Iowa Old Press
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, August 6, 1870
We had a pleasant call on Thursday from Hon. Joseph Ball and Wm. G. Black, Esq., of Jefferson county. Mr. Ball is still sound on al the leading questions of the day, and will, on all occasions, do a bet on. Mr. Black's name indicates what the Democracy think of his politics.
DIED. In Keosauqua, on Thursday, July 28, 1870, FRED
HOSMER, youngest son of Geo. A. and Clara Henry, aged one year, 1 month and 19
days.
On Tuesday next preceding the death of his lovely child,
Capt. Henry left it in "vigorous life" to join the editorial
excursion. The telegraph announcing the sad event on his arrival at St. Louis,
he immediately returned home. We sympathise with the afflicted parents as those
only who have lost a dear one can.
The Ottumwa Courier thus goes for Capt. Hull for
Register of the State Land Office:
Capt. J.A. T. Hull, of Birmingham, Van Buren county, is a
candidate before the State Republican Convention for Register of the Land
Office. He was a faithful soldier under the old flag during the rebellion, has
served two years as First Assistant Secretary of the Senate of this State, and
though a young man has shown himself a competent, thorough-going business
man, one who would well fill the office to which he aspires with ability and
fidelity. We cheerfully recommend him as worthy of support.
Transfers of Real Estate.
The following are the transfers of real estate, filed for
record in the office of the Recorder of Van Buren County, for the week ending
July 30, 1870:
July 25 - Jonathan Oliver to James Welch, 11 acres in
Bonaparte township.
July 26 - Frank Tribilcock to J.D. Tribilcock, 167 acres in
Jackson township.
July 28 - James F. Semple to F.M. Whitlock, 13 acres in
Farmington township.
July 28 - Charles G. Plowman and others to Thomas C. Plowman
and Jasper S. Plowman, 50 acres in Chequest township.
July 28 - F. Semple to Bernhard Hartrick, 48 acres in
Farmington township.
July 28 - Amos Thornburg to D.W. Ferguson, 200 acres in Des
Moines township.
July 28 - D.B. Eeels to A.C. Stoddard, part of two lots in
Farmington.
July 29 - Henry Nodzed to Angelike Shaffer, 5 acres in
Farmington township.
July 29 - Henry V. Jones to Amos Thornburg, 140 acres in
Chequest township.
July 30 - W.S. Mayne, administrator to Samuel Pool, undivided
one -fifth of 80 acres in Village township.
July 30 - D.B. Wirt to Samuel Pool, 40 acres in Village
township.
------------------------------------
The Lutheran Festival at Winchester.
Correspondence of the Enterprise.
WINCHESTER, Iowa, July 30, 1870
Winchester has caught the festival fever, and has went and
gone and done it; but, unlike her sister towns, it was not for procuring a brass
band. The proceeds of our festivities were for re-fitting and beautifying the
Lutheran church. Extensive preparations were made by those interested and every
effort was put forth to insure success. Having been requested to "put
in" our appearance, accompanied with the necessary deposit we were ushered
in, and found that all was going "merry as a marriage bell." Long
tables were loaded down with an abundance of everything necessary for the
occasion, while the best and most polite waiters stood ready for business. To
our left was stationed the ever polite A.A. Fry and lady, who supplied those
present with as fine peaches as it ever was our privilege to enjoy. In front we
beheld the smiling countenances of David Calhoun and lady, who were busily
engaged supplying the demand for cakes, pie, ice cream, etc. We advise all who
wish to get their money to patronize David on future occasions, for he, being a
whole-souled fellow, always gives whole-souled measure. Long may he wave. The
genial, fun-loving S.A. Young, was here and there, wherever needed, intent only
on making himself useful in all departments; while our old friend James Gibson
stood alone and delighted in a prominent corner dealing out lemonade to the
thirsty throng.
The attendance was better than anticipated, there being no
limit to the gay and festive young men and lovely girls. There
Were laughing
girls
With flowing
curls
And teeth and
pearls,
until one almost concluded that this world was not such a bad place after all.
We cannot close this brief notice without speaking of the
services rendered by Dr. Jones, who busily engaged himself in introducing
strangers, and endeavoring to make them feel at home. The Dr. evidently
understands the feelings and wants of strangers.
Good music, accompanied by the melodeon, from time to time,
enlivened the occasion, while the best of order prevailed throughout the entire
evening.
At a late hour the throng dispersed feeling that the festival
had been a success, and that the object for which it had been gotten up had been
aided pecuniarily, very
much. W.H.
------------------------------------
Grand Musical Entertainment and Ice Cream Festival, at the Court House,
Keosauqua, Wednesday Evening, August 17, 1870.
Every effort will be made to have this the grandest affair of
the season. Good music- both vocal and instrumental-will be in attendance. Two
splendid cakes will be presented-one to the most handsome "Miss"
present under 18 years of age, and the other to the most handsome "single
lady" over 18 and under 40 years. Great care will be taken to have the
voting conducted fairly. "Everybody and their friends" are invited to
be present. The proceeds to be equally divided among the Congregational,
Methodist, and Episcopal churches of this city. The Keosauqua "Female
String Band" will make its first appearance in public on this occasion.
The following committees have been selected, and it is hoped
and expected that they will proceed to the performance of the duties assigned
them:
Executive Committee: John Bleakmore, chairman; Cy W Jamison,
Russell Johnson, John W Shane, Allen Gebhardt. R. Lea, treasurer; Wm S
Sommerville, secretary. It is the duty of the committee to make all purchases
necessary for the festival, and to have general management of the same.
Committee on Music - Mrs. Mary A Davis and Ed R Kinnersley.
It is the duty of this committee to arrange and superintend the Musical
Entertainment.
Committee on Printing and Tickets- George A Henry and R .Lea.
It is the duty of this committee to have all printing done that is necessary,
distribute the same, and prepare the tickets.
Committee on Stands - Benj. Johnston, Ca'n; Miss Henrietta
Lea, Miss Lou Stewart, Miss Emeline Hartzell, Miss Ann Bonney, Miss Lida Moore,
Silas Cooper, John B. Bleakmore and Allen Gebhardt. It is the duty of this
committee to arrange the tables for the Festival and have charge of the same.
Committee on Decorations - James L Loring, chairman; Mrs.
J.C. Knapp, Mrs. G.C. Gebhardt, Mrs. Wm McNee, Miss I. Knapp, Miss Carrie Smith,
Miss Mary Cheney, Wm S. Sommerville and John Minnick. It is the duty of this
committee to have charge of the decorating of all tables, the hall and grounds.
Committee on Flowers - Mrs. Robert Sloan, Mrs. Lena Bleakmore,
Miss Keo Knapp and Nate Stidger. It is the duty of this committee to procure and
arrange bouquets and attend to the sale of the same.
Committee on Solicitations - 1st Ward, Miss Mattie Ford, Mrs.
Amy Jamison and Miss May Purviance; 2d Ward, Miss Mattie Blackmer, Miss Lovina
Baldwin and Miss Augusta Kinnersley; Des Monies City, Miss Lute Games and Miss
Jennie King. It is the duty of these committees to solicit all articles
necessary for the use of the festival and to keep a list of the articles
subscribed by the different parties.
Committee on making Ice Cream and Lemonade - Mrs. J.L. Loring,
Mrs. Chase Baldwin, Mrs. Nellie Sommerville, Miss Clara Hartson, Dan Burton,
John Sommerville, Oscar Funk and Houston Shepherd.
Committe on Collecting Donations - Thomas Thornburg, Frank
Purviance, Geo. Fannacht, John Jamison, William Stewart and Arch Rankin. It is
the duty of this committee to collect all donations and deliver the same to the
proper committees at the Court House.
Commitee on Postoffice- M C Davis and Lizzie Brown.
Door Keepers- John A Miller and J S Shepherd.
No money will be received at the tables. The Treasurer will
sell tickets, which will be received in payment for all articles, thus avoiding
the trouble of making change.
The Musical Entertainment will be given in the Court Room,
and will consist of Songs, Duets, Quartetts, Solos, Choruses, and instrumental
music by the "Female String Band."
This will be one of the greatest treats ever offered to the
people of this vicinity, and no doubt every town in the County will be
represented, as we extend a cordial invitation to all lovers of Music and good
eating.
The Glee Clubs throughout the county are invited to join us.
No pains will be spared by the Committees and citizens here
to have peace and harmony prevail, and see that nothing occurs to mar the
happiness of any one present.
Doors open at 7 P.M. Concert to commence at 7 1/2 precisely.
The Festival will be open in the rooms below and in the grove in the rear of the
building.
Admission to the Concert and Festival 25 cents. Children
under 12 years old, 15 cents.--Keosauqua Republican.
------------------------------------
The Drug Store of Huffman & Mussey and the Postoffice, have been removed to Mr. Duffield's room, immediately west of the Store of Pitkin & Huffman, opposite the Stove and tin Store of G.S. Heck and the Dry Goods and Grocery Store of J.J. Randall, and the Harness shop of W.E. Huff, adjoining the Milinery Stores of Miss Randall and Miss Short, and only a few doors east of the Meat Market of Ed. Moss; and if our readers don't now know where to get their drugs and mail matter, it is not our fault.
------------------------------------
OBITUARY.
From the Fairfield Ledger.
GEORGE W. FRUSH died of consumption of the bowels, at his
late residence in Buchanan tp., July 24, 1870. Aged 39 years and 10 months.
He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1830, and
removed to Iowa in 1850. In 1861 he enlisted in his country's cause, where he
served three years. By his exposures of camp life, he contracted that mysterious
disease which removed him from the living. Some time before the "tide of
life had left his veins" he felt his wretched condition as a sinner, sent
for Rev. C.G. Milnes, who talked with him, and, with others, had a prayer
meeting. During the exercise he prayed most earnestly and before the services
closed he and his companion united with the church. From that time till the time
God had fully answered his prayers, he looked upon Christ for salvation and in
God's good time his soul was washed in blood divine and he felt peace in the
Holy Ghost.
Before death he realized that he was passing through the dark
valley, but not a sigh or murmur escaped his lips, but all was calm as the
setting sun.
Early on the morning of the 6th inst., he loosed his bark
from the shores of time and pushed out into the river of death, feeling that he
loved God, with all his mind, soul and strength. When told that he was in the
stream, he said, "The way is clear now. I can trust Jesus. he is here. I
shall soon be with him. He is my only hope."
His funeral was attended by a large concourse of people. The
funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. C.G. Milnes, from the text, "To
die is gain."
J.W.Q.
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, August 13, 1870
Mr. Jesse Legget, father of the landlord of the Legget House, Fairfield, died on the 6th inst., his 80th birth-day.
DAISY, infant daughter of J.A.T. and E.G. Hull, died August 10th, at 9 o'clock A.M. Aged 7 months.
MARRIED. Aug. 11th, at the Shane House, Keosauqua, by Rev. J.T. Coleman, Mr. Samuel Veatch to miss Mary A. Huff.
The following gentlemen, attending the Sunday School Convention called at our office: Rev. J.W. Latham, Rev. G.W. Byrkit, Rev. J.S. Ferguson, Rev. J.A. Wilson, B. Rex Vale, J.H. Duffield, O.B. Brown, J.A. Keck and Mr. Dodson.
On Sunday night last about dusk, the lightning struck and burnt up a wheat stack of Mr. Armstrong Archibald about 3 miles east of Winchester. About half mile south of same place two hay stacks were struck and burned, one belonging to John Huffman and the other to James Stewart.
We were round at the store of Pitkin & Huffman a few evenings ago looking for items. The most prominent ones we saw were Skinner & Norris, the gentlemanly clerks in that popular concern, Buffington of the Plow Factory, carpenter Gurwell, plaster Bonar and farmer Corry. Petit had just left.
Capt. Voltaire P. Twombly, who was color-corporal in the 2d Iowa Infantry at Ft. Donelson, and the only disabled one of that noble guard on the occasion of that heroic and historic charge, and who had the honor of planting the victorious colors of the regiment on the rebel works of that stronghold, February 16th, 1862, called yesterday. He was in attendance at the Sunday School Convention.
Mr. Wm. C. Davis, of Fairfield, who has been a teacher in the public schools of that place for the past four or five years and for some two years principal of the school, has been selected by the School Board of Keosauqua to take charge of the public school of that city. We congratulate the good people of our county seat upon having secured an excellent teacher-one who, during five years service at Fairfield, came as near giving universal satisfaction as possible to do. We congratulate our friend Davis also that his lines have fallen in such a pleasant place as Keosauqua, and among such a whole hearted people as inhabit that city.
We find the following joke on Snyder in the Van Buren
Democrat. We copy it as a warning to our friend Caldwell, who is bass drummer in
our B.B.B.:
"A man in the vicinity has been trying to keep bees. He
went out a few days ago with a bass drum and tried to swarm them. He succeeded.
They swarmed all over that man, and when he tried to beat them off, they stung
him three or four times a piece; and he went back to the house so swollen up
that his wife thought it was a delegation from the fat men's convention,
come to ask her to a picnic. The man is discouraged about bees. He says he likes
a bee to display a certain amount of cordiality, and that sort of a thing; but
sociability is apt to be overdone if it receives too much encouragement.
Transfers of Real Estate.
The following are the transfers of real estate, filed for
record in the office of the Recorder of Van Buren County, for the week ending
August 6, 1870:
August 2 - J.A. Keck to Albert Dunn, 40 acres in Cedar
township.
August 2 - Thomas C Pollock to Jacob P Downs, 80 acres in Des
Moines township.
August 3 - Byron George to B F Everheart, part of a lot in
Bonaparte city.
August 3 - Charles L George to Frank B George, part of a lot
in Bonaparte city.
August 3 - Robert Harris to Henry Miller, one lot in
Iowaville.
August 3 - J.D. Walker to Henry Miller, one lot in Iowaville.
August 3 - Henry Miller to Jane Utter, 2 lots in Iowaville.
August 4 - G.B.W. Blanchard, and others, to Tilman A Gray, 14
1/2 acres in Jackson tp.
August 4 - Joel A Mowre to Tilman A Gray, Interest in the
real estate in Jackson township that belonged to the Estate of Susan Gray,
deceased.
August 6 - James Burns to Wm. F. Hopkins, 140 acres in Vernon
township.
August 6 - Peter Williams to Wm Jones, one lot in Keosauqua.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This certifies that I have examined the Washington Map of the United States for the sale of which F.G. Torrance is agent for Van Buren County. Those persons who desire to purchase a good map for their sitting room, would do well to examine it, as its merits will carry its own recommendation. GEO. B. WALKER, Co. Superintendent.
Those diseases which are peculiar to females as Females Weakness, Leucorrhea, Weak Back, Irregularities, and Nervous or General Debility are permanently cured by the use of Dr. Pierce's Alterative Extract or Golden Medical Discovery. Sold by druggists; or send three and a quarter dollars to R.V. Pierce, M.D., Buffalo, N.Y., and get three bottles free of Express Charges.
ADVERTISEMENTS
Birmingham College
Rev. C.P.Bergen, A.M., Principal
E.J. Hoenshel, Mrs. Jessie Hoagland, Mrs. M.M. Bergen, Associate Teachers.
The sixth year of this well-known Institution will commence
Monday, Sept. 5, 1870. The year will be divided into three terms of 12 weeks
each. The course of study will be academical rather than collegiate. The best
facilities for securing a thorough business-education will be afforded. No pains
will be spared to promote the moral and intellectual improvement of the pupils.
We earnestly recommend students to be prompt to their attendance at the
beginning and throughout the term.
Mr. Hoenshel has enjoyed the advantage of our best normal
schools, he had large experience in teaching, and has given abundant
satisfaction during the two years he has taught in Birmingham.
Mrs. Hoagland is a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminary, and
has taught six years with eminent success.
EXPENSES
Tuition per term, in advance...$3.00
Boarding, Including furnished room and fuel per week...3.00
Instrumental music, per term...8.00
Use of instrument...2.00
French and drawing, each per term...4.00
For further information address
REV. G.P. BERGEN, Birmingham, Iowa.
------------------------
BOOTS AND SHOES
Andrew West
Manufacturer of Boots & Shoes!
Two Doors North of the Printing Office;
Sign of Gilt Boot,
College Street,
Birmingham, Iowa,
Where he will always be found ready to make all
sorts of Boots and Shoes, of the best material, and
at reasonable prices. Especial attention paid to
making-
WOMEN'S SHOES.
All work warranted.
Repairing done on short notice.
Give me a call
Feb. 26, 1870 ANDREW WEST.
------------------------
G.A. UNKRICH
Wholesale and
RETAIL GROCER,
West Side of the Park
Fairfield, Iowa
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, August 20, 1870
The editor of this paper gratefully accepts the compliments of Miss Angie Shane, and also that nice piece of cake.
Mr. James Beatty, an old resident and respectable citizen of Jefferson County, died at his residence 2 1/2 miles east of Fairfield, on the 10th inst., aged 73 years.
The following persons in this county are in possession of passes to the soldiers' reunion: Hon. Joel Brown, F.R. Huffman and Will H. Hope, Birmingham; Capt. J.S. Stidger, Wm. Allen Gebhardt, Jno. W. Shane, Cy. W. Jamison, Russell Johnston, Capt. Geo. W. Sommervlle and Rev. James W. Latham, Keosauqua. Persons in every town in the county are no doubt in possession of them with authority to issue them, but we have not learned their names.
A dead beat, J.C. Montgomery by name, who once attended college at this place (and thereby hangs a tale, which we could, but will not now unfold) in half-column article in the Iowa Homestead, attempts to "write up" Birmingham. We saw the pompous young chap when he was here, about three weeks ago. He called at our office several times. The first call he made he introduced himself as "Mr. J.C. Montgomery of the Homestead"- said he was here for the purpose of "writing up" our town. He was in our town some three or four days, and when he started away asked us to send him a paper to Bentonsport, and we sent him one. He promised to send us a Homestead, which failed to come. We have been shown one, however, containing his "writing up." He notices that "Wm. B. Davis" deals in dry-goods, and says that "all sensible people to to Davis' (dry-goods store) for groceries." He makes a brief notice of Wm. B. Travis, Calhoun & Hope, Huffman & Musser, Pitkin & Huffman, J J Randall, the Plow Factory, C L Moss and the Eagle Hotel by A Cole. In his writing up he ignores the fact that one of the best weekly papers in Iowa is published here, or that there is any paper here at all, and did not find out that the town contained several good churches, a fine college, a Masonic Lodge, an Odd Fellows Lodge, a flourishing public school, besides many other public and business institutions. If the business houses he notices represent the entire business of the town, it is a serious joke on the county to say, as he does, that Birmingham is the business place of the county. We think the Homestead would better supercede this "writer up" of towns with somebody who has at least ordinary gumption.
VAN BUREN COUNTY SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION
The Fourth Annual Convention of the Sunday Schools of Van
Buren county, met in the Presbyterian Church of this place on Wednesday evening,
10th inst., at 7 p.m. and was in session till Friday evening.
The attendance was good, from all parts of the county, there
being over one hundred delegates in attendance, besides many people who were not
delegates. As no committee on credentials was appointed, we are unable to give
the names of the delegates. The best of feeling prevailed throughout and
everything pertaining to the business of the convention was done "decently
and in order."
We attended the sittings on Wednesday evening and Thursday
forenoon, and made a minute of the proceedings. For a very complete report of
the balance of their doings, we are indebted to our ever faithful friend, Rev.
G.W . Byrkit of Keosauqua.
... Last week we published the proceedings of Wednesday
evening and Thursday. This week, in order to make a record of the whole in one
issue, and to fill orders for a large number of extra copies of the paper
containing it, we reproduce that which was published last week, with the
proceedings of Friday added. The following is the record:
The opening sermon was preached Wednesday evening at 7
o'clock by Rev. A. Farrell, of Bentonsport, from the 130th verse of the 119th
psalm: "The entrance of they words giveth light; it giveth understanding
unto the simple." The speaker remarked that the words of the text suggested
"some thoughts of importance to the true worker in the Sunday School....
Thursday morning at 9 o'clock the convention reassembled. The
first half hour was occupied by devotional exercise, conducted by the President,
during which prayer was offered us by the President and by Mr. O.B. Brown of
Bentonsport, Rev. G.W. Byrkit of Bentonsport, and Rev. J.S. Ross of this place.
At 10:30 A.M. and address of welcome was delivered by Rev.
G.P. Bergen, which was responded to by the President, Rev. James W. Latham.
"The Discussion of Topics" being announced as the
next order of business, Rev. A. Farwell moved that the first speaker on any
topic be allowed ten minutes, and that speakers following him be limited to five
minutes each, which motion prevailed.
Rev. Carson Reed of Fairfield and Rev. W. M. Reed of
Bentonsport were introduced to the Convention.
Rev. O.B. Brown moved to proceed to the discussion of the 6th
subject on the programme, viz: "Should we adopt the uniform lesson system
in our Sunday School?" and that Rev. W.M. Reed open the discussion. The
motion prevailed.
A motion prevailed to invite persons not delegates to
participate in the discussions.
The discussion was opened by Rev. W.M. Reed in a very earnest
speech in favor of the uniform lesson system. He was followed by Rev. Van Eman,
Rev. G.W. Byrkit, Rev. J P Richards, Rev A. Farwell, Rev J A Wilson, Mr. Yeager,
James Morse, B Rex Vale, Dr Timothy Cahill and O B Brown, the majority of whom
favored the system.
Adjourned till 2 o'clock p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
... Reports from township secretaries were called for, and
Mr. J Tracy reported 4 schools in Vernon township; Sam'l Gould reported 5 in
Lick Creek; Mr. Potter reported 3 in Des Moines; Mr. Vale reported 3 in
Harrisburg; Rev. Wilson reported 8 in Washington; Mr Duffield reported 13 in Van
Buren; Mr Lyman reported 3 in Chequest; James Morse reported 8 in Mt. Union; Mr
Inskip reported 2 in Bonaparte; Wm C Morris ported 2 in Cedar; Mr McCune
reported 7 in Village-58.
...The committee on nominations reported, and the officers
were elected as follows:
President- Samuel Gould;
First Vice-Pres't-Rev Geo Van Eman;
Second "" - Rev J T Coleman;
Recording Sec'y- J H Duffield;
Co. Sec'y and Treas-O B Brown;
Executive Committee - Rev J W Latham, Sam'l Gould, Rev A
Farwell, O B Brown and J Tracy.
Township Secretaries- Lick Creek, Mr. Twoer; Washington J D
Sanford; Village, G W Tool; Harrisburg, J Sutton; Des Moines, Levi Potter; Van
Buren, Rev J W Latham; Bonaparte, Rev H R Lewis; Jackson, Will Creath; Cedar,
Will C Morris; Farmington, W H Cooley; Vernon, J Tracy; Chequest, C Lyman;
Union, James Morse.
...The following persons were elected delegates and
alternates delegates to the State Convention: O B Brown- Rev J A Wilson,
alternate; G W Tool- Mr McGrew, alternate; B Rex Vale- Mr Sutton alternate;
Fannie E Potter- Henry Helwick, alternate; J H Duffield- J W Latham, alternate;
L W Pettit- C C Limming, alternate; Newton Calhoun- Sam'l Gould, alternate; E P
Howard- O Inskip, alternate; M H Cooley - Miss Lea, alternate; D A Hitt- Miss P
A Arnold, alternate.
There being no further business, the convention adjourned
with singing, and benedictions by Rev J A Wilson.
SOLDIERS MEETING
An adjourned meeting of soldiers and citizens was held at
Bonaparte, Aug. 13, for the purpose of securing a bounty to Iowa soldiers.
...Resolved. That a committee be appointed to act as a
central committee, whose duty it shall be to prepare a petition to be presented
to the honorable body of our state legislature at its next session, asking for
the passage of an act to grant to all Iowa volunteer soldiers a medium bounty in
proportion to that paid by all other states to their soldiers. And further shall
it be the duty of this committee to appoint a sub-committee in each county in
this state to aid in that petition. All communications should be directed to the
secretary of the central committee hereafter appointed.
On motion, this preamble and resolution was adopted.
On motion, a committee of 10 was appointed to act as a
soldiers' central committee as follows: S F Scott, of Farmington; I Marriott, of
Vernon; J Shane, of Keosauqua; T Proper, Harrisburg; W Bailey, Vernon; G R
Peterson, Jackson; H B Curtis, H Hite, H Lohmar and J Sleigh, Bonaparte.
...On motion this meeting adjourned sine
die.
H. HITE, President. H. LOHMAR, Secretary.