... congratulate the Capt. on the good luck, and doubt not he will prove satisfactory to the public. So, however, would his competitor, Mr. Austin, had he been successful. Both good men, and the friends of one here in town are the friends of the other. We don't know what time the change in the office will take place, but it will be in the near future. We hope the Capt. will do a good thing by H. M. Stewart, and retain him in his place. A faithful, honest, and accommodating man, there is no one we are sure more worthy of that would give more general satisfaction.

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  Now that our municipal election is over let us turn our attention to the school election which came off on Monday.  We are in favor of a deeper interest being taken in our schools than has been, and we wish to see men who have their welfare at heart elected to fill the vacant places that are to be filled next Monday. The members of the present board have done all they could, as the prosperity of our schools will attest. If the members, where time is out, will still hold on, we say elect them by all means. We hold that the officers alone cannot make a good ??? ??, and we wish to arouse an interest in general. It is the duty of all to keep up a continual investigation of schools, yet we are in a manner no interest at all is being manifested in them. This is a shame. Visit the schools often and you will come to know ?? whether your children there are deriving any benefit from them or not. Go the school elections and vote for good men as Directors --men who will take an interest in the cause of education.

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    Glowing accounts of rich discoveries are daily coming from the Black Hills. But very little reliance can be placed upon them, in fact none should be, for the most of them are untrue, get up by frontier outfitters, whose object is to make a big rush for the Hills, and thus enable them to sell off their surplus goods. Thousands of men, old and young, who could with proper application, make money within the bounds of civilization, will sacrifice their property, give up comfortable ???, lave families and friends to join is this wild goose chase after gold. After panning through untold waterings they will return acknowledging that they have been duped. The man who has the "gift in him" is ?? can make more money right here in Iowa than he can in all the gold holds on the face of the earth, and make it faster.

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   Bless our old friend, Dr. A. J. Salts, the fussy man of the Corning Gentile, resumed the practice of medicine in Corning the name of that place has been changed to the "Garden of Death". -- Red Oak Express

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... In addition to the celebrated home "Robert Barns,"  mentioned above, he is the owner of "Royal George" purchased in Canada. The cost of the two, including the expense of bringing them to this county, was $3,100. They can be seen by calling at his residence at the northeastern part of town. Stock raisers will be interested in taking a look at these imported animals.

    The Keota Eagle, Speaking of Mr. K. says: He is well and favorably known throughout Keokuk and Washington counties, as one of the progressive stock raisers. Previous to 1876, he devoted his time, principally, to raising fine hogs, and he raised the best, too. Last summer he went to Scotland and brought over one of the finest Clydesdale Stallions that ever was brought into this banner (horse) county. We are sorry to lose him, for he stands high up in the social calendar. His host of friends will unite in congratulating the people of Red Oak on their good fortune. 

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Death of Hon. Joseph M. Hewitt

    Jos. Hewitt, one of the pioneers of Montgomery county, ended a long honorable life Monday night last about 10 o’clock, after a protracted and painful sickness. Mr. H. was a prominent citizen of the county, and during his life was entrusted with various positions of honor and trust. He will be missed by the community, and his death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a man of great goodness of heart - a neighbor and friend that could always be called upon, and benevolent to a fault. A broad sympathy and disposition to please were prominent traits in his character. He has passed away. May his virtues be cherished, and the contrary be forgotten.    

    Mr. H. was a honored member of the M. E. Church, to which denomination he was ardently attached, and during his long illness frequently expressed his confidence in the Christian religion. He passed away in peace with all mankind and in full hope of an eternal rest beyond the grave. 

    His funeral took place Wednesday at ten o’clock. Services were held at the M. E. Church, Rev. Ryman, pastor, officiating. 

    He was buried according to the rites and ceremonies of the Masonic order, of which fraternity he was an honored member. 

    Mr. H. was 68 years of age, and was a resident of Montgomery county 16 years. 

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We had a pleasant call from Judge Day last evening, who is passing through town dropped in at the Keota office for a few minutes.

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A subscription.... which it is gratifying to say, received a very warm support both here and at Red Oak, which was a strong inducement to go ahead. The spot was selected, adjoining the lot of the Center School house, an acre of ground was donated by Mr. J. G. Jones, and work immediately commenced. The spot selected is the most convenient for the members, being located in the center of the township. The lumber was bought of Justice Clark & Co. Jones & Roberts took the contract for doing the carpenter work, and Mr. Vaughn Davis that of laying the foundation and plastering, and the farmers in the vicinity done the hauling of the material free. The seats were purchased of Mr. S. W. Crandal of Red Oak, being the seats of the old M. E. church, a store, a few lamps and other necessaries were purchased, and on Sunday, Oct. 20th, 1876, the first service was held in the building. We may here say that the church is not quite finished yet on account of cold weather setting in before finishing the plastering, but as soon as the weather sets in, work will be completed all around.

   As I am not posted on the financial affairs of the treasury, nor can I give any estimate of the cost of the church at present, but when all will be settled I will be able to give the Express a more detailed account. The church is at present in a flourishing condition, and the fruits of our Pastor, Rev. John Jones, late of Fox Lake, Wis. is already manifesting a reward for his labors amoung us. Hoping that the good Shepard will watch over and shower blessings upon us, so that our labors in building a temple of worship may not be in vain, but prove to be an abundant harvest to all.

   At a church meeting held Feb. 27th, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

   Resolved -- That we tender our thanks to the people of Red Oak and vicinity, and also to all who helped in any way towards building the church.

   Resolved -- That our thanks are especially due to W. H. Evans, and L. Evans, the farmer, not only for his subscription, but for the splendid clock which he presented to the church, and that we esteem this gift in the highest manner, and the latter for his good will in doing considerable carpenter work gratis, outside of his subscription.

   Resolved -- That our thanks are due to all who gave a hand toward the building of our church, and we will ever pray that they may be rewarded a hundred fold.

   Resolved -- That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the Red Oak Express and placed in publication.

                    By Order of com.

                    D. J. Davis, Sec.

~ source: Red Oak Express, Red Oak, Iowa, 5 March 1877