The Milwaukee commenced running a passenger train each way Sunday the 8th instant, and there will be one every Sunday after this till further orders.
Rev. C. H. Rogers, of Newton, preached one of the best sermons ever heard in Collins on Sunday. He preaches every four weeks at 3 P. M.
John and Charles Mead have just returned from an extensive trip through Nebraska and Kansas. They report no better State than Iowa; and I think they will stay in Iowa, satisfied that Iowa is best.
Business in Collins is very good. The merchants all seem to be busy. Postmaster Chapman has about all he cam-attend to since Harry left.
THUNDER STORM IN SOUTHEAST STORY COUNTY.
During the thunder storm of last Wednesday, lightning struck a cottonwood tree standing about fifteen feet east of John Hemping's house, ran down the tree and from the tree to the house, passed through the east window, breaking all the glass but two, then passed out at the north window, breaking sixteen glass in the two windows. A double barreled shot-gun, hanging over the window was knocked down and one barrel discharged; then it fell on the floor by Mr. Pulner's feet who was sitting on that side of the house. The only persons in the house at the time were Mrs. Hemping, her little boy and Mr. Pulner who was mowing for Mr. Hemping, Hemping having gone to Collins with hogs. No damage was done in the house further than breaking glass, the occupants being only slightly shocked.—(July 22, 1885.)
Last Thursday night Doc. Converse, living a mile and a half north of Supervisor Hales had four head of young cattle killed by lightning; they were standing close to a wire fence.
Everybody is anxiously waiting the development of the coal mines. There was an impediment in the form of a very peculiar formation of sand stone, sulphur and iron combined, that delayed the work from making more speedy headway, but the company are patting forth every effort to bring the work to a focus.—(December 2, 1885.)
George Harsh and Henry Downs are also prospecting. for coal and have struck a five foot eleven inch vein at a depth of 107 feet. They passed through five different veins ranging from eleven inches to five feet eleven inches of most excellent quality. On Monday a company from Des Moines will commence prospecting for coal and natural gas on the farms of Wyatt Carr and Perry McCristian. Should they find either they will utilize the same at once. There is already an escape of natural gas on the farm of George Harsh that will burn with a brilliancy that rivals the electric light. This is giving the company great encouragement already.