Iowa Old Press

The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
July 3, 1879

LOCAL MATTERS

-The Shakespeare club had a picnic last Friday.
-Don't take any chances with Old Sol these hot days but to to Templin & Woods and get a sun umbrella for self protection.
-W.P. Howe accomplished a good work at Danville. One meeting there lately resulted in 27 new additions to the temperance pledge.
-N.S. Morris, our berry man has left town. He left word at the post-office to forward his mail to Lincoln, Neb. This is all that is now known of his present whereabouts or intentions.
-E.L. Penn has just completed a handsome new sidewalk around his spacious grounds; also Dr. Chas. F. Marsh has continued the same in front of his residence and grounds.
-Joel G. Van Cise before his return to New York had a modest notice inserted in the Herald "Board wanted." He found awaiting his arrival 143 letters in reply to the advertisement.
-J.F. Goodrich, a man not known to fame here in this city, was on Saturday June 14th, sentenced to four years in the state prison of Wisconsin, with six days solitary confinement each year. He was the much married man that was sentenced for bigamy.
-The Superintendent of the Universalist Sunday School wishes to express his thanks to Mr. Thornt Bird for the loan of the elegant furniture used in the presentation of the drama, "Above the Clouds," given last week by the Sunday School.
-Wm. Gladden on Sunday night had stolen from his stable a valuable span of horses, one new saddle, one old saddle, one riding bridle, and one of the headstalls belonging to the harness. The appearances indicate they were taken about ten o'clock Sunday evening by two persons.- This may be the first of a series of horse stealing, so all who have valuable horses had best look out.

PERSONAL.

-Ambrose Yancey arrived in town on Friday to remain in this county for several weeks.
-Mrs. Sadie J. Ridpath, with her two children from Brazil, Ind., is visiting at her fathers, R.S. Cole.
-Burr Ross and Will Turner, two of Cole Bros. lightning salesmen came in from the western part of the state on Tuesday to visit friends and take in the fourth in Mt. Pleasant.
-Geo. W. McAdam returned on Friday morning feeling his health much improved by his trip to Colorado.
-Miss Sally Boyles is visiting relatives in Ottumwa.
-Lem Wertz called on Thursday from Lockridge Mills.
-Mr. Leslie Rhodes of Kossuth and Mr. Fred Harrison, have gone west to try their fortunes for the summer on the prairies of Nebraska.
-Mr. W.A. Lynch, an I.W.U. graduate of the class of '69, now a very successful young lawyer of Davenport, spent last Sunday in this city among his numerous friends.

IN MEMORIAM
     SPENCER- Died on Friday evening, June 20, after an illness of many months, Ollie N. Spencer, daughter of Wm. and Nancy Spencer.
     The funeral services conducted by Rev. D.S. Tappan, were held Sunday afternoon the 22nd inst., in the midst of a very large concourse of friends and her body was laid to rest in the City Cemetery to await the resurrection summons.
     The deceased was born in Albia June 10, 1856, and was thus called away on the 22d anniversary of her birth, to enter, we confidently trust upon a better and happier life.
     With her parents she removed to Mt. Pleasant in Feb. 1872 since which time she has made her home here. Previous to this change of residence and for some time afterwards, she was a student at the Mt. Pleasant Female Seminary. Of rather a delicate constitution, she was taken sick last August and though at times better so as to give hopes of recovery, she yet gradually wore away until her frail body could no longer hold her spirit, and without a struggle she passed away, so gently that those who were beside her could scarcely tell the moment of her departure. Of a warm and genial nature and temperament, she drew many friends around her who deeply mourn the the break that has been made in their social circle. The tribute paid by these to her worth when the cast their floral offerings into the open grave, was alike beautiful and touching.
     (Albia papers please copy.)

MARRIED.
LONG-BOYD-On Thursday June 26th at the residence of Rev. L.T. Rowley, by the same, Mr. C.W. Long, of Washington territory and Miss Sarah A .Boyd.

Lawrence Kansas

    I performed the marriage ceremony of Mr. Canby Heston and Miss Frances L. Higgins June 24th at the residence of Judge and Mrs. Nevisons of this place. It will be remembered that Miss Higgins was a graduate of our city high school a year ago, since which time she has taught in the same district Mills Co, Iowa, three terms of school, besides taking lead in Sabbath school work there and has so endeared herself to the many warm friends there that they urged her to remain and teach for them this fall and winter. Mr. Heston has been for the past year getting ready and fitting up the new home in western Kansas, whither the happy couple go and we speak for them a bright and happy future.
    Miss Pat Perry came out with Miss Higgins and met brother and sister here and were at the wedding. She expects to spend the summer with her friends in this part of the country. Among the other guests was Miss McClure, niece of our townsman, J.J. Parker.
    June 25th, 1879, MILO HOBART.

Will Temperance Pay?
     I have recently learned of a report at, and around Trenton that I had been on a drunk and had been in jail. I would not answer or pay attention to such stories as I expect to hear some stories, on account of the position I have taken on the temperance work. I have repeatedly heard some small lies but paid no attention to them, but when they come double deckers, drunk and in jail both, it is a little too strong. Whoever manufactured, started or reported this last one is a beer bloated, whisky poisoned lying scoundrel whoever he or they are told it for the purpose of damaging the temperance cause.- There is a class of individuals who would rather see the best cause on earth defeated than to give up their drunken hellish designs. I signed the pledge for life. I have faithfully kept the pledge and I intend to keep it as long as I live. I will fight the use of whisky and beer as a beverage. And would like to see the time when total abstinence would prevail over our country.
     JOE SMITH

Bible Meeting
     The officers and friends of the County Bible society are requested to meet on Monday July 7th at nine a.m. at the study of Rev. D.S. Tappan in the basement of the Presbyterian church.     T. WHITING pres.

     H.C. Moore is the champion road maker and with his machine can put a long stretch of road in excellent shape and ready and finished for immediate use. We wish every road leading from Mt. Pleasant was thus improved. More pains and more money, if need be, should be used in improving our streets, and we can in no way more advance the business interests of our city than in encouraging this enterprise. We are much pleased in seeing the working of this machine and satisfied that it is a good thing.

The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
July 10, 1879

Local Matters

- H.N. Crane and wife entertained a large party of friends on Tuesday evening.
-The narrow gauge railroad is finished from Ft. Madison to West Point, and is slowly pushing its way Salemward.
-Henry Ambler will lecture at the Red Ribbon Hall next Sunday evening at 4 o'clock.
-Mr. and Mrs. McCullough have the addition of a daughter to their family, born on the 5th inst.
-Hugh O'Hare contributes for this issue of the FREE PRESS the poetry on our front page. "The Poor House Door."
-Nat Pope at Hillsboro has the tallest corn of any we have seen. We estimated it from eight to ten feet high on Saturday the 5th.
-Piscatorial sports are now in order. T.N. Armstrong on Thursday last, caught over thirty pound of fish with a hook and line at Oakland.
-The invitation cards are out to the marriage of Butler Buchanan and Miss Emma Newbold, which important event is to take place this Thursday evening, July 10.
-B.W. Coiner, one of the late graduates of our I.W.U. commenced the study of law in the office of Woolson & Babb on Monday.
-C. Stringer, near Oakland, found a set of false teeth, uppers, on the morning of the 5th, which the owner can have by calling the FREE PRESS office and paying for this notice.
-J.F.H. McKibben, one of our Mt. Pleasant boys, now in the employ of Pilger Brothers at Burlington, gives such excellent satisfaction to his employers that they have voluntarily raised his salary.
-A goodly number of those seniors who looked so fine three weeks ago and who shook Union Hall with their eloquence, are in the harvest fields to day, learning on what kind of trees bread grows.
-L.L. Beery returned on Tuesday morning from a visit to a son in Fairmount Nebraska. He reports the corn crop there very promising, that the small grain was hurt by the drouth and will be light.-rains there recently have been abundant.
-John Gregg's figuring on the school house reminds one of the man asked to figure on a job of painting. He replied: "An ought is an ought, a figure is a figure, three oughts is thirty- I will do your job for fifty dollars."
-John Gregg in the Mt. Pleasant Daily Reporter calls the editor of this paper a fool, and when we look over our subscription list and find where we have trusted John with near three years subscription without pay and without security, we feel that he may be more than half right after all.

The School at Rome
     Our school closed yesterday with examinations and literary exercises which were creditable to the students and interesting to all present. During the sixty days of this term the following named students were neither absent nor tardy: Nina Gentle, Clemma Russell, Rossie Mozier, Rosa Mozier and Fannie Jackson. Those names below were not tardy and were not absent except when too sick to be present: Rebecca Bell, Mary Pencil, Nellie Stetler, Lulu Stephens, Guy Gilson, and Willie Russell.
     ADA P. McCONNAUGHEY, E.M. PACKER, Teachers.

CANAAN ITEMS

    Canaan farmers are busy in their cornfields, putting their corn by as fast as possible and getting ready for harvest. Some are already in the brilliant harvest fields.
     Corn and wheat look well, but many took time from their work to attend the little picnic, held at Mr. Dunham's grove.
     The spring and summer term of school at Center school house, taught by Miss Lue Thompson of Winfield and also the summer term at Colfax, taught by Miss Lydia Whippo, of Mt. Pleasant, closed Friday June 27th. The schools met at the grove at twelve o'clock, where a sumptuous dinner was prepared for all present. The two school formed a procession at the house of Mr. Dunham, with teachers in the lead; all marched down to the table, keeping time to the music of fife and drum. A thankful prayer was offered at the table by Mr. Corkhill, after which all helped their neighbor and most of all themselves to the fried and boiled chicken, pies and cakes of all descriptions. After dinner was served a very nice exhibition was given by the scholars, all doing well, as most all the children were small. Seats, swings and a platform were prepared by some kind friends; after the children were all through speaking, Miss Whippo was called upon to speak a piece for her scholars and friends, which she did, and was followed by one from Miss Thompson, after which each delivered a farewell address to her school. This was followed by a praise address from Mr. Bryson. Each teacher is said to have had perfect success in her school. We say, "Well done good and faithful servants." O.N.
     Cotton Grove, June 28, 1879

          O.J. Gimble
will keep constantly in stock,
              ICE
of the very purest, best quality. Or-
ders left at the store will be delivered
free. He also keeps a full line of Gro-
ceries at prices as low as the lowest.-
All goods delivered free to any part
of the city.   No. 25 N. Jefferson st.

Personal.
-Albert Boyles, Emmett Parker and Misses Hettie and Flora Griffith started on the evening of the 4th for a visit to friends in Iowa City, returning on Tuesday.
-Mrs. F.M. Shaw and daughter from Paola, Kansas, are in town for the summer, stopping with Mrs. L.A. Shaw, her mother.
-Ben. H. Thompson, who has been clerking for Robinson Bros., has gone to take a clerkship in their store in Ottumwa.
-Rev. E. Grant Girard, of Kingston, Ohio, is in town, visiting his son-in-law, Rev. D.S. Tappan.
-Miss Fannie Graneham, of Washington, D.C. stopped off here a few days on her way from her home to Nebraska, where she expects to spend the remainder of the summer with her sister.
-Miss Laura Craig of Oskaloosa is visiting relatives and friends in the city.
-Mrs. Ebert Shean of Hastings, Nebraska is visiting her father, R.R. Randall and family.
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    Wm. Gladden, who had his horses stolen last week, received a letter from a son of E. Baines at Sigourney on Monday, describing exactly his two saddles, bridles, saddle blanket, etc., which had been found in a cluster of bushes near that town. The thieves had there stolen a buggy and set of harness and left the saddles as described. The sheriff of that county had offered a reward of fifty dollars for the recovery of the property and arrest of the thieves and it really looks hopeful at this writing that they may be found.
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    Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Campbell rejoice in the birth of a son, on Independence day.- Mrs. Campbell, formerly Miss Nellie E. Ambler.
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     Charles Prince, some weeks since met with a serious misfortune in which the bone of his wrist was fractured. This has disabled him from work at this, to him, the best part of the season. We are glad to be informed that he is slowly getting better.
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    Justin Wells, Son of Lucian Wells, of Canaan Township, was the lucky boy who caught and held the greased pig, and Tom Henthorne secured the watch from the greased pole, on the 4th in this city.
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    Rev. Mr. Welsher, we are informed, gave one of the best temperance lectures on Sunday afternoon we have ever had.- It was addressed especially to the young and contained much of encouragement and good advice to young men.

MARRIED.
    At the residence of the bride's parents in Louisville Neb., June 26th, 1879, Rev. B.F. Diffenbacher, of the First Congregational Churches of Louisville and Sarpy Center, officiating. Mr. Bruno Eyforth of Blair, Neb. to Miss Ida Jackman.
    A select company of friends from Louisville, Blair, and Plattsmouth witnessed the solemn ceremony which united the two as one. A bountiful and sumptuous dinner was thoroughly discussed, after which the happy couple started on the afternoon train for Blair, their future home, where they will commence housekeeping at once. The bride and groom were the recipients of a number of valuable presents from appreciative friends and relatives. The occasion was one of the most enjoyable, and while regretting the loss of one of Lousiville's most estimable young ladies, we yet trust that it may not only be Blair's gain, but that the young couple may have many years of unalloyed happiness, attended with prosperity and success in their new relations in life.

DIED.
ROCHO- At Solomon city, Kansas, on Wednesday, June 18th, 1879, of consumption, Mrs. Ida Rocho, daughter of L & J Fairchild of Rome, Henry County Iowa.
    Mrs. Rocho was one of our Henry County girls, she was married about a year ago  and went with her husband to Kansas to live. Soon after getting there she was stricken down with the dread disease, and notwithstanding the care and attention of sympathizing friends she was called away. She leaves a large circle of mourning friends, both here and at her new home.

CONNELLY- On Sunday morning July 6th, Edward Frank, only child of P. and M.E. Connelly, of congestion of the brain, aged one year.

The Fourth at Salem.

    The celebration at this place passed off very nicely and was a success, consequently some of our citizens that would not assist in getting up our celebration and rather worked against it, were disappointed, in fact we were all most agreeably disappointed as we did not expect much of a turn out to Salem on account of so many celebrations around us.
    The weather in the morning looked unfavorable but soon cleared up and proved to be as fine a day as could be asked. The people were called together at 10 a.m. by music by the Salem Cornet Band. An able and excellent prayer was then offered by Rev. S.F. Bishop. Then vocal music by the Glee Club, just what was wanted, excellent and rendered in good style and quite a surprise to many citizens as we had frequently been told that there would be no singing as they could not get together to practice, etc. But some one stirred them up in such a manner that they had plenty of singers and good ones at that.
    The assembly then listened to a welcoming address by our esteemed fellow citizen, Dr. T.J. Rogers, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence, by A.E. Cook, which was well done and read loud and distinct so that all could hear, just what is wanted on such an occasion.
    The meeting then adjourned for dinner and was called together again at two p.m. at which time the orators of the day, Mr. Wm. Collyer of Keokuk was introduced and delivered an able and very interesting oration. It was well got up and of entirely a different nature from any thing we had ever heard in Salem, and gave entire satisfaction to all who hears it, and as Mr. Collyer was a stranger to us were were well pleased to see after the oration was delivered, a rush by a number of our people for an introduction to Mr. Colllyer for the purpose of congratulating him on the course he had taken in his address.
    And now comes the Fan Brigade commanded by Brigadier General, Thomas Carrol, this was the main and most attractive feature of the day's doings. Two companies of nice little girls going through the soldiers drill in the manner they did after only drilling four times of an hour each under Mr. Carrol, was something that the assembly could hardly understand, and after they were done performing they were greeted with deafening cheers by the crowd and handsomely treated to the ice cream and lemonade besides. Martial music by T.J. Rogers, James Sneath, W.B. Walker and others whose names we forgot. This was of such a nature that we verily believe that if Uncle Sam had called for a regiment of volunteers here that day that they could have been procured in twenty minutes.
    After this the walking match eight times around the square by Parkins and Harlan, was very exciting. Parkins coming out ahead. But the most sport was made when the egg race took place, this they said beat 'em all. Quite a number of foot races were run and all quiet and gentlemanly all the way through, not a drunk man to be seen, nor a fight nor quarrel throughout the day.                 DELEO.

New Books at the Library.
    Several volumes of popular interest and a large number of governmental works just received. Among the latter are many volumes of the Roll of Honor, giving the names of soldiers who died in defense of the union and are interred in the National cemeteries and elsewhere; also the names of those who suffered martyrdom in the prison pens of the south. We have, too, a complete set of Clarence King's Surveys of the Fortieth Parallel.
    July 9, 1879.

The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
July 17, 1879

Local Matters

-Prof. Leigh Hunt, the new Superintendent of our Public Schools, will be present and take part in the exercises, the first week of the Normal Institute in this city.
-The Temperance Helpers and Blue Ribbon Cadets enjoyed a pleasant picnic on Mr. Cole's lawn last Saturday afternoon. They enjoyed the whole affair after a manner known only to boys and girls.
-Hon. Wm. Allen, of New London, has sold out his drug business to his partner, Mr. Thompson, and goes this week to Colorado, where he may make some investments.
-John Becker, east of town on the Burlington road, has probably the premium field of corn in Henry county. It is a very large field, perfectly tended , of even growth and looks like a green forest.
-Jim Edwards met with a serious runaway on last Sunday, that came near costing him his life. He was thrown out, badly bruised and injured, and for a time there was fears he would not recover. He is now better.
-Bowman & Kaufman shipped the first car load of new wheat from this station on Saturday last. The quality was A No. 1 and the price paid was 80 cents per bushel. They have bought 8000 bushels to be delivered this week.
-Henry J. Philpott has the most perfect article of furniture in the shape of a sewing machine and writing desk we have ever seen. It can be instantly transformed from the one to the other. As a writing desk it has all the conveniences, place for books, papers, eight drawers, etc. As a sewing machine it is excelled by nothing in the market.

Personal.

-Mrs. J.T. Brooks who has been spending a year or more in Connecticut has returned for the summer.
-Miss Frane Hungerford, who has been spending a year or more in Connecticut, has returned for the summer.
-Mrs. Anna Hawley and her two little boys are enjoying a few week's visit among friends in Lowell, in Henry county, this state.-- Newton Journal.
-Mrs. Hattie Burton Ambler, of Colorado Springs, Col., is spending the summer here with her parents and many friends.
-Charlie J. Burke started for Kearney, Neb. last evening to take a position in the hardware store in that city.
-Miss Alice Thompson, who has been teaching school in Altoona, returned to her home in this city on Monday night.

--
    Sheriff Davidson's boarding house is full. He does not ask for any more at present.
--
    During the month of May and June the following persons in this county received the amounts as stated, due them for arrears of pensions under the law passed last Congress.
Lydia A. Whippo               $1317.01
Isaac McCollum                    304.80
Elizabeth Roberts                 1374.93
--
    Prof. Marquam is organizing new classes this week in Book-keeping and Penmanship. Parents consider this matter, and patronize this most worthy institution during the summer term. The Prof. will spare no pains in giving you a good practical course in the branches. Boys and girls will receive special attention in Penmanship.
--
    As anticipated in last week's FREE PRESS Mr. Butler Buchanan and Miss Emma J. Newbold were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on the evening of July 10th at the residence of the bride's parents, Rev. D.S. Tappan, officiating.- The ceremony was performed in the front yard, the bride and groom standing on the platform by the front door. About three hundred guests were present with their congratulations and best wishes for the happiness and long life of the newly married pair. Of presents there was a very long list all attesting the esteem and affection of the many friends present, with whom we join in wishing a long, happy and useful life to Mr. and Mrs. Butler Buchanan.
--
    The stone saw mill near town, owned by John Rukgarber, was destroyed by fire Monday evening between six and seven o'clock. The hands had been at work all day, shutting off steam and gone to supper. When the alarm was given they hurried back to the mill but arrived too late to save anything. The fire may have caught from the stack, yet nothing is known of how it originated. The loss is estimated to be about $500, though it is not known how much the boiler and engine is damaged. Mr. Rukgarber was at work on the contract received for stone from Ottumwa, which he fears will now be unable to complete in time. He will at once rebuild the mill and have it running again as soon as possible. There was no insurance.
--
    W.P. Saunders and wife Mrs. S. Jennie Saunders returned from Colorado on a most mournful errand. Their older son, Charlie Saunders, six years old, was taken sick on Tuesday June 24th, the disease soon developed into inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and on Monday morning July 7th at 5 1/2 o'clock he breathed his last. The afflicted family at once started for this place with his body, travelling 60 miles by stage the reset of the distance by rail road. Little Charlie was a very interesting and beautiful child. He and his younger brother 4 1/2 years were near the same size. He will be sadly missed in the family circle. Mr. Saunders is located in Cleora Colorado, where he has been since March last. He says it is quite sickly now through that region and that physicians kept all the time busy. Sickness is caused by the excessive drouth.
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Fatal Accident.
Death of Joseph Jeffries.

     Joseph Jeffries on Saturday afternoon was helping get hay on his farm a short distance east of town. They had just taken in one load and returned for another. Mr. Jeffries was standing on the hay rack near the rear end of the wagon. The team made an unexpected start and he fell over backward on the ground striking upon his head. The jar and strain upon the neck so affected the spinal column that he was completely paralyzed from the neck down. This occurred about two o'clock. Dr. Pitcher was sent for and pronounced the case very serious. All that human skill could do was done but it could not avail. Though perfectly conscious, the body below the head seemed literally dead. He suffered but little, complained of pain in his neck and as the fever set in had head ache, but he gradually failed untill Monday morning at 8:50 o'clock when he quietly breathed his last.
     Joseph Jeffries was born in February 1811 in Beaver county Pennsylvania. He was therefore in the 69th year of his age at the time of his death. In the fall of 1854 he removed to Warren county, Illinois, and from there to this county in 1862 when he settled near the town of Winfield. He removed to his present home near this city in the fall of 1875.
     Mr. Jeffries was an unassuming, courageous man of a conservative turn of mind, his mind once fixed and settled on a course of action he never changed. Failure only added to his zeal, and nothing short of accomplishing his purpose satisfied or abated his efforts. He early took his stand against human slavery, and was an outspoken abolitionist until slavery was abolished but had no sympathy with the radical political scheme that enfranchised the colored people before they were at all prepared or fit to vote.
     Mr. Jeffries died as he lived with true heroic courage and welcomed the angel of death as the only deliverer from his sufferings, yet at the same time he retained his cheerfulness and composure and exhorted all around him to be calm. His wife survives him. Their only child is our esteemed fellow citizen, W.J. Jeffries, Esq., Thus closes the long and useful live of Joseph Jeffries.
     "After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well."

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DIED.
HORSEY.- At Newberry, Oregon, June 25, Mrs. Susan Horsey, wife of Lewis S. Horsey, formerly of this county.
     She was a consistent member of the Christian church and passed to the spirit world leaving a husband and three small children to mourn her loss. The bereaved family has the sympathy of many relatives and friends here. Her age was about thirty or thirty-one years. She died from the effects of a cancer from which she suffered for some eighteen months.
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Death on the Rail.
     Death came in a most frightful manner to Carl J. Anderson, at Glendale, about midnight Friday, July 4th. As freight No. 17, going west, came into that place an object was noticed on the north side of the track which was taken to be nothing more than a dog or an old coat. The train was too near the object to be stopped at once and when checked it was discovered that a man had been run over by fifteen cars.- The corpse presented a sickening sight.- The body was severed in twain at the abdomen, one arm was off, one of the feet crushed, and other parts of the body badly mutilated. The body was recognized to be that of Carl J. Anderson, a Swede about 45 years old who had some time been in the employ of the C.B. & Q., as a section hand at Rome. For three weeks prior to his death the man had been working for his brother-in-law, Jno. Anderson, a farmer near Lockridge. The remains were brought to this city and Saturday morning an inquest was held by the coroner of this place when a verdict was found of accidental death. The remains were interred Saturday. The body was dragged about twenty-five yards from the place where it was first struck, the flesh and blood of the man bespattering the track and ties fully that distance. Over two hundred and thirty yards west of the spot where the engine first came into contact with the man his pocket book and a portion of his vest were found. In the pocket book was $15. On the man's person was as diary, and among other things this written in Swedish, "If I die I have $46" There was also found a bottle of liquor in one of his pockets and the supposition is that under the influence of strong drink the man had resolved to take his life and laid himself on the track with that deliberate intention. He leaves a son about twenty years of age who is in the employ of Louis Trobert near Lockridge.-- Fairfield Tribune.

MARRIED.
    CRANDALL-TRITES - At the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Geo. D Trites, July 3rd 1879, Mr. Henry J. Crandall of Shelby Co., Iowa, and Miss Anna R. Trites of Mt. Pleasant Iowa, Rev. John Wheeler, D.D., officiating.
     GOUGH-HOBSON - Married July 9th, 1879, at the house of James Corner, near Salem, Iowa, by J.B. Rose, justice peace, Mr. George Gough to Miss Rachel Hobson, all of Salem, Iowa.

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Convention of Iowa Boy Editors.
     The boy editors, printers, authors and poets of our State, held the second convention of the Iowa Amateur Journalists Association at the Bryson House, Washington, Iowa, July 14th. Mt. Pleasant honored herself by sending four delegates in the persons of Geo. A. Stough, Milton B. Hord, Willie B. Taylor, and Louis Sheliep, all of whom edit papers of their own. The meeting was called at 2 o'clock and after a routine of regular business, the amateurs adjourned to sit for a large cabinet photo. The election of officers afterwards resulted as follows: President, R VanVechten, Cedar Rapids; Vice President, Geo. A .Stough; 2nd Vice, Willie B Taylor; Secretary, Louis Schliep, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Treasurer, John Richmond, Cedar Rapids; Official Editor, J.A. Cook, Waterloo. Fifteen were in attendance, and one present from Trenton, Mo. The next convention will be held in this city during the holidays.
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     Robert Kirkpatrick, a little nine year old son of Wm. Kirkpatrick, living on south Jefferson street, had the misfortune to break his leg yesterday. It seems he in company with several other boys, had been out to Mr. Pitcher's south of town, and were on their way home, and in trying to get on to a wagon which was coming to town he caught his leg in the wheel and broke it just above the knee. Dr. Pitcher was called and reduced the fracture and the little sufferer is doing as well as could be expected.
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     Friends of the rail road tax promised wonders for Mt. Pleasant in case the tax should be voted. So we proceed this week to chronicle the following improvements already commenced and in progress of completion Joe. Smith has commenced the erection of a new house corner of Clay and White streets. Harry Walker is building an extensive addition to his residence. Our county authorities are building a much needed addition to the jail building. H.K. Leedham has almost completed a fine new residence. Leonard Farr is finishing up one of the largest and best constructed residences in town. Clay B. Whitford has dug a deep well. J.C. Harbin has since the tax was voted on Tuesday had an offer to trade some of his city property for property in Athens, Mo. And thus the boom commenced- may it continue and we all die happily.
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     Wm. Gladden received on Tuesday a letter from the sheriff of Keokuk county, stating that his team of horses lately stolen from him had been recovered near Decorah in Winneshiek county, and would be in Sigourney to-day (Thursday). The thief or thieves, being closely pursued, abandoned the tam and fled across the line into Minnesota. They were about twenty-four hours ahead of the sheriff, and he gave it up. The sheriff at Sigourney sent out about 300 notices of the stealing and it is surmised that one of these fell into the hands of the marshal at Decorah, who knew something of the suspected parties and took steps to have them arrested with the result as stated. Now who were these thieves? That is quite a mystery.  Mr. Gladden's loss is quite heavy, though not as bad as it would have been if he had not recovered the team.
--
Making Butter and Cheese.
     On Tuesday morning of this week we called at the Dan Campbell Factory. The factory is now making both butter and cheese, turning out some 250 pounds of butter daily. It is run this year wholly as a company concern. Clifton Clark has charge of the butter and cheese department. We found him with his work well in hand, his milk cans all washed, the curd in the vat was broken and seasoning ready for scalding. We found him working butter preparatory to packing. They are sending the butter to St. Louis. On his working table he had some sixty pounds of butter. With a fluted roller he was pressing out the last particles of buttermilk and at the same time working in the salt so as to make it perfectly uniform. If every butter maker in the county could see him handle a mess of butter for five minutes, they would acquire more practical knowledge than by reading a year. Under instructions from their agent in St. Louis they are salting heavier than last year using now 3/4 of an ounce of Ashton salt to a pond of butter. Although the weather is at its highest temperature, the butter was nice in color and smell and was salted a good way above what our market demands. Many people wonder how butter can be salted with only 1/2 an ounce to the pound; the secret is in working so evenly as to have every grain of salt dissolve.- They are just now trying tin buckets with tight shutting covers, holding about ten pounds, to ship in. They make a nice, handy, tight package, if they can be kept cool.
     In the cheese room the shelves are well filled, half of the amount is well cured and ready for market. The cheese is curing well and in all the number I did not see one that was cracked or leaking whey, now and then one showed signs of puffing but the rind was perfect. The drying room was airy and free from flies and had the agreeable odor that assures one that the cheeses are curing all right.
     Now we don't want you all to go in one day or one week, but any person that makes even a small quantity of butter cannot spend an hour more profitably than by calling and seeing for themselves the way Mr. Clark changes milk into butter and cheese. I will guarantee he will cheerfully and promptly answer any question pertaining to his work and give you all the attention which a faithful discharge of his immediate duties will permit.
          TIMOTHY.

Green Corn.
     At the request of a large number of our subscribers, we republish the following recipe for canning corn:
    "To every six quarts of corn take one ounce of tartaric acid, dissolved in boiling water; cut the corn from the cob, and put in sufficient water to cook; put the acid in while the corn is cooking; when done seal in glass jars; to prepare for the table, pour off the sour water and save it; put enough fresh water to corn to cook it; for every quart of corn add one small teaspoonful of saleratus, and let it stand a few minutes before cooking; while cooking put in a teaspoonful of sugar. If the corn turns yellow, too much saleratus has been used, pour back some of the sour water till it turns white again; season with salt, cream, butter and pepper, same as fresh corn."

Swedesburg.
     The month of roses and rain have passed, also the Fourth of July. The fireworks, the cannons, the eloquence and the disappointments are things of the past. Farmers have settled down to heavy work in the harvest field.
     The rye and hay crops are abundant, wheat and oats promise well and the corn is fast aspiring heavenward.
     After so many years of poor crops how exhilarating to ride over the country and see such an abundance.
     Please permit a few correction of names in my last: Dr. Kimel instead of Himmell; in the shoe shop, Anderson, instead of Henderson. And he is worthy of his name, if any doubt let them call on him and see, and please let them take their feet along and have them measured and see if Charlie can't give them "fits."
     Railroad is the main topic of conversation here now. Petitions to secure an election for taxation are being circulated but with what success I have not heard. A north and south rail road would open up a highway through Henry County too grand to contemplate.
     Mrs. Smith of Wayne, has got about well, and Mr. Bergh has been at work for three weeks past. During his sickness we heard it reported that there was no earthly chance for a sick Swede because he would not take medicine; and knowing as I did of one Swede who did take medicine faithfully, I felt like letting it be known, thus one reason for writing the particulars of his case. Another and more potent reason we may give at another time.
     Lost somewhere in the vicinity of Swedesburg a bundle of good opportunities of more value than rare diamonds in costly setting, lost, forever, to the owner, but picked up and appropriated by another and worn as a coronet of unfading honor.
        BETTIE
July 11, 1879

Horse Poisoned.
     I, the undersigned, was called to see a bay horse belonging to one Wm. Holland, of Mt. Pleasant Henry County Iowa, on the morning of the fourth inst. Mr. Holland fed and groomed the horse about six o'clock as was his usual custom and there was nothing the matter with him; he heard a racket in the barn about 10 o'clock went to see what was the matter and found that the horse had broke his hitching strap, called me to assist him. I ran across to the barn and there to my dismay I saw the horse frothing and biting every thing that came in his reach as though he was maddened with Hydrophobia. Mr. Holland asked me what I though was the matter, I told him I thought that his horse had got a dose of poison. We got the horse out of the barn as quick as we could and tried to give him some sweet milk, but found that he could not swallow and was so vicious that it was dangerous to be about him. Went to drug store, got one ounce of laudanum and three ounces of sweet oil, put ropes on him and threw him down and drenched him with the oil and laudanum; did not appear to do him any good, took the ropes off, let him up, he appeared to be perfectly blind, would stand stretched out with his mouth on the ground and bite holes in the ground or his legs or any thing else; was on his feet about twenty-five minutes when he fell to the ground with a spasm or fit; these spasms continued to increase on the poor creature until the morning of the fifth, inst., when he died in the greatest distress. There appeared to be no inflammation about the horse, his pulse very slow, no action in the region of his heart. We opened the horse immediately after death and found the inside of the stomach and bowels eat to a jelly while the outer parts seemed perfect and healthy.- There was present when I opened the horse, A. Bane, S. Alford, F. Forny, Chas. Avery, Mr. Bennett also others. Mr. Holland said that if there was a horse that was worshiped by a family that this one was.
        C.J. THOMPSON, Batavia, Jeff Co, Iowa.

Sheriff's Sale.
    By virtue of a special execution to me directed from the Circuit Court of Henry County State of Iowa, I will expose to sale at Public Auction to the highest bidder, for cash in hand, at the Court House door, in Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, State of Iowa, on the
    Fourth Day of August, 1879,
at 10 o'clock A.M., the following described real estate, to wit:
     The SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 21, Township 72, Range 7 west, Henry County, Iowa.
     Taken as the property of Samuel Jay to satisfy an execution in favor of Bernard Bates, against Samuel Jay, for the sum of Eight Hundred Fifty and 97-100 Dollars, and interest and costs.
     Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, July 2, 1879.
PALMER & PALMER, Attorneys for Plaintiff,
J.R. DAVIDSON, Sheriff of Henry Co.

Sheriff's Sale.
    By virtue of a special execution to me directed from the Circuit Court of Henry County State of Iowa, I will expose to sale at Public Auction to the highest bidder, for cash in hand, at the Court House door, in Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, State of Iowa, on the
     Twenty-eighth day of July, 1879
at 11 o'clock A.M., the following described real estate, to wit:
     The S1/2 of the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 Sec. 21, and a tract of 19 acres described as follows: beginning at the NE corner of the NW1/4 of Sec. 28; running thence north to the Section line; thence east to the place of beginning; all in Township 70, Range 7 west in Henry County, Iowa.
     Taken as the property of Edward A. Lewis to satisfy an execution in favor of Leonard Farr, against Edward A. Lewis, for the sum of Two Hundred One and 94-100 dollars, and interest and costs.
     Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, June 25, 1879.
WOOLSON & BABB, Attorneys for Plaintiff,
J.R. DAVIDSON, Sheriff of Henry Co.

A HORRIBLE AFFAIR.
An Escaped Convict Attempts to Murder an Entire Family near Pleasant Plain.
(Fairfield Ledger)

    Our adjoining county of Washington is the scene of many sensational affairs, but of her murders and suicides none is more horrible than the attempt made Monday night on the family of Clark Hoskins, who lives a mile and a half north of Pleasant Plain, and three miles southwest of Brighton.
     The perpetrator of the foul deed is one Harison McClain, who came originally from Pennsylvania several years ago, taking up his residence, such as it was, in Henry county. He is a desperate villain, and has already served two terms in the state penitentiary.- He was sent up from Henry county for eight years for stabbing a man in a drunken quarrel, and served another sentence as an accomplice in a burglary. His last sentence of eight years was commuted to seven years because of good behavior, and he was released about the 1st of March last. By some one who was interested in his welfare and reform he was taken to Pleasant Plain, and recommended to some of the society of Friends in that vicinity. Mr. Andrews found him a place as a farm laborer with Clark Hoskins, on whom and his family he made the desperate assault.
     Not suiting Mr. Hoskins as a farm hand he was discharged a week or tow ago and left the house. A few days ago a letter was received from him by Mr. Hoskins' sister, dated at Perlee, in which he stated they would hear from him again. This, taken in connection with other threats, worked upon the fears of the family somewhat, but they were not seriously alarmed.
     The family consists of Clark Hoskins, a bachelor, aged about forty; his mother, a lady of eighty-six years; his sister, Ruth, about thirty-five, and a little girl named Ackles. Retiring Monday night at the usual hour, not dreaming of danger, the women of the family were awakened about midnight by a series of blows, which they thought were pistol shots, coming from an upstairs room where Mr. Hoskins slept. In a short time a man made his appearance at their bedroom door and demanded admittance. This was refused, but he forced his way in, flourishing a club and commanding silence. Mrs. Hoskins remonstrated with him, when he assaulted her, felling her to the floor. The daughter, Ruth, and the little girl interfered and he assaulted the latter, knocking her down and inflicting some serious wounds. By this time Hoskins aroused himself, and running down stairs, gave the alarm, but was so frightfully wounded as to be scarcely conscious of what he was doing.
     The neighbors coming in found him covered with blood from four ugly wounds on his head, and insensible.- Mrs. Hoskins was lying on the floor in an unconscious condition with her skull fractured, and the little girl was suffering terribly from the wounds she had received, Mr. Hoskins being the only one of the family uninjured.
     The entire neighborhood was alarmed in a few minutes and by one o'clock parties of armed men were securing the woods in every direction searching for the assassin. Dispatches were sent up and down the railroad, and at present it appears that the fiend cannot escape capture, and if captured death will certainly be his punishment, for the people seem determined not to await the slow process of law.- This view of the question seems all the more probable when it is considered that McClain has already been sent to the penitentiary twice for reform and it has failed, and of the alarming frequency of deeds of violence in that section of the country.
     The weapon used in the murderous assault was a stick of black oak about eighteen inches long and as large as a man's arm. It is a dangerous looking weapon and did hard service, as the bark was almost completely stripped from it by hard usage. The bed on which Hoskins was asleep was saturated with blood, and it had run through into pools on the floor. The latest accounts have it that Mrs. Hoskins is in a more precarious position than her son, but it is difficult now to tell whether either will survive their injuries.
     Since the above was written Messrs. Henry Pickard and Pleasant Hoskins, to whom and Isaac Crumley, we are indebted for our particulars- have given us a description of the fiend, Harrison McClain. He is about 35 years of age; weighs about 150 pounds; is of rather dark complexion with brown mustache, and hair a little darker.- There is a large scar on the back of his head, extending downward from his right ear; when last seen he wore a stiff, black felt hat. From his long confinement he cannot travel far, and it is hoped this may lead to his capture. A reward of $50 will be paid by the citizens of Pleasant Plain for him to return to that place.

--
A terrible storm passed over Plymouth county, Iowa on the 3d instant. Two young men by the name of Kass were killed. At first the storm looked like an hour glass, and then it changed to a straight column, and finally drifted away.

Last January Wm .McKinsey disappeared from the house of Thos. L. Hohne, of Madison township, Iowa. During his absence Hohne has been several times tried for his murder, and barely escaped lynching by his neighbors. MrKinsey, on the 1st inst., appeared in Polk County, and gave an account of himself.
--
Thomas A. Edison's electric light is not a failure, and it will undoubtedly in a comparatively short time supercede the use of gas. He says to a Sun reporter: "I recognize the impatience of the public over the delay in bringing the light before them, but we must start with a perfect plant and we are going on to perfection," even in the supply of metal for burners.
--
     The Prohibitionists assembled in state convention at Cedar Rapids on Wednesday July 16th. The convention proper, after a stormy session, by a vote of 41 to 32 decided not to nominate a state prohibitory ticket, and then adjourned. After adjournment the minority met at the Grand Hotel and nominated the following ticket: Prof. G.T. Carpenter, of Oskaloosa, for governor; Prof. J.C. Nash, of Des Moines, for state superintendent; Frank S. Campbell, of Newton, for lieutenant-governor, and J.M. Beck, for supreme judge.

The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
Thursday, July 24, 1879

Local Matters

-Wm. Smith, for many years a resident of this city is reported to have been killed at Leadville, Colorado, during a fire in that city.
-Mr. Gus Walters, one of the late graduates of our University, has just been elected principal of the high school at Ft. Madison. We congratulate Gus on his success.
-George Sayles, resident of Winfield, in the lumber business in that town, died this Wednesday morning of typhoid fever. He leaves a wife and three children. Mr. Sayles was a brother of Ed. Sayles of this city.
-Van Vost and Andres have opened out a crockery and queensware store on north Main street. They have a splendid stock, all new, and all the latest styles. The stand is the same as that formerly occupied by Holcomb & Andrews in the same business.
-On Friday evening last, J.J. Parker in the hay loft of his barn, was watching some boys catch pigeons. One flying near him he sprang to catch it, when he stepped through the mow hole with one foot and fell partly through, striking his left shoulder which was dislocated. It was a long and painful operation to set it but it was successfully accomplished by Dr. McClure, and he is at present doing as well as could be expected.
-A.E. Andrews and R.W. Sullivan under the firm name of Andrews & Sullivan have bought out the business of W.H. Byrum in the new bakery on the east side of the square. Mr. Andrews has been employed as the general travelling agent for the Comstock scale works for some time and Mr. Sullivan as the secretary of the works. Both are young men of promise and will keep a first class restaurant and bakery. They have already commenced some improvements and will do all in their power to attract and deserve customers.
-Wm. Mallery, one of our Henry county boys, removed to Audubon county in this state a little less than two years ago. He was on last Saturday nominated by the democratic convention as their candidate for sheriff of that county. And is is quite certain that William, with his wide-awake energy, will be elected. Audubon lacks but few votes of being now a democratic county; and whatever the lack, it will be more than supplied by this Henry county boy. We are glad to hear of his good fortune in receiving the nomination.
-Miss Jennie Potter one of our best teachers resigned her position of principal of No. 45, central building on account of delicate health. Miss Sallie E. Porter has been assigned in her place, and Superintendent Hunt is authorized by the Board to select a teacher for No. 5 to fill Miss Porter's place.
-A large number of neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of James Dougherty on Monday evening to witness the blooming of another of those splendid flowers, the Night Blooming Cereus. The blossom was the same in all respects as the one described in our columns last week and was a sight well worth witnessing.
-James Merkel was the lowest bidder for the new school house to be put up in Willow Bank district. His bid was $3,478 for the whole building complete. He has given the required bonds and will commence the building at once. The whole is to be completed by December 1st next.

Personal

-The following persons from this city attended the Keokuk regatta last week:  J.W. Hampton with his daughters, Emma, Ella, and Nettie; E.L. Penn with his daughters Ella and Lulu; Miss Mabel Todd, Miss Junie Wise, Miss Emma Kaelson, J.W. Palm and wife, Jim Whitford, Kent Clark, Ed Bartruff, Will McAdam, Frank Tyler, Ed Gage, John and Willie Steel.
-Mrs. L.W. Sutton of Mt. Pleasant, is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Thomas of Brooklyn this week. She will remain some weeks.--Brooklyn Chronicle.
-Ross Virden and family have returned to this city to make it their home. No place like Mt. Pleasant for pleasant homes and pleasant people.
Miss E. Jessie Slyter, of Council Bluffs, Ia., is in town visiting with the family of her uncle, C.V. Arnold.

OBITUARY
     FARISS- Died in this city, July 23rd, 1879 Dr. T.E.V. Fariss, Sen., at the advanced age of 86 years and eight months.
    Dr. Fariss was the oldest practicing physician in the county, having been a resident of the city for thirty-four years lacking a few days. Dr Fariss was born in New Canton, Buckingham, Co. Va. His parents afterwards removed to Charlotte county. Here his mother was killed by a woman slave. Dr. Fariss had a brother who afterwards preceded the doctor to this state and died here some years ago.- The family then moved to Tenn. Rutherford county, where the doctor married Miss Sidney Rodgers, from thence the family moved to Illinois. Here were born two children, a son and a daughter. The son died before the doctor came to Mt. Pleasant, the daughter lived in Decatur, Ill., where she died a few weeks ago. His first wife died soon after his son. The doctor studied and commenced the practice of medicine in Ill. On the 20th day of March 1845 he married Miss Mary Magee, his present wife, and on the 17th day of August 1845 landed in Mt. Pleasant where he has always resided and practiced his profession as long as his health permitted. By the second marriage were two children the young Doctor Fariss and a daughter, who has been 23 years dead. The doctor's father also came to this county and settled near Hickory Grove some time about 1840. The father is now dead. The doctor has a half brother living in Gentry county, Missouri. Dr. Fariss will be buried in the old City Cemetery, this afternoon, July 24.

TRAGIC DEATH OF L.D. HOUSEL.
He Throws Himself Headlong into his Well and Dies from Injuries Received.
    On Monday morning the startling news reached us that L.D. Housel, a prominent farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Tippecanoe township, living two miles west of Oakland, had committed suicide on Sunday afternoon, by throwing himself into his well. Through the favor of Mr. Housel, residing in this city, we obtain the following particulars of this sad affair.
    One week ago last Friday, Mr. Housel got overheated while at work and was heard frequently to complain afterwards that it seemed somehow to affect his mind so that he could not control his thoughts and feelings as formerly. Yet in a general way he was around as usual, and it was only occasionally that anything peculiar or unusual would be noticed about his manner and conversation. He several times spoke of being much worried for fear some one was conspiring to do him some personal injury, burn his stacks of grain or something of that kind.
    On Sunday last, Dr. Williams with his wife  rode over from this city to make them a visit. He arrived at the residence of Mr. Housel about noon. Mr. Housel greeted them pleasantly and went with the doctor to the barn to put out his horse. He seemed unusually talkative. He spoke about his harvest, his haying and other home affairs. They had dinner about 1 o'clock and Mr. housel seemed to eat as usual. The doctor noticed once, a wild look of his eyes. After dinner they all noticed that he appeared silent and disturbed and muttered rather to himself what was almost unintelligible to others. About 2 o'clock Dr. Williams and the son Lafayette were at the barn, Mr. Housel was observed by an older daughter to go to the well for a drink. She watched him He drank when she turned her head. The youngest daughter, Cora Housel, aged nine years was standing at at another door and saw her father place his hands on each side of the curb, throw his head downward as low as he could, then drop. She gave the alarm. Immediately the Dr. and Lafayette came from the barn and Lafayette was let down into the well. The well was 28 feet deep, with about 8 feet of water. He found is father on the top of the water, and attaching a rope to his arm he was held up from the water until more help came. George Laird, a neighbor was the first to reach them, next Bill Smith. Smith descended in the well and with his assistance they lifted Mr. Housel out. He soon recovered consciousness and inquired what it all meant. He could not realize what he had done. his head and face was cut and bruised by the fall, but the worst was the evident internal injuries he had received in falling so far. It is supposed that he fell so that his breast struck the water, his lungs were severely injured or ruptured. Dr. McClure was sent for and arrived about ten minutes before he died. He died between five and six o'clock. He died easily and quickly without a struggle.
    L.D. Housel was born in Northumberland county, Penn., and was between 55 and 60 years of age when he died. He removed to this county in 1845, and lived for a time near this city. From here he moved to Pleasant Hill where he resided for several years. He there joined the M.E. church, and form this church his funeral was held on Tuesday at 11 o'clock, and in the church yard there he was buried.- Fourteen years ago he removed to his present farm near Oakland. Mrs. Housel, his wife, survives him. They have had nine children, eight of whom are now living, two boys and six girls. Two of their children are married, and one an older brother, is living away, leaving five children at home.
    Mr. Housel was a leading man in his township and a man highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities. He has several times been elected supervisor from his township, was the leading man in their Grange at Pleasant point, and a man widely known and generally respected throughout the county.
    For some months, it is said, he seemed to have a presentiment that he had not long to live and had spoken of it to his friends in a way that caused them some uneasiness. He had been noticed to stand about the well rather suspiciously at different times for  a day or two before.
    A somewhat remarkable coincidence of this sad affair is developed in the fact that Mr. Housel's own mother, many years ago, back in Pennsylvania, met her death in a similar way, in the same well where her daughter, a sister of Mr. Housel, had met the same tragic end before this. Thus the tendency to this act seems to have been in a degree hereditary, though unsuspected by his friends.
    The accident reported last week, which resulted in the death of Mr. Jeffries on his farm east of town, and this sudden, sad, ending of the earthly life of Mr. Housel, proved to us how weak, how frail we are.- No one is secure, no one safe from accident, from disease, that in an unexpected moment may call him from this earth's life to the life beyond. These are solemn thoughts and it is such sad events as these we have recorded that bring them home to each one of us.
--
     It is questionable whether any other Institute in the state can present as strong a corps of instructors as our own. The instructors have been chosen with a view to their special fitness for the work. No teacher should fail to attend. None can afford to miss the excellent instruction, and that, too, of just such a character as would guarantee success in school work. Even though not intending to teach, all who can should profit by this intellectual treat.
    The instructors are:
    Prof. O.P. Howe, reading and elocution.
    Dr. W. Beattie, mathematics.
    Miss A.E. Packer, orthography, geography and writing.
    Prof. Seward C. Howe, grammar.
    Mrs. Mansfield, civil government, history and drawing.
    Mr. William Hart, algebra.
    Prof. Leigh Hunt will assist during the first week, giving instruction in "primary teaching," "general exercises," and also conduct Supt. Linn's classes in physiology. On Monday morning, Aug. 4th, Prof. Hunt will deliver the address of welcome to the assembled instructors, teachers, and students of the Normal. Let every one be present to hear it and commenced work in earnest.
--
O.J. GIMBLE
will keep constantly in stock,
ICE
of the very best quality. Or-
ders left at the store will be delivered
free. He also keeps a full line of Gro-
ceries at prices as low as the lowest.-
All goods delivered free to any part
of the city.  No. 23 N. Jefferson st.

The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
Thursday, July 31, 1879

Canaan.
    Cotton Grove is a post village in Canaan township, situated one and one-half miles south west of the center of the township. Frank R. Fleagle keeps the store and post office. He does a good business, is a good fellow and deserving of a good patronage. James Thomas does all the making and repairing in good work.
    The weather is quite cool at this time, which makes it pleasant for out door employment. The corn is doing as well as could be expected on account of the continuous dry weather. It will make a fair average crop around here. Wheat and oats is a fair crop and is now all cut and some stacked and some thrashed. Grass is good and hay will be abundant.
    William H. Corkhill has thrashed forty acres of fall wheat on his farm here, that made twenty bushel to the acre. I hear he contemplates sowing one hundred acres this fall.
    Thomas A. Lee has the largest herd of Short Horn cattle in the township and I believe they are second to none in the county.
    Henry Avery has the largest bearing orchard in the township; there is about twenty acres and he is enlarging it.
    The largest land owners in the township are the Ambler brothers, W.H. Corkhill and Henry Avery, they owning about a section each. The land is all under cultivation, except nine hundred and twenty acres. The soil is rich and yields well.
    We have no banks or bankers. We have no great amount of mineral wealth to bring to light, yet we can hear the locomotive whistle at five rail road stations.
    The township has settled rapidly in the last twelve years, the most emigrants came in 1867, of course they built themselves houses and improved the land. Thee were in seventy-four and five another class came with more money and built finer houses and better barns.
    Twelve years ago we had three school houses, now we have nine. Then we had one Sunday school, now we have seven.- Then we had no place of regular worship, now we have one meeting house. Thus you see by what a class of people the township has been settled. Of the first settlers, James Lawrence, a widower living on the land he first improved. Robert McCabe, and Jacob Hare are dead. Anbrose Yancy is living in Kansas.
    There were many changes last spring. Jonah McCormick moved west. John Feehan moved to his place. Mr. Cole moved to Mt. Pleasant. Ross Bryson moved west. John Hankans moved to his place. Hardin Smith moved to Pleasant grove Des Moines county. Benjamin Short moved to his place. Silas Cochrane moved west, Calvin Short moved to his place. Andrew Sullivan moved to Kansas last spring with part of his family, the rest will follow next fall.
    Conrad Burkhart has moved his blacksmith tools from Cotton grove to Yarmouth on the narrow gauge rail road where he is now at work. John Hindle of this place is working at boot and shoe making at Yarmouth.
    John Hindle slipped one day last week, his knee cam on the edge of a road scraper, hurt him badly, from the effects of which he is laid up ever since.
    A little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Noble living northwest of here on the prairie, scalded herself badly one day last week by upsetting a pot of hot coffee. She was attended by Dr. Neal of Mt. Union, and is doing as well as could be expected.
    We have three persons living a retired life, Mr. and Mrs. John Winters and their son Charles.
    There are no paupers in Canaan, nor hasn't been for two years. FAIR PLAY.
    Cotton Grove July 26th, 1879.

Lowell.
    Old Baltimore township is all right, good crops, good health, and general prosperity.
    Mrs. Melissa Allison of this place died lately.
    James Walker and Rachel A. Conner were married.
    Mr. N.P. Foster is building a new barn; is is the best barn in the township.
    Mr. J.W. Gregg is building a new residence in Lowell, a large commodious building.
    The rail road from Ft. Madison to West Point is finished and the train makes regular trips morning and evening. The road will run within five miles of us.- They are going to start work on the road next month; they expect to finish the road to Salem by the first of December.
    This weather has been dry for the last six weeks; corn needs rain very bad.
    There will be a large yield of winter wheat this season, from 15 to 20 bushels per acre. I will not worry your patience any longer.
     T.S. BOX July 25th, 1879

Winfield.
    We are called upon to chronicle the death of one of our best business men and citizens, George L. Sayles. The disease typhoid or malarial fever. He died on the morning of the 23d of July in the 37th year of his age. He leaves a wife and three children. It is sad that he should be thus cut down in the prime of life. He was buried at Marshall, his old home, yesterday at three o'clock, a large and sorrowful number of friends followed his remains to their last resting place. We wish to credit the good people of Marshall for the generous way they treated the friends who went over from Winfield with his body.
    Miss Thompson, the daughter of Andrew Thompson, lately met with a serious accident. The team ran away and threw her out of the buggy. She was so injured that she remained unconscious all night and the next morning was taken home in a dangerous condition but there is now hopes of her recovery. The accident happened at Winfield.
    Mr. John Fenton of Kerwin, Kansas is home visiting his mother, will go back in a few days. Good luck to the boy.
    Mr. R.J. Coulter and wife will start in a few days to visit friends in Ohio then to New Jersey.
    Harvest is about over. Fine crops and good prospects ahead, corn here looks like old times.
    The N.G.R.R. is pushing Washington ward fast. Ties commenced to arrive this week. It looks like business.
    More anon.   DOM PEDRO.

Local Matters

-Fred Hobarts broom factory was entered on Wednesday night and several dollars worth of brooms stolen therefrom.
-Prof. Cozier has bought Smith's drugs, medicines, etc. This was his old business before he got engaged in teaching.
-A pleasant social party of friends were entertained at the residence of L.D. Lewelling on Wednesday evening last week.
-A disease like cholera is raging at Center Point, Linn county, and many deaths have occurred. The physicians are worn out and citizens fleeing from the place.
-Henry Harrison promises to return and reopen his meat market in this city between the first and tenth of September next.
-The lumber and coal yard of Ross & Sayles, by reason of the death of Mr. Sayles, will be sold. See notice in another column.
-Ambrose Yancy receives a letter here from his home in Elk county, Kansas, dated July 17th, saying "corn here in roasting ears and thermometer at 102."
-John Sullivan of Canaan township brings us a specimen of his oats and says he has sixteen acres just like it. If this be so then is Canaan indeed the happy land of prosperity and promise.
-L.D. Lewelling just escaped a serious accident on Friday last. He was driving a two seated buggy with his spirited team, two ladies on the back seat. The front seat some way loosened and tipped him out. The team started to run but he held on for a considerable distance when with some outside assistance the team was stopped. Had he lost presence of mind or given up, the ladies might have been seriously injured.
-We are sorry to learn that Joel Turney has about concluded to to to Fairfield.- Is there not some way by which he can be prevailed upon to change his mind, and bring his wagon manufactory to this city?--Reporter.   Yes, vote a three per cent tax and set him up. Let us show that we have some nerve and backbone.
-John Shean shows the best figures on corn we have yet seen. A small piece back of his house; one stalk measured 13 feet 6 inches high and 6 inches in circumference, and had 11 ears upon it. It will average 11 feet high and 7 ears to the stalk. If any one can beat this they are entitled to a free local. A. Foster, New London township, had one stalk with 10 settings for corn, and thought it a little ahead of anything, but this beats his.
-Messrs. Newbold and Buchanan one day last week took a ride in their delivery wagon and succeeded in delivering themselves in the ditch. And this new kind of delivery frightened the horses who had not yet learned all the new fangled ways and notions of the world and they ran and scattered what was left of the wagon, finally bringing up themselves without serious injury. Fortunately neither of the gentlemen named were seriously hurt.
-Charlie Lang, his son Henry and Will Seiss were painting for W.H. Schliep. They had thrown their pants in a manger in the barn while they were at work on the house. Between ten and eleven o'clock some persons stole Mr. Lang's watch, knife and keys from his pants pocket, and stole the pants belonging to the boys, Henry Lang and Will Seiss. This was a bold robbery and it a wonder they were not caught in the act.
-L.D. Lewelling, on Saturday last, received a dispatch with the sad news of the sudden death of the mother of Mrs. Lewelling, and Mrs. Collins, in Warren county. They all left the same evening to be present at the funeral.
-Bert Hatton is out a good suit of clothes. Some stranger entered his mother's house on Friday night last and borrowed them. He kindly left Bert's letters on the door step. Bert don't know the name and is rather suspicious that it is a dead loss.
-During the storm on last Monday afternoon, the lightning struck a shed belonging to T.H. Barton in the western part of Tippecanoe township, killed eleven head of hogs and burned up the shed and straw stack adjoining. It was with difficulty the barn was saved.
-E.B. Ogg, Esq., one of the early settlers in this county and who for many years was extensively engaged in business in this city, made us a pleasant visit on Saturday. To hear him talk of good old times, which were not always as good, and the active business men of Mt. Pleasant 25 years ago, is a rare treat we very much enjoyed.
-L.F. Willard has a fine assortment of leather belting for sale. All needing this article will do well to call at Willard's on east side of the square. And for harness and anything in the line of that business, there is no better or cheaper place to trade than at Willard's. He will fit you every time and give you bargains that will induce you to come again.
-The new bakery on the east side has got a new partner, and he isn't a silent one either. He made his appearance at the residence of R.W. Sullivan on Sunday afternoon; and they say that when Sullivan came down to the store on Monday morning, he went to the bread case after a cigar and then to the money drawer after a match to light it. But we think under the circumstances he is excusable.
-Charley Reynolds' son, a little six year old boy, while playing at the stable of Mr. Boyles on Tuesday, was kicked by a horse and seriously if not fatally injured. The wound was just back and a little above the ear. At first it was thought the skull was broken, but later examinations showed no depression, but the wound is a serious one, and the boy, although partially conscious, is yet in a very critical condition.
-The first Union Temperance Meeting, held in the park last Sunday, was lively and interesting. Short, pertinent, pointed and sensible talks were made by Father McDowell, John Powell, Mr. Randall and Elder Ferguson. There is no danger of the heated term having any deleterious effect upon the health of the Red or White Ribbon clubs. Next Sunday afternoon the ladies will have the floor.

Hillsboro.
    We can truly say, Hillsboro is improving slowly but surely. The first important item of improvement is our side walks. Mr. Lindsay has built a splendid walk in front of his property. Also Dr. Converse on Main street; from the hotel westward there is a grand improvement in the walk. But why stop here, why not go on with the good work? There are many other places needing repairing.
    Mr. Campbell was laboring hard on said walk when the heat overpowered him and he was obliged to retire immediately to his store. By the way he is doing a splendid business as a merchant, and we anticipate he will have great success.
    Our other merchant, Mr. Lester, still keep up an extensive business, and for the benefit of the poor suffering loafers he has erected an elegant porch, thus sheltering them from the scorching rays of the sun when they choose to sit outside.
    Mr. Roe, our new wagon maker, has plenty of work, and I guess he and his family like Hillsboro better than they did at first. The two daughters rank first on the list of school teachers.
    Mrs. Slai intends joining her husband soon in Kansas, there to make their future home.
    Mrs. Converse has returned from a three weeks' visit in Lewiston, Illinois.
    Mary Alton and her sister Lizzie Lindsay spent three weeks with their married sister in Camden Illinois.
    Our mill runs almost constantly and is very successful under the guidance of our new miller, John Carter.
    Mr. Cherry who is now home visiting intends moving his family to the fair city of Mt. Pleasant.
    George Lindsay and family show their preference for Hillsboro, as they have again taken up their abode here.
    Misses Maggie and Delia Glisan are spending their vacations with their sister, Mrs. Pope.
    Mrs. Emma Kapferer, of Ottumwa, is visiting at her father's, William Ellerton.
    Mrs. Gambol, who has been staying with her son for some time, has returned to her home in Kansas.
    Will Mickelwait and sister Lucy have returned from Kansas to spend the summer at home.
    We regret to learn that Frank Elarton on account of throat disease is compelled to give up preaching; but we hope only for  short time.
    Elder Decker is in ill health at present. He has had two severe attacks of the chills, but is now improving.
    Ellet Jordan was very sick with fever, but is now better.
    Mrs. Galer has been on the sick list, but is now quite recovered.
    Lida Feree is quite sick at present with intermittent fever.
    Mr. Henry on the way from Big Mound here, received a sun stroke and lay for some time unconscious. Some one found him, carried him home and administered to his wants. He is now well and has gone to his home in Illinois.
    Mr. Barnes and his son-in-law, John Taylor, are erecting a splendid dwelling two miles east of town.

Wayne.
    Notwithstanding the excessive hot weather of late, I hear of no cases of sun stroke, which indicates we are a very slow or else a very cautious community.
    The hard times and poor crops make very dull times for mechanics.
    Mr. Coulter, our principal carpenter, has found employment in building some bridges for the county near Salem. The people in that vicinity may rest assured that they will have substantial structures.
    Work on the narrow gauge railroad from Winfield to Crawfordsville and Washington is progressing rapidly. And now Wayne township, nine-tenths of whose land owners would have told you one year ago that you could not vote a tax here to aid in building a railroad, have presented  a petition to the board of trustees, signed by 118 out of 193 legal petitioners, asking them to call a special election to vote upon the question of aiding in the construction of the old I.N.C.R.R. and the election is called for the 16th of August.
    In canvassing for "old settlers" in this township, I find about twenty-nine, several of whom were born here.
    Local items are scarce. No marriage since early in spring; it is said there are but two girls left who are old enough.
    No saloons, consequently no drunken rows or murders. We are willing that Jefferson should monopolize that business.
    No deaths this summer and no sickness now.
    No wind storms, no floods and only seven men slept in church last Sabbath.
July 24, 1879

Rome.
    The Millspaugh's have a splendid new grist mill almost ready to begin work, will be running in less than three weeks. I was told that it will be the best mill on the river. It has all new machinery and will manufacture flour by the "new process" which is considered vastly superior to the old method. It is to be known as the "Star Mills," and will have its name painted in large letters away up high on its front.
    Mr. Hass, in Rome, has enlarged and very much improved the appearance of his house.
    Rome has lately had a drug store added to its business. The store is kept by Mr. Virden of Mt. Pleasant.
    Miss Jennie Gentle of this place will attend Normal this term.
    Dr. Carter and his wife have gone to housekeeping in the cosiest style imaginable; I might also add, in the house formerly occupied by the Chandlers.
    Mrs. Chandler has returned from a long trip to New London, and the family now live opposite the Congregational church. They have taken a little Miss Chandler to "bring up" and have the heartiest congratulations of many friends.
    There are some of the loveliest little nook among the hills about here. Regular fern dells with rocks and rippling water at the bottom, and bright, smooth grass shaded by the great trees sloping away from the top. Words do not tell of their beauty, they must be seen to be appreciated, so I am glad I know where they are.
July 25, 1879.

MARRIED.
    CUTTER-BENTLEY. In Compton, Cal. at the residence of the bride's sister, Mrs. Sylvia Lucas, Mr. Frank Cutter of Lowell, Mass. to Miss Allenette Bentley of Compton, Rev. J.L. Mann officiating.
    POTTER-ALDRIDGE. July 26, 1879, by the Rev. J. McDowell, at his residence two blocks east of the Court House, Mr. George Potter and Miss Ellen Aldridge, of Rome.

New London Township.
    The cry is here that times are dull. Meet a neighbor and after the usual salutations and talk about the weather they say how dull times are; how long is it going to remain so?
    A short time ago Mr. Jacob Shopbell put an addition to his barn, and the sound of the saw and hammer was delightful music to that neighborhood, and the question now is with the present prices will any one else ever be able to build anything again and where, O where are those good times the specie basis advocates have promised us so often and so sure?
    T.E. Stevens and Frank Mathews went fishing last week with meagre returns for their labor. Frank says there is not one fish in the river now to where they used to be five hundred forty years ago. But that it is a pleasure to go to the scenes where we sported our boyhood days.- The best joke on Frank is that he took home with him a large soft-shell turtle and dressed it very nice, put it in some salt and water to take out the turtle smell, directed the women folks how he wanted it cooked. But under one pretense and another they delayed the cooking until finally they declared it was spoiled and over to the hogs it went. Imagine Frank's feelings.
    Now Mr. Editor, we will make the prophesy that in the next twenty years the majority of land owners in this country will be raising their own fish and that it will pay pecuniarily to do so. (Stick a pin there.)
    Mr. John Dawson with a small Champion machine with five binders and two shockers, cut and put up fifty acres of heavy timothy grass in three days, how is that for work?
    New London Tp., July 27th.

Salem.
    The Yellow Fever has not made its appearance in this place as yet but the rail road fever has raged here for something like 30 long years and no rail road in sight yet nor a whistle to be heard.
    A number of our mechanics and laborers are assisting Mr. Coulter in building a new bridge across Little Cedar creek on the Hillsboro road, the old one having become unsafe, according to the judgment of our supervisors.
    Mary Bond has lately returned from California after living in that golden state for four years. She has bought the Mace property and expects to build a new house on it and repair it all up in good style. She says she expects to spend the balance of her days in Salem. She is now in her 80th year and was one of the early settlers of Salem having come to this county 30 years ago.
    Thomas Carrol and wife have just returned from a visit to friends in Wisconsin.
    Volne Frazier after living a cattle herders life for a number of years on the plains, managed by some hook or crook to get him a nice wife, come home and buy his father's farm and is now hard at work repairing and building fences and will soon have every thing in first class order about the place. His father, J.W. Frazier, says he has sold out every thing he had except his steel traps and gun and that neither of his boys has got money enough to get them away from him.
    Well, Geo. Gough is a good enough sort of Canadian if he did get married a few days ago after living a lone bachelor life for 60 odd years more or less. But George you had better set up those peanuts, the boys won't stand this kind of arrangement much longer.
    Whittier Normal opens to-day, July 28th, 1879.

New London.
    Local happenings, like angels' visits are rather few and far between at present.
    The Literary Club which meets daily at Stoddard & Co's store or at Mr. Wm. Allen's lawn, or any other places uniting coolness with convenience, has been in the clouds lately. The ideas deveolped, have been as clear as could be hoped for on the subject. The debates wax warm and hang on like warm wax. Yet amidst the highest flights of raillery nobody has thus far complained of "seeing stars."
    Hon. Wm. Allen and Rev. T.L. Sexton, who have been delightedly rambling among the beauties of Colorado scenery, are expected home in a few days.
    Mrs. Jeremiah Lee, one of whose arms was broken and the other injured by a fall from a wagon some two or three weeks ago is rapidly recovering, under the care of Dr. J.H. Philpott.
    July 25th, 1879

More From Salem.
    We are informed that a very serious accident happened to Mr. C.C. Conard of Salem. We learn that on their way to the Round Prairie, while watching his wagon tire (it being loose) he lost his balance and fell out of the wagon; at which the horses took fright and run a short distance and the wagon coming uncoupled, threw Mrs. and Miss Conard out of it and in the fall they were much hurt. It is thought Mr. Conard and his wife will soon recover, but the young lady is more seriously injured.
    The bridge at Brady's Landing is in a fair way for completion; we mean the bridge on the Salem and Hillsboro road.
    July 28, 1879.

Presence of Mind.
    Professor Wilder gives these short rules for action in case of accident.:- For dust in the eyes, avoid rubbing, dash water into them; remove cinders, etc., with round point of a lead pencil. Remove insects from the ear by tepid water, never put a hard instrument into the ear. If an artery is cut, compress above the wound, if a vein is cut, compress below. If choked, get upon all fours and cough. For light burns, dip the part in cold water, if the skin is destroyed, cover with varnish. Smother a fire with carpets, etc. water will often spread burning oil and increase the danger. Before passing through smoke take a full breath, and then stoop low, but if carbon is suspected, walk erect. Suck poison wounds, or, better cut out the part without delay. Hold the wounded part as long as can be borne to a hot coal or end of a cigar. In case of poisoning, excite vomiting by tickling the throat, or by water or mustard. For acid poisons, give acids; in case of opium poison give strong coffee and keep moving. If in water, float on the back, with nose and mouth projecting. For apoplexy, raise the head and body, for fainting, lay the person flat.