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.
My former home was 1 1/2 miles northeast of Sumner, where my father, Amos
Grogan, now lives. My husband lived 2 1/2 miles northwest of Sumner on the Alsey
home place.
(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.
Our children Wilma and Amos, have learned to enjoy the visits, back to "Old
Lawrence".
We enjoy reading the old home paper and are always glad to hear from old
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 11. Thanking the editor for
this favor. I am yours sincerely.
Mrs. Clementine Alsey
--------Paragould, Arkansas
January 18, 1915
Editor Press:
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.
I was married on June 6, 1906 to Miss Myrtle Lytle of the city.
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.
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.
Yours truly,
Libe Alsey
--------Princeton, Indiana
January 11, 1915
The Sumner Press:
The opportunity of addressing a communication to you, to be published along
with other communications from persons formally residing in Lawrence County, that
are now non-residents, I accepted with pleasure.
2
--------(Libe Bern Alsey)
Biographical Note:
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
--------(Charles O. Baltzell)
Biographical Note:
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.
Charles married Maud Bennyhuff
in 1898 and the son he refers to in
this letter is Ernest R. Baltzell born
1899. 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.”
--------(Olive Bell)
Biographical Note:
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 think and speak of it as my home.
Since finishing my school work, in 1898, I have resided in 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 Leach 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.
Most respectfully,
Charles O. Baltzell
--------East St. Louis, Illinois
January 14, 1915
Dear Sirs:
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 and 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. E. Bass.
I and 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
-
---------
3
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 where there are no
schools, no town, and no churches. 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 moved to Sumner. Lived there until 1904, when Mr.
Bell died and I went to Salem to live with a daughter, Mrs. Draper. Lived there three
years and she died, and then I went 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.
Mrs. Philo Bell
--------Fletcher,
Ulcaml County, Ohio
January 17, 1915
Editor Press:
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
-------------
4
(Mary Emmaline Spencer Bell)
Biographical Note:
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.”
--------(George H. Benham)
Annotation:
The term “former buckeyes”
refers to residents of Ohio
(Mrs. William E. Berninger)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 13, 1915
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. MorganYours
truly,
Mrs. William E. Berninger
427 North Dearborn Street
------------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 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?
5
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, but always gave as 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 year. 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
------------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, there 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 but 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
conducted to put you off at first and Swartzel.
Respectfully,
George and Edna Burnside
------------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.
6
(George Burnside)
Biographical Note:
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)
Biographical Note:
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.
Biographical Note:
---------
Now, "Get Together" is a slogan of the age. So do Sumner folks when far
away, and what 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 he 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 to 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," Finney 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 loader with
lots of room up higher he determined to occupy some of the hitherio 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 will 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.
7
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 ………………
Biographical Note:
The preceding line when properly translated gives the full story of guys
matrimonial endeavors for the benefit of his friends in old Lawrence.
Thus in death the tale of "Two Non-residents”.
And now, dear Editor, may we again express our appreciation of your news the
paper, and the part of the press is doing to "boost" Sumner and old Lawrence.
Very truly yours,
Robert Guy Buzzard
Harry Lathrop
------------Clapham, New Mexico
January 25, 1915
Editor Press:
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 move that wants to our claim, or Homestead, a 320
acres. One which we made final proof and received our patent timber 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
the coyotes, Jack rabbits, range cattle, etc.
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
pitching broncos, and talk spanish.
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
-------------
8
--------(James Chalmers Caldwell)
Biographical Note:
James Chalmers Caldwell, was the
son of David A. and Elizabeth A.
Mount Caldwell and nephew of
Indiana Governor Mount. He 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.
---------
(D F Cooper)
David F. Cooper
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Waynetown, Indiana
January 7, 1915
To the Press and good people of Lawrence County, (Lukin Township not excepted)
Greetings:
I will pin 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 lumbage so bad but
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
9
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.
Biographical Note:
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, , 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, 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.
D. F. Cooper
------------Bone Gap, Illinois
January 30, 1915
Editor Press:
A few words for your February 11 edition, if it is not too late.
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.
Lawrence County and especially Lukin township's people will always have a
warm spot in my heart.
Thomas E. Corrie
-------------
10
--------(Thomas E Corrie)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
(Kent Cunningham)
Biographical Note:
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 Cunninghaom , 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 for2015.
My wife, Grace (Daily) Cunningham and I formally 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 especially our "darkey" friends. 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.
Yours very truly,
Kent Cunningham
1147 Rock Street
------------Campbell, Missouri
January 20, 1915
Editor Press:
As I am a wanderer and was a native of Sumner will try and respond to your request.
20 years ago I moved to northeast 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 though 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.
11
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 one of those great rushing cities where men are
swallowed up in the world 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,
Yours very truly,
G. R. Dunphy
------------Danville, Illinois
February 7, 1915
Editor Press:
I see you would like to hear from all who have made their home in Sumner
and has 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 or I
shall be pleased to see them.
Respectfully,
Jenny Foster
------------Golden Gate, Illinois
January 15, 1915
Dear Sirs:
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.
We feel very thankful to our Maker, as we have been blessed with good
health and prosperity all these years.
12
Biographical Note:
Biographical Note:
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.
New 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.
Yours very truly,
C. French
Better known to some of
our school mates as Dick.
------------Kansas City, Kansas
January 24, 1915
Editor Press:
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.
Emily B. French
------------
(Warren K. Gibney)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Hutchinson, Kansa
January 18, 1915
Editor Press:
I am located in the great salt city of Kansas.
I left Petty Township in 1885, going to Des Moines, Iowa, or I've lived for 16
years. Went from there to West Plains, Missouri, then to Kansas, or I have been for the
last nine years.
I am employed by Rock Island Railroad as locomotive engineer. My wife was
formally Mattie Hoopes, of Sumner and known by all the old residence there.
Warren K. Gibney
346 East B
------------
13
East St. Louis, Illinois
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.
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. I am 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
------------
14
(Mrs. James Goff)
Biographic Note:
Mary Ann Diver married James Goff
June 25, 1878 in Lawrence county.
---------
(Daniel Thomas Gordon)
Biographical Note:
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:
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 greater 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
------------
------------
15
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 settlements of Sumner and
surrounding country as it was in early days. I can give a partial history 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 to
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 lived 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
relative to the Sumner's, Laws, and Basden's, being an own cousin of one of your
16
(Ida Kimmel Haynes)
Biographical Note:
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)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Biographical Note:
towns ladies, Mrs. Martha J. Anderson, and I being a cousin of C. H. Gordon, of
Sumner and Mrs. Helen 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.
C.W. Higganbotham
-----------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.
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,
--------(Mrs. S.E. Eckenrode and M.M
Hoopes)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Della Perkins Hollingsworth
-----------Springfield, Illinois
January 13, 1915
Mr. Editor:
Your request for a letter from the people who have moved away from their
old home town 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
-----------Dana, Illinois
January 11, 1915
Editor Press:
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 each way from Chicago to Pekin, Illinois.
17
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
Yours truly,
George I. Hughes
-----------West Salem, Illinois
January 15, 1915
Dear Press Editor:
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 at grandfather
Samuel Smith's farm now my cousins Foss Smith, where there assembled parents,
aunts and uncles, while we children enjoyed ourselves in 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 our own, 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 in music. This leaves us
with reasonable health and all joined in sending best wishes to the Press and its
readers.
Very truly,
Annie Hardacre Irish
------------
18
(George I. Hughes)
Biographical Note:
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)
Biographical Note:
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.
---------
Biographical Note:
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 to 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 school days in the many happy times I had with
old playmates, as we played our childhood games. I taught several terms of school and
Lawrence 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 his crowning our efforts
with great success and into him alone we give the glory. He is giving us the desire of our
hearts and see 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 every union 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.
Mrs. Addie Wright Ivie
-----------Flora, Illinois
January 21, 1915
Dear Sir:
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
------------
19
Biographical Note:
Des Moines, Iowa
January 13, 1915
Editor Press Sumner Illinois
Dear Sir:
Now here comes Warren Kilgore to the Press reunion, 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. This 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
one 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 and 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.
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 Barnesa 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. Jones, former Lawrence County school teacher and L. A.
Morgan formerly city marshal of Lawrenceville are also Des Moines Iowa
residents.
Yours truly
W. G. Kilgore
1211 South East Sixth Street
-----------Noble, Illinois
February 8, 1915
Mr. Editor:
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
------------
20
Biographical Note:
Urbana, Illinois
January 18, 1915
Editor Press:
Three years ago last September, when our wedding day, we severed our
connections with old Lawrence. I hope 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 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 a count in the Press of several Lawrence County people who live in
Urbana or Champagne but had 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, Mac Leach, of Bridgeport, Ralph Spencer, of
Lawrenceville and Levitt Kimmell, of Chauncey.
Wife takes music lessons, looks after the boy, and keeps a 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 speak
back to shake hands with friends in old Lawrence once more to stick our feet under
fathers table.
William, Nora
and George Edward Lathrop
305 South Grove Street
------------
21
Biographical Note:
Lamanda Park, California
January 19, 1915
To the Editor of the Press:
I was born in Crawford County Illinois, August 26, 1900, and remained there
until 11 years of age when I moved to Lamanda Park, California where we have lived
the last three years.
Lamanda Park is three miles east of Pasadena. Streetcars and jitney buses run
within 100 yards of our house, which conveyances we could step into any time to go to
Pasadena for five cents. My mother and two sisters work in the packing house packing
oranges and lemons, and my papa is a Teamster. I go to school.
California is a beautiful place, roses bloom the year round. But for all that, I
like Illinois and the good old farm life, where I enjoyed milking the cows, feeding the
chickens and gathering the eggs, in the summer time, and in the winter setting rabbit
traps, throwing snowballs and skating on the ice. I enjoyed those things much better
than living in a yard, where there are six houses besides our own, scarcely room to turn
around.
As this is my first attempt and if the wastebasket does not catch this, I may try
again sometime.
Nellie Legg
-----------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.
Yours respectfully,
L. W. Lent
-----------West Salem, Illinois
January 21, 1915
To the Editor Press:
Will write a few lines for special edition of the Sumner Press. I am always
glad to see my old home paper.
22
--------(L. W. Lent)
Editors Note:
Superannuated:
Retired with a pension
---------
Biographical Note:
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 missed many old
friends who have passed away, yet I meet other friends who's familiar faces I am
always glad to see.
Very respectfully,
Mrs. Molly Hoopes Mallison
-----------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 and 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
------------
23
Biographical Note:
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.
It is a great recreation for a person's mind to wander back to old home and
friends.
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.
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 byebye 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.
24
Biographical Note:
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.
George W. Martin
-----------Fruita, Colorado
January 11, 1915
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 peculiar interest to me.
Your instructions are to write about personal matters, one 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 and 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 box 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 prove 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
year, but sold our interest in the business and with one summer in the mountains
thinking that the high altitude would be more beautiful as it proved to be. I spent this
vacation cutting logs and doing labor at a sawmill. I was not the foreman.
When I returned 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.
25
At 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 at 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. We have many other desirable
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 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 it so worlds are still tiny 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,
Respectfully,
H. G. McKelfresh
-----------Topeka, Kansas
January 24, 1915
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 was Thomas Stevens, later Miss Whitmore, Sallie Keene.
I have a copy of the Sumner Weekly Democrat volume 1 number 1.
Father is dead, mother living near Topeka. Since leaving Sumner have lived
in several other counties in Illinois into Colorado, Texas and now Kansas.
I often think of old Illinois as the best state in the union.
Frank McNeely
517 Lime Street
-----------Seymour, Indiana
January 15, 1915
Mr. Editor:
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.
26
Biographical Note:
Biographical Note:
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 truly 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 school.
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 Moody
Shields Blish, the first farmer of Jackson County, and is kept up by the estate.
Seymour is 59 miles south of Indianapolis, 55 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 that when in the city knock and enter.
Very truly yours,
C. S. Milburn
------------
27
Biographical Note:
Olney,
Richland County, Illinois
January 13, 1915
To the Sumner Press:
I was born in Lawrence County, in Christy Township, March 9, 1855, 2 1/2
mile south of Sumner and lived on the same farm until September, 1880. Moved to
Richland County and stayed until the fall of 1881, we moved back to old Lawrence
and stayed until the fall of 1883, then back to Richland County. My neighbors in my
boyhood days were grandfather, G. W. Johnson, Henry Bopp, Ned Heath, Mr.
Collings, Thomas Turner, Briant Sumner, James French, Chancy French, Mr. A.
Bailey, all of whom have since died. The first corn plow that we own father bought at
Mr. T. L. Jones. The store was where George Morgan’s Hotel now stands or nearby.
For the last 28 years I have been in the employee of the railroad company in Olney
Joseph A. Miller
725 South Morgan Street
-----------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.
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 have 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.
Respectfully,
Clarence A. Newman
2769 Chonteau Avenue
-----------Dallas, Texas
January 13, 1915
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.
28
Biographical Note:
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.
Mrs. Pepple and our girls are thinking of making a visit to Illinois’s 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 his
hospitality, but I tell you that can't beat the people of Lawrence County. Lots of good
people down here in Texas and they have certainly treated be fine, and I haven't any
complaint to make.
The Sumner Press has visited me every week for the past 25 years that means
letter every week from home folks. I read it through and through and adjust his
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 in ever
more, I am,
Yours very truly
Aaron C. Pepple
"Everyday is the Best Day"
-----------Former location, Claremont Township, Richland County Illinois
Present location 124 30 St. B Ave.
Bonestel, South Dakota
January 1, 1915
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 Bonestel to North Dakota line, also in North Dakota,
Iowa and Nebraska and a short stay in Oklahoma. I also work 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 Earvy, Ohio Potatoes. I
received first premium and extras at our County fair for the past two years.
29
I have a home here now and plenty to eat anywhere since I have made my
home and 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 out. We did not sing with organs in. We
used one horse to plow corn then. School was short-term. 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 other 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 stump plow with aching ribs, a
grain cradle and grass scythe, they have the binder more and cultivator, all fixed up to
ride upon. This is passed with the thrasher and wild turkey and the old Hagley 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.
Samuel W. Perrott
-----------Grand Junction, Colorado
January 20, 1915
Editor Press:
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 a mile south of Lawrenceville.
My name is 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.
I married Robert Petersen, Delta, Colorado, where we had a beautiful little
home and many friends.
Last February we came to Grand Junction, Colorado, as Mr. Petersens
business called him here. We have made many friends here, and had met a few from
Lawrence County, which are our friends there.
I will say I love the beautiful sunshine & climate of Colorado and wish all
Lawrence County friends’ happiness and success.
As ever,
Mrs. Isabel Petersen
------------
30
Biographical Note:
(Theodore E. Piper)
Biographical Note:
Theodore E. Piper married Margaret
E. Hillis in Richland County on May
22, 1863
Annotation:
Catamounts:
Large cat similar to puma, mountain
lion, or panther
West Liberty, Illinois
January 23, 1915
Puncheon:
A piece of broad, heavy, roughly
dressed timber with one face
finished flat
---------
The Country was wild deer, wild hogs, wild turkeys, catammounts, foxes,
lynxs, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and minks were more numerous than the rabbit is
there today. Pheasants were as numerous as prairie chickens are 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.
Dear Editor:
I was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1884. In 1859 my father,
Abraham Piper, mother, Uncle Robert Piper, Brother Will, and myself came in an oldfashioned, high wheeled, from Pennsylvania to Illinois and located in Christy
Township, Lawrence County. At this time there was no Sumner, and no B. & O.
Railroad.
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 number 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 number of living children are as follows: six
children, 21 grandchildren and nine great-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
----------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 to 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 our
home for ourselves, verily strangers in a strange land, in northeastern Arkansas.
31
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 husky
youngsters over whom we alternately worry and rejoice after the age-old manner of
parents.
In speaking of the good health we have had since coming here, Except
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
faith that smile back address from the hospital pillows, one 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 only the panic caused by the depreciation
of prices on cotton, the staple and in many instances the only crop raised by 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. Corrells 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 love 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
----------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.
32
Biographical Note:
Biographical Note:
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
----------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 Typing 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
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33
Biographical Note:
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.
Vegetables 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, as $.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 factories are of the best. 12 hours from the best markets in the
world.
Everyone here has 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 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 that
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.
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Biographical Note:
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 Worlds Fair at San Francisco, we will meet you
there and assist you in seeing the world, as well as buying a few dollars you have
earned skinning (unreadable), chasing mothe’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.
J. L. Sheraden
-----------
--------(Ralph O. Shick)
Biographical Note:
Ralph O is the son of Peter W. and
Jane Whittmer Shick. He is also the
brother of Ellis O. other Pink Letter
writers. They are all the nephews of
letter writers Francis M., and David
L. Schick
---------
Cincinnati, Ohio
January 15, 1915
Publishers Press:
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 am 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
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Biographical Note:
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.
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 in 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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36
Biographical Note:
Danville, Illinois
January 9, 1915
Mr. Editor: Illinois
Dear Sir:
I came to Danville 13 years ago, or that three different positions before I got
on the Danville Street Railway, as a conductor, worked for seven years, or until
December 16, 1910, but 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 been made in 10 hours and 20
minutes.
I was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Brewer, September 18, 1907, and to
us on that February 7th 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
----------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.
We 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. I then
entered the service of the Illinois Traction System as conductor, work 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,
I am,
Jesse F. Smalley
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37
Biographical Note:
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
To: L. M. Wood Editor
Sumner Press
Dear Sir:
A few lines to your most valued paper. And through the kindness of my
brother-in-law, , better known around 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
realize 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 . 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 in Sumner before coming to New York City, the end of
my journey and home. I am now married and though my home is not blessed with any
children I must say I and my wife are doing 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 she 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.
Yours truly,
Marion Strouse
-----------
38
Biographical Note:
Pembina, North Dakota
January 15, 1915
Publisher Press:
I received your letter requesting each subscriber to write a personal letter.
Will say that I am located in Pembina, North Dakota in 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 is 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 kill between 30 and 35 head of
hogs 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.
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, but 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,
Yours truly
French Sumner
Son of Dock Sumner
----------East St. Louis, Illinois
January 17, 1915
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 of visit someday. I am
an old reader of the Press and won't do without it.
Yours very truly,
James A. Thompson
----------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, formally Lucinda Cooper, daughter of John Cooper were both
born in Lawrence County, northeast 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 Arkansas the state capital.
39
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 cold or la grippe. Hoping to hear from old friends by
the Pink Press, I remain,
Yours respectfully,
Charles Vandament
----------Shelbyville, Michigan
January 11, 1915
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 in 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 Vanscyoc of Shelbyville Michigan, and F. O.. Vanscyoc of
Bridgeport Illinois.
I am in good health and well satisfied and expect to spend my remaining days
in Michigan, but will be glad to hear from any of the readers.
Yours very truly,
D. B. Vanscyoc
----------Mountain Grove, Missouri
January 11, 1915
Editor Press:
I am glad to help fill the wanderer’s issue. Petty Township was my home till
January 1, 1884 since then I have resided in Bridgeport and Christy Township's.
Moved away from the latter in 1901 and since then have resided at
Hammond, Indiana and Hartford and Dowagiac, Michigan. I came to Kansas City,
Missouri in 1911 and finally settled here in 1912.
In introducing my poultry remedies I find it more economical to go among
the poultry breeders flocks and demonstrate the value of my goods. Of course you
have heard of "Wayne's Poultry Tool" l came here September 1912 to do some
experimental demonstrating with my goods at the great Missouri State poultry
experiment station, the only institution of its kind in existence. I did the first work of
that kind ever done at the station and succeeded beyond my expectations. The disease
specimens I collected are exhibited all over the state on demonstration on a train run
by the Frisco railroad. A car was fitted out by the poultry and fruit excremental
stations, which are both located here. I also carried out a remedy contest at the poultry
station, which I used 37 different remedies for the cure and prevention of roup.
During the time I was engaged in that contest obtain possession of a small
tract of land, the highest on the Frisco Ridge between Kansas City, Missouri and
Memphis, Tennessee. Before the contest close they offered me a permanent position at
that experimental station, I refused it and moved to the land and am still located there.
40
Biographical Note:
Biographical Note:
However I think of other things besides poultry I have an inexhaustible
supply of limestone on land and knowing almost all soils need limestone fertilizer. I
met about collecting samples and sending away for analysis. It being rather low in
carbonate of lime, I looked for other samples also, but had never found any that as rich
in lime as on my place.
This is the first time in my life I have ever looked for something and was
praying all the time I would not find it. I have not began to get any fertilizer out yet,
but hope to begin soon I have over 100 tons now engaged to one man and others are
asking for prices and want to use it.
Yours truly,
Elmer E Wagner
----------Danville, Illinois
January 13th 1915
Sumner Press:
I will write a few lines to my old home paper and home friends and relatives.
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.
Mary Smalley Webb
----------Cassville, Missouri
January 17, 1915
Editor Press:
Will try and write for the special non-resident addition to be dressed in pink.
I am stopping in southwest Missouri. Have been in Berry 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 queries 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
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41
Biographical Note:
Marshfield, Indiana
January 12, 1915
Dear Editor:
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. 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.
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.
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 has 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 reunited with the Free Methodist for which
we have ever prayed and gave thanks till this day.
----------Aurora, Missouri
January 13, 1915
Editor Press:
As you wish 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.
I 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
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42
--------(Ida May Yetman)
Biographical Note:
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 who passed
away between 1900 & 1910. He was
16 years her senior and a Civil War
Veteran. Her brother, George Balser
Burnside, also wrote a letter to the
Pink Press in 1915. Ida is Buried in
the Sumner Cemetery.
---------
43