Page 376

1-21-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Jan. 21--Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Riggs and daughter Anna Gertrude, left for Texas, Tuesday night, where Mr. Riggs expects to investigate the Texas land.

    Dave Legler left for Kansas City Monday evening to purchase stock cattle.

    Mrs. J. T. Downer accompanied Mrs. Dewey Timberlake to Muscatine Wednesday evening where she was taken to Bellevue hospital to undergo a serious operation. Mrs. Timberlake's many friends were shocked to learn of her ill health and hope for her speedy recovery.

    Anderson Chapman is confined to his bed with sciatic rheumatism. Dr. Weaver is in attendance.

    J. T. Downer is spending the most of his time these days in the court house at Muscatine, sitting on the jury.

    Rev. Wm. Ballard left Monday morning to hold a series of meetings near Cedar Rapids.

    Andrew Healey shipped two car loads of hogs to Chicago Monday. John Healey spent several days visiting with friends in Chicago this week.

    A bob sled load of young people drove out from Muscatine last evening and were entertained at the Hotel Byrne. Oysters were served and the evening was enjoyed by all present.

    Robert and Isaac Lee shipped in 100 head of stock cattle last week.

    Downer & Schwin unloaded a car of coal Friday.

    About 40 of Mrs. Hugh Wigim's friends kindly reminded her of her birthday anniversary Thursday evening by going in and taking possession of her home. The evening was spent in games, oysters being served. The merry crowd departed at a late hour wishing Mrs. Wigim many happy returns of the day.

Page 377

    The same crowd surprised Leo Summers, night operator at the depot Tuesday evening. Refreshments were also served.

    Byrne Bros. shipped a car of baled hay to Muscatine, Saturday.

2-5-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Feb. 6--Mrs. Isaac McAlravy and children, of Colorado, arrived last Friday evening to visit with her sister, Mrs. Dewey Timberlake, who is confined to her bed at Bellevue hospital.

    Mrs. Jacob Legler of Muscatine, and Mrs. Harper, of Nebraska, spent Tuesday and Wednesday visiting at the home of David Legler.

    Miss Marie Byrne spent several days with her friends, Marie and Alberta Healey, in Bloomington township.

    Rev. and Mrs. Ballard were transacting business in Columbus City Wednesday and Thursday.

    Mrs. Adam Wigim of Muscatine, was visiting with her friend, Mrs. J. T. Downer, Thursday and Friday.

    Mrs. Henry Dethoff Sr. of Muscatine was visiting with her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Wigim, last Friday and Saturday.

    Wilson Riggs shipped a car of hogs last Thursday.

    Robert Wigim of Muscatine spent Saturday and Sunday with his friend Ray Downer.

Page 378

2-25-07

JAMES DIGNEY DIES AT HOME OF SISTER
After several months illness with consumption
Is Well known in this vicinity--

Funeral will be held Tuesday morning
at St. Matthias Church

    James M. Digney died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Patrick Tomney, of Seventy-Six Township, at 8:45 Sunday evening after an illness of 5 or 6 months, with consumption. He was born in Louisa county, June 4th, 1883, and spent all his life in this vicinity. He leaves his father, three brothers and three sisters they being: Joseph, William, Phillip and Elizabeth Digney, Mrs. Daniel Dordin and Mrs. Patrick Tomney, all residing in in this vicinity. His mother died in 1899 and one sister died in 1895. The funeral will take place Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Matthias Church. Interment will be at Fort Madison.

2-26-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Feb. 26--S. L. Johnson of Muscatine, after clerking the Brockway sale Wednesday stopped off and spent the evening at the home of J. T. Downer.

    Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Ballard were passengers to Rublo Saturday morning where Mr. Ballard was called to conduct a funeral.

    Adam Wigim of Muscatine, spent the forepart of the week visit friends at Ardon.

    Dave Legler was a passenger on the southwest limited Sunday evening, looking after business matters.

    Mrs. Adam Wigim, of Muscatine, spent Wednesday and Thursday visiting with her friends Mrs. D. Legler and Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    Conrad Schwin, of North Prairie, spent several days visiting with his son, C. Schwin.

Page 379

    Robert Lee was a passenger for Kansas City Friday morning looking after stock cattle.

    Mrs. Hugh Wigim spent the past week in Muscatine, where she has been helping take care of Mrs. Samuel Wigim, who has been very sick with la grippe.

    Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Sandvok and daughter, Alice, of Muscatine, spent Saturday at the home of Mrs. Anna Byrne.

    Bob Wigim of Cedar Valley, is spending a few days with his brother, Hugh.

    Altekruse Bros, shipped a car of hogs and cattle each, to Chicago on Thursday. Sam accompanied the shipment.

    The revival meetings at the U. B. church are still continued. Rev. Graves preached his farewell sermon to a well filled house last evening.

    Ray Downer spent Saturday and Sunday with his friend, Robert Wigim in Muscatine.

    Peter Byrne, who was confined to his bed with pneumonia for several days is able to be about again.

Page 380

3-12-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia. March 12--Miss Grace Griffin of Muscatine is visiting her friend Miss Emma Riggs.

    Mr. and Mrs. James Etchison and daughter, of Cascade, Iowa, are visiting at the home of the latter's sister, Mrs. Robt. Lee.

    Ray Downer is spending his vacation at the home of his Grandpa Lang, near Wilton.

    Mrs. Hall and Miss Browning, of Columbus, Junction, spent several days at the home of the former's brother, Robert Greene.

    Miss Olga Schwin, of North Prairie, was an over Sunday visitor at her brother's C. Schwin and family.

    Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Belk and son Paul and Mrs. Mollie Hardman and daughter of Grandview spent Wednesday and Thursday at the home of the former's daughter, Mrs. I. E. Downer.

    Adam Wigim of Muscatine, was a business visitor at Ardon Thursday.

    Miss Julia Byrne spent several days visiting her friend, Miss Nannie O'Brien.

    Mr. and Mrs. Henry Random and little son Wilfred, of Muscatine, spent several days visiting at the home of David Legler.

    Seven car loads of stock were shipped from Ardon Tuesday. Lee four loads, S. N. Grosjean one load, Henry Smith, one load, Isaac Reed one load.

    The box social which was given under auspices of the YPC. U. Friday evening at the Ardon hall was well attended, and the young people realize the neat sum of twenty dollars by their efforts.

    Lynch Bros, shipped one car load of hogs and one of cattle to Chicago last Sunday.

Page 381

    Peter and John Byrne made a business trip to Ottumwa Thursday. The Ardon people, thirty in number, with well filled baskets, invaded the home of Rev. and Mrs. Ballard Monday evening, giving them a complete surprise.

    The ladies Aid society of St. John's will give a box social at the par- sonage Tuesday evening, March 19. Ladies are kindly asked to bring boxes. Everybody is cordially invited to come.

    Wilson Riggs shipped one car of hogs to Chicago Thursday and one car Friday.

3-18-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia. March 18--Twenty five men working on the bridge gang for the Milwaukee are boarding at the Byrne hotel. They expect to remain here about four months.

    Charley Rider shipped two car loads of cattle to Chicago last Tuesday.

    Gertrude Wigim, of Muscatine, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. J. T. Downer. Joe O'Brien shipped a fine car load of cattle to Chicago Sunday.

    Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Weber, of Wapello, spent Sunday and Monday at the latter's sister, Mrs. L. E. Downer.

    Rev. and Mrs. Ballard were visiting in Cranston Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Don't forget the box social at the parsonage Tuesday evening, March 19.

    Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wigim were over Sunday visitors in Muscatine.

    Robert Lee spent the past week visiting with relatives at Cascade, Ia.

    Mr. Allbee, of Sweetland, who has been teaching the Henrix school south of town finished his term and left for his home Wednesday evening.

Page 382

3-26-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., March 26—Mrs. Adam Wigim and Mrs. D. S. McDermid of Muscatine, spent Thursday with Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    Mr. and Mrs. C. Schwin were passengers to Davenport Saturday evening where they will spend several days visiting with relatives.

    Robt. Lee shipped in a load of stock cattle from the north Wednesday.

    Rev. Brooke, former pastor of St. John's chapel, but now of Dayton, Ohio, preached a very able sermon at the chapel Sunday morning.

    Andrew Healey and James Cochran left for Charles City last evening to purchase stock cattle.

    Mr. and Mrs. Fred Block, of Muscatine were pleasant callers n Ardon Sunday.

    Rev. Ballard will leave for Toledo, Ia., Wednesday, where he will attend the U. B. Conference.

    Mrs. Wm. Ballard left for Washington Saturday morning where she will spend several days visiting with her children.

    Mr. and Mrs. Cale McIntire, of West Liberty, spent Wednesday with Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Timberlake.

    Mr. Miller, foreman of the concrete gang on the C. M. & St. P. arrived Friday morning and will commence work at once on the high bridge between Ardon and Muscatine.

    Joseph McMichael is very low at this writing with little hopes of recovery.

Page 383

4-5-07

SOUTH MUSCATINE COMPLETE WORK ON MILWAUKEE RAILROAD

Track and Bridges West of City Are Repaired

Work Train Has Been Sent Further Down The Line—Much
Work Being Done Near Brighton

    The construction work which has been in order along the Milwaukee railroad track west of this city for the past two weeks in now completed. The section hands used in the work have been dispatched to another point and the work engine and regular construction crew has gone to Brighton where it will do some work in that vicinity. A number of the bridges and long trestles in the vicinity of Ardon were repaired and the track was resurfaced and regauged wherever necessary.

Work Was Imperative

    This work was quite imperative on account of the many embankments and trestles and the situation of the track. The many hills and hollows running along the right of way make it almost impossible to keep the embankment protected for a heavy rain causes a small flood that often endangers the track.

4-6-07

LETTS, IOWA, April 2, 1907

    Miss Edna V. Peterson -

Dear Friend; I was very much pleased to get a letter from you and thought I would answer it.

How are you? I am alright.

I will be 12 years old May 8.

I have one sister and two brothers. My sister Velma is six years and my brother in nine months old. I like the Junior Page very much and am going to try to keep on the honor roll. Who is your teacher?

My teacher is Fanny Hankins.

Edna be sure and answer my letter soon, will you?

I am writing this at school and it is nearly noon so I will close.

I remain your friend, Gertrude J. Gertenbach, R. R. No. 1, Box 72,

Letts, Iowa.

Page 384

4-15-07

ARDON

    Joseph McMichael still continues very sick.

    Andrew Healey and Hugh Wigim spent several days in Chicago attending to business.

    Frank Byrne has gone to Ottumwa where he accepted a position in a pop factory.

    Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Downer and son Ray spent Sunday at the home of the former's father, J. B. Downer, In Muscatine.

    Misses Giesler, Mark and Ghent and Messrs. Stafford, Jones and Jayne of Muscatine took supper at the Hotel Byrne Sunday evening. Mrs. Adam Wigim and daughters Gertrude spent several days last week visiting with Ardon friends.

    Miss Rhea Legler returned to Grinnel Monday morning to resume her school work after spending her spring vacation at home.

    Mrs. Robert Green while assisting her mother, Mrs. Henry Sanders, hanging paper last Saturday, had the misfortune to fall and break her right arm in two places below the elbow. Her many friends will be pleased to know that she is improving very rapidly.

    Miss Bessie Browning of Columbus Junction is assiting Mrs. Green with her work.

    Mr. and Mrs. Lee Freers, of Muscatine, spent Sunday with the latter's brother, Bert Milholn.

    Mrs. Foster of Haskins is visiting at the home of her brother-in-law Frank Eutsler. Richie Phillips has moved in Andy Healey's tenant house and will assist Mr. Healey with his work.

    Downer and Schwin unloaded a car of lumber Wednesday.

    Wilson Riggs shipped a car of hogs to Chicago Friday.

    Andrew Healey shipped four car loads of stock to Chicago Wednesday.

    S. Van Zant shipped two car loads of fine cattle to Chicago last Sunday.

Page 385

4-22-07

ARDON

    Mr. and Mrs. Foster returned to Haskins, la. after spending a week with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eutsler.

    H. N. Lang of Wilton and son, Rev. David Lang, of Pilot Mound,Ia., spent Thursday and Friday with the former's daughter, Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim and Gertrude were calling on friends in this vicinity Sunday afternoon.

    David Legler returned home from Canada Thursday after spending two weeks looking after business interests.

    Seven car loads of stock were shipped from Ardon Sunday. W. M. Riggs shipped four loads, John Verink two loads, David Legler one load.

    Mrs. C. Schwin visited with her sister, Mrs. Hahn at Davenport over Sunday.

    Willie Kaufman, of North Prairie, visited Friday and Saturday at the home of J. T. Downer.

    Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee were over Sunday visitors with friends at Seaton, Ill.

    Mr. Frank O'Brien and daughter visited in Muscatine and Bayfield last week.

4-30-07

ARDON

    The U. B. Ladies Aid Society will meet with Mrs. J. T. Downer, Wednesday, May 1st, for an all day meeting. All members are requested to be present.

    Miss Marie Byrne left for Loredo, Mo. Friday morning where she will make an extended visit with her sister, Mrs. Robert Deam.

    Sam and Clark Altekruse shipped two car loads of cattle and one of hogs to Chicago Tuesday.

    Arthur Timberlake has been on the sick list the past week.

    Miss Nancy Klein of Muscatine was an over Sunday visitor at the home of Isaac Lee.

    L. E. Downer and family drove to Grandview Saturday evening and spent Sunday with Mrs. Downer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Belk.

Page 386

    Robert and Gertrude Wigim and Simon Stein of Muscatine spent with Ray Downer.

    Hugh Wigim and John Healey were visiting with friends at Conesville Sunday.

    Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim of Muscatine spent Wednesday with Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Altekruse.

    J. B. Downer of Muscatine was visiting with relatives at Ardon Friday and Saturday.

    Art Altekruse shipped two car load of cattle to Chicago Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Altekruse will join a party of twenty four who have chartered a special car and will leave Tuesday for an extended visit west. They will stop over at Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, and when reaching Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Altekruse will visit the latter's brother and sister. On returning home they will take the steamer to Tacoma, Washington where they will visit a brother. They will also visit Yellowstone Park and return home by Omaha.

    The Y. P. C. U. will give a silver medal contest at St. John's Chapel Tuesday evening April 30th.

5-4-07

    Letts, Iowa, April 29, 1907

    Dear Editor and Juniors: I have not very much time and cannot write on the subject very well, so I will write a letter. How are all the Juniors this week? I am writing this at school. Our school was half over on Friday. We went flowering Friday and had a fine time. We have ten pupils. I study reading, history, civil government, writing, orthography, grammar, and spelling.

    Your Junior,
    Gertrude J. Gertenbach
    R. R. 1, Letts, Iowa

Page 387

5-14-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., May l4--Mrs. Anna Byrne received word Monday evening that a nine pound son arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deam at Loredo, Mo. Mrs. Deam will be remembered as Agnes Byrne. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Downer of Muscatine spent Thursday and Friday visiting with relatives at Ardon.

    Mrs. Schroeder of Muscatine spent Thursday with Mrs. Hugh Wigim.

    Little Marie Healey has been very sick the past week. Will Downer and Ray McCabe of Muscatine, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Downer.

    Miss Clara Healey spent Saturday and Sunday with her sister, Mrs. Ed Connell, near Wilton.

    Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake of Cedar Valley were visiting at the home of their son Dewey last Sunday.

    Frank Bryne of Ottumwa spent Sunday at the home of his mother Mrs. Thos. Byrne.

    Mr. and Mrs. Will Bloom, of Muscatine, came out to attend the dance Saturday evening and spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wigim.

    Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim and children, of Muscatine, were visiting with Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Downer Sunday afternoon.

Page 388

5-21-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., May 21—The funeral of Joseph McMichael was held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Cranston U. B. Church and was largely attended. Rev. Ballard afficiated, assisted by Rev. Childress of Letts and Rev. Boise of the Christian Church. Mrs. John Healey and children spent Saturday and Sunday with relatives at West Liberty. S. N. Grosjean and James O'Toole each shipped a car load of hogs to Chicago Tuesday.

    Messrs Isaac and Clarence McElravy of Fort Collins Colo, enroute home from Chicago stopped off a few hours and visited at the home of the former's brother-in-law Dewey Timberlake.

    Dallas and Andrew Addleman shipped two car loads of cattle to Chicago Tuesday.

    S. L. Johnson, of Muscatine, attended the funeral of Joseph McMichael Friday afternoon and spent the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    David Legler and Robert Lee shipped two car loads of hogs to Chicago Wednesday.

    L. E. Downer and family and J. T. Downer and family spent Sunday afternoon with relatives in South Muscatine.

    Mesdames Adam Wigim and Sam Wigim of Muscatine, were calling on friends in this vicinity Thursday.

    Wilson Riggs shipped a car load of hogs Friday. Robert Lee lost a valuable horse Friday night.

    Mrs. Hugh Wigim and son Henry are visiting friends in Muscatine for a few days.

    Mrs. Wm. Ballard left Satruday morning for Washington, Iowa to visit with her son for a few days.

Page 389

6-11-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., June 11—The Ladies Aid Society met at the U. B. parsonage last Wednesday, and election of officers for the ensuing year was held, which resulted as follows: President, Mrs. David Legler, vice president, Mrs. Dewey Timberlake; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. J. T. Downer. It was decided to meet with Mrs. Henry Simpson the second Wednesday in July and serve a picnic dinner. Miss Belle Long of Williamsburg is spending several weeks at the home of her sister, Mrs. S. E. Cole.

    John, George and Mary Ewing of Seton, Ill. are visiting at the home of their uncles, Robert and Isaac Lee.

    Miss Marie Byrne returned home after spending several weeks with her sister, Mrs. R. W. Deam, in Laredo, Mo. Mrs. Henry Detoff Sr. of Muscatine was visiting her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Wigim, the past week.

    H. Newton Lang of Wilton spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. T. Downer. Miss Rhea Legler returned home from Grinnell Thursday to spend her summer vacation.

    Wilson Riggs shipped a car load of hogs to Chicago, Monday. Mrs. Anna Byrne, who was confined to her bed for several days last week is again able to attend to her household duties.

    David Legler shipped a car of hogs to Chicago Friday. S. L. Johnson and Adam Wigim of Muscatine were business visitors in Ardon Friday.

    The personal property of the late Joseph McMichael was appraised last Friday morning, the appraisers were Andrew Healey, Adam Wigim and J. T. Downer. S. L. Johnson, Administrator.

    Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Timberlake spent Saturday with their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Kaleb McIntire, near West Liberty.

    Mrs. and Mr. David Legler, Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Timberlake and Ed Will and family spent Sunday afternoon at the home of J. T. Downer.

    Ed Dodder of Grandview and Jesse Paulins of Letts were pleasant callers visitors in Ardon Sunday.

Page 390

6-11-07

    Rev. and Mrs. D. N. Scott, who have been spending the past year in New York, returned home Saturday morning and will visit with relatives for some time.

    Downer and Schwin are unloading a car of cement today. Miss Lizzie Gorey of Chicago is spending some time visiting with her sister, Mrs. Frank O'Brien.

    A jolly crowd of young people from Muscatine, twelve in number chartered a wagonette Sunday morning and drove to Ardon for a day's outing. On reaching the village they landed at the Hotel Byrne, where they had dinner and greatly enjoyed themselves through the kind hospitality of Mrs. Byrne. They also spent a couple of hours with Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Downer, who were royally entertained, with splendid musical selections given by the crowd. The crowd consisted of the Misses Mary Fahey, Anna Wilson, Bernice Ludlow, Marguerite Rockwell and Anna Kern, and the Messrs. Clarence Schmidt, Walter Lumpe, Lee Ashcraft, Will Kiser and Chester Rich- ards, also Mr. and Mrs. Berry, who acted as chaperones.

Page 391

6-18-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia. June 18--Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bloom of Muscatine spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wigim.

    I. E. Downer and family drove to Grandview Sunday and spent the day with the latters parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Belk.

    Little Mabel Milhollin is on the sick list.

    Mrs. Reddick of Letts is visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clark Altekruse.

    Will Young spent Sunday with friends at Grandview.

    Will and Legler shipped two car loads of hogs to Chicago last Thursday.

    The ball game Sunday between Nichols and Ardon resulted in a score of 17 to 12 in favor of Nichols. A large crowd attended the game.

    Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sweitzer of Grandivew spent Thursday and Friday with the latter's sister Mrs. I. E. Downer.

    The Ladies Aid society of High Prairie Chapel will give an ice cream and strawberry social at Harry Boyler's next Friday evening, June 21. All are cordially invited.

    Altekruse Bros. shipped a car load of hogs to Chicago Wednesday.

    Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Ferguson were visiting with friends at Fruitland Sunday.

    The Y. T. P. C. U. club met with Arthur Timberlake Friday evening.

    Mrs. Eutsler of Atalissa, is spending several days visiting at the home of her brother-in-law, Frank Eutsler.

    Miss Clara Healey closed her spring term of school Saturday with a picnic dinner and a good program.

    Mr. and Mrs. Bert Allman entertained friends from Muscatine Sunday.

Page 392

    Rev. William Ballard visited with his son and family near Washington the past week.

    P. D. Shumaker and family spent the Fourth at Wapello. Robert Lee and Joe O'Brien each shipped in a car of corn last week.

7-29-07

WHITE SOX LOSE

    The Muscatine White Sox played and lost their first out of town game yesterday at Ardon, la. by the score of 9 to 7. The game was played a short distance from the city and was very well attended. The feature of the game was the heavy hitting of both squads and the pretty fielding during the early part of the game. The Muscatine squad played well and while they touched up Resley for 13 hits, they were unable to bunch them. The batteries were: Ardon, Resley and Shellabarger, Muscatine, Vetter and Schmalz.

Page 393

7-2-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., July 2--H. N. Lang of Wilton spent Friday and Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    Mrs. Shearer of Columbus City is spending several days visiting with Rev. and Mrs. Ballard.

    Robt. Lee shipped six car loads of cattle to Chicago Tuesday. Frank Timberlake of West Liberty was visiting with his brother, Dewey Timberlake Sunday.

    Isaac Lee shipped two car loads of hogs to Chicago Tuesday. Mrs. Chas. Schroeder of Muscatine spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. Hugh Wigim.

    Elmer Eichelberger shipped two car loads of cattle to Chicago Tuesday. Hugh Wigim met with quite a painful accident Saturday afternoon in Muscatine. He was driving a team hitched to a spring wagon and on turning a corner suddenly, the seat dropped off throwing Mr. Wigim to the pave- ment, severely bruising his arm and cutting his face in several places, luckily no bones were broken and he is resting as comfortably as could be expected.

    Miss Anna Byrne left for Ottumwa Sunday morning where she will make an extended visit with her sister, Mrs. Robert Deam.

    Ray Downer, who had the misfortune to have his face cut on the barbwire fence is improving rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Ferguson and children have been on the sick list the past week. Dr. Klein was in attendance.

Page 394

    Mr. and Mrs. Abbott of Conesville spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Powell.

    Gertrude Wigim of Muscatine spent several days with her friend, Mabel Healey.

    Miss Allie Chapman spent several days visiting with friends at Conesville. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim were visiting with friends in Ardon Tuesday.

7-10-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., July 10--The ball game which was played at Nichols Sunday between the Ardon boys and Nichols resulted in a score of 7 to 1 in favor of Ardon.

    Addleman Bros, shipped a car of hogs to Chicago today. Will & Legler shipped two car loads of cattle to Chicago Sunday.

    L. E. Downer and family spent the Fourth with the latter's parents at Grandview.

    Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deam and little son Byrne visited with Mrs.Ann Byrne and family Monday, returning to their home in Ottuma, Tuesday on No. 3.

    Andrew Healey, Jr. who has been to Chicago for nearly two years, is visiting at the home of his father for an indefinite time.

    Adam Wigim of Muscatine spent Tuesday at the home of Isaac Reed. Misses Marie and Felicitis Byrne visited friends in Ottumwa Saturday and Sunday.

    Isaac Abbott of Conesville is spending a week with his sister Mrs. Wilbur Chapman.

    Catherine McGraw of Grandview spent several days with her friends, Grace and Gertrude Grosjean.

Page 395

8-8-07

ARDON

    Mr. and Mrs. Dave Nauman, of West Liberty, spent Friday and Satur- day at the home of the latter's sister, Mrs. John Powell.

    Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gus Davison a son, Friday morning Aug. 3. The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Fletcher, who has been sick for several days is convalescing.

    Mrs. Warrin and daughter, of Muscatine, are visiting at the home of S. N. Grosjean.

    L. E.. Downer and family spent Saturday and Sunday with parents at Sweetland. Mr. and Mrs. Paulus Hahn and son Harold, of Davenport, are visiting with relatives at Ardon for several days.

    Mrs. May Keubler and son Arthur of Cedar Rapids spent Saturday at the home of S. E. Cole.

    Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bloom of Muscatine visited with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wigim Sunday.

    Nellie Shallabarger of Muscatine spent the past week visiting with her friend, Rhea Legler.

    Miss Nancy Klein, of Muscatine, is visiting at the home of Isaac Lee.

    Miss Mary and Mabel Anthony of Clay Center, Ia. are visiting at the home of their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Chet McCabe.

    Rev. and Mrs. Ballard were visiting with friends in Columbus Junction Thursday and Friday.

    Mesdames Adam and Samuel Wigim of Muscatine were visting with friends in Ardon Thursday.

    Mr. and Mrs. David Legler and daughter, Rhea, expect to leave for Pipestone, Minn. Tuesday for a two week visit with the former's mother and sister. Mr. Legler will extend his trip to Canada to look after his land interests.

    Miss Marie Healey of Nichols is spending several days visiting at the home of her friend, Felicitis Byrne.

    Mr. and Mrs Harry Cochran, of Davenport, spent Sunday at the home of Bert Milholin.

    The Misses Heller and Shinnabarger of Muscatine, are spending several days with Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Timberlake.

Page 396

8-13-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Aug. 13—Wm. Bloom of Muscatine spent Sunday with his brother-in-law, Hugh Wigim.

    L. E. Downer and family drove to Grandview Sunday morning, and spent the day with Mrs. Downer's parents Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beck, Dave Legler shipped in two car loads of corn last week.

    Frank Byrne arrived on No. 8 from Ottumwa, Saturday evening and spent Sunday with his mother.

    Ray Downer returned home Thursday after spending four weeks assisting his grandpa near Wilton, with his harvest.

    Mrs. John Healey was a passenger to Lone Tree Thursday to attend the funeral of her niece, Miss Nettie Betts.

    Wallace's show was well attended Thursday evening. The seating room was all occupied and the managers were well pleased with the patronage of the people of Ardon,

    Robert Lee and family and Isaac Lee and family are camping at the Junction chautauqua.

    Mrs. Abbie Bridges of Muscatine spent Wednesday at the home of her aunt, Mrs, John Hitchcock. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim and children of muscatine were visiting with friends in Ardon Friday.

    Mamie Ferguson went to Eliza, Ill, Friday to spend several weeks with her grandparents.

    The people of this community were very much shocked to learn of the terrible accident which befell little Clarence Healey of near Muscatine last Wednesday evening.

Page 397

8-20-07

ARDON

    Mr. Mrs. George Parvin and son Lyle of Muscatine spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. Parvin's brother, L. E. Downer.

    Mr. and Mrs. Ed Seller are the proud parents of a baby girl which arrived Wednesday evening, August 14.

    The Misses Clara and Kate Healey and Rev. Ballard attended the Chautaqua at Washington Thursday.

    William Riggs shipped a car of hogs to Chicago Thursday. Mrs. Ella Foster of Foster, Ill. is spending several days with her friend, Elizabeth Healey.

    Earl Furguson went to Eliza, Ill., to visit with his grandparents. Miss Lulu Hahn of Davenport is visiting friends at this place.

    Miss Addie Archibald of Wapello spent Thursday and Friday with her cousin, Mr. E. Downer.

    Andrew Healey and son Edward were passengers for Mason City, to purchase stock cattle.

    Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Eichelberger and children left for Cedar Rapids Saturday morning to visit friends.

    Frank Eutsler killed a large wolf on his premises one day last week.

    Andrew Healey had two fine steers killed by lightning Wednesday evening.

    L. Byrne of Ottumwa is visiting at the home of his cousin, James O'Brien.

    Martin Havercamp of Muscatine was a business visitor in Ardon Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Will Cone and family of Muscatine spent Friday at the home of Hugh Wigim.

    Mr. and Mrs. Dehoff and daughter Lillian visited relatives at this place Tuesday.

Page 398

9-2-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Sept. 2—Mrs, Adam Wigim and Miss Nina Geiss, of' Muscatine were pleasant callers in Ardon Thursday. Mrs. Robert Deam and son Byrne, spent Monday at the home of Isaac Lee.

    Miss Maggie Bentley, of Wessington, S. D., is visiting relatives at this place.

    Miss Belle Long returned to her home in Williamsburg Thursday, after an extended visit at the home of her sister, Mrs. S. E. Cole.

    Fletcher Bros, shipped in four car loads of stock cattle Tuesday.

    Mrs. J. T. Downer and son, Ray, spent Monday and Tuesday at the home of the former's father H. N. Lang, near Wilton.

    Andrew Healey shipped in seven car loads of stock cattle last week.

    Mr. and Mrs. Jensen and family, of West Liberty, are visiting at the home of the latter's father, Albert Martin.

    Robert Lee and Dave Legler each shipped in a car of corn Wednesday.

    Miss Leola Lee was a passenger to Seton, Ill., Thursday, where she will visit with relatives.

    Frank Eutsler and family spent Sunday with relatives at Haskins. Gus Leutzinger, of Cameron, Mo., is visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. Isaac Lee.

    Will & Legler shipped three car loads of stock to Chicago Sunday and two loads Wednesday.

    Robert Lee and son, Ira, made a tour through South Dakota last week, looking after land.

    Miss Allie Chapman is visiting with friends at Cone. Andrew Healey shipped in two car loads of corn last week. Will Bloom of Muscatine, spent Sunday with his brother-in-law, Hugh Wigim.

    Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Sandvos and friend, Mrs. Hughes, of Sherman, Texas, spent Tuesday with Ardon friends.

    Gertrude Grosjean spent Sunday with her parents.

Page 399

9-2-07

    David Legler shipped in a car of stock cattle Saturday. Mrs. Jacob Seltzer and children of Muscatine spent several days last week visiting at the home of Christy Nolan.

    W. M. Riggs shipped three carloads of cattle to Chicago on Sun- day.

10-14-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Oct. 14—Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Wagner and son, Paul, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gang, of Grandview, spent Sunday at the home of J. T. Downer.

    S. E. Cole was a passenger to Ottumwa Saturday evening to attend a meeting of the 0. R. T.'s.

    A number of young people surprised Mr. and Mrs. John Healey Saturday evening, it being their 10th wedding anniversary. Metcalf & Norris of Nichols shipped a car of hogs to Chicago Thursday.

    Downer & Schwin unloaded a car of coal Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim, of Muscatine, were visiting with friends in Ardon Tuesday.

    Dewy Timberlake spent Sunday with his father in Cedar Valley. Mrs. Robert Greene and daughter, Mildred, arrived Sunday morning from Muscatine where they had been visiting.

    Wm Bloom and Charlie Vetter of Muscatine spent Sunday with Hugh Wigim.

    Lou Downer and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schweitzer of Grandview.

    Mrs. Robert Deam and son Byrne, and Miss Marie Byrne arrived home today after a two weeks visit with relatives in Chicago.

Page 400

9-11-07

CUT OFF

Rumor to that effect which has gained
Credence Seems Groundless

ENORMOUS SUMS SPENT ON TRACK

Amount of Construction Work Behind Done on New Line,
If Nothing Else Gives the Lie To Wild Story--Such a step
Is Very Unlikely

    Washington, Iowa, Sept, ll--(Special) A rumor has been going the rounds on the old main line of the C. M, & St, P. to the effect that the road was about to abandon the cut-off altogether and resort to additional expenditures from Marion to Ottumwa, The rumor also gained some credence in this section, but one only has to take a short trip to either direction to be convinced that the road has no thought of abandoning the rich territory. The report started from the fact that the road has been to an enormous expense in keeping up the roadbed from Muscatine to Ottumwa. The line was built at an extraordinary expense, and ever since some of the deep fills have been a constant source of to the construction department. The company now has at work several gangs of laborers at these treacherous places and any person with ordinary judgment could be easily convinced that the railroad officials have no thought of throwing up the whole job now. This side of Rublo there is a big job going on now that has been in progress over three weeks. The laborers started to fill a trench, when it gave way, and in order to support the roadbed two thousand carloads of sand have been dumped there and the road is still settling, but there is nothing to indicate that the road has any intention of abandonment. Between here and Haskins similar work is in progress. The cut-off is built mostly of rock ballast, and taken all in all, no road in the west is as substantial in all respects.

    The above rumor, coming from a business man of considerable influence and means, and to him from an official on another division of the road, made the story sound somewhat plausible.

    The new towns along the cut-off have prospered too, and with the advance the farm communities have made, the road has as rich a …

Page 401

… commercial territory as anywhere in the state. These towns have banks, lumber yards and hotels, and in fact nearly every line of retail business and the common trades are represented in them. The man who mentions abandonment of the cut-off is surely talking "through his hat".

10-7-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Iowa Oct. 7 - - Mrs. R. W. Deam and son Byrne, and Miss Marie Byrne left for Chicago on Thursday on No. 8, for a ten days visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Byrne and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Healey.

    Mr. and Mrs. H, N. Lang, of near Wilton, visited Saturday and Sunday at the home of their daughter, Mrs. J. T. Downer.

    Miss Emma Riggs returned home from a three weeks' visit with friends at Toledo, Ia.

    Miss Anna Ryan, of Muscatine, is visiting friends at this place.

    The Ladies' Aid of the U. B. Church will be entertained at the home of Miss Allie Chapman on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

    Glen Parvin, of Muscatine, spent several days visiting relatives at this place.

    S. Van Zant shipped cattle to Chicago on Tuesday. Wilson Riggs shipped hogs to Chicago on Saturday.

    Frank Biek and family of Grandview, visited Saturday and Sunday with the former's sister, Mrs. L. E. Downer.

    Mrs. Brant, of Kentucky, has been visiting at the home of her cousin, Dewey Timberlake, the past week, Downer & Schwin received a car of flour last Friday.

    Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wigim and son Henry are visiting with friends in Muscatine for a few days.

Page 402

10-28-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia., Oct, 28—Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cornell, of Wilton, spent Sunday at the home of the latter's father, Andrew Hamlin.

    Harry Van Camp and family of Sweetland, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Downer.

    Dave Legler shipped a car of cattle to Chicago on Tuesday. Charles Vetter, of Muscatine, has been visiting with his friend, Hugh Wigim, for several days.

    Johnnie and Ira Lee left for Burlington last Thursday, where they will attend the business college.

    Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Legler, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wigim and daughter Gertrude, of Muscatine, and Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Downer and son Roy were entertained at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Legler on Sunday.

    Mrs. Glassburner and children, of Washington, Ia., were visiting with the former's parents, Rev. and Mrs. Ballard over Sunday.

    The Y.P.C.U. and Ladie's Aid Society of St. John's Church will give a "Hard Time" halloween social on Thursday evening, Oct. 31 at Ardon Hall. All are invited.

    About one hundred of Rev. Ballard's friends gave him a gentle surprise last Monday evening, and reminding him of his 60th birthday anniversary, bring the Reverend and his wife a very generous donation, which was greatly appreciated by both. At a late hour refreshments were served by the ladies.

    Downer & Schwin unloaded a car of coal Monday.

    Mrs. Seller, of Muscatine, is visiting at the home of her son Edward.

Page 403

11-4-07

ARDON

    Ardon, Ia. Nov. 4--Mrs. E. Cole and children arrived home Friday after spending two weeks with relatives at Williamsburg, Ia.

    Mrs. R. J. Altekruse entertained thirty of her lady friends at an elaborate six course dinner last Thursday.

    Miss Hazel Longstreth spent Sunday with friends in Ardon.

    Will & Legler shipped two car loads of cattle to Chicago Sunday.

    Mr. and Mrs. Will Bloom, of Muscatine, spent Sunday at the home of the latter's sister, Mr, and Mrs. Hugh Wigim.

    Jacob Selzer and family, of Muscatine, spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of Christy Nolan.

    The Ladies Aid society of St. John's chapel, will hold an all day meeting at the home of Mrs. David Legler Wednesday, Nov. 6. A Good attendance is desired.

Page 404

11-14-07

ARDON

    Andrew Healey who has been in the Hershey Hospital for the past week is improving, which his many friends will be glad to hear.

    Mrs. Lola Luca, of Cherokee, Kansas, is visiting with her sister, Mrs. W. M. Riggs, and other relatives.

    A number of C. T. McCabe's friends reminded him of his birthday anniversary Saturday evening.

    J. T. Downer made a business trip to Keosauqua Thursday, returning home Friday evening on No. 8.

    Rev. Ballard commenced a series of revival meetings at Cranston Sunday evening. Everybody invited.

    Miss Hazel Longstreth spent Sunday with friends in Ardon.

    Fred Selzer and family of Muscatine are making an extended visit at the home of C. Nolan.

    The slough road sewing circle will meet with Mrs. Lewis Downer Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 15th.

    F. M. Ferguson made a business trip to Moline last Monday.

    Chas. Sinnett shipped a car of hogs to Davenport Monday and Isaac Lee shipped a car to Chicago Wednesday.

    Ed Schwin, of Newton, Ia., spent several days last week with his brother, C. Schwin.