Paragould, Arkansas

1915

101

Malone edits

1

Mrs. Clementine Alsey

Libe Alsey

Charles O. Baltzell

Mrs. J. C. Bell

Mrs. Philo Bell

George H. Benham

Mrs. William E. Berninger

Mrs. M. Brooks

George and Edna Burnside

Robert Guy Buzzard

J. C. Caldwell

D. F. Cooper

G. W. Cooper

Thomas E. Corrie

Kent Cunningham

Mrs. Leati Jennings Donnelly

G. R. Dunphy

Jenny Foster

C. French

Emily B. French

Warren K. Gibney

Mrs. James Goff

D. T. Gordon

Ida (Kimmell) Haynes

C.W. Higganbotham

Della Perkins Hollingsworth

Mrs. S. E. Eckenrode

George I. Hughes

Annie Hardacre Irish

Mrs. Addie Wright Ivie

McMerrell B. Judy

W. G. Kilgore

Mrs. Laura Kinkade

William, Nora and George Edward Lathrop

Nellie Legg

L. W. Lent

Mrs. Molly Hoopes Mallison

Clement E. Malone

J. A. Marley

George W. Martin

H. G. McKelfresh

Frank McNeely

C. S. Milburn

Joseph A. Miller

Clarence A. Newman

Aaron C. Pepple

Samuel W. Perrott

Mrs. Isabel Petersen

T. E. Piper

Mrs. Amy Weaver Richey

W. H. Rosborough

W. S. Sanford

J. L. Sheraden

Ralph O. Shick

Virgil J. Simms

Isaac Slichenmeyer

Glenn P. Smalley

Jesse F. Smalley

A. E. Stout

Marion Strouse

French Sumner

James A. Thompson

Charles Vandament

D. B. Van Scyoc

Mary Smalley Webb

C. A. Webber

Mahala Wurtsbaugh

Mrs. Ida M. Yetman

2

Paragould, Arkansas

January 16, 1915

Dear Editor Press:

I write a few lines for the "non-resident issue,” of the Press. It has been a little better than 10 years since we left our old home in Lawrence County, and came to

Arkansas, locating among good people of Paragould.

Grogan, now lives. My husband lived 2 1/2 miles northwest of Sumner on the Alsey home place. Our children Wilma and Amos, have learned to enjoy the visits, back to

"Old Lawrence". friends in Lawrence. We also think the reunion will be like a homecoming. I anxiously await the issue, as it is published on my birthday, February 4 th . Thanking the editor for this favor. I am yours sincerely.

Paragould, Arkansas

January 18, 1915

Editor Press:

Mrs. Clementine Alsey

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It affords me great pleasure to write to the non-resident issue of the Press. I was born March 24, 1883 in Lawrence County, Christy Township, 2 1/2 miles southwest of

Sumner. I resided in Lawrence County until 1904, when I came to Paragould, Arkansas and began working for a Valve and Heading Manufacturing Company for $40 per month and I am with the same company, and now receive a salary of $75 per month.

Our home has been blessed with two sons. The oldest Joe Lytle Alsey, was born May 29, 1910, died October 5, 1911 Howard Milton Alsey was born February 5,

1912.

My former home was 1 1/2 miles northeast of Sumner, where my father, Amos

We enjoy reading the old home paper and are always glad to hear from old

I was married on June 6, 1906 to Miss Myrtle Lytle of the city.

Paragould has a population of 8000, and is indeed a city of churches and schools. There are twelve churches, four Baptists, three Methodist, two Christian, one

Presbyterian, one Holiness and one Catholic. We are members of the East Side

Methodist Church. There are six schools, four public schools, one high school and one

Business College.

This is a land of opportunity, and we quite often see residents of Lawrence

County in this vicinity. There are several non-residents of Lawrence County in this city, but will leave them to write for them selves.

I will close wishing the “Pink Issue" a great success.

Princeton, Indiana

January 11, 1915

The Sumner Press:

Yours truly,

Libe Alsey

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The opportunity of addressing a communication to you, to be published along with other communications from persons formerly residing in Lawrence County, that

(are) now non-residents, is accepted with pleasure.

(Clementine Alsey)

Biographical Note:

Clementine Alsey, nee Grogan, was born in 1876 and married

Ellsworth Alsey of Lawrence Co about 1904. At the time of this letter, her daughter, Wilma was about 9 years old and her son

Amos was about 7.

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(Libe Bern Alsey)


Libe Bern Alsey was the son of

William and Joanna Alsey. The father, William, born in Hanover,

Germany, came to America with his parents and two sisters when he was 5 years old (1849). At an early life he became an orphan and lived with an aunt in St.

Charles, Missouri until he was 17 yrs of age. Thence he moved to

Cincinnati and was married to

Joanna Hicks in 1863. He then moved to Lawrence County where he farmed for the remainder of his life dying in 1908. He and Joanna had ten children, 5 girls and 5 boys. Libe was 32 years old when this letter was written and was the brother-in-law of Clementine

Alsey. His wife Myrtle died Sept

26, 1918 and he married Ida May

Cox in 1919. It appears that both

Libe and his brother, Ellsworth left

Lawrence County before their father died

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(Charles O. Baltzell)


Charles O. Baltzell, born March

1873, was the son of a Civil War veteran, Henry H. and his wife,

Margaret C. Rodrick Baltzell. His father held several town offices upon his return from the war. In

Lawrence county. Charles married

Maud Bennyhuff in 1898 and the son he refers to in this letter is

Ernest R. Baltzell born 1899.

(continued)

3

(continued)

Before moving to Princeton,

Indiana, Charles taught school at

Pinhook School, a one room school located in Bridgeport

Township. Later in 1900, his brother Robert also taught there.

Robert later went on to practice law in Indiana also, and was appointed a federal judge by

President Coolidge serving 25 years on the bench.

Editor’s Note:

On January 21, 1916 Charles wrote another letter:” I have been located at Princeton, Indiana, following the practice of the law for practically 18 years. During that time have had some varied experiences in a business and political way and otherwise. We have a son, our only child, now 16 years of age, who is a freshman in our State University. Aside from my work in my profession, I am president of the Citizens Trust and

Savings Bank, which gives me broader opportunities in a business way.”

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(Olive Bell)


Olive Bell (nee Bass) was the daughter of Henry V. and Louisa

Pamplin Bass of Lukin Township,

Lawrence Co, Il. She married Julius

(or Johan C.) Bell on March 25,

1896 in Clayton, St Louis Co, MO.

She was about 42 years old when she wrote this letter, and the children she refers to are Arthur,

Leslie and Olivia. Her husband was a stationary engineer in an ice plant.

Annotation:

A stationary engineer was a man who operated or assisted in the operation of steam power plants, as well as refrigerating and ventilating systems and had to be familiar with all mechanical devices found in such facilities. As such this occupation was considered to be one of importance, and a good job to have, although the hours were usually 10 hours a day.

Having maintained my home in Petty Township from the time of my birth until after attaining my majority, I have always and do now think and speak of it as my home. Since finishing my school work, in 1898, I have resided at this place. My wife, a son, 15 years of age, and myself constitute our family aside from my father, H. H.

Baltzell who makes his home, a part of the time, with us. My mind oft-times goes back to my school days, spent at the Leech school and later the public schools of Sumner and the four years I spent teaching in public schools of Lawrence County.

I shall ever have fond memories of my boyhood days, spent in Petty Township, and of the people, there are no better.

East St. Louis, Illinois

January 14, 1915

Dear Sirs:

Most respectfully,

Charles O. Baltzell

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My former home being in Lawrence I thought I would write something of my life since I left there.

I was born in Lukin Township in the vicinity of Prairie schoolhouse. I lived there for 17 years then came to St. Louis, where I worked for several different families in the capacity of house girl. I followed this six years, then was married. I have had fairly good luck so far. My husband is a stationary engineer here in the city. I have two boys and one daughter. The two boys are in their third year of high school and the girl is in her eighth grade and will graduate in June.

My former name was Olive Bass but is now Mrs. J. C. Bell. I was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Bass.

-

I am glad if I can help you along by contributing this small article.

I remain yours very truly,

Mrs. J. C. Bell

526 North 13th Street

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4

January 14, 1915

Editor Press:

As you want the non-resident subscribers to write a sketch of their lives, I will try from memory, as I have no dates.

I was born on a farm six miles south of Sumner in 1830. My maiden name was

Spencer. My father's name was Thomas Spencer, and my mother's was Lanterman.

When I was five years old we moved a mile west of Sumner no town then.

Lived there until 1887, and then to Sumner. Lived there until 1904, when Mr. Bell died and I went to Salem. Lived with a married daughter, Mrs. Draper. In 1907 she died, and then I came to Sedalia, Missouri, to live with my youngest daughter, Mrs. Dr. Staats, where I'm living now.

I'm a member of the Christian Church in Sumner, the only charter member living. I am 84 years and 1 month old. Have many friends in and around Sumner. Wish all of them a happy and prosperous year.

Fletcher,

Ulcaml County, Ohio

January 17, 1915

Editor Press:

Mrs. Philo Bell

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While we have never been residents of Lawrence County, we had the pleasure of spending several days last summer with relatives and friends in Sumner and vicinity.

We have been receiving the Press for some time past, through the courtesy of our nephew, Oliver Baltzell, who we wish to thank very kindly for the favor.

We enjoy very much the columns of the Press, as we always appreciate the news of the former buckeyes that are now located in Lawrence County.

Very truly,

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Benham

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(Mary Emmaline Spencer Bell)


Mary Emmaline Spencer Bell was born Sept 1830 and listed her occupation prior to her husband’s death in 1904 as milliner. They had had three children Carrie,

Hattie and Effie M. but only two of them were alive by 1900. By 1910 she was living with Effie, who had married Dr. Ethan Staats. Mrs

Philo Bell died July 30, 1925 and buried in the Sumner Cemetery.

Editor’s Notes:

Mrs. Philo Bell wrote another letter for the 1916 Edition of the

Pink Letters. In it she repeats that she is living with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Dr. Staats, and is in “ reasonable health for one of my age, have practically lost the use of my right arm, can't write or do much else” and doesn’t enjoy the cold weather very well. She goes to Sunday school and Church most every Sunday, as it is just across the street. She also adds some biographic information about Philo Bell. ‘He was born near Sumner in 1830. She wrote another letter on January 16, 1917 from Sedalia Missouri, enclosing a money order for another year’s subscription to the Press and stated that her eyes were so poor she could hardly read, and she was too shaky to write anything for the Press that year. However,

January 20, 1919 she writes again:

“From your oldest non-resident, I am 88 years and 5 months old; only missed 3 Sundays this year at church and Sunday school. Have

12 grandchildren and 9 great children and 1 great greatgrandchild. How is that for an

Illinois mother? Also am a member of the Red Cross. Have been away from Lawrence county

17 years.”

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(George H. Benham)

Annotation:

The term “former buckeyes” refers to residents of Ohio

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(M rs. William E.

Berninger)


Indianapolis, Indiana

January 13, 1915

Annotation:

A Dray is a type of a horse- drawn wagon used to haul goods.

Editors Note:

Ursula E. Morgan Berninger wrote another letter on January 7,1917 from the same address. She stated that she “still had a warm spot in her heart for old Lawrence county.

We moved to Indianapolis in 1906.

My boy was just four years old, and now he is 14 and past. He will graduate in common school in three weeks. Since coming here I have learned to love old Indiana.

My man can say what a lot of men can't. He has worked for the

Pennsylvania Railroad ever since we lived here. It is 11 years the

14th day of February. Since living in Indianapolis the Lord has blessed us by sending us a little daughter, which brought happiness into our family.” One year later she wrote another short letter in which she says that as long as her father, mother, brother and sister-in law still live in Lawrence county she will use her (RR) card pass and visit there.

---------

Dear Editor:

We first moved from Parkersburg to Lawrence County when I was but eight years of age. I lived in the county from the time I moved there until I was almost 17. We then moved to Sumner, where I lived until I was 26. When I became 26, I was married to W.

E. Berninger of Lancaster. We then moved to Lancaster and lived there three months.

We then came to think Lawrence County the best, after all and again moved to Sumner.

My husband then bought a dray, and drayed a while, but he became dissatisfied and sold the dray. He then went north six months and worked, came back to Lawrence County and secured a position on the B. & O. Railroad with Mr. Orr. He worked a while at this and finally came to Indianapolis and found work with the Pennsylvania road, where he has been working for the past nine years. It as though railroad work is more abundant than any other.

My maiden name was Miss Ursula E. Morgan daughter of L. H. Morgan.

Yours truly,

Mrs. William E. Berninger

427 North Dearborn Street

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Equality

Gallatin County, Illinois

January 26, 1915

Mr. Editor:

We consider it a great pleasure and count it a great privilege to read the Press, for it is through the courtesy of some kind friend that we enjoy this great paper, for it certainly has grown to be interesting.

Our stay in Sumner though brief was a very pleasant one. No place on earth can't afford better people. The Rev. Brooks having charge of the Presbyterian Church there and one night in walking the floor (as sometimes preachers do) of the little

Presbyterian manse a vision appeared to him and he heard a voice from Equality say, come over and help us, and we came and in the vision was a great multitude of unsaved people, and since our coming 160 of this multitude have confessed Christ as their

Savior. Now someone may ask, did it pay for you to leave Sumner? Yes I say 1000 times yes. When we remember the value that master put on them, he says one soul is worth the whole world. And speaking of the Presbyterians did you ever go up to their little church to worship?

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If you haven’t you have certainly missed a treat and if you have, you will go again, were you meet so many fine people such as G. W. McNece and wife, H A. Piper and wife, Ferd Foss and wife, John Culbertson and wife, G. R. Stout and wife, Mr. Klingler and wife, and the Thompson brothers and dear Miss Ora, that always gave us such good cheer on our way, and H. M. Wagner and Miss Stella, John McVicker and family, Mr.

Legg and wife, Shelby Piper and little wife and brother Hull and good wife, Mr. and

Mrs. Pickering and those dear elderly ladies, Mesdames Catherine Piper, McClure and

Grow, how they did cheer and encourage us by their warm hand clasp and last, but not least, the great Sabbath school man, Dr. Dale, and many others too numerous to mention.

We are all real well, both children, Mary and Watson, are in school, have fine school here. Now about the Press, I feel the extra edition all decked out as you plan will be exceedingly fine and interesting

Success and best wishes to all and may this year be the greatest year in all the history of the dear old Press, because of His presence with you.

Cordially,

Mrs. M. Brooks

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Vincennes, Indiana

January 25, 1915

Editor Press:

In complying to your request for a short letter from all who once lived in

Sumner, will say, I believe there is something inspiring about your little city, for since leaving there I have been asked many times, where are you from and it always makes me feel proud to answer, from Sumner, Illinois. I just can't help it.

Well, we broke camp at Sumner on June 29, 1906, and located at St.

Francisville, where we entered the grocery business and during our first year was hard to get by, but we pulled through and were doing a nice business when we sold out and moved to Vincennes, where we thought the children would have a better chance. We also bought a store and are doing a good business here.

Now about my family. It was for Edna and the babies, don't you know. I am glad to report that we still have the same number that we left Sumner with, namely:

Edna Pearl, Mary Jeanette, George Hubert, Daniel Leslie and Miss Helen, and, by the way, they are some boosters for Sumner, Illinois, too.

Well, I will not take up any more space this time, except to say that I am proud

I was raised in Sumner and have some very good friends there and extend an invitation to all when in Vincennes to call at our home. Just take a car at union station and tell the conductor to put you off at First and Swartzel.

Respectfully,

George B. and Edna Burnside

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Chicago, Illinois

5600 Drexel Avenue

January 16, 1915

Editor Press:

Saturday morning is red letter day in our weekly calendar. Why? That is the mail on which the Press arrives. We are sure that no "Sons of Old Lawrence" can give it a more hearty welcome then that it receives here. Letters can keep one tied to the old home, but it takes a hometown paper to keep in touch with all. Certainly the Press is a wonder at doing this.

(George Burnside)


George B Burnside married Edna

Jackson Dec 25, 1892. He was the son of Samuel and Mary Burnside, farmers in Christy Township. At the time of the 1915 letter, the children’s ages were: Pearl, 20,

Mary 18, George 14, Daniel 11, and Miss Helen 9.

Editor’s Note: George B Burnside wrote another letter in 1916 from the same address: This finds us still on the job at our store in

Vincennes. Things have been running along much the same…Of course, business has been a little puny, but I am under the impression it will be much better before the end of the year 1916.

..Our happy family of five little

Burnside’s is still unbroken.”

---------

(Guy Buzzard)


Guy Buzzard was the son of Peter and Anna (Piper) Buzzard of

Christy township, Lawrence

County, Il. In 1910 he was still living with his parents and teaching in the county, but after graduating in 1914 from Normal

State University at Normal Ill, he continued his education at

University at Chicago. There he became President of the ISNU

Alumni club whose purpose was to further the social life of the alumni among other things. He also became a member of Sigma XI (a fraternal organization for research in science) His doctorate dissertation dealt with the geography of Cape Cod. He married Irene Couchman from

Sumner on Sept 12, 1920 and they had 4 sons. In 1933 he became

President of Eastern Illinois

University retiring from that post in 1956.

Annotation:

A “normal school” is a school created to train high school graduates to be teachers. Its purpose is to establish teaching standards or norms, hence its name.

7


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Now, "Get Together" is a slogan of the age. So do Sumner folks when far away, and that is what we have done. In answer to your kind invitation, "Modesty" forbids us to tell about ourselves-we shall tell about each other. Now if the ladies will kindly remove their hats.

Harry Lathrop, whose father, Mr. G. S. Lathrop, lives just east of Sumner, owes in my mind a great deal to Old Lawrence. His success since he left her boundaries is conclusive proof. It was on the banks of Muddy, which flowed near the old home just north of the famed Captain Lewis farm, that she taught him the first lesson of his chosen profession-teaching. I suppose instructing the fish the danger of biting on the Sabbath.

So it must have been, for the records of Lawrence County’s rural schools credit Harry with four years successful teaching. Teaching led to work in a normal school, and Harry found himself a student in the Illinois State Normal University at Normal, Illinois. After graduation in June, 1912, he was offered the principalship of the high school at Paxton,

Illinois, for the next school year, and accepted. The call of his Alma Mater however, was so strong that after one year at the Paxton High he returned to normal to finish his undergraduate work-and other studies. With the class of ‘14 he received the degree of

Bachelor of Education. Not only did he leave the old Normal with an enviable record as a student, but, with honors in other lines as well. Among the debating circles of the normal schools of Wisconsin, Indiana, and our own Illinois, he has a reputation as a winning debater. In literacy society work he was a leader, but his greatest achievement has been beyond a doubt the "attachments" that he formed in Normal.

At present he is doing graduate work in the Department of Geography and

Economics in the University of Chicago, working for the degree of Master of science.

"An authority in geographic circles on the Illinois oilfield." With, how could he help it?-

We leave him.

One minute for change of reels.

Robert Guy Buzzard, commonly known as plain "Guy," finished Sumner high school in 1909. Having heard the call of the pedagog he spent three years uplifting the country boys and girls of his home county. But having seen the proverbial ladder with lots of room up higher he determined to occupy some of the hitherto unoccupied space.

Therefore he landed at Normal, Illinois, if a heart full of aspirations and a head at least partially full of brains.

I, say at least partially full because there has been so much expansion since that time, room must be allowed for growth. The brains got to work and in 1913, Robert Guy received his diploma from the University High School, but the vacancy was still not filled and pursuit was immediately instituted after the elusive Normal School Diploma.

In 1914 the diligent work was rewarded. The Illinois State Normal University issued a diploma of which was written dignified black letters, "Robert

Guy Buzzard.“His record at Normal was commendable.

Prominent in literature, dramatic and journalistic circles, his activities, culminated in the yearbook of 1914, of which he was editor.

8

The habitat of this particular kind of bird is limited to southerly climes but the city by the waters needed a specimen. Hence Guy was employed to teach in the Harvard

School for boys on Drexel Boulevard, Chicago. However, at the same time he is doing work in the University of Chicago and will receive the degree of S. B. with the class of

‘16. But the story is not complete without the following chapter. O O ………………

The preceding line when properly translated gives the full story of Guy’s matrimonial endeavors for the benefit of his ‘friends’ in old Lawrence.

Thus endeth the tale of "Two Non-residents”.

And now, dear Editor, may we again express our appreciation of your newsy paper, and the part of the Press is doing to "boost" Sumner and old Lawrence.

Clapham, New Mexico

January 25, 1915

Editor Press: the coyotes, Jack rabbits, range cattle, etc. pitching broncos, and talk spanish.

Very truly yours,

Robert Guy Buzzard

Harry Lathrop

5609 Drexel Ave

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We think our “Old Times Issue" a capital idea and hope to see many interesting letters from our old friends and acquaintances.

After almost 4 years residence in Sumner, we left there in May 1911, came to

Union County, New Mexico, and moved at once to our claim, or homestead, of 320 acres on which we made final proof and received our patent in December 1914.

Homesteading is no joke. It's real life. And we are better off physically for having gone through with it. The children are healthy and robust and have profited by their experiences in the great new western country.

Carroll, our oldest boy is attending business college in Denver, Colorado,

Leah, our oldest daughter, is in school in Clayton, New Mexico, Robert and Hazel go to our country school, while J. C. and Anna and little Carrie run the ranch, look after the cows, pigs and poultry, and enjoy western life on the prairie.

Those of you who are reading "The Prairie Wife" in the Saturday Evening Post, will get a glimpse of actual western life, or homemaking, away out on the prairie among

Duty call us and we came, and are glad we did. We expect to stay in the grand new state,"New Mexico." The boys have killed eagle, wildcat, coyote, learn to ride

We raised an enormous feed crop also corn and maize.

This section of the country, 15 years ago was considered as only a grazing country, has developed into a garden spot, and all without irrigation.

With kind regards to Sumner friends.

J. C. Caldwell and family

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(James Chalmers Caldwell)


James Chalmers Caldwell was the son of David A. and Elizabeth A.

(Mount) Caldwell and nephew of

Indiana Governor Mount. James was born in Cumberland County,

IL April 9, 1869, and opened a clothing store in Neoga IL in 1899.

Selling his business there, he spent a year in the West, but in the fall of 1900 returned to Neoga, and established another store. In 1907 he went into partnership with his brother Frank R. Caldwell establishing a clothing business in

Sumner. The brothers then opened a branch in Odin, Marion

Co, IL. On March 13, 1895 James married Anna R. Kimery, daughter of A. W. Kimery, a veteran of the

Civil War. James and Mary had four children when they lived in

Sumner, Carroll, Leah, Robert and

Hazel.

The Lawrenceville Republican on

April 6, ,1911 wrote a lengthy article about the companies doing business in Sumner at that time.

This is J C Caldwell 1915 writer.

Caldwell Bros. deal in the most elegant and up-to-date line of clothing, men's furnishings, ready- to-wear clothing, handsome spring ties, plain and fancy dress shirts, silk and linen handkerchiefs, collars, cuffs, gloves, fine and heavy footwear and gentlemen's haberdashery in general. They also have a fine line of spring samples, including 500 patterns in suit, fancy vest and pants goods.

.

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(D F Cooper)

David F. Cooper


David Frazee was the son of James and Lucinda Allen Cooper. At the age of 12 years he moved with his parents to Indiana where they located 2 miles west of Hillsboro.

He lived there until the outbreak of the Civil War when he and four brothers, John, Marion, Carey and

Henry enlisted in the Union army, in August 1861. David served for three years and six months, or until the end of the war as a member of Co. H, 2nd New York

Calvary, known as the "Harris Light

Cavalry." He entered as a private and was a corporal upon release.

Shortly after his marriage to Mary

Ellis in 1869, he and his bride established a home on a farm in

Lawrence County, Illinois where they spent about 40 years, or until their children were all married.

D.F. Cooper was a charter member of the Free Methodist church at New Hope and played a prominent part in its establishment. In 1908, "Uncle

Dave" and "Aunt Mary," as they were affectionately called, moved to the scene of their earlier life in

Indiana near Waynetown where they spent their declining years.

The tragic death of his wife in

1923 was a blow, the effects from which he never recovered. He could never speak of it afterward without deep emotion. He departed this life November 2,

1928 aged 97 years, 5 months and

6 days at Hillsboro, Indiana.

Editor’s Note: David Frazee

Cooper’s wife wrote a letter to the

Press in 1919.

Annotation:

Egypt was a name sometimes given to southern Illinois

.

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Waynetown, Indiana

January 7, 1915

To the Press and good people of Lawrence County, (Lukin Township not excepted)

Greetings:

I will pen a few thoughts concerning my past history, not to have my voice heard on the streets: but that I might encourage some tempest-tossed traveler on life's tempestuous sea to the celestial city.

I was born in Delaware County, Ohio, May 27, 1841. Moved to Fountain

County, Indiana in 1854. Joined the Army August 3, 1861, served in the Army of the

Potomac, second New York Calvary, Company H. At the end of 37 months, I got an honorable discharge and returned home. Took up the occupation of a farmer which I followed for four years in Fountain and Warren counties. At the end of that time, I had three plugs of horses and about $700.

On hearing of the wonderful crops of corn that were raised down in Egypt, I determined to marry me a wife and go down to take possession of some of it’s fertile soil, so on the 25th day of February 1869, I married a young woman one year my junior by the name of Mary R. Ellis and about the 26th of April, 1869, we loaded up our little effects and started for our new home, which I had already purchased on Lukin Prairie,

Lukin township, Lawrence County Illinois, seven miles southeast of Sumner. The place consisted of 40 acres. Six years later I purchased 80 acres out on the public highway leading south east from Sumner to Mt. Carmel where I lived 40 years.

At the end of that time I sold part of my possessions and bought 30 acres 3 1/2 miles south of Waynetown and eight miles west of Crawfordsville, Montgomery

County, Indiana, where we lived six years.

I have made two flying trips down to the old homestead, partly on business.

This fall we concluded we would both go back, wife and I, and have a good visit. We made our arrangements and started the 27th of October and landed at Jno. Bell’s in St.

Francisville that night at eight o'clock. The next day I met my old friend and neighbor,

W. H. Hazelton in town, who autoed us out to my son-in-law's, J. A. Price’s. Saturday we drove to Bridgeport, to visit our son and wife, A.P. and Jas. F. Cooper and families.

Being Halloween Eve, you may know that pandemonium had full sway in town, and while I was just across the alley, helping Harley Schrader with a sick horse, some of the kids cabbaged my buggy and ran it down in the business part of town, and I suppose fired it around about half the night, and then drew it up as near Clay Seed’s north kitchen door as possible, where Jim Cooper found it Sunday morning about eight o'clock. I will say that we were very thankful that we got off as well as we did. We had to hustle up a little, to make up for lost time, and by making a forced drive, we arrived at

Olive Branch just as the young minister began his sermon, and I will say there was more heart spirit in the sermon that I have listened to in six years here in Wayne Township.

Another commendable feature was that they haven't got the spiritual lumbago so bad but what they can kneel down before the Almighty. Romans 14:11 Philippians 2:9-11. We were invited around the altar and after prayer and a word of exhortation, we sang a hymn, and a shake of hands and were dismissed.

We were entertained at dinner by C. E. Corrie and wife. The Lord bless them in their afflictions. We then drove to J. A. Price’s and at night hitched to the spring wagon and drove to the Bethlehem church, to a prayer and social meeting, which was well attended, and it seemed that all enjoyed it. I'm sure I enjoyed the meeting wonderfully. It was led by G. W. Prout. I noticed they are not removing the old landmarks

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which our fathers have set, but are willing to bow the knee to the God and Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ Proverbs 7:19.

On Friday we drove to Sumner where I had not been for six years, and met several of my old friends among whom was the editor and ex-editor of the Press.

Barnes brothers, Jno. Westall, J.A. Barekman, Foss Baird, Jones brothers, Dr. Dale, B.

F. Lent, H.Yelch, Jas. Hull, Isaac Wright, Clay Smith, Wm Brian, E Hill, and I cannot tell how many more.

On Monday we went to a funeral at the O'Donnell cemetery and Tuesday a funeral at Bethel in the morning and from there to St. Francisville, where we attended prayer meeting at the F. M. Church, so you may know that we met a goodly number of our Egyptian friends, and I will add that it was a heart visit from start to finish. We started home Wednesday morning via Vincennes, Terre Haute and Crawfordsville, and landed home at six o'clock in the evening in time to attend the last service of a protracted meeting within a half a quarter from our door.


We have four children, the oldest Cora L Price of Lawrence; second Sherman

E Cooper, of Kobe, Japan, has been absent nine years as missionary, will be home this summer if the Lord wills; third Charles M. Bell, Wanatchee, Washington; the fourth

Albert Ivan Cooper, of Lawrence County.

My oldest grandson, David E. Bell came in from Washington on Thanksgiving day to spend the winter.

I was never much of a politician but I did consent to let the Lukinites use my name once in order to elect another man, but they counted out the votes, I was 27 votes ahead of the whole bunch, so the last four years of my stay in Illinois I was Justice of the Peace, and I kept it all right, I guess.

Well Mr. Editor, I have just given you a small sketch of the facts asked for or a part of them and as this is my first venture as a correspondent, I think I have done fairly well. If all the absentees write as much as I have I think it will be up to you instead of us. If I live to the 27th day of May, I will be 74 years old, and in fair health.

St. Petersburg, Florida

January 15, 1915

Editor Press:

D. F. Cooper

-------------

We note the marked column in the last two issues of your esteemed paper, with the request that out of town former citizens of Sumner and patrons of the Press write a short letter for the coming special issue for February 4, so here we are.

We came to St. Petersburg, Florida, first in February, 1906, to visit Mrs.

Cooper's parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. A. Murphy, former well-known and highly respected citizens of your city, he having been the leading physician of that city for a great many years, who had moved here about two years before and the difference in the climate between this city and that of Sumner, our home at that time, was so great we were captivated by it. The weather that month and March here was much like the first part of

June in Illinois, which is so much different from February there, that one can readily see why we were so taken with Florida on our first visit, and not only the climate but many things we have here, that we could not have in our native state.

11

---------

---------

(G. W. Cooper)


George W. Cooper was born

October 30, 1849 in Lawrence

County to William and Martha J.

(nee Newell) Cooper. George was first married to Sarah Bell on

November 20, 1872, Sarah Died in

1901. He then married Carrie

Laura Murphy daughter of Hugh

Alexander and Emma Euphrasia

(nee Kingsbury) Murphy. Carrie died in 1961 and George died in

1933. And are buried in

Greenwood Cemetery

Petersburg, Pinellas County

St.

Florida.

---------

Biographical Note: Well, we have made a trip here every year but once since that first one, until the last days of November 1913, after having decided to locate here, and having disposed of our business in Sumner and the greater part of our holdings there, we packed the remainder of our household goods, loaded them in a car and headed for this city, and we arrived here on the first day of December, 1913, and have identified ourselves with the people here, built us a home last year, and spent the entire year of

1914 here, so we have tried out the long hot summers here as well as the winters, and are still well pleased with Florida, and can recommend it to all who may be seeking a home in a pleasant and healthful climate, one that has many advantages as well as many opportunities for making a living and some money besides.

This city is made up largely of northern people, who on visiting here have been so impressed with the delightfully pleasant climate, as well as the natural beauty of a tropical scene, are so well pleased with it, they are caught as we were and have decided to make this their home.

Florida is coming to the front rapidly as a winter resort for tourists and during the winter months great numbers of our northern friends are coming here to get away from the severe cold of the north and since they are finding out that it only takes 40 or

50 hours run on railways together to this land of sunshine and flowers, much of the travel from the cold region is in the direction of Florida, and promises to be more and more as the people become acquainted with the conditions that prevail here, so convenient to them that the southern peninsula will in the near future be a veritable garden spot in the winter season.

However, we do not forget our old home town and county in which we were born and lived the greater part of our lives. Our thoughts often wonder about through old Lawrence among the familiar faces that are very dear to us, because of the many familiar names and faces that have grown dear to us in other years through associations not soon to be forgotten, and my own immediate family, most of whom are still living, live in Lawrence County within a few miles of the city of Sumner, in the city of Bridgeport and immediate vicinity, so we are always glad to receive the

Press as it brings to us news from our old acquaintances and loved ones, our old hometown and county, the many changes that are taking place from week to week, of the young people that are coming to the front and are taking the places of the older ones who are passing on because of the continual wearing out of all things in this world and the inexorable law that all creation must pass on through one way, death but which brings man away but from which brings man into that great mansion prepared for us from the foundation of the world if we have been serving the Master faithfully in this life.

We shall be looking forward to the issue of the “Pink Special" with keen anticipation for the many good letters it will contain, as we have many good friends and loved ones scattered in every direction in this country, especially over the west, so if they all send in their letters for this "special" it will be a great big treat to sit down and read them all over, so we trust the many former residents of old Lawrence that are now living in other counties, states and cities, and some in other countries, will join in with their messages to make the "Pink Special" a great feast to us all and thus renew our old-time friendships.

Very truly,

G. W. Cooper

-------------

12


Bone Gap, Illinois

January 30, 1915

Editor Press:

A few words for your February 11 edition, if it is not too late. In the first place I better tell you who I am.

I am the youngest son of Andrew and Elizabeth Corrie, who were among the early settlers of Lawrence County. I was born in Lukin Township on the farm now owned by James Kelsey. I married one of Christy Township's girls, Miss Clara Huston, of southwest Sumner, and we lived in Lukin about 35 years and before going any further will say there is some of the best people in Lukin of any place in the world.

About 22 years ago we took a foolish notion to leave the farm and drifted down to

Edwards County and settled in Bone Gap, the garden spot of the world, and started in the furniture and undertaking business. We have only one child, (a girl), and she plays the part of embalmer, and to show you how close we have stuck to business I have not had a clerk a day for 22 years.

---------

(Thomas E. Corrie)


Thomas’s father, Andrew was born in Scotland. Thomas was born in

1855. The daughter he refers to in this letter was Nellie born about

1886. Thomas, age 74, still owned the furniture store in 1930.

---------

Lawrence County and especially Lukin township's people will always have a warm spot in my heart.

Thomas E. Corrie

-------------

13

Kent Cunningham)


Kent N. Cunningham was the brother of E. Coen Cunningham, the popular Lawrence County

Superintendent of Schools in the

1920-30’s. He was the son of Silas and Laura E. Cunningham, born Sept

1891. Without this letter a family genealogist would not know why

Kent had registered for the WWI draft in Little Rock, ARK on June 5,

1917 because both the 1910 and

1920 census show him as being a resident of Lukin township,

Lawrence Co. In fact both he and

Grace died in Lawrence Co, and are buried in the Lawrenceville

Cemetery. His employment as a loan agent for J. R. Hopkins in Little

Rock would be undiscovered. His wife wrote an interesting letter for the 1916 edition of the Pink Letters.

---------

Little Rock, Arkansas

January 16th 1915

Dear Editor:

I will write a few lines for the non-resident issue of the Press for 1915.

My wife, Grace (Daily) Cunningham and I formerly were residents of Lukin

Township, near Bethlehem Church, both having been born and raised there. We left there about three years ago and came to Little Rock, Arkansas where we now live. We like our southern home and friends fine. I am employed by a loan broker having been with the company one and one half years. We take the Press and enjoy reading it even better than when we were in Lawrence County.

Campbell, Missouri

January 20, 1915

Editor Press:

Yours very truly,

Kent Cunningham

1117 Rock Street

-------------

As I am a wanderer and was a native of Sumner, will try and respond to your request.

Twenty years ago I moved to southeast Missouri and lived there 13 years.

During that time lost my husband and our child. I then moved to California, lived there five years, in and near Bakersfield, and spent two winters in Los Angeles. I have six sons, three in California, one in Texas, two in Oklahoma, two daughters in Campbell,

Missouri where I make my home. I have made a number of visits to my first home and still have many relatives and friends that hold a dear place in my memory.

Wishing all many happy years and with great desire to see all and dear old Sumner again, I am,

Yours very truly,

Mrs. Leati Jennings Donnelly

-------------

Cincinnati, Ohio

January 14, 1915

Editor Press:

You deserve hearty congratulations for the thought which prompted you to publish the non-resident issue of the Press. There are, no doubt, a host of Sumnerites, who like myself, take a keen delight in reading of the exploits of Sumner sons and daughters.

Although it has been 12 years since I left Sumner, I have always spent my summer vacations there and my family and I have never failed during one of those years to eat Christmas dinner there at the home of my parents. We live in Walnut Hills, one of Cincinnati's oldest and most beautiful hilltop suburbs. Cincinnati, called the

Queen City of the West, has many advantages not to be found in more populous cities.

It now boasts of possessing the tallest and handsomest office building, which is 34 stories high. The University of Cincinnati, a city institution is considered by prominent educators as a model municipal University.

14

There are many other advantages and valuable assets that I might mention, but which would only serve to confirm the opinion in the minds of those who read this, that Cincinnati is just another of those great rushing cities where men are swallowed up in the whirl of industry, like towns and cities in many states. My business, though thriving, is never placed above good fellowship. My memories oft return to Sumner’s trim streets and pleasant homes, its radiant firesides and happy faces. I have found no place yet to compare with that sunny spot in southern Illinois that we love and call

Sumner.

With best wishes to you and your readers for a successful year, I remain,

Danville, Illinois

February 7, 1915

Editor Press:

Yours very truly,

G. R. Dunphy

-------------

I see you would like to hear from all who have made their home in Sumner and as I am one, I will drop you a line.

I have lived at several different places since I left Sumner but have found none that I like better or had more friends.

I usually stop when passing through the town, but there are so many of the dear faces gone that it does not seem like home to me anymore.

I now make my home with my daughter, Mattie Webb, and when any of my friends are in the city of Danville they will find me at 228 Cunningham Avenue where

I shall be pleased to see them.

Golden Gate, Illinois

January 15, 1915

Dear Sirs:

Respectfully,

Jenny Foster

-------------

In compliance to your request of non-residents, who once made old Lawrence

County their home, (I) will endeavor to write a few words in regard to family and self.

I am the eldest son of the late Bascom French, Sr. (better known in Lawrence

County as Polk French) and Margaret A. French. I was born in the year 1869, in Lukin

Township, 4 1/2 mile south of Sumner, on the Sumner and Lancaster Road. I lived there with parents until the year 1890, when I became united in marriage to Anna

Hillis, the daughter of the late Joseph Hillis also of Lukin Township. We then moved to Christy Township about four miles southwest of Sumner, lived there until the year

1892, when we moved to Belmont, Illinois Wabash County at which time engaged in the grain and milling business with my father, who had moved to Golden Gate,

Illinois, Wayne County, where we purchased an elevator and we are still engaged in the grain, feed and livestock business.

(G. R. Dunphy)


Guy Russell Dunphy was born in

Sumner, on October 9, 1873, to

William and Elizabeth Dunphy. He was united in marriage to Jessie M.

Couchman in 1896. She was born in

Sumner on August 8, 1873 to

Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth (nee

Sherraden) Couchman. Born to this union was a daughter Florence

Ernestine Dunphy (b. Aug 1896).

Guy was a grocer in 1900 and was a traveler for the Harvester Company in 1910 and a salesman for a farm implement company in 1920. Guy died in 1945. Jessie died in 1966 and they are both buried in the Sumner

Cemetery.

---------

(Jenny Foster)


Jennie Elkins was born in White

County on September 24, 1849. She had one daughter Martha “Mattie”.

Jennie died on August 10, 1919 in

Danville and is buried in the

Greenwood cemetery. Jennie had spent the greater part of her life in

Sumner before moving to her daughters in Danville in 1899.

---------

(C. French)


Charles Augustus French was born

October 15, 1869 in Sumner to

Bascom H. and Margaret (nee

Vandamark) French. On October 15,

1890 Charles was united in marriage to Anna Laurie Hilis. Annie was born about 1872. To this union the following children were born: Guy C.

(b. Jun. 1891); Hershel Glenn (b.

Mar. 1893); Imogene (b. abt. 1899);

Charlene (b. abt. 1906); Bernadine

(b. Oct. 1909).

---------

We feel very thankful to our Maker, as we have been blessed with good health and prosperity all these years.

15


---------

Editor Note:

Emily French wrote a letter in 1917

( Warren K. Gibney)


Warren K. Gibney was the son of

Henry H. and Melencia (Files)

Gibney of Petty Township,

Lawrence Co. Warren’s grandmother of English descent and was a cousin of Sir Mathew Hale,

Chief Justice of Kings Bench.

Warren was about 52 years old when he wrote this letter. His wife was the daughter of Caleb Hoopes, the postmaster in Sumner in 1880.

Warren and Martha were married in Lawrence County August 22,

1886 so even though he said in this letter that he left Petty township in

1885 he returned to Lawrence county to take a wife. His wife’s sisters, Margaret and Sarah also wrote letters to the Press in 1915.

---------

Our family consists of two boys and three girls, ranging from 23 to 5 years old. Guy

C., our oldest son is in medical school; Herschel our next son, is engaged in business with me. The girls younger at home.

A word to our old schoolmates, friends and relatives. We quite often think of you, and assure you it would be a pleasure to take you by the good right hand for a shake, however we hope to meet you at some future time as we hold old Lawrence

County very dear, and expect to call on our friends and relatives from time to time and should any of you ever pass this way don't fail to call on us.

Now Mr. Editor, a word about the Press. The Sumner Press is the first paper that I have recollections of reading when but a boy. My father was one of the old subscribers of the Press, and we have had this paper in our home ever since, and must say it has always been a welcome visitor.

We wish the new owners success and hope to see the Press retained its standard as a newspaper and in fact be the leading paper of southern Illinois.

Kansas City, Kansas

January 24, 1915

Editor Press:

Yours very truly,

C. French

Better known to some of our school mates as Dick.

-------------

I was born in Lawrence County, one mile west of Sumner. My father was

Philo Bell, who lived there nearly all his life. My maiden name was Emily Bell and I married Almond W. French, who died four years ago in Oklahoma. Since that time I have lived in Kansas City, Kansas. I will enjoy reading this special edition of the Press.

Hutchinson, Kansa

January 18, 1915

Editor Press:

Emily B. French

------------

I am located in the great salt city of Kansas.

I left Petty Township in 1885, going to Des Moines, Iowa, where I've lived for 16 years. Went from there to West Plains, Missouri, then to Kansas, where I have been for the last nine years.

I am employed by Rock Island Railroad as locomotive engineer. My wife was formerly Mattie Hoopes, of Sumner and known by all the old residents’ there.

Warren K. Gibney

346 East B

------------

16


January 18, 1915

Gentlemen:

For your special non-resident issue to be published February 11, I would like to have the following few lines published, that my friends, though still residing in

Lawrence County and elsewhere may still know that I am numbered among the living.

(Mrs. James Goff)

Biographic Note:

Mary Ann Diver married James Goff

June 25, 1878 in Lawrence county.

---------

I, Mary Ann Diver, daughter of John and Nellie Diver, (Mrs. Nellie

O’Donnell), was born in Lawrence County on a farm three miles southeast of Sumner, attended Clark school with brother John Diver, now residing in Bridgeport Married

Jas. Goff, employed by the O. & M. railroad, now B. & O. Southwest Railroad in

1880. One year later Mr. Goff was transferred to East St. Louis and I have resided here ever since. Am the mother of seven children, five living, W. J. Goff, with Morris and

Company married Miss M. Kallihan, Nellie M. married Mr. J. H. Nueble, manager market Morris and Company, Kathryn M. married Mr. M. C. Reis, general manager

East St. Louis Lumber Company, Alice M. married W. J. Kenney, manager M.W.

Warren and Company of St. Louis, Thomas D. Goff, single all residing any St. Louis.

Also grandmother of 18 grandchildren, including two pairs of twins all living.

Yours truly,

Mrs. James Goff

522 North 7th Street

------------

17

(Daniel Thomas Gordon)


Daniel Thomas Gordon married

Mary E. Moore in Lawrence county

July 8, 1866. Their daughter that died was Ada N. who was born

1868. D. T. fails to mention that the last four daughters, are two sets of twins born 4 years apart. (The 1920 census appears to agree with his get rich quick idea, because he is not working and owns his farm outright, but whether it was the ginseng garden which provided his wealth we do not know. Beginning in 1912 ginseng was in high demand in

China, and the Jesuits of Canada began buying it from producers, and exporting it. )

---------

Janesville, Illinois

January 22, 1915

Dear Friends: kevin this type appears smaller??

I'm a reader of the Sumner Press and will say we are well pleased with it. I made the acquaintance of the editor many years ago when he ran the Toledo Democrat and know him to be a Christian gentleman.

In the year 1872, month of November, I moved with my wife and three children-two boys and one girl to a farm in the north-central part of Cumberland County, near the old ancient village of Johnstown, in said County. To us were born five more children, all-girls, eight children all told. Our first one, a girl, died in her 17th year, rest all married except one, and all live in the greatest state in the union-Illinois.

I have farmed, sold goods, bought hogs and grain, stock, sold real estate, ran a livery barn, have been in the insurance business and now raising pure bred ringlet barred Plymouth Rock birds and for a sideline, I have a ginseng garden with 30,000 plants and expect to get rich.

If I see this in the Pink Issue of the Press I may come again.

D. T. Gordon

------------

18

------------

Kearney, Nebraska

January 22, 1915

Dear Readers of Press:

I am glad for this opportunity of writing a few lines to so many at one time.

Think we ought to congratulate the editor for this privilege.

I hesitated to write at first as we lived on the boundary line of Lawrence on

Richland side but Sumner was our town just the same and we thought this too good to miss.

It was five years last August since we left Sumner for the West. Must say the

Lord has been wonderously good to us, giving us health to enjoy about 360 sunshine days (more or less) out of each year, making life worthwhile living as all Nebraskans enjoy.

Time has passed so rapidly only seems as a dream. We often think of the good times also that we have spent on the East side of the Mississippi. I am planning for a visit at the old home about July 1915, so Boosters of Sumner keep up your good work and plan to have a good time at Sumner, July 4, as I will enjoy seeing you all.

Respectfully yours

Ida (Kimmell) Haynes

------------

Cassville, Missouri

January 24, 1915

Sumner Press:

I see in your paper of recent date a request for old settlers of Lawrence and

Richland counties to write a short article of the early settlement of Sumner and surrounding country as it was in early days. I can give a partial history of the country as I now remember it from 1849 up to 1879.

The country since then I presume, has gone through many changes that I know nothing of. In 1840 my father and family moved from

Coles County to Lawrence County and came through where Sumner now is but at that time it was a cornfield owned by old Uncle Benjamin

Sumner. I was at the time 11 years old, having been born in 1829. I grew to manhood in the neighborhood of Sumner, Hadley and Claremont and knew nearly every mile around, but the boys and young men I associated with in those days have grown old, like myself, if they are living.

Most of the old citizens have long passed away.

There were the Christy's, Clubbs,

Sumner's, Frenchs, Hillises, Leathers, Laws,

Conours and numbers of others I could mention, but space won’t permit it this time.

In 1850 I and Miss Polly Smith were married and if we live till next Friday the 29th we can celebrate our 65th marriage anniversary. We have had seven children born to us, six now living. We have 37 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. My wife is a relative to the Sumners, Laws, and Basden's, being an own cousin of one of your

(Ida Kimmel Haynes)


Ida Kimmel was born Feb 1880, the daughter of Mathias and Doretha

Haynes. Doretha had been born in

Prussia. Ida married William Haynes

Feb 27, 1898 in Richland Co.

According to the 1910 census in

Kearney Co, Nebraska she was widowed.

Editor’s Note: Her son Lee, then 13 years old, wrote a letter for the 1916

Pink Letter Edition of the Sumner

Press, and her daughter Pearl wrote a wonderful poem for the 1918 edition. Ida wrote again on January

27, 1917. Her address was 124 30

Street Avenue B Kearney, Nebraska.

After giving credit to the past year for a year well spent, and having blessed the family of four with health, she continues: We have had the pleasure of having my only brother,

Raymond H. Kimmel here with us this winter. He is on a farm down near

Poole, Nebraska, and likes this country fine. He had typhoid fever while in Oklahoma just before coming here, but has gained and added weight since here and enjoying good health. The children are well, going to school, and doing well in school work.”

---------

(C. W. Higganbotham)


Della married Thad C. Hollingsworth, a 37 yr old bachelor twenty years her senior sometime between 1900 and

1910 and moved to Knox County.

Thad’s brothers and two nephews were living with the newly weds in

1910, but by 1920, they had moved next door.

---------

19


---------

(Mrs. S.E. Eckenrode and M. M

Hoopes)


Sarah Elizabeth Eckenrode age, 61 was widowed and had her own income at the time of this letter. In

1910 her sister, Margaret M was living with Sarah in Sumner and working as a bookkeeper for the

Thomas F. Hoopes mercantile establishment. Margaret had also taught in Sumner public school, acted as assistant postmaster for her father, and was later connected with the W. S. Hoopes Bookstore.

Their brother, William S. another child of Caleb and Margaret E.

Denison Hoopes, was living in

Springfield, and selling insurance for the “Etna Co.” Apparently the two sisters moved to Springfield next door to him, but after an extended illness Margaret passed away at St.

John’s Hospital in Springfield on Aug

19, 1918 at almost 58 years of age.

By 1920 Sarah was living with her brother William and his family.

--------town’s ladies, Mrs. Martha J. Anderson, and I being a cousin of C. H. Gordon, of

Sumner and Mrs. Martha Turner.

I moved from Illinois to northwest Kansas in 1879. In 1904 came to Barry

County Missouri where the climate is much more mild. We are enjoying very good health for old people, 79 and 85 years old.

Bruceville, Indiana

January 30, 1915

Readers of the Press:

Perhaps it might be of interest to you to know something of my whereabouts, too, along with the many other "wanderers". I have not wandered very far however, being located on a farm in Knox County, Indiana 11 miles northeast of Vincennes and two miles northeast of Bruceville. Our farm is rolling and its yields are very satisfactory. Our beautiful pikes winding around the bluegrass hills produce a very picturesque scene indeed and altogether I think as is natural for us all, that I have the very best home on earth.

Springfield, Illinois

January 13, 1915

Mr. Editor:

Dana, Illinois

January 11, 1915

Editor Press:

C.W. Higganbotham

------------

However, I have a warm spot in my heart for old Lawrence County, the place of my birth and will always want the Sumner Press to be a weekly visitor at our home.

Very truly,

Della Perkins Hollingsworth

------------

Your request for a letter from the people who have moved away from their old home town hardly seems to apply to us as we have been away so short a time that we have hardly learned to say that it is not our home.

It may be that some of our friends have not yet missed us and it would be well to tell them we are pleasantly located at 223 E. Lawrence Avenue in this city and have the State House, Governor's Mansion and other important buildings in our neighborhood, also in easy walking distance of the business section and four or five of the leading churches are quite near us. Our brother, W. S. Hoopes, living next door to us, makes it very pleasant and homelike. We shall be glad to see any and all of our friends when they come to the city. With kind regards to all and Press readers.

Very respectfully,

Mrs. S. E. Eckenrode

M. M. Hoopes

------------

I came to Dana in 1889 from Chauncey, Illinois, worked for my brother until

1910, when he sold out and moved to Lewiston, Idaho. I am doing well, have a shop

22 by 50 with shed 16 by 50. Have12 different machines run by gas engine making most all the house trimmings I use. Am finishing an 11 room house at present. Have brick on ground for basement of a 12 room house for my wife and self. We live on

Pekin branch of the Santa Fe which crosses I.C. at Minonk, six miles southwest of here, have passenger (trains) each way from Chicago to Pekin, Illinois.

20

The business square of our village was burned last July, the fire originated inthe meat shop, burned two dry goods stores and grocers, hardware and machine shed, Lodge Hall, poolroom, restaurant, Opera Hall, barbershop, doctor’s office and residence, farmer’s elevator and grain with offices and all their machine sheds.

Two dry goods stores rebuilt last fall of brick, poolroom and restaurant of concrete, more will rebuild this spring

West Salem, Illinois

January 15, 1915

Dear Press Editor:

Yours truly,

George I. Hughes

------------

Having received through the columns of your paper, a request here from Ex

Lawrence County residents we will contribute our mite, having been a resident of old

Lawrence in Petty Township for 40 years and spent many happy days on Grandfather

Samuel Smith's farm now by cousin Foss Smith, where there assembled parents, aunts and uncles, while we children enjoyed ourselves to our hearts content:

In Orchard and Meadow

And deep tangled wild wood

And every loved spot

Which our infancy knew

But alas times have changed. We realize we are older and many of our friends and schoolmates as well as, dear kindred are sleeping in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, and recollections only bring sad memories. We have been residing in our own home in

Edwards County for most four years, surrounded by friends, neighbors and our children both of whom are with us yet. Robert has chosen farming as his occupation while Rachel is doing very well with her studies and music. This leaves us with reasonable health and all join in sending best wishes to the Press and its readers.

Very truly,

Annie Hardacre Irish

James Annie Robert Rachel

Irish

------------

(George I. Hughes)


George was the son of Joseph C. and

Mary A. Hughes. Joseph was an undertaker in Petty Township when

George was a small boy. George married Elizabeth McHenry in

LaSalle Co, IL in 1900. When this letter was written George and

Elizabeth were both 42 years of age, with no children.

---------

(Annie Hardacre Irish)


Annie Z. Hardacre married James

Irish in 1882 in Lawrence co, Robert

A. was born in 1894 and Rachel in

1904. Annie’s parents were Robert

M. and Minerva Hardacre.

---------

---------

(Addie Wright Ivie)


Addie W. Wright was born in

Lawrence County on August 2, 1874 to Henry and Lucinda C. (nee Brown)

Wright. On June 3, 1900 she was united in marriage to Charles Walter

Ivie, son of William Curtis and

Phoebe Lucretia (nee Goslin) Ivie.

Charles was born August 4, 1879. To this union the following children were born: Otis (b. Nov. 1901);

Hubert (b. Dec. 1905); Walter (b.

Sept. 1909); Paul (b. Feb. 1911);

Charles (b. June 1920). Charles died

April 21, 1958. Addie died 49 days later on June 8. 1958 and They are buried in the Sumner cemetery.

---------

21


Editor note:

Addie wrote a Letter in the

1919 Pink Edition :

“When I think of the many happy days spent in old

Lawrence, I almost wish that I might call back a few years and live them again, but alas! They are in the past, only to be remembered and fondly thought of. Since leaving the dear old home place of our birth, there have been many things happened, some that make the hearts rejoice, while others cause pain and sorrow.”

“I am the happy mother of four boys-Otis, Hubert, Walter and Paul. All are strong and well, which is so much to be grateful for, and oh! The great anxieties of a mother's heart.”

We are now serving the

McLeansboro Station work of the M. E. Church: have a fine, large brick church and nicely located in the city.

We have a fine Epworth

League and a pretty good

Sunday school.

---------

(McMerrell B. Judy)


McMerrell B. Judy was born in

Sumner on August 26, 1873 to

Charles Clayton and Caroline

Melissa (nee Burget) Judy. On

May 30, 1895 he was united in marriage to Ruby Nell Durland, daughter of James and

Rebecca Durland. Ruby was born in July of 1876. To this union the following children were born: Maurice C. (b. Apr.

1896); Auston D. (b. Jul. 1897);

Clyde E. (b. abt. 1906). Ruby died in 1929 and McMerrell died in 1964 and they are buried in Elmwood Cemetery

Flora, Clay County, Illinois. He was a train dispatcher.

Waldo, Kansas

January 13, 1915

Dear Friends:

I am glad that our editor has given me this opportunity of writing to you.

Some of you I have not seen for years and perhaps I may never see some of you anymore this side of heaven.

The old home place where I was born and raised is seven miles southeast of

Sumner and Lukin Township, Lawrence County.

The old schoolhouse where I spent so many happy days with schoolmates and teacher is known as "Old White Oak," near my old home.

My mind often goes back to my schoolhood days and the many happy times I had with old playmates, as we played our childhood games. I taught several terms of school and Lawrence and Wabash counties.

In 1900 I was married to C. W. Ivie, and in the fall of 1905 we started in the ministry. Since that time we have had many happy and refreshing times in the service.

We have seen many souls brought into the kingdom.

We served charges in Olney and Mt. Carmel districts in Southern Illinois

Conference and in the fall of 1912 we transferred to the Northwest Kansas Conference where we are still laboring.

The Lord has wonderfully blessed us in His service and is crowning our efforts with great success and unto Him alone we give the glory. He is giving us the desire of our hearts in seeing many souls saved and Christian people made stronger by

His power.

My maiden name was Addie Wright and my father's name was Henry Wright and he is still living on the old farm where my mother was raised and she, too, is still living, for which I am very grateful.

I am looking forward with great anticipation to the reading of the many different letters from friends that I have not seen for several years, and although we cannot be gathered together in a reunion face-to-face, we will be in a reunion of thought at least. I often longed to be back in Illinois and visit old friends again.

May God's blessing be upon all of you where ever you may be, is my prayer.

Flora, Illinois

January 21, 1915

Dear Sir:

Mrs. Addie Wright Ivie

------------

There is little that I can say that would be of interest to your readers of the

"Pink Press" except that it is a pleasure for me to state that Sumner is still near and dear to me and will always be thought of as home. I have lived in, and visited many towns since my boyhood days and none of them, in my mind, rank so high as Sumner in moral and social standing and as a trade center one gets full value for every dollar expended.

My wife, three sons, aged 18, 17 and 9 respectfully, and myself are enjoying good health. I am still in the railroad business.

Yours truly,

McMerrell B. Judy

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22

Des Moines, Iowa

January 13, 1915

Editor Press Sumner Illinois

Dear Sir:

Now here comes Warren Kilgore to the Press reunion. He left Sumner in the fall of ‘91, but returned to Lawrence County and lived in Lawrenceville, where he was married to Miss Bessie Salter of the same town in ’98. In the spring of ‘99 he went to Des Moines Iowa where soon after he became a registered pharmacist. He has owned and conducted a drugstore there for almost 14 years.

Two children have been born to him B. Frank, age 15 now a freshman in

East High School, a daughter, Louise age 12.

The Carnegie Medal for bravery has never been awarded him neither has he made a million dollars in high finance. His drugstore is not the largest in the city and is located in a suburb where it is a convenient waiting place for way faring people on wintry days and in summer a place where the populace go to quench their thirst and cool themselves at the soda fountain. He is much the same Warren that left Sumner.

The long hours in the drugstore have not taken from him his enjoyment of a good laugh and he is yet ready to see the ludicrous in most any incident.

Old home friends of this should call on him when in Des Moines at 1211 S.

East Sixth Street. Picture postal cards answered.

(W. B. Kilgore)


Warren Beharrell Kilgore was born August 19, 1875 to

Benjamin Franklin and Sallie

(nee Edwards) Kilgore. On

October 20, 1898 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Salter, daughter of William and Mary

Ellen (nee Holcomb) Salter.

Elizabeth was born November 7,

1874. To this union the following children were born;

Benjamin (b. Aug. 1899) who the letter writer lists as B. Frank and Sadie Louise (b. abt. 1903), just called Louise by her father.

Warren died on April 25, 1941 and Elizabeth died on August 9,

1957. They are buried in the

Glendale Cemetery, Des

Moines, Polk County Iowa.

---------

Mr. and Mrs. J. Peasley, who taught school in Sumner in ‘84 and ‘85 are residents of the Des Moines, where Mr. Peasley is a consulting lawyer.

J. Kent Barnes a former Sumner boy also resides in the Des Moines holding a position with one of the large insurance companies for which Des Moines is noted.

J.Al Jones, former Lawrence County school teacher and L. A. Morgan formerly city marshal of Lawrenceville are also Des Moines Iowa residents.

Noble, Illinois

February 8, 1915

Mr. Editor:

Yours truly

W. B. Kilgore

1211 South East Sixth Street

------------

I will write to the Pink Press. I used to live in Lawrence County. I came to

Lawrence with my parents in the year of 1900, at the age of five and remained there eight years.

Moved to Wayne County and at the age of 17 was married to B. H. Kincaid, of Mt. Erie at Lawrenceville.

We are farmers and owned a small farm of 50 acres southeast of Noble 11 miles in Wayne County on Forest Ridge. We have two children both girls. My maiden name was Laura Wells. My parents were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells, living northwest of Bridgeport.

Wishing the Pink Press a success.

I'll close,

Mrs. Laura Kinkade

---------

(Laura Kinkade)


Laura Louise Wells was born in

Clark County Illinois to Frank and Tina (nee Chesshir)

Wells. She was united in marriage on April 22, 1911 to Benjiman Harrison

Kinkade, son of B. F. and

Nancy (nee Coplea) Kinkade.

Benjamin was born May 26,

1889. To this union the following children were born:

Opal I. (b. abt. 1912); Reba

(b. abt. 1914); Veleta (b. abt. 1918); Virl (b. Abt.

1920); Vera (b. abt. 1922);

Benjamin (b. abt. 1925);

Mary L. (b. abt. 1927).

Benjamin died on May 10,

1971 and Laura died March

11, 1960. They are buried in the Forrest Ridge Cemetery

Mt. Erie, Wayne County,

Illinois.

---------

23

(William Lathrop)


William Grant Lathrop was born

April 19, 1885 to George and Rosa

Lathrop. On September 5, 1911 he was united in marriage to LaNora

McCally. Daughter of Edward and

Nancy Rosetta (nee Tumblinson)

McCally. Nora was born July 24,

1886 in Sumner. To this Union the following children were born:

William George (b. Apr. 1913);

Leland Delbert (b. Apr. 1915);

Harold Eugene (b. Oct. 1920);

Donald R. (b. abt.1923). Nora died

:

January 7, 1951 and William died may 5, 1948 and they are buried in the Sumner Cemetery.

---------

Urbana, Illinois

January 18, 1915

Editor Press:

Three years ago last September, when our wedding day, we severed our connections with old Lawrence. My home to that time had been in southeastern

Petty Township. My wife is the daughter of E. S. McCally, of north Christy. We went to Westfield and lived there three years during which time I attended

Westfield College. At Westfield our boy, George Edward, now 21 months old, came to live with us. He is a bright, healthy lad, just big enough to make things interesting.

Last fall we sold out in Westfield and moved to Urbana. I am doing work in the College of Liberal Arts and Science of the State University and expect to make geology my major. If all goes well I shall finish my course here in 1917. The

University is certainly a great institution and is destined to become much greater within the next 10 years if all plans of the present are carried out. Two new buildings are now in process of construction, one of which, an addition to the present chemistry building will make, so it is said, the best chemistry building in the world. This one department requires a faculty fifty-four.

We see accounts in the Press of several Lawrence County people who live in Urbana or Champagne but have never met them here, not having been equated with them at home. There are several here in school among whom are Ross Petty, of Sumner the star football player, Mack Leach, of Bridgeport, Ralph Spencer, of

Lawrenceville and Levitt Kimmell, of Chauncey.

Wife takes music lessons, looks after the boy, and keeps the home going while I go to school. We like the place very well and enjoy the work and life in general. Although all this is true we are all glad when Christmas time comes and we can sneak back to shake hands with friends in old Lawrence once more and stick our feet under father’s table.

William, Nora and George Edward Lathrop

305 South Grove Street

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24

Metropolis, Illinois

January 10, 1915

Gentlemen:

I have noticed you expected to turn out an edition of the Press composed, as nearly as possible, of letters from former residents of Sumner. I do not know of anything to tell our many friends and relatives of interest only I am still running a flour mill, but as we have been here 17 years, must begin to think about getting superannuated. Our only living son, Euerdge, is married and living at Centralia

Illinois, is traveling for the Huttigs Sash and Door Works, of St. Louis. He is

“making good.” Our daughter's Zazel, is completing her fourth year at Eureka

College from which she will graduate next June. I have been a subscriber to the

Sumner Press since its first issue by W. E. Mock about the year 1876. It has been sent me at Bridgeport and Lawrenceville Illinois, Vincennes, Petersburg,

Dillsborough, Indianapolis and Franklin, Indiana, then for something over four years got it through the post office at Sumner. For the last 16 or 17 years I have received the paper here.

We still own property in Sumner and expect if I do not die in harness to fix it up or build on the lot and come "home" to Sumner to finish out the time I have to stay.

West Salem, Illinois

January 21, 1915

To the Editor Press:

Yours respectfully,

L. W. Lent

------------

Will write a few lines for special edition of the Sumner Press. I am always glad to see my old home paper.

I was a resident of Sumner for 43 years. My father, Caleb Hoopes, moved to Sumner when I was seven years old. There has been many changes. When we went there it was a very small place, no church there, we had church in the school house and big and small scholars were all in one room together and one teacher to instruct them.

All the old people who would be 80 years and more, if living, are all sleeping with the sleep that knows no awakening in the cemetery on the Hill. Mr.

Clark, whose body was brought back for burial, was living there when we moved there.

My home is now West Salem Illinois, a very nice town. Have been a resident here for nine years. I visit my old home once or twice a year. While I miss many old friends who have passed away, yet I meet other friends whose familiar faces I am always glad to see.

Very respectfully,

Mrs. Molly Hoopes Mallison

------------

(L. W. Lent)


Louis Willet Lent was born on

January 19, 1854 and grew up in

Lawrence County the son of

William B. and Martha (nee

Benton) Lent. On November 21,

1875 Louis was united in marriage to Sarah Ellen Combs, daughter of

A. J. and Eunice (nee Baird) Combs.

Sarah was born on September 29,

1853 in Bridgeport. To this union the following children were born:

Euerdge (b. Jun. 1883); Zazell (b.

Sep. 1892). Louis was a Millright.

Sarah died January 31, 1936 and

Louis died September 11, 1919.

They were laid to rest in the

Lawrenceville City Cemetery

Mausoleum.

Editors Note:

Superannuated:

Retired with a pension

---------

(Molly Mallison)


Mary E. “Molly” Hoopes was born on March 10, 1855 to Caleb and

Margaret (nee Denison) Hoopes.

On September 7, 1905 she married

Calvin John Mallinson. Calvin died on June 22, 1928. Mary died on

August 21, 1919 and is buried in the Sumner Cemetery.

Editor Note:

Molly wrote the following letter in

1916:

West Salem Illinois

January 26, 1916

Editor Press:

I am a subscriber of the Sumner

Press and have taken it ever since I came to West Salem to reside 10 years ago. I took it for every week and enjoy reading it and yet each week contains the death of old friends and acquaintances, which makes me sad. It keeps me posted on what is transpiring in and around my old home town.

Mrs. C. J. Mallinson

---------

25

(Clement Malone)


Clement Earl Malone was born in

Lawrence County June 5, 1883 to

William and Emily Caroline (nee

Millhouse) Malone. Clement was united in marriage to Frances Hall, daughter of Robert and Cynthia

(nee Miller) Hall. Frances died on

October 20, 1932. Clement died in

Lawrence County in May 1966 and is buried in the Bridgeport

Cemetery.

Editor Note:

Clement wrote a letter to the Pink

Press in 1916 and continues:

“I still reside in Chicago and am with the firm Sears, Roebuck & Co. where I have been employed the last eight years. I take pleasure in telling you I have been accepted by the brotherhood of Free

Masons and last July was raised to sublime degree of Master Mason by Veritas Lodge No. 926 , A. F. &

A. M.”

He lists his address as 830 S.

Claremont St. Chicago, Illinois.

Clement later worked for the

Sinclair Refining Company

---------

Chicago, Illinois

January 11, 1915

To the Editor:

Although I am not an “old-timer” and had no reminiscent stories of early days to offer, I wish to write a line or two, if only to wish you the best of success with the Pink Edition, which I consider a highly commendable effort. Also as I look forward to it, hoping to hear from some old friends and schoolmates whom I have lost track of, perhaps someone may be interested to know what has become of me.

I was born on what is known as the Malone farm, 3 1/2 miles southeast of

Sumner and which at that time belonged to my father, William Malone.

I am now married and living in Chicago for the past seven years. Have been in the employ of Sears, Roebuck and Company.

My reminiscences are mostly of boyish pranks. In those days they raised fine watermelons in Lawrence County. I remember one time I had been to

Vincennes with a load of hay. Having had no supper, on my way home I felt pretty hungry. I passed a fine patch of melons and boy-like decided to satisfy my hunger, never worrying about the right or wrong of helping myself to other people’s melons. I had just picked out a couple of fine melons and with one under each arm was proceeding to the hay rack when I heard a gun click and heard the farmer say

"I've got you this time". I said "I guess you have." He then proceeded to lecture me and said, “Suppose young man, as you went along to town I had taken a bale of your hay, what you would have said, and how much would you like that?” To which I replied, "If you had been as hungry as I and wanted a bale of hay to eat, I'd have said take it and welcome." The farmer, a big, broad minded man, saw the point laughed and pick me out the finest biggest melon he could find, sending me on my way rejoicing, but with this sage advice, “Young man, when you are hungry and want a melon, go and ask for it and do not help yourself." I wonder if he will see the story and remember.

My heart always has a warm spot for Lawrence County and friends and companions there.

Wishing the Sumner Press continued success, I am

Clement E. Malone

128 South Hamilton Avenue

------------

26

Sullivan, Indiana

January 15, 1915

Dear Readers of Old Reliable:

Following the custom adopted, I now in response, say we live near

Sullivan Indiana, our former home was near Sumner, in Christy Township. We live in this location for about 40 years. Many friends did we gain during that period of time. friends.

It is a great recreation for a person's mind to wander back to old home and

One October 24, 1914, we bade farewell to Sumner and left for our home here. On arriving we found our friends and acquaintances from (here) greet(ed) us with hearty welcome.

Our nearest neighbors, Mr. Nesbitt's, are nice and accommodating people.

He often comes to your town to buy horses.

(J. A. Marley)


Joseph A. Marley was born in

Indiana on March 9, 1855. He was united in marriage and Nanna J.

Day, October 14, 1888. To this happy and pleasant union one daughter was born, now Mrs.

Anna Mathis .Joseph was a Deacon of the Church of Christ at Mt. Zion.

Joseph died on October 6, 1918 in

Sullivan, Indiana and laid to rest in the beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery at Terre Haute, Indiana.

---------

The people here are all nice and clever people, always ready to assist you, at any time.

The good ladies and sisters of this community had our house scrubbed and ready to enter. The men were ready with their wagons and teams to help unload the car. Among one of the faithful ones was Chalmer Moore. He assisted in every way he could. He met the train in his machine and took Mrs. Mathias and little Joseph

Richard to his home until things could be put in order at home.

Perhaps someone would enjoy reading something about Joseph Richard, my grandson. He is in good health, growing nicely and has two teeth. He still waves bye-bye and whistles.

We like our new home fine and wish all who live near and around our old stomping ground all the success that can be had.

For fear I might worry someone with my words, I will stop my pen.

Yours truly,

J. A. Marley and family

------------

McLeansboro, Illinois

R. F. D. No. 8

January 20, 1915

Mr. Wood:

At your request I will write you a few lines.

My parents moved from Ohio to Illinois. There were eight children of us, five of whom are living yet. I was 11 years old when we moved in the year of 1853.

We crossed the river at Russellville on a ferry boat, came to Lawrenceville. It was not much of a town then. Came through Bridgeport. There was but one business house in the town then. Mr. Thorne had a store there. The O. & M. was graded and but the trains did not run until 1854. We settled five miles south, one half mile west of Sumner, in Lukin Township. About that time Sumner started up. In 1854 was a very dry year. That year was the first I ever heard of Cinch bugs. There were plenty of them that year. School and meeting houses were few and far between those days.

Our circuit preacher lived in Lawrenceville. He would get around once a month in

Sumner. He would preach one weekday in winter at night. We had three months school in the winter. I could not go but part of the time.

---------

(George W. Martin)


George W. Martin was born to

John and Elizabeth Martin.

Editor Note:

George wrote letters in 1916 and

1917 and 1919 see chapters for his letters

Annotation:

Chinch bugs are almost 3/16-inch long, have black bodies and fully developed wings that appear frosty-white Capable of injuring plants such as grasses and corn; medically harmless

---------

27

---------

Editor note:

General George B. McClellan became the unsuccessful

Democratic Party nominee opposing Lincoln in the 1864 presidential election.

---------

---------

(Harry G. McKelfresh)


Harry G. McKelfresh was born in

January 1870. To David & Elizabeth

(nee Stine) Mckelfresh. He Married

Nettie F. Stiff.

---------

Mr. Edmondson (unreadable). Buckhorn schoolhouse was built in 1855, the year Buchanan was elected president. I often wonder how many of the scholars are still living that started to school that year. The last I noticed to go was Mr. B. L.

Cunningham.

My first vote for president was for General George B. McClellan in the year of 1864. I, with my wife and my brother, Jackson and family, left Lawrence

County in the year of 1881, another settled in dry year. Settled in Hamilton County where we have lived ever since.

Well, I expect I have made my letter too long already. Pick out what you want, though the rest in the waste basket.

Fruita, Colorado

January 11, 1915

George W. Martin

------------

The Sumner Press:

I noticed in the last issue of your valuable paper your intention to issue what you have pleased to call space "A non-resident Issue" of your paper, requesting those of us that have left dear old Lawrence County to furnish the material.

I must say that I regard the move as a wise one. I do not know that there is a person in the wide world outside of my own kin that is especially concerned about myself and wife for this constitutes the whole of our family, but I am looking forward to this issue as being of peculiar interest to me.

Your instructions are to write about personal matters, one’s self, family, etc. This is a difficult thing for me to do but I shall endeavor to stay with the text.

Mrs. McKelfresh and I were married March 17, 1897. Several years later March

1904, for health reasons, we very much against their own personal feelings, tore loose from loved ones and friends and took a journey of 1500 miles landing in

Grand Junction, the county seat of Mesa County, Colorado. And let me say that we regard Colorado as being in many ways one of the greatest states in the union.

Having lived in this time on a farm we knew but little of city life but we very soon found out that the folks here were very similar to the ones we had left and we soon had friends by the score and really the people are much more sociable in the west than in the east.

As a boy and man on the farm I knew full well what hard work was so the first work that I secured after locating was sawing wood with a buck saw and say, that was real labor, at least I found it so. This is my first experience at this particular kind of work. This job proved to be a short one and having some little knowledge of the carpenter trade I soon found employment of this kind.

In December of the same year we moved 12 miles farther west, to Fruita

Colorado, our present home. Here we engage in the grocery business for a little over a year, but sold our interest in the business and spent one summer in the mountains thinking that the high altitude would be more healthful as it proved to be.

I spent this vacation cutting logs and doing labor at a sawmill. I was not the foreman.

On our return from the mountains, a two-story building was under construction in the town and when completed a portion of the ground floor was occupied by the first bank of this city. I had no trouble in securing employment on the job, stayed until it was completed, or nearly so.

28

t this time the company offered me a job as general roustabout, flunky, I think they call it out here, and I was to spend what time I could in the bank doing what I could and learning more if I could. After a few months I was relieved as flunky and place in the bank as bookkeeper. About six years ago some resignations took place with the office force and I was made assistant cashier, which place I still hold.

We are delighted with the western country and the people. I would love to tell you something of our delightful climate, but that has been forbidden by our good editor. Fruita is a small town hardly so large as Sumner, has plenty of churches, splendid schools, waterworks, electric lights, sewers one steam and one electric (rail) road.. We have many other desirable things, and some quite a number that are not desirable. There has never been a saloon in town, and I would have you remember that the entire state went dry last November.

As I said in the beginning we left Illinois came to Colorado with the hope that the change would benefit Mrs. McKelfresh’s health, and it has done so, even beyond what we expected. While it would be the joy of our lives to live with our kindred and old-time friends, but had no thought of returning soon. It is ever so much better to meet conditions as they are and not murmur. In the Book we are told that "Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain." We are here contented and happy, trying if possible to make this old world just a little bit better.

Now, Dear Editor, if you have any use for this in your special, use it, but if not just drop it in the wastebasket and let it be forgotten.

With best wishes for the Sumner Press and all this readers for a pleasant and prosperous 1915, I close,

Topeka, Kansas

January 24, 1915

Respectfully,

H. G. McKelfresh

------------

Editor Press:

While visiting at the home of Warren Gibney, I had the pleasure of reading the Sumner Press and talking of old times. I think it was about 1870, my father

Samuel McNeely, moved to Sumner. I attended school in an old frame schoolhouse.

First teacher I remember was Thomas Stevens, later Miss Whitmore, Sallie Keene.


---------

(Frank McNeeley)


Born January,1870, Harry G

McKelfresh was the son of David and Elizabeth (née Stine) of Petty

Township. David married Nettie F.

Stiff on March 17, 1892 as he notes in the letter, and by

1904 they have left Lawrence

County for Colorado."McNeely. In the 1880 census Samuel McNeely and wife and Children Francis,

William G, Elnora, Emmaretta and

Idella lived in Petty Township.

Francis married Alice Jane Reeder.

Alice was born in August 1868; To this union the following children were born: William Hollis (b. Dec.

1889); Lola G. (b. Sep. 1891);

Theodore L. (b. Dec. 1893); John R.

(b. Sep. 1898). Frank was a Tin

Smith. Alice died march 15, 1946 and Frank died January 3, 1923 and they were laid to rest in the

Topeka Cemetery, Topeka,

Shawnee County, Kansas

---------

I have a copy of the Sumner Weekly Democrat Vol. 1 No. 1.

Father is dead, mother living near Topeka. Since leaving Sumner have lived in several other counties in Illinois then to Colorado, Texas and now in

Kansas.

I often think of old Illinois as the best state in the union.

Frank McNeely

517 Lime Street

------------

29

(Charles S. Milburn)


Charles Milburn was born

February 1865 in Illinois to

Harrison and Emily (nee Shoff)

Milburn He was married

November 11, 1885 in Lawrence

County to Laura Buchanan. In the

1910 census the children are listed as Dora, Ray, Helen and

(Charles) Albert. Without this letter Helen’s death would be a mystery to genealogists. In addition to the three sisters he mentions, he also had a brother,

John R.


The Charles Milburn family was living in Evanston, Cincinnati Ohio when the Pink Press was published in 1917. C.S. wrote then that he was still traveling for

Bray, Robinson, Curry clothing house of Louisville Ky and his territory was all of Indiana north of the B&O SW RR to Michigan.

Albert was at Purdue, and

Dorothy was now Mrs F. E. Brodt of Scottsburg Ind. He also states that Mrs Milburn have been in

Cincinnati “ visiting her parent,

Mrs Jesse Buchanan, Charlie and

Edith. Father Buchanan passed away last august in his 80 th year.”

He also notes that while the city claims to produce 80% of the soap made in the US you are ready for a bath every time you go downtown because of the smoke from the factories.

---------

Seymour, Indiana

January 15, 1915

Mr. Editor: school.

In response to your request for a letter for your non-resident issue, I will attempt same and trust it will be appreciated by the readers, as I know we will certainly find great pleasure in reading their letters.

We left Sumner 12 years ago next August, having lived there 18 years, with the exception of our year spent in Olney, in the employ of S. J. Eckenrode.

While living in Sumner, I was employed in the mercantile store of Marion May &

Sons and I. H. Bunn. Mr. May and Mr. Bunn, excellent men, both have since gone to their reward. I accepted a position with the Buckskin Breeches Company of

Evansville, and moved to Seymour, Indiana and traveled for them exclusively in

Indiana territory, for 10 1/2 years, until the dissolution of that firm. I've been connected with the Bray, Robinson Curry Woolen Mills of Louisville, Kentucky with whom I hold a lucrative position.

We are duly thankful for the good things of life and prosperity, but have suffered a great loss in the death of one of our dear children, Helen, who died in

San Antonio, Texas four years ago this next May, where my family spent the winter months. I also lost my good father a short time before, at the age of 85 years. To know him was to love him. My mother is living in Olney with my sister, Mrs. Jno.

C. Page. She is 86 years old and enjoying very good health. She spends the summer months at Maple Shade farm near Mt. Carmel with my oldest sister Mrs. O. H.

Wood Her every need is looked after my sisters, Mrs. Page and Mrs. VanAusdel.

She will enjoy reading your non-resident issue so I will send her a copy.

Dora, our oldest daughter, who spent her childhood days in Sumner is still home with her mother. Ray is married and is prospering as proprietor of the

Seymour Cleaning and Pressing Club. He was with me one year on the road with the Buckskin Breeches Company. Albert, our youngest is 16, and a junior in high

Seymour is a very progressive city of 8000, noted for its beautiful paved and shady streets, well-kept lawns and houses, excellent school buildings and ward schools, good churches and also a fine Farmers Club building, given to the farmers of Jackson County, for their exclusive use, by the Blish estate, in memory of Meedy

Shields Blish, the first farmer of Jackson County, and is kept up by the estate.

Seymour is 59 miles south of Indianapolis, 54 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky,

87 miles west of Cincinnati, and 100 miles east of Vincennes Indiana. We have three railroads; also one of the best interurban roads in the state runs through here.

Thinking it would be wise to leave some space for more able writers, wish to say in conclusion, that Mrs. Milburn and family join me in very best wishes to all readers and friends far away, but not forgotten.

Our number is 516 North Ewing Street Seymour, Indiana telephone 792R.

The doorbell is broken but when in the city knock and enter.

Very truly yours,

C. S. Milburn

30

St. Louis, Missouri

January 14, 1915

L. M. Wood & Sons:

I thought some of my old friends might like to hear from me. Born in

1877, in Chauncey, Illinois my father M. R. Newman was running a general merchandise store there at the time after being in the employee of May & Bunn, at

Sumner He is now living at York Illinois, Clark County, farming and doing nicely.

I am in the employee Swift & company, St. Louis, Missouri, as bookkeeper, since 1902, work four years for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and

Southern Railway previous to this, which was my first position after leaving school.

17 years of straight work out of my 38 years of life.

(Clarence A. Newman)


Clarence Ashmore Newman was born in Lawrence County on July

21, 1877 to Morman and Awlinda

(nee Coder) Newman. Clarence was united in marriage to

Elizabeth (unknown). Norris A.

Newman was born to this union about 1897. Clarence died on may

21, 1952 in St. Louis and was laid to rest in the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois.

---------

My wife and I paid a visit to my old hometown two years ago, stopping at my cousin's house, Fred Correll.

I left Chauncey in 1884, and was only back twice since then in 1889 and

1912. I lived in Sumner with my aunt and uncle, S. S. Henderson and wife for almost one year. Think that was in 1885. Uncle Henderson died at Chicago in 1909 and since then my grandfather and grandmother coder having passed away and having a family, working all the time, I do not get to make many visits to Lawrence

County. Uncle Morris C. Coder, as lots of the readers know, is now stopping with me here in St. Louis.

Dallas, Texas

January 13, 1915

Respectfully,

Clarence A. Newman

2769 Chonteau Avenue

Publisher Press:

I noticed in your newspaper that you want everybody that has “strayed away" or run away, either night or day to write a letter to the Sumner Press. Of course when you write a letter to the Sumner Press is just the same as writing to all the home folks.

You say for us to tell you where we lived. I lived up in Petty Township, on the banks of Muddy Creek near Spring Hill College. I left Illinois about 25 years ago. Of course, I was very young then I had been traveling for the Art Metal

Construction Company, of Jamestown, New York will be 25 years the fifth day of this coming April. They have paid my expenses and, of course, I have eaten three times a day, and I am still on the payroll, still eating three times a day. Have traveled throughout 29 of 30 states but has spent the most of my time in Texas, and

I am now almost a native Texan. Married a Texas girl and we have four little

Texans, all-girls, and of course the finest girls in the world. Now five native Texans make one "Illinois sucker" stepson.

---------

(Aaron C. Pepple)


Aaron C. Pepple was the son of

Jesse and Margaret Pepple born in

December 1863. He has two sisters. Mrs. Lyman Stivers and

Mrs. C. V. Murphy, Three brothers,

Oliver Jasper and Theodore. F. and

Harley M. Pepple. Aaron married

Emma Jackson about 1900. The

1910 census lists four daughters:

Smith(?) age 8, Jarnet age 5,

Walker age 4 and Elizabeth age 1.

Aaron died sometime before 1918.

Aaron and Emma are buried in the

Oakland cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

---------

31

Biographical Note: Mrs. Pepple and four girls are thinking of making a visit to Illinois this summer that is providing I can borrow the money to pay the railroad fare, as you know these railroads have a habit of taking the money in advance.

I have been telling my Texas girls that I kept School at Buckhorn and Petty colleges several years. They are anxious to see the place where they would allow me to try to teach school, but I was there just the same, and those were good old days down in Lukin and up in Petty. Lots of good old spareribs and backbones and everything else good to eat and just as free as the water to Muddy Creek when there was water.

You can travel all over the world but you can't find any better people than they have in good old Lawrence County. They claim that the south is noted for its hospitality, but I tell them that they can't beat the people of Lawrence County. Lots of good people down here in Texas and they have certainly treated me fine, and I haven't any complaint to make.

---------

Samuel W. Perrott


Samuel w. Perrott was born about

1860 in Ohio to John and Ann

Parrott/Perrott, irish immigrants.

By 1880 the family was living In

Claremont, Richland co. In 1904

Samuel married Susan V Hoar. At the time he wrote this letter he was not only raising potatoes, but also his two stepsons Jesse and

Claude.

Editor Note:

Samuel wrote an interesting letter for the Press in 1917 describing his experiences with the

Indians."

The Sumner Press has visited me every week for the past 25 years that means a letter every week from the home folks. I read it through and through and am just as anxious to get it as when I first left home, and if I owe the Press anything send me a bill and I will remit it to your next payday. Wishing all the good people in Lawrence County and the Sumner Press, all the good things there are in store for

1915 and ever more, I am,

"Everyday is the Best Day"

------------

Former location, Claremont Township, Richland County Illinois

Present location Bonesteel, South Dakota

January 1, 1915

Yours very truly

Aaron C. Pepple

To the Sumner Press:

Although I was a reader of the Press in my father's home four miles southwest of Sumner, near Beulah Church, where he still resides, in the days when that paper was edited by J. A. Igler, circumstances did not permit me to be a continuous reader or subscriber but since I have been able I have been glad to read it with interest, especially news of my old friends and most of my near relatives who still live there.

I spent many years roaming about since 1882. I lived in a number of places near central Illinois, in St. Louis and southern Missouri at a few different places in

South Dakota, including from Bonesteel to North Dakota line, also in North

Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska and a short stay in Oklahoma.

32

I also worked at different occupations, including carpenter work, mason work, almost all kinds of labor, mail carrier, and at last came back to the farm. I have been speculating on Early Ohio Potatoes. I received first premium and extras at our County fair for the past two years.


I have a home here now and plenty to eat and wear since I have made my home in Bonestel, about 15 years ago. I have not been Sumner since the first part of the year 1902. This is the best winter since I lived here.

I wonder how many readers of the Press remember the old camp meeting held at John Kneppers Grove, west of the old Beulah log schoolhouse, when the men made platforms of wood covered with earth to build Hickory bark fires on for lights to light the Grove during the meeting. I was one of the boys who helped gather the bark. Well, younger people have better places of worship now. We did not sing with organs then. We used one horse to plow corn then. School was shortterm. We plowed in stumps and instead of the short term of school many were compelled to take an ax and clear so the younger ones could have a better time.

How many think to thank those older ones who made longer terms of school possible and also gave younger folks a chance to go to school full-time, also use modern machinery instead of the stump plow with aching ribs, a grain cradle and grass scythe, they have the binder, mower and cultivator, all fixed up to ride upon.

This is passed with the panther and wild turkey and the old angling road through the woods to Sumner or to Andy Milligan's mill, east of town with cordwood as high as a man could reach to use.

Grand Junction, Colorado

January 20, 1915

Editor Press:

Samuel W. Perrott

------------

In answer to your special edition, I will write a few lines, as I was born in old Lawrence County and still have many warm friends and love for my dear old home and country back there.

I was born and raised three miles south of Lawrenceville.

My maiden name was Isabel Henderson. I lived in Lawrence County until

1910, and then came to Delta, Colorado with my daughter, Miss Bessie Lake, for her health, but came too late and she passed to the great beyond. Then I remained here.

---------

(Isabel Petersen)


Isabel Henderson was born in

Lawrence County about 1856. She was first married to Calvin Ridgley.

In the 1900 census the following children were listed: Leola Ridgely,

Harly V. Ridgely, Jessie E Ridgely,

Calvin M. Ridgely. Calvin died sometime before 1894. In 1894 she married David A. Lake and the following children were also listed:

Bessie and Bertha Lake. David Lake was not in the 1910 census. In

1911 Isabel was again married to

Robert Peterson as mentioned in the letter.

I married Robert Petersen, of Delta, Colorado, where we had a beautiful little home and many friends.

Last February we came to Grand Junction, Colorado, as Mr. Petersen’s business called him here. We have made many friends here, and had met a few from Lawrence County, which were our friends there.

I will say I love the beautiful sunshine and climate of Colorado and wish all Lawrence County friends’ happiness and success.

As ever,

Mrs. Isabel Petersen

------------

Harley V. Ridgley

Son of Isabel Peterson

---------

33

(Theodore Edman Piper)


Theodore E. Piper was born on

January 25, 1844. He married

Margaret E. Hillis in Richland

County on May 22, 1863.

Theodore died January 15, 1919.

Annotation:

Catamounts:

Large cat similar to puma, mountain lion, or panther

Puncheon:

A piece of broad, heavy, roughly dressed timber with one face finished flat

---------

---------

(Amy Weaver Richey)


Amy Weaver Richey was born

August 18, 1875 in Lawrence

County to Joseph and Susanna

(nee Kandel) Weaver. She was first married to Mr. Allen and had two children Benard and Margaret

Allen. She married Marshall

Leonard Richey. The 1910 census lists their children as Joseph,

Bernice, Paul, Ella. The 1930 census show a son Oll F. Richey born about 1907. Amy died

January 6, 1942 in Arkansas.

Marshall was Born March 27, 1867 and died April 16, 1930.

West Liberty, Illinois

January 23, 1915

Dear Editor:

I was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1844. In 1859 my father,

Abraham Piper, mother, uncle Robert Piper, brother Will, and myself came in an old-fashioned, high wheeled covered wagon, from Pennsylvania to Illinois and located in Christy Township, Lawrence County. At this time there was no Sumner, and no B. & O. Railroad.

The country was wild deer, wild hogs, wild turkeys, catamounts, foxes, lynxs, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and minks were more numerous than the rabbit is there today. Pheasants were as numerous as the prairie chicken is today and there were wild pigeons without number. I have captured my share of all these animals, in fact I captured seven wild hogs one day and two lynx one night.

Now I must tell you about my school days. Mr. John McCarthy taught the first school I attended. It was not a public school, but a subscription school, that is, each student paid the teacher $2.25 every three months. The school house was log,

16 feet wide and 20 feet long with one window on each side. It had a puncheon door, with wooden hinges and a wooden latch, a puncheon floor, clapboard ceiling, clapboard roof, puncheon seats without backs, wooden pins were placed in the holes, that were bored near the windows, and a board laid on these served as a writing desk. Two could write at a time. Now don't you think we had a glorious time?

In June, 1862, I enlisted as a volunteer in the Civil War at Sumner. I was in Company K, Illinois Regiment No.70. Then came the second glorious time.

I have been married twice. My first wife's maiden name was Margaret

Ellen Hillis. To this union six children were born, three living and three dead. My second wife's maiden name was Lucy Ann Fenis. To this union seven children were born, three living and four dead. At the present, the numbers of living children are as follows: six children, 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

My present home is in St. Marie Township, Jasper County, Illinois.

I am 71 years young, a farmer, hale and hearty, working every day. I own eight hundred twenty-four acres of land, a host of town property, and some money on interest.

I have taken many a good old fox chase and coon hunt, and I still enjoy coon hunting as much as ever.

Yours respectfully,

T. E. Piper

-----------

Marshall Leonard Richey

---------

Jonesboro, Arkansas

January 15, 1915

To the Friends who read the Press:

I can hardly wait for the wanderers edition of the Press, to see how many of the voluntary exiles from old Lawrence County have availed themselves of our editors kindly privilege.

Our lot has been only that of average people and our paths far from a rose strewn one, in the eight years since we left old Beulah neighborhood to make a home for ourselves, verily strangers in a strange land, in northeastern Arkansas.

34

Like most farmers, we have had lean years as well as fat ones, calamities

(or seeming ones) as well as successes, but through it all, we have had splendid health, and although we have many times suffered from attacks of plain homesickness for the dear friends and scenes of other days yet we are much more in love with our Arkansas home.


Six years ago we added a little Arkansan to our family, making seven youngsters over whom we alternately worry and rejoice after the age- husky(the word he used was lusty do we want to use it) old manner of parents.

In speaking of the good health we have had since coming here, I barred accidents for they are liable to happen anywhere. One of my twin sons, Clark Allen was terribly injured in a timber accident near Manila, Arkansas last August. A flying limb crushed from an immense tree in falling struck him in such a manner as to leave nine fractures and dislocations.

For over a fortnight the balance hung poised between life and death, but we feel that the Heavenly Father has indeed been merciful towards us, for the brave young face that smiled back at us from the hospital pillows, on our visits there during that weary weeks that followed, now last down at us from a height of six foot two, as he makes his way slowly through the familiar rooms, as we were allowed to bring him home January 5, nearly 5 months after the accident.

Financial conditions here are much depressed, as reports seem to indicate them elsewhere. Perhaps they are worse here owing to the panic caused by the depreciation of prices on cotton, the staple and in many instances the only crop raised by the Southern planter. But few residents of the North can comprehend how financial matters in the South are dependent on the cotton crop as it is taking years of residents here to even get an inkling of it. It only affects us personally in marketing other crops for this is the greatest section on earth for diversified farming and we grow very little cotton.

Mrs. S. M. Correll’s card of thanks in a late edition of the Press brought back a rush of memories, centering around old Chauncey, for Aunt Sarah as we always loved to call her, was our Sunday school teacher for several years, and it may gratify her to know that her laborers have borne fruit and that another generation is receiving the benefit of the truth she labored so hard to instill.

To her and to all the other friends of those days and since, whether in

Illinois or far away, we send kind greetings and as a parting word, the course of our state song:

Come and see us neighbor, come along,

We’ll be there to greet you one and all

Tis the finest country found,

And we'll show you all around,

At our happy little home in Arkansas.

Mrs. Amy Weaver Richey

-----------

---------

(William Henry Rosborough)


William H. Rosborough was born on July 25, 1871 and died May 1,

1921. He was married first to

Martha J Utterback. He was then married to Carrie Lovilla McCarty and to this union were born the five children mentioned in his letter, Clyde, Floyd, Savilla, Alice and George.

William and Carrie are buried in the Hardinville Cemetery.

---------

35

Biographical Note: Hardinville, Illinois

January 23, 1915

Editor of Sumner Press:

As you want to hear from Lawrence County people, I will say that I was a resident of Lawrence County 3 1/2 years. I lived on the J. F. Rosborough farm, one half miles south of Chauncey. I spent my early married life there. I will say that I had the best neighbors there I ever had in my life. I want to say that David Watts was like a father to me and brother J. N. Carlisle. I shall never forget his good advice, which he gave me, for I was a boy 20 years old then and needed good advice. It was at Chauncey Christian church where I gave my heart to Christ 20 years ago. All I have to regret is that I did not enlist earlier in life.

I wish I could meet with the people of Chauncey and worship with them. I want to tell them all where I live, Hardinville, Illinois. I run a livery barn and farm some. I keep five horses and an automobile. I live in my own property. I have five children, four boys and one girl. I have a pair of Twins four years old last August.

The girl can play the piano. She can play 15 or 20 pieces by ear. She can go to church and hear a song and income right home and play it.

I will say to all of my old friends and neighbors that I would like to see them and talk of days gone by. I will close by saying I hope this issue will be a success and that the editor has my best wishes for success.

Respectfully,

W. H. Rosborough

36

Merom, Indiana

January 25, 1915

L. M. Wood:

Since leaving Lawrence County, I attended the Central Normal College,

Danville Indiana. After graduating from the Teacher's Commercial, Scientific and

Law Courses I begin teaching in Crawford County. After teaching there two years, I was called to teach at Union Christian College, Merom Indiana. After teaching about two months I was elected Secretary of the Faculty, which position I still hold.

Mrs. Sanford has had charge of the Shorthand and Typewriting

Department for the past four years.

The Union Christian College was founded in 1859. It is situated in the south part of Merom, and 27 acre campus, surrounded by a nice hedge fence. It contains the college building, ladies dormitory, presidents home, baseball and football grounds, lawn tennis courts and many beautiful shade trees.

Merom is quite a little college town, situated on the banks of the Wabash, where the great Merom Bluff Chautauqua is held every year. Besides the College and Chautauqua town is quite a business place for its size, owing to the fertile agricultural territory which surrounds it. Some of this latest improvements: 1st, the

Merom State Bank, in which the writer is a director, second the construction of the

Tishomingo Tie and Stone Companies plant which will cost between $80,000 and

$100,000 when completed. The company hopes to have the plant completed and manufacturing its products in the next few months.

I have been a reader of the Sumner Press for about the past 10 years and look forward to its visits each week. It is like receiving a letter from a friend who tells all the news from the territory. I appreciate hearing from.

Yours very truly,

W. S. Sanford

Logo of Sanford Brown College

Once owned by William Sanford

(William S. Sanford)


William S. Sanford was born in Mt.

Carmel on October 25, 1882 to

Elisha and Mary (nee Preston)

Sanford. He was married to Olive

“Ollie” Caroline Foss. Ollie was born April 23, 1875 in Sumner to

John and Nancy Foss. To this union the following children were reported in the census records:

Raymond C. (b. abt. 1907); Noble

D. (b. abt. 1911). Ollie died January

30, 1941. William died on

December 24, 1959 and according to William’s death certificate he was married to Gaile Sanford at the time of his death. William and

Ollie are interred in the Oak Grove mausoleum, St. Louis County,

Missouri.

Editor's Note:

W.S. Sanford wrote a letter in

1916, 1918, and 1919. In his Feb 4,

1919 letter his address is 242

North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee,

Il. He states that he is "Assistant

Principal at Brown's Business college, Kankakee, Ill. It is a banner year with this college. We have had to increase our floor space twice this year. We are now occupying seven rooms on the third floor of the Arcade Building."

Editor Note:

William purchased the Brown

Business College in 1920 and renamed it the Sanford-Brown

Business College. In 1944 he sold the college. The Sanford-Brown name dates back to 1866 when

Rufus C. Crampton, a professor at

Illinois College, established a school to meet the demands of post-Civil War America. Today, there are over 30 private colleges and schools bearing the name

Sanford-Brown across the United

States.

---------

37


Nine years after the devastating

1906 earthquake, San Francisco celebrated the opening of the

Panama Canal with its World Fair.

Among the highlights was an actual Ford assembly line that turned out one car every 10 min., the Liberty Bell was displayed,

Alexander Graham Bell made the first transcontinental call, and

Thomas Edison displayed a storage battery.

3.5 million people attended the

Panama exposition in San Diego which also celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal.

For over 100 years 20 Mule Team

Borax has been used for cleaning and laundry and is now sold by the

Dial Corporation. Borax ore, mined in Death Valley was moved across the desert by mules. The original

20 Mule team's actually consisted of two horses and 16 mules pulling wagons designed to haul 10 tons of ore with rear wheels standing 7 foot high. When J.L Sheridan wrote this letter, the Mule trains had replaced by railroad transportation.

Ludlow, California

January 10, 1915

Editor Press:

In answer to your public request for letters, from former Lawrence County residents. Ever willing to help boost, (the all home print). No doubt California has enticed more than her share of former home folks, to the land of sunshine and flowers. Many may respond to your request, but as there will be few from the desert country, will endeavor to confine my few words to the near surroundings of this little town which has been my home for several years.

Vegetation and water are the scarce commodities. Of the first, greasewood is our all, with exceptions of a few months in the spring when we get abundance of wild flowers of a variety which requires very little moisture, but nevertheless beautiful. Our nearest water is 1900 feet, straight down; this is composed largely of salt and unsuited for any purpose.

Our water supply being hauled here in solid trains of tank cars, each having capacity of over 10,000 gallons. Distributed through a city water system, at

$.65 per thousand gallons.

This little town is the outlet for the Death Valley country. Death Valley proper, with its vast deposits of borax, salt, etc. has become easily accessible to all by the building of a railroad directly into the Valley. This road was completed

November 15, 1914. The road was built for the purpose of handling the borax mined by the original 20 Mule Team Borax Company, every housekeeper being acquainted with the said 20 Mule Team Borax.

The mines produce an average of 1500 tons of borax monthly, shipped to

Bayonne, New Jersey, where the product is refined.

The question asked by everyone upon first arriving here, is how do you live, what do you do, how can anyone stay in such places?

We live on the best that California produces, which is the best in the world. Our transportation facilities are of the best. 12 hours from the best markets in the world.

Everyone here has his work or business. Plenty of work and our businessmen are all prosperous. Transportation and mining include the occupation and business of all.

With no exceptions, in proven in instances, anyone spending as many as two years on the desert, finds no place that fills their life as does the land of sand, mountains and heat. (Yes and fleas too.)

A few words to the home folks. Of course you are all coming to California this year. Under ordinary conditions it is the sightseers delight. This year they offer two world’s attractions. The Panama, California exposition, open the entire year at

San Diego, California. The World's Fair of San Francisco, California opens

February 1 and will run the balance of the year. The choice of many routes will be available. The Santa Fe offers the most attractions. Visit the Grand Canyon at

Arizona sure, and the petrified forests if possible. Stop over at Los Angeles, if you can by force, get away a few weeks later, taken daily boat to San Diego. After five hours on Miss Pacific, you will know if you care to go by water to San Francisco.

Don't believe all that they tell you about the sea sickness, it's worse than they say.

38

We are now at the exposition. When you tire of sight- seeing of the best the world affords in the line of finished products, take one of the many auto buses and go to the Tijuana, Old Mexico. There they will take what you have left in your purse, including the purse.

No law, no protection, gambling in all its many faces. Boys, you have read about faro, keno, blackjack, monte and bullfights, here's one of the few places in the world they can now be found running wide open. Take a tip and leave all but $.15 and bus fare with the hotel clerk before starting.

Your destination will be the World Fair at San Francisco, we will meet you there and assist you in seeing the world, as well as borrowing a few dollars you have earned skinning ( unreadable ), chasing mother’s chickens and driving the fat stock to Mr. Brian’s stockyards, which occupation we spent our youthful days in doing.

Taking this opportunity of wishing all my old friends and neighbors a belated, happy and successful new year.

Cincinnati, Ohio

January 15, 1915

Publishers Press:

J. L. Sheraden

-----------

I am glad to have the opportunity to write a letter to the columns of your paper, as it has been several years since I left old Lawrence County, and a very good way to let some of your friends know where you reside, otherwise they would not.

I was reared in Lukin Township, five miles south of your town, on the

Sumner and Lancaster Road, brought up on the farm, and natural clod-hopper, which I think due credit should be allowed to anybody that has had the opportunity and experience of an outdoor farm life.

I was appointed to the government in November 1905, and I realize the fact that Uncle Sam has a mighty safe payroll to sign during this somewhat uneventful state of conditions. We came to Norwood seven years ago, and have since lived here.

Norwood is a beautiful suburb of Cincinnati, a 30,000 population, has her own municipal water, electric and gas plants, and especially noted for her artesian water, which is recommended by doctors for anybody that has ailments.

I have a very interesting family, a wife, of course, a boy and a girl, especially interesting, when it comes to fitting them up financially, as the girl, just past six, has already asked me when I was going to get her an automobile that she preferred a Ford.

You are entitled too much credit for getting up an edition of this kind, and the life that is being put in the old town.

Wishing you a prosperous year, I am,

Yours very truly,

Ralph O. Shick

Norwood Station

-----------


---------

(Ralph O. Shick)


Ralph O is the son of Peter W. and

Jane Whittmer Shick. He is also the brother of Ellis O. another Pink

Letter writer. Both Ralph and Ellis are the nephews of letter writers

Francis M., and David L. Schick.

---------


Mrs R.O Shick also wrote a letter that year, in which she stated that they had lived in Cincinnati almost seven years, but actually were forty minutes by street car from the main city area. Her daughter was almost 6 and her baby boy was seven months old. The girl was in kindergarten in the winter.

---------

(Virgil J. Simms)


Virgil Joseph Simms was born

December 8, 1891 and died in

February 1979.

Editor Note:

Virgil wrote another letter to the

Pink Press in 1917 wherein he states:

“This has been a prosperous year for all of the elderly people living out here in both grain and livestock. I raised over 1100 bushels of small grain, nine calves, two Colts, plenty of potatoes, turnips and cabbages.

39

My wife raised a good garden, chickens and turkeys. I will have in crop between 90 and 100 acres the coming season. I expect to prove up on my 320 acre homestead this spring. We have been blessed with two little girls in coming here-Louella Martawn, age

22 months weighing 28 pounds and Anna Ermine age 2 months weighing 14 pounds. They are both healthy and fat little dry landers.” He remarks:

“We are well satisfied and will not leave the west to live in the east again.”

In 1919 Virgil again wrote:

“I was born and grew to manhood on a farm five miles southeast

Sumner. My parents were W. H. and Anna Simms. I attended the central school at Franklin from the ages 8 to 15. I would not go to school when younger. The next year I attended school in Sumner and the next year I attended the

Normal school at Normal, Illinois.

The next four years I taught school and attended spring terms at the

Normal school.

I returned and married my old-school mate, Hazel

Price, daughter of J. W. A. and

Louella Price whom I had been taking buggy rides and sampling her cooking for four years. We moved out here the following spring to make our home. We proved up on the homestead over a year ago. My brother, Ed, whose ranch joins ours has moved to his store at Lovejoy eight miles north.”

---------

(Isaac Slichenmeyer)


Isaac Slichenmyer was born in

September 1848 to John and Sarah

(nee Steffy) Slichenmeyer. Isaac married his first wife Emma in

1880. His Second wife was Alice.

Malta, Montana

January 14, 1915

Dear Editor and Friends:

It has been almost one year since I left Sumner, for the cold and desolate north or that is the description a great many people give this country, who have never been here, but I had failed to find it that way. I had been intending to write a long letter to the Press, describing this country and climate to the best of my ability.

But as this is to be a personal letter I will write the descriptive one sometime in the future.

I live my 320 acre homestead 17 1/2 miles north of Malta, but on account of the hill and between my place and town the distance is somewhat greater.

My brother, W. E. has an adjoining claim, also the Stine boys, of Sumner.

Through February and March I dug a basement and built a house. W. E. arrived with our immigrant car April 1. We had a long tiresome task moving out here since then we have worked together.

My neighbors and I have 920 acres all in one field and expect to add another 320 acres next summer making 1260 acres surrounded by one fence. This is where we range our horses and cattle during the winter.

The improvements in my claim consists of a house, barn, hen house, claim all fenced and forty acres broke.

My wife who was formerly Hazel Price is well pleased with the country.

Identification and location: Virgil J. Simms, former schoolteacher of

Lawrence County, son of William Simms, living 5 1/2 miles southeast of Sumner.

Virgil J. Simms

-----------

Noble, Illinois

January 22, 1915

To the Sumner Press:

As I was a resident of Lawrence County at one time, I will write a few lines. I moved there 21 years ago this month in the southwest part of Lukin township, on my brother, Jacob Slichenmeyer’s farm, and lived four years on that place, in as good a neighborhood as one would wish to live in. Since that time there has been quite a change. Some have gone to their reward, and others moved away, till it don't seem like the same place. At that time Sumner was our main trading place. When we left Lawrence County we moved to our farm four miles southwest of Olney. Three years later my wife died and after six long lonesome years, as it was not intended that man should live alone I found a better half and am enjoying life fairly well for a man of 66 years. I now live on, half mile west of Noble on the

Lincoln Trail, where I milk Jersey cows and patronize the creamery and raise white hogs. Wishing all a prosperous year.

Respectfully,

Isaac Slichenmeyer

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40

Danville, Illinois

January 9, 1915

Mr. Editor: Illinois

Dear Sir:

I came to Danville 13 years ago, worked at three different positions before

I got on the Danville Street Railway, as a conductor, worked for seven years, or until December 16, 1910, when I accepted a position as a brakeman for the Illinois

Traction System, worked as brakeman for 4 1/2 months and promoted to conductor, which position I still hold.

I run over four different divisions, the longest run is from Danville to

Springfield, a distance of 125 miles, the round-trip being made in 10 hours and 20 minutes.

(Glenn Smalley)


Glenn Smalley was born in

Lawrence County in December

1881 to Benjamin and Lucinda

(nee Carmody) Smalley.

I was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Brewer, September 18, 1907, and to us on February 7 th , 1913, was born a little daughter. We named her Doris May; she departed this life October 11, 1913, cause of death, pneumonia.

I would like a copy of your paper, for which I am writing, sent to me at my expense. Thanking you in advance for the favor and wishing my old friends and acquaintances a prosperous and happy year, I am, and old Sumner boy.

Glenn P. Smalley

10 Columbus Street

-----------

Glenn Smalley

---------

The photo to the left is of the

Benjamin Franklin and Lucinda

(nee Carmondy) Smalley family.

Three members of this family wrote letters to the Pink Press in

1915, Glenn and Jesse Smalley and their sister, Mary Webb. Both brothers work for the railroad in

Danville having moved there in

1913.

Danville, Illinois

January 8, 1915

Editor of the Sumner Press: Sumner Illinois

Dear Sir:

I am located at Danville, Illinois, and married, have one boy eight years old. I have lived here 13 years, and have been very lucky in always having a good position. Eleven years ago the 20th of last October I entered the service of the

Danville Street Railroad Company as motorman, worked as same until March 15,

1905.

41

(Jesse Franklin Smalley)


Jesse was born on September 29,

1883 in Lawrence County to

Benjamin and Lucinda (nee

Carmody) Smalley. He was married to Anna Johnson.

I then entered the service of the Illinois Traction System as conductor, worked at that till September 20, 1908. I then entered the office of the ITS as train dispatcher, having worked continuously as same to present day

Effective the 16th of this month I will be superintendent of the Danville

Street Railway.

Through the columns of your newspaper, I desire to wish all my old friends and acquaintances a prosperous and happy year.

I would be glad to receive at my expense the copy of your paper that contains the news of all of the ex- Sumner people for which occasion I have here written. Thanking you in advance for the favor,

Jesse Smalley

---------

(Albert Edward Stout)


Albert Stout was born December

21, 1886 to Chester and Nettie

Armitage and was married to Nellie

P. Powell. They had two sons,

Scott Martin and Francis Chester.

Albert died August 29, 1949 in Los

Angeles. Nellie Died January 3,

1952.

---------

(Marion Strouse )


Marion is son of Jacob and

Margaret (nee Howman) Strouse

Chicago, Illinois

January 14, 1915

Editor Press:

As a reader of your paper I am glad of the opportunity you have offered us wanderers.

My name is Albert E. Stout son of Chester and Nettie, born two miles west of Chauncey. My mother’s name is now Nettie Sechrest residing in St. Francisville.

In 1902 I went to Ohio and worked in the oil field until the fall and then came to

Chicago and worked for a car manufacturing company until April 1908 when I went home and stayed one month. The last of May I went to the northern part of

Michigan and took charge of 1524 acres of land (timbered) until November 1910. I came back to Chicago and went to work for the same company which is the

Western Street Car and Foundry Co., manufacturers of freight equipment, capacity

84 cars a day of which I am now general labor foreman. I would be glad to hear from any of the readers of your Press.

Yours respectfully,

A. E. Stout

-----------

New York City

408 East 54th Street

January 17, 1915

I am,

Jesse F. Smalley

618 Wayne St

-----------

To: L. M. Wood Editor

Sumner Press

Margaret (Howman) Strouse

Marion Strouse Mother

Lived in Lawrence County

Dear Sir:

A few lines to your most valued paper.

And through the kindness of my brother-in-law, Martin Ridgley, better known in

Sumner as plain Mart, whom I suppose pays my yearly dues to the Press, he causes the old hometown paper to find its way each week to 408 E. 54th Street New York

City, my present home. Home, dear readers do you all realize the meaning and how much that word home means? I was born in Christy Township Lawrence County

Illinois on October 28, 1878, four miles northwest of Sumner, on the old county line. My father, Jacob Strouse, was or at least I think so, proud of me as he named me after one of the most prominent men in the country in those days, Marion May.

But anyone knowing me yet around Sumner would know me better by the name of

Nip, a nickname given to me when small by Forest David.

42

Since leaving my old home I have traveled all over the world and during the year 1913 I traveled some 12,000 miles of a journey not forgetting to stop off in

Sumner before coming to New York City, the end of my journey and home. I am now married and while my home is not blessed with any children I must say I and wife are doing as well as these times will permit. I am in the employ of Swift and

Company and if times do not get any worse we, I mean wife and I, hope to visit

Sumner sometime this year and will surely pay our respects to the Press office. I am such a poor writer I hope the kind editor will excuse my writing and also correct my mistakes.

Pembina, North Dakota

January 15, 1915

Publisher Press:

Yours truly,

Marion Strouse

-----------

I received your letter requesting each subscriber to write a personal letter.

Will say that I am located in Pembina, North Dakota in the extreme northeast corner of the state. 2 1/2 miles from the Canadian line. Have been in this place since

June 1910 and think it just as good as any. Plenty of money in the summer and plenty of rest in the winter

I worked last summer in an automobile garage.

During the month of December helped my brother-in-law Loran Dunn, who is running a meat market here, do some butchering. We killed between 30 and

35 head of hogs and several beeves and the thermometer stood around 30 below zero most of the time. I was unlucky enough to get one of my feet badly frosted and have been laid up with it since.


(Chauncey French Sumner)


French Sumner was born July 8,

1874 to Leander and Mary J. (nee

French) Sumner in Lawrence

County. In 1920 French was living with his sister Martha Dunn in

Pollock, Campbell, South Dakota.

Ten years earlier and during the time this letter was written all had moved to Pembina, North Dakota.

Chauncey F. Sumner died in

November 1970 in Mobridge,

Walworth, South Dakota

---------

I think I have said enough about myself, but wish to add that I am always glad to get the Sumner Press and hear the news from my old home where I was born and raised one miles southeast of Sumner, on what is known as the Sammy

Sumner homestead.

Hope all the wanderers will write as I will certainly know most of them.

Wishing you the best of success for the New Year, I am,


January 17, 1915

Yours truly

French Sumner

Son of Dock Sumner

-----------

Dear Sir:

I am a native of that good old Sumner town. I spent many a happy day there. I would like to see my friends and good old neighbors and chat with them a while. I left there in 1903 and came to East St. Louis, where I have made a good living ever since. I haven’t been back there but twice. I will pay the old hometown a visit someday. I am an old reader of the Press and won't do without it.

Yours very truly,

James A. Thompson

-----------

43

(Charles Wiley Vandament)


Charles Wiley Vandament, the son of Wiley and Matilda J.

Vandament, was born April 26,

1884 in Lukin Township. He died in

Beebe, Arkansas July 8, 1947.

---------

Annotation:

The term ‘ lagrippe’ or ‘la grippe’ means flu.

---------

(David B. Van Scyoc)


David B. Van Scyoc, son of William and Susan Van Scyoc was born in

Sumner September 16, 1854. On

September 13, 1877 he married

Lydia Ellen Dishong. In addition to the three children he mentions in this letter, Fred O., Loral R. And

Bertha, another son, Emery B. died in infancy. While the letter writer may have gotten his wish to remain in Michigan, he returned once last time to Sumner on

February 8, 1919 to be buried in the Sumner Cemetery.

---------

Beebe, Arkansas

January 17, 1915

Dear Editor and Readers of Press:

Am glad of this opportunity to let our friends know we are all well and enjoying life, if not prosperity in the state of Arkansas. The writer, son of Wiley

Vandament, and wife, formerly Lucinda Cooper, daughter of John Cooper were both born in Lawrence County, northeast Lukin Township and lived there until in

November 1911, when we shipped to our present home of 160 acres of well improved farmland. 33 miles from Little Rock, the state capital.

We have two children, John Wiley, age 8 and Charles Paul, age 6, both born in Lawrence County. They are both in good health and take a great interest in their school work. They are also good cotton pickers. Have picked as high as 100 pounds apiece a day when from 150 to 200 pounds is a grown person's average. We have had very good health the three years we have been here. Have had no fever or chills, but are troubled some at times with colds or lagrippe. Hoping to hear from old friends by the Pink Press, I remain,

Shelbyville, Michigan

January 11, 1915

Yours respectfully,

Charles Vandament

-----------

To The Sumner Press, Sumner Illinois

Dear Readers,

In reply to the non-resident issue, will say I was born and raised in

Lawrence County, Christy Township and spent about forty years at Sumner. I have moved around quite a bit and have landed on a farm near Shelbyville Michigan,

Allegan County.

I have three children all of whom are married. Mrs. Bertha Knowlton of

Shelbyville Michigan, L. R. Van Scyoc of Shelbyville Michigan, and F. O. Van

Scyoc of Bridgeport Illinois.

I am in good health and well satisfied and expect to spend the remainder of my days in Michigan, but will be glad to hear from any of the readers.

Yours very truly,

D. B. Van Scyoc

-----------

44

Danville, Illinois

January 13th 1915

(Mary Smalley Webb)


Sumner Press: relatives.

I will write a few lines to my old home paper and home friends and

My maiden name was Mary Smalley, daughter of Frank Smalley, was born in 1872; six miles southwest of Sumner near the U. B. Church known now as the

John Roach place. Moved with my parents at the age of seven years to my old home, sweet home, five miles north of Sumner. At the age of 25 years was married to John J. Webb, of Sumner, Illinois by Rev. Jackson.

We now have a cozy little home at 825 Johnson Street, Danville, Illinois.

We have had born to us seven children, five boys and two girls, Byron age 19;

Della, age 18; Lamont, age 16; Luella and Trella twins, age 14; Eugene, aged 10,

Evan and Trella, died at the age of one year. Evan was the baby of our family, would have been eight years old last November. We are all members of the Bethany

Presbyterian Church. If we never meet again on this earth may we all meet in heaven is my wish.

Cassville, Missouri

January 17, 1915

Editor Press:

Marshfield, Indiana

January 12, 1915

Dear Editor:

Mary Smalley Webb

-----------

Will try and write for the special non-resident edition to be dressed in pink.

I am stopping in southwest Missouri. Have been in Barry County for 12 years. Left old Lawrence County 1886. Have been back several times, but not to live. This is the banner county of the state. It is a good fruit and dairy country and is the most healthy country I ever lived in. We are on the dividing ridge of the Ozark

Mountains, 200 miles southwest of St. Louis.

We are making good. I am an engineer at an electric plant and flour mill.

At one of the largest stone quarries and cutting sheds west of the Mississippi River.

I have been reading the Press for the last 35 years.

Yours very truly,

C. A. Webber

-----------

At your request, I will give you a short sketch of my life. In 1849 my father, Jacob

Waggoner, came from Ohio to Lawrence County, in wagons, as was the custom of early days for there were no towns or stations on the vast open prairies of Illinois.

At that time Sumner was not thought of. There were no churches, no railroads, only one log schoolhouse to boast of and the hard old-time benches were used, that after a day’s continued use would make you feel like you had one of Van Amburg’s dromedaries more than anything else, and so we managed to master a common education.

Mary Smalley Webb

Mary Ann Smalley was born to

Benjamin Franklin and Lucinda

(nee Carmondy) Smalley. Mary was united in marriage in 1895 to

John J. Webb son of Eugene and

Adeline (nee Dennison) Webb

John was born in Bridgeport

February 12, 1872 and died June

26, 1938. Mary died January 24,

1954 They are buried at the Spring

Hill Cemetery Danville, Vermilion

County Illinois. Evan, the infant son who was mentioned in the letter was 1 year and 2 months old and his uncles acted as pallbearers at his funeral.

---------

(Clement Alexander Webber)


Clement Webber was born in Ohio

June 25, 1861 to James and Susan

(nee Caldwell) Webber. He married Rose Etta Sanders. The

1910 census lists his children as

Roy, Charles, Marvin, Tella and

Naomi. His family was living in

Golden, Jefferson Colorado in

1930. Clement had made his home in Strawberry Valley California for

14 months preceding his death in

Yuba California on June 2 1951 and he was buried in the Strawberry

Valley Cemetery, Strawberry

Valley California

---------

Annotation:

A Dromedary is an Arabian hump backed camel

Van Amburgs circus was founded by Issac A. Van Amburg. After Van

Amburgh's death 1865, Hyatt

Frost, continued using the Van

Amburgh name. From him it was leased by the Ringling Brothers in

1889.

45

( Mahala Waggoner Wurtsbaugh)


Mahala was born on January 1,

1938 in Coshocton, Ohio and died at

Chalmers, Indiana January 22,

1924. She was converted at the age of 12 and joined the Methodist

Church at Chauncey. She was buried in the family lot in the West

Lebanon Cemetery in Indiana.

Editors note:

Mahala responded in the 1916 Pink

Letters and added the following:

“When in olden times the prairie grass was taller than a man's head and the deer, wolves and all kinds of wild animals rove the country.

Oh, how afraid I used to be when I heard those wolves howl at night and to fear that some hunter might set the tall prairie grass on fire. How awful it was to see one. There was no way in which you could escape one of those fires, only to get around or rush through and get behind it. If one could have presence of mind enough to just set fire where they were and then get in the burned off place, they could keep you from doing any harm to them. The hunters would always burn it off in the fall, and then the pasture would be nice in the spring.

How beautiful it was on a bright morning to see the deer grazing.”

---------

(Ida May Yetman)


Ida May Yetman was born

December 15, 1862 Perry County,

Ohio. She was the daughter of

Daniel and Mary A. Houts Burnside.

Daniel Burnside was a Civil War

Veteran. In the 1900 Census they were living in Toronto, Woodson,

Kansas She was married to

Cornelius S. Yetman in 1880 and who passed away August 5, 1909.

He was 16 years her senior and also a Civil War Veteran. In C. S Yetman’s obituary he is described as “ a good soldier both in temporal and spiritual service, yielding to his country a loyal support and to his

God a willing obedience.” Ida’s brother, George Balser Burnside, also wrote a letter to the Pink Press.

Our first school was in 1851. There were two mills on the Embarras River that ground corn for the early settlers, but we could get no wheat flour nearer than

Lawrenceville, so you can imagine how a morning biscuit looked to us.

By the year 1858 I married Alfred Wurtsbaugh who has preceded me to a better land by six years. To our union eleven children were born of whom eight survive.

We lived most of our time in Lawrence County, Petty

Township until the year of 1884, then we moved to Warren

County, Indiana at which place we lived at the time of his death.

One year later I left the farm and moved to West Lebanon where I now reside as I am living alone. I often look back at the beautiful days of long ago but my spirit yearns for the home which Jesus hath gone to prepare for me.

Mahala Wurtsbaugh

P. S. In the year of 1856 they had a grand revival meeting in the old log schoolhouse. At that time Alfred Wurtsbaugh and I were converted and united with the

M. P. Church. After coming to Indiana we united with the Free Methodist for which we have ever prayed and gave thanks till this day.

Aurora, Missouri

January 13, 1915

Editor Press:

My father Jacob

Waggoner was a land agent. He entered 200 acres for himself and made many trips to the land office at Palestine and forded the river to get there to enter for different ones.

As you wished to hear from each non-resident of Sumner or vicinity. I will add a few words. Husband and I went west as far as western Kansas 23 years ago, leaving Sumner August 17, 1893, and after several years’ stay in Kansas we bought land and moved to Cedar County Missouri. After residing some years in Cedar, husband having passed away, we came to Aurora, Missouri where I still reside.

Have visited in Sumner several times during the times of which I speak and have enjoyed many happy hours with relatives and friends while there.

Wishing all a prosperous year, I am yours truly,

Mrs. Ida M. Yetman

-----------

46

Paragould, Arkansas

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