From the Chastain Scrapbook: Eden Center, Jan 24, 1881 The farmers are trying to organize a meeting for the purpose of their uniting and striving against monopolies. There has been a series of meetings held at the Bethel Church. We learn that seven took the yoke upon them. Good sleighing. The boys are well pleased, as much so as the girls. Rufus Mitchel is visiting at Bethany, Mo. Bill Hockenberry and Bill Stark are occupying one house. Dick Hollinger paid Riley Hullinger for the sleigh he broke to avoid farther trouble. Amos Newman dug a well not long since six feet deep which furnishes water for about forty head of horses and cattle. Joe Boyer, Jr., is buying dry cows. A few of the youngsters went to George Bowman's last Monday night for a surprise party. Aunt Kate was hostile. They did not linger. Some of our farmers are trying to get their horses ready for spring market. They expect a fair price. Wm. Webster and wife went back together. Both promised to do better in the future. D.J. Hullinger and W. J. Smith visited Miss Merge Jordan's school last Friday, and are well pleased by the way it is conducted. Sinclair Newman is at home again. Dr. Hamilton is nearly busy measuring wood for his customers. He furnishes nearly half the wood that is hauled to Leon. Levi Mitchell is nearly busy looking after the poor as he is one of the trustees. Geo. McBee whipped his wife and has fled to Missouri to keep from being lynched. Will J. Smith and Harvey B. Street are still grunting with their frozen toes. Will says he is gong where it is warm and don't have to work any. Harve says he is gong to the mountains. Whisk Bonnett is a guest at Geo. Bowman's. The lot of cattle Will Newman bought last fall has increased in value 60 per cent. We believe we have as many temperance young men as any township in the county. Frank Trembley's is the place where go to get your corn cracked. Jasper Evans started yesterday to Grundy Co., Mo., to engineer at Johnson's Mill. Your humble servant, Tom. Copied by Judy Chastain February 24, 2003

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