Page 38

ACCOUNT OF MARGARET FURLONG'S TRIP FROM IRELAND

    An interesting account of a early hard working woman from Ireland. None of this generation can believe the work the older generation did to make this country what it is.

     “This is a day by day account of a trip that Margaret (Nolan) Furlong made from Ireland to the United States and eventually to Muscatine. She left from Belfast or Londonderry by steamship on September 16, 1900. Her brother Christopher had come to Seventy- Six Township in 1890, worked by the month for farmers, saved enough to come to the States. But the family decided to send a sister Bridget instead due to her poor health. Uncle Christie then saved more money ($48.00) and sent it to Ireland for Maggie to make the trip. Her sister Mary Ann and husband John Dowling accompanied Maggie to Belfast or Londonderry so she could board the ship, She always had a desire to return to her homeland for a visit but didn’t care to live there due to the poverty which existed."

     Sunday - We set sail about 10t30 a.m. 16th Sept. 1900, Had a nice calm day — all the passengers got sick in the evening.

     Monday - Another nice day.

     Tuesday - 18th, Got pretty rough in the evening.

     Wednesday - 19th, Stormy - could get up no steam - did not make any headway at all,

     Thursday - 20th, Awful stormy that day and night - took in waves - same into the dining room. The ship rolled pretty bad throwing the dishes and trunks everywhere,

     Friday - 21st, Stormy again - fireman jumped overboard never was seen after-covered the most miles that day.

     Saturday - 22nd, Raining. Ship was leaking - we stopped for one hour - got fixed alright - had a concert and dance that night.

     Sunday - 23rd, Was a fine sunny morning - was down in the first cabin and in the second cabin.

     Monday - 24th, Learned that we would not land until Wednesday.

     Tuesday - 25th, Sighted a lot of fishing smacks out in the ocean.

     Wednesday - 26th, Got up at 3 a.m. and saw the harbour lights in New York - got into New York about 11 o'clock. Did not land until about 3:30 p.m. - was very warm - got on the train at 10 oc. p.m. travelled all night and next day - got into Pittsburgh about 3:30 p.m. where one of our companions got off. Travelled all that evening and night.

Page 39

Margaret Furlong's Trip - Page 2

Wednesday (continued)

     Got into Chicago at 8 oc. a.m. Changed there where all my companions stayed - was taken in a cab to another depot. Left Chicago at 10 oc. a.m. - got into Rock Island at 4 p.m. - raining all day - changed cars at R.I. arrived in Muscatine at 5 p.m. that evening the 28 September 1900.

          Maggie Nolan

    "She worked for the Adam Wigim family making $1.50 a week in Seventy-Six Township and met her future husband Joseph Furlong in the house that a daughter Alice and husband Theodore now own and live in. She also worked for the Devitt and William Roach family and then was married on May 2, 1905 in St. Malachy's Catholic Church near Ardon. They were the first couple to be married in the new church and became the parents of James (who died in 1975), Monica (who died in 1913 at the age of six), Edward, Leo, Alice and Maurice. Maggie Furlong passed away January 6, 1936 and Joseph was killed in a dynamite explosion March 31, 1931."

     Above account furnished by Alice (Furlong) Noll.

Page 40

HEADS BENT LOW

A stooped old man and a young man

Chanced to meet one day.

The young man said to the elder

In his usual braggart way,

"Why don't you walk up straight like me?

That's no way to grow old;

It's all a form of habit—

At least that's what I'm told."

The old man gave him a knowing look

And said "My dear young man,

Have you ever examined your wheat fields

And noticed the heads that bend?

If not, just look them over

As the harvest-time draws nigh,

You'll find the heads that are empty

Are tall and standing high!"

"But the heads that count in the harvest

Are filled and bending low,

Awaiting the reaper's sickle—

Their time is short they know."

And as the young man passed on by

He slowly bowed his head;

No doubt he pondered many a day

On the thing the old man said.

L. F. Byrne

MOTHER

You may tramp a thousand cities,

From equator to the pole,

Drain the salt brine from the ocean,

Bare the mountain's Inner soul,

Sift the sands of Sahara,

Trail the Yukon into Nome -

You'll never find a treasure

Like the one you left at home.

For a mother's love Is rarer

Than the finest grade of gold,

And Its value will not lessen

Till the sun and stars grow old.

Page 41

Muscatine Journal
10-10-76

HERITAGE GROUP HAS TOUR

    Fifty people participated in a car caravan tour of Cedar and 76 Townships Sunday afternoon. The tour was sponsored by the Muscatine Area Heritage Association. The caravan was led by Mary Meeker Zoller with five stops made in the area.

    At the Jean Cemetery, visitors saw the gravesite of Aristarchus Cone, the first permanent settler who came to Cedar Township in 1837. The second stop was made at his home, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pittman, whose grandchild is the sixth generation to be sheltered within its walls.

    At the site of the molasses mill owned and operated by Chet Coder| and his family in the early half of this century, Marvin Coder told of the operation of the mill. He demonstrated the process on a machine purchased by his father in 1914 and preserved on the Coder farm - now the home of the fifth generation of Coders.

    Ardon was once a bustling community including eight homes, a store, blacksmith, hotel, depot, lumber yard, stockyards and a meat market with a dance hall upstairs. It was there that St. Malachy's Catholic Church was established in 1856. The present church was constructed in 1902 and is still maintained as an active parish. The history of the church was given by Alice Noll at a brief stop there.

    The final stop was made at the 76 Township Community Hall, formerly the Ardon depot. The brief history given of the depot by Ed Furlong revealed that the station master had been a barber and had an active trade in the depot building.

    Refreshments were served at the community center. Those who wished to were able to continue on through the area with directions provided on a map and key prepared by Zoller.

    Other points of interest along the route were Strawberry Hill, site of the first post office, school and a stop-over for the stage coach route; the town of Cranston, barns on the Cashman farm one dating back to 1880 constructed by John M. Shellabarger; and the artesian well on the Ed Furlong farm.

    Assisting in the compiling of information for this tour were Mrs. A.C. Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Don Pittman, Marvin Coder, Ernest Meeker Mrs. Theodore Noll, Ralph Shellabarger, Lyle Shellabarger, Mrs. Lyle Shellabarger, Mrs. George Michael and Ray Downer.

    The next program of the Muscatine Area Heritage Association will be held Thursday, Nov. 11. The subject will be bottles and beverages of Muscatine.

Page 42

THE ARDON BASEBALL TEAM

    The team was called "Ardon" until the last few seasons. Bill scoop" Callahan, a reporter on the Muscatine paper, identified us as the "Ardon Cardinals".

     As near as I can estimate, the team assembled about 1905 and continued into 1918. I think some players played long after that, But not at Ardon or on the Ardon team.

     World War I probably had an adverse impact on the game and team. Early games were played south of the tracks and a little west of The Wilwaukee Railroad Station. Later we moved and laid out a Diamond in the northwest corner of our front pasture. This is Just south of where Leo Summers later built a house. This move was necessitated because the old field had been planted in corn.

     My grandmother (Mrs. Anna Byrne) sold lots of pop at those games.

     These teams were pretty good ones and didn't lose over one or two Games a year and never by a large score.

     Empires that I remember were Billy Fulton who farmed and taught School: John Healey, a few games; and John Verink umpired a lot. Willie O’Toole always was the official scorekeeper.

     Many days have come and gone since those games were staged at Ardon. Even to this day it please me to recall the games and the players - Good sport, fine fellows.

     Below are the players and positions, as best as I can remember.

Players 1905 – 1918
Pete Byrne	2nd, 3rd	Eddie O'Toole	c.
Frank Martin	s.s.	Francis O'Toole	o.f.
Bill O'Toole	1st	Emmett 0'Toole	o.f.
Bill Byrne	o.f.	Phil Cashman	p.
Johnny O'Toole	2nd, 3rd	Jerry O'Toole	2nd, 3rd
Ed Healey	c.	Harry Cashman	c.
Frank Byrne	1st	Mark Healey	s.s.
Phil O'Toole	c., 1st	Harry Hildebrand	s.s., 3rd
Larry Byrne	p., o.f., 3rd	Henry Stone	o.f.
Ferbrazius	o.f., p.	Jamie O’Toole	p., 3rd
(lived on McGraw Place)

Page 43

5-21-17

ARDON DEFEATS THE MIDGETS AS LOCALS FAIL TO HIT BALL

    Unable to connect with Cashman’s dodgers the Muscatine Midgets, one of the fastest amateur teams in the city, went down to defeat at the hands of the Ardon Cardinals at Ardon on yesterday. The score ending 19 to 0.

     With Cashman pitching for the Ardon aggregation going in true style and backed up by his brother L. Cashman, the Ardon team started on a charge that made the Midgets helpless. It is said the Ardon team is made up of a number of college players, three in the lineup having appeared in the St. Ambrose college team of Davenport last season. Cashman and Cashman worked for the Ardon team while Griesenbach, Mittman and Jones formed the defense for the Midgets.

5-21-17

MARTY O'TOOLE THE SECOND POSSIBLE IN THIS LINE-UP

     At a meeting of the baseball enthusiasts of Ardon held Friday a team to present the town was formed and definite plans for this season were outlined.

     Mark Healey ex-St. Ambrose college star was elected captain and manager. The team in their opening game yesterday with the Midgets of this city won by a score of 19 to 0 and is now ready to take on any team in this section of the state. In the Ardon line-up a number of the men have played on different college teams in the state.

     The new team challenges any in the county for a game to be played at any time or on any diamond. Games may be booked by calling Mary Healey the manager. The following line-up of the team: Phillip Cashman, p; H. Cashman, c; Mark Healey, ss; Phillip O'Toole; 1b; E. O'Toole, 2b; J. O'Toole, 3b; L. Burns, If; J. O'Toole, cf and F. O'Toole, rf.

5-31-17

ARDON EXPECTS A CROWD AT GAME

     Arrangements are being made by the Ardon baseball club to accommodate a large crowd of fans when they clash with the Muscatine Independents next Sunday afternoon on their diamond at Ardon.

     Several rows of blechers have been erected and other seating accommodations will be placed in the park. Both teams have played exceptionally good ball this season and a fast game is expected.

Page 44

6-4-17

MUSCATINE WINS FROM ARDON 5-1

     Before a large crowd of fans the Muscatine Independents defeated the Ardon Cardinals at Ardon yesterday to the tune of 5 to 1. With Olson of Muscatine hurling a ball that proved too fast for the rural aggregation and backed up by excellent support, the locals played one of the best games they have played this season.

     James O'Toole, third baseman of the Ardon nine, pulled several sensational stunts on the infield, scooping up a few liners almost out of his reach.

The score:	R	H	E
Muscatine	5	6	2
Ardon	1	6	2

     Blatteries - Cashman and Cashman; Olson and Page.

6-10-17

ARDON PLAYS LETTS IN GAME TODAY

     The Ardon Cardinals and the Letts Independents will meet next Sunday at the Ardon diamond, according to plans announced yesterday by the manager of the Ardon aggregation.

     Keen rivalry has always existed between the two teams and with rosters from both towns present a most interesting melee is expected.

7-18-17

PHIL CASHMAN WILL PITCH FOR MUSKIES AGAINST DAVENPORT

     All is in readiness for the big Independent - Davenport game to be played this afternoon at the league park.

     In the game this afternoon will be seen Phil Cashman whirlwind hurler of the county, who since the organization of the Ardon Cardinals, has established a record for himself. An exciting contest is expected and a record-breaking crowd will probably witness the game.

     A neutral umpire from out of the city will officiate. The locals have defeated almost every team they have gone up against and the fast upriver contingent will be forced to play their best to make a showing against the Independents.

Page 45

7-10-17

NICHOLS BLANKS ARDON, 4 to 10

     The Nichols Jewels annexed another victory at Ardon Sunday, when they defeated the team of that place by a score of 4 to 0. Poole pitches shutout ball for the Jewels, allowing but one hit and retiring the Ardon batters in short order. Not at any time of the game were the Jewels in danger of being scored upon.

     Next Sunday the Nichols team will go to Letts, where they are scheduled to play the fast team of that place. A battle royal is expected, as the Nichols team is playing winning ball and this game will be no exception.

The score:
Nichols	110	010	100 - 4
Ardon	000	000	000 – 0

7-11-17

INDEPENDENTS TO PLAY LAST GAME

    Plans are now being arranged by the managers of the Ardon Cardinals and Muscatine Independents for a game on the Ardon lot next Sunday afternoon as the third and last of a series of three games to be played by the teams.

    Next Sunday will witness the final appearance of Phil Cashman, star hurler of the Ardon team, in a rural uniform, he having agreed to join the staff of the Muscatine Independents permanently.

8-2-17

ARDON CARDINALS TO MEET HARPER TEAM

    The Cardinals will oppose the fast Harper, Iowa Independents next Sunday afternoon according to plans announced today.

    With Phil Cashman on the mound for the Ardon aggregation the Harper nine are apt to feel a crimp in their winning streak of the season.

8-6-17

ARDON CARDINALS TO BATTLE HARPE

    The Ardon Cardinals journey to Harper, Iowa, today where they will endeavor to cut short the winning streak of the Harper contingent.

    The Ardon nine have established an enviable record on the diamond this season and now rank among the best amateur teams in the state.

Page 46

ARDON CARDINALS CLEAN UP HARPER

    Playing the fastest game of the season yesterday, the Ardon Cardinals defeated Harper on the Harper lot by a score of 8 to 0. This was the first defeat of the year for the Harper team, which has been turning back all teams that have been sent against them. The Ardon twirler allowed the Harpers only one hit against eight for the Cardinals.

    The playing of Curtis at second base was easily the feature of the game. He took everything that came within a mile of him and his blows came at opportune times. Batteries: Ardon, Cashman and Cashman; Harper, Smith, Ingham and Jungle.

8-20-17

INDEPENDANTS WIN FROM ARDON NINE

    Before a good sized crowd of rooters comprised of supporters of Both factions, the Ardon Cardinals and the Muscatine Independants clashed yesterday at the league park in one of the best games witnessed here this year, resulting in a victory for the locals by a narrow margin of 2 to 1.

    The game was featured by the hurling of both Phil Cashman for Ardon And Olson for the locals, making it mainly a pitcher's battle. Not only did Olson for the locals hurl a good game but he also Demonstrated his ability at fielding, picking up a few hot liners that shot into his territory.

The score:
Ardon	1	8	2
Muscatine	2	1	4

    Batteries: Olson and Page; Cashman and Cashman.

8-24-17

ARDON NINE WILL TAKE ON ANY TEAM IN SEMI-PRO CLASS

    An open challenge to any amateur ball club in Muscatine county is thrown into the ring by the Ardon Cardinals, one of the speediest clubs in this section of the state.

     Especially desirous of meeting the Riverside, Lone Tree or Hills aggregations is Manager Mark Healey of the Emerald aggregation. since opening the season in the spring, the Ardon nine has out classed almost every team they have opposed with the lone exception of the Independants of this city.

Will Play Davenport

     On Labor Day the Ardon contingent will journey to Davenport, where they will engage in battle the East End Boosters, champions of the tri-cities' amateur teams.

Page 47

Muscatine News Tribune
6-6-18

SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP

Republican -

Township trustee for 2 years - W. C. Hendricks

For three years - E. H. Dodder

Assessor - L. E. Downer

Committeeman - V. A. Legler

Democrats -

Justice of Peace - Aubrey Pitchforth

Constable - Leo Summers

Trustee for 2 years - E. J. Cody

For three years - W. R. Scott

For four years - M. Lynch

Township Clerk - James O'Toole

Assessor - H. H. Fullerton

Committeeman - E. J. Cody

Delegates to county convention -

E. Eichelberger, James O'Toole, E. J. Cody, E. J. McFadden, Pat O'Toole, Mike Healey.

THE DRAFT - JUNE 5, 1917
Seventy-Six Township

Allen, Raymond	Gravvat, David	Pallett, Jessie B.
Albrecht, Clarence D.	Grody, Blaine	Pilgrim, Clarence C.
Bujewski, Alphonse C.	Grosjean, Leo C.	Row, Asbury F.
Bleadorn, Otto	Herlein, Herald E.	Stalkfleet, Leo K.
Brookhart, James T.	Holliday, Floyd E.	Smith, Hysee
Bailey, George W.	Hendrix, Ledru H.	Smith, Ralph W.
Bloomer, Howard	Hendrix, William C.	Stone, Henry W.
Carson, Robert W.	Healey, Andrew F.	Summers, Leo A.
Cashman, Edwin T.	Hall, John P.	Tomfield, Ernest C.
Cashman, Phillip	Keever, Charles F.	Tomfield, John C.
Derby, Paul A.	Keever, George C.	Talkington, Arthur L.
Digney, Phillip C.	Lee, John R.	Tarpy, Michael F.
Davis, Floyd E.	Lee, Ira H.	Townsley, Fay H.
Davis, John W.	Lippent, Joseph E.	Vornezeele, Leon
Eichelberger, Oliver E.	McBride, Joe S.	Weist, Arthur L.
Eliason, Allen	Meeker, Wilber E.	Winning, Samuel W.
Fullerton, Jessee C.	O'Toole, James F.	Wigim, Robert B.
Goldsberry, Clyde B.	O'Toole, Phillip J.

Page 48

6-6-17

MISS JULIA BYRNE IS BRIDE OF WILLIAM NOLL

    At nine o'clock this morning at the home of the bride's mother near Ardon was solemnized the marriage of Miss Julia Byrne, and William Noll, son of Mr. and Mrs. German Noll of Bayfield. The ceremony Took place at St. Malachy's Church, the Rev. Father Kissane reading the service. The church was decorated with cut flowers and ferns for the ceremony. Miss Margaret O'Toole at the organ played the wedding music as the bridal party advanced to the altar. The bride was attired in a charming gown of white organdy with trimmings of lace with which was worn a long tulle veil. Her flowers were white rosebuds and white sweet peas. Frank Noll, a brother of the groom, served as best man.

     After the ceremony a three course wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's parents0 Pink and white was carried out in the decorations with clusters of cut flowers. The wedding breakfast was served by the Misses Winifred O'Toole, Margaret O'Toole, Clara Kautz, Helen Wirtz, and Mrs. Felicitas Foley, close friends of the bride.

     The out of town guests at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Oberhaus and Miss Helen Wirtz of Muscatine, Mrs. R. W. Dean and children of Kansas City, Mrs. M. J. Healey of Hazelton, la., Miss Clara Kautz of Buffalo, la., and the Rev. Father O'Neil of Brooklyn, Ia.

     After a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Noll will go to housekeeping on a farm near Bayfield.

10-1-17

FINAL RITES FOR I. LEE YESTERDAY

    Minal rites over the remains of Isaac Lee, on the most prominent men in Muscatine county, who passed away at his home Thursday evening were conducted yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family residence, 109 East Eighth Street. The services were in charge of the Rev. J. B. Rendall, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church while interment was in the Greenwood Cemetary, James O'Toole, Joe O’Brien, Miller Riggs, Joe Meeker, T. C. Clark and Frank Eichoff served as pallbearers.

11-19-17

HOW TAXES WERE SPENT IN 1917
Seventy-Six Township

McFadden, F. J., Judge, Get ball	$6.20
Chadder, E. H., Judge	$4.20
Eichelberger, E. E., Judge, ballots	$7.00
O’Toole, Jas, Clerk, care boths	$6.70
Bendrix, W. C, Clerk	$4.20
Gage, Wm. Rent	$5.00

Page 49

7-21-17

1,500 LOSS BY BLAZE AT ARDON

    An Ardon residence owned by Mrs. Margaret Wigim of 313 West Second Street and occupied by W. N. Gage and an adjoining blacksmith shop, also the property of Mrs. Wigim and operated by Mr. Gage, were almost totally destroyed by fire at 2 o'clock this morning.

     When the flames were first discovered, the blaze had gained much headway and efforts on the part of a bucket brigade to check conflagration failed with the result that only a small part of the furnishings in the residence were saved and much of the equipment in the blacksmith shop was ruined. The loss is estimated at $1,500, no part of which is covered by insurance, it is said.

Origin Unknown

     The source of the disastrous fire is unknown. While various theories concerning the origin of the blaze have been expressed, it is the belief of many that cinders or sparks from the small fire bed used by the blacksmith were responsible for the loss. It is a known fact that the blaze started in the smaller structure and rapidly spread to the residence.

8-21-17

ARDON IS SCENE OF COSTLY FIRE

     Lightning caused the destruction of two barns, a granary, 800 bushels of oats and 35 tons of hay on the D. F. Sullivan farm near Ardon, about 9:30 last evening, it was announced here today.

     While definite figures in regard to the damage are not available, announcement is made that the loss will be in the neighborhood of several thousand of dollars.

     The barns were struck during a storm which was felt there, both structures being enveloped in flames before any effort to extinguish the fire could be put forth. The property was rented by Sam Overly.

9-21-17

BURNING STATION SAVED BY TRAMP

     Were it not for the fact that a tramp was using their station as a hotel two nights ago, the Milwaukee railroad might be minus their station at Ardon today.

     Tuesday night, so the reports coming from the vicinity of Ardon station a tramp went to sleep in the depot. Sometime past midnight he was awakened by the intense heat inside of the building. Arising he discovered the wooden structure was on fire, and so, being unfamiliar with the location of the water in the station, he rushed outside succeeded in arousing several people residing in Ardon. With the combined aid of all, the fire was soon extinguished, and the building is still standing, little the worse for the blaze.

     The cause of the fire, and the identity of the tramp who played the hero role that night, are not known.

Page 50

9-21-17

STATION AT ARDON BURNED TO GROUND

     In the second disastrous fire here within two weeks, the Milwaukee railroad station was completely consumed by flames here Tuesday. The conflagration is believed to have originated from sparks of a passing engine. When discovered early Tuesday morning the entire building was ablaze and was beyond the aid of a bucket brigade quickly formed as soon as the alarm spread.

     The loss is estimated to amount to about $600, including the personal belongings of Leo Summers, station agent. A blacksmith shop burned here two months ago.

9-21-17

O'TOOLE TRANSFERRED HERE

     Edward D. O'Toole of Seventy-Six Township, who registered in DarkIn, Texas for military service, was transferred to Muscatine today, according to announcement made by local exemption officials.

     O’Toole was ordered today to report at Camp Dodge tomorrow at noon, He leaves here tomorrow morning.

9-20-17

ISAAC LEE IS CALLED AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Prominent Muscatine County Farmer and Stock Raiser
Dies Suddenly

     Issac Lee, one of the best known farmers and stock raisers of Muscatine died suddenly at his home, 107 East Eighth Street, shortly before 8:30 last night. Mr. Lee had been in his usual good health during the day, but was taken violently ill in the evening, passing away within twenty minutes after the first attack, Apoplexy was the cause of his death. Mr. Lee was not only prominent In his business, but enjoyed the distinction of being one of the oldest continuous residents of this locality, having come to Muscatine when a babe with his parents in I838 , and Muscatine County was his residence until his death. He encountered all the hardships and privations of early pioneer life and worked for 15 years at 25 cents per day. He had few educational opportunities, but adapted himself wonderfully to his chosen work and it is said could figure the price of a herd of cattle without pencil quicker than most men could with an adding machine. Mr. Lee took up a government claim here, paying $1.00 an acre for it out of the he earned at 25 cents a day. He early recognized the value Muscatine county land, and at the time of his death was possessed of nearly 1,000 acres in this and Cedar counties, much of it valued at more than $200 an acre. He was also an extensive judge of cattle. It is said his estate is valued at upwards of quarter of a million dollars.

Page 51

10-1-17

ISAAC LEE BURIED SUNDAY AFTERNOON

     The funeral of Isaac Lee was held Sunday afternoon from the First Presbyterian Church at 3:30 o'clock, Rev. J. B. Rendall, pastor of the church officiating. The sermon was a modest tribute to the life of the deceased. Burial was made at Greenwood Cemetery, the following acting as pall bearers: F. W. Eichoff, Joseph O'Brien, T, C. Clark, Joseph Meeker, James O'Toole, and W. M. Riggs.

Page 52

SECOND ST. Wells North Of Second St. In Ardon Between East Ave. And The Store