Gossip and other News Items

from the Newton Press

The Newton Press in Jasper County occasionally reported on the comings and goings of former Jasper residents who relocated to Olney, as well as other bits of information on Richland county residents.

These were all transcribed by ©Kim Torp over the years from 1998-2006, from original microfilm (often of poor quality, so it's always best to double-check original sources yourself).

Dates refer to the date of publication in the Newton Press - not the actual date of the incident.

Judge Allen, who as we have heretofore announced has decided to make Olney his future place of residence, arrived with the first installment of his household goods last Friday. His family will not be able to come for some days yet on account of sickness. Oct. 26, 1876

Mrs. Isaac Allison visited her daughter, Mrs. Frank St. John, in Olney, last week. Dec. 17, 1890

Mrs. Roy Anderson from Olney was in town visiting relatives. Ste. Marie February 22, 1888

Harrison A. Arterberry, who married Rosa Sweitzer in this city (Newton) last summer, was sent to the penitentiary from Richland county for three years for bigamy. Arterberry's first wife, who is living and from whom he had never been divorced, was Lovina Markwell. H.H. Powell, D.N. Deames and Rev. C.W. Sabine were witnesses. April 27, 1892

Mr. Bacharach, of Olney, and Mr. Heyman, agent of S. Sandfelder, Jr., wholesale jewler, of St. Louis, were in Newton on Tuesday last. Newton Press, May 4, 1876

Miss Florence Bail of Olney visited Miss Nelle Stanley, Saturday and Sunday. Jan. 20, 1920

Prof. O.J. Bainum (Barnum?) and family, of Olney, are the guests of S.C. Andrews and family. July 6, 1892

Mayor Berry "opened" 104 bottles of beer in front of the city hall Tuesday afternoon. That is, he dumped them in the street and let the "suds" flow into the sewer. The beer was confiscated in the raid made on Wm. Webber's place about a week ago. Olney Advocate reprinted in Ste. Marie Tribune - Friday, November 14, 1913

Dr. Bibbs (colored) of Richland county, received twelve votes for constable of Olney township, on the 3d inst. April 12, 1877

Henry Boden, who had his arm amputated a few weeks ago, is getting along finely, and no doubt is now entertained of his recovery. The Newton Press, Feb. 27, 1874

The friends of A.J. Britton, proprietor of the Farmers' store of this city, who failed recently, will be glad to learn that he has succeeded in making arrangements by which all of his creditors will be paid in full, and that he himself will have something left as a "nest egg." June 11, 1874

Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Broderick, of Falmouth, were (in Olney as) the guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Bliss last week. Newton Press, May 15, 1889

Mr. F.C. Carel, proprietor of the "Painted Barrels" grocery store, has returned from Hot Springs, Ark. Mr. Carel narrowly excaped being one of the victims of the robbery of the Hot Springs stage by highwayment, an account of which was published several weeks ago. The stage being full, Mr. Carel hired a private conveyance for himself and wife to the Springs, and was about a mile in advance of the stage when it was halted and its passengers robbed by the gents of the road. Newton Press, Feb 27, 1874

Mrs. Merritt Clark and son Roland were social callers in Olney, Thursday. August 20, 1926

Miss Cora Cooksey of Olney, visited Newton friends last week. August 17, 1892

According to Olney papers, R.C. Daubs, cashier of the Farmer's Bank at Calhoun, was short $8,600, and on discovery of the same was let out of his position by the directors. Daubs was a merchant at Hunt City two or 3 years ago. St. Marie Tribune, Friday, December 19, 1913

Miss Florence Davis of Olney, was the guest of Newton relatives over Sunday. April 16, 1890

Miss Mattie Davis, of Olney, is visiting her uncles Dr. J.H. and W.C. Maxwell and aunt, Mrs. John Banta, and their families [in Jasper County]. July 24, 1889

Dr. William Dickerson goes to Olney to live and will practice medicine with Dr. Thompson. May 18, 1892

Stringtown - Mr. and Mrs. Louis Doll were at Olney on Saturday. Ste Marie Tribune, November 21, 1913

Mr. Chas. L. Estes of Noble, brother-in-law of our friend, J.I. Wyckoff, is here (Newton) paying Mr. W. and lady a visit. We are informed that he will probably remain in Newton a month or two. June 25, 1874

Wm. M. Ekey, law partner of -- Canby, of Olney, paid our town a visit yesterday. Sept 13, 1877

Miss Neal Eidson, from Olney, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Spoon. Aug. 10, 1876

Geo. W. Fithian and Ben. F. Harrah attended court at Olney on Monday, and James W. Gibson, yesterday. November 16, 1887

"Heenan" Franklin, an Olney ex-pen. convict, got severely cut about the neck and shoulders at the railroad Friday night after the reunion. Oct. 8, 1890

Freeman & Tobias, who recently failed in Olney for $17,000, have settled with their creditors at 50 cents on the dollar. January 29, 1890

F.P. Gillespie, Richland county's ex-treasurer, has deeded his property in trust to a friend to secure his bondsmen if proven short. July 29, 1891

Stringtown - Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ginder are receiving congratulations on the arrival of a little son. Ste Marie Tribune, November 21, 1913

Misses Laura and Loura Grey, of Olney, visited Miss Mollie Johnson from Saturday until today. August 17, 1892

Miss Kate Greis visited Newton friends while enroute from Decatur to her home at Olney. August 17, 1892

Charles Hale, under an indictment for assault to murder, plead guilty to a simple assault in the Richland county circuit court and was fined $25. November 16, 1887

Mr. Hanna, formerly of the Olney Times, associated with his son, has taken charge of the Mt. Carmel Democrat, and we learn that they have purchased new material and intend to improve the same. They thoroughly understand the newspaper business, and we predict that the Democrat will be a success under their management. June 11, 1874

Messrs. Harrel, Slanker, Faust and others came up from Olney on Wednesday, and are having "large quantities" of fun fishing with Cochennour. May 4, 1876

Mrs. Emily Hesler and daughter, Miss Elva, of West Liberty, while on their way to attend the funeral of Joseph Blanchard, in Claremont township, last Sunday, were thrown out of a buggy, near the residence of Thomas Leaf, and severely bruised. Miss Hesler had an arm dislocated which was replaced by Dr. Rice of West Liberty. Nov. 23, 1892

John Hesler has sold his land north of town just across the river and bought a farm in Richland county. Feb. 17, 1892

John Hesler has bought a farm of 100 acres near Noble. August 10, 1892

John Howell, the skillful manipulator of the scissors and razor, rusticated in the quiet village of Olney, away from the cares of business a couple of days this week. August 10, 1887

NEW! Olney Advocate (quoted in the Newton Press on April 20, 1887): Mrs. Ivy, wife of Henry Ivy, who was senteced to the penitentiary for the killing of MIke Timlin, is circulating a pentiton which prays the pardon of her husband on account of failing health.

Jack Johnson, Fred Spring and Henry Sands, of Olney, came up to Newton last Tuesday morning to try the efficacy of club skates on our "Ambraw" ice. Dec. 7, 1876

Capt. C.D. Kendall, wife and daughter Mae attended the silver wedding of Rev. N.B. Cooksey and wife at Olney, Monday. Newton Press, Dec. 28, 1892

A. Lent's grain house in Sumner was burned on Thursday night a week ago. About 2,500 bushels of wheat, on which there was no insurance, belonging to the farmers of that vicinity, who had stored it waiting for a rise in the market, was destroyed. Lent lost about 300 bushels, which is covered by insurance. Newton Press, February 27, 1874

Judge John Lynch of Olney had one of his legs broken, Friday morning, while moving a wagon on his farm in the country. Judge Lynch has many friends in Jasper county and all of them will regret to hear of his being injured. He recently delivered an address before the Farmers Institute at Newton. St. Marie Tribune, Friday, December 19, 1913

Cecil McKinley of Olney was here last week, looking after his property in Newton. Sept. 14, 1926

Miss Myrtle Moschell of Olney is spending the week-end with Mrs. Elizabeth Franke of Newton. July 30, 1926

Miss Belle Nigh attended the funeral of her cousin, Mrs. Jack Johnson, at Olney, Saturday. April 27, 1892

The Darling mansion, the finest residence in Olney, burned down one night last week. It was the property of Mrs. W.T. Lampton and valued at $20,000, fully insured. Feb. 15, 1888

Elisha Marvel, aged 86 and a resident of Noble Tp., was a soldier in the war of 1811 (sic) against the Indians. He assisted and was one of a detail that worked upon a fortification, consisting of a log house, erected upon the bank of the little Bonpas on the road from Round Prairie to Albion. The site is in what is now the northwest part of Wabash county, as far as can be learned. Mr. Marvel is the only one living of some sixty of the detail. Oct. 26, 1876

Miss Kate Mason, of Olney, is the guest of Miss Ora Chittenden. July 24, 1889

Miss Ruth Mason, of Olney, is the guest of her friend, Miss Ora Chittenden. Sept. 17, 1890

Miss Fannie Mathews, of Olney, who has been the guest of Miss Laura Bliss for several days, returned home Monday. July 10, 1889

William Mattoon and Joseph Winans, of Olney, were in the city [Newton] yesterday. Dec. 14, 1887

John McClure went to Olney last week to attend the funeral of his brother in law, Samuel Coventry. Nov. 19, 1890

McQuillon -- change of venue from Richland county -- two indictments -- acquitted on first charge -- decision not rendered in second. Dec. 7, 1876

L.W. Mitchell, postmaster at Noble and chairman of the Richland county Republican central committee, is under a $700 bond for loaning postal funds. Apr. 1, 1891

H.G. Morris and C.A. Hinman, of Olney, were taken to Springfield last week and tried for violating the pension law in receiving too large a fee. Both were discharged. July 15, 1891

Mrs. David Murry of Olney, is visiting her father, Jacob Cunefore, this week. Sept. 5, 1888

Mrs. Jane Murry and Mrs. Alice Cheek, the former from Decatur and the latter from Olney, Ill., were called to the bed side of their sister, Nellie Cunnefore, last week. Aug. 12, 1891

Wm. A. Nee was relieved of his watch last Saturday morning, by some unknown person. July 9, 1874

J.D. Nelson of Richland county, was awarded a diploma at the Paris World's Exposition for the finest exhibit of corn in Illinois. January 29, 1890

Wm. Newstetter, an ex-citizen of Newton, is in jail at Olney for stealing a watch, with good prospects of doing time for the state. Wm. is indebted to this office a small amount which if the state desires we will let him work out on the rock pile. While here his time was always too valuable to waste on small matters like paying his debts. November 9, 1887

Wm. Newstetter pleaded guilty to forgery and was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary, going up from Richland county. November 23, 1887

Mr. Gilbert Nigh, of Olney, is stopping with his brother, Fuller Nigh, of this place (Newton). July 2, 1874

Ralph Leon, little son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Parr of Olney, is highly blessed with respected grand and great-grand-parents of this vicinity [Newton]. The grand-parents are Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Parr and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Harrison, and the great-grand-parents on the mother's side are Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Isley and Mr. and Mrs. Payton Harrison. May the little lad live an honor of his ancestors. May 3, 1927

Frank Powers and his two sons, of Olney, and Mr. -- (sic) Powers of Florida, dined at the Litzelmann, Tuesday evening last. Newton Weekly Press, July 6, 1876

Last Thursday evening, Miss Mattie Powers was seriously injured while coasting with a party of young friends on the Compton hill, north of the Catholic cemetery. Immediately after the accident she was conveyed to her home and an examination of her injuries by Drs. Foster & Watkins showed that her spine and lower limbs were badly bruised. She has been confined to her bed ever since and it will be several weeks before she will be able to be about. Original source: Olney Republican, quoted by the Newton Press, Feb. 3, 1892

Mrs. Phoebe Preston has been granted a pension which will carry with it nearly or quite $3,000 of arreage. She is the widow of the late Judge Finney D. Preston of Olney who died at the Soldiers' Home in Quincy a year or two ago. July 8, 1891

Mrs. E.E. Prichard, who spent four months with relatives at Olney, Newton and in Indiana, where she visited her mother, returned to Fairfield Saturday. Wednesday, August 3, 1892

A five-year-old son of D.W. Quinby near Sumner, was kicked by a horse in the forehead, fracturing the skull, last Friday. Dr. Hundley, of Olney, and Dr. French, of Sumner, was called in and they removed a large part of the skull in the forehead. It is the first case of successful trephining the skull that has ever occurred in Richland and adjoining counties. At present writing, the boy is doing well. - Olney Times. Dr. Maxwell, of this city [Newton] has made the above named operation successfully in this and adjoining counties four times. Newton Press, Aug. 6, 1890

Oscar Ratcliff is one among the afflicated who is not forgotten by the busy world. He has been sick over two years. One year ago the 12th of this month, he was compelled to take to his bed and, excepting a few hours one day, has been unable to leave it. His trouble is in the heart and lungs, and arises from being crushed between two cars in a railway accident. The injury baffles the studied skill of Olney's best physicians. Owing to his perfectly healthy condition in all respects except the above named injuries, Oscar's friends still have hope of his convalescense. January 29, 1890

Henry Sandes, of Olney, Captain Cochennour, and several parties from a distance caught some very fine specimens of the finny tribe out of the river at this place, during the first of the week. May 18, 1876

Prof. R.P. Schifferstein, of Olney, was in the city (Effingham) from Monday until yesterday visiting relatives. Mr. Schifferstein is one of the finest piano and organ instructors in southern Illinois, teaching the conservatory course. He contemplates organizing a class in this city after he completes the year at Olney in June. Original source: Effingham Republican. Quoted in the Newton Press on June 5, 1889

Stringtown - - Jacob Scholmer and family have moved to Vincennes. Ste Marie Tribune, November 21, 1913

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stark and children of Olney, spent Wednesday here with Mrs. Stark's father, Theodore Hahan.

Milt Shorb, who has been handling the express on the L & I.S. for several months, returned to Olney Tuesday. Original Source: Olney Advocate, quoted in the Newton Press October 9, 1889

Mrs. H.I. Stark and Mrs. Bertha Litzelmann were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Litzelmann of Olney, Friday and Saturday of last week. Jan. 20, 1920

Messrs. C.B. Stites, L.H. Keach and Harry Gosnell were business callers at Olney Friday. April 10, 1917

Last Monday afternoon, a little 8 year old son of Mat. St. John, in company with several of his schoolmates, was swinging on the barn-door at his home, when the hinges gave away and the door fell on him and broke his leg. Dr. Ridgway put on the splints and he will soon be out ready for another swing. June 11, 1874

The stables of H. Studer and A.L. ?-. R. Byers, in Olney, burned on the first of the week. Mr. Studer's loss will probably reach $700, and that of the Messrs. Byers to something near $3,000 - they having lost eight valuable mules. No insurance. Newton Press, Feb. 11, 1875

Mrs. Irve Turner, who has been visiting friends in Olney, returned to her home at Newton, last Saturday. Dec. 23, 1891

John Von Allman, collector of Olney township, Richland county, is short $1,450. His bondsmen put up the cash to square him on the books. Apr. 1, 1891

James Watts, of Newton, was among his many friends in this place the past few days.
[Original source: "Noble Farmer", quoted by the Newton Press Feb. 10, 1892]

The Olney papers speak of the marriage ceremony which united Christian Wilhour and Rosetta Zerkel as having been performed in Preston township, Richland county. As this couple obtained their license in Newton we would advise them, if they haven't, to don't; and either to get new license in Richland county and be married there, or have the ceremony reperformed in Jasper county. February 5, 1890

R.B. Witcher has been appointed master in chancery of Richland county. A good appointment. Nov. 16, 1887

Former Jasper County-ites living in Olney in December 1887:

Henry Arehart is keeping a livery stable.

Jolin G. Bliss is a clerk in a leather store.

Thomas Brassie is Richland county's present treasurer.

John C. Brockman, once county treasurer of Jasper county, is a wine merchant. He also assigned for the benefit of creditors, but is not now believed to be in need of charity.

Alex Burford, a graduate of this office, is one of the proprietors of that newsy democratic paper, the Olney Advocate.

Frank P. Gillespie served two terms as county treasurer of Richland county, and is now Brassie's deputy.

John Griess is a wagonmaker.

Addison Harris, who once owned several hundred acres of land in Crooked Creek & established the Rose Hill postoffice, and was for twenty years a leading citizen of Jasper county, in his old age finds himself almost penniless. He is a good old man and may his remaining days be cast in pleasant places.

Will Harris is a roustabout.

John P. Heap is practicing law and thinks Blaine and Foraker the strongest team that the republicans can trot out. We doubt whether he even hopes to see them elected if nominated, against Grover C. and any good running mate.

H. L. Ince is a miller.

Gabriel Jones is a blacksmith and his son Frank has a wide reputation among turfmen as a horseshoer.

James R. Jones is a laborer.

John P. Madden is a farmer and worth considerable money.

John G. Mattingly, a pioneer merchant of Newton, is in the livery business.

David Murray farms.

Joseph Roberts is a sort of general utility man, who sells buggies, auctioneers goods etc.

David Scott, served two terms as mayor there; made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors about a year ago. He does not stand in any immediate danger of the poor house. Mr. Scott was a merchant in Newton antedating the war.

Theodore Schifferstein is one of the police magistrates.

Amlrose Schneider is a well doing business man.

Robert Sims teams.

Wm. Tooley is a machine agent.

Joseph Wimans is a thriving merchant.

Stringtown - From the Olney Advocate: December 12, 1913

..John Ginder and Mrs. F.A. Ginder are sick.
..Mrs. Louis Doll is visiting her parents at Madison, Ind.
..The condition of Frank Copper has improved since last week.
..A little baby girl has arrived at the home of Frank Zwilling.
..Peter Blank made a call at Claremont last Thursday evening.
..Martin Roth and wife and Mrs. Philip Hahn have returned from Iowa.
..Benedict Zuber died Wednesday evening after a lingering illness of several years. Burial took place Saturday morning at St. Joseph's cemetery.

Stringtown (Olney Advocate) Ste. Marie Tribune, Friday, December 19, 1913:

Luella Ginder returned home from her trip to Huma and other places in "Egypt".
Severin Zuber and sisters misses Emma and Serena, have gone to Oconee, Ill.
Joseph Ginder came home from Iowa on account of the illness of his father, John Ginder.
Alfred Zuber called on his parents last Friday afternoon. Alfred reports the arrival of a strong boy.
F.A. Ginder and Chas. Spitz brought a part of Henry Drewes' things from Wendelin. Mr. Drewes intends to move to Stringtown this week.

The Men's Society of St. Joseph's parish elected the following officers for the year 1914: Pres., Anton Roth; Vic Pres., Anton Ochs; Sec., Jos. Kapper; Trea., John Brookfield. Ste. Marie Tribune, Friday, December 19, 1913

Ste. Marie Tribune, Friday, January 9, 1914:

Stringtown From Olney Advocate

Tony Holzer is back from Iowa.

Alois Kapper returned from Earlville, Ill.

John Sellor's children are recovering from pneumonia

Antonn Roth, jr. is reported as having put in the Olney telephone.

Wm. Sitz and family, of Earlville, are visiting Mrs. Mary Spitz.

Ida Ginder came home from St. Mary's of the Woods, Ind., to spend Christmas.

Mrs. Flora Burkhart of Indiana is visting her parents, Mr. And Mrs. John Ginder.

John Ginder is able to be up most of the time, although he can not venture outdoors as yet.

One of the children of Leas Ochs is reported sick.

Wm. Copper drove to Ste. Marie about the middle of last week.

Dr. Trotter, of Dundas, made several calls in our neighborhood during the last week.

Emerentia Veronica, the one year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Seiler, died Thursday morning; burial took place at St. Joseph's cemetery Friday morning. Two other children of Mr. Siiler (sic), Matilda and Lawrence, are at present down with pneumonia.

Mayor Berry "opened" 104 bottles of beer in front of the city hall Tuesday afternoon. That is, he dumped them in the street and let the "suds" flow into the sewer. The beer was confiscated in the raid made on Wm. Webber's place about a week ago. Olney Advocate. [Ste. Marie Tribune - Friday, November 14, 1913]


NEW!
RUN AWAY BOYS
The Daily Review (Decatur, Illinois) August 24 1899
Police Pick up three from the Soldiers Orphan Home
Otto Webb, aged 11, George H. Colgrove, age 11 and Claude W. Oliver, age 12, the first two from Toledo, Illinois and the last from Olney, were picked up on the Levee last night by Office Tom Richardson and brought to headquarters. The boys said they had run away from the Soldiers' Orphans' home at Normal and were going to their homes. The officers are at a loss to know what do to with the boys, as the home officers do not come after runaway boys, especially during vacation. The boys were given beds at the station and may be turned out today.


Wm. Weber of Olney was arrested last Monday on complaint of City Attorney Lewis, charging him with boot legging. Weber on his second arrest surrendered his government license to the City Attorney. Some time ago the officiers raided his rooms and found a quantity of whiskey and beer. He was arrested and convicted by a jury. Weber appealed to the county court and when the trial was called, a telegram was handed him announcing the serious illness of his father, and the case was continued on this account. The Sainte Marie Tribune, Friday, Jan. 30, 1914

James I. Richey, of Olney has been appointed deputy by U.S. Marshal W.B. Brinton. The salary is said to be from $2,000 to $3,000 a year. [July 12, 1893]

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