Jefferson County, Iowa The Fairfield Weekly Ledger

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Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa
Transcribed by Sherry Bash

PROCLAMATION.
PURSUANT to law I do hereby proclaim and give notice that a Special Election in the 4th Ward of the City of Fairfield will be held in said 4th Ward of said city on
   Monday, July 31, 1871,
For the election of a Trustee, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of W. W. JUNKIN, Said election will be held in the 4th Ward, at the Livery office of J. MOORE.
  Given under my hand this 19th day of July, 1871
      J. J. CUMMINGS,
  2t29        Mayor.

STATE OF IOWA }
                             } ss
Jefferson County.  }
To All Whom it May Concern:
  Know Ye: That there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county, a paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of George KNESS, deceased, and that the same has been produced in open Court and publicly read, and the 1st day of the next term of said Court set for the proof and final hearing of the same.
  Notice is therefore hereby given to all concerned, That the proof of said Will will be heard on the 1st day of the next term of the Circuit Court in and for said county, to be held in the Court-house in Fairfield on the 2d Monday of August, 1871.
  [L.S.] Witness Geo. H. CASE, Clerk, and the Seal of said Court hereto affixed, this July 17th, 1871. GEO. H. CASE,
  3t29                      Clerk.

NOTICE
  My wife, Rose, and myself having parted, I will pay no debts that she may contract.
July 12, 1871.   4t29     W. F. GASSNER

STATE OF IOWA, }
Jefferson County. }
To Samuel I. TRAVIS, Emery P. TRAVIS, Daniel E. TRAVIS, Asa N. TRAVIS and Andrew CARLSON.
  You are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Iowa, in and for Jefferson County, a petition of A. C. D. BRADSHAW, as administrator of Daniel TRAVIS, deceased, asking an order of said Court to sell the following described real estate of said deceased, for the purpose of paying the debts against said estate, to-wit: Forty-four and one-half (44½) acres off of the east end of the south half of the south east quarter of section 8, tp 72, range 8; and six and two-thirds (6 2/3) acres off of the west end of the north-east quarter of the north-east quarter of the north-east quarter of section 10, tp 72, range 8. All situate in the County of Jefferson and State of Iowa; and showing that it is necessary to sell all of said lands for the payment of the debts against said estate, and unless you appear thereto and defend the same, before noon of the second day of the August Term of said Court to be begun on the second Monday of August, 1871, default will be entered against you and said order will be granted in accordance with said petition.
        A. C. D. BRADSHAW.
  4w28    Adm’r of Daniel TRAVIS, dec’d.

Truth Wrongs no Man.
    FAIRFIELD, IOWA, July 17th, 1871.
  We, the undersigned, do certify that Mr. BECK stated before the Council that Mr. Thomas WELLS authorized him to state that Jacob COMEGYS had withdrawn his bid.
    G. W. PHELPS,
    H. C. ROCK,
    WM. H. FULTON,
    GEO. SERLES,
    W. W. JUNKIN.

 FAIRFIELD, Iowa, July 17th, 1871.
  I do certify that I never stated to Mr. WELLS, Mr. BECK, or any other man that I had withdrawn my bid on the Culvert on Nebraska St. Furthermore, he (WELLS) agreed to give me the hauling of the rock, which he never done.
            JACOB COMEGYS.

Proof of Will.
STATE OF IOWA }
                             } ss
Jefferson County   }
To All Whom it May Concern:
  Know Ye, That there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county a paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of William L. LAYTON, dec’d, and that the same has been produced in open Court and publicly read and the 1st day of the next term of said Court set for the proof and final hearing of the same.
  Notice is therefore hereby given to all concerned, That the proof of said Will will be heard on the 1st day of the next term of the Circuit Court in and for said county, to be held held in the Court-house in Fairfield on the 2d Monday of August, 1871.
  [L.S.] Witness Geo, H. CASE, Clerk, and the Seal of said Court hereto affixed this June 27th 1871,     GEO. H. CASE
  3t27     Clerk

  A $275 Mason & Hamlin Organ has been ordered for the Presbyterian Church of this city, and will be here soon.
  The pear and apple trees, and grape vines of this section, are profusely laden with fruit. "You can't raise fruit in Iowa," and this is the proof of it.
  Harry PATRICK is at his old home in this city with his family, and at his old case in the LEDGER office. He looks home-like in both places.
  The thermometer got up to 101° in the shade, last Sunday afternoon. How's that for high?
  The colored population of Ottumwa propose to celebrate the 1st of August, with appropriate ceremonies.

[Ed. note: The left edge of the clipping on which the next two articles appear is ragged. One to three letters per line are missing but as the text in such articles is largely the same, the missing characters have been filled in.]

Proof of Will.
STATE OF IOWA }
                             } ss
Jefferson County.  }
To All Whom it May Concern:
  Know Ye, that there is now on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County a paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Robert LEEPER, dec’d, and that the same has been produced in open Court and publicly read and the 1st day of the next Term of said Court set for the proof and final hearing of the same.
  Notice is therefore hereby given to all concerned, That the proof of said Will will be heard on the 1st day of the next term of the Circuit Court in and for said county, to be held in the Court-house in Fairfield on the 2d Monday of August 1871.
  [L.S.] Witness Geo. H. CASE, Clerk, and the Seal of said Court hereto affixed this June 27th, 1871.       GEO. H. CASE,
  3t27          Clerk

STATE OF IOWA }
                             } ss
Jefferson County.  }
To All Whom it May Concern:
  Know Ye, That there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county, a paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Elizabeth McLEAN, deceased, and that the same has been produced in open Court and publicly read and the 1st day of the next term of said Court set for the proof and final hearing of the same.
  Notice is therefore hereby given to all concerned, That the proof of said Will will be heard on the 1st day of the next term of the Circuit Court in and for said county, to be held in the Court-house in Fairfield on the 2d Monday of August, 1871.
  [L.S.] Witness Geo. H. CASE, Clerk, and the Seal of said Court hereto affixed, this June 27th 1871.        GEO. H. CASE,
  3t27           Clerk.

STATE OF IOWA }
                             } ss
Jefferson County   }
To All Whom it May Concern:
  Know Ye: That there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county, a paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Isaac EVERETT, deceased, and that the same has been produced in open Court and publicly read, and the 1st day of the next term of said Court set for the proof and final hearing of the same.
  Notice is therefore hereby given to all concerned, That the proof of said Will will be heard on the 1st day of the next term of the Circuit Court in and for said county, to be held in the Court-house in Fairfield on the 2d Monday of August, 1871.
  [L.S.] Witness Geo. H. CASE, Clerk, and the Seal of said Court hereto affixed, this June 27th, 1871.       GEO. H. CASE,
  3t27          Clerk.

MARRIAGES.
EVERETT -- ARCHIBALD.-- July 12, 1871, in Fairfield, at the office of the officiating Justice, W. K. ALEXANDER, Mr. Nelson EVERETT to Miss Sarah ARCHIBALD, all of this county.

DANIELSON -- HOUTTBERG.-- June 6th, 1871, at the residence of Rev. A. G. ENGSTROM, in Jefferson county, by Rev. J. E. BERGGREN, Mr. Swan DANIELSON and Miss Ellen HOUTTBERG, all of this county.

  Over the county.-- Friday and Saturday we spent in the Western part of Jefferson county, passing through Brookville, Abingdon, Batavia and Libertyville.-- Wherever we went our many friends were glad to see us, and we can assure them the feeling was reciprocal. We stayed all night with our old friend Dr. REAMS, in Abingdon, and after supper bound a few sheaves of oats for the Doctor, just to see if we had forgotten the knowledge gained in early days.
  Abingdon has in and around it a whole-souled, liberal and wealthy class of people, strongly imbued with a deep religious sentiment. This finds tangible expression in the houses of worship. Three of these are to be seen in the village, beside a fine brick school house.
  The Christian church is the largest. It is 30x46 feet in size, built in a substantial manner of brick, and is capable of accommodating over 400 persons. There are about 200 members. David CALDWELL preaches the first Sabbath in each month, and Dr. REAMS on the third Sabbath. Services are held every Sabbath.
  The Methodist church is also built of brick, 30x40 feet in size. Rev. ELLIOT is the minister. It is supported by a goodly number of members. We did not learn as many particulars about it as we desired.
  The Baptist church is a fine frame building, erected within the last two years. It is two stories high, the second story being built and occupied by the Masons. The building cost about $3,300, besides a large amount of labor that was freely given. Of this sum the Masonic fraternity paid about $800. The members of the church exhibited considerable energy and zeal in the erection of this building. Rev. TRACY is the Pastor.
  Wherever we went the crops were almost universally good. Corn looks better than we ever saw it at this time of the year.-- We never before saw so much common field corn in tassel on the 14th of July. The stand is good, a large breath has been planted, and the yield promises to be enormous. In all our travels but one field of corn came under our observation where we thought the farmer had not been up in time to catch the early worm. We congratulate our farmer friends on the fine prospect.
  The fall wheat and rye are good, and the yield will be the full average; the grain is full and plump, and the wet weather has not affected it. The rye straw is the longest that has been seen in Iowa for several years. The dry time of six weeks or two months ago, cut short the yield per acre in wheat, but the chinch bug has not injured the grain.
  Spring wheat will not show an average yield on account of the early drouth. The chinch bug has affected a few fields in patches, but its ravages have not been very great. We saw but one field of wheat uncut, and the chinch bug had not injured i t so much as the weeds had choked down the grain. The straw was short, but the grain generally was pronounced very good.
  The yield of oats is much above the average. The straw is generally short, but our friends were pleased with the promised return for their labors in a very heavy crop. We saw large fields that we were assured would thresh out 40 bushels to the acre, while some were claiming that over 60 bushels per acre would be gathered from other fields. The surprise oats would turn out the greatest yield.
  In potatoes everybody was satisfied that they would have an abundance and to spare. The bugs were on them at one time and created considerable alarm, but that fear had subsided. We did not find any patch of potatoes where the bugs offered to trade off Paris green for molasses to eat on the cakes made out of the flour that had been sprinkled over the vines.
  Other vegetation is in a healthy and growing condition. Cabbage, onions, and vegetables, raised principally for home consumption, were paying for the trouble.
  Fruit looks well. We have had cherries in great abundance, and as cherry time has gone, we are now entering upon the apple season. Notwithstanding the two heavy wind storms of the season, which seemed to knock off a full apple crop, many of the trees are ladened with a rich and abundant crop. We would like to have some of the "doubting Thomases" of the east pass around some of the farms of Jefferson county. There would be no more wise shakes of the head about the inability of Iowa to raise fruit. Apples of the Red June and other varieties are now retailing on our streets at 75 cents and $1 00 per bushel, and we would not be surprised if fall and winter apples were offered at 50 cents per bushel at the proper time. The wild and tame plum look very well, although the curculio will probably leave but few tame plums to melt in the mouths of epicures. The crop of pears is enormous, for the number of trees that are planted. These are generally in gardens, and near Fairfield. Many of the owners of the dwarf varieties have been compelled to prop up and brace the trees, and even with this care limbs have broken with the heavy burden of fruit. These are a total loss, as the pears have scarcely matured sufficiently to be used for eating or culinary purposes.
  The grape crop is enormous. Tons of this fruit will be raised in this vicinity, and the producers will be at some loss to dispose of them at remunerative prices. The variety raised is principally the Concord. The Catawba and other varieties also yield heavily.
  Altogether we rejoice with our Agriculturists and Pomologists in the prospect of a bountiful harvest. Prices may range low, but the yield will offset this disadvantage.

SIDE-WALK ORDER.
An Order of the City Council of the
  City of Fairfield, Requiring the
   Construction of Side-Walks
     as Hereinafter Set Out.
  Whereas, The City Council of the City of Fairfield deem it for the interest of said city that the improvements hereinafter specified be made, and that the same be made at the expense of the owners of the lots or lands along the line of such improvements, and that the expense thereof be made a lien and charge on such lots or lands--said improvements being the construction of side-walks as hereinafter specified ;
  Therefore, It is hereby ordered by the City Council of the City of Fairfield, that the owners of lots or lands adjoining the north side of Sears Street, commencing at Williams Street and running east to Fulton Street, be and are hereby required to construct side-walks on the line of their lots or lands on the north side of said Sears Street, of two-inch pine lumber, laid cross-wise with the street, laid on 2 by 4-inch oak stringers, securely placed and nailed together, so as to prevent sliding or slipping, and the plank securely nailed to the stringers by at least 4 twenty-penny nails to each plank; side-walk to be 5 feet 4 inches wide, and the side of the walk next the street to fall one and one-half inches. Said walks to be completed within thirty days after the service of this notice, and that notice be given to those required to build said walks as required by law.
  I, Geo. H. CASE, City Clerk of the City of Fairfield, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing order was passed by the City Council of the City of Fairfield at a regular meeting of the same, held July 17th, 1871.
  {L.S.} Witness my hand and the Seal of the City Clerk of said City, this July 18, 1871.
            GEO. H. CASE, City Clerk

THE KEOKUK BRIDGE.
  The completion of the Great Railroad Bridge across the Mississippi at Keokuk should be a source of congratulation to all Iowa.
  The foundation stone of this stupendous work was laid on the 16th of June, 1869; the superstructure completed on the 1st of April, 1871.
  The first train crossed on the 14th of April, last; and it has since been formally tested with a load of five hundred thousand pounds on each span.
  The iron work weighs in round numbers, 8,000 tons. It consists of eleven spans, the total length being 2,192 feet. The draw is 380 feet long, weighing 410 tons, worked by a beautiful little Merrick engine. This enormous mass is moved as easily as a garden gate; opening or closing in two minutes with the regularity and precision of clock work.
  Those of our readers who have had occasion to make a trip east, and remember the tedious omnibus and ferry transfer at Keokuk, will be pleased to learn that trains now cross the Mississippi on this magnificent bridge, and go directly through.
  Our growing State has reason to be proud of her railroads, reaching every direction, none of more importance than the new through line just opened to the east and south, for which we predict an immense popularity.
  The fallacy of the Des Moines Valley depending on Chicago alone as a market has often been shown; and the attention of our people again and again called to the importance of a St. Louis connection. We now have two routes to St. Louis, the North Missouri and the Des Moines Valley; the distance from Ottumwa by the former being 277 miles, by the latter 252 miles--the route via Keokuk being twenty-five miles the shortest; and as this line now forwards freight without breaking bulk we see no reason why it should not do the larger part of the business.
  Nor will the trade with St. Louis alone be benefited. For, in addition to the already popular route to Chicago via the C., B. & Q.; the new line just opened over the T., P. & W. via Gilman, to the same point, will be in active competition for this lucrative business; while we have no doubt that the Great Wabash, over whose road the Red Line the Great Western Dispatch, and the Star Union Line run their through cars, will be in the field stronger than ever.-- In fact the advantages thrown open by this enterprise are almost incalculable.
  Few Western cities enjoy the railroad facilities accorded to Keokuk; four roads already centre there, and two more are to be completed this fall. At present, twenty strictly first-class passenger trains leave and arrive daily, passing the Union Depot, running without change to Logansport, Columbus, Toledo, Fort Wayne, Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis and Cincinnati eastward, and all points on the Des Moines Valley Railroad, Omaha and the Pacific coast, westward.--Des Moines Register.

DEATH OF "TAD" LINCOLN.
  "Tad" LINCOLN is dead. This simple announcement will bring sorrow to every heart which honors the memory of his martyred father. The latter died to the "sere and yellow" of his life, after he had written his name imperishably on the pages of history; his youngest and best beloved son has been cut down in the early dawn of young manhood, before the promise of his life could be fulfilled.
  Thomas LINCOLN, better know by the sobriquet of "Tad," bestowed upon him by the genial President, was born in the capital of Illinois, in 1853, being at the time of his death, at eight o'clock this morning, eighteen years old. He was a bright, precious boy, and from his earliest infancy, was noted for his affectionate and winning disposition. After the death of his elder brother, William, he became the pet of the house, and was almost inseparable company of his distinguished father, who delighted in the juvenile pranks and amusing prattle of the boy. Whenever LINCOLN went to any public gathering or to the courts of law in Springfield, little "Tad" would be sure to accompany him, unless unwillingly detained at home to study his lessons. He became quite a public character while yet almost an infant in years, and was known to the inhabitants of his native city almost as much as was Abraham LINCOLN himself.
  Soon after President LINCOLN was inaugurated, in 1861, the family removed from Springfield to the Capitol of the United States. In Washington little "Tad" was destined to become as much of a favorite as he had been in the Illinois capital. During his moments of relaxation, the toil-worn and patriotic President would, for the time, forget the tremendous responsibility that rested upon him, to enjoy himself in the bosom of his family, of which the subject of this sketch was the chiefest attraction. The President always devoted his leisure hours--which through all that exciting time were not many--to the instruction of his children. Robert was then nearly grown to man's estate, and was, consequently, more removed from the paternal anxiety, but "Tad" was, in a measure, the special pupil of the best natured President that ever occupied the White House. He inherited much of his lamented father's character. He had the same predisposition to melancholy, and the same genial spirit beaming from his features.-- The assassination of that beloved parent was a terrible shock to the poor boy; he never afterward gained the same elasticity of spirit, and the shadow of his father's doom clung to him through all this after life.
  When Mrs. LINCOLN left Washington and settled in this city, her sons Robert and "Tad" accompanied her. The former engaged in the legal profession, and "Tad" prosecuted his studies at the Northwestern University. In the summer of 1869 Mrs. LINCOLN went on a European tour, accompanied by her youngest son, who then began to show symptoms of disease. Together they traveled over the better part of the world, and only a few months ago returned to this city. Since their return Mrs. LINCOLN and "Tad" occupied rooms at the Clifton House where the boy now lies dead.
  The disease which carried off young LINCOLN is known to the medical science as dropsy of the chest. He was first attacked by it before he returned to this country, and has been suffering from it ever since, until death released him. Dr. C. D. SMITH, of this city has been his medical attendant throughout, and did all that skill could do to save his patient, with vain effect.
  The calamity has overwhelmed Mrs. LINCOLN and her sole surviving son, Robert, with sorrow. Misfortune has made heavy work with the Lincoln family ever since that fatal night in April, 1865. Let us hope that this latest victim will be the last demanded by death, until years have passed over. It would be too terrible if the race of LINCOLN should die out.
  No arrangements have, as yet, been made for the funeral. It is known, however, that it was the last wish of deceased to be placed beside the ashes of the father he had loved so well in life.--Chicago Post, 15th.

Nectarines.--We have just enjoyed the taste of this delicious fruit. It has been many years since we ate any. Mr. Geo, SHRINER raised some delicious nectarines in his garden, and to him are we indebted for a taste of fruit that we have not eaten for more than twenty years.

Spent an hour in Batavia, on Saturday last. In the store of R. B. MOORE, where matters were moving along under the direction of Mr. WELDY. Talked with friends SPARKS, McDILL, STANSBURY, McCULLOUGH, and others. Visited the Herald office, and found MOOREHEAD and things generally in apple pie order. Lingered at the store of J. A. O’NEAL, where everything is lovely and John as serene as a pleasant morning in May. Took dinner at the Colorado House, which is kept by a widow lady, who sets a splendid table.

Improvements.--We were around town on Tuesday morning last jotting down improvements in our city. The result may be summed up as follows:
  Thomas L. HUFFMAN is erecting a fine one-story building; size 23x30.
  James MALVIN has under way a one-story frame; size 14½x 24.
  M. S. CRAWFORD has built a is now living in a cozy house 13x19; he also built a good kitchen, cellar and wood-house.
  G. A. UNKRICH has the plasterers at work finishing a two-story frame 20x40, including kitchen and porch; good celler under the house.
  ADAM LYNN is living in a neat house 14x26.
  On the lot adjoining are the timbers for another house.
  C. C. MORRIS has erected a neat and substantial house just west of town; it is a story and a half, and has several rooms.
  Wm. ELLIOTTS two story brick, 25x40 in size, is rapidly approaching completion. The plasterers are at work. It adds much to the appearance of that part of the city.
  George ACHESON has improved his very residence by the erection of a handsome portico and several coats of paint.
  Charles DAVID has added a portico to his residence that sets it off in a fine degree.
  Painting and renovating have been and are now going on all over town. Times are hard, but people will improve their property. Other improvements have doubtless been made that we have overlooked. We'll make it all right as soon as our attention is called to them.
  A new plank walk has been laid in front of McELHINNEY’s building on the north-west corner of the Square.
  Under the anti-hog ordinance there are a few too many hogs on the streets in the various parts of town.
  Wm. JORDAN, wife and two children, Mrs. W. R. WELLS, Miss Nettie EATON, Carrie HEFLIN and Miss Mary WORKMAN, left our city on Monday evening for Portland, Me. Capt. C. JORDAN went to the same place nearly a month since. The party, with the exception of Misses WORKMAN and HEFLIN, will return the 1st of September. We wish them a pleasant visit.
  Mr. E. S. COX, Principal of the Public Schools, at Beverly, Washington county, Ohio, spent last Sabbath in our city.
  Physicians report our com munity distressingly h ealthy for this season of the year.
  Pension Agent David B. WILSON paid 1966 Pensions during the month of July, at the Agency in this city.  For the last week 125 a day were paid. During March 2300 were paid.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.--The following deeds to lands and town lots in Jefferson county, have been placed on record in the Recorder's office, from June 15, 1871, to July 17, 1871:
  Annexed is a plat of Jefferson county. The dates in the following transfers refer to time of signing of deeds; the figures following to price paid.

[Ed. note: 'o p Fairfield' refers to the Old Plat of the City of Fairfield. There is also a New Plat to the city.]