From Former Sons and Daughters of

(continued)

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(William W. Provines)

William Woods Provines was born on August 4, 1844 to John and Dorcus Louisa (nee Finley) Provines. On January 21, 1866 he was united in marriage to Caroline Mae Higgins, daughter of Barney and Lucetta (nee Smith) Higgins. Caroline was born January 6, 1847. To this union the following children were born; Minnie Almira (b. Dec. 1866); Laura Mae (b. Feb. 1869); Inez Bernice (b. Jul. 1871); Thomas Harvey (b. Jan. 1874); Eli Finley (b. Nov. 1876); Mary (b. Dec. 1879); Austin James (b. Sep. 1882); William Franklin (b. Sep. 1885); Catherine Luzetta (b. Mar. 1889). Caroline died April 23, 1925 and William died four months later on August 13, 1925. They are buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Claremont, Richland County, Illinois.

I will say, however, that Spokane and all other cities and towns in the state are clean of rum and rebellion. Crime for the first half of January shows a most wonderful decrease, as it always does under such circumstances.

With kind regards to all, we are

respectfully,

Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Piper
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Calhoun, Illinois

January 15, 1916

Mr. Editor:

I will try to write a few lines for the Pink Press. William W. Provines was born in Ashland County, Ohio, August 4, 1844. He came to Lawrence County with my parents John S and the Louisa Provines, in the fall of 1855. We came in wagons camping at nights and having a good time.

My father was assessor several times and collector three or four times. He took the census over the County once. He first settled on the place my brother J. A. Provines now owns. Afterwards bought Richard Ridgely's place, where he lived until his death, in 1865. I lived at home with my mother and little children, tended farm and helped to raise them.

In 1866 I was married to Miss Caroline M. Higgins, daughter of Barney and Lucetta Higgins. To this union were born nine children-five girls and four boys-Mrs. Minnie Payne, Laura M. Henry-she is dead, Inez Bunn-she is also dead; T. H. Provines, in Newell, South Dakota, Eli F. Provines, Mary Heckler; Austin L. Provines, Willie F. Provines, Catherine Lee Harrison, all of whom are living in Richland County.

We are now living alone as we started, I and my wife, through life 50 years next Friday, 21st of January.

We lived in the country until 1882, when we moved to Sumner. I worked for Bradenthrall and Brian’s the first year and then bought a dray and ran it for ten years, then sold out and rented a farm one year and lived on it a while, then sold out and went on a wild goose chase and moved to southeast Missouri. We did not like it out there, so we came back to Illinois and bought our home back. I saw the first cars or train that went through Sumner on the fourth day of July and have been a reader of the Press ever since it started, and I could hardly do without it, as it always tells about the old people of Sumner, but they have nearly all passed over the river, only a few that I know are left.

Well, I will close, or my letter will be too long.

William W. Provines

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January 21, 1916

My dear friends of Sumner and Lawrence County:

I and very thankful, indeed, to the publishers of the Sumner Press and thank them very kind men to give us this chance to visit each other once a year. I surely did enjoy the letters of last year, but was a little disappointed at not seeing more letters from my old friends. I hear from mother often and in that way keep track of some of you.

We did a little wandering around the country last summer. We went up on the mountain on Pinion Mesa, 18 miles from Grand Junction. My eldest son, Lloyd, went up to work on Charles Schrader's cattle ranch, known as Circle Pasture. Most of you know Charles Schrader of Lawrence County. His people live south of Sumner. He was our sheriff here for eight years and could have been elected again, but he refused. He was the best sheriff Mesa ever had. He was telling us one evening about the good times he had when a "youngster" at his old home in Illinois, with the Geisler boys and others. I said, "yes, I used to have fine times over in that settlement, too, at Uncle Phil Geisler's."

Uncle and aunt are gone, and cousins, mine, we are far apart and scattered all over the world, but you will remember just as I do those good old times. Uncle Phil had the best apples of anyone, to my notion.

But, say, did any of you people start on a trip to climb for 10 or 12 miles and walk the most part of it, to save the horses? Mildred and I did and did not get much tired either. It was grand, I think, but when we got there you feel well repaid for the hard trip. We were three months in Circle Pasture and had no end of pleasure. I got so I could climb the mountains and not get the least bit tired, hunting spruce gum, columnbiars and Indian relics, as it used to be and old Indian hunting camp. We were near the old Chief Ute camp, which we visited one day and found a little shepherd dog. Some of the sheet man had left him there. He answers to the name of Chief Ute or Chipmonk, as we still have him for no one ever claimed him.

Dewey, my youngest son, got work at an Angora Goat Company near us. We love to go over and wants them talk about little pets, there is nothing else sweeter than those little "kids" some of them were great pets.

I must tell you of our early visitor we had one morning. I had got breakfast ready and stood watching duty going up the road. I stood looking at the mountains and talking in the sweet breath of the pines and thought how grand, how lovely is nature and you seem so near heaven in the hills. Who would long for city life in summer? I looked toward the camp that stood through the trees and saw one of Mr. Schrader's little Jersey calves standing at the door of it. They are great pets and would come in the tent if we had not built a fence around to protect it. I looked until it turned around and walked across the road near where I was standing. It was a deer, she walked across to where she had her baby he had. We discovered their tracks in the spring later. She was not the least bit afraid and must have scented our breakfast cooking and liked it by the way she stood there and knew she was safe in Circle Pasture. No one would molest her there. One evening Mrs. Schrader came by our tent and said "you didn't know you had a visitor last night did you" I said, "no, I did not see anyone or anything". "Come", she said "I'll show you" of course we were very anxious to know what it was. She took us over to the road near the camp and said "look down there." There was a bear track about as large as a good-sized horse track. It had gone over to the great camp, got a goat, and came back and we never saw it.

Emma also wrote a letter to the Press in 1915. See her biographic notes in that section.

(continued)

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(J. B. Reynolds)

John Benjamin Reynolds was born March 13, 1884 in Lawrence county. He was the son of Charles Fremont and Nancy Jane (nee Roderick) Reynolds. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Minnie Grace Brown. Minnie was born December 3, 1887 in Michigan. To this union the following children were born: Charles H. (b. abt. 1922); Edward N. (b. abt. 1925). John died April 18, 1962 and Minnie died May 14, 1965 and they were laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Gratiot Township,

John Benjamin Reynolds

Late in the 1890's George E. Haskell and William W. Bosworth formed the partnership with headquarters in Beatrice, Nebraska. The Beatrice Creamery Company, began financing a program that enabled farmers to buy hand cream separators; reducing frequent trips to distant skimming stations and leaving skim milk on their farm where it was available for feed.  The company's first ice cream plant began operating in Topeka, Kansas in 1907 and its first fluid milk plant was opened in Denver in 1923. 1901, the U.S. Patent Office granted the Company of Topeka a trademark for the name 'Meadow Gold". for a name to describe the golden quality of their fresh creamery butter.

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I am afraid I have tried your patience with this letter, but I wish every one of you could get in a summer as I did in 1915.

I wish you prosperity for the year of 1916. Remember your friends of the Far West sometimes and one wonder who never forget and old times. I would love to step over and have a "chat" with my mother and sister and all of you old friends tonight, if it were possible. No more until next year.

Mrs. E. B. Rawlings

formerly Emma Ruark of Sumner,

daughter of Mrs. M. E. Klingler

Sumner

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January 25, 1916

Dear Sir:

I was born in 1884 in Chauncey Illinois, Lawrence County and lived there until I was 19 years old. At that time I came to Kansas, landed at Silver Lake, the spring of 1903. That summer we had an awful flood and I thought I had all I wanted of Kansas, but I am still here. I work on a farm when I first came to Kansas and 10 years ago I went to work for the Beatrice Creamery Company which is located in Topeka. It is one of the largest creameries in the United States of its kind.

I have made several trips to my old home town, of which I am proud. I have relatives in and around Chauncey. I enjoyed my trip home a little over year ago the best of any I have made.

Hoping to see the Pink Issue soon, goodbye to all,

Respectfully yours,

J. B. Reynolds

14311 Polk Street

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South side of Main Street in Chauncey

1916

Last year a copy of your Pink Press attracted my attention, with the result that the whereabouts of a number of people I had known or known about years ago, was made known to me. Your annual roll call of absent members ought to have the effect of revealing the existence on earth of many former residents of your county who could well be presumed to be dead. I understand that absence from home, without communication for a continuous period of 10 years, sometimes raises the presumption of death. If this is so I have no doubt that you have been or will have been, instrumental in calling back to life many a mortal, who to all intent and purposes, has been a long time dead. This alone should compensate for much of the effort our special number will require.

I was born and lived for a number of years in Petty Township, near Chauncey. Left there, it may be in the year 1900, and have lived in the west most of the time since. I am engaged in "practicing at" the law, as my old friends would put it. I am married, have two, nieces and a nephew, father and mother, two brothers and a sister, uncles and aunts in great numbers, and cousins-once, twice and thrice removed-by the hundreds.

I also have many friends and some enemies, who, between them, keep me busy. I could tell you more but love of truth and modesty forbid.

Yours truly,

H. M. Rodrick

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Salem, Illinois

January 30, 1916

Dear Sumner Press:

As a member of the Press family, I welcome another Pink Edition.

Early in 1915, I was asked to serve the church at Salem Illinois and I gladly responded. This Is My third "Sentence" with this church and I'm enjoying it very much.

My family still lives in Eureka where Mary is in college. We have not succeeded in married off any of our family except Gus. He lives in Chicago and has three fine children (grandchildren, mind you), in his home. Mefford is an embalmer and funeral director and buriess the dead.

I am at Eureka a small part of my time and Mrs. R. takes splendid care of the home. I think I have the bravest and best wife in Illinois.

J. F. Rosborough
Chicago, Illinois

January 26, 1916

Editor the Sumner Press:

Having lived in Lawrence for about 18 years, I will contribute a few words to the Pink Edition of the Press, which will at least help to fill space; this is in response to your general invitation to non-resident subscribers. Several years ago, I will not say how many, I was born at Chauncey, which should not however be held against the place. After completing the common school course there, I attended high school at Sumner for a short time, and, after a short term at Brown's business school at Centralia to complete a course in stenography which I had been taking by correspondence, went to St. Louis.

Hugh Murphy Rodrick was born in Lawrence County on July 27, 1881 to Samuel and Sarah P. (nee Porter) Rodrick. Hugh died in June of 1968 in New Mexico.

Samuel And Sarah Roderick

Hugh’s parents

Samuel and Sarah were Lawrence County residents and are buried in the Chauncey Cemetery.

See biographic notes in 1915 section.

In addition to the letter James wrote in 1915, he also wrote another one in 1918 in which he stated that in his judgment Lawrence County was the best place to get a wife. His oldest two children had been born there. His daughter Mary was then teaching in Lawrence County, Gus would probably be exempted from military service to support his wife and three children, but Wilford would probably have to serve in the war.

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(L. B. Rosborough)

(continued)

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(Emery E. Shaw)

Emery Evert Shaw was born on February 14, 1892 to Aaron and Louisa M. (nee Messenger) Shaw. He was united in marriage to Florence Lidia Cotterell, daughter of Asa and Lydia (nee Fritchley) Cotterell. Florence was born on October 10, 1894. To this union the following children were born: Carl Everett (b. Feb. 1916); Leola (b. abt. 1921); Viola (b. abt. 1925); At the time of Florence’s death her obituary lists one son, Carl and one daughter, Leola as living and an unnamed son and daughter having preceded her in death. Florence died January 25, 1982 and Emory died in 1976. They are laid to rest in the Waggoner Cemetery near Chauncey.

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Chicago is a pretty village, having a population of about 2 1/2 millions in an area of nearly 200 square miles. The main thing that is wrong with it is that it is so far from "anywhere" Lawrence County, for instance, and that is quite a disadvantage, because I like to get back occasionally, and it is easier to reach there from St. Louis than Chicago. If this town could be moved down state about 200 miles, that would help considerably. But since there seems to be no inclination to do that, I may conclude to go back to St. Louis.

With kind regards to you and my friends among your readers, I am,

Yours very truly

L. B. Rosborough

6130 Kenwood Ave.

January 10, 1916

Dear Editor:

I thought I would write you a few lines in answer to your request for a letter from non-residents. I am a subscriber to the Sumner Press. We receive the paper on Saturdays and we are always glad to hear from the home folks.

I left Landes, Illinois, Southwest Township, the 14th day of September 1914 and moved to Hunter, Arkansas, Woodruff County and lived there until January 7, 1915, then moved to Hilleman, Arkansas, where I now live. I taught school in Hunter last winter. Am now teaching in Hilleman, Arkansas, I taught 20 days for a month. The scholars, as a rule are well behaved and good workers although I notice more sickness here than in schools in Illinois mostly malaria and chills.

The people of Southwest Township that remember how sick I was when I was up there last fall, on a visit, will be surprised when I say I have not been sick a day since I came back. I don't mean to say that it is healthier down here than up there, but the change in the climate seems to affect anyone going from the south to the north. Well, I must say that I can hear the frogs croaking tonight. This has been a very open winter, so far, and we had a fine crop of corn and cotton, with a good price this year. We are the only Sumner people here, but six miles south, at Hunter, Arkansas, Mark Mushrush of Sumner, and Robert Lieb of Landes, live. We farmed last Sumner, but this fall we sold our horses, cattle and hogs and moved to town, next to the school house, so I am real handy to school. We still have two milk cows, nine sheep and one little lamb.

My wife, whose maiden name was Florence Cotterell, is enjoying good health, only sometimes when she reads in the Sumner Press about parties and oyster suppers in Southwest Township she has what I call the Arkansas blues- that is, wanting to go back to Illinois. She says to tell you she got a deer hide rug, a pair of ladies rubber boots (for they are sure the go here) one half stock of bananas and all the oranges, candy, apples and peanuts she could eat for Christmas. There is lots of la grippe and pneumonia in this part of Arkansas now. Well, I must close, by wishing you success and happiness in old Illinois.

From your happy Arkansas pilgrims,

Mr. and Mrs. Emery E. Shaw

January 22, 1916

Editor Press:

Being born and raised in Christy Township, Lawrence County, Illinois and now residing in Vincennes, Indiana, allow me space for just a few words for the Pink Press as I enjoyed reading the many good letters of non-residents last year. I think those letters were great. As we get the address and hear from our old-time friends, it brings before us our childhood days and longing for dear friends that have assisted in times gone by.

My first school was just west of Sumner, in an old log cabin without any floor. This was a subscription school. My father lived on the Dr. Burget farm, which is, I believe now owned by William Piper. My next school was at Center. T. M. Stevens, of your city, was teacher, Benjamin Umfleet, then came the old time honored C. B. Carter as instructor and ask Burget Brian, Edward Shick, A. C. Shick, Dolph Fiscus and many others, with myself, about marching around that old box stove for three days to pay for eating popcorn in time of . My next school was old Buckhorn, managed by H. Curry, and ask A. J. Provines, Bob Martin, Joe Snider and others if we did not pull some hickory roots that winter. I finished up my schooling at Franklin, with Perry Watson, Henry Perkins, William Malone were teachers.

I helped build the little church just across the field-Mt. Zion and in the yard there lies father, mother, sister and many friends and among our old friends that are still in the neighborhood of Mt. Zion are William Simms, Christopher and Elisha Day and Eber Putman.

I served apprenticeship for three years under the instructions of the Lukinite man, P. W. Sutherland, to learn a trade and thanks to P.W. for the trade and many good times we had together.

I then married one of Sumner's good-looking girls and moved to Sumner, the best little city in the world and where, if you are right, the good people are always ready to lend a hand. We raised a family of six children, three of them here, one in Lawrenceville, one in Chicago, and one little girl lies in the Sumner city cemetery and some day we will come back there to rest. The Sumner Press has been a constant visitor every week for thirty three years and we still think it's a great paper and with my childhood memories going back to Lawrence County, why should I not think it the best place on earth.

I will eagerly await your Pink Press.

Yours truly,

Abner Shick

Vincennes, Indiana

1225 North 10th Street

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Abner Shick was born in April of 1864 in Lawrence County. The son of Abraham and Emaline (nee Mann) Shick. On September 18, 1887 he was united in marriage to Rebecca Dishong. To this union the following children were born: Owen A. (b. Oct. 1888); Roy (b. Oct. 1889); Reba (b. Sep. 1893); Mamie (b. Sep. 1895). Abner died in 1943 and Rebecca died in 1938. They were laid to rest in the Sumner cemetery.

Abner wrote a letter to the Press on January 26, 1919 from Vincennes, Indiana:

“These last few years have made many of us have wearisome days and sleepless nights. The battles are over, but our boys are not back yet. I have one soldier boy over there and never have been able to get him any mail since he has been there. We get his mail, but he don’t get ours. If any of the readers of the Press can inform me how to get mail to him it would be highly appreciated, I assure you.”

“I will, the 10th day of April be 56 years young and lay brick most every day. Have helped build up the Pioneer Asphalt Plant in Lawrenceville, commencing in October and will have it complete in a few days. A good industry for the county and a fine bunch of fellows. . . My family is all well, having escaped the flu so far, but there is quite a bit of it here. . .

I am proud to say that I am living in one of the dry states, but trust they will all be dry”

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David Lewis Shick was born October 4, 1852 to John V. and Elizabeth (nee Mann) Shick. On October 28, 1877 he was united in marriage to Lorena Catherine “Carrie” Staats, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (nee Fisher) Staats. Lorena was born November 27, 1855. The Census indicated the following child was born to this union: Vega R. (b. abt. Apr. 1887).

David wrote a letter to the Press in 1918 also, see that section for letter. In 1915 David wrote that he thought he “could see H. B. Couchman crossing the fields on his way to his schoolwork at old Buckhorn which was situated in the land of Lukin where Democrats are plenty.” He also stated that they had gone to Lebanon in August 1904 for the purpose of giving their son, Vego an education at McKendree College. After his four year course he started teaching mathematics at Kendallville, Ind.

Buff Rock Chickens are a pure golden buff from feather base to tip having intense yellow legs and beaks, and bright red comb.

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(H. H. Shoup)

Henry Howard Shoup was born September 3, 1878 in Lawrence County to Olive (nee Edmondson) Shoup. Henry was a bachelor most of his life. In the 1920 census he was 40 and single. In the 1930 census he was married to Frances Murphy twelve years his junior. Henry died in 1936.

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January 28, 1916

Editor Press:

At this late date I will inform you and our dear friends of Lawrence County that we are still in Lebanon, and are enjoying a reasonable portion of health, and sometimes our good neighbors throw enough over the fence and we have a square meal that makes us feel encouraged.

We are still milking a few cows and dealing in Buff Rock chickens. We are very much pleased with the Press. Always glad when Thursday comes as it most always brings the Press, which is like getting a letter from home and makes our minds wander back to old Lawrence County where we spent our young days.

We are very much pleased and appreciate very much the articles written from one of your epistles way down in the State of Galilee (no not Galilee, excuse me) I mean in the State of Lukin, where Jack Provines used to come in on us at campaign time and furnish the largest broom I ever saw. Those were great days and Pryor write often and we will like it all the better.

Now in conclusion we send our best wishes and regards to all our Lawrence County friends where ever they may have drifted.

D. L. Shick

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Phoenix, Arizona

January 18, 1916

Sumner Press:

Many readers of the Sumner Press, my old home paper, will no doubt be surprised to read of me, as it has been over fifteen years since they have seen or heard of me. On the Press records you will see that I have been about a regular subscriber until a year ago, when my father came west and brought the paper with him.

Since I lived in Sumner, I have been in the southern states a great deal, but have been in the west for seven years.

While I'll admit I haven't read the Press so regular of late or as I used to, it is because my whole time in interests are here now and I am a believer of making the town live where you make your living.

I noticed some of your lines in regard to advertising which please me, as truthful advertising is about the best investment a merchant can make.

I started a small lumber yard here less than three years ago on a very small capital-$1000-and by advertising facts in two good clean dailies, I have over $80,000 worth of business today, and expect to do $50,000 this year by the same process. I contract $100 a year at $.30 per column inch in two dailies, but use a great deal more than that, besides advertising in several weekly and monthly editions. I find it a good policy to be friends with and have newspaper people for friends.

It is useless for me to say I like this country. I came here seeking health and wealth. I found the former and am very pleased with what I am getting of the latter. There is only about one more person a bachelor could ask for.

Yours with pleasure,

H. H. Shoup

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January 31, 1916

Dear Editor:

Through your efforts we may again hear from our friends and acquaintances of dear old Lawrence County, who like ourselves, have located elsewhere. But we all love to hear from our friends back home and probably they like to hear from us.

We live on the East Court Street Road, about one half mile from the city limits on a market garden of twenty acres, about four acres of which is under grass. Last year they installed the sprinkling system, which is quite an improvement. There are two very deep wells and water tower which, with the aid of gasoline engines, furnished plenty of water. Gardening last year was about like farming-a failure.

We have three children-Thelma, 14 years old, in eighth grade; Alfred, eight years old, in fifth grade; Marjorie, 21 months old, keeps us company at home. She doesn't talk much yet, but has a way of making us understand her every wish.

Mr. Siebert’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Siebert, live in Kankakee. They like it here even better than we do. His brother, Purl, is married, has two children and lives in Gilt Edge, Montana. My mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kronmiller live in Sumner. We have our dear little boy buried there, who would have been 12 years old tomorrow, February 1. He died on his seventh birthday.

In conclusion, I will say we would miss the Press very much in our home and Friday is a very long day if it fails to arrive then.

Best regards to all Press readers,

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Siebert

Rural Route 3

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Hopewell Church

Theodore Wilson Seibert was born February 15. 1879 to James W. and Mary L. (nee Smith). On December 26, 1912 he was united in marriage to Sarah Frances Peters, daughter of William and Mary Peters. Sarah was born on January 30, 1883. Census records show the following children born to this union; Thelma M. (b. abt. 1902); Alfred P. (b. abt. 1908); Marjorie S. (b. abt. 1915). Theodore died March 18, 1964 and Sarah died March 8, 1974.

Mrs. Siebert wrote a letter to the Press on January 15, 1915. She stated: “Lawrence County is a dear spot to me for more reasons than one. I lived in hit from the age of six months until my marriage at seventeen. My parents, William and Mary Peters, lived near Hopewell church in Lukin Township. My father owned a store there, and the place was known as Petersburg. I attended school at Cleveland. My father died when I was seven and four years later mother married Louis Senior and we moved just south of Sumner to what is now known as the Hadley place. I then attended school at Sumner. About a year later we moved to the farm about two miles south of Sumner, and I attended school at Beulah. I have many pleasant memories of days spent there. Later we moved to Sumner and I again attended school there.” She wrote of her child: ”Our oldest son, Paul died at Sumner four years ago on his seventh birthday.”

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Estella Westall was born in Lawrence County January 8, 1884 to George Washington and Hannah (nee Petty) Westall. On September 5, 1906 she was united in marriage to Warren Albert Smith, son of Washington Irving and Sarah Catherine (nee Westall) Smith. Warren was born January 8, 1884 in Lawrence County. Estella and Warren were first cousins once removed and were born on the same day. Census records indicate the following children were born to this union: Vern E. (b. abt. 1908); Leonard E. (b. abt. 1909); Erving (b. abt. 1911); Maurice (b. abt. 1912); Genevieve (b. abt. 1914).

Wabash Railway Logo

"The Wabash Pittsburg RR, in an attempt to break the

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Decatur, Illinois

January 12, 1916

Kind Editor:

I will not let this opportunity pass without writing a few lines for the Pink Press. I am a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Westall of your city but were former residents of Hazel Dell school district of Petty Township, four and one-half miles north of Sumner, where I lived for 20 years. My husband is Warren A. Smith, who were residents of Petty School district of Petty Township twenty years ago but now of Champaign, Illinois.

Warren is a freight conductor on the Wabash Railroad running between Decatur and Peru, Indiana for which he has been working for the past 12 years.

We have five healthy rosy-cheeked children, four boys and one girl Estol, age 8, Leonard, aged 7, Irving 5, Maurice, 4 and Genevieve 2 1/2.

Will close hoping to see many other non-resident letters in print.

Mrs. Stella Westall Smith

Warren Smith and Family

Warren Albert Smith

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January 10, 1916

Editor Sumner Press:

And all our friends and relatives who may be interested in the Pink Sheet. I am the second daughter of Joseph and Eliza J. Westall of Lawrence County, Petty Township, born in Perry County, Ohio, in the fall of 1854 and that same fall in company with Uncle Dave Hutchinson and family drove through in covered wagons to the farm now owned by my youngest brother, A. J. Westall. I was raised and lived there until my marriage to Irving Smith, son of Samuel and Barbara Smith, Clark County, Ohio, where he was born in the fall of 1854. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1871 living on the farm of Uncle Peter Smith, one half mile from my father's farm. We were married February 3, 1876, 40 years ago, February 3, 1916.

We have four boys, Frank, a machinist of Chicago, Ross a teamster of Champagne, Warren a conductor on the Wabash Railroad Decatur, and Harry, formally with the Wells Fargo Express Company, Detroit Michigan, and now clerk in a grocery store at Champaign. My husband is in the transfer business. We have a comfortable home and five houses which bring us a nice little income which we appreciate in our old days. My first days were spent in a log school house where Pleasant Hill church now stands with puncheon seats and a long writing desk along one side of which we would take so long each day for writing in our copybooks made of foolscap writing paper. One of my teachers was William Linsy or Bill Linsy he was called in that community and another Miss Liza Ryan of Lawrenceville. Well I presume I had better bring my letter to a close as it may be too lengthy to keep the editor in the right humor. So will close wishing success to the Press and all of its readers.

Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Smith

211 West Tremont Street

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Carlock, Illinois

January 20, 1916

Mr. L. M. Wood:

I am glad to know you are going to print the Pink Press again. It is quite interesting to read and hear from old folks far and near. My maiden name was Clem Jones and I was born near the County line at Richland and Lawrence County's but have made Lawrence County my home. My parents are Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Jones, which are still living on the old farm near U. B .

We are now located on a farm of 185 acres in the northern part of Illinois, four miles from Carlock, McLean County, and have been here for over a year. This country around here is very broken. We have saw some large hills in southern Illinois but no such hills as we have here. I call them young mountains, close to the Mackinaw River. But we will soon move about seven miles across the river, then we will be six miles southwest of El Paso, Illinois on the prairie land we will work on a farm and it will be a lovely country.

Well, about my family, five is our family, three daughters-Mabel, the oldest, 13; Opal, the second, 11: Lillie, the third, 8, they are all going to school. They have about two miles to go. Well, I believe this is all for this time.

From

Mrs. Clem Starkman

Sarah Catherine Westall was born in August 1854 to Joseph Fredrick and Eliza Jane (nee Laird) Westall. On February 3, 1876 she was united in marriage to Washington Irving Smith, the son of Samuel and Barbara Ann (nee Hardacre) Smith. Washington was born on September 1, 1854. To this union the following children were recorded: Benjamin Franklin (b. Jul. 1877); Ross L. (b. Jun. 1881); Warren Albert (b. Jan. 1884); Harry V. (b. Feb. 1891).

Foolscap: a type of inexpensive writing paper, yellow lined writing paper, especially legal-size, bound in tablet form.

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(Mrs. Clem Starkman)

Clemma Jones was born in August 1880 to Thomas J. and Mary Jane (nee Williams) Jones. On February 23, 1902 she was united in marriage to James A. Starkman. James was born about 1881. Census records indicate the following children were born to this union: Opal (b. abt. 1905); Lilly (b. abt. 1908); Arthur (b. abt. 1917); Ruth (b. abt. 1918); Charles (b. abt. 1922). James died in 1960 and Clem on October 29, 1971 and they are buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Woodford County, Illinois.

Bertha Waggoner was born in Lawrence County on April 4, 1893 to Joseph Jackson and Elizabeth Ellen (nee Angle) Waggoner. On August 2, 1911 she was united in marriage to Henry F. Stroshine. Henry was born on April 9, 1886. To this union the following children were born: Elden (b. abt. 1913); Brunella (b. abt. 1914). Henry died September 3, 1936. Bertha died January 22, 1952.

They were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma.
Editor’s Note:

Bertha wrote a letter to the Press on January 17, 1919 from Newkirk, Oklahoma. She states she has “taken the Press for seven years and it comes to me as a long letter from home” She further writes “I spent my girlhood days on a farm neat Pleasant Hill Church and my school days in Petty School house”, “I am well contented where our work Is for a while, and later on we’ll settle down in Lawrence County.”

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(H. C. Turner)

Henry C. Turner was born in Lawrence County on December 28, 1844 to Tom J. and Phebe S. (nee Sumner) Turner. On April 12, 1866 he was united in marriage to Permelia Caroline McCarty, daughter of Wesley Daniel and Permelia (nee Trimble) McCarty. Permelia was born May 20, 1845. Henry was a Civil War Veteran serving in the Company K Unit 61 Illinois US Infantry. Census records show the following children were born to this union: Susan Effie (b. Jan. 1867); Daniel E. (b. Mar. 1870); James E. (b. Oct. 1876). Permelia died Feb. 22, 1918. Henry died March 13, 1926. They were laid to rest Highland Cemetery Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma.

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January 10, 1916

Mr. Wood:

As I saw in our dear old home paper the call for nonresident letters, I will try to write a few lines that may instruct some of your readers.

I was born and reared on a farm in Petty Township, near Pleasant Hill church, where I have spent my life till of late.

We are now located at Drumright Oklahoma, a town of 15,000 population, built since the year 1912, when the first well was drilled for oil which proved to be a good one, and is now a large field. They are erecting a fine home for the First National Bank of the city, which will be completed by January 20 and also a new building for the drugstore. They have good schools, three churches and to good hospital in the town.

I notice the editor has told us to state our her maiden name in our letter. My name was Waggoner, but have changed it to a German name as many of our readers know.

My husband is now at work for the Cortiz Oil Company at a nice little income of $150 per month.

Our children are both robust and in good health, although the climate is so different from that of Illinois. The wind is so strong today one can hardly walk alone.

Well, as this is my first attempt to write a letter to publish, I will close, wishing all our readers success in the coming year.

Yours truly,

Mr. and Mrs. Stroshine

Lawton, Oklahoma

January 4, 1916

Sumner Press:

See you are getting about a Pink Sheet, and I am sending this letter.

My name is Henry C. Turner; my father's name was Tom Turner

I was born December 28, 1844, three miles south of where Sumner now stands. The first school I ever went to was in an old log school house on the old Jim French farm. I was in Sumner the day the rails were laid on the railroad through the town, and there wasn't but three houses in the town.

Very respectively,

H. C. Turner

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January 10, 1916

Editor Press:

I see it's time to contribute my part to help you perfect the second issue of the Pink Press, So I take up my faithful Watermen to discharge my duty, as I hope every other wanderer will do. I was born on a farm in Petty Township and lived there until I was more than 20 years of age. I have lived here more than three years, coming here from Kansas City to do scientific work at the Missouri State poultry experimental station. I have the honor of being known as the first "State Chicken Doctor." During my time working at the experiment station, I took a fancy to a piece of land, the highest elevation on the Frisco Railway, between Kansas City, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.

To say I appreciated the 1915 press is to put it very mildly, as I have kept it where I can get it any time, as I often do, and read it over. It's like a visit to home friends, as I enjoy the letters so much, especially the ones from my old schoolmate, A. C. Pepple (now deceased). We had many jolly times at Westfield College, Westfield, Illinois, some of which I will never forget.

I am living alone, as the girls are both married. Grace, the youngest, is living at De Soto, Kansas on a farm and Lillian, the oldest lives at Kansas City, Missouri, as do the boys, Oswald, the oldest, who is learning the auto business, and Raymond who is working for a shoe company.

I am now trying to get my letter to you before January 15, in fact, you would have had it before but for the very sudden death of a neighbor, which reminds me that we must always be ready to lend a helping hand upon the call of anyone at any time. I believe it our business to try to spread sunshine and gladness in the lives of all about us and try to make the world better by our living in it.

Very truly yours,

Elmer E. Wagner

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Elmer E. Wagner, age 77, an employee of the Armistead Supply Store in Stanton was burned to death Tuesday in a fire which destroyed the 2-story farm building occupied by the company. Flames spread from the supply company to adjoining structures but they were saved by the Sullivan firemen. April 5, 1940 Meramec Valley Transcript

Elmer was born about 1864, the son of Henry Martin and Sarah (nee Leech) Wagner. He married Lysetta “Etta” Stokes in Cook County, Illinois on March 3, 1893. To this union the following children were indicated in the census: Lillian M. (b. Dec. 1892); Leilah G. (b. Apr. 1895); Oswald (b. Sep. 1898); Raymond (b. abt. 1901). Etta died of cancer in January 1907 at Hammond, Indiana. Etta and is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Hammond, Lake County, Indiana

On April 2, 1940 in Stanton, Franklin County, Missouri a fire broke out in the Armistead Supply Store in Stanton in which Elmer was an employee. The fire spread to the Post office. Elmer was trapped in the burning building and was killed. Elmer was buried in the Stanton Cemetery, Stanton, Franklin County, Missouri.
Editor’s Note:

Elmer wrote a letter in 1915 and stated: “Petty Township was my home till January 1, 1884; since then I have resided in Bridgeport and Christy Township's. Moved away from the latter in 1901 and since then have resided at Hammond, Indiana and Hartford and Dowoglae, Michigan. I came to Kansas City Missouri in 1911 and finally settled here in 1912.”

Henry Martin Wagner was born in Ohio in 1836 to George and Catherine (nee Ritz) Wagner. He moved to Sumner in 1856 and married Sarah A. Leech in 1861. Sarah was the daughter of William and Mary (nee Anderson) Leech. Sarah was born in March 1840. Census records indicate the following children born to this union: Elmer Ellsworth (b. Sep. 1863); John Judy (b. Apr. 1865); James Irwin (b. Nov. 1866); Charles Hardy (b. Sep. 1868); Leonard Chester (b. Jul. 1875); Earl (b. Jul. 1878); Stella (b. Sep. 1881); Clara (b. Mar. 1883). Other children reported to have been born were Edwin (b. abt. 1861); and Carl (b. abt. 1878). Sarah died May 14, 1914 and Henry died March 2, 1923; they were laid to rest in the Sumner Cemetery.

H. M. Wagner wrote a

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January 24, 1916

Sumner Press:

A few lines from the Wagner tribe in Florida, in order to fill up, may not be out of place as it is very interesting to hear from the "wanderers" in widely separate sections of the country.

After having a pleasant trip to Clearwater, we had no trouble in finding pleasant rooms in the best residential part of the city, about three blocks from the shore of the Bay, with fine walks to the water and a nice boardwalk leading out over the water a quarter of a mile, with a large pavilion from which there is fine fishing.

We find people hear from all the different parts of the north, in order to keep warm without the use of wood, coal or gas and partly succeeding only, as we have had to build fires in open fireplaces more than once. A day or two after coming here it was colder than at home.

We find that Florida has hard times as well as Illinois and other parts of the country. Property is held at lower prices than a year or two ago and very little being sold. No demand for labor. The old residents however say that this state of affairs is only temporary, but still I offer the same advice that I gave a year ago from California, that the people of Sumner, Illinois should not be in a hurry to dispose of their property, thinking to do better elsewhere.

I will say that Florida is rightly named as it is a land of flowers and a beautiful country where it is improved and cultivated properly, and another thing in its favor is the fine fishing, of which it would be needless to mention if you could have seen the five foot string of trout that we caught in the Bay a few days ago, within a few hundred yards of our rooms.

We have a good many people from Illinois here. Among them the Berryhills, John and wife and Lee, living in good health and feeling fine. They are helping to keep up the reputation of Clearwater as a tourist town by keeping a boarding house and rooms.

Our party is composed of the writer and John J. Wagner and wife and James I. Wagner and wife and Paul, their son, six years old, who is chaperone of the whole party, and right well does he discharge his duties and to whom the pleasure of the trip is justly attributed.

Yours,

H. M. Wagner

Henry’s ad that appeared

for a number of years in the Sumner Press

January 30, 1916

Editors of Sumner Press:

After closing my work with you in June 1914, I secured a position as composer with the Olney Times and remained there until December 1915, when I resigned my place and came to Indianapolis, to accept the clerkship with the Wasson's department store, one of the largest in the city. After finding that I could better myself financially, as well as learn a good trade, I decided to accept a position with Lilly's Pharmacy, the largest wholesale drug house here.

I secured the position through the influence of friends and consider myself lucky in obtaining it. I am enjoying my work here very much.

I send greetings to all my friends in Lawrence.

Edna Webb

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January 9, 1916

To my friends and relatives, both known and unknown, who were raised in the county of Lawrence, that was named for the man who shouted the patriotic appeal "Don't Give up the ship."

I was born in Hadley, Illinois, June 4th, 1861. My parents were Lafayette and Marie (nee Dunn), was third of a family of five, all living and pretty well scattered, from the Lone Star State, to the 49th Parallel of North Latitude. Would like to hear from all, will try and give you a description of the country in which I am located.

I was fourteen years old before I ever wore shoes. My first was homemade, made by Mr. Warren of Hadley. I wonder if Bridget Counour recalls the time I hit her over the head with a stick of molasses candy. I remember the total eclipse of the sun in 1867. A pussy man named Gaines was pointing at the sun and said the world is coming to the end. My playmates and I were playing train on some empty cars on a side track. I looked at the sun which was about half obscured, and decided if I had to die would prefer to die in the house, and beat it home about 80 rods across the meadow. Grant’s campaign is the first I remember. They had the boys in blue. The slogan was "Hurrah for Grant and Cold Coffee Grounds, "Hurrah for See and Blairmour."

Father ran an old sash saw mill in Hadley, was post master agent, and also sold dry goods and groceries. We were living in Sumner when I learned my letters. Mrs. John Beatty taught me my alphabet both forwards and backwards. I attended my first school here, upstairs taught by Miss Whittenger I used to help a crippled Ruby boy upstairs. His father ran a cooper shop. The King boys lived next to us, they were great scrappers. The Burns boys and the Laws were about my age. I saw my first fight on the Old Wellagan mill steps. Stirling Laws was the aggressor. Caleb Hoopes was post master, C.C. Judy was R.R. Agent. I stood on the steps for hours and watched the horse, on inclined tread power, pumping water for the O. & M. R.R.

I attended school taught by Peter Shick.

Father and Sam Landis graded the first road south of Muddy. We lived on the old Mason place opposite the Landis place. I attended school at Center, sat on a bench made of half a log, with legs put into it, no back, and my feet lacked a foot of touching the floor, pouring over Webster’s Blue Back speller. Father ran a grist mill in St. Francisville where I attended school taught by Mr. Prout and Mr. Stubbs.

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(Cliff M. Wilson)

Biographical Note:

Clifford Melvin Wilson was born June 4, 1861 to Lafayette and Marie (nee Dunn) Wilson. On march 31, 1907 he was united in marriage to Malinda “Mollie” Woody, daughter of David and Martha Ann (nee Forbes) Woody. Malinda was born April 3, 1864. Cliff died on April 20, 1937 in Nez Perce, Idaho. Malinda died on October 19, 1937.

In an Up-down (or Sash-type) Sawmill, a single straight saw blade is held inside a wood sash (or frame) that is driven up and down by the mill.

Example of a Sash type Saw Mill

Example of Incline power

to retrieve water from well

(continued)

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(Dora Westall Wilson)

Dora Westall was born in Lawrence County on January 4, 1880 to George W. and Hannah (nee Petty) Westall. On February 10, 1903 she was united in marriage to Henry James Wilson, son of John H. and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Astell) Wilson. Henry was born September 15, 1881. To this union the following children were born: Hazel Ora (b. 1904); Opal Mary (b. Mar. 1906); Berl Astell (b. Oct. 1907); Pearl Irene (b. abt. 1909); Phyllis June (b. Jun. 1912); Gladys Evelyn (b. abt. 1915). Dora died June 5, 1956 and Henry died October 14, 1969. They were laid to rest in the Mount Hope Cemetery and Mausoleum, Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois.

Dora wrote a letter and poem to the 1918 Pink Press

I was desirous of seeing more of the wild and woolly west. I came to Trinidad and Denver Colorado, Cheyenne Wyoming, Pocatello, Montana, Silver Bow, Montana and Butte. Took a job braking from Butte to Anaconda Montana. My next job was Braking from Helena to Missoula for the N.P.R.R. on the Rocky Mountain Division. Job lasted until December 31, 1899. Was at Pittsburgh saw the total eclipse of the sun January 1, 1890.

I continued my western course went across Snake River to Asotin County where I had a brother. Stayed with him until May 1, then took myself a preemption in Latah County, Idaho. I improved the claim in the summer months, taught school in the winter. I managed to take a few terms at the U. of I. in Moscow, Idaho. Finished up at Lewiston normal proved up my homestead and sold the Potlatch lumber company for a $1000.

In 1904 I made a complete tour of the United States, went clear around staying on the outside all the time. I saw sights and smelled wonders.

May 22, I went to selling goods at Silcot Washington. July 14 of the same year I was commissioned postmaster. Am still handling mail for the US. I was given a civil service status in 1913. I was advised from Washington DC my office was rated A1. The inspector, is checking up my office said he found everything in excellent shape.

After running on the range 43 years, Miss M. Woody, of North Carolina took pity on me. Was married at Kendrick Idaho Easter Sunday 1907. I always admired a large woman, but my wife suits me a little too well, tips the beam at 252 pounds. A fine baby boy was born to us in 1909, only live one month. We have $5000 stock 20 acres of improved land, owned our store, $1500 in the bank. I think we have prospered, also think we will be resurrected from the corner of 1st and Whitman streets Silcott Washington.

Cook County, Texas.

Cliff M. Wilson, P. M.

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Hensley Township,

R. #5

Champaign, Illinois

Editor Press:

I thought I would write a letter to the Pink Press as it is nice to read letters from all over from people I once knew in Lawrence County as I was born and raised there. My old home was five miles north of Sumner and one half mile east of Hazel Dell school house where we attended school. My parents are George W. Westall and wife.

Very truly,

Dora Westall Wilson

Champaign, Illinois

R #5

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Decatur Illinois

1916

To the Sumner Press:

The year 1915 has saddened our home in old Lawrence County and God has seen fit to take the most precious jewel of the home-mother. God doeth all things well and we know our loss is heaven’s gain. It is with sadness that I think so often of home, friends, schoolmates in Sunday school teachers, whose places have been taken by strange faces and those dear to us are numbered in the city of the dead, but praise God, we have a hope of a grand meeting someday where parting is no more. We lived near Arcola, on a farm, five years; one year near Sullivan, and have been in Decatur three years. We like it very well in the city.

I have been away from Lawrence County most of the time for 15 years and have always taken the Press. Those who have been away from home know the many longings, at times, to see someone from home and the Press has always been welcomed as that friend. We could not keep house without it.

Wishing all a prosperous and happy year.

Nora Woodall.

(continued)

Dora wrote another letter for the Pink Press the following year in 1917. She repeats many of the same facts, but adds that they are building a nine-room brick veneer modern house on their farm and want to be in it by April 1^st if the weather stayed nice.

(Nora Woodall)

Biographical Note:

Nora was born in March 1878 to Jacob P. and Sarah E. (nee Bailey) Angle. On January 2, 1907 she was united in marriage to Everett Roscoe Woodall who was born in Putnam County, Indiana on October 29, 1876 to John and Mary (nee Weathers) Woodall. Census records indicate the following children born to this union: Jesse Parvin (b. abt. 1908); Orla Dwight (b. abt. 1917).

Nora’s sister Lena Angle Chrisman wrote a letter to the Press in 1917.

Alfa Tina Perrott was born September 25, 1872 to John Bateman and Anne (nee Atkins) Perrott, both parents being born in Ireland. Alfa married William W. Worstell October 13, 1874. To this union three children were born: Virgil (b. Aug 1895), Anna Viola (b. Apr. 1898), and John (b. Feb. 1901). William was born August 26, 1872 and died in August 1962. Alfa died August 20, 1948. Both are buried in St. John Cemetery in St. Louis.