"History of Decatur County and Its People" Volume I

Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith, Supervising Editors

The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago IL, 1915.
 
Chapter I ~ Early Settlement of Decatur County
Pages 1 - 15
Pioneer history, at its best, is an elusive subject. Records of the days when the settlers hewed their homes from the unbroken wilderness have not been adequately presented and consequently the sources of information which have survived are treasures which must be kept and immortalized by the present generation and the ones to come, lest the tales of the hardships and sturdy deeds be lost to view forever. Such is the purpose of history. Pioneer history, as well as any other, grows with the telling. There is glamour and interest centering around the hard fought battles of the early days, which will bear the retelling many times over. What if bits of imagination are introduced in the retelling? Any life is prosaic in the stern reality — and narrative beauty is added by the coloration of the pure facts; but, of course, strict adherence to these same facts is a prime requisite.

In the beginnings of Iowa history, and with it that of Decatur County, settlements were miles apart and social intercourse was difficult. Log rollings, husking bees, barbecues, cabin buildings and other entertainments significant to the pioneers supplied the only opportunities for the people to congregate together and these periods were often months apart. So the pioneer lived alone with his family in the silent and mighty forest and on the monotonous level of the prairie, sallying out before dawn to shoot the game for the day's food or to cast a line in the nearby stream. The clothes were manufactured by the good housewife who sat for days before the loom and spinning wheel, patiently working; linsey-woolsey and homespun, adorned with the skins of wild animals, were the popular fabrics.

An extreme hardiness of body and soul resulted from this life; men were cast in steel. Writers of today lament the deterioration of the twentieth century civilization, praying for the spirit of the pioneer days. This may be true, but the effects of money and luxuries are too familiar to merit discussion in a work such as this volume. It is to the first men of the county and their influence in building up old Decatur and to the men of the present generation who are stolidly retaining this standard, that this work must be dedicated.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS
Perhaps the first record of early settlement in the County of Decatur proclaims that the very earliest settlements were made in the southern part of the county in or about the year 1840. Among the men who came to this territory at this time and threw up their rude habitations were: William Hamilton, James and Reuben HATFIELD, Alfred STANLEY, John McDANIEL, John E. LOGAN and Allen SCOTT. It is said that some of these pioneers came eyen as early as 1838, carrying the impression that they were settling in the State of Missouri.

It is interesting to note that prior to the settlement of the so-called boundary question a number of slaves were held in the southern part of the county. Among the early records is the following:

"I, John McDANIEL, of the County of Decatur and the State of Iowa, do hereby release, give up, and set at liberty as a free man, George, a black, a colored man, who has resided in my family since boyhood. Said man is about forty-five years old at this time, about five feet eleven inches high. Witness my hand and seal this 25th day of February, A. D., 1842.
"John McDANIEL."
This same George died in the southern part of the county, evidently preferring to spend the rest of his days in the vicinity of his former master's home. McDANIEL afterward moved to the State of Oregon.

The boundary dispute referred to in the above occurred about the time of the Fourth Legislative Assembly in Iowa. There was in question the boundary line between this territory and the State of Missouri. There was a difference of a strip eight or ten miles wide, extending from the Mississippi to the Missouri rivers, which each claimed. Missouri officers, attempting to collect taxes within the disputed territory, were arrested by Iowa sheriffs, so the respective governors called out the militia, fully expecting that there would be bloodshed between the two factions.

About twelve hundred Iowa men enlisted under the colors of their state and 1,300 were actually armed and equipped and encamped in Van Buren County. At this juncture three men were sent to Missouri as envoys plenipotentiary to endeavor to consume a peaceable settlement of the question. Upon their arrival they found that the county commissioners of Clark County, Missouri, had rescinded their order for the collection of taxes and that Governor Boggs had dispatched messengers to the governor of Iowa proposing to submit an agreed case to the Supreme Court of the United States.

This proposition was declined, but afterward, upon petition of Iowa and Missouri, Congress authorized a suit to settle the controversy. This suit was duly instituted and resulted in the decision that Iowa had the right to the land.

Under an order from the national Supreme Court commissioners surveyed and established the boundary. The expenses of the war, on the part of Iowa, were never paid, either by the United States or the territorial government.

Again, owing to the fact that the land in this section of the country had not yet been acquired from the Indians, settlers were forbidden by the military authorities from settling thereon. This explains the fact that most of the early settlers of Decatur County located in the present southern part. They were not in that day in Decatur County, but in the State of Missouri, hence not trespassers on Indian lands.

In the fall of 1847 a company of Mormons, en route to the State of Utah, stopped at a place now known as Garden Grove, in the northeastern part of the county, to spend the winter. When spring came the main body of them moved on westward, but a few others remained several more seasons. The last of them left in 1851.

In the year 1850 L. Ujhazy, who was formerly civil governor of the Fortress of Komorn in Hungary, came to this country and settled on the left bank of Grand River, and occupying the lands on the right bank where Davis City now stands. A postoffice was established and he gave it the name of New Buda, in honor of Buda-Pest, the capital city of Hungary. He was appointed postmaster. Several other of his countrymen came with him to this place and it became known as a Hungarian Settlement.

More will be said in connection with this interesting event in a special article later in this work.
EARLY SCRIBE'S DESCRIPTION
The following paragraphs relative to Decatur County were published in the Decatur County Journal of August 6, 1868, and in several succeeding issues, which was about two months after the establishment of the paper:

The county is about twenty-four miles square, and contains 576 square miles, more or less. There is probably not a county in Southern Iowa as well timbered as this and the timber is well interspersed among the prairies, which are generally small and rolling, or gently undulating, and consequently well adapted to the growth of all the grains and grasses of this latitude.

The principal stream is Thompson's Fork of Grand River, which enters the county not far from the northwest corner, and winds its way through Richland, Grand River, Decatur, Bloomington, New Buda and Hamilton townships, and leaves the county and enters Missouri near the south line. This is a beautiful stream, bedded with limestone, which supplies a large portion of the county with a good article of lime and also stone suitable for building purposes. It is also well timbered through the entire length of the county, with an excellent quality of white, black, red and spotted oak, together with walnut, elm, hickory, hackberry, buckeye, hard and soft maple, mulberry and linn or basswood. It is the best mill stream in the county, there being several very good establishments of the kind upon it.

The first one north is what is usually called the Westervelt Mill, purchased a few years since by John POLLY, and completely reconstructed and put in thorough running order. The next one southward is Funk's Mill, which has also changed hands, and been refitted in a first class manner. Still farther south stands the Davis Mill owned by William DAVIS. These, with several sawmills, make up the mill privileges of the Grand River.

West of it is Elk Creek, a small stream, skirted with timber. Near the center of the county runs Little River, which affords abundance of stock water, and the banks of which are well set with the timber of the usual kinds. This stream empties into the Weldon Fork of Grand River, which is about half as large as the Thompson Fork, and is a fine stream, furnishing abundance of water for the east side of the county. It enters the county near the center of the north side, zigzags through Garden Grove, High Point and Woodland townships and enters Missouri not far from the southeast corner of the county. Its banks and adjacent ridges furnish a large amount of good timber for the small prairies nearby.

The tributaries are Little River, Irish Creek, Jonathan Creek, and Steel's Creek. These are also bordered with the usual varieties of timber. In addition to these streams there are numerous springs scattered over the county.

On the prairies good well water can be had by digging from fifteen to forty feet.

We neglected to mention in the proper place Long and Short Creeks, tributaries of Thompson's Fork of Grand River, the former of which has an abundance of good limestone for building purposes and both have a large quantity of good timber along their banks. The numerous streams, springs, etc., together with the smallness of the prairies, and the large amount of good timber, well scattered over the county, adapts it to a heavier settlement than any other comity in Southern Iowa.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
This is second to none as a farming country. It embraces a part of the largest prairie in our county, and consequently timber is more unhandy than in any other part of the county. It has a population of 289. The citizens have shown fully that they were not behind other townships in point of energy and enterprise, notwithstanding the disadvantages of the remoteness of their timber from their prairie land, they have within a very few years brought into cultivation a large portion of the township and have erected substantial buildings upon the same. The town has three subdistricts, eighty children entitled to school privileges, pays an aggregate of $704 to teachers.

Franklin is the name of the postoffice.
LONG CREEK TOWNSHIP
Though it cannot boast of having as large an extent of fine prairie as Franklin, can lay claim to having some of the best oak timber in the county. It has a population of 350; has eight subdistricts; 252 children between five and twenty-one years; pays $1,177 annually to teachers. It has three prominent stock dealers, William WEST, Stephen STRONG and R. G. MANSFIELD.

Prairieville, located in the east side of the township, has one store and one grocery. There are two meeting houses in this place, one belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the other to the Christian.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
This township, being the northwestern one, lies on Thompson's Fork of Grand River, is well watered, prairies small and timber in plenty. It has a population of 486, 222 having the privileges of the common schools. Four subdistricts paid in 1867 $396 to their teachers. Religiously, the people represent the Methodists, Baptists, United Brethren, Christian and Tunkers, and are peaceable and quiet.

The postoffice is Westervelt.
GRAND RIVER TOWNSHIP
Located south of Richland, is also on the river, and has equal advantages of water, timber and good land, with a population of 219 and 106 children entitled to school privileges, being at present divided into four subdistricts. The aggregate amount given to teachers last year was $506.58. Religiously about the same as Richland Persons visiting or locating with them will be made to feel not entirely beyond civilization.
DECATUR TOWNSHIP
This township has in it some of the oldest settlers of the county, among whom are MILLERS, WOODMANSEE, BOORD, GILL and others. These, as well as those who live come in since, brought with them cultivation, skill and energy, which have been manifested in the agricultural development of the township. It has a population of 829, 312 of whom are enjoying the advantages of the common schools. Paid teachers last year a total of $709.50.

Decatur City is its chief village. It is situated on an elevated dividing ridge between Grand and Little rivers, and is therefore free from the miasmatic influence of low, wet lands. It has a population of from three to five hundred and is an independent school district. The citizens have shown their interest in educational matters by erecting a good frame schoolhouse, two stories high, in the public square, and since its completion they have had an excellent school taught.

Decatur City has two dry goods stores, one drug store, one grocery, one blacksmith shop and two taverns. The meeting house is owned by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a neat, frame building, 30 by 40 feet. The church is under the care of Mr. BAKER.

The Dunkers also have regular services in the place by Revs. William STOUT and GARVER.

Some years since the Adventists, or Soul Sleepers as they were called, flourished extensively. but like the orator of whom we have read, they have "subsided."

The Christian Church also eked out. There are many honorable members of these societies residing here, but without a home of worship.

There are three physicians in Decatur City.
PRODUCTIONS
On the west and south sides of the county good building stone is abundant. A little coal has been found in several localities, but no banks have yet been opened.

In variety and beauty of natural scenery this county is unsurpassed. Many of the views along Grand River are indeed grand, as the name suggests. From the prairie highlands the wooded slopes and valleys present to the eye the loveliest landscapes.

This is one of the finest grain-producing counties, and is especially adapted to winter wheat. No county in the state has produced better crops of tame grass and the farmers have engaged largely in its production.

Decatur County is well adapted to the raising of fruits, and there are already many bearing orchards. Among the citizens who are devoting their attention to fruits may be mentioned Amos NEWMAN, J. B. LUNBECK, Charles MOORE, J. S. VARNER, Thomas WALLER and Caselton GIBSON.

The wild fruits which grow abundantly are plums, grapes, crabapples, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. The wild cherry, mulberry and the red and black haw are also found. Among the shrubs are the sumac, black elder and hazel in great profusion, and all indicative of a rich, deep soil. The prickly ash and swamp dogwood are also found in places.

As a stock-raising county Decatur compares favorably with many others. The numerous running streams afford water at all seasons, while the timber makes a winter shelter. Several leading farmers are largely engaged in raising cattle and other fine stock, among whom may be mentioned Alexander McNEIL, Stephen STRONG, Adam JOHNS, K. BROTHERS.
EDUCATIONAL
There are in the county seventy-seven sub-districts and three independent districts, Decatur, Garden Grove and Leon. Last year's report of the superintendent shows that there were 68 schoolhouses, four brick, 30 frame and 34 log. There were 78 schools taught last year, with an aggregate of 2,005 pupils in attendance. There were 60 male and 46 female teachers reported, the average compensation of the males per week being $9.45 and females $6.37. Decatur Township and the independent district of Decatur City justly paid male and female teachers the same wage, while all other townships discriminated against the females.
MANUFACTORIES
Grand River, as it passes through this county, furnishes a large number of eligible mill sites, some four or five of which have been improved. There are in the county two woolen mills, one carding factory, three water flouring mills, three steam flouring mills, ten steam sawmills and four shingle machines attached to sawmills. Several of the sawmills have lath mills attached.

One of the leading manufacturing establishments of the county is the woolen mills of R. I. MUDGETT & Company, situated at Leon. They have a building 40 by 70 feet and three stories high. It is supplied with the best machinery, consisting in part of two sets of manufacturing cards, two sets of roll cards, two jacks of 180 spindles each, one broad and three narrow looms, with steam engine and all other necessary machinery. The factory has been in operation something over a year, but the proprietors have just made additions to the property to accommodate the increasing business.

Four miles east of Pleasant Plain, near the state line, are situated the woolen mills of John CLARK, which have been in operation about twelve years. The main factory building is 34 by 70 feet and three stories high, with two additional buildings. It has two sets of roll cards, two full sets of manufacturing cards, two jacks, one of 180 and the other 144 spindles, one broad and six narrow looms.

STOUT & BLODGETT recently erected at Leon a brick flouring mill, the main structure being 30 by 36 feet, and three stories high, with an engine room 14 by 16 feet. It is provided with an engine of fifty horsepower, has two run of burrs and is fitted up with all the latest improved machinery.
STATISTICS OF AGRICULTURE
In 1866 there were enclosed 58,141 acres; rods of hedging, 1,649, acres of spring wheat, 1,030; bushels harvested, 11,266; acres of winter wheat, 630; bushels harvested, 6,860; acres of oats, 3,668 bushels harvested, 104,382; acres of corn, 25,069; bushels harvested 299,820; acres of rye, 282; bushels harvested, 3,686; acres of barley 28; bushels harvested, 271; acres of sorghum, 350; gallons of syrup, 15,653; acres of Irish potatoes, 352; bushels harvested, 11,124.

The statistics of last year's crops will show a vast increase over the above figures. The crop of wheat for the year 1868 will more than double that given above for 1866. The area of land in cultivation is rapidly increasing in this, as well as other counties in Southern Iowa.
RAILROADS
As yet no lines of railroad have been completed within the county. The people, however, feel a deep interest in several contemplated railroads, promising great advantages to them in the future. One project which the people in the west part of the county, especially, are interested in, is known as the Iowa & Minnesota Railroad. Some two years ago under a former organization called the Fort Des Moines & Kansas City Railroad Company, the line was surveyed and located. A considerable amount of the grading was also done south of Decatur City. There is confidence in the ultimate success of this road.

Another project is that known as the Chillicothe, Leon & Des Moines Railroad, in which the people of Leon and the eastern part of the county felt a particular interest. The Missouri counties through which the road passes have subscribed $50,000 worth of stock towards its construction to the state line at Pleasant Plain, twelve miles south of Leon. About thirty-seven thousand dollars has been subscribed in Decatur County. I. H. SALES of Leon is president of the company.

Both of the above projects have met with great favor in the Missouri counties through which the lines pass, and one of the lines, if not both, will doubtless be constructed at an early day. The contract for grading, bridging and tying the Chillicothe & Des Moines Railroad from Chillicothe to Princeton, a distance of fifty miles, was let on the 10th of February and the road is to be ready for the iron by the first of August, 1870. As soon as possible the survey will be made through this county and put under contract. A county possessing the elements of wealth that Decatur does cannot longer afford to wait for a railroad to develop her resources.
REAL ESTATE
Unimproved lands may be bought in this county at reasonable prices ranging from $3 to $6 per acre and some even as low as $2.50. Unimproved lots in Leon are held at all prices, from $20 up to $200.
BRIDGES
The county has erected good bridges over most of the streams. One was completed last spring over Grand River at a cost of $9,000 and one over Little River this winter at a cost of $10,000. Another over Long Creek is now in the course of construction and will be finished very soon.
CHURCHES
Nearly all the evangelical religious denominations are represented in the county. The religious organizations of Leon are Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Baptist and Presbyterian. The Methodists have a neat, new and commodious frame church, with bell, and well finished. They have a good membership and a large attending congregation. The Christian denomination have a, brick church, 40 by 60 feet in size, also provided with a good bell. The other denominations have not yet built churches in Leon. Flourishing Sabbath schools are connected with the above denominations.

In Decatur City the Methodist Episcopal Church has an organization of about forty members. The town is enclosed in what is known as Decatur City Circuit. The circuit has ten preaching places and has about 250 members. The largest society in the circuit is at Prairieville, one and a half miles north of Decatur City. On this circuit and connected with the church are seven Sabbath schools, that at Decatur City having an attendance of about eighty pupils. The Union Sabbath School in Decatur City has about the same number.

The Methodist Church — formerly known as the Protestant Methodist — has two organizations, one at Decatur City and the other at Funk's Mill on Grand River, northwest of Decatur City. The societies were organized by Rev. F. A. KIRKPATRICK within the last year.

The United Brethren also have an organization at Decatur City and others in different parts of the county to the number of eight with 300 members. We believe the Baptists also have a society at this place.

The Decatur County Bible Society was organized in 1868. James P. LAYTON, G. D. SELLER, Uriah BOBBITT and J. W. WARNER are prominent workers in this society at the present time.
POSTOFFICES
The following are the postoffices in Decatur County in 1868: Westervelt, Funk's Mill, Decatur, Elk, Sedgwick, Terre Haute, New Buda, Nine Eagles, High Point, Garden Grove, Franklin, Leon.
OLD TIME NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
June 4, 1868 — Our friends of the Methodist persuasion received, on Thursday evening last, a fine bell for their church, weighing 600 pounds. It is of regular bell metal and cost delivered about $280.

June 4, 1868 — Everybody who wants a cheap farm should come to Decatur County. Good wild lands can be had at from $2 to $3 per acre and improved lands at $10 to $12.

June 25, 18()8 — J. V. HARVEY, late of Monroe, Jasper County, this state, has settled among us and associated himself with J. L. YOUNG in the practice of law.

July 80, 1868 — W. C. AKERS, living three miles east of Leon, killed a lynx last Sunday morning in a pasture about 800 yards from his house.

September 12, 1868 — Dan CASTELLO'S monster shows exhibited in Leon.

September 10, 1868 — We are pleased to chronicle the return of Dr. I. F. HILDRETH to his new home in Leon. This gentleman came to our town a couple of months ago, and together with Judge SALES, bought the stock of goods owned by C. S. STOUT & Company. The Dr. hails from Mahaska County, and comes recommended as a gentleman of ability and high moral character and we have no doubt will prove to be a valuable citizen. Here's our welcome, Doctor, and our best wishes for your success.

October 10, 1868 — Whereas Oscar A. DOOLAN, aged 12, regularly bound to me, left my house and control, on October 4, 1868, without my consent or knowledge, this is to warn all persons not to trust or harbor him on my account as I will pay no debts of his contracting. Five cents reward will be paid for his return to me without expense. Signed, D. HUFF.

March 4, 1869 — Quite a novel scene was witnessed in the circuit court last Saturday, in the introduction of a full blooded African upon the witness stand, and drew a large crowd to hear the testimony. This, we believe, was the first instance of the kind on record in this county and excited no little comment.

April 9, 1869 — The Leon Woolen Mills will commence operations one week from next Monday.

April 29, 1869 — Mr. Thomas F. MARSHALL, one of the engineers of the Chillicothe and Des Moines Railroad, arrived in Leon on Monday last and commenced the survey of the line of the Leon, Chillicothe and Des Moines road from the state line to this place.

May 13, 1869 — The Christian Church has just been completed and the finishing touches added. It will now compare with any edifice of the kind in Southern Iowa.

June 30, 1869 — The G. F. Bailey & Co.'s Gigantic Caravan, Menagerie and Circus exhibited in Leon.

October 14, 1869 — Die Wage is the title of a paper just started in this county, printed in the German language and edited by H. KOMPE.

December 22, 1870 — Ab WAGGONER is now running the stage from here to Osceola, making connections with the trains going both east and west.

June 11, 1808 — 15,000 pounds of wool were received at the R. M. MUDGETT & Co. woolen factory during the past ten days.
IN THE DAYS OF AULD LANG SYNE
The following items were taken from the Decatur County Journal in the years 1872-3:

Trains now leave Garden Grove going east as follows: Atlantic express, 11:01 P. M.; mail, 2 P. M.; Chicago express, 4:11 A. M.

Col. Geo. BURTON returned home last week from the south country where he had been buying cattle. He has a drove of 500 head on their way here.

Monday afternoon was a good day for editors. W. J. WIGHTMAN of the Garden Grove Express was down. G. N. UDELL of the Bedford Southwest, was in town. These two, with the Leon editors, ex-editors and sub-editors, met at Q. M. LINDSEY'S and held a little convention.

Jerome HARVEY and Prof. FRAZIER will hold a normal school July 22d to continue four weeks.

Superintendent PERKINS and Chief Engineer MALLORY were in town Tuesday on railroad matters intent. They authorized the right of way committee to locate the depot. The right of way committee consists of J. W. HARVEY, Judge NILES and Samuel CASTOR. Now is the time to buttonhole said committee.

Mr. DENHAM, of Grand River township, tried to have a Greeley ratification meeting at his house. Four men, including Mr. D. and his hired man, were in attendance.

On the 4th of July a celebration was held in the grove at the east edge of town adjacent LITTLE & WISE'S mill and fully 2,000 people attended. In the morning there was a procession of "Fantastics," while a cannon brought up the rear. Dolly VARDEN was present during the day and presented a graceful figure. Dr. G. W. BAKER was marshal of the day. Music was furnished by the Leon Cornet Band, and the band wagon was drawn by four horses driven by "that superb reinsman, Samuel LINDSEY." J. W. HARVEY acted as president. Prof. W. I. JORDAN and a company of vocalists sang patriotic songs. Addresses were delivered by Prof. HARKNESS, J. B. MORRISON, Francis VARGA, Samuel FORREY and Elder J. C. PORTER. The celebration closed with a display of fireworks in the evening in the north part of town.

The people of Prairie City, now called Van Wert, celebrated the 4th in a grove 2 1/2 miles west of town. John GEMMELL was marshal of the day. There was a parade to the gromids where the exercises opened with a song by the Sunday schools and prayer by Levi LEWIS. Rev. Seth SAMSON made the address of welcome, which was responded to by J. C. LEWIS. J. C. ROBERTS delivered an oration, which was followed by a declamation by Miss Nannie GEMMELL. After dinner Lizzie McCANN read the Declaration of Independence and Hon. Fred TEALE delivered an oration. The local chronicler says that "Fred seemed full of patriotism." The singing was led by A. BULLARD and Mrs. Barbara McCORMICK.

The 4th was observed at Pleasanton by an old fashioned celebration. The Declaration was read by Dr. MURPHY and A. M. Post delivered an oration.

W. H. ROBB addressed a large political meeting at Pleasanton last Saturday.

The Leon public schools opened September 9th with W. S. DOMER, of Iowa City, as principal; Mrs. M. J. READ, grammar department; Miss Ella EATON, intermediate, and Miss Mollie MILES, primary. Attendance, 258.

Jeremiah HATFIELD, one of the oldest residents of Decatur County, and one of the most influential men we had, was stricken dead while working in his field last Monday.

Wood is selling for $2 per cord in Leon.

Look out for the cars! The track layers are only two miles from town at this writing, August 22.

Cooper's Circus exhibited in Leon August 2d.

James GOIN has the contract to carry the mail from the depot to the postoffice.

The Grant and Wilson Club will be addressed on next Wednesday evening, September 4th, by W. T. LAUGHLIN, candidate for district attorney, and Hon. Sam FORREY. Come, everybody.

The oldest inhabitant never before saw such crops as Iowa can justly boast of this season. The county is a perfect ocean of corn, some of which has grown so tall that the owners will have to get on a ladder to pick the ears off.

J. A. SNYDER has put an addition to his shop one door east of the M. E. Church.

Died, in Franklin Township, October 6, 1872, of congestive fever, Ebenezer PRICE, in the 44th year of his age. He was a faithful soldier three years in the Union army during the late war, and has been for several years an excellent member of the Christian Church.

The hotel now occupied by H. L. SALES passed into the hands of that prince of landlords, Capt. L. A. RAY, of Chariton, on Thursday of this week.

Some unprincipled cuss gobbled up a pocketbook belonging to Robert E. DYE, on last Monday, containing about $200 in cash, besides some papers and a postoffice order for $3.90.

The residence of J. R. BASHAW was totally destroyed by fire on Nonday afternoon last, with a large proportion of his household goods, furniture and clothing. The fire originated in the roof in the neighborhood of a flue. — Dec. 5.

The prairie chickens have the epizootic.

Day before Christmas the mercury fell to 26 degrees below zero at Chariton. It was 42 at Minneapolis, 32 at Cedar Rapids and 28 at Burlington.

Died, at his residence near Terre Haute, December 27, 1872, John INLAY [?]. His unexpected death will be mourned by a host of friends.

On Friday evening last 23 cars of hogs were shipped at this point for Chicago.

On last Tuesday the last vestige of democracy was swept from our courthouse. A. E. CHASE commenced his duties of clerk of the courts in place of Nathan PERDEW, retiring.

There has been shipped from this point since the finishing of the railroad 175 cars of hogs, 49 of cattle, 10 of sheep and 2 of horses, making a total of 258 cars of live stock. In December alone 116 cars of hogs or 7,000 head were shipped.

There are over 500 patrons of husbandry or grangers in our county.

Last week a Ringgold county man brought to town twelve deer which he had killed within a few days. The venison sold readily at 9 to 12 cents per pound.

The following is the grand jury list for 1872: J. D. BURNS, J. R. STARR, Newton SPENSER, T. FULLERTON, D. J. PATTERSON, I. T. SHELTON, James COOVER, Thos. KONKLIN, Sam THOMAS, Thos. PITMAN, Wm. LOVING, Jesse LLOYD, C. OSBORNE, R. TURNER, Peter CARTWRIGHT.

Thursday Tom BRADFIELD was unable to make his mail trip to Corydon on account of the drifts, but on Friday the mail arrived through all right. — February 6, 1873.

The old PATTERSON House is being pulled down to give room for a new two-story building to be erected by ARMSTRONG & BLIND.

The scholars of Eden Center, under the superintendence of their teacher, Mr. G. W. SAMSON, will give an exhibition on Friday evening, February 28, at which several dramas will be presented and lots of fun besides.

A lot of boys attended a dance in the country on Friday evening last, and got drunk as a natural consequence.

J. C. ROBERTS and T. W. SILVERS, after an arduous examination, which they passed with great credit to themselves, were admitted to the practice of the law by Judge HEWITT, on Friday evening last.

The town of High Point is still improving. Curt ALEXANDER is building a dwelling on the lot east of RUFFCORN'S store.


Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2013
 
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