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With kind regards to Sumner friends. J. C. Caldwell4 and family ------------- Waynetown, Indiana January 7, 1915
I was born in Delaware County, Ohio, May 27, 1841. Moved to Fountain County, Indiana in 1854. Joined the Army August 3, 1861, served in the Army of the Potomac, second New York Calvary, Company H. At the end of 37 months, I got an honorable discharge and returned home. Took up the occupation of a farmer which I followed for four years in Fountain and Warren counties. At the end of that time, I had three plugs of horses and about $700. On hearing of the wonderful crops of corn that were raised down in Egypt5, I determined to marry me a wife and go down to take possession of some of it’s fertile soil, so on the 25th day of February 1869, I married a young woman one year my junior by the name of Mary R. Ellis and about the 26th of April, 1869, we loaded up our little effects and started for our new home, which I had already purchased on Lukin Prairie, Lukin township, Lawrence County Illinois, seven miles southeast of Sumner. The place consisted of 40 acres. Six years later I purchased 80 acres out on the public highway leading south east from Sumner to Mt. Carmel where I lived 40 years. At the end of that time I sold part of my possessions and bought 30 acres 3 1/2 miles south of Waynetown and eight miles west of Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana, where we lived six years. I have made two flying trips down to the old homestead, partly on business. This fall we concluded we would both go back, wife and I, and have a good visit. We made our arrangements and started the 27th of October and landed at Jno. Bell’s in St. Francisville that night at eight o'clock. The next day I met my old friend and neighbor, W. H. Hazelton in town, who autoed us out to my son-in-law's, J. A. Price’s. Saturday we drove to Bridgeport, to visit our son and wife, A.P. and Jas. F. Cooper and families. Being Halloween Eve, you may know that pandemonium had full sway in town, and while I was just across the alley, helping Harley Schrader with a sick horse, some of the kids cabbaged my buggy and ran it down in the business part of town, and I suppose fired it around about half the night, and then drew it up as near Clay Seed’s north kitchen door as possible, where Jim Cooper found it Sunday morning about eight o'clock. I will say that we were very thankful that we got off as well as we did. We had to hustle up a little, to make up for lost time, and by making a forced drive, we arrived at Olive Branch just as the young minister began his sermon, and I will say there was more heart spirit in the sermon that I have listened to in six years here in Wayne Township. Another commendable feature was that they haven't got the spiritual lumbage so bad but they can kneel down before the Almighty. Romans 14:11 Philippians 2:9-11. We were invited around the altar and after prayer and a word of exhortation, we sang a hymn, and a shake of hands and were dismissed. We were entertained at dinner by C. E. Corrie and wife. The Lord bless them in their afflictions. We then drove to J. A. Price’s and at night hitched to the spring wagon and drove to the Bethlehem church, to a prayer and social meeting, which was well attended, and it seemed that all enjoyed it. I'm sure I enjoyed the meeting wonderfully. It was led by G. W. Prout. I noticed they are not removing the old landmarks which our fathers have set, but are willing to bow the knee to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Proverbs 7:19. On Friday we drove to Sumner where I had not been for six years. and met several of my old friends among whom was the editor and ex editor of the Press. Barnes brothers, Jno. Westall, J.A. Barekman, , Jones brothers, Dr Dale, B. F. Lent, H.Yelch, Jas. Hull, Isaac Wright, Clay Smith, Wm Brian, E Hill, and I cannot tell how many more. On Monday we went to a funeral at the O'Donnell cemetery and Tuesday a funeral at Bethel in the morning and from there to St. Francisville, where we attended prayer meeting at the F. M. Church, so you may know that we met a goodly number of our Egyptian friends, and I will add that it was a heart visit from start to finish. We started home Wednesday morning via Vincennes, Terre Haute and Crawfordsville, and landed home at six o'clock in the evening in time to attend the last service of a protracted meeting within a half a quarter from our door. We have four children, Cora L Price of Lawrence; second Sherman E Cooper, of Kobe, Japan, has been absent nine years as missionary, will be home this summer if the Lord wills; third Charles M. Bell, Wanatchee, Washington; the fourth Albert Ivan Cooper, of Lawrence County. My oldest grandson, David E. Bell came in from Washington on Thanksgiving day to spend the winter. I was never much of a politician but I did consent to let the Lukinites use my name once in order to elect another man, but they counted out the votes, I was 27 votes ahead of the whole bunch, so the last four years of my stay in Illinois I was Justice of the Peace, and I kept it all right, I guess. Well Mr. Editor, I have just given you a small sketch of the facts asked for or a part of them and as this is my first venture as a correspondent, I think I have done fairly well. If all the absentees write as much as I have I think it will be up to you instead of us. If I live to the 27th day of May, I will be 74 years old, and in fair health.
------------- Little Rock, Arkansas January 16th 1915 Dear Editor: I will write a few lines for the non-resident issue of the Press for2015. My wife, Grace (Daily) Cunningham and I formally were residents of Lukin Township, near Bethlehem Church, both having been born and raised there. We left there about three years ago and came to Little Rock, Arkansas where we now live. We like our southern home and friends fine especially our "darkey" friends. I am employed by a loan broker having been with the company one and one half years. We take the Press and enjoy reading it even better than when we were in Lawrence County. Yours very truly, Kent Cunningham 1147 Rock Street ------------- Bone Gap, Illinois January 30, 1915 Editor Press: A few words for your February 11 edition, if it is not too late. I am the youngest son of Andrew and Elizabeth Corrie, who were among the early settlers of Lawrence County. I was born in Lukin Township on the farm now owned by James Kelsey. I married one of Christy Township's girls, Miss Clara Huston, of southwest Sumner, and we lived in Lukin about 35 years and before going any further will say there is some of the best people in Lukin of any place in the world. About 22 years ago we took a foolish notion to leave the farm and drifted down to Edwards County and settled in Bone Gap, the garden spot of the world, and started in the furniture and undertaking business. We have only one child, (a girl). And she plays the part of embalmer, and to show you how close we have stuck to business I have not had a clerk a day for 22 years. Lawrence County and especially Lukin township's people will always have a warm spot in my heart.
------------- Campbell, Missouri January 20, 1915 Editor Press: As I am a wanderer and was a native of Sumner will try and respond to your request. 20 years ago I moved to northeast Missouri and lived there 13 years. During that time lost my husband and our child. I then moved to California, lived there five years, in and near Bakersfield, and spent two winters in Los Angeles. I have six sons, three in California, one in Texas, two in Oklahoma, two daughters in Campbell, Missouri where I make my home. I have made a number of visits to my first home and still have many relatives and friends that hold a dear place in my memory. Wishing all many happy years and with great desire to see all and dear old Sumner again, I am,
Mrs. Leati Jennings Donnelly ------------- Cincinnati, Ohio January 14, 1915
There are many other advantages and valuable assets that I might mention, but which would only serve to confirm the opinion in the minds of those who read this, that Cincinnati is just another one of those great rushing cities where men are swallowed up in the world of industry, like towns and cities in many states. My business, though thriving, is never placed above good fellowship. My memories oft return to Sumner’s trim streets and pleasant homes, its radiant firesides and happy faces I have found no place yet to compare with that sunny spot in southern Illinois that we love and call Sumner. With best wishes to you and your readers for a successful year, I remain,
G. R. Dunphy ------------- Danville, Illinois February 7, 1915
I have lived at several different places since I left Sumner but have found none that I like better or had more friends. I usually stop when passing through the town, but there are so many of the dear faces gone that it does not seem like home to me anymore. I now make my home with my daughter, Mattie Webb, and when any of my friends are in the city of Danville they will find me at 228 Cunningham Avenue or I shall be pleased to see them. Respectfully, Jenny Foster ------------- Golden Gate, Illinois January 15, 1915
I am the eldest son of the late Bascom French, Sr. (better known in Lawrence County as Polk French) and Margaret A. French. I was born in the year 1869, in Lukin Township, 4 1/2 mile south of Sumner, on the Sumner and Lancaster Road. I lived there with parents until the year 1890, when I became united in marriage to Anna Hillis, the daughter of the late Joseph Hillis also of Lukin Township. We then moved to Christy Township about four miles southwest of Sumner, lived there until the year 1892, when we moved to Belmont, Illinois Wabash County at which time engaged in the grain and milling business with my father, who had moved to Golden Gate, Illinois, Wayne County, where we purchased an elevator and we are still engaged in the grain, feed and livestock business. We feel very thankful to our Maker, as we have been blessed with good health and prosperity all these years. Our family consists of two boys and three girls, ranging from 23 to 5 years old. Guy C., our oldest son is in medical school; Herschel our next son, is engaged in business with me. The girls younger at home. A word to our old schoolmates, friends and relatives. We quite often think of you, and assure you it would be a pleasure to take you by the good right hand for a shake, however we hope to meet you at some future time as we hold old Lawrence County very dear, and expect to call on our friends and relatives from time to time and should any of you ever pass this way don't fail to call on us. New Mr. Editor, a word about the Press, the Sumner Press is the first paper that I have recollections of reading when but a boy. My father was one of the old subscribers of the Press, and we have had this paper in our home ever since, and must say it has always been a welcome visitor. We wish the new owners success and hope to see the Press retained its standard as a newspaper and in fact be the leading paper of southern Illinois.
C. French Better known to some of our school mates as Dick. ------------- Kansas City, Kansas January 24, 1915 Editor Press: I was born in Lawrence County, one mile west of Sumner. My father was Philo Bell, who lived there nearly all his life. My maiden name was Emily Bell and I married Almond W. French, who died four years ago in Oklahoma. Since that time I have lived in Kansas City, Kansas. I will enjoy reading this special edition of the Press. Emily B. French ------------- Falmouth, Indiana January 23, 1915 Dear Friends: I am glad of the opportunity to write a few lines to you. Myself and family are enjoying good health. From September 26, 1907, until September 29, 1908, I was the Sumner Circuit Pastor of M. E. Church and occupied the circuit parsonage. I am now pastor of the M. E. Church at Falmouth, Rush County at a salary of $700 per year and parsonage. My daughter, Susie, is married and is living in Lyons, Indiana, Greene County. She married Claud McIndoo, a merchant there. Hazel and Edna are both in high school, Hazel in Lyons and Edna here. Our son Culver is six years old and is in the first grade. Yours truly, E. H. Fuller and family ------------- Hutchinson, Kansas January 18, 1915
I left Petty Township in 1885, going to Des Moines, Iowa, or I've lived for 16 years. Went from there to West Plains, Missouri, then to Kansas, or I have been for the last nine years. I am employed by Rock Island Railroad as locomotive engineer. My wife was formally Mattie Hoopes, of Sumner and known by all the old residence there.
346 East B ------------- East St. Louis, Illinois January 18, 1915
I, Mary Ann Diver, daughter of John and Nellie Diver, (Mrs. Nellie O’Donnell), was born in Lawrence County on a farm three miles southeast of Sumner, attended Clark school with brother John Diver, now residing in Bridgeport Married Jas. Goff, employed by the O. & M. railroad, now B. & O. Southwest Railroad in 1880. One year later Mr. Goff was transferred to East St. Louis and I have resided here ever since. I am mother of seven children, five living, W. J. Goff, with Morris and Company married Miss M. Kallihan, Nellie M. Married Mr. J. H. Nueble, manager market Morris and Company, Kathryn M. married Mr. M. C. Reis, general manager East St. Louis Lumber Company, Alice M. married W. J. Kenney, manager M.W. Warren and Company of St. Louis, Thomas D. Goff, single all residing any St. Louis. Also grandmother of 18 grandchildren, including two pairs of twins all living. Yours truly, Mrs. James Goff 522 North 7th Street
Janesville, Illinois January 22, 1915 Dear Friends: I'm a reader of the Sumner Press and will say we are well pleased with it. I made the acquaintance of the editor many years ago when he ran the Toledo Democrat and know him to be a Christian gentleman. In the year 1872, month of November, I moved with my wife and three children-two boys and one girl to a farm in the north-central part of Cumberland County, near the old ancient village of Johnstown, in said County. To us were born five more children, all-girls, eight children all told. Our first one, a girl, died in her 17th year, rest all married except one, and all live in the greater state in the union-Illinois. I have farmed, sold goods, bought hogs and grain, stock, sold real estate, ran a livery barn, have been in the insurance business and now raising pure bred ringlet barred Plymouth Rock birds and for a sideline. I have a ginseng garden with 30,000 plants and expect to get rich. If I see this in the Pink Issue of the Press I may come again. D. T. Gordon ------------- Kearney, Nebraska January 22, 1915 Dear Readers of Press: I am glad for this opportunity of writing a few lines to so many at one time. Think we ought to congratulate the editor for this privilege. I hesitated to write at first as we lived on the boundary line of Lawrence on Richland side but Sumner was our town just the same and we thought this too good to miss. It was five years last August since we left Sumner for the West. Must say the Lord has been wonderously good to us, giving us health to enjoy about 360 sunshine days (more or less) out of each year, making life worthwhile living as all Nebraskans enjoy. Time has passed so rapidly only seems as a dream. We often think of the good times also that we have spent on the East side of the Mississippi. I am planning for a visit at the old home about July 1915, so Boosters of Sumner keep up your good work and plan to have a good time at Sumner, July 4, as I will enjoy seeing you all. Respectfully yours Ida (Kimmell) Haynes ------------- Farmer City, Illinois January 22, 1915
We remember with much pleasure the few years of our residence in Sumner and especially our work with the people of the Sumner Christian and the Antioch churches. We take this means to send our best wishes and kindest regards to all of our Sumner friends. Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Hershey ------------- Cassville, Missouri January 24, 1915 Sumner Press: I see in your paper of recent date a request for old settlers of Lawrence and Richland counties to write a short article of the early settlements of Sumner and surrounding country as it was in early days. I can give a partial history as I now remember it from 1849 up to 1879. The country since then I presume, has gone through many changes that I know nothing of. In 1840 my father and family moved from Coles County to Lawrence County and came to where Sumner now is but at that time it was a cornfield owned by old Uncle Benjamin Sumner. I was at the time 11 years old, having been born in 1829. I grew to manhood in the neighborhood of Sumner, Hadley and Claremont and knew nearly every mile around, but the boys and young men I associated with in those days have grown old, like myself, if they are living. Most of the old citizens have long passed away. There were the Christy's, Clubbs, Sumner's, Frenchs, Hillises, Leathers, Laws, Conours and numbers of others I could mention, but space won’t permit it this time. In 1850 I and Miss Polly Smith were married and if we lived till next Friday the 29th we can celebrate our 63rd marriage anniversary. We have had seven children born to us, six now living. We have 37 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. My wife is relative to the Sumner's, Laws, and Basden's, being an own cousin of one of your towns ladies, Mrs. Martha J Anderson, and I being a cousin of C. H. Gordon, a Sumner and Mrs. ,. I moved from Illinois to northwest Kansas in 1879. In 1904 came to Barry County Missouri where the climate is much more mild. We are enjoying very good health for old people, 79 and 85 years old.
------------- Bruceville Indiana January 30, 1915 Readers of the Press: Perhaps it might be of interest to you to know something of my whereabouts, too, along with the many other "wanderers". I have not wandered very far however, being located on a farm in Knox County, Indiana 11 miles northeast of Vincennes and two miles northeast of Bruceville. Our farm is rolling and its yields are very satisfactory. Our beautiful pikes winding around the bluegrass hills produce a very picturesque scene indeed and altogether I think as is natural for us all, that I have the very best home on earth. However, I have a warm spot in my heart for old Lawrence County, the place of my birth and will always want the Sumner Press to be a weekly visitor at our home. Very truly, Della Perkins Hollingsworth ------------- Springfield, Illinois January 13, 1915
It may be that some of our friends have not yet missed us and it would be well to tell them we are pleasantly located at 223 E. Lawrence Avenue in this city and have the State House, Governor's Mansion and other important buildings in our neighborhood, also in easy walking distance of the business section and four or five of the leading churches are quite near us. Our brother, W. S. Hoopes, living next door to us, makes it very pleasant and homelike. We shall be glad to see any and all of our friends when they come to the city. With kind regards to all and Press readers. Very respectfully, Mrs. S. E. Eckenrode M. M. Hoopes ------------- Galton, Illinois January 11, 1915 Dear Sirs: By request I will try to mention a few items that may be of interest to some readers of the Press. I was pastor of the Sumner United Brethren Circuit in 1912 and 1913. I resided in the U. B. Parsonage in Sumner. I spent many pleasant hours during my two years labor on Sumner Circuit, and I will trust still have many friends in the bounds of the circuit on which I labored. It was my privilege to receive into church fellowship during my two years labor on Sumner circuit 104 members. I am now pastor of the Galton Station Lower Wabash Conference. Am very comfortably situated in the Parsonage at Galton. Have had a fairly good revival this year, have my salary more than full, to date. I have received during this conference year about $40 value in presents.. My people are very kind to myself and wife, during our stay in this community. I am always glad to receive the Press. I hear of the joys and sorrows that have come to our friends in Lawrence County. We wish success to the Press and happiness during the New Year, to all our friends. May the blessings of God rests upon the good people of all the churches of Sumner is the prayer of a former pastor. Directory: ~illchgs -> letters -> old files old files -> From Former Sons and Daughters of old files -> L. M. Wood and Sons: In response to the general invitation extended to former residents of Lawrence County, I proceed to write briefly, if possible concerning the few "wanderers," in this section Download 1.59 Mb. Share with your friends:
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