Journal

April 20, 1916

OLD-TIME BASEBALL

            The balmy days of spring are causing C.N. Van Pelt of the Avalanche to grow reminiscent along the lines of sport, now that the baseball season is near at hand.  In last week’s Avalanche he reviewed some of the old-time ball players of this county – the men who played the game barehanded and with a vengeance.  His article follows:

            Tarkio has produced a number of baseball players within the last few years, some of whom have risen to active service in the league teams.  It must not be inferred, however, that Atchison county, and especially the Tarkio country, had no thitherto been in the lime-light in these particulars. 

            More than a third of a century ago Rock Port had a ball team that was known as one of the best in the middle west, it having defeated the St. Joseph crack team, “The Pastimes.”  The name of the Rock Port team was “The Athletes” and they did much to make good the appellation.  D.A. Colvin, now the head of the Citizens’ Bank there, was captain and for straight pitching he had some of the twirlers of national fame now bested – considering of course privileges now given.  In those days a pitcher had to deliver the ball below the hip – a straight arm pitch – but now they can throw it any old way.  The old timers could, however, split an inch board at the regulation distance, and they didn’t resort to “curves,” “spit balls,” etc., to “get by”.  Lin Ruland, Jr., was the catcher for the Athletes and he is the first one we remember having seen who stood right behind the batter and would occasionally reach out and take a ball before it had even reached the batter.  Dick Gaede, ‘Gene Blake, Frank Sparks and other members were great artists in their line and assisted in making the Athletes famous. 

            Along about that time “The Modocs”, the club from the vicinity of Center Point and what is now Tarkio, was organized, and they soon proved that they were the equals of the Athletes or any other club in this section of the country.  Reed Scott, now a resident of Tarkio, was captain, and was not excelled as a pitcher.  Then there were Mike Roberts, Jess Roberts, Sam Farris, Whitey Wood, Frank Granger and others in the nine.  The Roberts boys could knock a ball clear out of the township and Kinney Wood was the fastest base-runner ever known in the county.  When the Modocs beat the Athletes as they frequently did, and when they walked all over aggregations in surrounding counties and in Iowa , Reed would offer to pit Kinney against any runner that could be found, but there were “no takers.” 

            Another famous club in those old days was the “Dutch Nine,” northwest of Westboro.  Among those who belonged were the Deel boys, Max and Frank Kreutz, Frank Trulock and others.  This was a somewhat later organization than those named above, but they soon established the reputation of being among the best players in the county.  The town of Westboro also had a good team and to this day they tell how W.T. Kim, now of Tarkio, knocked a ball from some point north of the M.E. church in Westboro, clear across the railway tracks near the depot.

            The “Pepper Box” nine was another famous team of the olden time.  The members were from the Pepper Box school house neighborhood, northeast of Tarkio, and they had no trouble in defeating nearly every team they played with.  Jess Jackson , of Westboro, was one of the main “guys” in this team and there are doubtless others living in the county. 

            Many of those who belonged to these different nines have died and others have moved from the county, but it is probable that there are still a sufficient number from the various teams to make a nine that could establish a national reputation now if they had the skill and practice of their younger days. 

 

 

Journal

Mar. 15, 1917

(Old Settlers)

100 HIS CORRECT AGE

            Uncle Thomas Seller, Atchison county’s oldest man died at his home near Westboro, Friday morning, March 2^nd, 1917 , at 8:45 , and thus is removed one of the most remarkable characters that has ever lived in this vicinity.  His age is variously given at from 100 to 106 years, but while, as some papers have stated, Uncle Thomas never gave his exact age, there is recorded in a book, which he and his brothers brought with them from England, the birth dates of all the family of brothers and sisters, and no doubt exists but that these records are authentic. 

            The record says:  “Thomas Seller, born January 16, 1817 , at 0 hours and 30 minutes, a.m.”  This should settle all doubt and controversy as to Uncle Thomas’ age, as the writing shows it was written years ago, no doubt by one of the parents, but it is still quite legible. 

            John Seller’s birth record is given January 13, 1814 , which disputes the statement made by a Shenandoah paper, that he was 118 when he died.  He died December 8, 1908 , lacking nearly one month of being 95 years old. 

            The oldest of the children, Richard Seller, who settled and died in Canada , was born in 1812.  Wm. Seller, who died in 1893, was born in 1822, and Jas. Seller, who is still living at Elk City , Kansas , was born May 18, 1826 , making him now 91 years old. 

            Thomas Seller, together with his brothers, John and William, came to America in 1852, first locating in Clinton county, Iowa .  They came to Atchison county, Missouri , in 1857, locating in Walden Grove. 

            Thomas and William were never married.  John was married but his wife died years ago.  To this union we only know of three children, William Seller, of Elk City , Kansas ; Mrs. Sarah Crewdson, of Westboro, and Richard Seller, whose death was reported some 25 years ago, somewhere in the West, Utah , we think. 

            When we first knew the Seller brothers, they lived in a log house on what is now the Charley Bredensteiner place, the house standing near where Charlie’s barn now stands.  At that time they owned several hundred acres of land, but they had sold off different tracts, till the present land holding is not so very large. 

            Owing to their reputed wealth and the fact that they were never known to bank any money, an effort was made to rob them one night.  Uncle Thomas was caught away from the house and the robbers, under threats of death, tried to force him into telling where the money was kept.  He refused to tell, saying they could not cheat him out of many years anyway.  That was some thirty years ago. 

            The robbers finding they could get nothing from him, bound and gagged him, threw him over the fence and told him they were going to the house to make John and William tell or kill them.  Evidently they either weakened or were frightened away for they never went to the house and the brothers knew nothing of it till Uncle Thomas managed to free himself and went to the house.  He had been pretty roughly handled.  The robbers were never caught. 

            When automobiles were first coming into use, Uncle Thomas’ team became frightened at one and ran away.  He was thrown out of the vehicle and pretty badly bruised up and consequently he was prejudiced to autos.  At the election two years ago, we had Trume Dean go after him to vote.  At first he positively refused to have anything to do with him and his auto, but Trume kept on talking and Uncle Thomas’ patriotism appealed to him so strongly that he finally consented to make the trip, after cautioning Trume to “drive gently on, lad.”  He really enjoyed the auto ride and took several more after that time. 

            Mrs. Sarah Crewdson, daughter of John and niece to William and Thomas, who had been their housekeeper for the past 26 years, and had never failed them, also had their implicit confidence.  She kept their house comfortable and their latter years were made much easier because of her care.  She will now make her home with her daughter, Mrs. C.A. Rorebeck.  She also has two other children, Mrs. D.A. Halliday and John Stevenson. 

            The funeral was conducted at the residence, Sunday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. J. Jay Cokely.  Interment in Walden Grove cemetery. 

 

 

Journal

Apr. 26, 1917

FORTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO

From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, April 24, 1869

 

            (Note – The paper was an 8-column, 4-page, set in small type.  Ads appear for Chas. Neidhardt, Brownville , Neb. ; G. W. Hawke & Co.; Deuser & Bro.; Hunter & Hurst; Buckham & Shelters and L. & J. Sanders.)

            His Honor, Mayor Clark, holds his first session of court today. 

            Circuit Court will be in session Monday.  Clerk Tiffany says the criminal docket is small – nothing very mean having been done in the county for a long time. 

            Ordinance No. 7 orders the marshal to repair all sidewalks, bridges and highways.  Ordinance No. 8 imposes a tax on shows, circuses and public exhibitions. 

            Married, April 6^th, 1869 , by Rev. J. M. Stokes, Mr. Poindexter Hawkins to Mrs. Henrietta C. Hawkins, both of Atchison County . 

            Col. Bennett Pike, our former townsman, has been re-appointed U.S. District Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. 

 

THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO

            General Grant is now in Hong Kong , China . 

            L.C. Christian is having a good sidewalk built in front of his business house. 

            A new blacksmith shop is being built at the corner of Mill and Water streets and will be occupied by George Pfeil. 

            Hon. A.E. Wyatt left last Thursday for Jefferson City to serve as juror in the U.S. Court . 

            The eastern portion of Atchison county is setting up with remarkable rapidity, with a splendid class of people.  Let every man in the county do his utmost to encourage emigration.  We have plenty of room. 

 

HAZEL GROVE HAPPENINGS

            J.P. McElroy and J.J. Nelson are taking music lessons under the instruction of Misses Mary and Lizzie Kern. 

            A new school district has been formed south of here.  The schoolhouse will be on the estate of W.J. McMillen and will be known as the Jerk Tail School .  We think men of judgment should be ashamed to name places of such importance so carelessly. 

Eliza Jane

 

 

Journal

May 3, 1917

FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

            Rock Port Retail Market Saturday, May 2, 1868 . 

            Coffee, per lb. 45 cents; tea, per lb. $1.50 to $2.25; FLOUR PER SACK $5.00 AND $6.00; BROWN SUGAR, PER LB. 16½  to 18 cents; white sugar, per lb. 20 to 25 cents; bacon, per lb. 12 to 14 cents; butter, per lb. 25 to 30 cents; eggs, per doz. 10 cents; lard, per lb. 15 cents; molasses, per gal. $1.25; salt, per lb. $5.50; coal oil, per gal. $1.00; chickens, per doz. $2.50 and $3.00; turkeys a piece, 75 cents to $1.00; wood, per cord, $3.25 to $4.50; corn, per bu. 35 to 40 cents; beef, per lb. 8 and 10 cents; pork, per lb. 6 and 8 cents. 

 

FORTY EYARS AGO THIS WEEK

            No general engagement has taken place between the Turks and Russians, but a conflict is daily expected.  England has proclaimed neutrality. 

            Eight pounds of good sugar for $1.00 at E.J. Stiles.  adv. 

            Squire Sparks is putting up a new dwelling south of his residence on Water Street . 

            Dan McColl, one of the most successful dairy-men in the northwest, gave us a friendly call Tuesday. 

            The new Christian church at Linden was dedicated Sunday by Elders Conoran and Cartright. 

            On Tuesday evening last Mr. Henry C. Baker, junior member of the firm of Leopold Sanders & Co., was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Renner, daughter of Mr. Charles Renner, of Rock Port.  

 

 

Journal

May 17, 1917

FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, May 16, 1868)

            A year ago A.D. Jones bought 100 acres of land near Council Bluffs , Ia , for $1,000. 

            Married on Wednesday, May 13^th, by Rev. A.A. Stearns, Mr. W.M. Brashier to Miss A. Lusian Hendricks.

            Married, on Thursday, April 28^th, by Rev. W.W. Ballinger, Mr. W.E. Spurlock to Miss Sarah E. Shackelford. 

            J.P. Lewis has opened a law office in this place. 

            Frank Davis and H.J. Pinnel are preparing to build a store south of J.C. Deuser & Bros.

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            The price of pork is on the decline. 

            Our old friend Dave McNeal, one of the most prosperous farmers in the Watson bottom gave us a call Thursday.

            Judge Franklin Merril, of Tarkio, was in town last week. 

            The Presbyterians have purchased lots on Nebraska street opposite the residence of John P. Lewis, and will build a house of worship there. 

            Officers of South Bend Farmers Club: Gen. Supt., Henry Luhrs; Captains, Ballard Bradley, Thomas Stafford and John Horsfield. 

 

 

Journal

May 24, 1917

FORTY-NINE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, May 23, 1868)

            The National Union Republican convention in Chicago nominated Gen. Ulysses S. Grant for president and Hon. Schuler Colfax for vice-president.

            Chris. Schneider’s jewelry store was robbed Friday night. 

            Hunter & Hurst advertise needles, pins and plows; pencils, pen-points and wood-saws. 

            Martin Grebe advertises black walnut coffins and caskets, manufactured at his residence one mile north of town. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

Prof. A. Graham Bell, of Boston lectured in New York City and displayed his “speaking telephone.” 

            Farmers Association met with president M. Greer in the chair.  Dr. Buckham, Judge Taylor, B.L. Dragoo and others offered plans for fighting grasshoppers. 

            Mayor McKillops’ new dwelling begins to assume shape. 

            Charles Volkmann has a neat sign announcing his business painted on the front of his establishment. 

            Hon. A.E. Wyatt and Robert Hunter, Esq. leave Monday for the Black Hills . 

            Al. Colvin, Judge Bertram and J.B. Gray went to Chicago Saturday. 

            Austin McMichael, our popular up-town druggist, is doing Chicago this week. 

 

 

Journal

            May 31, 1917

FIFTH YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From the Atchison County Journal Saturday, June 1, 1867)

            John D. Dopf, editor of the Journal, attended the first meeting of the Missouri Publishers association in St. Louis . 

            The Mississippi and Missouri River Air Line Railroad has begun its survey.  It will run east and west through the northern tier of counties in Missouri . 

            Rock Port Retail market – Flour, per sack, $8.00; Tea, per pound, $2.50; Sugar, per pound, 25 cents; Butter, per pound, 25 cents; Eggs, per dozen, 10 cents; Lard, per pound, 10 cents; Coal oil, per gallon, $1.00; Nails, per pound, 10 cents. 

            Married, May 19^th, by George L. Windsor, J.P., Mr. Adam Hanlin to Miss Mary J. West. 

            Durfee & White advertised the Judge Abriel Leonard and Ezra Nuckolls estates at $2. to $8 per acres. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            County Court met with Judges E.M. Hurst, W.H. Morgan and John L. Sly present. 

            Mrs. Dan Snyder, the popular landlady of the Rock Port Hotel, is visiting friends in Illinois . 

            A little son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Todd last week.  Joe will be the happiest man in the Black Hills , when he hears of the event. 

            Val Livingston brought us specimens of fruit of this year’s growth. 

 

 

Journal

June 7, 1917

FIFTH YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, June 8^th 1867)

            Representative A.E. Wyatt; Judges of County Court, James Hunger, James Carnes, David Bertram; Clerk of County Court, J.M. Templeton; Circuit Clerk, A.F> Tiffany; Sheriff, W.M. Blake; Treasurer, E.M. Hurst; County Superintendent, N. McKillop, Assessor, Jere Purdum; Surveyor, John D. Dopf; Public Administrator, A.B. Durfee. 

            Bader & Snow are putting up a building on Cass Street , next to L.B. Stivers store, to be used as a meat market. 

            Rev. Wm. Uber will preach at the Court House Sunday at nine o’clock . 

            Messrs. Moore and Odell have opened a confectionery and tin shop in Sonora . 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Selis Bros. circus is coming to town. 

            E.J. Stiles is building an addition to his store. 

            Geo. Thompson, of Phelps City , was in town last week.  George kicks the beam at 340. 

            Charles Nuckolls is building an addition to his residence in the Fair Grounds Addition. 

            Editor McCreary of The Journal and Burt Venable, of The Democrat, are off for Fredericktown to the Editorial Convention. 

            We slacked our thirst at the effervescing fountain of A. McMichael & Co., the other day and pronounced it simply exhilarating.  “Aus” is a good boy anyhow and is determined to be ahead. 

Journal

June 21, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, June 22, 1867)

            Married, Mr. Louis Coupton to Miss Louisa Covey, both of Rock Port.  

            The longest railroad in the world is the Central of Illinois – 370 miles long and cost $15,000.00. 

            The Fourth of July meeting was not a success.  Consequently the 91^st Anniversary of our Independence will not be celebrated in Atchison county, except by small picnics and hop.  Our advice is, “go in lemons, and get squeezed.” 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            John W. Smith and Mrs. Sue P. Frederick were married in St. Joseph . 

            The Craig Enterprise has been started by Dr. C. H. Clark, who formerly published the Watson Times. 

            An interesting letter from A.E. Wyatt, Deadwood, D.T. ( Dakota Territory ) tells of Henry Warneke becoming lost on Custer’s Peak.  He says “When Henry got to camp he was several shades whiter than when he started to the peak, and he kept feeling to see if his scalp was really on his head.” 

 

 

Journal

Aug. 9, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From the Atchison County Journal, August 10, 1867)

            A base ball club was organized called the Rock Port Atheletes.  The following were the members:  A.B. Durfee, L.M. Thompson, A.F. Tiffany, I.W. White, T.J. Dunn, John Hope, Jr., M. McKillop, Leroy Cooper, Henry Goggins, John Smith, G.W. Woolsey, J.S. Schenck, A.E. Wyatt, Wm. M. Blake, E.M. Hurst, C. Schneider, Friel White, A.B. McCreary, J.J. Pinnell, John Paden, French Cooper, Wm. Thompson, Eli Sherlock,. T.J. Hawthorne, Charley Coggins, John D. Dopf, Solomon Wyatt. 

            Work has been started on the foundation of the M.E. Church . 

            J.O. Crosley sold lumber at his new mill, three miles southeast of Watson, at $15 per thousand feet, “terms cash.” 

 

 

Journal

Aug. 16, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From the Atchison County Journal, August 17, 1867)

            Hunter & Hurst have commenced work on their new store building.  The building will be 22 feet wide by 20 feet high and 50 feet deep. 

            G.W. Woolsey has purchased the lot and blacksmith shop on the corner of Main and Cass streets and will put up a tow story frame store building.  He will use the lower story for a billiard saloon and the upper story will be finished off for a City Hall. 

            Married, on the 11^th, at the home of James Lowe, by Rev. W.N. Ballinger, Mr. Isaac E. Woodbury to Miss Missouri A. Lowe. 

 

 

Journal

Aug. 30, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

            Eli J. Sherlock has established a select school, divided into three grades.  Tuition runs from $3.50 to $5.00.  Books used, National readers, Bay’s arithmetic, McNally’s geography, Grimshaw’s or Quackenbo’s history. 

            The baseball rules adopted by the American Association are published in this issue of The Journal. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Miles Sickler starts next week for a visit in Illinois . 

            Married in Phelps City by Rev. Davison, H.L. Bosenberg to Miss Tina White. 

            Married at the home of Wm. Shandy by Stephen South, J.P., Thomas Collins to Miss Rachel Payne. 

 

 

Journal

Sept. 6, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

            The railroad was fast nearing Hamburg . 

            Married on September 3^rd, at the residence of Judge James Hunter, Jeremiah P. Bush to Miss Isabel Hunter. 

            The Agricultural Society purchased seven acres adjoining Squire Sparks, from Main street to Rock Creek, for a fair ground. 

            The school election was very spirited; the peoples’ ticket was headed, “True Advancement in Civilization and Refinement.”  “Death to Barbarism and Old Fogyism”.  The opposition ticket read, “Opposed to education, civilization and railroads.”  “Opposed to building school houses in Clay township, Atchison county or anywhere in the State.” 

 

FORTY YEAR AGO

            County Court ordered repairing of a large number of bridges. 

            A letter from Joe Todd in the Black Hills , S.D., tells of a desperate battle with Indians. 

            Married: E.J. Kellogg, of Rock Port , to Miss Carrie D. Bond, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Benson Bond, of Dale township. 

 

 

Journal

Sept. 13, 1917

FFITY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

            The officers of the first Atchison county fair were: R. Buckham, president; P.A. Thompson, treasurer; J.D. Dopf, secretary; J.W. Enoch, collector; A.E. Wyatt, general director. 

            Lakes’ “Hippoolympiat” and mammoth circus was advertised to show in Rock Port.  

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            George Freihoffers’ new dwelling is fast approaching completion. 

            George Bischof lays off an addition to Rock Port.  

            An eight-year-old son of Barnard McMahon fell from a straw stack and broke his leg. 

            Married, on the 11^th by Rev. E. Edwards at the residence of the bride’s parents in Clay township, Christopher Kish to Miss Margaret E. Greer. 

 

 

Journal

Sept. 20, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From the Atchison County Journal, Sept. 21, 1867)

            This number begins the fifth year of The Journal. 

            A San Francisco paper has been received her in just fifteen days.  Rather fast time. 

            General Sheridan’s reception in St. Louis was a splendid affair. 

            President Andrew Johnson was burned in effigy at Montrose , Pa.

            Married at the residence of Dr. C.V. Snow, by Judge Hunter, Oliver Snow to Mrs. Susan A. Poe. 

            Married by Rev. W.S. Blackburn, A.G. Mann, of Fremont county, Ia. , to Miss Julia Spurlock. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Thirteen masked men robbed the Union Pacific express car at Big Springs , Neb. , securing $60,000 in gold. 

            Stanley, the African explorer, has been heard from.

            Married on Tuesday, September 18^th, at the English Grove church by Rev. H.P.S. Willis, William A. Rupe to Miss Mollie L. Pryor. 

            Married on the 9^th, by Jonathan Zuck, at his residence, Thomas Reavis to Miss Pairlea Turner. 

            A brand new boy baby is domiciled at Hon. A.E. Wyatt’s residence. 

            Someone deliberately shot and killed a horse belonging to Henry Warneke. 

            Corn averages 50 to 75 bushels to the acre this year. 

 

 

Journal

Sept. 27, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Sept. 28, 1867)

            A fence of one inch planks, six feet high, is being put up around the fair grounds. 

            Sonora has two general stores, a grocery and a confectionery, a hotel and other business houses, and one of the best school houses in the county. 

            F.M. Thompson and Robert Hunter leave this week for the East to lay in new goods. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Among the callers at this office this week were J.H. LaHue, Lester Fox and E.E. Hall, of Benton township. 

            Circuit Court opened Tuesday with Judge Henry Kelley on the bench; John W. Smith, clerk; Thomas H. Oliver, sheriff. 

            The new Presbyterian church has been started. 

            A new fence has been built around the M.E. church. 

 

 

Journal

Oct. 4, 1917

FIFT YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, October 5, 1867)

            A stock company in San Francisco was erecting a flying machine.  Hydrogen gas was to furnish the ascending power and a steam engine of 3 horse power and a boiler and fuel were to be carried to run the propellers.  The machine weight 1171 pounds. 

            School election will be held today to elect two directors. 

            The Rock Port Brass Band is making rapid progress under the direction of their new “toot-or” Mr. Smith. 

            The game laws expired on the 15^th, and all persons are allowed to shoot such game as they please. 

            The Brownville, Neb. , express office was robbed of $15,000. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Big frost. 

            Al. Colvin and James Gray took in the Maryville fair this week. 

            Quail season opens October 15. 

            Col. A.B. Durfee sold his farm of 278 acres to Gerd Cooper for $10,000. 

            Wheat, $1.10; Corn, 42 cents; Oats, 25 cents; Hogs, $5.50; Cattle, $3 to $4. 

            Dr. Amos Lewis has bought the drug store in Center Point. 

            Land seekers are on the increase here. 

 

 

Journal

Oct. 11, 1917

THIS WEEK YEARS AGO

FIFTY YEARS AGO

(From The Atchison County Journal, October 12, 1867)

            War in Europe is threatened. 

            A Kansas farmer has raised on 110 acres, 6,400 bushels of corn, 600 bushels of wheat, and 3,000 bushels of potatoes – all valued at $5,435. 

            I.N. White, Secretary of the Rock Port Base Ball Club, sent a challenge to J.C. McNaughton, Captain of the Brownville Base Ball Club, to play a game in Rock Port.   The challenge was accepted. 

            Emigrants in covered wagons are pouring into Atchison county in large numbers. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Mrs. D.A. Colvin and Mrs. John Wright are attending the Shenandoah fair. 

            “ Cape Cod ”, the running horse owned by Colvin & Gray, won the prize at the Maryville fair. 

            Rock Port has three meat markets. 

            A thoroughbred sow and little of pigs sold at Wm. R. Anderson’s sale near Linden this week for $88. 

 

 

Journal

Oct. 18, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, October 19, 1867)

            A pony, belonging to George Bischof, was found, after a long search, in an old cellar, where it had been for ten days without food or water. 

            Both Kansas senators favor woman suffrage. 

            Kansas City is bridging the Missouri river . 

            The trial of Jefferson Davis for treason will be held in November. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            There were 360 students in the Missouri State University . 

            The State penitentiary contained 1,245 male and 35 female convicts. 

            255 pupils were enrolled in the Rock Port schools.  Some of them were:  Orpha Ruland, Ida Tate, Mary Sickler, Louisa Traub, Wm. Tann, Henry Minter, Willie Shelters, Emma Lane , Harry Wyatt, Minnie Tate, Allie Christian, Geo. Mulhaupt, Frank Shaver, Harry Stiles, Chas. Durfee, Jakie Hughes, Lulu Bertram, Lyman Shelters, Lena Simons, Sammie Beck, Allie Windle, Don Lee, Frank Freihoffer, Frank Stiles, Wm. Kimberlin, Lily Tracy and Lulu Courtwright. 

 

 

Journal

Oct. 25, 1917

FIFTH YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Oct. 26, 1867)

            In the list of premiums of the first animal fair, prizes were taken by James and R. Buckham, P.A. Thompson, A.S. Campbell, E.W. Caudle, B.F. Dragoo, A.S. Noblitt, John Enoch, David Bertram, Wm. Van Leuvan, Thos. Lytle, Miles Sickler, G.F. Smith, A.E. Roberson, Amos Lewis, J.Y. Bird, A.B. Durfee, Thomas Mitchell, Capt. Hope, Mrs. E.E. Peck, Mrs. McCollister, Mrs. T. Morgan, G. Cloepfil, John Fox, Mrs. Rhoda Perker, Mrs. J.A. Curry, Mrs. C. Hurst, Mrs. E.L. Clark.  In the trotting races, P.AS. Thompson won 1^st, time 3:46 ; John Bane, second, time 3:54 ; T.N. Morrow, third, time 3:58 .  Pacing:  F.A. Gibbons, first, time 3:33 ; A.B. Durfee, second, time 3:34 ; D.W. Dragoo, third, time 3:35 .  Ladies equestrian display: first, Mrs. F. Farmer; second, Mrs. Belle Bush. 

            Married on the 20^th, Jesse Stark to Miss Mary Proudfit.  On the 20^th, James H. Shackelford to Miss Ruth F.C. Wood.  On the 22^nd, David W. Murphy to Miss Julie A. Christian.  At Oregon , on the 24^th, Daniel Snyder, of Rock Port to Miss Eliza Blair, of Oregon . 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            The telegraph office is located in M.L. Lee’s store.  Frank Simons is operator. 

            Tally one for Judge Bertram.  It’s a girl, weight 10 pounds.

            Married, Oct. 14^th, A.B. Moats, of Atchison county to Miss Alice Rolston, of Menaha county, Neb.   On the 25^th, W.L. Johnson to Miss Christie Currie. 

 

 

Journal

Nov. 1, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, November 2, 1867)

            Buffaloes on the western plains are very plentiful 

            Prof. De Gette, late principal of the Hamburg High School , is instructing a class in penmanship here. 

            A dance was held in Hunter & Hurst’s new store. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            President Hayes issued this Thanksgiving proclamation. 

            Some one has the editor’s turkey – who is it? 

            John Wright, deputy collector, has a brand new barn. 

            What a pity it is that our town cannot afford a commodious town hall. 

 

 

Journal

Nov. 8, 1917

THIS WEEK IN THE PAST

FIFTY YEARS AGO

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, November 9, 1867)

            The Western Stage Co. has established a line between here and Brownville, running a coach daily. 

            While the young folks were enjoying the dance Thursday evening some villainous scamp threw cayenne pepper over the floor.  A reward of $200 was offered on the spot for the scoundrel and if found he would have been “induced” to try a cold water application of the back of Hill Sickler’s mill dam. 

            Prairie fires destroyed farm buildings in parts of Atchison county.

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            A sure cure for hog cholera is said to be feeding them turnips. 

            For sale a choice farm of 352 acres 5 miles east of Rock Port at $18 per acres.  All improvements.  (Note—This was the Marshall place near Tarkio.)

            J.P. McElroy was appointed Justice of the Peace for Lincoln township. 

 

THIRTY YEARS AGO

            The Council passed an ordinance prohibiting boys under 15 years of age from playing on the street after 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Journal

Nov. 22, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, November 23, 1867)

            Gen. Grant was mentioned for president by both parties. 

            Rev. Hight will hold divine services at the court house Sunday. 

            Wyatt & Crossley have sold their steam saw mill to Mathews and Hackett, who have a contract for 15 miles of rail road ties. 

            A New York traveling man called for buffalo meat at the Sheridan House in Kansas City , and was given roast pig.  He didn’t know the difference. 

            As no school directors have been elected for this district, Mr. Sherlock will open a subscription school. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            A severe earthquake shock was felt here last week. 

            G.L. Bischof has removed the fence from his field and will lay it off into town lots. 

            Judge James Hunter was married in St. Joseph to Mrs. Maria Deppen. 

            J.E. Peck is talking of organizing a gymnastic class at Walden Grove. 

            Those who stood below 80 in deportment at the High Creek school were:  Rosa White, Eva Brown, Minnie White, Sallie Stoner, Mollie Stoner, W. Barker, Grant Stoner, Geo. C. Barger, Elmer Barker and Luther Conrad. 

 

 

Journal

Nov. 29, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, November, 30, 1867)

            Milton is the name of a new town laid out at Van Gundy’s Mill, near the old Irish Grove post office. 

            The city council of Brownville , Nebr. , appropriated $1000 to send a commission to secure an appropriation of lands to build the Brownville, Ft. Kearney & Pacific railroad. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

                        Hez. Pinnell is selling harness for $22. 

            Meetings were held to consider the building of the Tarkio Valley railroad. 

            431 Indians, men, women and children, passed through Atchison county on the way to Ft. Leavenworth , to spend the winter. 

            About half a dozen Chicago banks failed. 

 

 

Journal

Dec. 6, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, December 7, 1867)

            Married, Nov. 24^th, by Isaac Sharp, J.P., Adam H. Good to Clara A. Marrow. 

            A debating society was formed last Friday, Capt. Wm. Blake was president and E.J. Sherlock secretary. 

            The Western Stage Company is having hard work to meet the demands of the traveling public. 

 

FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

            Horace Greeley died Monday. 

            Tootle’s new operate house in St. Joseph was completed today.  It will be opened next Monday with Maggie Mitchell in “Franchon, the Cricket.” 

            Married on Thursday, December 5^th, 1872 , at the M.E. Parsonage by Rev. F.H. Graham; Jonathan S. Zuck to Miss Ada Egbert. 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Chas. Thomas has nearly completed painting the McKillop residence. 

            Offices in the Court house have been undergoing much needed repairs. 

            A new depot is being built at Nishne Station.

 

 

Journal

Dc. 20, 1917

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, Saturday, December 21, 1867)

            At a later hour, Tuesday night the long frame building known as the John Fox house, just north of Bonne’s branch, was burned to the ground. 

            The report of Gen. Grant mentions the remarkable fact, that during the past year not less than 13,000 men have deserted from the army. 

            Wm. Kanches, assistant U.S. Assessor has been in Rock Port some days past looking after U.S. revenues. 

            Our old friend Don A. Colvin has just arrived from the land of “red Skins” looking hale and hearty.  His numerous friends will be glad to know that his scalp does not grace some Indian lodge. 

            We learn that the passenger trains now run from Council Bluffs to Hamburg , making connection at the latter place, with the Western Stage Company, 18 miles more will bring the steam engine puffing and blowing to Rock Port and – we’ll all take a ride. 

 

FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

            The starch factory, of St. Joseph turns out 20,000 lbs. of starch per day. 

            John B. Crandall, who drove the first stage over the mountains to Virginia City , was recently thrown from his box and killed. 

            The great railway bridge over the Missouri river , at St. Joseph will be completed May 1^st, 1873 . 

 

FORTY YEARS AGO

            Congress has taken a recess till January 15^th. 

            The California Legislature on Tuesday last week, elected J.T. Farley (democrat) U.S. Senator. 

            President Hayes and wife will celebrate their silver wedding on the evening of the 30^th inst.

            A special from Helena , Montana , gives warning that “Sitting Bull” is on the war path again. 

 

 

Journal

Jan. 31, 1918

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

(From The Atchison County Journal, February 1, 1868)

            There were 3,604 deaths in Cincinnati in 1867. 

            The new steel rails for the Hudson river railway cost $160 a ton, in gold. 

            The immigration to this county from Germany last year increased 10,000. 

            There is more lack of work and greater suffering among the poor people in our towns and cities this season than have been experienced since 1857. 

 

FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

            80,000 emigrants left Breman , Germany , last year for the U.S. and 60,000 left Hamburg . 

            Beautiful spring-like weather this. 

            Assessor Munn is preparing to move to town. 

            The Rock Port post-office is to be furnished with the government weather reports daily. 

            Rock Port markets – Butter, 20 cents; eggs, 20 cents; lard, 7 cents; bacon, 7 cents to 8 cents; corn, 12½  cents to 15 cents. 

 

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

            The grand opening ball of the new opera house will be remembered by many as one of the grandest social events ever attended. 

            Olin Bird has been appointed deputy treasurer and keeps his office in Spurlock’s drug store. 

            Missouri is sending acorns to Europe to improve her forests. 

            J. M. Sliger delivered his corn last week.