Woman's Rights

SCURLOCK, BREEDEN

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 5/6/2009 at 15:43:03

Maquoketa Sentinel, January 10, 1856.

WOMAN’S RIGHTS

On Thursday last the ladies of Farmers Creek, in this county, gave old king alcohol a severe pouring out! It appears that one John Scurlock has been keeping a low doggery for the sale of whiskey and its accompaniments, to the great annoyance of peaceable and quiet citizens. He had been requested frequently to stop the sale of it; but it appears the threats of putting the Prohibitory Law in force only added gallon to gallon, until the ladies took the matter in their own hands. After meeting and duly considering what was best to be done, it was resolved that they would introduce a bona fide prohibitory of their own, by demolishing barrels, kegs, demi-johns, jugs and every other vessel that contained or smelt of the extract of rye. Mr. Scurlock becoming acquainted with the resolves of the meeting, made threats of “knocking down and dragging out” the first lady that would attempt to demolish a barrel or jug belonging to him. This (wasn’t he brave?) threat made a few of the ladies decline the honor of lending their aid to rid the country of a nuisance long endured; but through the perseverance of Miss Amanda Breeden, she rallied them on their timidity, scorned the threats of a man who boasted of what he would do to the defenseless women, and with the aid of three noble heroic assistants, Spartan like, advanced to attack the foe-drove out the dealer in “miseries tears,” while mother earth, without showing any signs of inebriation, gulped the poisonous draught. Well done ladies. You have the thanks of every high-minded man and woman in the country.