Iowa
Old Press
Larchwood Leader
Larchwood, Lyon County
April 6, 1889
Another Prairie Fire, A Big Fire in Centennial Township
Does Great Damage
About 4 p.m., Monday afternoon, a prairie fire started in the
southern portion of Sioux Township, and the wind blowing a
perfect gale, the fire rapidly spread several miles around,
converting a vast portion of Sioux and
Centennial townships into a charred waste. The fire burned so
fiercely that all efforts to check it proved fruitless. The
principal losers in this vicinity are William Sowden, who loses
his house, barn and all seed grain,
machinery, feed, etc., which is but partly insured; U. Finkleson,
barn, granary, 700 bushels of seed grain, a lot of live stock,
etc., William Treeby, barn and machinery. John McKelvy had ten
acres of well-grown trees
entirely killed and will have to protect his tree claim entry by
planting a new grove at once. The family of Mr. Sowden had a
narrow escape from the flames, the heat being so intense as to
ignite any dry material exposed. The origin of the fire was
unknown. Much damage was feared by the fire spreading southward,
but we are glad to state that no further loss has occurred. The
persons burned out are all hardworking farmers, who owned no more
of the world’s goods than absolutely necessary to keep soul
and body together.
[transcribed by D.J., Nov. 2004]
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Larchwood Leader
Larchwood, Lyon County
April 20, 1889
GRANITE GOSSIP.
- Our farmers are figuring on the profits from the timely rain
just received.
- There was a new arrival at Hotel Devlin last week. It is full
weight and of the $500 kind.
- Mrs. Spencer returned Tuesday from Ida Grove, Iowa, where she
has been visiting her son.
- J. S. Brown and F. M. Williams have formed a partnership, and
will handle farm machinery, agricultural implements etc.
- Tramps are becoming so numerous that they actually travel in
swarms- that is, each one travels in a swarm of “grey
backs.”
- F. M. Williams is digging a cellar and making preparations to
build a dwelling house on his property joining the town site on
the east.
- We are pleased to note that A. H. Brown, who has been on the
sick list for a week, has took a turn for the better. He has been
very sick with a painful kidney trouble, but under Dr.
Holtsclaw’s skillful treatment we hope
to see him out again very soon.
- John Loftus, the proprietor of the new quarries north of town,
has arrived from Burlington and is proceeding to open up for
business. He has a large boarding house nearly completed, and is
now putting up a blacksmith and repair shop, sheds, etc., and
will work a large force in the quarries this summer.
[transcribed by D.J., Nov. 2004]
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Larchwood Leader
Larchwood, Lyon County
April 27, 1889
GRANITE GOSSIP.
- Mrs. A. H. Brown and Mrs. Lieber took a trip to Sioux Falls
Wednesday.
- Frank Williams and John Funston have rented several sections of
land in Sioux township, and will run a large herd this summer.
- A. H. Brown lost a valuable young horse the fore part of this
week. It died with lockjaw, the effects of an injury from a barb
wire fence.
- Many be they that go down to Blood creek to entice the wary
pickerel, but few return with more than the traditional catch.
- Crops are all in fine condition around Granite, and everything
indicates a season of unusual prosperity.
- The festive little striped gopher is out in full force again,
and as sociable as ever. These little pests should have a price
upon their heads and a charge off in shot following after.
- Bids were received Thursday on the new school house, A. Baxter,
of Rock Rapids, submitting the lowest bid, $589. The house will
be built about 40 rods west of depot north of railroad track.
[transcribed by D.J., Nov. 2004]