Audrain County MO Archives News.....Martinsburg Items from the Weekly Ledger 1889 1889 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mo/mofiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nancy Hale moconnections@hotmail.com July 7, 2008, 4:01 pm Weekly Ledger, Mexico, MO 1889 Articles from the Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri concerning Martinsburg 1889. The language and spelling are those found in the articles themselves and represent ideas held at the time. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 14 February 1889 Small pox at Shamrock Dr. Pinckney French informs the Ledger that two of the children of John W. Arnold, of Shamrock, Callaway county, have the small-pox in a pronounced form, Arnold himself is suffering with varioloid. Dr. French states that the news was conveyed to this city on a postal card, written by the sick man to a son whose post-office is Mexico. The card passed through the mails here and was delivered in the regular manner before it was known that it came from a house of pestilence. Such carelessness is inexcusable, but it is hoped that Providence will prevent such dire results as are altogether apt to come to pass. The message on the back of the postal concluded with the cautionary line, “Be sure and burn this card.” Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 7 March 1889 Died of Small-pox Montgomery City, Mo. March 5 – Mrs. Mary S. Arnold, wife of John Arnold, died of small-pox at her home in Shamrock, Callaway County, yesterday, after ten days sickness. She was about 54 years of age and a daughter of the late Eliza Lail, and a sister pf James Lail, who died of the same disease last Friday. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 4 April 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., April 2.- Henry Howe, who has been visiting in Virginia some time is home. Born, Saturday night, March 31st, to Mr. Pat Owen and wife, twin girls, weighing eight pounds each. Born, April 1st, to Mr. and Mrs. Jake Fryer, a son. Our public school closed last week with many pleasant and profitable exercises. Much credit is due to Prof. Davis and Miss Torreyson for the great effort they made in behalf of the school at this place. Miss Mattie Romans left Sunday for St. Louis, to perfect herself in the dressmaking and millinery art. Miss Amelia Rodgers left Monday for St. Louis to get her spring stock of goods. Miss Maggie Torreyson will leave for Kirksville this week to attend school. The Railroad Hotel changed hands Monday the first of April, Mr. Powell and family taking possession, and Mr. Davidson and family taking rooms at the Christman House. Our drug store made a change Monday, Mr. G. P. Romans having sold out his stock of drugs to a gentleman from Cuivre, a Mr. True. Little Miss Mary Fennewald, daughter of Adolph Fenneywald, is quite ill with rheumatism. Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger Messrs. Jas. And Ed. Brown, of Laddonia, spent Sunday in the Burg. Mrs. Copeland is spending a week or so in St. Louis, visiting her son and daughters who reside there. Our public school closes this week. Mr. Powell, who bought the hotel property owned by Mrs. Walker, will take charge by April 1. Mr. Crawford, of Fulton, who owned the lumber yard here, was over and sold the yard to Mr. Jeff Cunningham, after having removed the lumber to Wellsville. Rev. Mr. Shelton, of Centralia, preached in the Christian church here last Sabbath. Our boys who went to Colorado last week returned on the next east bound train. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 18 April 1889 Martinsburg Items. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., April 17.- Clarence Buell, of Virginia, is rusticating among his old friends here. Clarence Kidwell spent Saturday and Sunday in Montgomery City. Miss Berdie Martin spent last week in the country. Miss Nimmie Jones returned Monday from a weeks visit to Mexico friends. Miss Copeland returned from St. Louis on Friday last. Mr. G. P. Romans has just purchased a saddle horse for his daughter, Miss Minnie. Miss Ada Overbagh is enjoying a pleasant spring school, near town. Miss May Fennewald is reported about the same. Little Maggie, the six year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cunningham, died very suddenly last Friday; living only two or three hours after taking sick. She was such a bright, pretty little girl and an especial favorite with her father, loved and petted by all who knew her. We all extend the hand of sympathy to the bereaved ones. The C. W. B. M. arrived last Saturday to organize a Missionary Society here Saturday evening with 18 members, a very flattering prospect, as all the good matrons of the village were there lending influence and encouragement to the young, with their presence, as usual. Born to Mr. and Mrs. G. Earnest, a daughter. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 2 May 1889 Martinsburg Items. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., April 30.- We are glad to note the health of Mrs. Jas. Fennewald so improved as to be able to be in town and get around with impunity. Prof. Jno. Crisman, of the B & B College, St. Louis, is home on the sick list. We hope to report him able to return soon. We are reliably informed that both our dressmaking establishments are overrun with wedding garments- the truth (or not the truth) of which we will promptly report, sooner or later. Rev. Shelton preached at the Christian Church on last Lord’s day. Mrs. O. P. Jones and little girls, of Benton City, spent the first of the week in this burg. Miss Stella Taylor returned home from Auxvasse Monday. Mrs. Thos. Henson, of Moberly, made a flying trip to the burg this week and returned in company with Mossie Henson and little Birdie Douglass. Our National holiday, Tuesday, was made famous here with the ringing of all the bells, roaring of anvils and firing of guns, pistols, &c. Mrs. C. I. Martin is trouble with chills at present. Henry Stowe went to St. Louis Monday to the celebration. We are requested to state that the C. W. B. M. will meet next Saturday afternoon, at 3 o’clock, at the Christian Church. Miss Minnie Romans’ fine horse died last week with distemper. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 16 May 1889 Martinsburg Items. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., May 15.- Mr. G. Jacobi left last Friday for Germany to visit his mother, whom he had not seen for 21 years. Mr. Jas. Boyd and Dr. Taylor were in St. Louis last week. Prof. Crisman and his brother, Charlie, left for Colorado last week. Chess Wilburn is training some of his fine horses for the fall races at Mexico. Mrs. Senator Mackey and little daughter, Dudie, were guests at Dr. Taylor’s last week. Miss Mary Boyd spent several days in the Burg and returned home Thursday. Mrs. Ada Martin Mews, of St. Louis, formerly of Texas, is visiting at Mr. C. T. Martin. Base ball is all the rage here now. The Martinsburg “Quicksteps” were badly beaten last week by the old men, score was 9 to 15. The boys felt bad to give up their ball and bat. John Leachman, of Texas, is in the Burg on a short visit with friends. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 23 May 1889 Martinsburg Items. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., May 21.- Mrs. Chas. Woodward, nee Mamie Martin, arrived from Brownwood, Texas, Sunday morning. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Oligchslaeger, Sunday, a son. Friday’s storm did a great deal of injury to the Methodist and Christian Churches inside. We have made many ludicrous reflections over the storm now, which were not so laughable at the time. Uncle Cale Martin struck out for his storm cave calling loudly for Miss Lucy and the rest of the family to follow, but they never got in until the excitement abated, from the fact of the entrance being rather small for his corporal dimensions; but after all his scrambling, his feet were still out in the storm in company with his highly amused family. At the same time another tableau was being enacted at Mr. Joe Muster’s; he ran for the old willow tree, requesting his wife to follow, and rumor says he held on to it with all his might ner stand between him and the storm. Mrs. Blanchard’s barn was lowered flat. Miss Nimmie Jones left Monday for an extended visit to Sedalia. Mrs. John Fish returned from a visit to Montgomery City, Monday. Damage at Martinsburg. Special Dispatch to the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., May 18- A storm of wind and rain broke over this place at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon, tearing roofs from houses and scattering chicken coops to the four winds, all of which, by the way, seemed to be on hand and in action. The principal damage was as follows: The entire roof and part of the brick wall of Roman’s new drugstore were blown away. Water poured in on goods, causing much damage. Part of the Douglass store, occupied by Fish and Kidwell, was blown away. Jacobi Brothers’ business house, the building owned by J. R. Baker, of Mexico, was badly smashed. Kuhn’s black smith shop was entirely blown away. Several fine buggies were ruined. The top of Mrs. John Douglass’ dwelling was taken off and deposited one hundred yards away. Numberless chicken coops, small outhouses and trees were blown away. Jeff Cornet was slightly injured by flying debris. The Catholic Church was slightly damaged. Reports from Wellsville and the intervening country are to the effect that much damage was done. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 6 June 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., June 4.- Mrs. Maggie Torreyson came home Saturday from Kirksville, where she attended school the past ten weeks. Miss Angie Copeland returned from a visit to Independence last Friday. Mrs. C. T. Martin who has been quite sick the past week is reported better. Rev., Mr. Hardy preached to a large audience Saturday and Sunday at this place. Messrs. Truby Jones and Mildred of Benton City, made a flying trip to the Burg Sunday. Some of our young folks attended the picnic at Laddonia Monday. Miss Jennie Gregg, of Vandalia, is a guest of Mrs. S. E. Taylor. The Union Sunday School Convention, to be held here Saturday and Saturday night, is looked forward to with much pleasure by our community. Our Boulevard is being put into fine shape. Another suicide is reported from near Shamrock, Callaway county, a young Mr. Ellis, cause unknown. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 4 July 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., July 3.- Dr. Charles Coil has returned from Martinsburg Sunday. Mrs. Maggie Douglass is visiting in Hannibal. Miss Ella Hayes, of Jefferson City is visiting friends here. Missies Minnie Romans and Miss Della Douglass returned home from Auxvasse Monday. Miss Nimmie Jones returned from Sedalia last Saturday. Rev. Mr. Boen closed a week’s meeting at the Christian Church with eleven additions. About forty Texas ponies have been sold in and around Martinsburg in the last two or three weeks. An infant child of Mrs. Bowers, south of town, died very suddenly on July 1st. Grandma Cahall, of Moberly, is visiting Mrs. Lizzie Perry. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 11 July 1889 A Martinsburg Mystery. Lightening’s Strange Work in a Church – An Electrician’s Queer Story. In the Columbia Herald of this week, Mr. J. L. Carnes, an electrical expert, tells the following strange story of the lightning’s work in a church at Martinsburg, east of here. “Martinsburg, a little town, situated on the Wabash railroad, in the eastern edge of Audrain county, some three or four years ago was visited by a terrific thunderstorm, and a new church building was struck by lightening, the effect of which is, without exception, the strangest freak of lightening that ever came under my observation. There is one flue in the center of the roof, a stove on either side of the building- pipes running together at the ceiling both entering the same flue. The lightening struck the flue, scattering the brick in every direction. The whole force of the stroke ran down one stove pipe, and when it reached the stove, which stood some five feet from the wall, the entire force of the electricity flashed against the plastering, blackening it over a surface of perhaps five or six feet square. In the center of this blackened place was the well defined photograph of a man – the features plain and distinct. It represented a man apparently about sixty years old with long hair and whiskers, both streaming back over the shoulders, as if the man was being hurled through the air at the rate of sixty miles and hour. An artist of the town took his apparatus and photographed the scene, and has sold thousands of the photographs. Hundreds have seen this picture on the wall and will verify this statement.” Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 11 July 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., July 10.- Mrs. S. E. Taylor vacated the post office last Saturday and S. V. Overbagh took his seat on Monday. Rev. Boen is holding a protracted meeting at Liberty Church. Basket dinner on the grounds next Sunday. Prof. Davis is in Fulton this week. Miss Ella Hayes and Maggie Torreyson are visiting in Laddonia and Vandalia. Martinsburg sent nine couples to Laddonia on the great Fourth. Miss Nellie Neelan, of St. Louis, is the guest of Misses Overbagh. Henry Overbagh, who has been clerking at Nugent’s, St. Louis, for some time, is home and will remain. Rev. Mr. Hardy preached at the Baptist Church last Sunday. Elder Hansen and family, of Moberly, will spend the week in the Burg. Adolph Fennewald gave a big dance on the night of the Fourth, breaking up at four o’clock in the morning. Mrs. Crisman gave the young people a very enjoyable party Monday night. Elder Hoffernan, of Clark, will preach next Sunday at the Christian Church. The Ledger has gained many friends in the last few weeks; Martinsburg, irrespective of race, color or kind, stand up as one man for Elder Samuel Magee, who formerly lived here. The auxiliary to the C. W.. B. M. at Martinsburg will give an entertainment at Mrs. Bullard’s on Tuesday July 16, beginning at 5 p.m. A good programme will be rendered, followed by ice-cream and cake. A good time is expected. Ten cents admission. Everybody come. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 25 July 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., July 23.- Miss Lena Dillard returned to her home in Montgomery City Tuesday. D. P Jones is home from St. Louis. Our agent, Mr. C. T. Peyton, was married to Miss Jennie Wilson, of Wellsville, at Belleville, Ill., in the night of the 16th. Chess Wilburn sold out his livery stock to parties from Sturgeon, last week. Henry Overbagh will put in a stock of groceries in connection with the post-office. Mr. and Mrs. Leb Crigler are visiting at the residence of J. W. Crigler. Mr. and Mrs. Chess Wilburn visited in Fulton this week. Mr. Wilburn bought a pair of fine ponies. Dr. Baskett was down Saturday and bought Dr. Taylor’s ponies for $100. Mr. and Mrs. C. T Peyton are boarding with Mrs. Maggie Douglass. A lady preached at the Methodist Church Sunday and Sunday night. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 1 August 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., July 31.- Miss Mary Wright died last Friday after a long and painful sickness. Much sympathy is felt for the family. Miss Jeannie Selleck is visiting at Mrs. Martin’s. Miss Mamie Pollard is visiting Mrs. John Fish. Lon Durbin, of Moberly, is sick at his sister’s Mrs. Burchard’s. Wm. Hammons is grappling seriously with the chills. There is considerable sickness among children in and around Martinsburg at the present. Miss Melan, in company with H. A. Overbagh, returned to St. Louis Saturday. The post-office, for the first time for about fifteen years, will move into other quarters. W. R. Martin spent a portion of last week in St. Louis. Miss Annie Ferrell, of Fulton, is the guest of Miss Nimmie Jones this week. The little Misses Davis, of Hannibal are visiting their sister, Mrs. Wm. Cox. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri – 22 August 1889 Thomas Scott, of Martinsburg, and Miss Mary G. Bradford, of Morrisonville, Ill., were married on Aug. 14. Mr. John R Scott, of Martinsburg, was married to Miss Kittie Dicks (correction Dickey), of Wellsville, on Aug. 13. The Ledger extends congratulations and best wishes. Rewarded for Life. Story of the Only Man in Missouri Not Required to Pay License. Jefferson City, Mo., Aug. 18 - Absalom Hughes is the only living man who has the right to keep a dramshop in Missouri without state, county and municipal license. He was born in Callaway county, Missouri, nearly seventy years ago. He went to California some time prior to the Mexican war and followed hunting and trapping for a living. When the war was declared against Mexico he joined an independent expedition for the purpose of capturing a small Mexican fort. The expedition proved successful, but Hughes received a terrible wound and for a long time it was believed he would loose both legs. In the battle he displayed great personal courage and received credit for the success of the daring expedition. Shortly after the war Hughes managed to get back to Callaway county. There was trouble about securing him a pension from the fact that he was not a regular soldier, and as the Missouri legislature felt disposed to help him it was finally agreed that it would be the proper thing to grant him the right to keep a saloon at Cedar Creek, Callaway county, during his lifetime, free of state, county and municipal license. This was satisfactory to him and he has ever since run a little saloon at Cedar City. He has never made any money out of the franchise, so to speak, and is quite poor. He is now very feeble and can barely walk across the floor with the aid of a pair of crutches. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –5 September 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., September 3.- Miss Mattie Romans is in St. Louis spending a couple of weeks. Mrs. Mat Martin is making a short visit to friends in the burg, prior to going to Texas. Miss Ada Overbagh left Sunday to open school Monday on Cuivre. Public school and also the Catholic school both opened at this place this week. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Fennewald, a son. Geo. Winzel, near town, is very low with typhoid fever. Prof. Davis and family have returned after several weeks absence. Dr. Black and Mr. McClure, of Pittsburg, Pa., are visiting their cousin, Cash Copeland. Billie Peery and Jeff Crouch are in Texas on a sight seeing expedition. Bud Diggs left for Palestine, Texas, last week. Drs. I. B. and C. D, Coil left for St. Louis Sunday to attend Dental College this winter. Mrs. John Coil has returned to Texas in company with Miss Stella Taylor. Messrs Brown, Jones and Woody are conducting a revival meeting at this place. The tabernacle is overcrowded every night. Miss Clara Damus, of St. Charles will teach the Catholic school at this place this winter. Miss Bertie Crigler left Monday to attend Hardin College. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –19 September 1889 Old ‘Zeke and His Boy. How They Sold Whiskey at Benton City Years Ago, Making a Fortune Which did Them no Good. Many of the old settlers of Audrain county will remember an old fellow who, for a number of years, kept a little country store at Benton City, on the Wabash railroad. We will no give the true name of the old man, for he still lives, but will simply suppose that his name is Ezekiel Jones and that his son’s name is Jim. As before mentioned, old “’Zeke” kept a little country store, and in addition to this he kept an “article” that went by the name of “scrap-iron.” Oftentimes a rustic would stalk in with a dry look about the corners of his mouth and remark, “Say, ‘Zeke, got any more uv that scrap-iron?” Ezekiel would answer in the affirmative and tell the customer to walk back into the shed and look at it. He would do so. A small glass was always handy, and after a good stiff portion of “scrap-iron” he would come forward, saying that it didn’t suit him, but the customer would suddenly remember having neglected to pay for some thread he had purchased the day previous. This was making money, of course, but “Zeke soon found a speedier method. Whenever a freight train laid by on the side track, the train employees would go over to Uncle ‘Zeke’s and refresh themselves, then after the train had passed on and all was quiet, the old store-keeper would drive in a stray hog or two, or, when it was not a stock train, he would wheel big lumps of coal to the shed on his barrow. So it happened that “Zeke was always selling coal and hogs, yet was never known to buy either. But man was never content, however downy his couch, and a new scheme was finally concocted in “Zeke’s fertile brain. It was about the year 1875 that he and his son Jim purchased a mule team each, with good wagons and harness. The wagons they loaded with empty gallon kegs and provisions to carry them through their proposed trip. One bright morning saw them passing through Mexico on their way west. On and on they journeyed, crossing the Missouri, and traveling for many weary days along the old Santa Fe trail, across the treeless plains of Kansas until reaching the banks of the muddy Arkansas river, near the Colorado line. Here they camped for several days, filling their kegs with river water strained through a meal sack, and adding a small amount of a peculiar drug that made a good imitation of whiskey, which only differed from the real article in it a intoxicating effects. This bogus whiskey they sold to the miners up in Colorado for $5 per gallon, returning to Missouri with plenty of money, which was invested in two farms, which were improved and on which they settled down for a time; but a restless spirit is the cause of their wanderings in a distant State today, without money or friends. “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.” Old “Zeke and his boy made a small fortune out of their illicit traffic in whiskey, but in the end it availed them nothing. They are now wanderers upon the earth without a place to lay their heads. If names were called many of our readers would readily know the old man, and perhaps, the son. We are told that many a hog worth $5 to $* and $10 has been dumped off trains at Benton and given to “Zeke for a drink or two of rotgut whiskey, and that all the fuel used about his premises came from coal trains in exchange for liquor given to train men. This was fifteen years ago, but the statements above given are said to be actual facts. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –26 September 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., September 25.- Mr. E. P. French is erecting a fine mansion on the South Side. Mr. J. P. Crigler contemplates building soon, as rent houses are in great demand. Jeff Cornett sold his herd of Texas ponies at auction last Saturday; they brought good prices. Married, at the Catholic Church, Tuesday, September 24th, Mr. Jos. Kleinsaugh and Miss Mispagle. Miss Maggie Torreyson, who has been ill for several days, is better. Miss Pinkie Henson took charge of Miss Maggie’s room while she was absent. Miss Nimmie Jones is visiting Miss Mary Boyd this week. Glass Copeland, who has been quite sick at the hospital in Kansas City, came home Friday very much improved. Your correspondent, in company with others, visited Wellsville Fair Grounds last week and found the race track fine and everything in readiness for the fair next week, which we think will be a success from the flattering prospects. Our quiet little town was somewhat aroused from its lethargy Sunday by a couple of pistol shots and a foot race; lots of fun, some fright and nobody hurt. Mr. Muster received orders to arrest a darky by the name of Logan, who had broken jail at Columbia some time since. He succeeded in arresting him but he got loose and then came the fun. Guess he (the negro) is some where in Canada by this time. Mrs. John Fish and Miss Pollard left for Stoutsville last week on a visit. Mrs. Rod Eckler’s father, an old man aged about 70, left for his home, New York, last Saturday. Mr. G. P. Romans left for Texas last week. Billy Peery has returned from Texas and thinks there is no place like Missouri. Miss Anna Morse, an estimable young lady, and a graduate of Warrenton College, has accepted the position of governess in an aristocratic home in St. Louis. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –3 October 1889 “Charge, Muster’ Charge.” Joe Muster, City Marshal of Martinsburg, is 61 years old, but the swiftest man on earth of his age. Horace Greeley, a dusky lawbreaker, wanted in Columbia, lives in the burg, and Sunday Joe started out to arrest the “dad dratted coon.” After arresting Mr. Coon,” Horace told him he needed to turn his cows out before going to Columbia, as he might never get back because they had a way of hanging colored people out of the window up there lately.” Joe, being accommodating and wishing that Greeley’s idea about not getting back form Columbia might be true, allowed him to attend to the cows. As soon as Greeley got loose he started for tall timber with Marshal Muster in pursuit and all the inhabitants of Martinsburg headed up by Uncle Cale Martin bringing up the rear. Joe kept up a G. B. gait for about three hundred yards, when he had to give it up, and the remarks made would not do to report in Sunday School, although he says “dad drat” was the nearest he came to swearing. Uncle Cabe Martin says Joe would have caught the coon but his legs sis not act right. Joe’s feet appeared to fly up behind as if on hinges, striking him just below the shoulders and causing him to lose ground every hop. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –10 October 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., October 9.- Protracted meetings conducted by Rev. Harley, began Saturday evening. Martinsburg was literally deserted last week for the Wellsville fair. Mr. and Mrs. Friedman have returned from New York City. Miss Minnie Baskett, who has been visiting at Dr. Taylors and taking in the Wellsville fair, returned home Sunday. Mr. Ed. Davidson and family moved here from Auxvasse Monday. Miss Mary Boyd has been visiting the Burg the past week and enjoying the Wellsville fair. W. Truby, of Benton City, visited here Sunday. Quite a number of people including Mr. Joe Muster and Mrs. Wm. Perry, left here Monday to take in the St. Louis fair. Mr. Tom Hamilton, of Auxvasse, was in town last week. Elder Marlow, of Fayette, was in town shaking hands with his many friends here Monday. Mrs. Copeland, with her sister, Mrs. McAlister, of Pa., are spending the week in Wellsville. The bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Farewell, have taken rooms at the Powell house. Mrs. S. E. Taylor has returned from an extended visit to Auxvasse. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –7 November 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., November 6.- Roy, nine year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ataway Davis, died last week with heart trouble. Much sympathy is expressed for the family in their sudden and sad loss. T. B. Vaughn has returned from Texas with about 600 sheep. He likes Texas somewhat, but Oklahoma- not at all. Bro. Wigginton preached at the Baptist Church Sunday in place of the regular pastor, Mr. Hardy. Miss Mattie Marlow left for her home, Fayette, Tuesday. Miss Jennie Fike, of Montgomery City is visiting friends and relatives here. Mrs. C. T. Peyton returned from an extended visit in St. Louis Saturday. Tyre Harris of Fulton, visited at Dr. Taylor’s over Sunday. Our dry goods firm, known as Fish & Co., is clearing out at cost, much to the disappointment of its many friends and patrons. Mr. and Mrs. Ed. French have moved into their new home on Grand avenue. Mrs. S. E. Taylor is moving her portable goods to the farm, and will return to Auxvasse to remain indefinitely. We are having night mails at this place now, which is a very great convenience. Clarence Buell is talking of leaving us this week; no one who ever visited in the Burg will be more greatly missed. Our farmers are determined to have a creamery and have organized with $3,000 pledged. There will be no trouble in getting it here, Martinsburg is a rustler when the farmers once get into rustling it, and we wish them success in the enterprise. Dr. Douglass and Mr. N. M. Friedmann made the round trip to St. Louis Sunday. Kuhne has just completed and moved into his large and commodious blacksmith shop. It would be a credit to any town. Prof. John Crisman, who has been seeking better health in Colorado, returned home Monday. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –21 November 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., November 20.- There is nothing the matter with Martinsburg. Everything is booming and everybody glad. T. B. Duncan and wife and Birdie Crigler spent Saturday and Sunday in the Burg. Clarence Buell left for Kansas Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Chess Wilburn have moved out into the old Wilburn homestead. Dr. Taylor attended the medical convention at Centralia last week. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. August Bertels, a son. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ben. Sorrel, twin boys. Uncle Charlie Clark is down and right sick. Tom Romans left Saturday to attend school in Indiana. Martinsburg was afflicted again last week with the presence of another one horse troupe. They remained two nights and could get no crowd, consequently they “skipped by the light of the moon” without paying board bill or opera house rent. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –28 November 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., November 27.- Mr. Geo. Crane’s house, together with all of its contents, was burned down Saturday about noon, $400 insurance. Miss Ada Overbagh will dismiss school from Thursday to Monday in order to attend Thanksgiving at home. We are pained to notice that the turkeys all over the country and in town are feeling bad. Hope they won’t die before Thursday at least. Wedding bells – what a thought of merriment their melody tells. Henry Stowe is boring for the creamery at present on uncle John Torreyson’s farm. More window light crushed at some of the stores Saturday night. Miss Fike visited Miss Laura Smith, of Mexico, last week. Mrs. C. T. Martin visited in Mexico Thursday of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Fish made a pleasant visit to Prairie City last week. Mr. G. P. Romans lost his fine jersey cow Saturday evening. Cards are out to announce the wedding of Dr. E. R. Douglass’ accomplished daughter, Miss Mary Lee, to Mr. John M. Dickey, of Texas. Any news of sufficient importance transpiring in this vicinity, will be reported through this medium of such news be accompanied by full name and addressed to Ledger correspondent at Martinsburg. Weekly Ledger, Mexico, Missouri –26 December 1889 Martinsburg Matters. Correspondence of the Ledger. Martinsburg, Mo., December 25.- Married, Sunday evening at the home of the bride, Miss Mary Wilburn and Mr. Robert Jennings. The bride will be “at home” to her friends in St. Louis after this week. We are having some strong chat on having a newspaper here soon. Mrs. S. E. Taylor sold her home property here last week to a German from Osage for $800. Mr. Adolph Fennewald is in Osage looking up stock. Miss Moosie Henson, who is attending school at Moberly, is home for the holidays. Mrs. M. A. Dillard, of Montgomery City, was in the Burg Sunday. Chalmers Greene, who is traveling for a boot and shoe firm, and Chas. Muster, who is braking on the road, made this place headquarters over the Sabbath. Bible Institute at Baptist church Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Christmas. Mrs. Jos. Muster returned from Kansas City Friday. Mrs. Bettie English, who died at Auxvasse last week, was well known, and had many friends here who extend the hand of sympathy to the bereaved one. Dr. D. C. Coil, of Dental College, St. Louis, will spend the holidays in Martinsburg. Born Dec. 22, to young Mr. and Mrs. Scanlan, a fine daughter. Mr. Bob Wilburn returned to Mexico Monday. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mo/audrain/newspapers/martinsb246gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mofiles/ File size: 32.4 Kb