Iowa Old Press
Sheldon Mail
Sheldon, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 29, 1880
Since the publication of the immigration or boom edition of The
Mail, we have received nearly half a bushel of letters and
postcards from all parts of the East, ordering extras and
congratulating the publisher on the success he made of the
undertaking.
J. A. Clark, groom on the Sherwood stock farm, was in the city on
Thursday(making his accustomed daily trip) and drove for the
first time on our streets the magnificent specimen of horse flesh
known as Baymont, a
Hambletonian three-year-old colt, that stands fully sixteen hands
high and weighs about 1400 pounds. Baymont is Mr. Sherwood's
favorite horse.
Third Avenue was turned into a race course for a few hours
Thursday on which Messrs. Iselin, Sleeper and Frisbee exhibited
and tested the speed of their respective "nags."
Speaking of bells, we are reminded that the Congregationalists of
this city are badly in need of something of the king. The one now
in use is too - well we are too good-natured just now to debate
the subject justice. The
Mail starts the subscription for a new 2000 pound bell with the
modest sum of $5. Let us hear from others.
The fire engine has not yet arrived.
Eighteen prairie schooners sailed through Rock Valley one day
last week, steering for Dakota.
The events of the week have been the trial of Henry Schultz for
violations of the council's Sunday laws, and the appearance in
the city of "Dr." Leightfall with his troupe of
concerters. Schultz was acquitted and the self-styled
"Indian Doctor" filled his pockets with all the loose
change he could and silently stole away.
Diphtheria is raging to an alarming extent at Cherokee. Would it
not be well for our citizens to take steps toward preventing the
dread disease from getting a hold in our midst?
Sheldon's fire protection consists of a go-as-you-please bucket
brigade and the contents of three wells.
[transcribed by L.Z., October 2006]