Jefferson County Online A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects The 'Madegood Family' Edward George Fligg

"The Fairfield Daily Ledger"
Fairfield, Iowa
Friday, April 24, 1925
Front Page and Page 4

NO. 2--EDWARD GEORGE FLIGG

Pride goeth before a fall, assuredly. And here we have a find sample of pride going before an imminent fall. And the fall did come too. But we'll tell you about that later on; just now we want to present to you an outstanding member of the Madegood family. Folks, meet Mr. Edward George Fligg.

In the minds of most of our readers the name of Ed Fligg is usually identified with flour and sugar, Richolieu brand groceries and Charley Herring. Few of you ever thought of Ed as a "Hoss" trader. But he is or was, and the picture here presented proves it. Not that Ed ever attained either the fame or the success of Ike Wisecarver; he quit too soon for that.

'Twasn't so long ago that Ed swapped one of his delivery horses. Ed was of the opinion he'd made a master stroke of a trade. Looked to him as thought there might be right smart of money made out of trading horses if a chap kept his eyes open and didn't accept the preacher's words too literally on Sunday. He kindo figured on going into the business and was getting prices on crooked handle canes, and otherwise taking on a horsy appearance. But someway the new horse didn't quite come up to Ed's expectations in several ways after he had given him a few day's trial. Ed sought the original owner. This gentleman seemed to be reasonably well satisfied with his bargain but finally consented to trade back with Ed for a trifling matter of twenty-five dollars. This seemed fair enough to Ed, so the exchange was made. Three days later the horse died a d his last words to Ed were a request that he keep out of horse trades.? Edward George has faithfully respected the old horse's dying wish.

As has been intimated, you have probably heard of Ed Fligg in connection with the sale of groceries and the Charley Herring store, if you happen to have lived in and about Fairfield much during the last quarter of a century or more. 'Twould make an interesting story for a certain popular magazine which features stories of how poor boys have risen to fame and wealth by their industry if Ed Fligg's connection with the Herring store were to be thus featured.

Up to the time when he was some ten or twelve years old Ed had two over-powering ambitions. One was to be the toughest boy in school, and the other to stand behind a grocery counter and wait on customers. He was succeeding real well in the first mentioned desire, but the nearest he had come to getting behind a grocery counter was to ride on the delivery wagon with Clarke King. One day Mrs. Herring came to teach Ed's school as a supply teacher. Here was a new teacher--temporary one--fair prey for Ed and his congenial roughnecks! Elaborate plans were laid by the gang for "running out" the new teacher, and some of them were put into effect the very first day. That evening Ed was asked to remain after school. He had on an extra pair of pants anyway--he was always ready for and expected a licking--so he didn't fear the interview.

But Mrs. Herring used a different kind of weapon. She told Ed how hard her job was going to be and asked him if he wouldn't help to make it easier by setting a good example to the other boys. Other teachers had whaled Ed with a hickory ruler and had often broken his hide but had never got under it. Mrs. Herring got under it. She won, and Ed became the model pupil. 'Twas so noticeable that his teacher recommended him for the job when Charley Herring wanted a boy to work Saturday's in his store.

Well, that's about all there is to it. This incident occurred some 27 years ago and Edward George has been on the job ever since. Some years ago he bought an interest in the store, and a couple or so years ago he bought his partner's interest. Pretty good record for the industry.

In these years Ed has done quite a bit of accumulating, some of his notable acquirements being a wife, family and a double chin. But even these treasured possessions don't make a plutocrat of him and he'll give you just as much attention in the store as he did as a $3 a week clerk--if you are a cash customer. He has felt bound to abide by his pledge to the old horse to abstain from horse trading, but as he had never comitted himself to the horse in regard to real estate trading he does a bit of that just for recreation. Says he things it safer than horse trading anyway--real estate doesn't get sick and die. It might be well to note however, that Ed confines his real estate operations to Fairfield city property.

Ed Fligg is mighty fond of sports. Hunting? Fishing? Golf? Athletic games? Oh, no, none of these--never has had any time for these, he says. His idea of going on a spree and having a good time is to hop on the train some Saturday evening and go over to some place in Illinois or Indiana and join Fonny Harper and the Fairfield Gospel Team in a Sunday meeting. Says he always comes back refreshed.

By all this you will agree that Edward George Fligg is eligible to membership in the Madegood Family of Fairfield. As an example of persistent attention to business you may point your finger right at him. But Ed says 'twarn't much of a trick to suceed with a fellow like Charles Herring piloting the way. Charly's ten commandements to him were brief.

"Be on the square; be courteous and obliging; sell 'em Richelieu brand groceries." These were the instructions Charley gave and Ed says they were sufficient.

But with all his success Edward George Fligg's crowning ambition is yet to be realized. For years he has been trying to explain to each newly elected city council and mayor just how the city should be run, but he hasn't had much success with them. So he's waiting patiently for the day when he may reach that apex of mortal fame--election as Fairfield city councilman.