Nancee's Page

Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert contributes these items relating to Marion County
from old issues of The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa

Thursday, February 16, 1905
In the search for the graves of Revolutionary soldiers the living of other epochs are overlooked.

For many years past a soldier of the Texan Revolution of 1835, GEORGE W. TREW, has resided at Pleasantville, in Marion County. Recently he received a letter from the Governor of Texas to come to Austin and get a bounty voted by the whilom republic to the heroes of that memorable struggle, it being necessary that he appear in person. He was accompanied by his daughter, and they got as far as Gregory, Texas, when he was taken ill with pneumonia. They immediately started on their return trip home and got as far as Albia where he died at a hotel, while there snowbound.

Submitted by NMS June 6, 2004


Thursday, March 9, 1905

DAVID MASON, of Russell [Lucas County], Iowa, came Friday for a visit with the families of his daughters southeast and southwest of town. MR. MASON is one of the pioneers of Marion County, coming here fifty-three years ago. He settled southeast of Knoxville in 1852 and continued to be a citizen of the county forty-five years. In 1901 he removed to Russell and has continued to reside there since that time. -- Knoxville Journal.

Submitted by NMS June 17, 2004


Thursday, April 13, 1905

Knoxville has engaged BILLY SUNDAY, the baseball evangelist, to hold a revival in that center of vice, but it will be almost a year before he can get around the diamond to begin. A year is a long time for certain newspaper men up there to perambulate in their wickedness and tell the truth on each other.

Submitted by NMS July 4, 2004


Thursday, June 15, 1905

Editor BAKER, of the Russell Union, in company with D.B. LONG, were "doing Chariton," Tuesday evening, and had the pleasure of climbing our mahogany stairway in the glow of the waning sun and rested for a time in this sanctum of serene elevation. As for LONG, he is dismissed as wholly unworthy, the waste of valuable space at this time, being temporarily out of the newspaper business, but MR. BAKER is a live member and most worthy our consideration, and we are glad to form his acquaintance. He recently came from Eagle Grove to Russell but it was like meeting an old friend as he was raised at Red Rock, in Marion County, and knew a "whole lot" of people over there and we spent a pleasant hour talking of the early history of that part of the county, comparing each others' knowledge of the 'murders and novel romances' occuring there when Red Rock was the wild west town on the border of the Indian reservation. Of course neither Editor BAKER nor The Leader editor personally knew anything about the early days but as he was born on the "historic ground" and the writer resided near there for years the thrilling narratives of the older inhabitants "had been written on the tablets of their memories." However, more mild topics were touched upon but is it to be wondered at that when two fighting editors meet they converse on "rip-roaring" themes? This narrative belongs to Marion County rather than to Lucas but history is history and must be written. An uncle of Editor BAKER's was treasurer of Marion County for several terms -- ED. BAKER we believe it was, and his father, who was a blacksmith in Old Red Rock, once was beguiled on to the barren shoals of politics and had his barque wrecked by a democrat. This was for the treasurer's office, but the elder BAKER was spared the shock that later befell his successful competitor when Outlaw WILLIAMS (of Red Rock) blew up the vault and robbed the treasury.

Personally, Editor BAKER is a fine fellow and we kind o' like him and hope that we will never have any occasion to exchange the savage war whoop but as for smoking the perpetual pipe of peace -- we can't do it. Editor BAKER is a Methodist -- and we are a sort of Methodist, too, and never fell into tobacco ways. He is a republican -- we'll stake a guinea pig and a pound of old metal on that -- but as he neither uses tobacco nor swears it is perhaps permissable for a man to have at least one bad habit and we'd rather look an honest republican in the face any day than a doubtful fellow who spits amber on his chin. This is all writen in a fraternal spirit and if Editor BAKER takes exceptions to it and calls for redress -- what may happen Heaven hath not yet revealed.

Submitted by NMS August 26, 2004


Thursday, April 27, 1905

CHAS. H. GOERING of Knoxville is this week opening an undertaking establishment in connection with the furniture stock of A. A. Ekfelt. He will also act as assistant to Mr. Ekfelt in the furniture department. MR. GOERING is a thorough and experienced furniture man and embalmer, having had five years' experience in these lines. He is a careful, capable business man, perfectly reliable, and a thorough gentleman. The editor speaks from a personal acquaintance with MR. GOERING, and trusts that he will find Chariton a pleasant and profitable abiding place. We commend him to the people of this vicinity and bespeak for him a share of their patronage.

Submitted by NMS August 18, 2004


Thursday, June 21, 1906 BELINDA [Lucas County] NEWS:

Our little corner of this mundane sphere was the recipient of a much needed rain the first of the week. With weather sufficiently warm all vegetation will now make a marvelous growth, excelled only by some of the wonders recently portrayed by the Leader in its politician's biography.

MRS. VIRGIL FOOTE departed the first of the week for a visit with relatives near St. Edwards, Neb.

JOHN SMITH and wife entertained MR. and MRS. JOS. SMITH of Knoxville Sunday, also MERL SMITH and wife of South Marion.

H. C. MILLER and wife announce a daughter at their home, the advent being June 11, and MR. and MRS. G.A. CHAMBERLAIN say their fourth heir is a son born June 17. All are doing well.

The remains of MRS. HENRY CALKINS, a former resident, arrived at Knoxville Thursday from Yellow Grass, Canada, and were interred the following day in Zion Cemetery. MR. CALKINS moved to Canada last March and the loss of the wife and mother as they began life in a new country, is a severe affliction. MR. CALKINS and son CLINTON, accompanied the remains and saw them tenderly laid to rest in the beautiful city of the dead near the deceased's old home. Former neighbors did all in their power to show their respect to her who had been a respected neighbor and to alleviate the grief of the bereft.

The semi-annual Sunday School Convention of the four schools of Pleasant Township will be held July 8 in the BYERS pasture 3/4 mile south of Belinda. Particulars later.

A broken collar bone was the result of a fall sustained by FLOSSIE, the three-year-old daughter of MR. and MRS. G.A. CHAMBERLAIN, on last Thursday evening as the little one was trying to climb into her chair.

MR. and MRS. G. T. HULGAN and MR. and MRS. ALBERT DIXON met with a serious accident Sunday while enroute from Columbia to Russell. MRS. DIXON had been visiting the previous week at her parents at Columbia, and on Sunday the entire party started for the DIXON home near Russell. As MR. D. with one of his children attempted to cross the bridge just south of H.B. SMITH's, the team became frightened and soon team, buggy, man and child were in a chaotic heap in the 12 foot ditch on the east side of the road. The rest of the party following in the carriage were greatly frightened and MR. HULGAN dropped his lines to go to the aid of those ahead. The team to the carriage then became frightened and though MRS. H. succeeded in getting hold of the reins, they whirled in the road and ran rapidly north. MRS. DIXON took one child and jumped from the carriage sustaining thereby a broken shoulder joint. The team continued running north and was stopped by W. E. CARTER in front of the A. R. BYERS' place. The child remaining in the carriage was unhurt though badly frightened. Help was soon assembled, a doctor called and MRS. DIXON cared for as tenderly as possible, and the horses and buggy removed from the ditch. The buggy was badly broken, but the team and occupants of the buggy were unhurt. Later in the day the party returned to Columbia where the injured lady will remain with her parents and receive the best of care. As MRS. DIXON has been an invalid for several months the accident was more serious to her and much sympathy was expressed by those who witnessed the misfortune. Also much censure was heard of those whose neglect of the public highways allowed such a dangerous place to remain two months without repairing.

About 3 o'clock Monday morning the same yawning chasm received the driving team of FRANK COLWELL of Columbia. MR. SMITH was called out of bed and with others worked till daylight to extricate COLWELL's team. MR. COLWELL, by cutting his harness, prevented the buggy from precipitation and no serious injuries resulted, yet this does not justify the almost criminal neglect that has allowed this bridge to be a menace to life and property for so long. Less than a year ago, A.V. WHITLATCH lost a horse at just such a place, and now ye who hold the reins of authority are you going to spend your time grading comparatively smooth highways while such dangers exist? We believe in early road work, and we commend much of the work done this spring, but we don't propose to say "Well done thou good and faithful servant," until life becomes first consideration.

EARL SHORE and lady were victims of a runaway accident Sunday evening, and in the mix-up EARL was thrown out and severely bruised. So far as we have heard his injuries were not serious, nor have we learned of any other serious results.

At the telephone meeting Saturday it was voted to have the official board examine the switch board now in use there and if its case be incurable to remove it and replace it with a new one. The board of the first part proceeded to examine the board of the second part, but no definite action was taken. In fact the official board seems to be the house divided against itself and so long as this condition exists patrons can continue to cuss Operator WHEATON because he cannot restore to normal health the decrepit contraption and give service to all who call him.

Submitted by NMS August 28, 2004


Thursday, October 19, 1905

The Authorities of Central College have recently received five thousand dollars, the amount which was left by MR. GLENN for the institution. MR. GLENN was one of the prominent Deacons of Chariton and for many years has been a staunch friend of the college. -- Pella Chronicle.

Submitted by NMS September 8, 2004


Thursday, January 18, 1906

A quiet wedding was solemnized yesterday afternoon, January 17, 1906, at 2:30 o'clock, at the home of MR. and MRS. G.M. WHITTLESEY, the contracting parties being MR. VANCE FOSTER and MISS NANCIE FEIGHT. The impressive ceremony was performed by Rev. F. B. Palmer in the presence of only a few relatives and intimate friends. The bride was attired in a dainty and becoming gown of white wool trimmed with lace, while the groom wore the conventional black. After spending a few weeks with relatives the worthy couple will go to their future home near Lamoni.

The bride is a daughter of MR. and MRS. J. H. FEIGHT of Marion County and for the past six months has been employed here in the Eureka Cafe. She is a modest, refined young lady and is in every way fitted to preside over a home. The groom is a son of JOHN FOSTER of LaGrange. He is an industrious, energetic young farmer and in every way worthy of his charming bride. Both have a host of warm friends who will wish them a long, happy and prosperous wedded life.

Submitted by NMB September 20, 2004


Thursday, January 11, 1906

Knoxville Journal: If anyone imagines for a minute that the poor inebriates that are soon to be sent to our new $200,000 boozotorium are to see a real tough time of it sitting on three-legged stools and sleeping on hard pallets, they can get that delusion both dispelled and expelled by visiting the home during these days of preparation. The furniture for the different wards which is now coming by the carload lots consists of the bedsteads, good soft mattresses oscillating springs with the humps eliminated and the elasticity perfectly adjusted, rocking chairs of the latest pattern with glove-fitting "cobbler seats," washstands with real beveled French plate glass mirrors, and all the other nicknacks in the way of furnishings which the heart could desire. The fellow who had that dream about our whiskacure being a "drunkards' prison" with 10 hours per day in a "dark coal mine and nights spent in cheerless cells," would do well to wind up the machine and dream the whole thing! over again.

Submitted by NMB September 20, 2004


Thursday, February 8, 1906

The many friends throughout the county, of EDWARD ARNOLD of Benton Township, will greatly regret to learn of his death which occurred at his home on Friday morning, February 2, 1906, at 1:30 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks with dropsy and heart trouble. Largely attended funeral services, conducted by Rev. Blackburn, were held at the Salem Church on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock after which interment took place in the Salem Cemetery.

EDWARD ARNOLD was born in Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, on August 6, 1832. In the spring of 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in Marion County, near Newbern. He enlisted in the Army in August, 1862, and served until the close of the war when he received an honorable discharge. He was a member of Company G, 48th Iowa Infantry.

In the spring of 1856 he was married at Knoxville to SOPHIA BARNHART, who survives him. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. They are MANDEVILLE and JAMES, MRS. WILL HOLMES and MRS. GREER REDLINGSHAFER of Benton Township, MORRIS of Humeston, MRS. HATTIE REDLINGSHAFER of Des Moines and MRS. DILLIE JOHNSON of Kirksville, Mo. One daughter, MRS. GEO. SMITH, died a few years ago.

In 1872 MR. ARNOLD and family moved to Benton Township, this county, and that place has since been their home. Deceased was one of our most progressive and thrifty farmers and was highly regarded by all who knew him. He was honest and upright in all his dealings and possessed a kind and pleasant disposition. These characteristics, coupled with his generous nature and willing hand in time of trouble won for him innumerable friends who mourn his death sincerely, and who extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives. MR. ARNOLD is also survived by two brothers and three sisters, S. S. ARNOLD of this city, DAVID of Des Moines, MRS. LUCY PARKER of Omaha, Neb., MRS. LAVINA HUNTER and MRS. MARY E. BONEBRAKE of Lewisburg, Oregon.

Submitted by NMS September 25, 2004


Thursday, February 8, 1906

"Knoxville, Ia., Feb. 4 -- Special:

Mayor ALEXANDER of Chariton has been taken to the Iowa inebriate asylum to serve a term of one year. His unwilling departure leaves the city in a peculiar predicament that of practically being without a city government, as three of the six city councilmen are out of the city, so that no quorum could be present, even if one of the three were mayor. Councilman FUNK has moved to Ohio, Councilman FRANK MANNING is on an extensive trip to California and Mexico and Councilman J. H. DARRAH is serving in the Iowa Legislature. MR. DARRAH offered to resign his position on the council before he went to Des Moines, but his fellow members urged him to remain, as the offices do not conflict.

Whether the city will run without any government until the honorable mayor comes back from Knoxville, or the city council will go to Knoxville to hold its meetings there in order to have a quorum, is not known. Mayor ALEXANDER has shown no inclination to resign his office, in spite of the disgrace that has been brought on the city by his being sentenced to the inebriate asylum. He may not realize the disgrace, but the citizens feel it keenly, and a petition is being talked of to demand his resignation. The idea of a city of 5,000 population having its mayor in the inebriate asylum is too much.

Mayor ALEXANDER was in bygone years a heavy imbiber of intoxicants, but about ten years ago resolved to live a temperate life, and since that time, until the death of his wife last fall, he remained sober. During the last days of his wife's sickness he got started to drinking again and since then has been drinking heavily most of the time. In the October term of court his friends took steps to have him sent to the inebriate asylum for his own good, and the district court issued an order sending him to Mount Pleasant, but the order was withheld in the hope that he would quit drinking. He did not quit, however, and another order was secured from Judge ROBERTS this week, committing him to Knoxville for treatment for one year. He was brought here today by Sheriff BOSS."

The above dispatch appeared in Monday's Register and Leader under a Knoxville date line. It shows a pretty fair knowledge of Chariton's affairs for a "foreigner." But let us presume it emanated at Knoxville. It is barely possible it was sent out from Chariton. A great many people here could guess the color of the man's eyes who sent it. Don't let it become noised about that Knoxville knows more about Chariton's condition than Chariton does itself.

To Be Continued -- 'Current Comment'

Submitted by NMS September 27, 2004


Thursday, March 22, 1906

Married, Wednesday, March 14, at 4 p.m., at the home of the bride's sister, MR. and MRS. J. T. WIRENE, near Columbia, MR. FRED M. KENNEY of Belinda and MISS IDA M. LONG of Marion County. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. L. Bates of Columbia in the presence of over fifty guests. The bride and groom entered the parlor unattended and took their place under an arch from which suspended a wedding bell. The bride was attired in a becoming gown of cream colored kraven silk, trimmed in ribbon and chiffon and also wore a white tulle veil. The bride's flowers were white carnations. The groom wore the conventional black. After congratulations, the guests repaired to the dining room where an elegant dinner was served.

The bride is the youngest daughter of W. T. LONG. She was one of Marion County's most successful teachers. By her modesty, culture and training she is well equipped to preside over the newly made home. The groom is a nephew of MRS. H. M. SPIKER of Belinda with whom he has made his home for several years. He is one of Lucas County's successful teachers, and is in every way worthy of the bride he has won. Their many friends extend to them their best wishes for a happy and prosperous wedded life. They went at once to housekeeping on a farm in English Township.

Submitted by NMS October 2, 2004


Thursday, September 13, 1906

J. S. ALDRICH and wife drove over from Knoxville, Saturday, and spent several days with the family of their daughter, MRS. J. A. BOWN. J. S. is a Democrat of the old school and in the years gone by conducted a Democratic paper at Knoxville, but since then has been one of the most diligent insurance agents in the state of Marion. The Leader acknowledges a call from him and his leopard dog, Monday.

Submitted by NMS October 31, 2004


Thursday, September 20, 1906

The following is clipped from the Knoxville Journal's report of the Marion County Democratic Convention:

H. H. VAN BENTHUYSEN, of Tracy, and FLOYD STOTTS, of Dallas, were aspirants for the nomination as County Superintendent. The contest between them was close and the Tracy man seemed to get the better of it because he had an unpronounceable name. The different precincts called him "Methusalem," Jerusalem," etc., and one made it "Enthoosem."

The ballot resulted as follows:

STOTTS -- 71
VAN BENTHUYSEN -- 79.

Submitted by NMS November 1, 2004


Thursday, December 27, 1906

Knoxville, IA., Dec. 25. -- Elder REED of this city, now nearing his ninety-first birthday anniversary, has just compiled his reminiscenses of Black Hawk, the famous Indian chief. It is almost certain that the venerable MR. REED is the only living man who knew the leader of the Sacs and Fox. The substance of his memoir is as follows:

"At the early date of the winter of 1837 he lived near the border of the Half Breed Lands, and also near Fort Madison. To these lands the Indians resorted to spend the winter and to be near supplies. The elder REED's home was near the border of these, and almost in sight of Black Hawk's wigwam. He further affirms that he is the only white now living who has entertained the old chief at his own home. He had visited the Black Hawk wigwams and seen the eleven big leather trunks, which were doubtless gifts from Washington and other large cities of which they were guests by edict of the national government.

"On their final return to their people in Iowa, they came well laden with rich spoils; the old chief himself having a fine broad-cloth suit and silk hat, and whenever he went abroad or mingled with the whites he donned his official robes. But the poor old chief was no longer chief of his nation. The United States government deemed it wise to punish him by giving the chief command to Keokuk, who was a subordinate. Keokuk was a noble Indian, a man of peace, and friendly to the whites. He was opposed to Black Hawk's murderous war on the white settlers. Between Keokuk and Dr. Galloway, a sort of agent, there grew up a David and Jonathan love that endured to the end. Keokuk's dying request was to be buried by the side of his friend Dr. Galloway.

Black Hawk was a small man, but every inch of him was a warrior; his wife was an Indian-French mixture, and much above the average in good looks. On one occasion the Elder REED was at their wigwam and maple sugar making was just on, and Mrs. Black Hawk gave him a mold of sugar to take home.

"The Elder REED only knew of two sons and one daughter. The elder, Tom, as known to the whites, was budded as 'Bad Indian,' and never mingled with the white settlers. The second son, Nashsheashkuk, the Elder REED says, was his ideal of a perfect physical man. He was handsome, well disposed and of more than ordinary intelligence. Nauasia, the daughter, and youngest was a real princess, tall and slender, beautiful and supple, quick as a flash, with that native grace so rare and yet so bewitching. It is related by the Elder REED that when a party or dance occurred in the village or settlement it was a race between the young beaux who should secure Nauasia first for partner; and in the dance she could jump like a gazelle. And it is further related that she became involved in a romance that well-nigh broke her heart.

"Wealthy parents in the east sent their son to the west to put on a little more ruggedness, and he met and fell a victim to Nauasia's witchery, resulting in an engagement. The parents, however, getting a hint of the situation, called him home at once."

Submitted by NMS, November 20, 2004


Thursday, January 24, 1907

On Wednesday evening, Jan. 9, 1907, at six o'clock p.m., at the PERRY D. MASON home near Newbern, Marion Co., EDGAR N. BEARDEN and ELSIE MASON were united in marriage in the presence of about fifty invited guests. Rev. J. H. Yaggy, Pastor of the U. B. Church, Chariton, Iowa, performed the ceremony uniting these two bright young lives. The northwest corner of the parlor was beautifully decorated with an arch, crowned with white wedding bells.

The bride is the refined and accomplished daughter of MR. and MRS. PERRY D. MASON, a prosperous farmer in the south part of Marion Co. The groom is the worthy and industrious son of MR. and MRS. BEARDEN, living on the Marion and Lucas County line. It is on this farm that the happy couple will set up housekeeping in the near future, where farming will be the chief pursuit the coming season.

Congratulations and the best wishes of the entire community will go with this young couple.

Submitted by NMS, November 24, 2004


Thursday, July 25, 1907

The community was taken completely by surprise in the resignation of Rev. PALMER as Pastor of the Chariton Baptist Church. At the close of the morning service last Sunday he presented his resignation to take effect September 1st. Their minister spoke with much feeling, and at some length concerning the matter, which he said was wholly personal with himself, and that his relation with the church had been most cordial and pleasant, and that the church in its entire membership had been most loyal and faithful. Several of the members spoke of the universal regret over the severing of their pastoral relation, and in words of hearty commendation of their pastor.

Rev. PALMER said that while the resignation might seem sudden, and unexpected, he had had the matter under advisement for several weeks. He has accepted a call to Boulder, Colo., a city of over 12,000, twenty-nine miles from Denver; the State University is located there, and the work among students especially appealed to him. The Baptist Church in Boulder is one of the four strongest in Colorado, with a membership of 500.

In his closing remarks he spoke of the difficulty, not only of leaving the church, but also of the sore trial to part with their many valued friends in Chariton and Lucas County. His resignation will call for the giving up of the position of President of the Chariton Ministerial Association, and as a member of the Board of Managers of the Iowa Baptist State Convention, which looks after the welfare of over 400 churches in Iowa. He will still retain his place as a member of the Board of Trustees of Central University, at Pella, Iowa.

Submitted by NMS December 26, 2004


Thursday, November 21, 1907

RALPH FLANAGAN, cashier of the First National Bank, of Pleasantville, suicided, Tuesday morning by shooting himself with a 38-calibre revolver. He was 21 years old that day and was a most exemplary young man. He had no responsibility of the bank, although cashier, but while the bank was alright the financial worry was too much for him. Insanity is in the family, his mother suiciding about four years ago by hanging -- and others of the family have been mentally unbalanced.

Ralph and Howard and Grace Gittinger graduated together from the Pleasantville High School two years ago, and to the Leader family his untimely death comes with more than the usual sadness. He certainly might have had a bright future before him. His grandfather, JOACHIM SPALTI, is the wealthiest man in Marion County, and he doted on the young man and had made great provision for him.

Submitted by NMS January 14, 2005


Thursday, December 5, 1907

On Thanksgiving day Justice E. H. Storie joined in wedlock W. J. MCCOY, of Marion County, and MISS JULIA E. WRIGHT, at his office in this city. The groom resides at Wheeling, in Marion County, is an old acquaintance of the Leader editor, and is a gentleman of good habits and worthy the responsibilities he has taken. The bride is the daughter of MR. and MRS. A. J. WRIGHT, of Lucas, and will do her part toward making a pleasant and prosperous home. They will start out in life with fair prospects and all join in hoping that nothing may arise to mar the pleasures of their nuptial voyage together over life's sea. The Leader is not informed but presume the newly married couple will make their home in Marion County, where the groom has interests.

Submitter's Note: He was 40 and she was 16 -- quite an age difference!

Submitted by NMS January 14, 2005


Thursday, January 2, 1908

Quite a little sensation was caused yesterday by the report that MISS ORAL, daughter of MR. and MRS. J. W. HUNT, and HENRY LITTLE, the tinner, had eloped and were married.

It appears that the couple have been "keeping company" for a long time, and from the events of the past few days it seems that they must have planned the elopement with considerable care. HENRY took the young lady to visit her sister, MRS. EARLE ABBOTT, near Dallas, Sunday morning, and the same afternoon returned to Knoxville. He had given out the information that he had engaged to work for Duncan, the Albia hardware man, and would leave on the Sunday night train for that place.

Yesterday morning a friend in this city received a letter from him, explaining that they were married at Chariton, Monday. During the day the young lady also wrote to the same effect, and said they had gone to Illinois to visit relatives.

It would appear that HENRY, having given out the talk about an Albia job to throw dust in people's eyes, continued his journey Sunday night to Chariton, and that the young lady drove from Dallas to Chariton and met him. All doubts were set at rest yesterday by telephoning to the clerk of the district court at Chariton, who said the license had been issued and the ceremony was performed there.

Both parties concerned are excellent young people and from first-class families. They knew that parental consent was out of the question on account of their ages -- he is 21, she 15 -- and so took the matter in their own hands.

While the parents are naturally displeased at the occurrences, on account of the couple's extreme youth, there is every reason to suppose that when they are ready to come home they will receive the parental blessing as well as the congratulations of their many friends.

-- Reprinted from the Knoxville Express

Submitted by NMS January 17, 2005


Thursday, February 20, 1908

CORDIA M. MCCORKLE was born near Green Castle in Putnam County, Indiana, Jan 5, 1869, and departed this life in Logan, Iowa, Feb. 13, 9:30 p.m., 1908. Most of her single life was spent in Marion County, Iowa, in the town of Columbia. Here she was educated and taught school for seven years. It was in Columbia where she was married to W. N. GRAVES Jan. 12, 1893, by Rev. L. B. Carpenter. The first two years of her married life were spent on the farm near Newbern, Ia., then for three years lived in Indianola, Ia., where her husband attended college, she also taking some work in the college at that time.

Here her husband joined the Des Moines Conference and was assigned to the Modale charge in Harrison County. After spending a year in the work there served the Riverton charge two years, Randolph two years, Fifth Ave. Council Bluffs three years, and one year ago last fall came to Logan.

She was converted when a child 10 years old and joined the M.E. Church and has lived a consistent Christian life. She took her place as Pastor's wife in these charges and had the interest of the Lord's work on her heart. She had an active interest in all the church work and rejoiced in the success of the work. she was a woman of rare qualities, bright mind, conversant on many topics. She was a lover of home and had a welcome for all who came. She spoke many times of the kindness and thoughtfulness and care that the people so abundantly showed, said she never saw such people.

Four sons came to bless this home, WM. EVERETT, HAROLD NATHAN, WALDO NEIL, and EDWIN HOWARD. These sons can never get away from the impression of her teachings. She was a great comfort to her mother, she being the oldest in her home as her father died when she was only 5 years old she felt the responsibility of her place and filled it well. She has been in poor health for over three years of heart trouble. Six weeks ago she had pneumonia and never fully recovered from it. She knew the time of her departure was near at hand, spoke of it at times and said she was willing that God's will be done. She died not seeming to suffer much pain. The last moments of her stay were moments of victory, said she was fully trusting in Jesus and that He was all to her.

She leaves a husband and four sons, a mother, two sisters and one brother. The funeral service was held in the Logan M.E. Church, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m , conducted by A. E. Griffith P.E., who preached the sermon, assisted by Dr. C. L. Nye of Woodbine, and Dr. A. E. Buriff of Missouri Valley, who spoke at the services. The church was filled with people, fourteen ministers acted as honorary pall bearers, the active pall bearers were Geo. McCold, T. N. Berry, J. E. VanScoy, J. P. Creager, Chas. Wright, John Hunt, J. H. Johnson. Those who attended from a distance, many from Council Bluffs, Chas. Graves and wife of Perry, Iowa, J. W. Graves of Carleton, Neb., J. A. White and wife of Chariton, Iowa. Interment was in the Logan Cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Submitted by NMS January 27, 2005


Thursday, September 23, 1908

The following is clipped from the Pleasantville, Marion County News, and the subject of the sketch is the father of PROF. CART, formerly at the head of the Chariton schools.

Last Sunday WM. CART was one hundred years old; quite a number deemed it an honor to be present: 321 persons registered their names during the day.

Among those names several were present from Indianola, Milo and Dallas, besides a few from several other places.

MR. CART was not able to take much part in the celebration, however he was able to come on the porch for a little while.

Mr. Ed Guthrie from Indianola was present and gave a fine talk. Later in the day he suffered a loss of memory. He was taken home in the evening. At the last report he is improving.

Submitted by NMS April 1, 2005


Thursday, November 19, 1908

Evangelist Billy Sunday has his sermons copyrighted, thus no newspaper dare print them or any other person repeat them to the public, without his consent unless they desire to pay the penalty for so doing. The Ottumwa Courier printed a synopsis of his sermon on "Home," prefacing the clippings with "Copyrighted by William Ashley Sunday." This may be the proper thing for a preacher to do but to a sinner it looks much like making merchandise of the Gospel. The Leader fails to find where the Savior of Men took out a copyright on the Sermon on the Mount, which to our thinking is of greater spiritual value than anything Billy has uttered during all his years as an evangelist, but maybe Christ was not a business man in the strict sense of the word, or else he would have taken out a patent on his plan for the salvation of souls (like Billy Sunday does on his panacea for sin-sick humanity. Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of purity up and down the shores of Galilee and pleaded for the people to accept a full and free salvation without any copyright on it. He just didn't seem to care who used his words or how many people were converted by his teachings even though it might be second handed -- but Billy Sunday adheres to a more strict business principle and would send people to perdition rather than have them behold the light -- without the copyright.

And then again, according to Billy Sunday, what a mistake the evangelical writers (?) made in not taking out a copyright on the several books of the Bible, and thus restricting the Gospel reading until the publishers paid the"mulct tax," according to the theory of the apostle of fat collections. The Leader is not informed as to whether Billy has his prayers "protected" by copyright or not but should his word incense happen to penetrate, like vapor to the seat of eternal justice, it would not be safe to have them answered until a transcript was received from the American patent office.

Submitted by NMS April 11, 2005


Thursday, May 27, 1909

ALVIN NICHOLS, aged twelve and THOMAS BRIGGS, aged fourteen years, were arrested at Knoxville, Wednesday, by detective J. M. Harrison for putting an obstruction on the railroad track near Knoxville, Monday evening, for the purpose of wrecking the Des Moines and Albia southbound passenger about nine o'clock. The engine and baggage car were derailed, and about three hundred passengers badly shaken up, but no one seriously injured.

The boys will probably be placed in the reform school.

Submitted by NMS, July 21, 2005


Thursday, July 28, 1875

The Knoxville Journal of Thursday contains full particulars of the singular death of a young lady near that place, named EMMA KARNS, aged twenty years. A young man named COLUMBUS B. JACKSON, about 21 years old, had been for some time paying addresses to MISS KARNS, and accompanied her from Sunday School to Mr. Bunting's where she boarded, last Sunday afternoon. He remained with her until midnight, or perhaps until 12:15. At 12:30 Mr. and Mrs. Bunting were awakened by hearing a struggle at MISS K's bed. They went to it and found her in a spasm. In a moment she said she was dying. He ran to the house of her uncle, ALEX KEATON, 40 rods away, and thence to Mr. Shirey's and before he returned she was dead. Meantime she had six or seven spasms; at intervals she spoke a few words; told Mrs. Bunting that she believed she was poisoned, and asked for some coffee to drink. Mr. KEATON soon arrived, and she told him she believed she was poisoned. He asked her how it happened but received no reply. She died at 12:45.

Submitted by NMS, October 18, 2005


Thursday, January 13, 1875

Local Splinters, Miscellaneous Excerpt, and Things in General and Particular.....

Coal oil is only 20cts a gallon at Leon.

Those who have promised us wood on subscription will please bring it along.

SCHUYLER COLFAX lectured at Des Moines last Friday evening.

There are 258 convicts in the Ft. Madison penitentiary.

"Too thin," has become obsolete. "Not sufficiently materialized," is the latest.

Ear muffs and fur collars have been in demand the last week.

ELIJAH ALLEN has sold his farm near Russell and thinks of moving to Chariton

How about those good New Years resolutions? Have you forgotten them already?

WARREN CHASE, a noted Spiritualist delivered a series of lectures in Osceola last week.

The "Philotaxian," is the name of one of the college papers published at Mt. Pleasant.

The butcher VOLLAND's team ran away a few days since doing some little damage to the wagon.

Warren county has one man who never took a newspaper and is said to have never heard of Christmas.

HENRY CLAY DEAN lectured at Allerton, Wayne county, on the 10th, on the Immortality of the Soul."

Judge MAXWELL, of Indianola has gone into the law business at Des Moines. The firm is MAXWELL, BRYON and SEVERS.

C.F. CLARKSON, the agricultural editor of the Des Moines Register, and wife have gone to Florida to spend the winter.

The U.S. Pension Office in Des Moines paid out for December the sum of $64,000. There are 1,950 pensioners on the pay roll.

NICK LEINEN is improving this cold weather by laying in a large supply of ice. It will be a nice thing to have about the 4th of July.

DR. J.A. MCKLVEEN has gone to Chicago to visit the Hospitals and medical Colleges of that city. He will be absent but a few weeks.

MR. A.J. GRAHAM, senior editor of the Indianola Herald was married on Dec. 31st, to MRS. W. OLLIVER. May they live long and prosper.

The State Register during Holiday week added 1,527 subscribers to its list. The Register is one of the best papers in the west and deserve success.

Russell is to have a new blacksmith shop. MR. B.F. LITZENGURG has furnished himself with the requisite tools and will be at work soon.

JAMES R. REDDISH, of Warren county, recently sold 300 head of hogs that averaged 364 pounds each. Pretty good bunch of porkers and worth something.

The merry tinkling of the sleigh bells is now occasionally heard although a young fellow's love has to reach boiling heat to tempt him out such weather as this.

HENRY KUBITSHELK sold his farm of 160 acres, five miles south of Chariton a few days since for $15.00 per acre, on seven years time. It was about half improved.

W.W. KITTLEMAN, a canvassing agent for the "Odd Fellows Banner," published at Bloomfield, gave us a call one day last week. He got a large list of subscribers here.

We congratulate brother BARKER of the Knoxville Journal, who, tired of single life blessedness, was united in matrimony on the 29th of Dec. with MISS MATTHEWS, a sister to Gov. STONE's wife.

Those of our citizens who have been uneasy for fear this winter would "be to open for health" need not worry any more. If they keep from freezing to death they ought to be thankful.

The Knoxville Journal office narrowly escaped destruction by fire last week. A lamp left burning while all were out exploded and set fire to books, papers, &c. which was fortunately discovered in time to save the office. Damage $100.00.

The Board of Supervisors were in session all last week. MR. MURRAY of Warren township taking the place of MR. MEEK of Pleasant on the Board. A large portion of the proceedings will be found in this issue of our paper.

The Leader man is on the hunt for something to nourish his brain. He no doubt needs such diet, and we suggest that he consult some agricultural paper and find out what substance best promotes the growth of cabbages, and try some of that.

A subscription is now being circulated to build a Swedish Lutheran Church in Chariton, the building to be begun by the 10th of next June, and finished within one year. The building will be a frame, after the style of the United Presbyterian Church just finished in the north part of town.

Submitted by NMS, December 7, 2005


Thursday, February 17, 1875

MARION COUNTY ITEMS:

From the Journal, Feb. 11th - Albia has raised $20,000, the amount asked by the Q. & St. P. Company for building the road to that place and locating its round house and machine shop there.

MR. DANIEL WINDERS, formerly of this county, sends payment for the Journal in quarter-dollar gold pieces, of two styles, one round and the other octagon in shape. They are very minute, but are of sterling California gold and current here at par.

A new town is about to be started, under the name of Fontan, about six miles southeast of Sandyville, Warren County, and four and a half miles from Caloma, this county, in the Quaker settlement.

MRS. NANCY MCKERN, living four miles south of Knoxville, was injured by the accidental discharge of a shot-gun last Thursday evening. Her son, fourteen years old, had been hunting rabbits, and in her attempt to unload the boy of his game, the gun was discharged, a number of shot entering her leg just below the knee.

The dwelling of SAMUEL A. CRAWFORD, five miles south of Knoxville, on the Gosport road, was burned last Monday night, with its entire contents. MR. C and his wife were away at neighbors, attending sick persons at the time of the fire.

Submitted by NMS, December 6, 2005

This page was reformatted by Al Hibbard on 5 Oct 2013.