From Former Sons and Daughters of

January 15, 1915

To the Friends who read the Press:

I can hardly wait for the wanderers edition of the Press, to see how many of the voluntary exiles from old Lawrence County have availed themselves of our editors kindly privilege. Our lot has been only that of average people and our paths far from a rose strewn one, in the eight years since we left old Beulah neighborhood to make a home for ourselves, verily strangers in a strange land, in northeastern Arkansas.

Like most farmers, we have had lean years as well as fat ones, calamities (or seeming ones) as well as successes, but through it all, we have had splendid health, and although we have many times suffered from attacks of plain homesickness for the dear friends and scenes of other days yet we are much more in love with our Arkansas home.

Six years ago we added a little Arkansan to our family, making seven youngsters over whom we alternately worry and rejoice after the age- husky(the word he used was lusty do we want to use it) old manner of parents.

In speaking of the good health we have had since coming here, I barred accidents for they are liable to happen anywhere. One of my twin sons, Clark Allen was terribly injured in a timber accident near Manila, Arkansas last August. A flying limb crushed from an immense tree in falling struck him in such a manner as to leave nine fractures and dislocations.

For over a fortnight the balance hung poised between life and death, but we feel that the Heavenly Father has indeed been merciful towards us, for the brave young face that smiled back at us from the hospital pillows, on our visits there during that weary weeks that followed, now last down at us from a height of six foot two, as he makes his way slowly through the familiar rooms, as we were allowed to bring him home January 5, nearly 5 months after the accident.

Financial conditions here are much depressed, as reports seem to indicate them elsewhere. Perhaps they are worse here owing to the panic caused by the depreciation of prices on cotton, the staple and in many instances the only crop raised by the Southern planter. But few residents of the North can comprehend how financial matters in the South are dependent on the cotton crop as it is taking years of residents here to even get an inkling of it. It only affects us personally in marketing other crops for this is the greatest section on earth for diversified farming and we grow very little cotton.

Mrs. S. M. Correll’s card of thanks in a late edition of the Press brought back a rush of memories, centering around old Chauncey, for Aunt Sarah as we always loved to call her, was our Sunday school teacher for several years, and it may gratify her to know that her laborers have borne fruit and that another generation is receiving the benefit of the truth she labored so hard to instill.

To her and to all the other friends of those days and since, whether in Illinois or far away, we send kind greetings and as a parting word, the course of our state song:

Come and see us neighbor, come along,

We’ll be there to greet you one and all

Tis the finest country found,

And we'll show you all around,

At our happy little home in Arkansas.
Mrs. Amy Weaver Richey

January 28, 1915

Dear Sumner Press:

I am glad to join this homecoming.

I was born in Gibson County Indiana and lived eight years in my native state. I lived 30 years at Chauncey and 20 years in other parts of Illinois, 16 years in Marion County. For 18 months I have been doing fieldwork. I have been preaching 26 years.

I am 58 years of age and was never stronger than now. My wife Clara Correll has been the best of companions for about 31 years. We have six children Gus, Wilford, Mary, Paul, Jenny and James. Gus lives in Chicago, the rest are at home in Eureka Illinois.

My heart often turns to friends in old Lawrence County.

J. F. Rosborough

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Hardinville, Illinois

January 23, 1915

Editor of Sumner Press:

As you want to hear from Lawrence County people, I will say that I was a resident of Lawrence County 3 1/2 years. I lived on the J. F. Rosborough farm, one half miles south of Chauncey. I spent my early married life there. I will say that I had the best neighbors there I ever had in my life. I want to say that David Watts was like a father to me and brother J. N. Carlisle. I shall never forget his good advice, which he gave me, for I was a boy 20 years old then and needed good advice. It was at Chauncey Christian where I gave my heart to Christ 20 years ago. All I have to regret is that I did not enlist earlier in life.

I wish I could meet with the people of Chauncey and worship with them. I want to tell them all where I live, Hardinville, Illinois. I run a livery barn and farm some. I keep five horses and an automobile. I live in my own property. I have five children, four boys and one girl. I have a pair of Twins four years old last August. The girl can play the piano. She can play 15 or 20 pieces by ear. She can go to church and hear a song and income right home and play it.

I will say to all of my old friends and neighbors that I would like to see them and talk of days gone by. I will close by saying I hope this issue will be a success and that the editor has my best wishes for success.

Respectfully,

W. H. Rosborough

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James Franklin Rosborough was born on January 5, 1857 to Greene Berry and Elizabeth "Betsy" Manesa (nee Carter) Rosborough. On march 9, 1884 in Lawrence County he was united n marriage to Clara Maria Correll. Daughter of Charles Fredrick and Sarah (nee Creter) Corrall. The following children were born to this union: Otis Augustus (b. Aug. 1886); Wilford Hall (b. Sep. 1890); Mary R. (b. Apr. 1893); Paul A. (b. Aug. 1900); Jean Alice (b. Nov. 1901); James M. (b. Nov. 1906). James died February 21, 1939 Clara died in 1955. They were laid to rest in the Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois

James also wrote a letter in 1916.

(William Henry Rosborough)

William H. Rosborough was born on July 25, 1871 and died May 1, 1921. He was married first to Martha J Utterback. He was then married to Carrie Lovilla McCarty and to this union were born the five children mentioned in his letter, Clyde, Floyd, Savilla, Alice and George.

William and Carrie are buried in the Hardinville Cemetery.

William S. Sanford was born in Mt. Carmel on October 25, 1882 to Elisha and Mary (nee Preston) Sanford. He was married to Olive “Ollie” Caroline Foss Ollie was born April 23, 1875 in Sumner to John and Nancy Foss. To this union the following children were reported in the census records: Raymond C. (b. abt. 1907); Noble D. (b. abt. 1911). Ollie died January 30, 1941. William died on December 24, 1959 and according to William’s death certificate he was married to Gaile Sanford at the time of his death. William and Ollie are interred in the Oak Grove mausoleum, St. Louis County, Missouri.

W.S. Sanford wrote a letter in 1916, 1918, and 1919. In his Feb 4, 1919 letter his address is 242 North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee, Il. He states that he is "Assistant Principal at Brown's Business college, Kankakee, Ill. It is a banner year with this college. We have had to increase our floor space twice this year. We are now occupying seven rooms on the third floor of the Arcade Building."

William purchased the Brown Business College in 1920 and renamed it the Sanford-Brown Business College. In 1944 he sold the college. The Sanford-Brown name dates back to 1866 when Rufus C. Crampton, a professor at Illinois College, established a school to meet the demands of post-Civil War America. Today, there are over 30 private colleges and schools bearing the name Sanford-Brown across the United States.

January 25, 1915

L. M. Wood:

Since leaving Lawrence County, I attended the Central Normal College, Danville Indiana. After graduating from the Teacher's Commercial, Scientific and Law Courses I begin teaching in Crawford County. After teaching there two years, I was called to teach at Union Christian College, Merom Indiana. After teaching about two months I was elected Secretary of the Faculty, which position I still hold.

Mrs. Sanford has had charge of the Shorthand and Typewriting Department for the past four years.

The Union Christian College was founded in 1859. It is situated in the south part of Merom, and 27 acre campus, surrounded by a nice hedge fence. It contains the college building, ladies dormitory, presidents home, baseball and football grounds, lawn tennis courts and many beautiful shade trees.

Merom is quite a little college town, situated on the banks of the Wabash, where the great Merom Bluff Chautauqua is held every year. Besides the College and Chautauqua town is quite a business place for its size, owing to the fertile agricultural territory which surrounds it. Some of this latest improvements: 1st, the Merom State Bank, in which the writer is a director, second the construction of the Tishomingo Tie and Stone Companies plant which will cost between $80,000 and $100,000 when completed. The company hopes to have the plant completed and manufacturing its products in the next few months.

I have been a reader of the Sumner Press for about the past 10 years and look forward to its visits each week. It is like receiving a letter from a friend who tells all the news from the territory. I appreciate hearing from.

Yours very truly,

W. S. Sanford

Once owned by William Sanford

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January 10, 1915

Editor Press:

In answer to your public request for letters, from former Lawrence County residents. Ever willing to help boost, (the all home print). No doubt California has enticed more than her share of former home folks, to the land of sunshine and flowers. Many may respond to your request, but as there will be few from the desert country, will endeavor to confine my few words to the near surroundings of this little town which has been my home for several years.

Vegetation and water are the scarce commodities. Of the first, greasewood is our all, with exceptions of a few months in the spring when we get abundance of wild flowers of a variety which requires very little moisture, but nevertheless beautiful. Our nearest water is 1900 feet, straight down; this is composed largely of salt and unsuited for any purpose.

Our water supply being hauled here in solid trains of tank cars, each having capacity of over 10,000 gallons. Distributed through a city water system, at $.65 per thousand gallons.

This little town is the outlet for the Death Valley country. Death Valley proper, with its vast deposits of borax, salt, etc. has become easily accessible to all by the building of a railroad directly into the Valley. This road was completed November 15, 1914. The road was built for the purpose of handling the borax mined by the original 20 Mule Team Borax Company, every housekeeper being acquainted with the said 20 Mule Team Borax.

The mines produce an average of 1500 tons of borax monthly, shipped to Bayonne, New Jersey, where the product is refined.

The question asked by everyone upon first arriving here, is how do you live, what do you do, how can anyone stay in such places?

We live on the best that California produces, which is the best in the world. Our transportation facilities are of the best. 12 hours from the best markets in the world.

Everyone here has his work or business. Plenty of work and our businessmen are all prosperous. Transportation and mining include the occupation and business of all.

With no exceptions, in proven in instances, anyone spending as many as two years on the desert, finds no place that fills their life as does the land of sand, mountains and heat. (Yes and fleas too.)

A few words to the home folks. Of course you are all coming to California this year. Under ordinary conditions it is the sightseers delight. This year they offer two world’s attractions. The Panama, California exposition, open the entire year at San Diego, California. The World's Fair of San Francisco, California opens February 1 and will run the balance of the year. The choice of many routes will be available. The Santa Fe offers the most attractions. Visit the Grand Canyon at Arizona sure, and the petrified forests if possible. Stop over at Los Angeles, if you can by force, get away a few weeks later, taken daily boat to San Diego. After five hours on Miss Pacific, you will know if you care to go by water to San Francisco. Don't believe all that they tell you about the sea sickness, it's worse than they say.

Nine years after the devastating 1906 earthquake, San Francisco celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal with its World Fair. Among the highlights was an actual Ford assembly line that turned out one car every 10 min., the Liberty Bell was displayed, Alexander Graham Bell made the first transcontinental call, and Thomas Edison displayed a storage battery.

(continued)

(F. M. Shick)

Francis Marion Shick was born November 10, 1845 in Lawrence County to John V. and Elizabeth (nee Mann) Shick. He was a Civil War veteran serving in the 61 Illinois Infantry. In 1883 he was united in marriage to Margaret Sarah Porter. Margaret was born in England on May 27, 1863. To this union census records indicate the following children were born: Hugh B. (b. Sep. 1885); Sarah E. (b. Dec. 1886); Lynn T. (b. Dec. 1891). Francis died January 6, 1923 and Margaret died March 30, 1943.

Alvin, Texas.

In 1916 Francis wrote the following letter:

January 18, 1916

Editor Sumner Press:

I have been water bound in Texas forty-two years. I have seen it in its many phases, from the days of reconstruction to date.

To write personal experience in these years of progression would require several sections of an article.

The death of my brother Peter, on the 13th has a very depressing effect on my reminiscent mood. For this reason I beg the editor, my relatives and friends in good old Lukin Township to remember I still hold you all in memory and the place of my birth in reverence.

Yours truly,

F. M. Shick

No law, no protection, gambling in all its many faces. Boys, you have read about faro, keno, blackjack, monte and bullfights, here's one of the few places in the world they can now be found running wide open. Take a tip and leave all but $.15 and bus fare with the hotel clerk before starting.

Your destination will be the World Fair at San Francisco, we will meet you there and assist you in seeing the world, as well as borrowing a few dollars you have earned skinning (unreadable), chasing mother’s chickens and driving the fat stock to Mr. Brian’s stockyards, which occupation we spent our youthful days in doing.

Taking this opportunity of wishing all my old friends and neighbors a belated, happy and successful new year.

J. L. Sheraden

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Alvin, Texas

January 11, 1915

Editor Press:

I have received a number of copies of the Press with the article "Special Edition" marked, a request very patriotic native who has strayed away should heed. But where to begin is a conundrum. Nothing could be more pleasant than to recount the youthful escapades or boyish imprudence and tricks of sixty years ago. The corresponding youth of today lives in a different social sphere and perhaps would not understand the rollicking sport of the historic past.

I was born in Lukin Township November 10, 1845. I can remember when the deer and turkey came with gun and shot reach of your log cabin. The farm was then very small. I remember the preliminary survey of our Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. Are near neighbor were Uncle Tommy Jones and Bennie Jones-my first playmate. Then Joshua Musgrove and John McGuire. Others came later. There was much sport for young and old hunting various wild animals. Time brought together youngsters to start a school. I attended at various places; first at Jim French's place, Professor Dunbar, teacher; then at or near Lono Turners and Ned Heath all old log cabins. A new log house was built in front of Uncle George Shicks home, Eli Bunn and Bill Provines were the big boys. I got a broken leg as a part of the sport. Later our school was changed to the Brian school house, where the boys locked the teacher out to make him treat. Later the district was reorganized and a new log house built (with window shutters, thank you" at Northwest corner of Uncle Alex Fiscus’ farm, where I graduated in 1863. To feel the incidence to go that date would feel the whole paper. There is enough laugh and 19 years behind 1863 teacher every pulmonary case in the whole free state of Lukin. 51 years have passed since my memorable graduation day in 1863, abrupt and without valedictory.

Since then my visits have been very few to my old home. For 41 years I have been closely identified with Texas, teaching school the first three years and then the next 20 in harvesting machine trade then returned by choice to the farm, where I have continued to date

I must mention my cousin, Mrs. Malissa Fiscus and Comrade Arce, and ask all those not mention to consider themselves as well remembered. I think most gratefully of their kind attentions, and accept my assurance I never spent happier hours than those with them last August. To my brother, P. W. Shick, I delegate the commission of conveying my comply note to those I failed to meet (unreadable)

Yours very truly

F. M. Shick

Cincinnati, Ohio

January 15, 1915

Publishers Press:

I am glad to have the opportunity to write a letter to the columns of your paper, as it has been several years since I left old Lawrence County, and a very good way to let some of your friends know where you reside, otherwise they would not. I was reared in Lukin Township, five miles south of your town, on the Sumner and Lancaster Road, brought up on the farm, and natural clod-hopper, which I think due credit should be allowed to anybody that has had the opportunity and experience of an outdoor farm life.

I was appointed to the government in November 1905, and I realize the fact that Uncle Sam has a mighty safe payroll to sign during this somewhat uneventful state of conditions. We came to Norwood seven years ago, and have since lived here.Norwood is a beautiful suburb of Cincinnati, a 30,000 population, has her own municipal water, electric and gas plants, and especially noted for her artesian water, which is recommended by doctors for anybody that has ailments. I have a very interesting family, a wife, of course, a boy and a girl, especially interesting, when it comes to fitting them up financially, as the girl, just past six, has already asked me when I was going to get her an automobile that she preferred a Ford.

You are entitled too much credit for getting up an edition of this kind, and the life that is being put in the old town.

Wishing you a prosperous year, I am,

Yours very truly,

Ralph O. Shick

Norwood Station

(continued)

The Shick family was living in Alvin, Texas during the September 8, 1900 hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas, 30 miles from Alvin. Death toll estimates were 6000-12000 people, considered the greatest natural disaster to ever strike the United States. In a September 1900 edition of the Sumner Press a request was made for the Shick family as “they would appreciate anything in their condition.”

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(Ralph O. Shick)

Ralph O is the son of Peter W. and Jane Whittmer Shick. He is also the brother of Ellis O. another Pink Letter writer. Both Ralph and Ellis are the nephews of letter writers Francis M., and David L. Schick.

Mrs. R. O. Shick also wrote a letter that year, in which she stated that they had lived in Cincinnati almost seven years, but actually were forty minutes by street car from the main city area. Her daughter was almost 6 and her baby boy was seven months old. The girl was in kindergarten in the winter.

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Virgil Joseph Simms was born December 8, 1891 and died in February 1979.

Virgil Wrote a letter in 1917 ( see 1917 Section) and in 1919 Virgil again wrote:

“I was born and grew to manhood on a farm five miles southeast Sumner. My parents were W. H . and Anna Simms. I attended the central school at Franklin from the ages 8 to 15. I would not go to school when younger. The next year I attended school in Sumner and the next year I attended the Normal school at Normal, Illinois. The next four years I taught school and attended spring terms at the Normal school. I returned and married my old-school mate, Hazel Price, daughter of J. W. A. and Louella Price whom I had been taking buggy rides and sampling her cooking for four years. We moved out here the following spring to make our home. We proved up on the homestead over a year ago. My brother, Ed, whose ranch joins ours has moved to his store at Lovejoy eight miles north.”

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(Isaac Slichenmeyer)

Isaac Slichenmyer was born in September 1848 to John and Sarah (nee Steffy) Slichenmeyer. Isaac married his first wife Emma in 1880. His Second wife was Alice.

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January 14, 1915

Dear Editor and Friends:

It has been almost one year since I left Sumner, for the cold and desolate north or that is the description a great many people give this country, who have never been here, but I had failed to find it that way. I had been intending to write a long letter to the Press, describing this country and climate to the best of my ability. But as this is to be a personal letter I will write the descriptive one sometime in the future.

I live my 320 acre homestead 17 1/2 miles north of Malta, but on account of the hill and between my place and town the distance is somewhat greater.

My brother, W. E. has an adjoining claim, also the Stine boys, of Sumner.

Through February and March I dug a basement and built a house. W. E. arrived with our immigrant car April 1. We had a long tiresome task moving out here since then we have worked together.

My neighbors and I have 920 acres all in one field and expect to add another 320 acres next summer making 1260 acres surrounded by one fence. This is where we range our horses and cattle during the winter.

The improvements in my claim consists of a house, barn, hen house, claim all fenced and forty acres broke.

My wife who was formerly Hazel Price is well pleased with the country.

Identification and location: Virgil J. Simms, former schoolteacher of Lawrence County, son of William Simms, living 5 1/2 miles southeast of Sumner.

Virgil J. Simms

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Noble, Illinois

January 22, 1915

To the Sumner Press:

As I was a resident of Lawrence County at one time, I will write a few lines. I moved there 21 years ago this month in the southwest part of Lukin township, on my brother, Jacob Slichenmeyer’s farm, and lived four years on that place, in as good a neighborhood as one would wish to live in. Since that time there has been quite a change. Some have gone to their reward, and others moved away, till it don't seem like the same place. At that time Sumner was our main trading place. When we left Lawrence County we moved to our farm four miles southwest of Olney. Three years later my wife died and after six long lonesome years, as it was not intended that man should live alone I found a better half and am enjoying life fairly well for a man of 66 years. I now live on, half mile west of Noble on the Lincoln Trail, where I milk Jersey cows and patronize the creamery and raise white hogs. Wishing all a prosperous year.

Respectfully,

Isaac Slichenmeyer

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January 9, 1915

Mr. Editor: Illinois

Dear Sir:

I came to Danville 13 years ago, worked at three different positions before I got on the Danville Street Railway, as a conductor, worked for seven years, or until December 16, 1910, when I accepted a position as a brakeman for the Illinois Traction System, worked as brakeman for 4 1/2 months and promoted to conductor, which position I still hold.

I run over four different divisions, the longest run is from Danville to Springfield, a distance of 125 miles, the round-trip being made in 10 hours and 20 minutes.

I was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Brewer, September 18, 1907, and to us on February 7th, 1913, was born a little daughter. We named her Doris May; she departed this life October 11, 1913, cause of death, pneumonia.

I would like a copy of your paper, for which I am writing, sent to me at my expense. Thanking you in advance for the favor and wishing my old friends and acquaintances a prosperous and happy year, I am, and old Sumner boy.

Glenn P. Smalley

10 Columbus Street

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Front: Jessie, Benjamin, Lucinda, Glenn

Rear: Ira, Will, Ella, Mary

Danville, Illinois

January 8, 1915

Editor of the Sumner Press: Sumner Illinois

Dear Sir:

I am located at Danville, Illinois, and married, have one boy eight years old. I have lived here 13 years, and have been very lucky in always having a good position. Eleven years ago the 20th of last October I entered the service of the Danville Street Railroad Company as motorman, worked as same until March 15, 1905.

Glenn Smalley was born in Lawrence County in December 1881 to Benjamin and Lucinda (nee Carmody) Smalley.

Glenn Smalley

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The photo to the left is of the Benjamin Franklin and Lucinda (nee Carmondy) Smalley family. Three members of this family wrote letters to the Pink Press in 1915, Glenn and Jesse Smalley and their sister, Mary Webb. Both brothers work for the railroad in Danville having moved there in 1913.

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(Jesse Franklin Smalley)

Biographical Note:

Jesse was born on September 29, 1883 in Lawrence County to Benjamin and Lucinda (nee Carmody) Smalley. He was married to Anna Johnson.

(continued)

Jesse Smalley

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Albert Stout was born December 21, 1886 to Chester and Nettie Armitage and was married to Nellie P. Powell. They had two sons, Scott Martin and Francis Chester. Albert died August 29, 1949 in Los Angeles. Nellie Died January 3, 1952.

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(Marion Strouse )

Biographical Note:

Marion is son of Jacob and Margaret (nee Howman) Strouse

Effective the 16th of this month I will be superintendent of the Danville Street Railway.

Through the columns of your newspaper, I desire to wish all my old friends and acquaintances a prosperous and happy year.

I would be glad to receive at my expense the copy of your paper that contains the news of all of the ex- Sumner people for which occasion I have here written. Thanking you in advance for the favor,

I am,

Jesse F. Smalley

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Chicago, Illinois

January 14, 1915

Editor Press:

As a reader of your paper I am glad of the opportunity you have offered us wanderers.

My name is Albert E. Stout son of Chester and Nettie, born two miles west of Chauncey. My mother’s name is now Nettie Sechrest residing in St. Francisville. In 1902 I went to Ohio and worked in the oil field until the fall and then came to Chicago and worked for a car manufacturing company until April 1908 when I went home and stayed one month. The last of May I went to the northern part of Michigan and took charge of 1524 acres of land (timbered) until November 1910. I came back to Chicago and went to work for the same company which is the Western Street Car and Foundry Co., manufacturers of freight equipment, capacity 84 cars a day of which I am now general labor foreman. I would be glad to hear from any of the readers of your Press.

Yours respectfully,

A. E. Stout

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New York City

408 East 54th Street

January 17, 1915

To: L. M. Wood Editor

Sumner Press

Dear Sir:

A few lines to your most valued paper. And through the kindness of my brother-in-law, Martin Ridgley, better known in Sumner as plain Mart, whom I suppose pays my yearly dues to the Press, he causes the old hometown paper to find its way each week to 408 E. 54th Street New York City, my present home. Home, dear readers do you all realize the meaning and how much that word home means? I was born in Christy Township Lawrence County Illinois on October 28, 1878, four miles northwest of Sumner, on the old county line. My father, Jacob Strouse, was or at least I think so, proud of me as he named me after one of the most prominent men in the country in those days, Marion May. But anyone knowing me yet around Sumner would know me better by the name of Nip, a nickname given to me when small by Forest David.

Yours truly,

Marion Strouse

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Pembina, North Dakota

January 15, 1915

Publisher Press:

I received your letter requesting each subscriber to write a personal letter. Will say that I am located in Pembina, North Dakota in the extreme northeast corner of the state. 2 1/2 miles from the Canadian line. Have been in this place since June 1910 and think it just as good as any. Plenty of money in the summer and plenty of rest in the winter

I worked last summer in an automobile garage.

During the month of December helped my brother-in-law Loran Dunn, who is running a meat market here, do some butchering. We killed between 30 and 35 head of hogs and several beeves and the thermometer stood around 30 below zero most of the time. I was unlucky enough to get one of my feet badly frosted and have been laid up with it since.

I think I have said enough about myself, but wish to add that I am always glad to get the Sumner Press and hear the news from my old home where I was born and raised one miles southeast of Sumner, on what is known as the Sammy Sumner homestead.

Hope all the wanderers will write as I will certainly know most of them.

Wishing you the best of success for the New Year, I am,

Yours truly

French Sumner

Son of Dock Sumner

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East St. Louis, Illinois

January 17, 1915

Dear Sir:

I am a native of that good old Sumner town. I spent many a happy day there. I would like to see my friends and good old neighbors and chat with them a while. I left there in 1903 and came to East St. Louis, where I have made a good living ever since. I haven’t been back there but twice. I will pay the old hometown a visit someday. I am an old reader of the Press and won't do without it.

Yours very truly,

James A. Thompson

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(continued)

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(Chauncey French Sumner)

French Sumner was born July 8, 1874 to Leander and Mary J. (nee French) Sumner in Lawrence County. In 1920 French was living with his sister Martha Dunn in Pollock, Campbell, South Dakota. Ten years earlier and during the time this letter was written all had moved to Pembina, North Dakota. Chauncey F. Sumner died in November 1970 in Mobridge, Walworth, South Dakota

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(James A. Thompson)

Biographical Note:

Charles Wiley Vandament was born April 26, 1884 in Lukin Township, Lawrence County to Wiley and Matilda Jennie Vandament. In 1883 Charles was united in marriage with Joanna Lucinda Cooper, Lucinda was born September 24, 1888 in Lawrence County, daughter of John Henry and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Keller) Cooper. Census records indicate the following children were born: John W. (b. abt. 1907); Charles P. (b. abt. 1909); Omar (b. abt. 1922); Herbert (b. abt. 1926); Dale (b. abt. 1928). Charles died July 8, 1947 and Lucinda died December 5, 1988. They were laid to rest in the Stoney Point Cemetery, Beebe, White County, Arkansas.

Wiley Vandament

Father of Charles

Lived in Lawrence county
Annotation:

The term ‘lagrippe’ or ‘la grippe’ means flu.

(David B. Van Scyoc)

David B. Van Scyoc, son of William and Susan Van Scyoc was born in Sumner September 16, 1854. On September 13, 1877 he married Lydia Ellen Dishong. In addition to the three children he mentions in this letter, Fred O., Loral R. And Bertha, another son, Emery B. died in infancy. While the letter writer may have gotten his wish to remain in Michigan, he returned once last time to Sumner on February 8, 1919 to be buried in the Sumner Cemetery.

January 17, 1915

Dear Editor and Readers of Press:

Am glad of this opportunity to let our friends know we are all well and enjoying life, if not prosperity in the state of Arkansas. The writer, son of Wiley Vandament, and wife, formerly Lucinda Cooper, daughter of John Cooper were both born in Lawrence County, northeast Lukin Township and lived there until in November 1911, when we shipped to our present home of 160 acres of well improved farmland. 33 miles from Little Rock, the state capital.

We have two children, John Wiley, age 8 and Charles Paul, age 6, both born in Lawrence County. They are both in good health and take a great interest in their school work. They are also good cotton pickers. Have picked as high as 100 pounds apiece a day when from 150 to 200 pounds is a grown person's average. We have had very good health the three years we have been here. Have had no fever or chills, but are troubled some at times with colds or lagrippe. Hoping to hear from old friends by the Pink Press, I remain,

Yours respectfully,

Charles Vandament

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Shelbyville, Michigan

January 11, 1915

To The Sumner Press, Sumner Illinois

Dear Readers,

In reply to the non-resident issue, will say I was born and raised in Lawrence County, Christy Township and spent about forty years at Sumner. I have moved around quite a bit and have landed on a farm near Shelbyville Michigan, Allegan County.

I have three children all of whom are married. Mrs. Bertha Knowlton of Shelbyville Michigan, L. R. Van Scyoc of Shelbyville Michigan, and F. O. Van Scyoc of Bridgeport Illinois.

I am in good health and well satisfied and expect to spend the remainder of my days in Michigan, but will be glad to hear from any of the readers.

Yours very truly,

D. B. Van Scyoc

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Danville, Illinois

January 13th 1915

Sumner Press:

I will write a few lines to my old home paper and home friends and relatives.

My maiden name was Mary Smalley daughter of Frank Smalley, was born in 1872; six miles southwest of Sumner near the U. B. Church known now as the John Roach place. Moved with my parents at the age of seven years to my old home, sweet home, five miles north of Sumner. At the age of 25 years was married to John J. Webb, of Sumner, Illinois by Rev. Jackson.

We now have a cozy little home at 825 Johnson Street, Danville, Illinois. We have had born to us seven children, five boys and two girls, Byron age 19; Della, age 18; Lamont, age 16; Luella and Trella twins, age 14; Eugene, aged 10, Evan and Trella, died at the age of one year. Evan was the baby of our family, would have been eight years old last November. We are all members of the Bethany Presbyterian Church. If we never meet again on this earth may we all meet in heaven is my wish.

Mary Smalley Webb

Mary Smalley Webb

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Cassville, Missouri

January 17, 1915

Editor Press:

Will try and write for the special non-resident edition to be dressed in pink.

I am stopping in southwest Missouri. Have been in Barry County for 12 years. Left old Lawrence County 1886. Have been back several times, but not to live. This is the banner county of the state. It is a good fruit and dairy country and is the most healthy country I ever lived in. We are on the dividing ridge of the Ozark Mountains, 200 miles southwest of St. Louis.

We are making good. I am an engineer at an electric plant and flour mill. At one of the largest stone quarries and cutting sheds west of the Mississippi River. I have been reading the Press for the last 35 years.

Yours very truly,

C. A. Webber

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Mary Ann Smalley was born to Benjamin Franklin and Lucinda (nee Carmondy) Smalley. Mary was united in marriage in 1895 to John J. Webb son of Eugene and Adeline (nee Dennison) Webb John was born in Bridgeport February 12, 1872 and died June 26, 1938. Mary died January 24, 1954 They are buried at the Spring Hill Cemetery Danville, Vermilion County Illinois. Evan, the infant son who was mentioned in the letter was 1 year and 2 months old and his uncles acted as pallbearers at his funeral.

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(Clement Alexander Webber)

Clement Webber was born in Ohio June 25, 1861 to James and Susan (nee Caldwell) Webber. He married Rose Etta Sanders. The 1910 census lists his children as .Roy , Charles, Marvin, .Tella and Naomi. His family was living in Golden, Jefferson Colorado in 1930. Clement had made his home in Strawberry Valley California for 14 months preceding his death in Yuba California on June 2 1951 and he was buried in the Strawberry Valley Cemetery, Strawberry Valley California

Mahala Waggoner was born January 1, 1838 1838 in Coshocton, Ohio to Jacob and Elizabeth (nee Higer) Waggoner. On March 27 1858 she was united in marriage to George Alfred Wurtsbaugh. Alfred was born November 19 1833. Census files indicate some of the children born to this union Ines (b. abt. 1865); Amazon C. (b. abt. 1866); John F. (b. abt. 1868); William S. (b. Aug. 1873); Fannie A. (b. abt. 1875); Edward A. (b. abt. 1878); Della F. (b. May 1881). Mahala died in Chalmers, Indiana January 22, 1924. She was converted at the age of 12 and joined the Methodist Church at Chauncey. She was buried in the family lot in the West Lebanon Cemetery in Indiana. Alfred died December 6, 1908.

A Dromedary is an Arabian hump backed camel.

Van Amburgs circus was founded by Issac A. Van Amburg. After Van Amburgh's death 1865, Hyatt Frost, continued using the Van Amburgh name. From him it was leased by the Ringling Brothers in 1889.
Editor’s Note:

Mahala responded in the 1916 Pink Letters and her letter is in that section.

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Ida May Yetman)

Biographical Note:

Ida May Yetman was born December 15, 1862 Perry County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (nee Houts) Burnside. Daniel Burnside was a Civil War Veteran. In the 1900 Census they were living in Toronto, Woodson, Kansas. She was married to Cornelius S. Yetman in 1880 and who passed away August 5, 1909. He was 16 years her senior and also a Civil War Veteran.

January 12, 1915

Dear Editor:

At your request, I will give you a short sketch of my life. In 1849 my father, Jacob Waggoner, came from Ohio to Lawrence County, in wagons, as was the custom of early days for there were no towns or stations on the vast open prairies of Illinois. At that time Sumner was not thought of. There were no churches, no railroads, only one log schoolhouse to boast of and the hard old-time benches were used, that after a day’s continued use would make you feel like you had one of Van Amburg’s dromedaries more than anything else, and so we managed to master a common education.Our first school was in 1851. There were two mills on the Embarras River that ground corn for the early settlers, but we could get no wheat flour nearer than Lawrenceville, so you can imagine how a morning biscuit looked to us.

My father Jacob Waggoner was a land agent. He entered 200 acres for himself and made many trips to the land office at Palestine and forded the river to get there to enter for different ones.

By the year 1858 I married Alfred Wurtsbaugh who has preceded me to a better land by six years. To our union eleven children were born of whom eight survive.

We lived most of our time in Lawrence County, Petty Township until the year of 1884, then we moved to Warren County, Indiana at which place we lived at the time of his death. One year later I left the farm and moved to West Lebanon where I now reside as I am living alone. I often look back at the beautiful days of long ago but my spirit yearns for the home which Jesus hath gone to prepare for me.


Mahala Wurtsbaugh
Mahala Wurtsbaugh

P. S. In the year of 1856 they had a grand revival meeting in the old log schoolhouse. At that time Alfred Wurtsbaugh and I were converted and united with the M. P. Church. After coming to Indiana we united with the Free Methodist for which we have ever prayed and gave thanks till this day.

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Aurora, Missouri

January 13, 1915

Editor Press:

As you wished to hear from each non-resident of Sumner or vicinity. I will add a few words. Husband and I went west as far as western Kansas 23 years ago, leaving Sumner August 17, 1893, and after several years’ stay in Kansas we bought land and moved to Cedar County Missouri. After residing some years in Cedar, husband having passed away, we came to Aurora, Missouri where I still reside.

Have visited in Sumner several times during the times of which I speak and have enjoyed many happy hours with relatives and friends while there.

Wishing all a prosperous year, I am yours truly,

Mrs. Ida M. Yetman