trying to escape the Law?).
The store in the village has ceased to do business as Mr. Daily locked up and departed for parts unknown. Rumor has it that Mr. Ernest Burrell and Miss Kelly of Gladstone were recently joined in wedlock.
All the young men in class 1 have passed their physical examination the past few days and expect to be called to some training camp in the very near future. Sad indeed to see so many of our noble young manhood taken but thankful we have a "country" to defend.
Smithshire Smatterings: Mr. and Mrs. William Lucas rejoiced over the arrival of a 4 1Ú2 pond girl born Feb. 8th. Mother and daughter are doing well. Mr. H. Heichel met with a very painful accident as a result has been carrying his right arm in a sling.
He and the veterinary from Kirkwood were endeavoring to remove something lodged in the throat of a fine two year old colt owned by Mr. Heichel and were about to choke it. In some manner the colt reared and fell, striking him with its head on the right shoulder tearing the ligament loose and nearly dislocating it. Dr. P.E. Kimery was called and dressed the wound, and while the patient suffered much for a couple of days is much improved. The colt was taken to Kirkwood to be operated upon .
Considerable moving took place recently. Mr. John Sexton removed to the farm recently purchased between here and Smithshire. Don McCartney moved to the house vacated by Sexton. Clifford Dalton located in the house McCartney left and Bird Anderson moved in Dalton's former residence. The little son of Mr. and Mrs. W.E.Worden has been quite sick, but is now much better.
Last Friday morning a suspicious acting and looking foreigner was vending his wares in our midst and by his brazen manner in entering people's houses and making himself at home therein was called to a halt by two or three citizens though he managed to escape to Media before being taken into custody. However, he was taken to Monmouth for examination by county officials where it is reported after a few questions, but no searching, he was allowed to go on his way and perhaps properly, but the thing was hard for some of us to understand why the government sends out warnings and requests alert vigilance against suspicious characters and aliens and then the average official passes them up with little more than a passive interest.
However, people are extremely foolish to take any kind of chances with venders and strangers in these war times. The Rev. M.S.Swisher met with the Henderson County committee to plan for raising the county's apportionment of $1000 for the war camp community recreation fund. The campaign will begin Feb. 18th.
JACKSON CORNERS: The Allard Brothers shelled and delivered 5000 bushels of corn to the Smithshire market. Clifford Watson recently purchased four thorough bred Big Type Poland China sows at Dallas City at a total cost of $510. Robert Gray and F.R. Gunn both purchased sheep at the H.A.Bowers sale. Mr. and Mrs. O.S.Garrett were called to White Hall, Ill. Taylor Johnson shipped a carload of hogs of his own raising to Chicago. Chas. Ross shelled and delivered corn to Smithshire.
LOCAL AND AREA HAPPENINGS: John Voorhees of Fairview, Okla. renewed acquaintances having been absence 20 years; his mother and sister Cora now live in Oklahoma City. John is engaged in the stock and grain business and was on his way home from a business trip to New York City.
Smith Ayers of Stronghurst and Zona Ryason of Kirkwood were married at the Methodist parsonage in Aurora. Mr. Ayers is the local manager for the Stronghurst Lumber Co. Coming here from Kirkwood. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.A.Ryason and has spent most of her life in Kirkwood. Mrs. W.W.Calkins, superintendent of the W.C.T.U. relief work informs all that the Stronghurst W.C.T.U. has adopted the Marguritta Verstichel and promises to pay $36.50 per year for her support. She will be in the care of her mother under the protection of the French government. Homer Justice will conduct a public sale of stock and farming implements on the Mellinger farm 6 1Ú2 miles southwest of Gladstone.
Archie Lant's regiment is to leave for France on the 7th. Silas Dowell has purchased the Newt Harden residence in the west part of town for a consideration of $2,000. Thomas Huston of Olena country accompanied Dr. Bond to Galesburg for a surgical operation for hernia. Andrew McQuown, who resides at Sandwich, Ill. has been afflicted with a cancer; he went to Rochester for surgical treatment. Drop in and see how thoroughly B.L. Mudd & Son Grocery is preparing to take care of your needs in the way of eatables.
J.W. McKee, who was local agent for the Santa Fe Railroad Co. in the sale of lots here 25 years ago, was in town. He has been the manager for a Burlington construction company for the past 15 years and made a big success of the business. Recently, the war demand for men has made it difficult to secure employees so he has given that up and has entered the automobile field becoming distributing agent for the Briscoe Co. Dr. Marshall took his departure for New York. James Anderson has leased the Harter house, now property of the Evans estate. (For Sale-Large frame house in Stronghurst. Corner location: 5 lots-V.L.Evans) The old Evans mansion on the Evans farm near Decorra is being remodeled and improved.
Fred Chandler is planning to build a residence on his farm in the Decorra neighborhood. The ladies of the W.C.T.U. will hold open house and a patriotic meeting at the home of Mrs. B.G.Widney. Good music and a souvenir will given to each person attending. Del Dixson will hold a public sale of Registered Duroc swine in Stronghurst on Feb.25th.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: Ernest Burrell of Olena vicinity and Miss Nellie Kelley were married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly of Monmouth. The groom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Burrell and is a farmer boy of good standing. Oakley Colley, one of the soldier boys from here is stationed at Jefferson Barracks. Harry Sewards has been sent to France and word came back that he was safely over the big waters.
CARMAN CONCERNS: Mrs. Luke Bradway who has been quite ill with pneumonia, submitted to an operation a few days ago. The Doctors Sherman and Emerson had to take out part of her rib to remove pus from her lung. Her many friends hope for a speedy recovery. A car load of limestone fertilizer was delivered for Louis Weigand. Thayer Williamson, Cyril Good and Clarence Springsteen were called to Oquawka to take the examination they being in Class A; they all passed. Joe Marsden is ill with pneumonia at his home near Olena.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: Little Robert Beal has whooping cough. Sickness seems to be in every family. John LaVelle cut his leg quite badly while chopping wood. Raymond Mathers shelled another crib of corn. He sawed wood for Mr. James Callow, Dr. J.F. Meloan and Clyde Stansberry. Dr. Meloan has been quite sick with the LaGrippe. The home of Mrs. Joe Mathers was under quarantine because of her daughter, Miss Gladys, having been exposed to small pox. Mr. and Mrs. Luther Lefler of Plano, Ill., but former residents of this place are moving to a farm west of Stronghurst. Mr. Lance Steele has been given the position as agent at the depot to fill Mr. C.H.Hiett's place. Mr. Hiett has been moved to Stronghurst.
Despite the fact of the bad roads and weather a fair sized crowd attended the pie social at the Academy last Thursday evening for the benefit of the Women's Club. Ten cents was charged at the door and the play given was well worth the price. Those taking part were Miss Marjorie Thompson, Miss Amy Robinson, Miss Esther Richey, Mrs. C.H. Hiett, Mrs. A.Beal, Mrs. Charles Gibson and Mrs. W. P. Terry. Total receipts was the nice sum of a little over $13.00.