Clark County IL Archives News.....Melrose Items Pre-1900
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MELROSE ITEMS--PRE 1900
CLARK COUNTY HERALD

30-NOV-1886

J.D. Wells has sold a part of his farm to Wm Rockwell.

L.D. McClure has had some repairing done on his dwelling.

Jonathan Dart, of Delaware County, Ohio, is visiting in this 
vicinity.

Giles Miller and Charles Gideon are building a neat little 
barn for the former.

Wm Acker, of Dakota, is here to spend the winter with relatives 
and friends.

Wm Handy, Esq. Gard, Charles Hodges and Mose Thompson have each 
a new house about completed.

Mrs Angle Beaman, who has been visiting friends here for some 
time, returned to her home in Nebraska last week.

We are glad to learn that Mort Wilson has his pension increased 
and also received some thing substantial in the way of back pay.

If some of our church going young ladies were to exercise the 
same amount of energy in the acquisition of knowledge that they 
do in chewing gum, they would add largely to their social power.

Milt Mills, our efficient schoolteacher, is giving general 
satisfaction. The attendance is quite good, but would be better 
if some of the boys were not obliged to stay at home and train 
their oxen and others to go hunting.


5-JUNE-1889

Thinking a few jottings might be interesting to your readers, I 
write you a few.  Quite a refreshing rain visited this part of 
the moral heritage, last Tuesday, making all nature look verdan.
Most all the corn is planted in this locality, but is coming up 
very slowly, owning to the long dry spell. There is talk of several 
new buildings being erected in this little burg this summer. J.R. 
Trump and wife, of Orange were in town Friday on business. J.R. is 
canvassing for a New York nursery firm, and is having splendid 
success. L.D. McClure visited York and West York last Monday. He 
reports West York a bonnie town. Sol Handy is teaching our summer 
term of school, and is giving entire satisfaction. The board would 
do well to secure him for the winter school. There was quite an 
interesting trial before Esq. Evans, last Thursday, a couple of 
young bloods being the defendants. Esq. Cowden made a very able 
plea in their defense and they were acquitted. Miss Katie Prevo, 
of York, is visiting her friend, Mrs. Rook. Miss Katie is one of 
those estimable young ladies who bring sunshine where ever they 
come. Dr. J.W. Baker, one of the devoted disciples of Esculapius, 
is now among us, and, with the best of pills, cures the many ills.
Robert Hedges, of Martinsville, (formerly of this place) is again 
among old friends here. It's reviving to see him again. Mrs. Will 
Hedges, of Marvin, made a flying visit here last week. The new 
roller mill being put in by Rowe and Wells will be in running 
order by July 15. The mill will have a capacity of 100 barrels per 
day--just double the capacity of the one that was here.


3-JULY-1889

The late rains have improved the appearance of the oats crop very 
much, and with favorable weather and from now on many pieces will 
make a fair crop.   The Baptist people from the South part of the 
township held their children's day entertainment last Sunday.   
The attendance was quite large and the exercises good.  The summer 
school at this place closed last Friday with appropriate exercises.
The teacher, Mr. Sol Handy, gave entire satisfaction. The directors 
have employed Willie Medsker for the coming winter school. Rev. 
Jones, of Darien, filled the pulpit here last Sabbath. F.G. Hasten 
has rented the sawmill of Dodd and Hasten, and Byron will run the 
engine for Rowe and wells.   Messrs. Berket and Orr, of Hutsonville, 
were here last Monday, talking up mill interest with mill men.
They intend soon to move their mill from Hutsonville to some point 
in Indiana. J.D. Wells lost two of his best cows this week. Their 
death is suppose to of been caused by eating too much clover.   J.H. 
Edwards carries his nose in a sling the effect of coming in contact 
with a refractory cow.   The cherry crop is unusually large this 
year and cherries are selling at 20 cents per gallon.   William 
Acker is spending a few weeks with his many friends in this vicinity.
He has been down in Mississippi where he bought a large tract of 
land, and is on his way to South Dakota to dispose of some land he 
has there, with a view to locating in the South.   W.F. Filson, the 
indomitable book agent of Paris, Illinois, was in the vicinity last 
week, cracking jokes and making money as usual.   Miss Moreland, of 
Bourbon, Indiana, is visiting her sister, Mrs. J.R. Trump.   The 
machinery for the new mill is nearly all received and is being put 
into position as fast as possible by about a half dozen workmen.   
Horse doctors, insurance agents, donation solicitors, book and tree 
agents, and aspirants for the office of postmaster and pathmasters 
have been making it quite lively for the citizens of this vicinity 
for the past several weeks.   Messrs. S. and L. Suavely were in the 
village last week, looking after their respective interests.  Quoit 
pitching is the standard amusement of the leisure loving part of the 
male population now.   Last Saturday they were pitching in the 
street, when one of the boys carelessly threw a shoe against a 
passing buggy, for which he was promptly arrested and taken before 
Esq. Hasten, but the prosecuting witness failing to put in an 
appearance at  the appointed time, the prisoner was discharged. G.H. 
Rowe, of Martinsville, has moved into the John Rowe property. M. 
Miller and L. Curtis were here Thursday from Martinsville after 
lumber for Rowe Brothers, Dodd and Hasten having a contract to saw 
a considerable bill for them.   It is currently reported that one 
of the astute, newly elected J.P.'s of Orange Twp was called upon 
to perform a marriage ceremony the other day.   He requested the 
contracting parties to stand and raise their right hands, when he 
began as follows:  "Do you each and all of you solemnly swear--o 
thunder! That ain't right".  


2-OCT-1889

Johny Ryan, traveling salesman for Stern, Myer and Company, of 
Cincinnati, was here on business last Thursday.   Mrs. J.R. 
Trump's parents, from Burton, Indiana, are visiting her. Dr. J.W. 
Baker has built a new barn and otherwise improved his premises.
C.B. Rook has rerooted his storeroom.   Mr Reynolds and wife, of 
Chicago, are here visiting relatives and trying the country rusk.   
Ferris and Frank Booth have gone North to seek employment. Otto 
Stanfield took in the show at Martinsville. W.A. Baker, of 
Hatton, and Al Manhart, of Marshall, were rusticating in these 
parts last week.   They made a good showing at Nimrods judging 
from the amount of game they bagged.   The new roller mill at 
this place is doing a thriving business with Rowe and Wells at 
the helm. They run almost night and day now making a grade of 
flour that far excels any other that has been on the market 
here.   A patent medicine man has been sneaking around here, 
trying to steal Dr. Bakers negative for an "after taking".   
J.R.Trump is building a residence in the Southern part of the 
county for Mat Wells.   Another happy wedding is on the tapis.   
Just you wait.   It is yet to be seen just when the nuptials 
will be solemnized.   I am anxiously waiting to chronicle the 
affair.   Rufus Mcloney now sports a new road cart and has 
something to trade.   E.A. Snyder, of West Union, was here on 
a pleasure trip last week.   The Farmers Alliance attempted to 
form a society here, but failed through the negligence of 
"California Joe Wells".


30-OCT-1889

Ferris Booth has concluded to locate in Martinsville for the 
winter.   P.F.Dodd went to Terre Haute Thursday and returned 
Friday.   Mr. Montgomery, of Marshall, was here lasted week 
and assisted the Melrose boys in a match game of baseball.   
A new U.B. preacher has located in our town and it is said he 
will soon begin a series of meetings. There has been no 
Sunday School here this summer, but we have had preaching 
occasionally.   A couple of self styled gentlemen having a 
difficulty, agree to settle it according to London Prize 
Ring Rules and repaired to the East end of town to try 
their pugilistic proficiency.   No great amount of corporeal 
damage was visible.   Ed Dering, formerly of this place, but 
now of Vermillion County, made a business trip here last 
week.   Al Medsker and the Bartlett boys have finished 
hulling clover.   A team belonging to Robert Elliott ran 
away Friday and were caught three miles from town.   But 
little damage was done.   Rob Hedges, of Martinsville, 
visited numerous friends here last week.   A sewing machine 
agent was here last week, looking after some that are in 
arrears.   Rob Blankenbeker, of Orange, makes frequent 
visits to town.   Rumor has it that he is smiling on one 
of our fair daughters.   A Mr Harris, of Lafayette, Indiana, 
has located among us.   He is a carpenter by trade, but is 
going to try agricultural pursuits.   It is about time a 
move should be made toward building a new schoolhouse, as 
the old one has been reroofed and half-soled so often that 
it is useless extravagance to waste any more money on it.
A small tax for building purposes should be levied each 
year and the burden would rest so lightly on the people 
that they would not feel it.


6-MAR-1895

Miss Mary Binning closed her term of school Thursday.   
John Reece was calling on Lue Alexander Monday night.   
Alex Van Fleet has bought Ed Jennings place and moved 
in. Ed has moved on to Fancier Fix's farm.   Robert 
Bailiff visited at Dick Alexanders last Thursday and 
Friday.   Rev. F.M.Buckner returned home last Sunday 
from Dudley, Mo, where he has been holding a protracted 
meeting.   Mrs. Mat Riley is visiting Mrs Ella Buckner.   
Harry Scott is going to work for Mr Madison, of Walnut 
Prairie, the coming summer.   Little Bert Bartlett will 
teach the summer school at the Ohio. Kelly and Orlando 
Barnes, of Kentucky, are clearing for S.S. Whitehead, 
near Melrose.   James Beckwith and family have moved 
to Jasper County.   Dick Alexander and sons Lue and 
John have been clearing for Albert Wernz.   Joseph 
Wallace has been hauling lumber to build a barn on 
S.S. Whitehead's farm.   McClellan Thompson has moved 
on to L.B. Janney's farm.   Quite a number of relatives 
and friends called on Perry Bartlett Wednesday evening.   
There was singing at Choctaw Tuesday night.   Wheat 
looks very fine.   Mrs Mary Binning will teach the 
summer school at Choctaw.


7-Aug-1895

Threshing in this vicinity is not yet finished. Miss 
Josie Miller, of York, is visiting friends here. The 
sheriff was here Sunday looking after some of his 
plebeians.   Another wedding has been consummated.   
We tender congratulations.   William Shaffner has 
just completed a house which looks real noble.   
Broomcorn harvest is almost here, there being quite 
a large acreage planted here.   The township S.S. 
Convention at Bailiff Church last Thursday was a 
very pleasant affair.   Joseph Wells and grandson 
visited the formers brother at Jewett, Cumberland 
County, last week.   As there has been no items 
from this section for some time and thinking a few 
local words would be in order, I write. John Ryan, 
traveling agent for a Cincinnati clothing house, 
was here last week, interviewing our merchants.   
MELROSE HAS HAD A HEALTHY GROWTH THIS SUMMER, TWO 
NEW BUSINESS HOUSES HAVING BEEN ERECTED BY MESSRS. 
DODD AND CORNWELL.   A match game of ball was played 
here the 4th between Walnut Prairie and Melrose.   
They came with a loaded umpire and the score stood 
18 to 5 in favor of Melrose.   Reckon Walnut has 
learned by this time that Melrose can play ball.


14-Aug-1895

The editor of the Democrat still persists in wanting 
to assist the Herald editor to establish himself 
politically.   It is possible however that Mr. Handy 
might be too officious in his strenuous efforts to 
define the Herald's political position.  It would be 
well for Solomon to remember that he was reared and 
hails from this township and many have their misgivings 
as to his true political sentiments.   P.F. Dodd visited 
the county capitol Tuesday.   Effie Baker spent last week 
visiting friends and relatives here.   William Baily and 
lady of Flat Rock, were here rusticating last week, the 
guests of Jont Medsker. Ed Poulter now languishes in the 
county Bastille.   It is our wily Ed, sure this time.
Jim Lions, who travels for Bement, Rea, and Company, of 
Terre Haute, chatted with our merchants Thursday.   Mr. 
McGrew, representing Finkbiner and Denwig, of Terre Haute, 
visited this city last week.   B.C. Hasten is preparing 
to harvest his broomcorn.   There would have been a heavy 
crop had it not been for the bugs.   Mr. Dodd now 
permanently located in his new building and with the 
blandest of smiles caters to the wants of his many customers.
Guy Hasten, of Arcola, who has been visiting his grandparents 
here, returned home Friday by wheel.   Dr. Baker is having a 
well dug and a new barn erected on his farm West of town.   
Luther Rhine is the architect. Miss Mollie Jackson, of Ridge 
Farm is at present stopping with her parents here, for the 
purpose of recuperating her health.   J.D.Mills is making 
arrangements to erect a cosy residence Northwest of town.   
J.R. Trump is to do the carpenter work, so we are informed.   
The shrill notes of the steam thresher is still heard in 
this vicinity, but the yield of grain falls short of this 
years crop. T.R. CORNWELL'S NEW STORE IS SLOWLY NEARING 
COMPLETION.   Reck will be out of sight when he gets in his 
new quarters.   The prospect for corn is splendid and it 
looks as though the yield might exceed last year's crop.   
Our highways are at present infested with an army of 
watermelon vendors.   Certainly it must be a lucrative 
business, judging from the number engaged in the business.
It is currently reported the Frank Hedges is indisposed, 
cause from too great reveling with the festive watermelon.


21-AUG-1895

John Perine, of Kickapoo, Johnson township, was here last 
week, seeing old friends.   L.D. McClure, of Orange, was in
the city Monday.   Mr. And Mrs. W.R.B. Hasten are visiting 
their son, Frank, at Arcola, Illinois.   Rev. Johnson filled 
the pulpit here last Sunday.   Uncle Jake King has several 
fine steeds and is strictly up to date in all that pertains 
to horse swapping.   J.M. Wells was surprised on going to his 
barn Thursday morning to find a strange horse there.   Some 
person had made him a present of a very inferior animal.
Your correspondent made a trip through the Southern part of 
this county and the northern part of Crawford County last week.   
The corn crop along the line traveled is being cut short by 
dry weather and the ravages of the chinch bugs.   George Hurst 
and family, from Marshall, came last Saturday to visit his 
brother-in-law, P.F. Dodd.   Mrs. H returned home Sunday 
evening, while Mr Hurst took in the Bellair-Annapolis ball 
game, returning by rail Monday morning. Rock Hollow is the 
chief pleasure resort of this vicinity at this season of the 
year.   The picturesque scenes and environments of the place 
makes natures contribution of beauty complete and affords a 
scene upon which the eye of the artist may look long and 
rapturously.


28-Aug-1895

F.A. McAllister, who represents Havens and Geddes, of Terre 
Haute, called on our merchants last week. From  general 
appearances, T.R. CORNWELL'S NEW BUSINESS HOUSE MUST BE 
ABOUT READY FOR OCCUPANCY.   When completed it will be a 
neat and commodious building. J.C. Howerton last week made 
a business trip to Charleston, Arcola and other northern 
cities.   J.M. Wells has re-roofed and other wise repaired 
his dwelling.   Deputy County Surveyor Hawkins was here last 
week surveying a new road. Othello Henderson calls in town 
oftener than was his want.   Reckon there must be a femine 
magnet here.   A.G. Cowden and wife were visiting in Chicago 
last week.   It is needless to add that Mr. C. enjoyed the 
sights in the windy city by the lake.   C.C. Hodges, Ed 
Gard and Chester Crumrine attended U.B. quarterly meeting at 
Annapolis last Saturday. We have in this township an individual 
who is afflicted with an office seeking mania, yet he has never 
been any thing more than the tail end of a party kite.   A petty 
office is to him as big as dukedom

11-SEPT-1895

We failed to put in an appearance last week, for which the 
Herald readers should unite in singing the long-meter doxology:  
"Praise God For Whom All Blessings Flow". Mr. McGrew, traveling 
salesman for Finkbiner and Duenweg, of Terre Haute, called on 
our merchants last Thursday.   F.M. Spiry had a birthday dinner 
last week, he having passed the 45th milestone. Uncle John Crosby 
has dug a well and found plenty of water at a depth of 22 feet. It 
is understood without telling the Mr. Crosby is greatly pleased.   
John Fasig, of Martinsville, is now domiciled in the new building 
on the Cornwell corner. Next Monday being the 15th, the Nimrods 
can go in quest of the juicy prairie chicken. Rev. Johnson filled 
the pulpit here Sunday and Sunday night.   The broomcorn in this 
vicinity is about all cut.   There will be a large acreage planted 
here next year. Dr. Baker is rejoicing over the advent of a son of 
standard weight at his house.   Corn cutting is the order of the 
day, as the chinch bugs have ripened the corn at a rapid rate.   
Fasig Bros. have repaired and refitted the mill at this place and 
are now prepared to manufacture a good grade of flour. A notable 
wedding occurred in our community last week.   Miss Rilla, the 
charming daughter of Taylor Robinson, Esq., was united in the holy 
bonds of matrimony with Elias M. Baker, a well-known young man in 
this neighborhood. We do not know who performed the ceremony. A 
goodly number of invited guests were present to witness the 
interesting ceremony. Our kindest wishes are extended to the happy 
couple.


18-SEPT-1895

Dr Baker attended the supervisors meeting at the county capitol 
last week.   S.D. Cooper was in Marshall Monday.   Ed Crumrine 
started last week for Effingham with a load of watermelons. George 
Grubb, who has been working in Douglas County, visited his mother 
last week.   Fred Wells has returned from Bloomington, Illinois, 
where he has been running a threshing machine. T.R. CORNWELL HAS 
HIS NEW STORE TASTEFULLY PAINTED INSIDE, BY DOC BROWNING. B.C. 
Hasten and Oscar Edwards visited Casey Saturday looking for a 
broomcorn baler. Misses Alice and Sarah Bartlett have returned 
from Chicago, where they have spent the summer seeing the sights.   
Willie Baker has moved to Westfield for the purpose of attending 
school this winter. Clarence Griffith, traveling salesman for 
Hoberg, Root and Co, called here Thursday. Melvin Beemer is 
erecting a new residence on his farm two miles North of town. Miss 
Hattie Gard began school here Monday morning.   Miss Gard has 
taught here before and we are lucky in securing so efficient a 
teacher. Our baseball team will play a match game with Sullivan, 
Indiana, on Sept 27th. Of course our boys expect a sweeping victory.
Daniel and William Prust, of Walnut Prairie, visited relatives here 
Sunday.


9-OCT-1895

John L. Forrester, of Yale, Jasper County, was in the village Friday, 
seeing old friends. P.F. Dodd took in the races at Terre Haute last 
week.   Frank Miller and family, of York, were visiting friends here 
last week.   School is progressing nicely under the tutelage of Miss 
Gard.   J.D. wells new residence is nearly complete.   Several from 
here attended the old settler's reunion at Marshall Thursday. Our 
road commissioners are still litigating the winter roads.   L.D. 
McClure, the jolly octogenarian of Orange, circulated on our streets 
Thursday.   Buckwheat harvest is now at full blast here, with 
flattering prospects for an abundant supply of cakes for the winter.   
How we did swipe Sullivan!   The score was Melrose 15 Sullivan 5.   
The boys are now seeking new worlds to conquer. Fasig Bros., 
accompanied by a millwright, went to Indianapolis last week and 
purchased some new machinery. They have added several new appliances 
since taking charge of the mill.   Old Glory now flaps her wings 
over the temple of learning and it is hoped that the sentiments of 
patriotism and loyalty may be instilled into the hearts of every 
schoolboy. We would like to ask ye editor who it is that writes the 
history of Old Clark and give the editor the privilege of answering, 
either publicly or privately.   Harry Wells found a pocketbook in 
the road containing some money and some notes.   The owner can get 
the same by a description of the pocketbook and telling the contents.
Items have been very scarce with us for two weeks and time precious, 
but as duty demands something's of us as disseminators of news, we 
will draw on our imagination and trust forbearance of our readers.
A merry-go-round now holds the boards here and promises to wake up 
this old town in a manner not soon to be forgotten. Thomas Blizzard, 
of Alright, is employed to teach the East McDaniel School this 
winter at $35 per month.   Another happy marriage occurred here last 
week.   Albert Francis, a young man of sterling worth was joined in 
bond of wedlock to Miss Sarah Candy, the estimable and accomplished 
daughter of William Canaday, Esq. Of this township.   Miss True and 
her niece Mabel Dodd, visited relatives in Marshall last Saturday.   
It is currently reported that Uncle Jake King has contracted to 
furnish the material for the dummy horses belonging to the 
merry-go-round, as he has several horses that look like they would 
not live always.


13-NOV-1895

Clarence Bryant, of Wellsville, has been transacting business in 
the village this week. S.D.Cooper, sovereign of South Carolina, 
called in the village Sunday.   An infant child of Joseph Relms 
died on the 3rd and is buried in Medsker Cemetery. Dock Snedeker, 
the personification of gallantry, is still smiling on one of the 
fair damsels in this neck of the woods. Dr. Baker is going to 
Missouri hunting this winter.   A niece of Mrs. T.S. Rook's is 
visiting her.   She is an estimable lady.   The public school 
teachers of this vicinity should organize a reading circle. It 
will be interesting and instructive to the members.   Rev. Conrad 
occupied the pulpit here Sunday and delivered a very interesting 
discourse. William Stanfield, has been again, employed as clerk 
in J.F. Johnson's store in Annapolis, Illinois. Our road 
commissioners are pretty busy engaged looking after road matters.   
They were over on Mill Creek Saturday.   They go to Union Monday 
and have very urgent business for Tuesday. The merry-go-round has 
suspended business for the winter to the disappointment of the 
young bloods of this community.   This antiquated little village 
has another building boom.   Henry Grubb is building a cosy 
residence in the suburbs.   William Belts has lately moved into 
the house vacated by Frank Smith.   Mr. S. moved into the old 
hotel property. Change of pasture makes the fat calves you know.   
A nuptial knot was tied in West end Morning Glory last week. The 
contracting parties were Mr. Vern Wilson and Miss Louise Henderson.
John F. Fowler has added a new shed to his barn.   W.R.B. Hasten is 
building a new fruit house.   C.W. Hammond has lost one of his hogs
to cholera, it is supposed.   Norman Hunter moves to William 
Crumrine's farm in a short time. Joe Cornwell is building a new 
house on his father's farm.   Roe Welsh and Fred Wells were seen 
Sunday evening driving in the direction of West Union.   There is 
certainly some attraction in the town for the boys. 


1-JUL-1896

The health of this community at present is remarkably good. The 
wheat crop in this locality is almost an entire failure. William 
Cornwell Jr of Sedalia, Missouri, is here visiting relatives and 
seeing old friends, after an absence of 8 years. James Dix, of 
Prairieton, Indiana, is visiting his brother-in-law, J.T. Fowler, 
of this village.   Dr Baker and family Sundayed at his old home 
in Darwin Township and enjoyed some of the country rusks.  P.F. 
Dodd was at the county capitol Thursday attending supervisor 
meeting.   H. Ryan, a carpenter from this vicinity, is building 
a new church at Hatton. The merry-go-round was set in motion last 
Saturday evening to the delight of the younger folks and the 
older folks as well. Bud Freeman of Anderson has become a frequent 
visitor in this neck of the woods lately and rumor says there is 
some attraction for Bud in these parts. He is smiling on one of 
Melrose's fair daughters.   The current vacuum in our social 
circles seems supplied since the return of Ralph Snavely.   If 
obsequious devotion to the gentler sex counts for anything as a 
specific for celibacy, certainly Ralph's matrimonial election is 
a certainty. Fred Thompson, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, is here 
visiting relatives and friends.   He will visit Chicago and take 
in the sights of the windy city before returning home. L.M. Jones, 
of Martinsville, finished painting the swing here last week. Mr. 
J. is an expert painter and for proficiency and artistic skill he 
is out of sight.   John Jackson while working at the sawmill here 
last week was caught in a pulley and thrown through the cab into 
a dust pit.   It was miraculous that he escaped death, but aside 
several severe bruises he was not seriously hurt.

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