This edition will be printed on

Albert Leach and family are located on a fine rice farm just north of Wiener. Albert and his wife, together with Mrs. Mushrush and myself drove through to the Jonesboro fair, one day last fall, where we kept a close watch out, hoping to meet up with Morris Ritchey and wife, but did not get to see them.

We only recently and accidentally learned that John Mathias is located about 15 miles north of us. We have been passed this place, but did not know it was owned by an old acquaintance, at the time.

Link Mushrush has been here all winter, and we understand that his family is coming down in the spring. There is a great development of this country under way now; more building and improvement being done this winter, than in the four years previous. This is due to the prices been received by the farmer for cotton, corn and livestock. For the first time in years, they have made a surplus, and they are pretty generally putting a goodly portion of it into betterments, both for comfort and better equipment for farming.

We have great need of the energetic farmer from the north, to settle and develop this big state of ours. The same opportunities are open here today that were taken advantage of by the pioneer men and women who settled Lawrence and adjoining counties, to found the substantial family fortunes now existing in your community. Our state name has been a subject for joking and ridicule; it sometimes makes his grit our teeth to have to listen to the stale jokes on Arkansas, but we just “grin and bear it ”consoling ourselves with the thought that the day is not far off when there will be a different story to tell in which the laugh will be the other way around.

With best wishes to all, we will close, await with interest the letters from the other “Suckers" that have wandered away from their native state, we remain,

M. Mushrush and family

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Texarkana, Texas

January 18, 1917
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Osborn, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Jones and family, and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Siebert and family, all former residents of Sumner, Illinois, now residing at Texarkana, Texas all satisfied and doing well but every Saturday we are looking for the mailman to bring the Sumner Press, to get the news from Sumner and surrounding country
Respectfully yours,

J. A. Osborn

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Hamburg, Arkansas

February 2, 1917
Dear Editor:
Through the columns of the Pink Press we take the pleasure of letting our many friends in and around old Sumner hear from us again. We so often think of our many friends and loved ones, and how often that old familiar song rebounds to our memory, and so true, “how dear to our hearts are the scenes of our childhood.” Then we think what a pleasure it would be to be there again. But there have been so many sad changes; it would hardly be home again.

Before going farther for the benefit of some who may not know will give ourselves a brief introduction.

I, being the son of N. .J. Pence was born and raised in Christy Township four and one half miles southeast of Sumner. My wife was the third daughter of P. W. Shick born and raised in Lukin Township five miles south of Sumner.

We have one black-eyed girl, five years old, Helen Clarice. I am sorry to say she is getting the Arkansas brogue to perfection.

We moved from Fort Worth, Texas, to Hamburg, February 1915, and think this is a good place to live. Hamburg is a County seat of Ashley County located in the southeast part of the state. Population about 2000, with good schools, churches, water and light plant, several sawmills, one stave mill.¹⁶

We have a little farm adjoining the town on the east on which we raise a goodly supply of our living. I, being engaged the last 18 months in a general merchandise store, my wife, with the help of the darkey, there's a greater part of the farming, and can say she has made good, especially on sweet and irish potatoes. The latter especially, as we still have plenty in the patch to dig potatoes as we need them.

We have mild winters and a long growing season, which makes this a fine stock country in a very desirable place to live. We would be glad to have more people here from the north. Not only my wife and I, but the people here hold the latch stringg on the outside with the same hospitality.

Thanking the editor for giving the wanderers this pleasure of writing all our friends and giving us the privilege of hearing from so many at the same time.

Wishing you all a prosperous new year, we are,
Very respectfully yours,

L. J. Pence and family

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Hayti, Missouri

January 17, 1917
Sumner Press:
Enclosed find check for $1.25 per subscription to the Sumner Press. Will say in regard to your Pink Sheet issue. I certainly enjoy reading the many letters from my old home folks.

As to myself, my home is still in southeast Missouri, Pemiscot County, the corner County, Hayti my town. Am still in the hardware and implement business enjoying a very nice trade.

I feel well, my family is well, have plenty to eat and where.

I go home to your town once or twice a year to visit my father and mother, northeast of Sumner I love to come back where I was a boy.

I have two children married. I am also grandpa. When I think of all this, it makes it feel a little old.

Wishing you and all friends and relatives in Lawrence County, a happy and prosperous New Year.

Frank Perkins

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Bonesteel, South Dakota

January 15, 1917
Dear Editor and Friends:
I am still in town farming some of the summer. I am getting used to western prairie and some Indians now. I was not used to the Redskins when I first came here. I was sent to haul wood (for a man who has a part Indian woman) from a gulch about five miles west of the nearest white man's house. Mr. Patton went along with the first load and then sent me alone. As I was loading I saw three large Indians slipping down the bluff hiding behind trees coming closer, keeping their guns pointed at me. Although I had been warned not to fear Indians if they tried to get me to pay for the wood, I was not looking for them in that style. I was told not to give them money. They came up, talked Indian, grunted, pointed at the wood, then at me, shook their heads, talked among themselves. I made out to tell them the wood was for Frank Patton. Finally they left me, about 100 yards away they turned and laughed and said in good English, “did you say that wood was for Patton.", "I said yes." They only laughed and left. Afterwards when I became their mail carrier they told me that they had me well scared if I didn't give them money. I afterward heard that some have been held up by two and sometimes three sets of Indians on a single trip for wood. They call it an Indian trick, and sure they enjoy it better than I did. This country is better settled now and such tricks cannot be played here anymore.

My old home, as most of you know was on the Lawrence and Richland County line, southwest of Sumner where father and brother still live. I was an old Beulah schoolboy when C. D. Carter taught there. I am glad to see so many of our homeboys coming to the front. It makes me feel proud of home. I think the Christian influence of that locality is the cause of the advancement. I am still glad to get the Press here regularly. As my subscription is out in February I will send my renewal now.

Samuel W. Perrott

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Urbana, Illinois

January 29, 1917
L. M. Woods & Sons:
I find it a most difficult task to attempt an autobiography at such an early period in life, but since your request has some such meaning, I shall, at least, give the place of my birth.

I am the eldest son of W. W. Petty, and was born in Christy Township.

I taught in Lawrence County schools six years but since that time I have lived in Champaign and McLean County. While McLean Counties. I was principal of Carlock school one year, but upon completing my four year course at Illinois State Normal University, I came to Urbana, where I am now serving my third term as principal of Weber school.

My wife (formerly Miss Harriet Holsen, of Lukin) and I like Urbana very much. This is a very desirable place to live. In fact there is no better for a teacher to live than here. The open doors of our great state University afford untold opportunities for professional and educational and cultural growth. Mrs. Petty and myself spend many evenings attending lectures and various courses, and the programs at the University.

We will look forward with pleasure, for the Pink Press issue shall bring us glad tidings from many friends.
Very truly yours,

Alvin French Petty and Wife

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Pomona, California

January 15, 1917
Editor Press:
With pleasure I write the Press as one of the stragglers from the old home of Lawrence County Illinois.

I left there in September 1886. Stopped one year in Missouri, Then came to Pomona, California. Have been here ever since.

I was born in Petty Township, Lawrence County Illinois. Live there 49 years. Saw the country grow from a very thinly settled country to it thickly settled country.

I was 11 years old when the first school house was built in that section. I went to school the long-term of three months each year. My parents paid for our schooling at that time there was no free school system then.

When I came to Los Angeles County, California, there were about 100,000 people in the County, now there are something like 2 million here, it has become a great County, especially to elect presidents.

We are all well here and doing well and glad we are living to enjoy this beautiful climate.

I want to say that I enjoy reading the letters from the folks I knew years ago in the old state of Illinois.
Yours truly,

Moses Petty

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Bellflower, Illinois

January 22, 1917
Dear Friends:
Although I have not long been a “wanderer from Lawrence County" someone from somewhere might be wondering “whither I had wondered."

I lived in Lukin Township, Lawrence County, until four years ago when I came to McLean County to work on a farm. After spending some time year I decided that this was the place for me. A little more than a year ago I married one of our northern girls, Miss Lulu Innis, on a farm where we are now living the free life that only the farm affords.

On January 19, 1917, a little girl weighing nine pounds came to enjoy life with us and also to increase our joy.

Though not so far from former friends we miss you and very heartily invite you to our happy home.

Bring with you a breath of the "Hills" a freeze softer than that which often sweeps our "prairie" and the latest news from "home".
Sincerely,

Ira Provines

Bellflower, Illinois

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Wellington, Kansas

January 19, 1917

Sumner was my post office address and trading point the most of the time for about 33 years, consequently I enjoy reading the Press very much, and often see the names of relatives, friends and old neighbors, and I see that Sumner has for her Marshall one of my old and nearest neighbors Frank Melrose. I forgot to mention that I lived next to the county line, on the old State Road, and east Claremont Township, Richland County, and am now a resident of, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas.

Since retiring from the farm about six years ago, and living in the city of Wellington. Have I three meals a day and to help keep down the high cost of living, wife and I keep the cow, some chickens and do a little garden farming.

Now as to the family: Dave, the oldest, is in Wyoming, handling sheep (no family). William has two children and is a railroad engineer in Sacramento, California. Charles six children, real estate, insurance and loans, Granada, Colorado. Emma Denny, three children, husband, tool inspector in shops of A.T. & S.F.R.R. Company, and lives in Wellington. Rachel McClelland, two children, lives in Seattle, Washington, husband was lost in an avalanche near Thane, Alaska, December 14, 1916, (body not found). Was employed at the time by the Alaska Gas Line and Mining Company to superintend some electric wiring when the avalanche broke loose and swept him to his death. Chester had his skull fractured by the kick of a horse when quite young. After he had gone to manhood in operation was necessary to remove a growth on the brain, which was injuring his mind, which was not a success, and after expending over $1000, it was found necessary to send him to the insane hospital at Osawatomie, Kansas, with mind gone and no hope of recovery. Clara Bender, two children, husband teacher of manual training, Blackwell, Oklahoma, Molly, youngest daughter, clerk in store, Wellington, Kansas. Albert, the youngest, working in a grocery store, Wellington.

In conclusion, I will say to all relatives, friends, old neighbors and all old soldiers, should you ever come to Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas, don't fail to call around at 222 South Park Street, where you will find the latch string hanging outside and a hearty welcome awaiting you inside the door.
D. W. Quinby and wife, Lizzie

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Salida, Colorado

January 12, 1917

We came to Salida from Grand Junction, Colorado, last spring. The boys came over first got jobs on cattle ranches. Mildred and I came later to live in Salida. It is a lovely little city. We have made many good friends, but are here to stay only for a short time.

Some of you will remember John Rawlings at Richland County. He is located here, is a well-known conductor on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad he wished us to come here and try our luck in Salida we have done well and are not sorry we came here.

In July we all went over in San Luis Valley to work on a hay ranch, the boys in hay, Mildred and I do the cooking for 14 to 17 men. All had a nice time, if we did work pretty hard. You can imagine what hayfields they are in that Valley when it takes two months to harvest it.

I made many friends while there and did not like the idea of leaving them, but intend to see more of them in the future as we all felt so much at home among them.

Mildred and I came back here and the boy stayed over in that country for some time.

You may hear from us at any old place, as we are trying to better ourselves and will go until we do so, and in that meantime see all the country we can, then settled down on a home of our own, where we like it best, and where we do best.

I often hear from Grand Junction and friends there, among them Charles Shafer. He is the same Charlie and is doing well he has a fine wife and two nice boys, has always been a good true friend of my family and of course, I love all of his family too.

My thoughts often wondered to dear old Illinois to a certain little town called Sumner, two old friends, mother, sister and my dear brother there. I hear from all as mother is a good correspondent and keeps me in form of most all that happens in that old hometown. She sends me a press once in a while, so I feel as though I am with you all the time.

I could call to mind any amount of incidents of my girl life in Sumner that had not been told before in the Pink Press, but it would be just awful to make some of you old girls blush (at our age). We did some ridiculous things and had lots of fun at our parties and club parties alone (with no boys), at Father Hawkins, Mrs. Morgan's, Sam Turners, Lide Jones and Mrs. Lewis. I often think of Belle Lewis, who was the life of our set, and dear friend she will always be with us in thought of those other days and I for one, will always missed her, as I think of my girl hood days in Sumner. Where is one of my favorites-Tiny Mckenish? She was a sweet little brown eyed girl to me. Molly Hoopes, do you ever feel ashamed of the capers we kept at Mrs. Lewis with Molly David, Belle and I? Say, if our girls would do as we did then, there would be something doing at our house, don't you think? Allee Morgan, you were in the bunch at times also. Lide Jones, you, too. and Tilla Turner, it was not your fault (as well as Lide Lent) that you were not with us more than you were. You wish to be, but you were married, and your good husband did not know the half of it either. No, I will not tell now. Where ignorance is bliss, you know. I could mention the names of more of you girls, but I just tell of the worst ones so the rest of you be thankful I do not.

The boys, oh, they were all nice good boys (as far as I knew) in those days. I had no stories to tell about them. Reese Jones used to come to our house quite often. He would play the harp (he was good too with the harp). I would second on the organ. John Bartram could play the violin to perfection (so I thought). I loved music and do yet. I still love an organ if they are out of style now. Love to play one as much as in those old times.

I hope to see letters from all old friends who, like me, have wandered far from old home. I love to read them so all write, and let us keep this Pink Press coming to us each and every year. It will do someone else good as well as ourselves. Good wishes and do not forget your friend in the west is the best wish of

Formerly of Sumner, Illinois

And Daughter of Mrs. M. F. Klingler

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Kansas City, Missouri

February 2, 1917

I left Bridgeport December 15, 1916, and as any mother knows, I have had a great battle with nature to keep from being homesick, or having the blues, as we call it.

I am still improving and still have great hopes of coming home in the near future. Anyway I think I will not have to stay as long as I have already been here, which was seven weeks yesterday (Thursday).

Have had the pleasure of meeting several of Dr. Johnson's patients that have been cured and came back to visit the Institute. They are still recommending his treatment and praising Doctor Johnson. My daughter being always with me, hinders me from getting to take a good old-fashioned cry, as I had indulged in many times before she came.

There are about 75 or 80 patients at this place now and the list is still growing. I have privileged to see at least 25 persons go home cured since I came and some that are going soon so I think if I continue to improve I will be among the list someday, that will go home well. I have not been able to find the church of my choice in this town, therefore the Sunday seems the longest day for us, as we stay home most of the day.

Last Saturday was a great day for the small children at the convention hall. I thought it would be a great treat to see so many little folk, so we went, and as we watched the pictures come and go, it was made plain to me why the young people of the large cities or in such spiritual darkness. So void of the grace of God as they see these awful lies pictured out. No wonder our so-called Christian nation is in such a state of superstition and hedonism, and to think that parents will take their children to watch these things and bring them up under such influences is astonishing. We only have to read the last chapter in the Bible to find out where to class the people that maketh and loveth a lie. There is one thing for which I have always been thankful, a relish for the truth of God and confidence I have in God's eternal shall, for, except we become as little children we can nowise enter the kingdom. Can we comprehend the innocence of a child under the age of accountability. The simplicity of their manner the obedience of faith they exercise toward us as parents. Why not strive to follow the example rather than turn to our own ways.

Well, perhaps I am taking too much space, but when the shadows are gathering and deathbeds are coming, no one will be heard to say I have lived too careful and too holy in this life for if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the sinner and ungodly appear.

Well I have been trying to get to a stopping place and maybe you will have not room for this much, but I think it perfectly in order to hold religious service at a homecoming. Someone else about on this our annual homecoming is in October. All who wish to come and enjoy the day are cordially invited.

I still feel that the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want any good thing. Eye hath not seen or ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man what God hath in store for those that love him, Corinthians 2:9.

By admonishing all who will to search the Scriptures for in them we think we have eternal life, I will close.

Mrs. H. D. Rigall

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The Aviation Field

San Antonio, Texas

January 29, 1917

I am glad to have a chance to put a few lines in the Pink Press and will be very much pleased to read the many letters from people who have wandered from our dear old neighborhood to different parts of the United States. In all of my wanderings I have never seen a place that I like quite as well as old Illinois.

F. M. Roberts

Corpl. Co. C. 19th Inf.

Fort Sam Houston, Texas

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Terre Haute, Indiana

January 17, 1917
Sumner Press:
One year gone again and still find us in, "The Pittsburgh of the West, "doing service for the greatest and best Corporation in America, “The International Harvester Company of America" and with the finest and most exacting cases of American citizenship, "The American Farmer".

We are getting along very nicely in our work and enjoying good health. Just at this season of the year causes quite a degree of sadness to come over us, as we revert back over the past, that just a year ago last week and this, 3 January, we were anxiously watching at the bedside of our father and sister and all our attention and care availed nothing, but we take some consolation in the fact that we did all we could.

Eloise graduates from the grade school this week. Frank is plodding along in sixth grade, boy style, thoroughly proficient in dodging all chores and badly needed at some boyfriend’s home instead.

Irene still does a good job keeping house and we look to her to keep us posted on bargain sales and good shows. Thoroughly up-to-date on all the bookings of the show performers.

Grandma Eshelman is with us this winter and in fair health-soon-to-be 82 years old.

If any Lawrence County people, native of foreign, come to Terre Haute, the latch string of our door is on the outside at 2001 North Ninth Street.

E. O. Shick¹⁷

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Chicago, Illinois

January 17, 1917