RootsWeb.com Home Page
Sumner Press
1915-1917
“Pink Letters”
Non-Resident Historical Edition
Pilgrims of Lawrence County
The following custom was adopted where ever we have published newspapers. We desire to issue on Thursday, February 4, 1915, a special edition of the Sumner Press. This addition will be known as the Non-resident Issue, and will contain letters from former Lawrence County residents who have moved to other points in Illinois or any other state or in fact anywhere on the globe.
It is impossible for all who once made Lawrence County their home to come together in a reunion face-to-face, but it is possible, practically speaking to have a reunion brought by means of each one writing a letter to the press editor. Taken collectively these letters make mighty interesting reading, not only for those who have wandered from Lawrence County but to both those who remain here and share reminiscences of gone days.
This Edition will be printed on pink paper and will represent quite an additional cost but it is considered worthwhile by the publishers. The paper for that week, will be mainly the product of those who have tasted of good things of life in Lawrence County, that are now residents of other communities.
The first issue of the Non-resident Historical Edition of the Sumner Press was originally set to be printed on February 4, 1915. Due to the editor’s father becoming ill and letters continuing to come in, printing was postponed until February 11, 1915
Pilgrims make fine response to roll call
Letters tell, in original style, of happenings of the long-ago
Past and present perfectly blended by the storytellers
Those who have located elsewhere,
now get together in one grand reunion of mind and soul,
As the tale is told that grips the heartstrings of the readers
As pictures of the past and present and visions of the future quickly passed before
Former sons and daughters of Lawrence County Thus Called:
“The Pilgrims of Lawrence County”
Advertisers
In the
Pink Press Edition
Mushrush Lumber Company
State Bank
Dale & Sheridan
C. H. Saxton
Emerick Milling Company
H. M. Wagner
The A. L. Maxwell Company
Petty Brothers
Erwin & Company
Kaley Clothing and Shoe Company
Carter's Bookstore
Gem Milling Company
C. M. Schuder & Company
F. P. Caldwell
G. R. Stout
H. O. Stout
Redman & Westall
Travis & Maynard
C. W. Conour
First National Bank
James Gochenour
Jones Grocer Company
Jas. H. Stull Hardware Company
Commercial Hotel
The City Bakery
F. S. David
D. C. Staninger
W. E. Brian
The Thrift Coupon Stores
Names
|Alsey, Clementine |
|Anderson, Lizzie |
|Baird, S. W. |
|Baltzell, Charles |
|Banter, M.A. |
|Barekman, W.A. |
|Beesley, W.F. |
|Bell, Philo |
|Berlin, A.J. |
|Berlin, John |
|Berninger, W.E. |
|Brian, D. |
|Brian, Fred |
|Brooks, M. |
|Berry, Samuel |
|Burnside, George |
|Burrell, Lena |
|Bodine, Essie |
|Burt, P.E |
|Buzzard, Ralph |
|Caldwell,J.C. |
|Carlisle, Edna |
|Caven, N.A. |
|Chrisman, Lena |
|Coffman, Mort |
|Combs,H.F. |
|Cooper, D. F. |
|Corrie, Glenn |
|Cunningham, Grace |
|Cunningham, Henry |
|Cunningham, John |
|Diebold, Emma |
|Diebold, Robert |
|Donnelly, Leati |
|Elder,W.B. |
|Foster, Jenny |
|Freese, J.M. |
|French, C. |
|French, Charles |
|French, Emily |
|Fuller, E. H. |
|Fyffe, W.C. |
|Gibney, Warren |
|Goff, James |
|Gowin.Ezekiel |
|Gray, Frank |
|Harms, W.C. |
|Haynes, Ida |
|Haynes, Lee |
|Heath,John |
|Higginbotham,C. W. |
|Hill, William |
|Hoopes |
|Houser, Rolla |
|Huchel, O.J. |
|Hudson, H. D. |
|Hughes,George |
|Ince,H.E. |
|Irish, Annie |
|Irwin, Earl |
|Ivie, L.A. |
|Ivie, Phoebe |
|Ivie,W.C. |
|Jensen, Clem |
|Jervis, Cleta |
|Judy, Leroy |
|Judy, McMerrell |
|Kapp, Webster |
|Keplinger, Kate |
|Kilgore, W.C. |
|Kinkade, Laura |
|Kirk, H.C. |
|Lathrop, William |
|Legg, Nellie |
|Lent, L. W. |
|Longnecker, B.M. |
|Mallinson, Molly |
|Malone, Clement |
|Malone, Harley |
|Marley,J.A. |
|Martin, George |
|Mayo, Lou |
|McCann, George |
|McGuire ,G.G. |
|McNece,Charles |
|McNeely, Frank |
|Milburn, C.S |
|Miller, Joseph |
|Milligan, R.E. |
|Moore, D.S. |
|Newman, Clarence |
|Osborn, J.A. |
|Parks, Morris |
|Pence, L.J. |
|Perkins, Frank |
|Perrott, Samuel |
|Petty, Alvin |
|Piper, Clark |
|Piper, Joseph |
|Piper, T.E. |
|Prout, Willis |
|Provines, Ira |
|Provines, William |
|Rawlings, Emma |
|Rigall, H.D. |
|Roberts, F.M. |
|Rosborough, J.F. |
|Rosborough, W. H. |
|Shaw, Emory |
|Shick, Abner |
|Shick, A.C. |
|Shick, D.L. |
|Shick, E.O. |
|Shick, F.M. |
|Shafer, G.H. |
|Shoup, Charles |
|Shoup, H.H. |
|Siebert, Theodore |
|Simms, W.E. |
|Slichenmeyer, |
|Smalley, Glenn |
|Smalley, Jesse |
|Smith, W.I. |
|Starkman, Clem |
|Stroshine |
|Strouse, Marion |
|Sutherland, H.C. |
|Thompson, James |
|Thorne, Carl |
|Turner, H.C. |
|Vandament, Charles |
|Vanscyoc, D.B. |
|Wagner, Elmer |
|Wagner,H.M. |
|Webb, Edna |
|Webb, Mary |
|Webber, C.A. |
|Whites, Anderson |
|Wilson, Cliff |
|Wood, William |
|Worstell, Alpha |
|Woodall, Nora |
|Wurtsbaugh, Mahala |
|Yetman, Ida |
| |
Paragould Arkansas [top]
January 16, 1915
Dear Editor Press:
I write a few lines for the "nonresident 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 Southwest of Sumner on the Alsey homeplace.
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
Monan Indiana [top]
January 18, 1917
Dear Readers of Pink Press:
Last March I visited Sumner soon after the Pink Edition. Many were the callings I received for not having a letter in that paper. I then promised myself and friends I would appear this year, so here I am.
I hope the reading of this issue gives to every one the pleasure it gives me, for through its columns we hear from friends who otherwise we never would hear from again. This certainly is a pleasure to read how well they are doing and all about their children whom we knew when small.
We are now located at Monan Indiana, 97 miles southeast from Chicago. There are various reasons why we like it here, lots of work all the year, and money always ready when work is done.
(?) is working at Roundhouse, will in time be promoted to (?). He gets good money and gets paid for every hour he works overtime. Herbert is a drug clerk in a large store, with soda fountain- a good business. Gets good salary. Nina is in the second year high school and is doing well. We have a good school and building. They teach domestic sciences in connection with all the other studies. During vacation she clerk's in the leading grocery. Last but not least is what I am doing. I have a two-story house and am keeping borders and roomers. We have one family light housekeeping. I am very busy, with my various affairs to look after. There is only one drawback and that is the high cost of living, for there is plenty of work here for all W. W. (Willing workers).
My name was Lizzie E. Berry. My father was John Barry. I was raised 11 miles Southwest of Sumner, at Berryville. Have there been Sumner twice. Once when my husband was in school at that place. Last time I moved to Sumner to school my children. It will be remembered by some that Herbert graduated from there in 1915.
We trust to know we have many friends who read this issue. I shall be anxious until it reaches us. I would be glad to get individual letter from old friends and will gladly answer same. I do not think it possible for me to forget Sumner friends if I live to be very old.
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Lizzie E. Anderson
Guthrie Oklahoma [top] January 15, 1916
Editor Press:
It has been more than 45 years since I left old Lawrence County. My father moved to Bridgeport in 1858. However he had lived in Lawrence County 20 years before, near where old Mt. Zion now stands. In that neighborhood he married my mother Jane Turner. He taught one term of school at a place called Spring Hill, not far from where old Shiloh now stands. He taught school through the week and preached and reasoned with the people, who assembled at the school house, on Sundays. He moved out of that neighborhood, but for several years he visited and preached at that point occasionally.
Then he went to another state for a number of years and returned on a visit in 1858 and held a very successful meeting in an old schoolhouse there were Mt. Zion now stands and also at the White House. Those two churches then prevailed on him to come back to old Lawrence County. With the aid of good citizens of the community they built a home in Bridgeport, where he lived for about 10 years.
The Christian church at Bridgeport was first started under his care. For some time, however, the organization at the White House included the Bridgeport folks, and they held their meetings alternately at the White House and at Bridgeport in an upper room over a business house. But as soon as the meeting house was erected they met there. I remember my father held a meeting in the house before there was any floor in the building. The piles of lumber lying on the ground served the congregation for seats. This was just before the Civil War, when people were crazy on politics. Even church members were not always sane.
In 1869 I purchased some land on Oblong Prairie in Crawford County, and in 1871 I married Mary Fyffe, whose parents, Wilson and Lucy Fyffe lived on the state road near the White House.
In my letter last year your printer made me say I was married in 1877, probably mistaking one of my ones for a seven. Also you made me say that we had here now 100 acres of land when I wrote 160. But the worst wreck of your devil played on me was leaving out the words" son of", in describing that boyish trip to the Lawrenceville depot, I said I asked William Letterman, son of the proprietor to go with me, (a boy about my own age) but the printer makes me say that I made that trip with a dignified proprietor of the town. Now I know this must have dealt a staggering blow to my reputation for truth and veracity with my old friends, whom I remember something of those times. So now I demand satisfaction or you must suffer the consequences. I am peaceable.
S. W. Baird
Princeton Indiana [top]
January 21, 1916
The Sumner Press:
The writer takes this opportunity to be a contributor to your "nonresident Pink Press" being a native by birth of Petty Township, the good County of Lawrence. 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.
I look forward with pleasure to the arrival of your publication, “ nonresident Pink Press”, as I have always had an interest in knowing just how about girls and boys of my early association were fighting life battles and I know of no better way of asserting the same than through your publication.
Very truly yours,
Charles O. Baltzell.
Jonesboro Arkansas [top]
Rural Route 5 box 53
January 21, 1917
Editor Press:
We are looking forward with much pleasure to the nonresident issue and congratulate you on your success in the past with the nonresident issue.
As I have not written in the past, but not let this opportunity pass without writing a few lines this time.
I am the daughter of Stephen and Alice Angle of Petty Township where I have spent most of my life with the exception of three years in Cole's County Illinois, and the last four years here in Arkansas, which we think is a fine country and like it fine here. School and two churches within half-mile of us. We are five miles west of Jonesboro, living on a farm which we own. We have four as good-looking and healthy children as you see anywhere, two boys and two girls-Raymond Francis, John William, Mary Alice and Georgia Kathleen.
I'm expecting to visit Lawrence County next fall if I am spared until then.
I extend to all my friends a cordial invitation to visit here in our Arkansas home.
Respectfully,
Mrs. M. A. Banter,
Formerly Miss Jenny Angle
Mt. Carmel Illinois [top]
January 22, 1917
While in a reminiscent mood I will give a short biography of myself for the benefit of the many readers of the pink edition.
My father, Isaac Newton Barekman, and mother, Martha Gaddey, were married September 4, 1870.
To this unit were born five children, three of whom are living, two dying in infancy. Of the living, Mary Ellen is the eldest, now living at Bone Gap Illinois; Charles Newton living at Flagstaff, Arizona, was next, then came myself; however not until my father had passed to the great beyond, his death preceding my birth by 26 days which occurred on February 16, 1879, I been born on March 14, 1879. Hence a pitiful family was left in Lukin Township, near White Oak school house.
July 3, 1882, mother died, thus leaving three more orphans to the mercy of the people.
Charles was taken in by Uncle J. A. Barekman and giving a good and permanent home, being cared for as a son, also given good schooling. Ellen was not so fortunate. However she was cared for a long time by Uncle William Osborne with a good home, but not quite so much educational advantages. However both feel very grateful for their beneficiaries. Yet the writer of this article was less fortunate, at least in the beginning. I suppose I must have been a very very bad boy, as I was taken on trial by several families, and pronounced bad and returned each time to one of my uncles, who seem to be very lucky in his efforts to induce someone else to give me a trial. At last, at the tender age of five, I was accepted by Uncle Julius Storckman, with his family I remained until I had attained the age of 17, where I had a good home, (considering my being so mean), but very little schooling had fallen to my lot.
Here I started out for myself, going to Indiana, where I worked on a farm and made the acquaintances of my bride-to-be, with whom I afterwards corresponded for some time.
In April 1898, I joined I company 4th Illinois National Guard at Olney Illinois for service in the Spanish-American war, with which I served more than a year, during which time I saw three months " camp service" in Cuba.
On July 17, 1899, I Enlosted at Evansville Indiana in the regulars and was at once sent to the Presido California. Embarked there August 10, 1899 for the Philippine Islands on the transport Morgan City, which the Vessel went on a rock and was totally lost September 2, 1899, in the inland Sea of Japan. No lives were lost, but the entire cargo of Army supplies and about 800 bags of mail were lost.
We were compelled to lay on the beach in Inoshima island six days and nights with little food and no shelter, our food being partially donated by Russian battleships and the Japanese cruiser. Some was obtained by bartering whatever possessions we had to the natives. I traded my underclothes," well soiled," for cookies.
On September 8, we were taken aboard the Tata Gama Marn, a Japanese collier and carried to Nagasaki, Japan, where we were given seven days use of a large Japanese barracks. Our American consul leased a large bathhouse where we were given the much-needed free baths, after which I began seeing my first sites at close range of the old world.
We were again taken on board this time the USS transport "Ohio" and again our journey started. Arriving in Manila Bay about September 20. The Ohio drop anchor within three miles of Cavite, where my brother, Charles, was in station, but we did not get to see each other.
I served three years in the islands mostly on the Sulu group. With Moros, who were Mohammedans.
Returning to the states 1902, I labored at various occupations until February 1904 when I was married to a girl at West Salem, who later proved to be a harlot, with the result that I obtained a divorce 1908. Going into Memphis Tennessee, for a few years and on returning just one day to be loafing in Grayville, waiting for a train in there met my long time friend from Indiana, whereupon courtship began at once, on December 20, 1909 there was recorded in Belleville papers the results.
My wife, who was Rosa Williams, and I are now living at 1218 Chestnut Street Mt. Carmel Illinois.
I could mention interesting experiences of my life, but owing to the wars causing paper to be a very costly commodity, I will not ask too much of the famous Pink Edition.
In conclusion, I want to most heartily thank all who in any capacity, however small aided me along in this world, of which I have been but very little, but am glad to be here and see and read about what others have.
W. A. Barekman,
of Lukin Township
Vincennes Indiana [top]
June 15, 1917
Almost ever since I can remember I have read the Sumner press and have especially enjoyed the annual nonresident historical edition. I have decided this year to contribute my story.
On the 16th day of September 1863 in a little log cabin in the wilds of Lukin Township, I first saw the light of day. That was the year of the big frost in August. My parents were " Uncle Jim" and" Aunt Sally" Beesley, pioneers of that part of Lawrence County.
My early life was spent on the farm. I attended school in a little log school house in the edge of Wabash County. The school was known by the name of Shanghai. It was afterwards replaced by a frame building and now called White Pine.
Among my early teachers I recall the names of James and John Corrie, George Prout, George French, and David Siebert. After finishing my education that Shanghai, I attended McKendree College Lebanon Illinois for several terms and then taught in Wabash and Lawrence County for six years. I then moved to Vincennes and took a commercial course at Vincennes University under Robert Aley, now president of the University of Maine. After completing my course here, I went to Dixon Business College, where I graduated in 1891 and the next fall I obtained a position as principal of the business department of Vincennes University, which position I held for four years. I resigned my position with the University in June 1895 and in September of the same year, I embarked in the retail grocery business. I have added to my business until I now have a general store and meat market combined.
Now I word about my family. I was married on the first day of November 1885 to Mary C. Brosa, the oldest daughter of M. and Mrs. D. F. (Squire) Brosa of Lukin Township. “Uncle Aaron” Schrader officiated in the presence of about seventy-five invited guests.
We have three boys, two of whom are also " Lukinites” , the youngest is a Hoosier. The oldest is a bookkeeper for the Vincennes lumberyard. And by the way, they have one child, our only grandchild and grandpa Brosa’s only great-grandchild, so of course we think she is about it. Our second son, Everett I. Beesley, is a civil engineer is married and lives in Muskegon Heights Michigan. He is now employed by the Shan Electric Crane company as estimator. The youngest Oscar V. Beesley still enjoy single blessedness and is with me in the store.
Religiously we are all Presbyterians. I was Commissioner to the General assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which med at Fresno California, and by our vote consummated the union of Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyterian Church USA.
I have many pleasant memories of my childhood and early manhood in old Lawrence County.
With best wishes to all of all my old friends and associates and with the hopes that the Sumner Press may long live to bring the news of "home”, I remain
Very respectfully
W. F. Beesley
Sedalia Missouri [top]
January 17, 1916
Well Mr. Wood, as I told you, I will try to send you a few lines for the Pink Press.
I enjoyed the other so much I am yet on praying ground and pleading terms. I am 85 years old in September, and nearly lost the use of my right arm and can't write in ink at all. Hardly readable with pencil.
I hope my friends haven't forgotten me.
Philo Bell was born near Sumner in 1830, where there were no schools, no town, no churches so I did not get much education. Well I lived in and around Sumner till 1904. Mr. Bell died and I went to West Salem Illinois to live with a daughter, Mrs. Draper. Lived there three years and she died, then I went to Sedalia Missouri, to live with my youngest one , Mrs. Dr. Staats and have made my home here ever since.
I have reasonable health for one of my age, have practically lost the use of my right arm, can't write or do much else. I don't enjoy this cold weather very well.
I go to Sunday school and Church most every Sunday, just across the street and am so thankful I can.
If you make this readable all’s well, if not put it in the waste paper basket. I wish you, Mr. Editor, success in your business, and wish all my friends health and happiness in this New Year.
Mrs. Philo Bell
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sedalia Missouri
January 14, 1915
Editor Press:
As you want the nonresident subscribers to write a sketch of their lives, I will try from memory, as I have no dates.
I was born on a farm six miles South of Sumner in 1830. My maiden name was Spencer, my father's name was Thomas Spencer, 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, 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, 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
Veedersburg Indiana [top]
January 15, 1916
Editor Press:
It is with much pleasure I have the privilege of writing to the good old Sumner Press and my dear old schoolmates and friends of good old Richland and Lawrence counties. My home place was about six miles Southwest of Sumner, about two miles East and a quarter miles South of the Mount Olive Church and three quarters of a mile east and north of Mulberry school house, the only school I ever went to in my life, and there remain some of the dearest friends that I could hope to meet anyplace.
In the spring of 1884 my father sold the old home place to George Payne. Now I think his son now owns the place. At this old home we used to have some grand times each autumn. My father ran a cane mill in it was a busy time for us boys and most every week during the sorghum making the young people of our good neighborhood would gather in and have a taffy pulling and play party and we played the usual old games such as weaverly wheat and Skip to my Lou and wading the cedar swamps and so forth.
When my father sold his farm in the spring of 1884 he left dear old Richland and moved to Ford County Illinois. I being about 17 years old and rather a husky lad, my father picked on me to take a team through to Ford County, a distance of about 200 miles. It was in the month of February. I remember too well the day I started, the snow was falling thick and fast and I had a team of horses and a team of small wild mules, and the last ones I told goodbye was my good old aunt, Mrs. Mitchell Berlin, who lived quarter of a mile of our old home place, after bidding her and the children and cousins goodbye. I put spur on the horses and started on my journey. The weather turned out fearful cold and the snow was deep. My trip was anything but pleasant. The rest of the folks came by railroad.
We farmed in old Ford County for two years, my brother David, being general manager of the farm, and we did real well during the two years. The winter of 1885 we had an awful cold winter. One cold winter day my brother David and myself each took a load of corn and started to market with it at Melton and after we sold the grain it was late in the afternoon and the thermometer was registering 20 degrees below zero. On our way home we had a stretch of raw Prairie to cross which covered with slough, ranging from one foot to six feet in the depth and as they were frozen over and covered with snow it was hard to determine where they were. Night had come on and we were making our way home when I was driving ahead with a great surprise I heard an awful crash and down went my team and the front wheels of the wagon and we soon discovered I had driven on a slough about four feet in depth and my good brother and I jumped down into the water unhitched the team and took the neck yoke and double trees and broke the ice until he made a road to the edge of the slough where the horses could plunge out. We then pried the front part of the wagon out and had about two miles to the nearest house. We were all but frozen to death when we reached fire.
My father sold his farming machinery and stock and went to Bellflower Illinois and bought a nice little home in town. This was the last earthly home he ever owned and he and my good mother both passed away there and they rest in sleep in the cemetery about one mile north of Bellflower Illinois, in McLean County. My parents were good Christian people and belong to the M.E. Church up to their death, my mother's maiden name was Hannah Landis. Was closely related to the Landis in and about Sumner and the Brians. Now I will give you a little more of my biography. After my father and mother passed away as children we were left to shift for ourselves and in the summer of 1887 I hired to Adam Forepough’s Big circus. It was a largest American circus at that time there I had the pleasure of meeting old Sitting Bull, the notorious Indian chief and we put on a wild West performance with each show and played the Custer massacre. I stayed with the circus till the snow began to fall and then they went back to Philadelphia to their winter headquarters and I stopped off in the West.
Being fond of gun and saddle I worked for a few ranchers and then drop back to the Ozark Mountains where I was in and out hunting for a long time. By hunting here in the mountains I always got my part of the game. When I was only a lad down in the dear Richland I used to go coon and possum hunting with the older hunters and we would meet in the evening to make our plans and they said that we would go in cahoots and that they knew the best market for furs and they would sell them and give me my part of the money. I don't know if they have found the market yet up to this date I received nothing but the cahoots. A few years ago I was in the vicinity of Sumner and was talking to one of my cousins and she laughed and asked me if I remember the time I ate my mother sugar, and I told her I had forgotten it. I didn't want to get her to get the joke on me I say I hadn’t forgotten it for my mother took me out in the back room and use the elastic part of her slipper on me.
I wish to say to my old chums of I never go back all my friends so I won't say anything about us playing wild animals and chickens roost and so forth. No I won't mention it.
Well we have grown up to be men now. I am living in Veedersburg Indiana. I have four children three girls and one boy, who is the baby and he is 10 years old. My children are getting along good in their schooling and music. I employed with the New York Central Railroad as bridge carpenter. I work between Peoria Illinois and Indianapolis Indiana at home every Sunday.
No one loves their old schoolmates better than I, and dear friends, my wishes are tonight, that we may all live that when we are called to the great beyond we can honestly and earnestly say: over the river and peaceful River the Angels of death shall carry me to that land far away mid-the stars, we are told where we know not the sorrows of time.
A. J. Berlin
Cates Indiana [top]
January 11, 1917
Sumner Press:
Your pink sheet has found its way into my home several times, which was very interesting to us, so I will write you a small article for your pink sheet.
I was born and raised about six miles northwest of Sumner, near Mulberry school house, where I attended school most of my boyhood days. Later I purchased 80 acres of land about five miles Southwest of there, where I lived for several years. Having failing health there, I moved up to McLean County, afterwards I moved to Veedersburg Fountain County Indiana, where I ran a market garden for several years and worked at various kinds of employment. Having accumulated some means I purchased a farm of 40 acres near Cates Indiana, where I now live. This is well improved with buildings and silo, which makes us a comfortable home. We raised five children of whom four are living one girl and three boys, Flora, the oldest girl passed away about 13 years ago. Going back to our old homestead brings back sweet memories of our childhood, though after a lapse of about 35 years alas and where are those we once knew? Death has claimed most of the older ones while the plump and rosy cheek boys and girls we once knew are scattered many miles away and strange faces have filled their places. What few are left present are aged, wrinkled and careworn brow. The roads have been changed the old buildings have been torn away and new ones erected, the Woodlands have been cleared and are now cultivated fields and thus it seems to us a strange land, though through your pink sheet we are made to reunite. Hoping to hear from all and wishing them all and the press a happy and prosperous new year, I remain,
Yours eternally
John Jacob Berlin
Indianapolis Indiana [top]
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 here 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 is 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 seems as though railroad work is more abundant than any other.
My maiden name was Miss Ursula E. Morgan, daughter of L. H. Morgan.
Yours truly,
Mrs. William E. Berninger
427 N. Dearborn Street
Los Angeles California [top]
January 23, 1917
731 Clanton Street
Editor Press:
I am very glad we are again to have the opportunity of hearing from old residents of Lawrence County.
We all enjoy reading the pink issue and am sure it will be read with much pleasure again.
I am the son of John M. Brian and Leigh (Landis) Brian and was born the December 14, 1854, 3 1/2 miles south of Sumner, where I spent my boyhood days. Brother J. M. Brian, still living at Sumner and Elizabeth Quinby of Wellington Kansas are the only ones left of the family.
My wife (whose maiden name was Francis L. Fisher) and family and I left Sumner May 11, 1891, came direct to Los Angeles and have lived here ever since. I am still with the Hotel Clark, being employed as chief engineer. We are all enjoying pretty good health and trust these few lines will find old friends and acquaintances well and prospering.
With best regards,
Yours respectfully,
D. Brian
San Jose Illinois [top]
January 25, 1916
Once more we are called on to report to old home paper, the Sumner Press.
I was born in Lawrence County Christy Township, September 26, 1843, when wolves and deer were plentiful. In those days neighbors were few and far between. Fathers closest neighbor was James French, two miles east, William Leathers two miles west. But soon people commenced moving in and then there was a schoolhouse built on fathers land. There I graduated. My first teacher was married and Jones (now Shick), and I believe she is still living.
A great many great men graduated from that little log schoolhouse. Just a few names refresh our memory: Jesse P. Jones, Doctor Z. B. French of Lawrenceville, Sanford Kocker, Lipton Johnson, Riley Turner, Polk French, Hyat and Eli Bunn, Marion Combs, Fred Moore, Thomas Jones and many others. We had one room and one teacher, and he did all the whipping and heard all the classes reside and our daily average was about 55-75 enrolled. Now if anyone doubts what I say just ask Eli Bunn if he remembers the evening when he was shot out of the persimmon tree.
Those were great days. I love to go back in my mind and converse with all that I was once acquainted with but now we see them as old, gray headed men and women, and many have left us and gone onto their happy reward.
Just last week, when I opened the Sumner press pass all the name of Peter W. Shick, and old-school master and neighbor who had answered the seven that we all will have to obey sooner or later.
Well I am remaining on fathers farm until I was 19 years old, then I enlisted in Company B, 98th Regiment August 1862. Served three years in the Army of the Cumberland, and most of the time in the 14th Army Corps, commanded by General Thomas. I had good health all three years that I was in the Army, wasn't 21 battles, taken prisoner wants, but made my escape. After I came home I work for father and it went to school at Olney Illinois 11 weeks, then came home and went to grubbing out the young trees and making rails. Help to run a sawmill two winters, then married John Milligan's oldest daughter, the best woman on earth. Moved on the place known as the Caleb Hoopes farm. Improved it and then went into the milling business, and that put me out of business and now I am living in San Jose and working on a salary.
May God bless all of my old friends, and neighbors and enemies, if I had any, is the wish and prayer of one who loves to know and greet all.
Fred Brian
Equality Gallatin County Illinois [top]
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 Reverend 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? If you have it you have certainly missed a Creek and if you have, you will go again, were you meet so many fine people such as G. W. McNece and wife, H A. Hyper and wife, Ferd Foss and why, 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 in Kerry just by their warm hand clasp and last, but not least, the great Sabbath school man, Doctor 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. I have been reading it now for 14 months, every column and cannot find one word, which has made me do think you are boosting for Christ, now are you and the dear boys Christians? I mean, I the accepted Christ as your personal savior? You will see by reading Psalms 107:2 that the Psalmsist writing under the inscription of the Holy Spirit said," Let the redeemed of the Lord say so". You see we are boosting for Christ, we you please read with me Saint Luke, 12:4-5 and also eight verse, same chapter.
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
Los Angeles California [top]
January 26, 1917
Editor Press:
Samuel M. Berry was born in Ashland County Ohio, March 1832, moved with my parents to Bonpas Township, Richland County Illinois in September of the same year. Parents Peter and Rachel Berry. There were six children namely: Mary Elizabeth, Joseph Bales, Sarah Jane, Susan, Leander and myself. After we came to Illinois for more were born namely: Jacob, Hillary, Lucinda, and William Friend. Those that have passed to the other world our father, mother, Elizabeth, Susan, Sarah Jane, Leander. Joseph and Jacob are still living in Ohio. William and Henry are living in Illinois. Lucinda is in St. Louis Missouri. The last summer I was an Illinois I work for James Irish.
I was married to my present life November 20, 1879. Her maiden name was Louisa Freyman. We moved to Monitau County in 1881. Live seven years there and 10 years in Kansas City Missouri, then move back to Ohio one year, from there to California. This is the garden spot of the world. We have fresh vegetables the year around and sunshine and flowers all the time.
Would like to hear from any of my friends that read this.
Respectfully yours,
Samuel M. Berry
8809 S. Main Street
Vincennes Indiana [top]
January 21, 1916
Editor Press:
I am among the many of who like to see their names in print, so will send you a few lines for your Pink Issue. This finds us still on the job at our store in Vincennes. Things have been running along much the same as when I wrote you last year. 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.
Myself and family are enjoying good health. Our happy family of five little Burnside's is still unbroken. We would enjoy very much our friends in Sumner calling on us when in the city. Just take a car at the union station and tell the conductor to put you off at First and Swartzel.
Yours respectfully,
George B. Burnside
Nelson Missouri [top]
January 5, 1917
Editor Sumner Press:
I see by the press you have call for letters again from former residents of Lawrence County.
I am one. I was born and raised in Sumner and although my old home was broken up, as my dear mother was taken from us. I will always call Sumner my home. I have a brother there and one in Chicago.
I have been away from Sumner 12 years, but the press comes to my home every week and I do enjoy reading it.
We were living at El Dorado Springs for 10 years, until about four weeks ago we moved to Nelson Missouri, which is a nice little country town. We are all pleased with our new home. We had two children, a little girl, 11 years old, and a boy, 8. They are both out of school at the present time on account of their health.
I will close now and not take up much too much space. My maiden name was Lena Freese, but now
Mrs. Lena Burrell
Mt. Carmel Illinois
January 22, 1917
Oilton Oklahoma [top]
January 21, 1916
Mr. Editor:
As I am a former resident of Lawrence County, I will endeavor to write a few lines for the Pink Press.
It is just two years since we left Sumner for the Oklahoma oilfields, and during that time have lived in the vicinity of Olive, Drumright and Oilton, all new towns built in the last few years. My present address is Oilton, Oklahoma, box 918.
Oilton is quite a large town, but has no completed church or school house, and let me say right here, if you never lived where there are no churches, you don't know how much they are missed.
Our little daughter, Mildred, will soon be five years old and we hope to be near some good school by the time she is old enough to attend.
My husband has steady work, drilling for J. H. Markham, since coming here. We are all well and happy and getting along fine.
My youngest brother, Russell, came out in November and learned tool dressing. He is now working with my husband Will. He seems perfectly satisfied and thinks six dollars per day is pretty good wages for a boy.
We have only one neighbor, and as there is no place to go, or not much to do, my neighbor and I visit and crochet, while the men work.
My sister, Carrie, lives about 2 1/2 miles from us, so we visit quite often, it's only down one hill and up another, but they are sure long ones.
We had sleet, snow and freeze the same day you folks in Sumner did, but now it's just like spring.
I like it here very much better than at first, but believe me, I still have a warm spot in my heart for dear old Illinois, and would be glad to hear from any of my old friends.
If the editor had let me write about the country and oilfields, my letter would have been more interesting.
I will close with the best wishes to all.
Mrs. Essie (Vanatter) Bodine
St. Paul Arkansas [top]
January 16, 1917
Editor Press:
As we have always read with pleasure the letters in the Pink Press, we thought someone might be pleased to hear from us.
We are now living in northwestern Arkansas. By findings Fayetteseville on the map and looking for a little town of St. Paul, which is 35 miles south, you will find our nearest town.
We are living on a small mountain farm which is six miles from St. Paul.
Perhaps those that know me at all remember that I am the second daughter of J. N. and Alice Carlisle. Was born in Lawrence County near Chauncey, Township five , range 13 W., and spent most of my life there until my marriage to Evert Burt in 1894.
My husband was the third son of John and Nancy Burt, who came to Chauncey in 1882, and made their home there for a number of years. His father died in 1908 and his sister, Irene in July of the same year. Three brothers are still living-W. C. Burt, a newspaperman of Asheville North Carolina, Elzie D., Who is a mail clerk at Robinson Illinois and Ray G. Who is who is a telegraph operator at Bertha Minnesota.
Their mother is living with Elzie at Robinson.
We have four children one son and three daughters Lizzie M. Is 20 years old and Nina Doris 18, Winnifred 15 and William 11. One little daughter Pearl died in infancy.
All of our children are home with us at present excepting Doris, who is in St. Louis.
We came here almost 4 years ago from Nebraska, where we spent 13 years and where three of our children were born.
This is not a farming country and is very rough and the people very un-progressive especially here in the mountains.
I will close, as perhaps this is more than will be of any interest to your readers.
Mrs. P. E. Burt
USS Wainwright [top]
Port-au-Prince Haiti
January 26, 1917
Editor Sumner Press:
Having been a constant reader of the press for the past several years, I will try and show my appreciation of the best home paper I have yet seen by contributing a few lines for the pink edition.
I was born and raised in Christy Township, 2 1/2 miles Southwest of Sumner, present home in Sumner, my father, Joseph Buzzard, having moved to the city about three years ago.
In February 1911, I listed in the U.S. Navy at Indianapolis, Indiana did my apprentice training at Norfolk Virginia. After six months of learning the first qualifications of Man- O- Wars- Man, I was sent to San Francisco, to serve aboard the USS South Dakota. During my time aboard the ship I cruise over 80,000 miles, visiting many foreign countries, among the most interesting were Japan, China and Australia. I was discharged February, 1915, at Seattle Washington and straightway set sail for home, and I honestly believe of all the places that I have seen Sumner looked the best of all, “just then."
After a stay of four months with home folks, I reenlisted as St. Louis Missouri, and went to the electrical school at Brooklyn New York. After a course of instructions lasting eight months, graduated electrician (radio), and was detailed to the USS Wainwright on which I am at present doing duty.
We sailed from Hampton Roads Virginia January 10 in a company with the Atlantic Fleet. After a trip of six days arrived in Culebra, leaving the 18th for Guantánamo Cuba, where we refueled and sailed for Santiago Cuba, where all hands were given an opportunity to see the places of historic interest.
After a stay of three days we took aboard the assistant secretary of the Navy, Franklin D Roosevelt, and set sail for Port-au-Prince Haiti where we arrived this morning, amidst the booming of saluting Canon.
Lying in the beautiful harbor are 56 war craft, with a score or more aero plane circling above, making one of the most impressive scenes that I have ever witnessed, and the best part of it all, is the Stars & Stripes float from them all.
Will close with pleasant memories of the many happy years spent in Lawrence County, and I take this opportunity instating my appreciation to the Sumner press publishers for the best home paper of them all.
Respectfully,
Ralph Buzzard
Clapham New Mexico [top]
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 line, or homemaking, away out on the Prairie among the coyotes, Jack rabbits, range cattle, etc.
Duty call this 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: 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
3730 Westminster Place St. Louis Missouri [top]
January 20, 1916
Dear Mr. Editor:
My sister Anna and I are hardly nonresidents, as St. Louis seems so close to Sumner, but as we often come home and do not get to see our friends, I will take this chance of telling them we are busy and happy.
Anna is delighted with her work as a registered nurse. Besides affording her a means of livelihood, she has many interesting and amusing as well as pathetic experiences. After all, human nature is about the most interesting thing in the world.
I am still with the Harvey System has stenographer for one of the superintendents, the same position I have had for some time. Last September I had the pleasure of taking a Western trip, including Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and the exposition, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena and Grand Canyon, Arizona. Every mile of the way was a wonder to me as I had my first sight of the mountains and the ocean, with the experience of a little trip to Catalina Island. My impression is that the extreme West is a wonderful country for one with a full purse, but a working woman has just as good opportunities elsewhere.
Anna and I have fond recollections of former days in Lawrence County and wish our friends a very happy new year.
Yours truly,
Edna Carlisle
The Last Letter from Rev. N.A. Cavens [top]
The editor of the press knowing the peculiar genius of Rev N.A. Cavens, formerly of this city, later of Salem Mo., but now in that innumerable company who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb, to write most interestingly, we had asked for a letter for the Pink Press.
Brother Cravens although confined to his bed with his fatal illness, responded by the hand of another as follows:
Salem Missouri
January 18, 1917
Mr. L.M. Wood Sumner Illinois
My Dear friend,
I am very sick and it is impossible for me to write the letter so kindly asked for by you, have been engaged in Union revival meetings for some days; there has been great interest and large crowds. Spirit fine. Presume I overworked. Will write more when I am able.
My people here are splendid; they have employed a trained nurse to care for me and she will be out this afternoon from St. Louis. Please tell Mr. Wood a friend is writing this for me.
With very kindest regards,
Rev. N.A. Cavens
Although very disappointed in not being able to get a letter from Brother Cavens for the Pink Press yet we obtained, through Rev. Sam Roper, of Steeleville Mo., Who preached Rev. Cavens funeral, at Salem, the following "Eleven Rules of My Life" taken from Brother Cavens Ledger, by Mr. Roper.
1. Saved to serve
2. I want to be right in the right.
3. I make many mistakes-I am sorry for the fellow who don't.
4. Do right, do your best and look for good results.
5. I have never been sorry for standing out for the right.
6. Right won't hurt anyone; you may be killed for being right, but to die is gain
7. No one is ashamed tells the truth. I would rather die with the truth on my lips than a lie in my heart.
8. Love for everyone is my desire.
9. I think much of the Golden rule.
10. To say “he died shouting" is nothing, but to say he lived a useful life counts for much.
11. I may be a poor stick, but I need to be a good sticker.
Rev. Roper, in his letter, says that Mrs. Cavens and Madeline returned Saturday, February 3, to Norris City
Ingraham Illinois [top]
January 16, 1917
Press Editor and Friends:
I thought I would write a few lines for the Pink Press this time.
I am one of the “Angle" girls and passed most all my childhood days in the muddy bottoms, where we used to have lots of fun when we were children.
I spent my school days in Petty School House and always went to Sunday school at Pleasant Hill.
In December 1903, I was married to John Chrisman, of Ingraham Illinois, at which place we've always made our home, with the exception of one year in Douglas County.
We have two children, Winnie, age 12 and a Gilvie, age 8 years. They both go to school everyday, as we live right by the school house.
I always enjoy reading the letters from those I used to know and also those that I've never knew.
And I know that I will enjoy this issue, for I am hoping more of the wanderers from Pleasant Hill neighborhood will write this year.
I've taken the press for about 16 years and would be sure lonesome without it.
I will close, wishing you, one and all, a prosperous and happy new year.
Lena (Angle) Chrisman
Oklahoma City Oklahoma [top]
January 14, 1917
Editor Press:
in accepting your kind invitation to write for the pink press, I will endeavor to tell you something of our wonderful city, believing that it will be of interest to some of our old friends who still reside in and near Sumner, also to those, like ourselves, have removed to other states.
We, myself, wife and daughter (old home near Beulah Church, in November 1898, for Tupelo Mississippi, where we lived for two years, having going south for our daughter's health. We left Tupelo in January 1901, arrived in the city January 9, 1901, which place has since been our home. We bought near our present home in the spring of 1905 and were lucky in getting located close to the business center, as at that time the population was only 10,000, and our census taken a short time ago gives us something over 92,000, a wonderful development.
Our city is a beautiful little city has the buildings are comparatively new, since it will only be 28 years April since this country was open to settlement. Most of the business houses are fireproof, being made of brick, stone and reinforced concrete ranging in height from 3 to 10, 12 and 14 story buildings-quite a number of the higher ones. Our streets are paved with asphalt and Swept and washed day and night. We have one of the best terminal stations for street railways in the West, into which every car, both city and interurban runs. Our interurban lines extend some 30 miles north South and West. The auto is in great use here, both as private and public conveyances. Horses are an exception as means of travel.
This being Sunday, I was just looking in our church directory and if you were here you could worship at any one of 42 different places of worship. Some of our churches are very grand costing more than $100,000 with pipe organs as much as $10,000. Our school facilities are also fine. Looking in the telephone directory, I see 38 different schools and colleges listed. A public high school building, erected a few years ago, at a cost of half million dollars is inadequate as there is something like two thousands enrolled at the present, our school board has just decided to call an election to vote for $650,000 to build for junior highs, to relieve the overflow.
About 14 banks, I noticed the oldest established one had on deposit at the close of the year 1916 over $8 million.
Yasser something about our families. My wife, who was missed Mary Lackey, daughter of Andrew Lackey (deceased), is traveling life highway by my side. She was raised three miles southeast of Sumner on her father's farm, now the Mortz place. My only living child, daughter, Vinnie, is married and has one child, Mary Wilfred, 3 1/2 years of age. Her husband J.S. Armstrong, is vice president and manager of the Armstrong wholesale music house. And just to give you some idea of the business done by the firm, which is composed of the three Armstrong brothers, will tell you that their writing expenses for the year 1916 exceeded $60,000, so you see we are music loving people in the West, as there are two other large stores, besides a number of smaller dealers in the city.
We five live together and have many happy times and any time our old friends come this way we would be pleased to have him call on us.
Respectfully yours,
Mort W. Coffman
403 W. Noble Street
Brown California [top]
January 24, 1916
Editor Press:
In response to your request, I will write a few lines. I so often think of my old friends and customers of Sumner and wish I could visit the place again (which I hope to do). I realize there have been many changes in different ways quite a few having gone to the great beyond.
Ten years ago last December my family and I left Sumner for California. We lived there five years, until we moved to Fruita, Colorado, for health reasons, and two years later to Long Beach California. We enjoy changing from one locality to another. Most unpleasant part of it is breaking the home ties of friendship when leaving.
Since April 1915 we had been on a 320 acre ranch near Brown, Kern County, just to improve the ranch. The valley is about all a desert with a few good ranches, but we are surrounded by beautiful mountains. We enjoy the canyon, with the running water in summer as our summers are very warm. The mountains are covered with snow now. This is a good fruit country and most all kinds of grain can be raised here. We are all enjoying the best of health here and consider this a very delightful climate. We have many friends each place we have lived. I wish I could tell you more about California's land of sunshine, climate and flowers. We have a married daughter near Altona, Illinois, a married son in Fruita Colorado, to marry daughters in Davidson Oklahoma and our youngest daughters at home.
We often talk with fond recollections of the good times enjoying with our neighbors and friends in Lawrence County.
The Lord is wonderfully blessing us in this new country.
May the new year surpass your expectations and hope in success and prosperity,
Yours respectfully,
Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Combs
Waynetown, Indiana [top]
January 7, 1915
To the Press and good people of Lawrence County, (Lukin township not expected) greetings:
I will pin a few thoughts concerning my past history, but 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.
Of 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 its 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 April 26, 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 to 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 October 27 and landed at Jno. Bells 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. Prices. Saturday we drove to Bridgeport, to visit our son and wife, A.P. and Jas. F. Cooper families.
Being Halloween Eve, you may know that pandemonium at 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 Seeds 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 force drive, we arrived at Olive Branch just as a 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 lumberage 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 exultation, we sang a hymn, and 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. Prices 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 notice they are not receiving the old landmarks which our fathers have set, but are willing to bow the knee to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ Proverbs 7:19.
On Friday we drove to Sumner where I had not been for six years. I met several of my old friends none of whom was the editor of the Press. Barnes brothers, Jno. Westall, J.A. Barakman, Jones brothers,
On Monday we went to a funeral at the O'Donnell cemetery and Tuesday a funeral at the 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, Wanalcher Washington; the fourth Albert Cooper, Lawrence County.
My oldest grandson, David E Bell came to 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 did 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 lived to go to the 27th day of May, I will be 74 years old, and in fair health.
D. F. Cooper
Madison Illinois [top]
January 22, 1916
Editor Sumner Press:
I appreciate very keenly the opportunity to write a few lines to my friends and relatives in Lawrence County. I was born in Lukin Township from the Frogeye school district, 10 miles southeast of Sumner. My father's name was W. F. Corrie and he kept the US Post Office at Ruark many years before RFD took its place. My mothers name was Elva.
Many happy days have I spent in the old schoolhouse at Frogeye. My first teacher was Hattie Wright, who later became the wife of Rev. W. C. Ivie. I would very much to see again the old Beulah Church, a place very dear to me, perhaps because my mother is buried there and many other friends.
Although I am nearly 27 years old, incidents seem very real to me that happened many years ago in our little house on the hill, near Moffett cemetery. When I was about five years old I was running around on the floor, with a long iron hook in my mouth, and had the misfortune to fall down and push it down my throat. When my mother pulled it out, part of the flesh came with it in my voice has been marred ever since. It was about two years after that, when I was out one night to draw a bucket of water (with the pulley and chain), when I got the bucket to the top and reached over the curb to get it, I foot slipped and I went down headfirst into that cistern which was 20 feet deep and half-full water. As I came up to the top of the water I grabbed to the bricks in the wall and held and yelled for help. There was one place in my life that minutes seemed like hours. However I was soon rescued by my father and unhurt.
It was in the winter of 1900 that we moved to Richland County, located four miles west of Sumner. I had no more accidents for a few years really not until the winter of 1905, only lived in the Shaffer property on the state road. On February 17, I started to Olney driving Mr. Shaffer s team and wagon. Before I got half a mile from the house, the team ran away and turned the wagon over on me. I was picked up more dead than alive. It was about this time Hugh Murphy had returned from college, where he qualified himself to be a doctor, and it was thought that I was a good patient to work on. Drove from Sumner, five miles and a half, in 30 minutes and after working with me for hours, succeeded in sewing up the gash in my head eight inches long, with 12 stitches. However he did a good job and I hope he is still successful wherever he is practicing.
I have been away from Lawrence County about 10 years. Spent part of my time in Douglas County but most in Madison County. Spent the last summer of 1912 in Colorado, a beautiful place to visit but a poor place to live, at least that is the way many of my friends as well as myself found it.
I have been in Madison about eight years. I have been Sunday school superintendent three years, secretary and treasurer for the Township Sunday school Association five years and am now serving my third year as County Secretary.
It was my good fortune to meet here a girl who was born and raised in Indiana, just across the river from Mt. Carmel. We were married in 1913, have a fine home and two boys. The youngest arrived Christmas Day 1915.
My other two brothers, Elmer and Everet live here also, and I have seen quite a few people from our old home County. We all look forward with delight to holidays where we can go home and visit our parents and friends. However, it has been over six years since I was in Bethel the old home place.
I often think of grandma Moffet and the dear old Aunt Sally Beasley whose life and stories she told me in the primary class of Bethel have been a help and inspiration to me this far in life. May she never get too old to be good.
This is my first attempt to write a letter to the pink press. I will close.
Sincerely,
Glen Corrie
Little Rock Arkansas [top]
January 25, 1916
Dear Friends:
I will try to write you a few lines to the Pink Press, for it is quite a relief for me to know that I can write to all my friends in one letter, for letter writing is a hard task for me.
My husband (Kent Cunningham) and I were residents of Lawrence County, Lukin Township all of our lives until four years ago. We live South of Sumner, near Bethlehem church.
We came to Little Rock, Arkansas about four years ago and like it fine. We have such beautiful winters there is always a cool breeze, so we do not notice it being any hotter than up there.
My husband has been with a loan company now three years and like his work fine. Of course we are getting rich very fast, that we have a living and have had excellent health. We have a little son now nine months old, and from his looks, the climate agrees with him. I have visited back Lukin Township every summer since I left there, but from the obituaries I read from the Press and the news I received from there I shall be afraid to come back anymore.
I will now close, hoping to hear from you all soon,
Grace Daily Cunningham
1117 Rock Street
Corona California [top]
January 16, 1917
Editor Press:
At your urgent request for all the Subscribers to the press, and especially old settlers, to write you a letter for the Pink Press, I will send you a few lines, for I can only send you a faint outline of what I know of the earlier days of Lawrence County and of Lukin Township and the old settlers thereof. It would take all the space in your Pink Sheet unless it was as large as our California secret ballot.
I was born on a farm in Clark Township, Brown County Ohio, on December 10, 1836. My father's name was Silas. My mother’s maiden name was Martha Ann Wrestler. I have five brothers, of whom two are still living- B. L. and J. C. of your town.
In 1852 we moved to Lukin Township, Lawrence County Illinois, from our old home in Ohio and settled on what was then called the old Snyder farm, one half mile from the Richland County line, adjoining the George Moore tanyard place, later bought and run for several years by Caleb Hoopes, and still later the farm was sold to Fred Brian, but the tanyard discontinued years before.
In 1857 I was married to Mary T Lovell. We moved to an 80 acre place of land adjoining my father's farm. There we built a house and chopped and grubbed a little farm of 40 acres, a part of which belongs to my brother J. C., The other 40 I sold to Fred Brian. Here are born seven of our children and here one, the eldest died and was buried in the Bell or Wright cemetery. Here our children attended school at old Buckhorn school house which stood on the northeast of my father's farm.
In 1864 my wife and I were converted enjoying the M. E. Church at Wesley Chapel. On the same night November 4, 1864 the following named persons were converted and joined the church with us, I. E. Hill and wife, Eli Dunn and wife, and James Webber and wife. Of the eight who started at that time only four remain. Eli Dunn and wife, I. E. Hill and myself. All the others have gone on to heaven where I expect to meet them soon, to part no more forever. Oh it was the best thing I ever did in my life when I gave my heart to God. Praise his holy name for keeping me all these years.
In the fall of 1873 we moved to Neosho County Kansas, driving through in a wagon. We settled on a quarter section of land six miles northwest of Walnut, in Grant Township. We had our church letter with us and put it in the first opportunity we had. We were always careful about our obligations to God and the church. We lived on this farm for 25 years, through grasshoppers, droughts and cyclones, but out of it all,the good Lord brought us safely.
In 1898 we moved to Riverside California settling in Corona, our present location. Here my dear wife died on October 21, 1902. Here seven of our children are living. Three are living in Kansas and one in Colorado and one in Arizona.
So this brings me down to date in my eighty first year still pretty strong for one of my age. I can walk up with anyone I start with. Can't run so fast or jump so high as I could when I was younger, but still I can climb mountains—little ones, if they're not too steep. My general health is good. My eyesight is good; that is with the aid of my glasses I can read fine print. Now my hearing is rather poor just now but I think when summer comes I will be all right again.
I was well acquainted with all the old settlers in Lukin and vicinity. Can remember when there was no Sumner nor Bridgeport nor Hadley for there was no railroad nearer than Vincennes. It used to be our nearest mill where we can get wheat ground was Lawrenceville. Sometimes my father would go to Rochester, at the rapids on the Wabash near Mt. Carmel to mill. On such occasions we always had to stay overnight, and sometimes two nights. We had a little corn down on Bonpas and saw a mill run by Henry King, later bought and run by August Starkman, could run but part of a year, as it was a wet weather mill, but it sure helped us out many times.
I would be glad if I could speak of all the old settlers by names and tell you the good things I know about them, but I cannot at this time. Perhaps we tell you about them later.
I know this letter is already too long for your Pink Sheet but I will tell you how to manage it. You know everyone knows how to run a newspaper better than the editor does so I will tell you how to do. Divide it up and run it as a serial story alongside of some of the Lukinite man's chicken dinner stories.
May God bless Prior Sutherland. I always did like him I remember him as a nice soldier boy. I see by his picture in last year's Pink Sheet he is still a noble looking old man.
Oh yes I know after seeing this little squib of mine you will want my picture also so I send you one taken two years ago on decoration day. It is not a good picture, but my friends tell me that it is just as ugly as I am.
I must say that if any of my old friends would like to hear something about the finest country in the world (California) write me at 1112 Sheridan Street Corona California.
So goodbye to all and good luck to the press and the Pink Sheet in particular.
Henry Cunningham
[pic]
Casey Illinois [top]
January 14, 1916
L. M. Wood & Sons
Dear Sir:
To express our enjoyment in reading the (Pink Press) last year would be hard to do. For through it we learned where many of our friends were and how they were getting a long. It was great. My home was seven miles South of Sumner and all my people of my fathers and mothers side live in Sumner and Lukin Township. I married Mary Ellen Page, whose birthplace was Olney Illinois. We had three children, two boys and one girl. One of our boys Leroy, died in infancy and Jesse Glen died six years ago last August. My dear good wife died this last December so my daughter, Fanny and I are all that's left.
My wife's only brother lives in Longmont Colorado and his only sister Mrs. Fanny H Davis (better known as Fanny Page), Lives at Fort Myers Florida. Her half-sister, Mrs. Edith Olmsted, whose maiden name was Edith Hammaker, now live at Wichita Kansas. She has one girl, Ruth and one boy, Paul. L. C. and Ed Hammaker when last we heard from them were in Wyoming.
I have lived here for over 31 years and if any of my old friends are near here at any time I would be more than glad to have you come see us. Wishing all a happy new year, I am,
John Cunningham
11 E. Monroe Street
Casey Illinois
Hunter Arkansas [top]
January 18, 1917
Sumner Press:
I thought I would write a few lines to help you with your Pink Press and to let my friends know where I had wondered to.
My maiden name was Emma Heath. I was born and raised near Westport Illinois and when I was 18 years old, I was married to Robert Diebold. We live near Sumner Illinois until last July 1916, when we decide to make a change and we moved to Arkansas where my husband is in charge of one of the Arkansas Mills belonging to the Mushrush Lumber Company.
We have three children. The two older ones are both in school and Floyd is a sweet little boy, three years old and is plenty of company for me while the rest are away. We are all satisfied here and have had good health since we have been down here. Hunter is mostly made up of people of Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio, and I think we shall make our future home here, for we are now building a new bungalow, which will be ready to move into in a short time.
There are several people here from Lawrence County, but I will not take up time to name them. Also some from other parts of the state, but I will not name them.
I will close, by hoping to see many letters in the press from my wandering friends and relatives.
When you start Arkansas, come all the way. Lots of people come down into the northern part of the state, where the railroad sometimes run through the roughest and poorest country, being disappointed at the looks of the country and turned back. When you start, make up your mind to come all the way and we promise you a genuine surprise for you and will find a beautiful country, a fertile country, plenty of rainfall and pleasant climate
Yours truly
Mrs. R. A. Diebold
Hunter Arkansas [top]
January 18, 1917
Editor Press:
As you are calling for nonresident letters, I will try and write you a few lines as Sumner is my old hometown and it is just like getting a letter from home every week when I read the press.
I was born in Petty Township and raised in the vicinity of Sumner and I lived near Chauncey Illinois. Last July, I moved to Arkansas accompanied by my wife and three children. Came to Hunter Arkansas, where I am now in charge of one of the Mills belonging to the Mushrush Lumber Company.
I can truthfully say that we all like the new country and I can also say we are having good health down here, so you can tell all of them that Arkansas is all right and that they ought to quit knocking on it.
Sawmilling has been good for the last six or eight months. We are doing nice business and we expect a much nicer business this coming year, which I feel assured we will get.
Yours truly,
Robert Diebold
Campbell Missouri [top]
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
Claremont Illinois [top]
January 29, 1916
Editor Sumner Press:
I see in the press your request for letters from former residents of Sumner and Lawrence County. I thought I might write a few lines, as I was born in Sumner May 30, 1863, but left there when quite young, as both my parents died when I was but a small child. Brother George and I went to Penna. to live with an uncle, Jones Elder, went in 1872. Was there nearly 12 years, then came back to Illinois and made my home in Illinois ever since in Richland County since 1889.
Have traveled a good deal in all these years, in several states, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
Brother George died in Indiana nearly 2 years ago and our half-brother Lewis lives in southeast Missouri, our half-sister, Rosa Ridgely lives in Bridgeport Illinois.
I expect I could write a pretty long letter, but as I don't know just what would be interesting to my many friends in good old Lawrence County most. I will not try to write so very much, and this is a pretty late date for the letter anyway, but I have been sick with lagrippe and wasn't able to write sooner, so if it is too late for your February 3 print throw it in the wastebasket.
But one thing I must say yet, that I have not forgotten my many friends and all the good people I used to know in old Lawrence County. I do not get to visit them very often of late years, I think of them often and wish them all well.
Will now close, hoping to hear from many through the Pink Press in February.
Best wishes for the editor and all,
W. B. Elder
Danville Illinois [top]
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 that 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
Chicago Illinois [top]
January 29, 1916
Editor Press:
Just a line for the pink press. Am always glad to hear from my old friends of dear old Sumner. I am enjoying good health and getting along all right. With best wishes for all, I am, yours
J. M. Freese
807 E. 63rd Street
Goldengate Illinois [top]
January 15, 1915
Dear Sirs:
In compliance to your request of nonresidents, who once made old Lawrence County their home, 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 Lancaster Road. I live there with parents until 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 Goldengate Illinois, Wayne County, where we purchased an elevator and are still engaged in the grain, the feed and livestock business.
We feel very thankful to our maker, as we have been blessed with good health and prosperity all these years.
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 owner success and hope to see the press retained his standard as a newspaper and in fact be the leading paper in southern Illinois.
Yours very truly,
C. French
Chicago Illinois [top]
January 25, 1916
To the Sumner Press:
Having received your invitation to write something concerning myself for your nonresident addition, I will say I was born in South Lukin township am a son of John Newton French, I have resided in Chicago 26 years at LaSalle Street, I have an office for practice of law, lead quite a busy life, quite devoid of interest to your readers, and that I am always pleased to meet residence and former residents of Sumner and vicinity who come to this city.
Charles N French
Saint Joe Arkansas [top]
January 23, 1917
L. M. Wood and Sons:
I did not intend to write for the Pink Press but I received a letter from my mother and she said I had better write as she did not test her writing this year.
My mother is Mrs. Philo Bell, and my father lived many years in Sumner in on a farm one mile west of town. I have lived away from old Lawrence County many years. My husband, Almond W. French has been dead five years, and I live with Mrs. Daisy French Peterson in the winter months and then to go to my daughters, near Nevada, Missouri. I visited in said Sadalia last summer with my mother and sister, Effie, who married Doctor E. Staats, of Lawrence County.
I always read the Pink Press and will enclose 10 cents of a copy of the next one.
I have many old friends in Sumner and many who have moved away, so I hear about them by reading the Pink Press.
I like this part of Arkansas and the H. C. of L. don't bother us much down here.
Emily B French
Falmouth Indiana [top]
January 23, 1915
Dear Friends:
I am glad of the opportunity to write a few lines to you. Myself and family are enjoying good health.
From September 26, 1907, until September 29, 1908, I was the Sumner Circuit Pastor of M. E. Church and occupied the circuit parsonage. I am now pastor of the M. E. Church at Falmouth, Rush County at a salary of $700 per year and parsonage.
My daughter, Susie, is married and is living in Lyons Indiana, Greene County. She married Claude McIndoo, a merchant there.
Hazel and Edna are both in high school, Hazel in Lyons and Edna here. Our son Culver is six years old and is in the first grade.
Yours truly,
E. H. Fuller and family
Denton Texas [top]
January 26, 1917
Editor Sumner Press:
Through the kindness of someone, I have received a copy of your paper under date of January 4, and have read your appeal for former residents to make some report as to their whereabouts, conduct and so on, and you say you will "corral" all these "spiels” in what is to be called the "Pink Issue". I have delayed writing, because I experienced considerable trouble in finding a pink ribbon for my typewriter.
I like the general "get up" of your request very much, and while I am not personally acquainted with you boys, I am now convinced that you are real live wires and bound to make the Sumner Press a great factor in building up your town and community.
I carelessly grew up in old Lawrence County, on the state road, about 2 1/2 miles northeast of Sumner, at the foot of the old Perkins Hill. I am sure that was the name of the hill, for I left home for Texas one morning just after breakfast, when I was 18 years old, and as soon as I reached a good resting place in Arkansas, I wrote back to a friend of mine, giving a description of my trip all in rhyme and as one or two verses are still a matter of record, but had never appeared in pink before, I will now submit them:
When the traveler reach the Perkins Hill,
he felt that his bosom with something would fill,
he turned and gave the old place one more look,
and thought of the long long journey he undertook.
And quickening his steeds slow, lagging pace,
he raised his head, to look Jack Couchman square in the face,
" hello Billy, are you running away?"
Texas or bust was all he could say
Those verses may throw on the screen of a romance which the uninitiated will never grasp, but if any of the boys who attended Will Maratta’s last term of school at old Springhill happen to read this, they will feel that they have at least one more of those old-time smiles coming.
And just think of it, Mr. Editor, I had taken so much pains to serve that poem up in several big chunks of the purest English which I thought was in use at that time, and labeled it "strictly confidential." Certainly so, the sample I have exhibited above is a prime prima facia evidence of that, but what did that "confidential correspondent" back at your end of the line do for me? Not a thing but turn the whole shooting match, without any reservations whatever, over to Will Carlton, who was then publisher of the Sumner press. I don't think Mr. Carlson held any grudge against me at all, but he felt it his duty to run the article in the interest of modern literature and because of its grammatical efficiency and symmetrical construction. Talk to me about "leaks." President Wilson has nothing to worry him now as compared to my own mental embarrassment over my poetical leak in that day.
I am not positive in what Township I live, but think it was Petty at any rate I remember that one time I was mighty sweet or young lady living in the same Township by the name of Petty, and I now recall the fact that I took her home from a party one night when the roads are so muddy that we found it advisable instead of my leading the horse, for us both to get on and ride. That was during a period when one Anthony Clippinger was bubbling over with poetical effusion, so he wrote up the affair in rhyme and handed it to the Sumner Press. About that same time the writer was contributing items to the Sumner Press, headed "Danville dips." That was because our jurisdiction extended far east as Uncle Dan Barnes home, just west of the old White House church. In those days one Henry Couchman was much of a "joker" and he had often made life miserable for us and as he knew very much of some of Henry’s Sunday night ramblings, we saw a chance to even up, so we gathered some facts and some near facts and put them together in verse and passed the censorship of the Sumner Press by taking the editor an extra big load of dry stove wood. I will quote but one of the verses, for I am sure Henry can supply what is lacking:
" Laura keeps company yet,
this I have a right to state,
but the calf is out of the yard, he bet
and prop against the gate."
But, Mr. Editor you will pardon me for the above overflow of boyish reminiscences, I will agree to get down to business and conclude my story as briefly as possible.
I note that your "rules for writers" who asked for us to write more about ourselves and other Lawrence County friends than about the country or the surroundings where we reside. Nevertheless I must tell you, with my family, I am living in Denton County, County seat of Denton County in the northern part of Texas. That Denton is the home of the Texas State normal the college of industrial arts a school exclusively for girls. These are two great state institutions and no town west of the Mississippi River has better public schools than Denton. This town also has a broad and deserving reputation for being a count of churches and churchgoing people. As our citizens appear to be growing more intelligent each year. I believe I can write for your next " homecoming" issue, and tell you that this County has voted bonds for building a perfect system of good roads all over the county. A few nonprogressive calamity howlers caused such a proposition to be defeated last December.
My oldest daughter has a very comfortable home in Topeka Kansas, and our baby girl is here also, attending Washburn college and right at this particular time my wife happens to be up there on a visit and it behooves me to hurry and get this letter off to you before she returns and sees it, for then it would never be mailed. True enough, Mrs. F. Is just the best old girl that ever lived, and she is full of mischief also but she gets after me often for being short on what she calls dignity. I have another daughter married and living in Waco Texas, and my cute little sawed-off girl, who resembles her father lives with us here in Denton, and will graduate from the college of industrial arts in May. I have a bright little grand son of a gun in Waco, and my second married daughter, who lives here in Denton, has the sweetest and smartest little two-year-old girl that ever was. She also loves her granddad and called him " fogy".
I have but one boy, and he is now employed by the Studebaker Company at Dallas. He has a special demonstrator of cars. My boy is the only one of my children that I really wanted to see get married, but it seems the little rascal is never going to get in the notion. I am going to insist on his going to Lawrence County Illinois to spend his vacation this summer and see what that will do for him.
My sister, Mrs. Ella Fyffe, also from Lawrence County, makes her home with us and fills a position with the college of industrial arts.
I know of very few Lawrence County people living in Texas. Until within the next two years, I would often happen the pleasure of meeting up with my former friend and schoolmate Aaron Pepple, who was in business in Dallas, but Aaron is now dead and I had not heard whether his widow and daughters continue to reside in Dallas or not.
Mrs. Will Maratta nee Couchman, who is the widow of my former school teacher, resides in Denton. She has three daughters at home with her. I have met them all and find them to be most estimable Young ladies. I understand that Mrs. Maratta’s father, Marion Couchman, died recently at Sulfur Oklahoma.
It occurs to me that I have now written entirely too much, but I blame the generosity of your invitation for it, if I have.
I interpreted the last two paragraphs of your request to mean that formally would be eliminated and that I lot of old-time"suckers" would be expected to get busy and enjoy a penny union and a dream of a homecoming that was worthwhile. I will be so glad to learn that all our former Lawrence County " boys and girls" who have wandered away have written good long letters for your Pink Press, and if I find that they are all happy and having as much fun as the Fyffe bunch is having out here in the Lone Star State I will be satisfied.
Goodbye until the homecoming time rolls around.
W. C. Fyffe
Later
Denton Texas
February 1, 1917
Editors Press:
Today, as I received your return register card, I just took time to think over what I had written you and I should not have been so hasty, but thinking over the matter a little, I could have done much better, I am sure.
I did not state the year I left home at first, and I remember now that it was in the spring of 1878, and that might have been too early for Will Carlton to have been the editor of the Sumner press.
I remember that when I was writing my first neighborhood news item, Mock Brothers were the editors then after I left home I think A. C. Clippinger, and perhaps Doctor Z. D.French, took hold of the paper, so you see my letter might sound just a little confused to anyone who remembers those times exactly, but I hardly think there is anything very material in that. And again, I recall now that I did not write and send back that " poetical history" of my trip until I had been away most one-year. I had made the trip on horseback, has stopped in Van Buren County Arkansas, taught a term of school, and later went to Springfield Missouri to locate so it was from there, almost one year after leaving home, that I wrote verses back describing my ramblings, but did not reach Texas until my 1901, then spent my first two years in San Antonio from which place one might be able to write a very interesting descriptive letter.
I am only writing you this personal information, so if you saw a place where my letter needed some changing or correcting you would have data with which to patch up with.
If I am allowed to live through another year, I shall write you the letter one day, and not mail it out until I think it over during the night, then correct and try hard to write you a real good one.
However, I assure you my great pleasure is going to be in reading the very interesting letters which will appear coming from long-lost friends whom I might have forgotten and I shall enjoy knowing just where they have wandered and to know how they are prospering.
I trust you will pardon this unexpected (unreadable) of your valuable time.
Sincerely and respectfully,
W. C. Fyffe
Hutchinson Kansas [top]
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 to 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
East St. Louis Illinois [top]
January 18, 1915
Gentlemen:
For your special nonresident 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 Mister 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 N. 7th Street
Dexter Missouri [top]
January 11, 1916
Editor Press:
I moved from Petty Township, Lawrence County near Sumner Illinois, the fall of 1908. My wife was formerly Elizabeth Perkins, the daughter of William Perkins.
We bid adieu to friends and relatives October 13 and set out with wagon and team for Stoddard County Missouri landing here October 21, nine miles South of Dexter and three miles northwest of Bernie, found the country comparatively new, only 5 to 20 acres in cultivation per 40, and needing draining badly. I had the pleasure of aiding the establishment of the first dredge ditch in Stoddard County. We now have a well-trained and beautiful farming country, with plenty of the best of drinking water, good roads, free rural delivery and phone lines netting the country.
Our health has been excellent during the 15 years we have lived here. Our family consists of one boy and two girls, as I write these few lines my mind is carried back to the country in and around old Sumner, where I was born, and am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to them through the columns of the press, which I have been a constant reader of for eight years.
Ezekiel Gowin
Norris City Illinois [top]
January 23, 1916
Editor Press:
As I did not take up any space in the Pink Press last year I will let the people and friends of Lawrence County know I am still among the living which they will remember me as being Francis E. Haines, daughter of Mr. Mrs. John W Haines. I was born southeast of Chauncey, Lawrence County where I lived until the spring of 1909 when I was married to Mr. Frank Gray Boonville Indiana and with him moved to Norris City White County Illinois. We have been blessed with two dear little children being born in our home, Beulah Mae age six and James Benjamin who will be five in the commencing spring.
Since leaving here we have worked and planed and got us a nice little home paid for. We like our home and neighbors very much. As we have been readers of the Sumner Press ever since leaving here and enjoy the Pink Press last year, we will try and fill a space this year.
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Frank Gray
Butler Missouri [top]
January 27, 1917
Sumner Press:
I have recently subscribed for your paper. I find it a source of great pleasure to me as each week it brings me a message from home. As I read of my friends and relatives in and around Sumner it brings back many happy memories of former days.
In 1907 we moved from Pleasant Hill, Petty Township to Corning Arkansas.
Having lived in Arkansas for four years, we moved to a farm near Butler Missouri. It is here that my son James and I will live with my brother Ammon Waggoner. Ammon is married and has two little sons. My boy is going so fast you would scarcely recognize him. He has eight years of age and in the third grade.
Wishing success to the Sumner press, and sending greetings to all its readers, I am
Nellie Waggoner Hamilton
Lathrop Missouri [top]
February 1, 1970
L. M. Wood Sons:
Complying to your request, I submit a brief letter to your nonresident issue.
We are located at Lathrop Missouri, Clinton County, 40 miles from Kansas City and 300 miles from St. Louis. We have three railroads Burlington, Rock Island, and Santa Fe.
Lathrop is a thriving little town, population 1600, has splendid high school, five churches, including a colored Methodist.
We are a charge of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. The work moves on very encouragingly.
There are quite a number of Illinois people in this section and thus we do not feel we are low in Missouri.
The land here sells them $125-$165 per acre and his black soil, very productive, level, rolling land, high altitude.
Lathrop as one of the largest horse and mule markets in the world. There is constantly here from 25,000 to 40,000 head, which is a great site to witness. They ship in and out every week. The English have their headquarters established here and buy horses and mules for war purposes, shipping them to Newport News, Virginia, then to Europe. The report is the average life of these horses in the war is eight days.
Our oldest son, Jasper, has been in DeKalb County, Illinois, the past year. He is taking a course in civil service as a mail clerk. Our second son, Wilbur, has been in Chicago for three years, and is now manager of a large cafe.
We have had splendid winter weather, so far, no rain to speak of no sleet or snow storm.
We have a splendid class of people here, and so far, we are well pleased with our Western location.
We get the press weekly, thus hearing from our many friends in Illinois.
Sincerely yours, in the service of the master,
W. C. Harms
Kearney Nebraska [top]
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 to good to mess.
It was five years last August since we left Sumner for the West. Must save the Lord has been wonderfully good to us, giving us health 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
Kearney Nebraska [top]
January 24, 1916
Dear Editor and Readers:
As I am a reader of the Sumner I will join in writing you, not that I am an old timer, but hope to be someday. I was only seven years old (am 13 now) when I left the old home in Claremont Township, located on County line of Richland and Lawrence counties, but I thought I was quite a man then. I remember papa and grandpa (George Haynes) both happen to get me and ask for Christmas when I was five years old.
I used to think Henry Brian was the best Delaware. I would play with Henry Brian, and taking my taxes, one on each shoulder I started out to cut trees down. papa says now don't get your taxes too hot, when one gets hot lay it down and use the other. So I did. When I came to dinner he said you didn't cut any trees in the hog lot did you? (I think he heard the sound). Course we can all be as good as George Washington, and I said," yes sir, I did. I cut down three." And I had a fine dad, he, he only said "you must not that down anymore."
I go to school everyday, have not missed or been tardy so far. We have nine-month school.
We are a hearty bunch of youngsters (three of us). Perl goes to high school, Irene to Hawthorne building, and I go to Emerson building mummy is recovering from an attack of la grippe.
I hope to be in high school in another year, so in a few years if you hear Professor Haynes out West it will likely be me.
Lee Haynes
Butlerville, Lonoke County Arkansas [top]
January 18, 1916
Editor Press:
I too am a nonresident of Lawrence County. I was born in Lawrence County, Christy Township, one mile North and one mile West on the state road, on the Davenport place, East of Lafayette school house. I lived in and near Sumner 47 years.
One year ago last December 14, 1914 we loaded our goods in a boxcar and bid Sumner and old friends goodbye and started for the sunny south. Three days later we landed in Bebee Arkansas. My wife, Minnie (Gudgel) Heath and I, are located on a nice little home of our own a 47 acres, 6 1/2 miles southeast of Bebee Arkansas. We have had very good health here. If we keep well and prosper, we expect to make hold Arkansas our future home.
We have taken the Press for a long time and enjoy reading its columns and could not get along with out it, as it is like a long letter from home.
If we both live, we expect to visit Sumner in the near future again, as we both have lots of relatives and warm friends near Sumner.
There are lots of people here from Illinois, and all other states and I wish many more would come, as I see a man with small means that wants to farm can live here as well as anywhere.
Respectfully,
John E. Heath and wife
ttt
Cassville Missouri [top]
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 move 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 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 63rd 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 towns ladies, Mrs. Martha J Anderson, and I being a cousin of C. H. Gordon, a Sumner and Mrs. Martha Turner.
I move 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
Jacksonville Arkansas [top]
January 15, 1917
Editor of Pink Press:
I am gratified to have one more opportunity to write a letter that will reach so many of my relatives and friends in Lawrence County, and those who have moved to other states. I have a deep feeling for all those who live near Sumner I also feel that those who moved to some new country, seeking better things for their future welfare, are entitled to a fair consideration.
I left Lawrence County and took a position with a medical company. I moved to East St. Louis. After five years of work with that company I decided to move to Lonoke Arkansas. Since that time I have been dealing in farmlands. My investments double every four years so I have no complaint to make either on the people or from a business standpoint.
We have good sociable people, we have good schools, good churches and good roads.
The country is a farming and stock raising country. Farmland is very cheap and location very desirable.
Little Rock is close, which offers good prices for all farm produce.
I have no desire to move back to my old home country.
We are all enjoying good health we have two children at home yet and two married. One lives in Lonoke and the other in McAlmont. We are all prospering doing fine.
My wife Patti (Burget) Hill, sends her best wishes to all.
In conclusion I will send my best regards.
Yours respectfully,
William S. Hill and family
Springfield Illinois [top]
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 having been away (unreadable) since we have been away a short time that we have hardly learn 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 Lawrence Avenue in this city and has the Statehouse, 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
Columbus New Mexico [top]
January 22, 1917
Editor Press:
just a few lines for the pink edition, to let all my old friends know but I still remember them. Although it has been a long time since I called Illinois my home, yet I always think of my boyhood days, which was spent about nine miles Southwest of Sumner, in eastern Richland County. In my roving around the country, my mind often goes back to the good old school days at Mulberry, and I often think of the boys and girls who were schoolmates of mine. Some have passed over to the other shore, and some are still living in the same neighborhood that we was their birthplace.
I often wonder if Simon's Stadge, Gustav Voigt, Ed and Will Yelch, John Leathers, and George, Lee, Alf, Charlie and Rolla Jones ever think of the times we used to have, and the trouble we used to cause our teachers. I have to laugh when I think of the time the shotgun was fired under the teacher's desk, also when someone cut the whips, and the time that John Leathers had to read his love letter before the whole school, and the time that “Squire” Stadge and I put the cockle bar in a certain girls hair. I wonder if Ed and Will Yelch remembers the night we went rabbit hunting and salty "ghost" and if Gustav Voigt remembers the night we invited Bill leathers to help us eat “chicken”, of course we paid for the chicken.
Those were good old days, but they are past and gone, never to return and we are getting old that was about 25 years ago, and times have changed since then. I intend to come back there next fall, in October, has my time will be out in the Army, if no new trouble starts.
This is an awful lot to live down here on the border. No one knows what it is unless they are here a while. I suppose Columbus will be a busy place for the next month, as the troops are to be brought out of Mexico, and most of them will pass through here.
Well, for fear my letter will take up too much space, I guess I will close. Just one more thing I want to say, and that is, I would be glad to hear from any of my old friends, and I will answer all letters I received.
Just a few words to your Mulberry-Mount Olive correspondent, I always read that part of the press first. Keep up the good work.
With regards and best wishes to the editor and readers of the press, I remain,
Yours truly,
Rolla W. Houser
Medical Department
12th US Calvary
Columbus New Mexico
Logansport Louisiana [top]
January 20, 1917
Editor Press:
your appeal to the wanderers four letters just came today and as I did not write last year, I will try to let you know where I am, as I once lived in old Lucan and will always have a warm spot in my heart for grand old Lawrence County, especially Lucan, as some of the best people on earth live there, or at least I think so, for I have been around a little since I left there five years ago.
I have been in several states, including Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. We had visited quite a few of the leading cities of the West and South.
I am at present about 150 miles South of Shreveport Louisiana. I am putting up a sawmill and planner for a lumber company. I am the carpenter foreman. Have been here since October 4, 1916.
My family is living in Arkansas at present, where we have been for the past five years. We own a farm of 120 acres there, nicely located in a graded road, rural route, telephone line, only 1 1/2 miles from a graded school and four miles from Winthrop Arkansas, located in the extreme southwest part of the state.
Well, this leaves me well at present. And about the same old stick in the mud, haven't got rich very fast so far. Have six Hardy boys, all well the last I heard from them. Four of them are going to school and making good grades. My daughter is married and lives near as.
We expect to move down here in Louisiana soon, as I expect to stay here for a few years and if any of my old friends in Lawrence or Richland counties what a little hot mix from the sweet sunny South, just drop me a line and we'll try to oblige them.
I will close for this time, as this may be too late for the Pink Edition but I wish all my old friends and associates in and around Sumner and Luken all that is good in life.
Yours truly,
O. J. Huchel
Galton Illinois [top]
January 11, 1915
Dear Sirs:
By request I will try to mention a few items that may be of interest to some readers of the Press. I was pastor of the Sumner United Brethren Circuit in 1912 and 1913. I resided in the U. B. Parsonage in Sumner. I spent many pleasant hours during my two years labor on Sumner Circuit, and I will trust still have many friends in the bounds of the circuit on which I labored. It was my privilege to receive into church fellowship during my two years labor on Sumner circuit 104 members. I am now passed to of a Galton station Lower Wabash Conference. And very comfortably situated in the Parsonage at Galton. Have had a fairly good revival this year, have my salary more than full, to date. I have received during this conference here about $40 value in presence. My people are very kind to myself and wife, during our stay in this community. I am always glad to receive the Press. I hear of the boys and sorrows that have come to our friend and Lawrence County. We wish success to the press and happiness during the new year, to all our friends.
May the blessings of God rests upon the good people of all the churches of Sumner is the prayer of a former pastor.
Reverend H. D. Hudson
Dana Illinois [top]
January 11, 1915
Editor Press:
I came to Dana in 1889 from Chauncey Illinois, work for my brother until my kingpin, when he sold out and moved to Lewiston Idaho. I am doing well have a shop 22 by 50 woodshed 16 by 50. At 12 different machines run by gas engine making most of 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.
The been the square of our village was burned last July, the fire originated from the meat shop, burned two dry goods stores and grocers, hardware and machine shed, Lodge Hall, poolroom, restaurant, Opera Hall, barbershop, doctors office and residence, farmers 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
Cairo Illinois [top]
January 20, 1917
LM wood and Sons:
27 years ago, February 20, 1890 we moved from West Salem Illinois to Lawrence County, first locating on a farm near Hadley. The farm life did not appeal to us so in September same year, we moved to Sumner, where we had better educational advantages, as there were four of us of school age. I attended school for two years graduating in the class of 1892. I sure thought Sumner was the best place on earth.
Our crowd, the "Upper Tens”, consisted of about a dozen girls in our teens and many were the good times we had. Only a few of them live there now.
When we first moved to Sumner and were strangers, my oldest brother died, but when several years later mother was called home that was the greatest grief I know anything about.
I lived in Sumner 19 years when I went to Dawson Springs Kentucky, where I was bookkeeper for three years for my brother, who is in the hardware business. About five years ago, I married and moved to Cairo where I now reside.
Now some think of Cairo as the worst place on earth, it is not. Of all the places I ever lived I prefer Cairo for it is good enough for me. When we get "booze" voted out Cairo will be hard to beat.
My husband came here in 1874 and has seen Cairo grow up. He is a gunsmith and has a good business. I have been a nonresident of Lawrence County for eight years, but I still call Sumner home and try to visit there at least once a year.
I have always taken the press. I could not do without it and always am anxious for its arrival. Many times I see sad news and my heart goes out to others who have lost loved ones, for I know what it means.
My maiden name was Kate Staninger
Mrs. H. E Ince
417 Eighth Street
West Salem Illinois [top]
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 cousin 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
Trenton North Dakota [top]
January 3, 1917
To the Editor and readers of the Press:
this opportunity affords me great pleasure, not only in writing but knowing I'll get to hear from so many of my all-time friends.
The woman and kidlets are living in Trenton, in order that the children can be close to school. We have two weeks vacation. The wife and children spent their vacation with me, assisting with butchering. I'm spending the winter on the ranch feeding and milking, save the time I'm on the trail to and from Trenton. I'm truly glad the editor didn't forbid us writing about fishing. You know in the" sucker”r state when we finished planting it was customary to go fishing. For four or five years, when we first came out here we didn't plant corn, consequently we didn't get to go fishing. Last year some of us suckers planted corn so we could have a massive fish. William Dishong, from Buford with a party, came down and J. W. and Henry Bowen arrived on the scene nevertheless we succeeded in landing 29 spoonbill cats or boneless fish, ranging from 15 to 50 pounds while totaling 840 pounds. We gave away all save one apiece. After they were gone we decided to have another bait. This time we met with greater success, in spite of the fact that we thought we had reached the climax the first time. Having finished until noon we decided to gather up the pieces, thinking we had enough to go around. One drag we succeeded in landing 51 of those large spoonbill. Believe me it was all a man could drag and we were all good pullers.
We had to wagon loads totaling 2870 pounds. Now this is a true fish story, but after we gave away all we could, we salted two barrels.
Now, Mr. Editor, if I have drifted from the text, please pardon me.
Will close for this time, hoping I shall receive as many or more letters from my boyhood friends.
Wishing all a happy and prosperous new year, I remain respectfully yours
Earl Irwin
Pollard Arkansas [top]
January 15, 1917
Dear Editor and Readers of the Press:
After a vacation of 30 or more years, I will chronicle a few more lines for the press. This takes me back to my boyhood days in Lukin Township, when I used to seran around for news for the press.
Many changes have taken place since then. One of the most important events in my life occurred on the 24th day of July, 1892, and I took them to myself as wife one of the best Little women from the country afforded-Mary E. Milligan, daughter of David G. Milligan. We were blessed with two children. First a boy, his father's joy came to stay for only a season after which God called him home to a place already prepared.
My baby girl, Hazel, who is now with us.
I am the son of William C. and Phoebe L. Ivie; was raised in Lukin township, Lawrence County Illinois; and am the oldest (and Mary says the best looking one) of a large family of three girls and seven boys, of whom only mother and two sisters reside Lawrence County, father having died eight years ago.
My father being a farmer, I naturally pickup that occupation open my health failed, I sold our farm and chattels, except a team, wagon, and a few belongings, with which, on September 27, 1897, I and my family started Southwest.
After having stopped the first night with Joseph Shearer in Wabash County we took camp life as it came. The weather being fine, we certainly enjoyed the trip overland. We crossed the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau and on October 8, 1897 we crossed the St. Francis River at St. Francis Arkansas. After staying for a time in finding that my health was wonderfully improving, we decided to locate in St. Francis. We have all had splendid health since we came to Northeast Arkansas.
We went into the mercantile business, in which we have continued during the greater part of the time we have been in Arkansas, down nearly 20 years. Recently we sold our business and purchase Highland Farms, which contains 210 acres. There are about 100 acres of fine pastureland, with plenty of spring water, while the remainder is good bottomland, which will grow anything. The farm is located three miles west of Pollard, a thriving railroad town. That we may be near the Farms, we have moved to Pollard, where we will operate the Highland Theatre and do a little real estate business.
Although some 20 years have come and gone, we often talk of times Illinois, speak of friends not seen for years and then, by letter or newspaper, we note the death of others who have gone to meet their reward. And then we think again that the boys and girls of 20 years ago are men and women of today and that returning to Illinois would be like going into a strange land.
I wish you, editors and readers, I happy and prosperous year of 1917
Respectfully,
L. A.. Ivie
Portland Oregon [top]
January 21, 1916
Dear Press People:
My sister Mrs. F. J. Fulton and I left Sumner October 5, 1915 and arrived at Morrill Kansas at our brothers Joe Lasher, October 6. From there we went to my sister's home near Sebaha Kansas and I made a visit there. Then she went on to Los Angeles California for the winter and I went on to Marquette Kansas and spent a month with my son Charles and his family.
On December 15 I started for Portland Oregon.
Arrived here on the 17th. I changed at Pueblo Colorado, Salt Lake City and Ogden Utah, also at Pocatello Idaho, and arrived at Portland in the evening and went to my son's, W. R. Ivie, 7244 fifth Avenue.
We had a family Christmas dinner at son, Everett Ivies, at 1185 50th Avenue, and that children were all present.
I would like to tell of my trip up the Royal Gorge and a lot of other things, but we are to leave the scenery out, so I will just say that I am well, and I don't think anyone ever traveled that enjoyed it hardly so much as I do. This is five times that I have come to Portland, and I am perfectly at home.
Portland is beautiful at the holiday time and already they are beginning to plan for the race carnival in June.
Best wishes for all of the home folks and a happy new year.
Phoebe I. Ivie
Pollard Arkansas [top]
January 15, 1917
Editor Press:
Last year I wrote you for the Pink Press from Portland Oregon, when I was spending the winter with a part of my children.
This time I am writing from the sunny south and, where my eldest son lives.
As this is my 12th trip to this state, there isn't much new to write, but I always want to write a few lines, so all my friends will know where I am and that I am well.
I always enjoy the letters from all the readers of the Press, as I have always read it since it was started.
My late husband W. C. Ivie, was an intimate friend of the first editor so we started with the first edition and always had it follow us on our travels, as I still do. I always am so anxious for the Press.
Wishing you and all the readers of the Press a happy and prosperous year.
I close,
Mrs. W. C. Ivie
Bellevue New Jersey [top]
January 28, 1916
Hello, Home Folks:
am afraid I won't get my letter in that " Pink Press". I have been so busy reading the special edition of the hourly times. Well it was not near so homey or interesting to me as the pink press was, and is going to be an (not readable)
Perl has that chicken farm here in the suburbs, get $.60 a dozen for eggs, Ruby is one of the four who has made over 98 for an average in the New Jersey state examinations. She is now taking the four year course in high school in three years and is standing at the head of the class of 96 freshman.
Mr. Jensen is still a government M. I. in Newark.
I expect to make a visit to my old hometown and you let neighbors this summer.
(Mrs. C. R.) Clem C. Jensen
Thomasboro Illinois [top]
January 15, 1917
Editor Press:
Will write a few lines to the third nonresident issue. I am still located in Champaign County, Condit Township. We live four miles west of Thomasboro and eight miles north of champagne.
We do most of our trading in Champaign as we have a car and don't take long to go when the roads are good. We have two children, Helen age for and Merwin, age 3.
Have made this my home for seven years and think Champaign County is the place to live. I spent all my childhood days in Lawrence County, Petty Township, near Hazel Dell school and always like to visit Sumner where I have some very dear folks. Hoping to hear from many more again.
Cleoa Westall Jervis
Kansas City Missouri [top]
2901 Main Street
Editor Press:
Through courtesy of my cousin, Mrs. Bella Cox, of Bridgeport, I received a copy of the Sumner press on December 31. I am an old Sumner boy. Began in the drug biz in 1880, with W. W. Shepherd then with Joe Christy. Also work one year with John Burget, all of them dead now, but I am still in the drug biz in Kansas City Missouri, best city on the map.
Leroy W. Judy
Called there Roy Judy
Flora Illinois [top]
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
Parker's landing Pennsylvania [top]
January 26, 1916
L. M. Wood & Sons:
On coming home after an absence of almost 4 weeks I found three copies of the press awaiting me. Almost the first article I saw was a calling for nonresidents to come across with fully, hoping to find a stamped envelope, open to find a stamped envelope, a hope for not realized.
Today I read a special notice, with "please let us hear from you," but no stamped envelope.
Since coming home my thoughts have often wandered to Pleasant Hill. Some of my kind friends at that place shipped me a barrel of fine apples for a Christmas gift, and after boarding in a town where we had but few apples, I was in a position to doubly appreciate the gift which I was going to say " Uncle" Dave Stoltz sent, but he might not care to have his name in the Pink Press.
Last spring after a lingering illness, I was taken to a hospital and prepared for an operation, but not operated on.
On October 27, 1915 I was admitted to the Butler County General Hospital and the following morning was operated on for appendicitis and adhesions. My recovery was rapid and I am enjoying better health than for a number of years.
On December 13 I took up a position of Carpenter in a car works. We built cabs to be placed on gondola cars. They are for the French government. The cabs are all shipped knocked down, and place on the cars in France. We completed the first order of 400. The company sent men to France to put up the cabs. I called mother on the phone and told her I thought of going to France. She replied" I think you will not go." I came home but expect to return soon. We will have an order of 1500 cabs to work on which to hold us for some time.
Sincerely yours,
Webster Kapp
Chauncey Illinois [top]
January 23, 1916
Editor Press:
As I used to live in Lawrence County I am sending my contributions to the Pink Press my present home was in southwestern Township in Crawford County Illinois so you see I am not wondered very far from my old home.
I came with my parents from Butler County Ohio to Petty Township in Lawrence County Illinois in the spring of 1850. My old home is about 10 miles North of Sumner in about a mile and a quarter East of Chauncey. My father's name was Richard Greer my mothers name was Katie Greer. There was no Bridgeport, Sumner, or Claremont then, no B. & O. S. W. railroad. My father came by steamboat from Cincinnati to Vincennes and finished the journey in a covered wagon. The country was new. There was not much to see except log cabins and wild grass almost as high as the cabins. I was four years old we came to Illinois but I remember how our cabin looked. It was built with clapboards. The ceiling was boards laid on top of joists. The floor was fastened down with wooden pins instead of nails. The chimney was made of sticks and mud and the cracks between the log were filled with mud. The stairs to go up to the loft were large wooden pegs driven into auger holes in the logs in the corner of the room at the right and left hand alternately. We did not live in that cabin very long, perhaps a year, and then father built a new hewed log house with a long wide porch on each side. It was nicely finished and a very comfortable home it was.
Our school house in those days was a log building which answered the purpose of church and school house in one. We sat on benches made of slabs the legs were wooden pegs driven into auger holes in each end of the seat. There were desks, one on the boys side of the house in one of the girls side. The door was a homemade one and so was the latch. The latch was a leather string tied to it that was put through a hole In the door and hung outside. All we had to do to open the door was to pull down the string latch and the door could be pushed open.
Aunt Fanny Greer taught the first school I ever went to. It was a subscription school. Every man paid according to the number of children he sent. After the school closed, the teacher collected her wages as best she could.
The first letters that came to us were addressed to the Petty Post Office that was five miles from us.
In the spring of 1858 my father, Uncle William Nunn's and Uncle W. H. Brown and a few others laid out the town of Chauncey.
The new frame school house was built there. There an M. E. Church soon followed by an M. P. Watts kept the first store. Sometime in the 60s we got a post office at Chauncey. That was a very important event.
Many changes have taken place since I was young. Perhaps the most important was the coming of the railroad. My father took us out to see the first train that passed over us. In early 60s came coal oil lamps instead of tallow candles. Now we have telephones and rural routes.
For old-time social gatherings there was the peach cutting, apple cutting, the singing school and the spelling school. We had some good spellers too. I believe I would be safe in saying that Charles Goodman and George Daniels could spell any word in the book. If Charles was chosen for one side George would be chosen for the other, so they always had to spell against each other. I remember one night after all the rest were "spelled down" George and Charles spelled against each other until the teacher declared a tie, and dismissed us.
Now Mr. Editor, I believe you said we should write something about ourselves.
In 1873 I was married to Francis Adam Keplinger, since then my home is in Crawford County Illinois. We have had seven children my husband died in 1888, the second son died the same year and the second daughter 10 years after that. The other five are still living and are all doing well for themselves. How am I prospering? Well suffice to say, I have a neat little home and the necessary things of life but with none of the luxuries. Whatever I been doing? I am a housekeeper and well it would take too long until what I have done, now sisters you all know housekeeping brings plenty of work, but it doesn't pay, at least not in dollars and cents. Had my husband lived we might have been more prosperous. He left me with six children, the oldest 14 years of age and the youngest one year. I did the best I could to take care of them until they could take care of themselves. My two daughters are married, and one son in North Dakota, one at home and one at the University of Valparaiso. If I live until August 16 I will be threescore and 10.
Kate Keplinger
Chauncey RR#1 Illinois
Des Moines and Iowa [top]
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 return 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 Barnes, a former Sumner boy, also resides in the Des Moines holding a position with one of the large insurance companies for which Des Moines is noted.
J. 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 S. East Sixth Street
Noble Illinois [top]
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 one 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. Lara Kinkade
Princeton Indiana [top]
January 26, 1916
Editor Sumner Press:
Your notice received, asking me for a letter for your Pink Press edition, which is to appear in the near future.
While neither myself or wife are natives of Illinois yet there were four years of our life (and very happy was indeed) spent in Lawrence County.
In the year 1908 I began teaching school there, taking for my first experience in that profession a rural school southeast of your progressive little city, known and designated Clark. There I spent two consecutive school years. At that time, some 65 pupils were enrolled, and most of the time the teacher was real busy teaching and keeping school. I shall never forget the many days spent in that vicinity, also the many kindly acts and favors of the pupils and patrons. We had feasts on numerous occasions which my vocabulary will not permit me to describe.
We lived in your city almost 2 years, and during that time and since, I have observed the keen interest and enthusiasm which your good citizens have manifested in making your city alive, prosperous and progressive.
After leaving Sumner we moved near Bridgeport, and for two consecutive school years I had charge of Pleasant Grove, another rural school and permit me to say that I had never known a school board, in cooperation with patrons, to be so alert and enthusiastic, consistent with good business principles, in the promotion of educational facilities in comforts, as this board was, which was composed of Messrs, Crook, Eshelman and Cooper. The many good people of that progressive school district and the many good children, whom I learned to know and to love, always have my highest regards and best wishes.
Later we moved to Bridgeport, where I was assistant postmaster for a short time. After leaving that city, I again entered law school at Danville Indiana, and resume the study of law, finishing my work in April 1913. The following May we located at the above city for the practice of my profession.
I am enjoying a good business and we content ourselves in believing this city the best city of its size in the state. We are located at 827 N. Hart Street, where any of our Lawrence County friends are welcome to call by Mrs. Kirk, our little daughters Juanita Lea, Wilma Louisa and myself.
With our best wishes for the editors of the Press, and friends of Lawrence County for health, happiness and prosperity, we are,
Respectfully yours,
Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Kirk
Urbana Illinois [top]
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, a Bridgeport, Ralph Spencer, of Lawrenceville and Levitt Kimmell, of Chauncey.
Wife takes music lessons, except to 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 father table.
William, Nora and George Edward Lathrop
305 S. Grove Street
Lamanda Park California [top]
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 candy 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 in the good old farm life, where I enjoyed milking the cow's, feeding the chickens and gathering the eggs, and the summertime, and in the winter setting rabbit traps, throwing snowballs and skating on the ice. I enjoy 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 [top]
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, your Eurdge, 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 Zezell, 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 his 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 built on the lot and come "home" to Sumner to finish out the time I have to stay.
Yours respectfully,
L. W. Lent
El Dorado Kansas [top]
January 22, 1917
Dear Editor:
Will respond to your invitation to write a letter for the Pink Press.
We are nicely situated in El Dorado and enjoying the best of health. My husband is employed by the Empire Gas and Fuel Company.
There is quite a number of scissorbills here from our hometown including Joe Pargin, Cap Stein, Guy Wagner and others.
Our five-month-old daughter, whom the parents are very fond of provides most of the entertainment for the home.
I was born and reared in Petty Township, my parents are Joseph and Eliza Wagner, who still reside on the old home place. My husband's home was in Petty Township also until two years ago, when we moved to Flat Rock Illinois and from there to El Dorado about two months ago.
Our old hometown, (Sumner) and neighborhood which is six miles northeast of Sumner will always be a dear place to us. It is always the greatest a pleasure to meet old friends and chat with them.
I will not take up more space so will close wishing all a prosperous year.
Yours respectfully,
Mrs. B. M. Longenecker
West Salem Illinois [top]
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.
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 Mallinson
Chicago Illinois [top]
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 happened to me.
I was born on what is known as the Malone farm, 3 1/2 miles southeast of Sumner and which at that time the 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 mainly 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 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 I 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," supposed young man, as you went along to town I had taken a bale of your hay, what would you 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 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 S. Hamilton Avenue
Storm Lake Iowa [top]
January 3, 1917
Dear Editor:
Although I am not an old timer, 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.
I was born on what is known as the Malone farm, in Christy Township, 3 1/2 mile South East of Sumner. At that time belong to my father, William Malone.
One time when I was a little boy, “dad” said to me,"shut the door," I said," that's no door that's a gate, ain’t you got no gumption?”I guess he laughed. But in a few years I started to school at Clark and a new school house with my father as teacher. I had a dog named Gip. He pulled me in a little wagon. My oldest brotherClem, now of Chicago, would lead him, and I was happy and safe as but Piper in his big car.
It was in the year of 1909 I bade my old school days and classmates goodbye and went to Bellflower Illinois, to work on a large farm.
How time does fly. Two leap years have passed and now I am located in the northwest part of Iowa and I look forward to the Press as a letter from home, bringing me the news. I have seen many home papers but I haven't seen any that issued a nonresident Pink Press, so I am glad to take off my hat for our editor.
Since I came to Storm Lake Iowa I have been employed on the Storm Lake Dairy farm. I had an invitation to a dinner in the city and the farmboy found that Mrs. Miller and daughter, Miss Emma, could get up some meal in the city, Harley ate almost as much as he does after the Lukinite scribe gets through at a birthday dinner in old Christy. But I say the Mt. Zion women are some cooks as well, as Mr. Sutherland says.
My heart always has a warm spot for Lawrence County and friends and companions there.
Wishing the Sumner Press continuing success.
I am,
Harley O. Malone
Sullivan Indiana [top]
January 25, 1916
To the Readers of the Sumner Press:
As we are very much interested in Lawrence County's progress I will write just a few words for the makeup of the nonresident issue.
My mother with six children moved to Lawrence County in the year of 1872. We located three miles South East of Sumner, in Christy Township, where I live for about 40 years. But, alas times have changed. We realize we are older and many of our schoolmates as well as our own dear kindred, are sleeping in Mt. Zion and other cemeteries.
But since our leaving of about a year ago and over changes have been made there, and oh so many deaths.
We are located about 1 1/2 miles from town due North on the Sullivan and Terre Haute road.
This is a fine country and we find the people sociable and friendly.
We live in three or 400 yards of J. L. Nesbit, whom the people in your town know. He deals in buying and selling horses.
We are nicely located here and will briefly say we are dealing in the poultry lines. We have gotten from 2 to 5 dozen eggs per day ever since December 1. Eggs have been selling at $.30 per dozen.
If any of our old friends need anything in the poultry line we can accommodate them to the utmost. Our breeds are the Rhode Island and White Leghorns.
A Bible reading began here in Sullivan, conducted by brother Daniel Sommer. The progress has been great and we find him to be an able instructor.
In conclusion of our paper, will say our health is as well as we could expect and our little grandson Joseph Richard Mathis, is well and growing fast and can talk a few words. With best wishes, I remain
Very truly yours,
J. A. Marley
McLeansboro Illinois [top]
January 18, 1917
I thought someone younger than I ought to writing this time. This is the third time that I have written.
I was born in Brown County Ohio January 29, 1843 so you see I am 75 years old.
My parents moved to Illinois in 1853, and settled five miles south of Sumner, and one mile west, in old Lukin Township. We came to Lawrenceville. It was not much of a town then, although an old place. Came to Bridgeport. There was one store in it. Uncle Sam Thorne kept it. That was before the trains run on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. They ran in 1854. Wiley Edmondson kept a store where P. W. Sutherland now lives, also kept post office.
I was married to Ursula Flite? In 1876. Left there in 1881. There were me and my wife and my brother Jackson, his wife and two children. We went out to Missouri, and went through some fine country, the land was higher there than back in Illinois. Came back to Hamilton County Illinois. There were some folks living down there formerly from Sumner.
Jackson lost his wife in 1910. We live about 10 miles apart. My wife took down in the spring of 1913 with heart and kidney troubles. She was under doctors care about 30 months. On September 2, 1916, her spirit took flight to God who gave it. She was a good woman and the best to me there was in the world. I feel very sad and lonesome. No place feels like home to me. I have a family living with me. They are very good to me, still they don't make it feel like home.
I had the rheumatism all last summer. Feel stiff and sore yet, still can't get around very well.
George W. Martin
RFD No. 8
Jackson Mississippi [top]
January 26, 1916
Editor Press:
My maiden name was Barnes. I was raised on a farm about half a mile east of White House church, in Lawrence County, Bridgeport Township.
Came to Jackson Mississippi about seven years ago for my health, and I am still in the land of beautiful flowers. I am living with my niece and her two sons, Mrs. Susan Miller.
There are a number of people here from the North and the greater number like this country for mild winters. We have quite a lot of flowers in bloom in our yard at this time.
I would like to see all my relatives, old friends and neighbors, but it's a long way up to the old home, and as I have a pleasant home and quite a number of friends here, I am perfectly satisfied.
We all appreciate the Sumner Press, which through the kindness of my nephew and niece, J. L. and Dell Barnes, find its way to Jackson once each week.
Respectfully,
Lou Mayo
RFD 5
Carlock Illinois [top]
January 10, 1917
Editor Press:
Through the kindness of someone, I received your Pink Paper last year. Was really surprised to see the letters from so many people I used to know that are now scattered all over the United States.
I went to school at the Beulah log school house when it was first built in the woods where the M.E. church now stands and I still remember many who went to school there. I could write a long letter about those times.
I have lived here in Carlock, McLean County, Illinois for 30 years. I have been employed by the New York Central Railroad all these years.
Please send me the Pink Sheet as soon as is published and I will surely read through before I lay it away. Find enclosed $.10 for the same.
Yours truly,
George McCann
Parkersburg Illinois [top]
January 26, 1917
Editor Press:
I lived in Lawrence County, Lukin Township, until I was married. My name was Emma Shick. I was married to G. G. McGuire June 2, 1872. To this unit were born seven children four died in infancy, and three living, as follows: P. G. McGuire lives at Clifton Illinois and is section foreman; Stella Osborne lives in Lawrenceville, and Tine Maguire lives on a farm.
Very truly,
Mrs. G. G. McGuire
Dulin Missouri [top]
January 24, 1916
Dear Sirs:
I will write a few lines to the nonresident issue.
Old Lawrence County used to be our home.
I was the second daughter at Mr. and Mrs. Joseph miles, living 10 miles northwest of Lawrenceville.
I married Charles McNece, son of Mr. and Mrs. George McNece, of Petty. We move from the J. R. King farm, three miles North and one mile West, to SE. Missouri, near Bernie, Stoddard County, 10 years ago, afterwards moving to Butler County, 15 miles South of Popular Bluff, on the Black River. There are six of us in the family. We have four children, all boys.
We are readers of the Press and greatly appreciate our old home paper.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Charles McNece
Topeka Kansas [top]
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 [top]
January 15, 1915
Mr. Editor:
in response to your request for a letter for your non-resident if you, I will attempt same and trust it will be appreciated by the readers, as I know we will certainly have great pleasure in reading their letters.
We left Sumner 12 years ago next August, having lived there 18 years, with the exception of one 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 & science and I. H. Bunn. Mr. may and Mr. Bunn, excellent man, both have since gone to their reward. I accepted a position with the Buckskin Breeches company of Evansville, and moved to Seymour Indiana
, and travel 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. 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 nonresident 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 building 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 N. Ewing Street Seymour Indiana telephone 792R. The doorbell is broken that when in the city knock and enter.
Very truly yours,
C. S. Milburn
Olney Illinois [top]
January 10, 1916
To The Editor of The Sumner Press
Here's to the Pink Sheet. I was born in Lawrence county Illinois Christy Township, March 9, 1855, 2 1/2 miles south of Sumner. I lived there until 1880 and then moved to Richland County where I stayed until the fall of 1887 and moved back to the Sam Gould farm, and then moved back to Olney in 1883 and entered the service of the O. & M. Railroad and now the B. & O. and am still in its service. I have served 16 years as coroner for Richland County and six as deputy coroner.
I attended school at Old Center School house and Beulah school in the old log house. The only teachers now living are James Hull and Thomas Stevens, of Sumner.
Yours,
Joseph Miller
Tuscola Illinois [top]
January 30, 1916
Editor Press:
Enclosed find one dollar please give credit on my subscription.
We have taken the press ever since we moved north. It is like getting a letter from home.
We left Lawrence County in 1897 came to Douglas County and located in Tuscola Illinois, it is the county seat of one of the best counties in the state-the garden spot of Illinois-black, rich soil and level country. There isn't any waste land in the County. This is a good place for a man that has energy and push to get a start.
I would say to my friends, I am in the livery business, have a good trade and have no reason to regret leaving Lawrence County though I have many friends there and enjoy very much a trip back once a year for a few days visit.
Boost the press and give us all the news, and oblige.
R. E. Milligan
Winter Haven Florida [top]
January 16, 1917
Editor of Sumner Press:
I am pleased to write a few lines for your paper from the land. I now dwell. Wife and I left Lawrenceville November 23, stopped off at Nashville, arrived here November 29 ate Thanksgiving turkey with the Mavis whom we have known for 30 years. The climate here is fine. Climate is the main thing. We are doing light housekeeping enjoying the sunny south fine. I have visited St. Petersburg and the gulf. Expect to backtrack by Saint Augustine and other southern towns
D. S. Moore
St. Louis Missouri [top]
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
Texarkana Texas [top]
January 18, 1917
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Osborn, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Jones and family, and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Siebert and family, all former residents of Sumner Illinois, now residing at Texarkana Texas all satisfied and doing well but every Saturday we are looking for the mailman to bring the Sumner Press, to get the news from Sumner and surrounding country
Respectfully yours,
J. A. Osborn
Ohio [top]
January 18, 1916
Press Editor and Friends:
Will write a few lines for the special edition of the Sumner Press hoping some old-time friends may read these few lines.
I formally lived in Crawford County, near Landes, also in West liberty, Jasper County, where most of my school days were spent. My maiden name was Lizzie Neighbor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Neighbor, my mother's father was Benjamin Howell, deceased. We moved from Illinois when I was 17 years of age, and here, in 1908 I was married to Morris Parks, and have one son, Vernon, five years of age.
My parents are both living and enjoying good health.
Would be pleased to hear from any old friends who may read these few lines. Will certainly answer them.
With best wishes for the Sumner press and all of its readers for a pleasant 1916 I close
Respectfully,
Mrs. Morris Parks
Arkansas [top]
February 2, 1917
Dear Editor:
That was pink press Through the comments of the pink press we take the pleasure of letting our many friends in and around old Sumner hear from us again. We so often think of our many friends and loved ones, and how often that old familiar song rebounds to our memory, and so true, “how dear to our hearts are the scenes of our childhood." Then we think what a pleasure it would be to be there again. But there have been so many sad changes, it would hardly be home again.
Before going farther for the benefit of some who may not know will give ourselves a brief introduction.
I, being the son of N .J. Pence was born and raised in Christy Township 40 half miles southeast of Sumner. My wife was the third daughter of P. W Shick born and raised in Lukin Township five miles South of Sumner.
We have one black-eyed girl, five years old, Helen Clarice. I am sorry to say she is getting the Arkansas brogue to perfection.
We moved from Fort Worth Texas, to Hamburg, February 1915, and think this is a good place to live. Hamburg is a County seat of Ashley County located in the southeast part of the state. Population about 2000, with good schools, churches, water and light plant, several sawmills, one stave mill.
We have a little farm adjoining the town on the East on which we raise a goodly supply of our living. I, being engaged the last 18 months in a general merchandise store, my wife, with the help of the darkey, there's a greater part of the farming, and can say she has made good, especially on sweet and Irish potatoes. The latter especially, as we still have plenty in the patch to dig potatoes as we need them.
We have mild winters and a long growing season, which makes this a fine stock country in a very desirable place to live. We would be glad to have more people here from the North. Not only my wife and I, but the people here hold the latch stirring on the outside with the same hospitality.
Thanking the editor for giving the wanderers this pleasure of writing all our friends and giving us the privilege of hearing from so many at the same time,
wishing you all a prosperous new year, we are
Very respectfully yours,
L. J. Pence and family
Hayti Missouri [top]
January 17, 1917
Sumner Press:
Enclosed find check for $1.25 per subscription to the Sumner press. Will say in regard to your bank she issued. I certainly enjoy reading the many letters from my old home folks.
As to myself, my home is still in southeast Missouri. Pemiscot County, the corner County, Hayti my town. Am still in the hardware and implement business enjoying a very nice trade.
I feel well, my family is well, have plenty to eat and where.
I go home to your town once or twice a year to visit my father and mother, northeast of Sumner. I love to come back where I was a boy.
I have two children married. I am also grandpa. When I think of all this, it makes it feel a little old.
Wishing you and all friends and relatives in Lawrence County, a happy and prosperous New Year.
Yours,
Frank Perkins
Bonesteel South Dakota [top]
January 15, 1917
Dear Editor and Friends:
I am still in town farming some of the summer. I am getting used to Western Prairie and some Indians now. I was not used to the Redskins when I first came here. I was sent to haul wood (for a man who has a part Indian woman) from a gulch about five miles west of the nearest white man's house. Mr. Patton went along with the first load and then sent me alone. As I was loading I saw three large Indians slipping down the bluff hiding behind trees coming closer, keeping their guns pointed at me. Although I had been warned not to fear Indians if they tried to get me to pay for the wood, I was not looking for them in that style. I was told not to give them money. They came up, talked Indian, grunted, pointed at the wood, then at me, shook their heads, talked among themselves. I made out to tell them the wood was for Frank Patton. Finally they left me, about 100 yards away they turned and laughed and said in good English, “did you say that wood was for Patton."," I said" yes." They only laughed and left. Afterwards when I became their mail carrier they told me that they had me well scared if I didn't give them money. I afterward heard that some have been held up by two and sometimes three sets of Indians on a single trip for wood. They call it an Indian trick, and sure they enjoy it better than I did. This country is better settled now and such tricks cannot be played here anymore.
My old home, as most of you know was on the Lawrence and Richland County line, Southwest of Sumner, where father and brother still live. I was an old Beulah schoolboy when C. D. Carter taught there. I am glad to see so many of our homeboys coming to the front. It makes me feel proud of home. I think the Christian influence of that locality is the cause of the advancement. I am still glad to get the press here regularly. As my subscription is out in February I will send my renewal now.
Your old friend,
Samuel W Perrott
Urbana Illinois [top]
January 29, 1917
L. M. Woods & Sons:
I find it a most difficult task to attempt an autobiography at such an early period in life, but since your request has some such meaning, I shall, at least, give the place of my birth.
I am the eldest son of W. W. Petty, and was born in Christy Township.
I taught in Lawrence County schools six years but since that time I have lived in Champaign and McLean County. While McLean County I was principal of Carlock school one year, but upon completing my four year course at Illinois State Normal University, I came to Urbana, where I am now serving my third term as principal of Weber school.
My wife (formerly Miss Harriet Holsen, of Lukin) and I like Urbana very much. This is a very desirable place to live. In fact there is no better for a teacher to live than here. The open doors of our great state University afford untold opportunities for professional and educational and cultural growth. Mrs. Petty and myself spend many evenings attending lectures and various courses, and the programs at the University.
We will look forward with pleasure, for the Pink Press issue shall bring us glad tidings from many friends.
Very truly yours,
Alvin French Petty and Wife
Pomona California [top]
January 15, 1917
Editor Press:
With pleasure I write the press as one of the stragglers from the old home of Lawrence County Illinois.
I left there in September 1886. Stopped one year in Missouri, Then came to Pomona California. Have been here ever since.
I was born in Petty Township Lawrence County Illinois. Live there 49 years. Saw the country grow from a very thinly settled country to it thickly settled country.
I was 11 years old when the first school house was built in that section. I went to school the long-term of three months each year. My parents paid for our schooling at that time there was no free school system then.
When I came to Los Angeles County, California, there were about 100,000 people in the County, now there are something like 2 million here, it has become a great County, especially to elect presidents.
We are all well here and doing well and glad we are living to enjoy this beautiful climate.
I want to say that I enjoy reading the letters from the folks I knew years ago in the old state of Illinois.
Yours truly,
Moses Petty
Marshfield Wisconsin [top]
January 26, 1916
Editor Press:
As I have never written to the press I will try to write a few lines. We still live at Marshfield, 7 1/2 mile south. We came to this state 12 years ago next April. All have had very good health since we came here. My maiden name was Hester L. Kirkpatrick. My old home was in Lukin township, on the Deacon Craig farm. I remember the melons and all the good things of Egypt.
Hester L. Phillips
Spokane Washington [top]
3317 W. Liberty
Editor Press:
During the pilgrimage of the Shriners to Seattle, some time ago, hundreds of the faithful stopped in Spokane, for a few hours.
Hotel Davenport was headquarters for the red caps and their friends. On Sunday afternoon a large patrol band from Akron Ohio, was giving a concert in the hotel lobby, to the delight of a great number of people. A new delegation arrived, work their way through the ground to the fountain and began singing "Illinois". The big band stopped, women shouted, handkerchiefs and flags waved, men whooped. I was amazed and delighted at the demonstration. Not all of those who applauded wherefrom Illinois, but a great many were and you could tell the loyal son from the “pep” he put into the expression
There is something in the very system of the native son of Illinois that really makes him rise up or widen out, or both, when he hears the old state mentioned.
And, do you know, to the wanderer, who has left friends and relatives and " gone into a far-off country." There are frequent days of reminiscence. In this my mind goes back to old Bridgeport. Not the present modern, progressive little city, but to the time when one schoolhouse, one teacher, one water bucket and one old rusty tin cup were sufficient for that 35 or 40 boys and girls, to a time when two small churches held the worshipers from far and near, a time when the village council was chief regulator of all municipal and many private matters, when the post office had 36 boxes and Lancaster, Friendsville and Mt. Carmel were served by Star route carried from Bridgeport.
When you could get for tintype photos for $.50, butter $.10 per pound, and eggs three dozen four a quarter.
Those were days of pleasantness and our paths were peace. No worry about gasoline or punctured tires or whether every particle of food was strictly sanitary. When the cow and horse where the household friends and the dog and a shotgun man's chief means of sport, and all this in Illinois, Illinois.
We are now located in Spokane Washington. Since last letter the family has increased one, a grandson born to Fraser and wife, Helen came over from Helena Montana for the holidays and we had one old-fashioned time, having been remembered by postal, letter and otherwise from many friends in the old home state. We certainly enjoyed the Christmas season.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark M. Piper
Chatham Illinois [top]
January 17, 1916
Editor the Sumner Press,
Dear Sir and Friend:
As I greatly enjoyed reading your Pink Edition last year, it would appear selfish not to contribute a few lines to the forthcoming nonresident number.
We left Sumner 5 1/2 years ago, after a sojourn of four years, the memories of which are chiefly agreeable and the good people of Sumner have a warm place in our hearts.
3 1/2 years immediately succeeding, we enjoyed the quiet of a country charge, leaving it for our present field something more than two years ago. We are very pleasantly located 10 miles Southwest of Springfield, on the ITS and C. & A, which give us convenient access to the outside world.
We are very comfortably housed in a nine room manse near the public square and have a bunch of good neighbors about us.
I have pastoral care of two congregations, one in the village and the other five miles out. The work has been somewhat strenuous, but the results quite satisfactory.
I have recently been enjoying (?) And enforced vacation, beginning with a sojourn in the hospital, but am slowly recovering and hope to resume full work in a few weeks. My people have been most generous and kindly sympathetic through it all, and we had been remembered in this substantial way, our Christmas gifts including I purse of yellow coin from the Chatham congregation.
We desire, through this medium, to convey all our Sumner friends the assurance of our friendship and best wishes for their material and spiritual welfare
Joseph H. Piper
West Liberty Illinois [top]
January 23, 1915
Dear Editor:
I was born in Franklin County Pennsylvania in 1834. In 1850 my father, Abraham Piper, mother, Uncle Robert Piper, Brother Will, and myself came in an old-fashioned, high wheeled, covered wagon from Pennsylvania to Illinois and located in Christy Township, Lawrence County. At this time there was no Sumner, no B. & O. Railroad.
The County was wild with deer, wild hogs, wild turkeys, cataniounts, foxes, lynx, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and minks were more numerous than the rabbit is here 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.
No 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 aid 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 the same time. There, don't you think we had a glorious time.
In June, 1863, 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 in three dead. My second wife's maiden name was Lucy Ann Fenis. To this union seven children were born. Three living in four dead. All the present number of living children are as follows: six children, 21 grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
My present home is in Saint 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 coon hunt, and I still enjoy hunting as much as ever.
Yours respectfully,
T. E. Piper
Alabama [top]
Editor Press:
My father and mother are here to escape the winter weather of Illinois and spend the season in our sunny South, to bask in the delights of the climate, oranges, fish, oysters, greens, etc. Of the Gulf Coast and it was in their press that I saw your request concerning the Pink Paper and I send here with a little sketch of my crazy quilt experience since bidding adieu to Lawrence County as my home.
I taught school two years at Decatur, Illinois, beginning in 1898, then quit the school room and went to the rich lands of southern Missouri, to make a fortune raising corn and cattle, and after I had what looked like a fair start, was married to Miss Ella Wright of Maud, Wabash County, and in the language of the South, carried my bride to our new prospect, which looked very promising, but the unhealthy climate made our stay very short, and it impossible as a permanent home.
I've then purchased a half interest in a grocery business in Mt. Carmel where I remain for two years, sold that and again took up the birch at the same time considering an appointment for Mrs. Prout and I as missionaries, which we finally accepted in December, 1903.
We were obliged to give up the mission work in June, 1907, on account of Mrs. Prout health, and moved to Chicago, where I finish my studies in electrical engineering and worked at that business for 2 1/2 years, when the people at the mission pled with us that if it were possible for us to do it that we could return to the mission work, which we did, and remained there until this year, when we face the problem of deciding between sending our boy away to high school or move where he might enjoy the advantages of a home, and we chose the latter, building up a home on a tract of land that we had previously purchased in the orange belt of the Gulf Coast and if it were not barred, we might say many things about our oranges, climate, etc. that would likely bring a flock of real estate men to our section.
With kind regards and best wishes to all my friends in Lawrence County and hoping to see familiar letters from many of them in the Pink Press, I remain as ever,
A Lawrence County boy,
Willis Prout
Bellflower Illinois [top]
January 22, 1917
Dear Friends:
Although I have not long been a “wanderer from Lawrence County" someone from somewhere might be wondering “whither I had wondered."
I lived in Lukin Township, Lawrence County, until four years ago when I came to McLean County to work on a farm. After spending some time year I decided that this was the place for me. A little more than a year ago I married one of our northern girls, Miss Lulu Innis, on a farm where we are now living the free life that only the farm affords.
On January 19, 1917, a little girl weighing nine pounds came to enjoy life with us and also to increase our joy.
Although not so far from former friends we Miss you and very heartily invite you to our happy home.
Bring with you a breath of the "Hills" a freeze softer than that which often sweeps our" prairie" and the latest news from" home".
Sincerely,
Ira Provines,
Bellflower, Illinois
Calhoun Illinois [top]
January 15, 1916
Mr. Editor:
I will try to write a few lines for the Pink Press. William W. Provines was born in Ashland County Ohio, August 4, 1844. He came to Lawrence County with my parents John S and the Louisa Provines, in the fall of 1855. We came in wagons camping at night and having a good time.
My father was assessor several times and collector three or four times. He took the census over the County once. He first settled on the place my brother J. A. Provines now owns. Afterwards bought Richard Ridgely's place, where he lived until his death in 1865. I lived at home with my mother and little children, tended farm and help to raise them.
In 1866 I was married to Miss Caroline M. Higgins, daughter of Barney and Lucretta Higgins. To this union were born nine children-five girls in four boys-Mrs. Minnie Payne, Laura M. Henry-she is dead, Inez Bunn-she is also dead; T. H. Provines, in Newell South Dakota, Eli F. Provines, Mary Heckler; Austin L. Provines, Willie F. Provines, Catherine Lee Harrison, all of whom are living in Richland County.
We are now living alone as we started, I and my wife, through life 50 years next Friday, January 21.
We live in the country until 1882, when we moved to Sumner. I work for Bradenthrall and Brians the first year and then bought a dray and ran it for 10 years, then sold out and rented a farm one year and lived on it a while, then sold out and went on a wild goose chase and moved to Southeast Missouri. We did not like it out there so we came back to Illinois and bought our home back. I saw the first cars or train that went to Sumner on the fourth day of July and had been a reader of the press ever since it started, and I could hardly do without it, as it always tells about the old people of Sumner, but they have nearly all passed over the River, only a few that I know are left.
Well, I will close or my letter will be too long.
William W. Provines
[pic]
Salida Colorado [top]
January 12, 1917
To my Old Friends of Sumner:
I send greetings for the year 1917 and wish you happiness and prosperity. Also many thanks to the editor of the Sumner Press for the privilege of again getting together in this way.
We came to Salida from Grand Junction Colorado, last spring. The boys came over first got jobs on cattle ranches. Mildred and I came later to live in Salida. It is a lovely little city. We have made many good friends, but are here to stay only for a short time.
Some of you will remember John Rawlings at Richland County. He is located here, is a well-known conductor on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad he wished us to come here and try our luck in Salida we have done well and are not sorry we came here.
In July we all went over in San Luis Valley to work on a hay ranch, the boys in a, Mildred and I do the cooking for 14 to 17,000,000. All had a nice time, if we did work pretty hard. You can imagine what hayfields they are in that Valley when it takes two months to harvest it.
I made many friends while there and did not like the idea of leaving them, but intend to see more of them in the future as we all felt so much at home among them.
Mildred and I came back here and the boy stayed over in that country for some time.
You may hear from us at any old place, as we are trying to better ourselves and will go until we do so, and in that meantime see all the country we can, then settled down on a home of our own, where we like it best, and where we do best.
I often hear from Grand Junction and friends there, among them Charles Shafer. He is the same Charlie and is doing well he has a fine wife and two nice boys, has always been a good true friend of my family and of course, I love all of his family too.
My thoughts often wondered to dear old Illinois to a certain little town called Sumner, two old friends, mother, sister and my dear brother there. I hear from all as mother is a good correspondent and keeps me in form of most all that happens in that old hometown. She sends me a press once in a while, so I feel as though I am with you all the time.
I could call to mind any amount of incidents of migrant life in Sumner that had not been told before in the pink press, but it would be just awful to make some of you old girls blush (at our age). We did some ridiculous things and had lots of fun at our parties and club parties alone (with no boys), at father Hawkins, Mrs. Morgan's, Sam Turners, Lide Jones and Mrs. Lewis. I often think of Belle Lewis, who was the life of our set, and dear friend she will always be with us in thought of those other days and I for one, will always missed her, as I think of my girl hood days in Sumner. Where is one of my favorites-Tiny Mckenish? She was a sweet little brown eyed girl to me. Molly Hoopes, do you ever feel ashamed of the capers we kept at Mrs. Lewis with Molly David, Belle and I? Say, if our girls would do as we did then, there would be something doing at our house, don't you think? Allee Morgan, you were in the bunch at times also. Lide Jones, you, too. and Tilla Turner, it was not your fault (as well as Lide Lent) that you were not with us more than you were. You wish to be, but you were married, and your good husband did not know the half of it either. No, I will not tell now. Where ignorance is bliss, you know. I could mention the names of more of you girls, but I just tell of the worst ones so the rest of you be thankful I do not.
The boys, oh, they were all nice good boys (as far as I knew) in those days. I had no stories to tell about them. Reese Jones used to come to our house quite often. He would play the harp (he was good too with the harp). I would second on the organ. John Bartram could play the violin to perfection (so I thought). I love music and do yet. I still love an organ if they are out of style now. Love to play one as much as in those old times.
I hope to see letters from all old friends who, like me, have wandered far from old home.. I love to read them so all right, and let us keep this Pink Press coming to us each and every year. It will do someone else good as well as ourselves. Good wishes and do not forget your friend in the West is the best wish of
Emma Ruark Rawlings
Formerly of Sumner Illinois and Doctor of Mrs. M. F. Klingier
Kansas City Missouri [top]
February 2, 1917
Mr. Editor and Readers:
As I am still away from home, I would like to take part in the homecoming list, hoping my letter will not be too late, as I had intended to write on time, but as you will remember from my letter I wrote you some time ago, I am taking treatment for cancer in this place and at times the treatment is so severe we don't feel like writing for a time after, but as our motto is “keep smiling," as we survive, we go back about the regular routine of affairs. So if I am a little late I beg pardon.
I left Bridgeport December 15, 1916, and as any mother knows, I have had a great battle with nature to keep from being homesick, or having the blues, as we call it.
I am still improving and still have great hopes of coming home in the near future. Anyway I think I will not have to stay as long as I have already been here, which was seven weeks yesterday (Thursday).
Have had the pleasure at meeting several of Doctor Johnson's patients that have been cured and came back to visit the Institute. They are still recommending his treatment and praising Doctor Johnson. My daughter being always with me, hinders me from getting to take a good old-fashioned cry, as I had indulged in many times before she came.
There are about 75 or 80 patients at this place down and the list is still growing. I have privileged to see at least 25 persons go home cured since I came and some that are going soon so I think if I continue to improve I will be among the list someday, that will go home well. I have not been able to find the church of my choice in this town, therefore the Sunday seems the longest day for us, as we stay home most of the day.
Last Saturday was a great day for the small children at the convention hall. I thought it would be a great treat to see so many little folk, so we went, and as we watched the pictures come and go, it was made plain to me why the young people of the large cities or in such spiritual darkness. So void of the grace of God as they see these awful lies pictured out. No wonder our so-called Christian nation is in such a state of superstition and hedonism, and to think that parents will take their children to watch these things and bring them up under such influences is astonishing. We only have to read the last chapter in the Bible to find out where to class the people that maketh 11th a line. There is one thing for which I have always been thankful, a relish for the truth of God and confidence I have in God's eternal shall, for, except we become as little children we can nowise enter the kingdom. Can we comprehend the innocency of a child under the age of accountability. The simplicity of their manner the obedience of faith they exercise towards us as parents. Why not strive to follow the example rather than turn to our own ways.
Well, perhaps I am taking too much space, but when the shadows are gathering and deathbeds are coming, no one will be heard to say I have lived too careful and too holy in this life for if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the sinner and ungodly appear.
Well I have been trying to get to a stopping place and maybe you will have not room for this much, but I think it perfectly in order to hold religious service at a homecoming. Someone else about on this our annual homecoming is in October. All who wish to come and enjoy the day are cordially invited.
I still feel that the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want any good thing. Eye hath not seen or ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man what God hath in store for those that love him, Corinthians 2:9.
By admonishing all who will to search the Scriptures for in them we think we have eternal life, I will close.
Yours truly
Mrs. H. D. Rigall
The Aviation Field [top]
San Antonio Texas
January 29, 1917
Editor Sumner Press
I am a little late, but will try to get in a few lines. I am seated in a tent four miles northeast of San Antonio Texas, and am writing this letter by the light of a tallow candle, so please excuse mistakes.
I am glad to have a chance to put a few lines in the Pink Press and will be very much pleased to read the many letters from people who have wandered from our dear old neighborhood to different parts of the United States. In all of my wanderings I have never seen a place that I like quite as well as Old Illinois.
Very respectfully,
F. M. Roberts
Corpl. Co. C. 19th Inf.
Fort Sam Houston, Texas
Eureka Illinois [top]
January 28, 1915
Dear Sumner Press:
I am glad to join this homecoming.
I was born in Gibson County Indiana and lived eight years in my native state. I lived 30 years at Chauncey and 20 years in other parts of Illinois, 16 years in Marion County. For 18 months I have been doing fieldwork. I have been preaching 26 years.
I am 58 years of age and was never stronger than now. My wife Clara Correll, has been the best of companions for about 31 years. We have six children Gus, Wilford, Mary, Paul, Jenny and James. Gus lives in Chicago, the rest are at home in Eureka Illinois.
My heart often turns to friends in old Lawrence County.
J. F. Rosborough
Hardinsville Illinois [top]
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. In. Carlisle. I shall never forget his good advice, which he gave me, for I was a boy 20 years old then and needed good advice. It was at Chauncey Christian church where I gave my heart to Christ 20 years ago. All I have to regret is that I did not enlist earlier in life.
I wish I could meet with the people of Chauncey and worship with them. I want to tell them all where I live, Hardinsville Illinois. I run a livery barn in 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
Hillemann Arkansas [top]
January 10, 1916
Dear Editor:
I thought I would write you a few lines in answer to your request for a letter from nonresidents. I am a subscriber to the Sumner press. We receive the paper on Saturdays and we are always glad to hear from the home folks.
I left Landes Illinois, Southwest Township, the 14th day of September 1914 and moved to Hunter Arkansas, Woodruff County and lived there until January 7, 1915, when moved to Hillemann Arkansas, where I now live. I taught school in Hunter last winter. Am now teaching in Hillemann Arkansas where I now live. I taught 20 days for a month. The scholars, as a rule are well behaved and good workers although I notice more sickness here than in schools in Illinois mostly malaria and chills.
The people of Southwest Township that remember how sick I was when I was up there last fall, on a visit, will be surprised when I say I have not been sick a day since I came back. I don't mean to say that it is healthier down here they and There, but the change in the climate seems to affect anyone going from the south to the north.
Well, I must say that I can hear the frogs croaking tonight. This has meant a very open winter, so far, and we had a fine crop of corn and cotton, with a good price this year.
We are the only Sumner people here, but six mile South, Center, Arkansas, Mark Mushrush of Sumner, and Robert Lieb of Landes, live.
We farmed last Sumner, but this fall we sold our horses, cattle and hogs and moved to town, next to the school house, so I am real handy to school. We still have two milk cows, nine sheep and one little lamb.
My wife, who's maiden name was Florence Cotterell, is enjoying good health, only sometimes when she reads in the Sumner press about parties and oyster suppers in Southwest Township she has what I call the Arkansas blues, that is, wanting to go back to Illinois. She says to tell you she got a deer hide rug, a pair of ladies rubber boots (for they are sure the go here) one half stock of bananas and all the oranges, candy, apples and peanuts she could eat for Christmas.
There is lots of lagrippe and pneumonia in this part of Arkansas.
Well, I must close, by wishing you success and happiness in.
From your happy Arkansas pilgrims,
Mr. and Mrs. Emery E. Shaw
Vincennes Indiana [top]
January 22, 1916
Editor Press:
Being born and raised in Christy Township Lawrence County Illinois and now residing in Vincennes Indiana, allow space for just a few words for the Pink Press as I enjoyed reading the many good letters of nonresidents last year. I think those letters were great. As we get the address and hear from our old-time friends, it brings before us our childhood days and longing for dear friends that have assisted in times gone by.
My first school was just West of Sumner, in an old log cabin without any floor. This was a subscription school. My father lived on the Dr. Burget farm, which is, I believe now owned by William Piper. My next school was at Center. T.M. Stevens, of your city, was teacher Benjamin Umfleet, then came the old time honored C. B. Carter as instructor and Burget Brian, Edward Shick, A. C. Shick, Dolph Fiscus and many others, with myself, about marching around that old box stove for three days to pay for eating popcorn in time of school. My next school was old Buckhorn, managed by H. Curry, and A. J. Provines, Bob Martin, Joe Snyder and others if we did not pull some hickory roots that winter. I finished up my schooling at Franklin, Perry Watson, Henry Perkins, William Malone were teachers.
I helped build the little church just across the field-Mt. Zion and in the yard their lives father, mother, sister and many friends and among our old friends that are still in the neighborhood of Mt. Zion are William Simms, Christopher and Elisha Day and Eber Putman.
I served apprenticeship for three years under the instructions of the Lukinite man, P. W. Sutherland, to learn a trade and thanks to P.W. for the trade and many good times we had together.
I then married one of Sumner's good-looking girls and moved to Sumner, the best little city in the world and where, if you are right, the good people are always ready to lend a hand. We raised a family of six children, three of them here, one in Lawrenceville, one in Chicago, and one little girl lies in the Sumner city cemetery and some day we will come back there to rest.
The Sumner press has been a constant visitor every week for 33 years and we still think it's a great paper and with my childhood memories going back to Lawrence County, why should I not think it the best place on earth.
I will eagerly await your Pink Press.
Yours truly,
Abner Schick
Vincennes Indiana
1225 N. 10th Street
De Lassus Missouri [top]
November 25, 1916
Publishers Press:
Sumner having been our home town for many years, and being interested in anything and everything that Sumner does, we are naturally interested in seeing that the Pink Press is as great if not greater success than it was last year. It certainly was fine to hear from so many friends and neighbors that we knew nothing of their whereabouts until seeing their names in the Pink Press.
We are all enjoying the best of health, and the past year was fairly prosperous for us. We have a small country place 91 miles south of St. Louis on the Iron Mountain Railroad. I find raising vegetables and chickens very pleasant work, and enjoy much better health than when I lived in East St. Louis, where we resided for 12 years before coming down here. Our three youngest children are still in school. The two oldest in the eighth grade, and the youngest one in the fifth.
Trusting that nothing will delay the publishing of the Pink Press on the appointed date, and that by it we may hear from many old friends, I am
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. A. C. Shick
Lebanon Illinois [top]
January 28, 1916
Editor Press:
At this late date I will inform you and our dear friend of Lawrence County that we are still in Lebanon, and are enjoying a reasonable portion of health, and sometimes our good neighbors throw enough over the fence and we have a square meal that makes us feel encouraged.
We are still milking a few cows and dealing in Buff Rock chickens.. We are very much pleased with the press. Always glad when Thursday comes as it most always brings the press, which is like getting a letter from home and makes our minds wander back to old Lawrence County where we spend our young days.
We are very much pleased and appreciate very much the articles written from one of your epistles way down in the state of Galilee (no not Galilee, excuse me) I mean in the state of Lukin, where Jack Provines used to come in on us at campaign time and furnish the largest broom I ever saw. Those are great days. Write often and we will like it all the better.
Now in conclusion we send our best wishes and regards to all our Lawrence County friends where ever they may have drifted.
D. L. Schick
Terre Haute Indiana [top]
January 17, 1917
Sumner Press:
One year gone again and still find us in, " The Pittsburgh of the West," doing service for the greatest and best Corporation in America, “The International Harvester Company of America" and with the finest and most exacting cases of American citizenship," The American Farmer".
We are getting along very nicely in our work and enjoying good health. Just at this season of the year causes quite a degree of sadness to come over us, as we revert back over the past, that just a year ago last week and this, 3 January, we were anxiously watching at the bedside of our father and sister and all our attention and care availed nothing, but we take some consolation in the fact that we did all we could.
Eloise graduates from the grade school this week. Frank is plodding along in sixth grade, boy style, thoroughly proficient in dodging all chores and badly needed at some boyfriend home instead.
Irene still does a good job keeping house and we look to her to keep us posted on bargain sales and good shows. Thoroughly up-to-date on all the bookings of the show performers.
Grandma Eshelman is with us this winter and in fair health-soon-to-be 82 years old.
If any Lawrence County people, native of foreign, come to Terre Haute, the latch string of our door is on the outside at 2001 N. Ninth Street.
Yours truly,
E. O. Shick
Alvin Texas [top]
January 18, 1916
Editor Sumner Press:
I have been water bound in Texas 42 years. I have seen it and it's many phases, from the days of reconstruction to date.
To write personal experience in these years of progression would require several sections of an article.
The death of my brother Peter, on the 13th has a very depressing effect on my reminiscent mood. For this reason I beg the editor, my relatives and friends in good old Lukin Township to remember I still hold you all in memory and the place of my birth in reverence.
Yours truly,
F. M. Shick
Chicago Illinois [top]
January 17, 1917
Editor Sumner Press:
It has just come to my attention that it is again time for the nonresident, or “Pink Issue" of the press.
The mere fact that I am called upon to write for the edition is testimonial of the fact that I am well versed in the art-that of writing to home folks. However, there are many friends in Lawrence and Richland counties who I do not have the opportunity to write to and would like very much to hear from, and with that in mind they perhaps they would like to hear from me. Some of us "wanderers" I am sure, do not like the name " nonresident," as when we are asked where our home is we invariably speak of the one place that is still home.
A year go I was located at Bloomington Illinois, in the employ of the Chicago and Alton Railroad Company but a short time ago was fortunate enough to be transferred from the superintendent's office at Bloomington to the general offices in this city, at which I am now located.
As you all know this is indeed a busy city and the people at Chicago can justly be proud their great metropolis. I might go on and tell the conditions existing here of the threatened coal famine, the fight to make the map white in 1920, etc. but through the columns of your daily paper no doubt you are well informed.
I look forward to the issue of the Pink Press with anticipated pleasure and expect to hear from many friends who I would not hear from otherwise. I also wish to extend a cordial invitation to any of my friends visiting Chicago to call on me at the address given below and can assure you your visit will be appreciated. With all good wishes for the coming year,
Respectfully,
G. H. Shafer
1007 transportation building
Chicago Illinois
Phoenix Arizona [top]
January 11, 1917
Editor Sumner Press:
I have been asked by several people from back home if it were true that they sprinkled the streets of Phoenix with booze, as it came out in the Eastern papers. It is true. I was in the crowd when they filled the big 500 gallons sprinkler with the "precious dope" . I am enclosing copy of the Arizona Republican, showing the picture and telling the facts. So tell the people there that is the way we use booze in Arizona now
Yours truly,
Charles Shoup
Phoenix Arizona [top]
January 18, 1916
Sumner Press: many readers of the Sumner press, my old home paper, will no doubt be surprised to read of me, as it has been over 15 years since they have seen or heard of me. When the press records you will see that I have been about a regular subscriber until a year ago, my father came West and brought the paper with him.
Since I lived in Sumner, I have been in southern states a great deal, but have been in the West for seven years.
While I'll admit I haven't read the press so regular of late or as I used to, is because my whole time in interests are here now and I am a believer at making the town live where you make your living.
I noticed some of your lines in regard to advertising which please me, as truthful advertising is about the best investment merchant can make. I started a small lumberyard here less than three years ago on a very small capital-$1000-and by advertising facts into good clean daily, I have over $80,000 worth of business today, and expect to do 50,000 this year by the same process. I contract $100 a year at $.30 per column inch into dailies, use a great deal more than that, besides advertising in several weekly and monthly editions. I find it a good policy to be friends with and have newspaper people for friends.
It is useless for me to say I like this country. I came here seeking health and wealth, I found the former and am very pleased with what I am getting of the latter. There is only one more person a bachelor could ask for.
Yours with pleasure,
H. H. Shoup
Kankakee Illinois [top]
January 31, 1916
Dear Editor:
Through your efforts we may again hear from our friends and acquaintances of dear old Lawrence County, who like ourselves, have located elsewhere. Now we all love to hear from our friends back home and probably they like to hear from us.
We live on the East Court Street Road, about one half mile from the city limits on a market garden of 20 acres, about four acres of which is under grass. Last year they installed the sprinkling system, which is quite an improvement. There are two very deep wells and water tower which, with the aid of gasoline engines, furnished plenty of water. Bargaining last year was about like farming-a failure.
We have three children-Thelma, 14 years old, in eight grade; Alfred, eight years old, in fifth grade; Marjorie, 21 months old, keep this company at home. She doesn't talk much yet, but has a way of making us understand her every wish.
Mr. Siebert parents, Mr. and Mrs. Siebert, living Kankakee. They like it here even better than we do. His brother, Purl, is married, has two children and lives in Gilt Edge Montana. My mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kronmiller live in Sumner. We have our dear little boy buried there, who would have been 12 years old tomorrow, February 1. He died on his seventh birthday.
In conclusion, I will say we witness the press very much in our home and Friday is a very long day if it fails to arrive then.
Best regards to all press readers,
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Siebert
Rural Route 3
Freewater Montana [top]
January 18, 1917
Dear Friends:
Here we are invited to another homecoming with war prices on paper, what a good editor we must have.
We call Sumner home and always will, having personal friends and relatives who will reside there and we feel very much interested in its welfare.
The weekly visits of the press keep us posted in all your doings and is always a welcome caller.
Three years ago next May we began residents on our 320 acre homestead. We have hopes of obtaining that much more under new homestead bill recently passed.
Our lot has been that of the common homesteaders. There are days in this life with life and work death, worth the pangs of homesickness their memories bring. We are all the better for the remembering and the longing for the "place where we don't be."
Hubert sends greetings to his little schoolmates at Franklin. He rides three miles to school and is as much at home on these windswept plains as the coyote or jackrabbit.
Since I left him a dandy new saddle and in it he will spend most of his time.
We have a new U. B. Church at Lovejoy about seven miles from us, with services every Sunday. It's one important factor in the ladies aid Society, who have cleared more than $200 with bazaars and lunch stands since they organized eight months ago. What would you a ladies think of riding horseback 11 miles to attend a meeting?
We are proud of our adopted state, but don't expect to carry off the honors for we are few. It already bears the name of treasure state and who knows but what we may make it the honor treasure state when your citizens who visited us last fall, here to lend a hand.
With best wishes to all,
Mrs. W. E. Simms
Noble Illinois [top]
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
Danville Illinois [top]
January 9, 1915
Mr. Editor: Sumner 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, work 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 division of 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 [top]
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. 11 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
Champaign Illinois [top]
January 10, 1916
Editor Sumner Press:
And all our friends and relatives who may be interested in the Pink Sheet. I am the second daughter of Joseph and Eliza J. Westall of Lawrence County, Petty Township, born in Perry County Ohio, in the fall of 1854 in that same fall in company with Uncle Dave Hutchinson and family drove through in covered wagons to the farm now own by my youngest brother, A. J. Westall. I was raised and lived there until my marriage to Irving Smith, son of Samuel and Barbara Smith, Clark County, Ohio, where he was born in the fall of 1854. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1871 living on the farm of Uncle Peter Smith, one half mile from my father's farm. We were married February 3, 1876, 40 years ago, February 3, 1916.
We have four boys, Frank, a machinist of Chicago, Ross a teamster of Champagne, Warren a conductor on the Wabash Railroad Decatur, and Harry, formally with the Wells Fargo express company, Detroit Michigan, and now clerk in a grocery store at Champaign. My husband is in the transfer business. We have a comfortable home and five houses which bring us a nice little income which we appreciate in our old days. My first school was spent in a log school house where Pleasant Hill church now stands with puncheon seats and a long writing desk along one side of which we would take so long each day for writing in our copybooks made of foolscap writing paper. One of my teachers was William Linsy or Bill Linsy he was called in that community and another Miss Liza Ryan. Well I presume I had better bring my letter to a close as it may be too lengthy to keep the editor in the right humor. So in close wishing success to the press and all of its readers.
Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Smith
211 W. Tremont Street
Champaign Illinois
Secor Illinois [top]
January 19, 1917
Editor Press:
We are a subscriber of the Sumner press and have taken it for several years. I get it every weekend enjoy reading it, yet each week it tells me the death of old friends and acquaintances, which makes me sad. It keeps me posted on what is transpiring in my old neighborhood. I thought perhaps my old friends would like to hear from me, and I surely will be glad to hear from them.
I am a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Jones, mother departed this life December 24, 1916. Oh it is sad to say "what is home without a mother." Father resides in Richland County, which used to be my happy home.
We have four children-Mabel, Opel, Lily and James Arthur, who is nearly 9 months old, and is a loving little baby.
We now live within four miles of Secor Illinois, Woodford County, but March the first will move three miles from here on a farm. Farm work is his life.
We also reside just one and a half miles from the Mennonite Church which we attend regularly.
But there is no place like "Home Sweet Home." I expect to visit back in Lawrence and Richland County some time next year, but it won't be just like home since our mother is not there.
I will close for this time, hoping to hear from many of my old friends and wishing all a happy and prosperous year.
Your Friend,
Mrs. Clem Starkman
Dreamright Oklahoma [top]
January 10, 1916
Mr. Wood:
As I saw in our dear old home paper the call for nonresident letters, I will try to write a few lines that may instruct some of your readers.
I was born and reared on a farm in Petty Township, near Pleasant Hill church, where I have spent my life till of late.
We are now located at Dreamright Oklahoma, a town of 15,000 population, built since the year 1912, when the first well was drilled for oil which proved to be a good one, and is now a large field. They are erecting a fine home for the first national bank of the city, which will be completed by January 20 and also a new building for the drugstore.
They have good schools, three churches and to good hospital in the town.
I notice the editor has told us to state how her maiden name in our letter. My name was Waggoner, but have changed it to a German name as many of our readers know.
My husband is now at work for the Cortiz Oil Company at a nice little income of $139 per month.
Our children are both robust and in good health, although the climate is so different from that of Illinois. The wind is so strong today one can hardly walk alone.
Well, as this is my first attempt to write a letter to publish, I will close, wishing all our readers success in the coming year.
Yours truly,
Mr. and Mrs. Stroshine
New York City [top]
468 E. 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, Martin Ridgely, 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 468 E. 54th Street New York City, my personal 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, and Marion May. But anyone knowing me yet around Sumner would know me better by the name of Nip, a nickname given to me when small by Forest David. 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 employee 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 correct my mistakes.
Yours truly,
Marion Strouse
Carbondale Illinois [top]
January 15, 1917
Editor Press:
I am writing again to the pink issue of the Press, as I enjoy the letters very much that are written to it.
I am still located at Carbondale Illinois, where I have been for the past five years, in the creamery business.
I was born 8 1/2 miles southeast of Sumner, near Olive branch. My father, P. W. Sutherland, still lives in the old home place, but cannot expect to be among as many more years, as old age will soon take him away if disease does not.
My wife was a Wabash County girl, her father W. A. Williams, living near Orio.
I am having extra good health this letter and am glad to see my entire family are all well and hearty, having three children in school and to too young to go to school.
As I have spent the last 10 years away from Lawrence County, it does not seem natural to go back there now.
I haven't time to write a long letter but hope to see many letters from friends in the Pink Press.
Yours truly,
H. C. Sutherland
East St. Louis Illinois [top]
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 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
Maxwell New Mexico [top]
January 18, 1917
Editor Press:
Seven years ago this March, we left Sumner for the West.
We stopped at Canon City, Colorado and there spent 14 months.
Once leaving Canon, we journeyed southward to Raton, New Mexico which is a thriving city surrounded by coal camps. We spent one winter there.
From Raton we moved to Maxwell Just 27 Miles South.
Maxwell is surrounded by cattle grazing country on the East and irrigated land on the West.
We live in town but spend most of my time with cattle and irrigated ranch which I bought on coming to Maxwell.
Our family consists of two children, Marjorie who is taking the first year of high school and Marvin eight years old, in the fourth grade.
In Maxwell we have a modern brick school, in which all the grades including first and second year of high school are taught. We employ a principal at a salary of $100 per month also four other teachers at $75 and $65 per month, respectively.
There are several families from central Illinois living here, but none from Sumner.
We are enjoying good health and our share of prosperity according to the way we work.
Yours truly,
Carl Thorne and family
Lawton Oklahoma [top]
January 4, 1916
Sumner Press:
See you are getting about a Pink Sheet and I am sending this letter.
My name is Henry C. Turner, my father's name was Tom Turner.
I was born December 28, 1844, three miles south of where Sumner now stands. The first school I ever went to was an old log school house on the old Jim French farm. I was in Sumner the day the rails were laid on the railroad through the town, and there wasn't but three houses in the town.
Very respectively,
H. C. Turner
Beebe Arkansas [top]
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 Lukin township and lived there until in November 1911, when we shipped to our present home of 160 acres of well improved farmland. 33 miles from Little Rock Arkansas state capital.
We had 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. Had 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 lagrippe. Hoping to hear from old friends by the Pink Press, I remain,
Yours respectfully,
Charles Vandament
Shelbyville Michigan [top]
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 O. F. 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 [top]
January 11, 1915
Editor Press:
I am glad to help fill the wanderers issue. Petty Township of 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 Dowoglae 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.
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
Clearwater Florida [top]
January 24, 1960
Sumner Press:
A few lines from the Waggoner tribe in Florida, in order to fill out, may not be out of place as it is very interesting to hear from the "wanderers" in widely separate sections of the country.
After having a pleasant trip to Clearwater, we had no trouble in finding pleasant rooms in the best residential part of the city, about three blocks from the shore of the Bay, with fine walks through the water and a nice boardwalk weeding out over the water a quarter of a mile, with a large pavilion from which there is fine fishing.
We find people hear from all the different parts of the north, in order to keep warm without the use of wood, coal or gas and partly succeeding only, as we have had to build fires in open fireplaces more than once. A day or two after coming here it was colder than at home.
We find that Florida has hard times as well as Illinois and other parts of the country. Property is held at lower prices than a year or two ago and very little being sold, no demand for labor. The old residence, however say that this state of affairs is only temporary, but still I offer the same advice that I gave a year ago from California. That the people of Sumner Illinois should not be in a hurry to dispose of their property, thinking to do better elsewhere.
I will say that Florida is rightly named as it is a land of flowers and a beautiful country where it is improved and cultivated properly, and another thing in its favor is the fine fishing, of which it would be needless to mention if you could have seen the five foot string of trout that we caught in the Bay a few days ago, within a few hundred yards of our rooms.
Our party is composed of the writer and John J. Wagner and wife and James I. Wagner and wife and Paul, their son, six years old, who is chaperone of the whole party, and right well does he discharge his duties and to whom the pleasure of the trip is justly attributed.
Yours,
H. M. Wagner
Marshfield Indiana [top]
January 27, 1916
Dear Editor:
I will write again to let you know that I am still among the living. Your request to write brings olden times to my memory again. How different indeed, are my surroundings now than in days of yore. When in olden times the prairie grass was taller than a man's head and the deer, wolves and all kinds of wild animal’s rove the country. Oh, how afraid I used to be when I heard those wolves howl at night and to fear that some hunter might set the tall prairie grass on fire. How awful it was to see one. There was no way in which you could escape one of those fires, only to get around or rush through and get behind it. If one could have presence of mind enough to just set fire where they were and then get in the burned off place, they could keep you from doing any harm to them.
The hunters would always burn it off in the fall, then the pasture would be nice in the spring. How beautiful it was on a bright morning to see the deer grazing.
The Sumner press is a welcome visitor in my home, as I am always glad to hear from the old friends and hope some of them would be to hear from me.
Respectfully yours,
Mahala Wurtsbaugh
My maiden name was Waggoner
Indianapolis Indiana [top]
January 30, 1916
Editors of Sumner Press:
After closing my work with you in June 1914, I secured a position as composer with the Olney Times and remained there until December 1915, when I resigned my place and came to Indianapolis, to accept the clerkship with the Wasson's department store, one of the largest in the city.
After finding that I could better myself financially, as well as learn a good trade, I decided to accept a position with Lilly's Pharmacy, the largest wholesale drug house here.
I secured the position through the influence of friends and consider myself lucky in obtaining it. I am enjoying my work here very much.
I send greetings to all my friends in Lawrence.
Edna Webb
Danville Illinois [top]
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; Louella 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
January 17, 1915 [top]
Cassville Missouri
Editor Press:
Will try and write for the special nonresident 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
Lewistown Illinois [top]
January 26, 1917
Sumner Press:
I thought I would write a few lines to the Pink Press.
I was born and raised in Richland County, German Township, 2 1/2 miles west of Chauncey.
We came to Fulton County in 1894, and bought 128 acres of land on the brakes from Illinois River, one mile from the Great Lakes, 50 miles northwest of Peoria. Lewistown is the county seat, a fine little town to railroads, streetcar line 20 miles Southwest of Canton.
We have six children, four boys and two girls, all married but the youngest boy. He is at home and is 26 years old. All the children lived on farms close to us. We have six grandchildren-three girls and three boys.
We live three miles southeast of Lewistown Illinois, RFD 5, Box 12. My maiden name was Emma Wolgamott, daughter of George Wolgamott.
Mrs. Anderson Whites
P. S.-The Sumner press is a welcome Saturday visitor. I have taken it for several years and think I can't do without it.
Silcot Washington [top]
January 9, 1916
To my friends and relatives, both known and unknown, who were raised in the county of Lawrence, that was named for the man who shouted the patriotic appeal "Don't Give up the ship."
I was born in Hadley, Illinois, June 4th, 1861. My parents were Lafayette and Marie (nee Dunn). Was third of a family of five, all living and pretty well scattered, from the Lone Star State, to the 49th Parallel of North Latitude. Would like to hear from all, will try and give you a description of the country in which I am located.
I was fourteen years old before I ever wore shoes. My first was homemade, made by Mr. Warren of Hadley.
I wonder if Bridget Counour recalls the time I hit her over the head with a stick of molasses candy. I remember the total eclipse of the sun in 1867. A pussy man named Gaines was pointing at the sun and said the world is coming to the end. My playmates and I were playing train on some empty cars on a side track. I looked at the sun which was about half obscured, and decided if I had to die I'd rather die in the house, and beat it home about 80 rods across the meadow.
Grants campaign is the first I remember. They had the boys in blue. The slogan was " Hurrah for Grant and “Cold Coffee Grounds", "Hurrah for See and Blairmour"
Father ran an old sash saw mill in Hadley, was post master agent, and also sold dry goods and groceries.
We were living in Sumner when I learned my letters. Mrs. John Beatty taught me my alphabet both forwards and backwards. I attended my first school here, upstairs taught by Miss Whittenger, I used to help a crippled Ruby boy up the stairs. His father ran a cooper shop. The King boys lived next to us, they were great scrappers. The Burns boys and the Laws were about my age. I saw my first fight on the Old Wellagan mill steps. Sterling Laws was the aggressor.
Caleb Hoopes was post master, C.C. Judy was R.R. Agent. I stood on the steps for hours and watched the horse, on inclined tread power, pumping water for the O. & M. R.R.
I attended school taught by Peter Shick.
Father and Sam Landis graded the first road south of muddy. We lived on the old Mason place opposite the Landis place. I attended school at Center, sat on a bench made of half a log, with legs put into it, no back, my feet lacked a foot of touching the floor, pouring over Webster’s Blue Back speller.
Father ran a grist mill in St. Francisville where I attended school taught by Mr. Prout and Mr. Stubbs.
Father traded his mill for a section of land in Jefferson County Arkansas. We moved to Butler County Missouri in fall of 1872. Moved to Conway Arkansas, stayed there until December 1, 1873. Moved to Clayton, (now Clay), Here we raised cotton a number of years. Moved to Corning, same county, in 1879. Here father ran a saw mill, a cotton gin, and also a store. Moved to Moark ( abbrivation of both states). We farmed there two years. I attended school in Indianapolis Indiana. I was examined for West Point Military Academy, Stood 3rd, 43 examined. My folks moved back to Corning where my father was murdered by John Mansico, I being away at the time. I was getting old enough to sow my wild oats. I caught the Texas fever and landed in Grainsville, Lone Star State in 1884. Went to Carpenting. Taught my first term of School at Burdens Gin, in the cross timbers, Cook County Texas.
Was Paralyzed on my right side the day Cleveland was elected. This laid me up the balance of the winter. Went to work with the house gang on the for the Santa Fe R.R. April 1, 1885. Built all the Depots and section houses north of Purcell Indiana. Got a job running a hoisting engine at Dallas Texas which lasted until June 1, 1888.
I was desirous of seeing more of the wild and woolly west. I came to Trinidad and Denver Colorado, Cheyenne Wyoming, Pocatello, Montana, Silver Bow, Montana and Butte. Took a job braking from Butte to Anaconda Montana. My next job was Braking from Helena to Missoula for the N.P.R.R. on the Rocky Mountain Division. Job lasted until December 31, 1899.
Was at Pittsburgh saw the total eclipse of the sun January 1, 1890.
I continued my Western course went across Snake River to Asotin County where I had a brother. Stayed with him until May 1, then took myself a preemption in Latah County, Idaho. I improved the claim in the summer months, taught school in the winter. I managed to take a few terms at the U. of I. In Moscow, Idaho. Finished up at Lewiston normal proved up my homestead and sold the Potlatch lumber company for a $1000.
In 1904 I made a complete tour of the United States, went clear around staying on the outside all the time. I saw sights and smelled wonders.
May 22, I went to selling goods at Silcot Washington. July 14 of the same year I was commissioned postmaster. Am still handling mail for the US. I was given a civil service status in 1913. I was advised from Washington DC my office was rated A1. The inspector, is checking up my office said he found everything in excellent shape.
After running on the range 43 years, Miss M. Woody, of North Carolina took pity on me. Was married at Kendrick Idaho Easter Sunday 1907. I always admired a large woman, but my wife suits me a little too well, tips the beam at 252 pounds. A fine baby boy was born to us in 1909, only live one month. We have $5000 stock 20 acres of improved land, owned our store, $1500 in the bank. I think we have prospered, also think we will be resurrected from the corner of 1st and Whitman streets Silcott Washington
Cliff M. Wilson, P. M.
Glendale California [top]
January 10, 1917
331 S. Louise Street
Editor Press:
Some friend and sent us a copy of the press announcing a nonresident edition of the press. Having taken many drinks from both your public wells, stub my toe's on the old boardwalks, as well as safely glided over your stone ones. I receive mail at the hands of Caleb Hoopes, Culberson and H. B.. Couchman, many times watched Henry Perkins, Forest David and John Black race down the street to meet the incoming loads of wool and poultry, having ate, slept and did business there from the spring of 1889 to the spring of 1904. I am what you call a nonresident of Sumner. My mother Laura M. My sister, Miss Lily D. left therefore for California in April 1904 settling at Glendale. Mother departed this life in summer of 1914. Sister and I are still here, as given at the head of this letter, and in better health than when we came. We think of the many friends we left out there and hope sometime to see what are left of them. My sister is doing fine dressmaking and ladies tailoring on weekdays and teaches the sisterhood class of 23 to 25 in number and first M.E.S.S. on Sunday. I help people out of their troubles with their lawns, gardens, flowers, trees, leaky roofs, hydrants, caring for their places when they are away and some odd jobs of carpentry, besides our own out of door work. Am Close in Glendale and so see little of eastern people as one would who gets around more than I. However on Christmas Day we chance to see Mrs. John Judy, on the Glendale car, going to spend the day with her son at Burbank. That is the most recent site we have had of a Sumner face but we are glad that the mail brings us more visions of friends even though expressed in ink instead of living flesh. We wish all the Sumnerites aI happy prosperous year.
Yours truly,
William I wood
St. Louis Missouri [top]
January 14, 1916
Mr. Editor, Home Friends and Relatives:
We have been invited to write a letter to the paper of our old hometown and Lawrence County. Having received so many requests I will send a few lines as to our welfare. I will begin with the family. We have three children, Virgil is a man. He was born in Lawrence County, we left when he was almost 5 years old. He became rather a restless boy but now is a settled boy of 20, steady and hard-working and can be depended upon. PS saving his money and not wasting it has so many others of his age here are doing. Viola has graduated from school and expects to go to high school or business college, she has not yet decided which. Johnny is a small lab full of fun and frolic, going to school.
We have a beautiful home in the southwest side of St. Louis Missouri. William and Virgil built it. I could not do it justice in describing it better than to say it is a typical California bungalow. Then you have to see it to realize its beauty and it is artistic, of William's own design, not another anywhere like it, as he is an architect and builder of his own original designs. He has built a number of houses here, large swellings, flats, bungalows and small houses for different parties. Also a number for ourselves. Five large bricks on Arlington, Six Flags on Terry, two frames on Edwards in our home here on Blow.
I am a daughter of John Perrott and I married William Worstell, also of the city. My father has taken the Sumner press for a number of years, as long as I can remember.
I will close now, wishing you a prosperous new year for the home paper, also wishing all my friends and relatives a happy and prosperous new year.
I remain as ever,
Alfa Worstell
Decatur Illinois [top]
1126 E. Logan Street
To the Sumner Press:
As you have requested all nonresidents to write a letter back home, I will try to do my best.
My maiden name was Nora Angle, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Angle. My mother's maiden name was Sarah Bailey, of Lancaster Illinois. I was raised in Petty Township, near Petty school house and Pleasant Hill Church. I was married to Everett R. Woodall on January 2, 1907, at Arcola. Our home has been blessed with one little boy, Jesse Parvin, who is the joy and pride of our home.
The year 1915 has saddened our home in old Lawrence County and got has seen fit to take the most precious jewel of the home-mother. God with all things well and we know our losses heavens gain.
It is with sadness that I think so often of home, friends, schoolmates in Sunday school teachers, whose places have been taken by strange faces and those dear to us are numbered in the city of the dead, but praise God, we have a hope of a grand meeting someday where parting is no more. We live near Arcola, on a farm, five years; one year near Sullivan, and have been in Decatur three years. We like it very well in the city.
I have been away from Lawrence County most of the time for 15 years and have always taken that those who have been away from home know that many longings, at times, to see someone from home and the Press has always been welcomed as that friend. We could not keep house without it.
Wishing all I prosperous and happy year.
Nora Woodall.
Aurora Missouri [top]
January 13, 1915
Editor Press:
As you wish to hear from each nonresident 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
Corrections & Clarifications
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.
Related download
Related searches
- school home page elementary
- xfinity home page install
- xfinity home page internet explorer
- fwisd home page for students
- xfinity home page or homepage
- xfinity home page and toolbar
- xfinity home page install for windows 10
- xfinity comcast home page website
- xfinity home page official windows 10
- comcast home page official site
- make xfinity my home page windows 10
- comcast xfinity home page email