The Wapanucka Press Jan 1904 - Johnston County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Mary Achterhof 5 May 2008 Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.htm ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== The Wapanucka Press, 7 January 1904 DISASTROUS FIRE On Tuesday morning, December 29, a large barn and contents of McKee James was burned near Byrne. The fire occurred about 5 o'clock in the morning and is believed to have been done by fire bugs, a Mr. James had always been very particular about fire and there was no chance whatever for it occurring through accident or carelessness. Three good horses, saddles, harness, several hundred bushels of corn and a considerable amount of hay was all burned with the barn, and the total loss is estimated at between twelve and fifteen hundred dollars, with no insurance. It is a mystery to Mr. James why anyone should have set his property on fire as he was not aware that he had a single enemy. Mr. James is one of the best men in this section of country and no man has more friends who sincerely sympathize with him in his loss. BUSINESS CHANGE The firm of W. A. McAlister & Co. is no more, A. I. McAlister having purchased the interest of his brother, W. A. McAlister, of Lehigh. This has always been, under the management of A. I. McAlister, one of the best and most enterprising firms in Wapanucka and the people of this city and section of country will continue the business with genuine pleasure. There is not a man in Wapanucka who has worked more persistently for the good of the town with his good judgment and means than has Al McAlister. There is not a man in this entire section who has done more for the town and section than he and there is not a man here who has made a better success in business. WHAT THE COUNCIL DID The city council met in regular session Monday night, all members of the administration being present except Aldermans Juhan and Roberts. Business was taken up in order by hearing reports of officers and committees, the first report being that of the city marshal, which showed that the official had collected during December, occupation tax $10.00 and fines $38.00, making a total for the month of $58.00. Report of city treasurer read and accepted, showing a balance of $233.60 in the treasury up to January 1. A considerable amount of time was then consumed in the discussion of the necessity pro and con of opening the street leading out from Big Four Street in old town east to the Round bale gin. No action was taken. The following accounts were presented and allowed: Mrs. Ellis, for rent of mayors office, $4.00. Walter Duckett, one months salary and commission on tax collection $11.30. F. J. McKeen, hauling off 11 dead dogs from pound, $2.75. F. N. Juhan, lumber for building bridge in north west part of town, $11.80. Election board services for three judges and two clerks, $5.00. Walter Duckett, blankets for jail, $2.25. The consideration of a ordinance levying a tax for school and general purposes was then taken up. The school board was present and a motion prevailed extending the privileges of the floor members of same so as to get their idea of the needs to conduct a public school. Mr. Riley spoke first for the school board. He said that taking the experience of other towns the most important thing to be considered when levying a tax was that of providing for a public school; that while there should be a tax for school it should be kept in mind that a tax is a burden and that the school board realizing that important fact asked the council to give them no more for school purposes than was necessary to conduct the school a reasonable term the first year. Mr. Witte then spoke and said that the school board had estimated the cost of running a school at $250.00 per month, which would provide for four teachers and other expense. After hearing the members of the school board, Farris moved and seconded by Riner that a tax of 5 mills for general purposes be levied. The ordinance was then read and unanimously adopted. The city attorney was authorized to purchase necessary books and blanks for the tax assessor. Motion by Riner, which prevailed, instructing street commissioner to proceed at once to build the walks across the streets in the business part of the town. Some more oratory was split in the discussion of the very grave grave yard question and another committee was appointed to look further into the matter. This make about half a dozen committees appointed at different times to look after this matter. Adjourned to next regular meeting. LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN From Dick McLish place, near Coatsworth, Saturday night, January 2, one bay mare mule about 12 years old, medium size, gray spots on each side of neck, hoof of left front foot worn. I will pay a liberal reward for the return of the mule. H. L. Allison, Coatsworth, Indian Territory LOCALS P. K. Wall of Belton was shaking hands with his many friends in the city Saturday. J. M. Whitimore, of Kemp, is in the city this week visiting Dr. A. A. Stephenson and family. Mrs. L. F. Kirkpatrick returned home on Saturday from a visit to friends in Durant and Sherman. Miss Mary Alexander has returned from her home in Sherman, where she pent the holidays. E. J. Ball visited his brother, T. J. Ball, near Lehigh this week. W. B Duff, one of the principal owners of the stock in the Wapanucka Banking & Trust Co., is in the city from Temple, Texas. Mr. Creekmore, formerly manager of the Chickasaw Lumber Co. at Tishomingo has taken charge of the yard of the Southwestern Lumber Co. in the city. J. M. Crabtree is confined to bed this week. W. T. Sissom, of Ego was in town yesterday on business. E. A. Carnahan and family left Tuesday for Washington state where they go to reside in future. Attorney D. H. Linebaugh of Atoka, was in the city Tuesday on legal business. M. A. Jones and Lawrence and Alex Musgrave fought over an account in the bowling alley Monday morning, all bloodying up each other considerably. They were arrested and carried before the mayor who fined them each $5.00 and trimmings. J. M. Stewart returned Friday from Stephensville, Texas, where he spent the holidays with his brother. G. M. Powers and family visited friends at Caddo Thursday and Friday. C. M. Pierson has resigned his position here as manager for the Southwestern Lumber Co. and will return to Kansas City. Miss Ruthie Stewart returned Friday from Tishomingo where she spent the holidays with her uncle, Dr. Stewart. Prof. J. F. Shipley and family, of Boggy Depot, were here during the Christmas days visiting at the home of S. J. Shipley, west of town. Harry Byers is moving away from Wapanucka. There is a chance for everybody to purchase Dry goods and reserve for hard times. A new blacksmith arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Juhan Wednesday, in the shape of a fine boy. Frank wears a smile that "just won't come off." W. T. Stobaugh, of Gainsville, Texas, was here during the holidays visiting his brother, G. M. Stobaugh. The tow brothers had not seen each other in fifteen years. Prof. Dorris, of Missouri, has returned to Wapanucka and is again teaching at the Rock Academy. Prof. Dorris was one of the teachers in the Academy school last year. W. T. Wiggington, who lived at Viola last year, has moved eight miles south of Atoka. Mr. Wiggington is a good man and the Press wishes him well in his new home. Miss Ella Nixon of the Indian Territory is visiting friends in Eastland. Miss Ella lived in Eastland for years and has many friends in this place. Eastland (Texas) Chronicle Mrs. Ervin, wife of Tom Ervin, died suddenly Wednesday night of heart failure. She leaves a husband and several children. Burial took place at the city cemetery Thursday evening, the funeral being conducted by Rev. R. F. Kirkpatrick, of the Presbyterian Church. Clem White and family moved to Coalgate Saturday, which city they will make their future home. Mr. White has purchased the Commercial Hotel at Coalgate and proposes to make it a hotel that will be a credit to the city. The Press extends to Mr. and Mrs. White its best wishes and hopes that they may be well pleased in their new home in our neighboring town. E. A. Dill was caught at Lawton stealing a horse and was arrested by John Dossett and two Indians. He snapped a revolver at the Indian. Dill had a hearing before Judge Morgan and was fined $50 and costs. He was then turned over to the county officials, who had two other charges against him. Dill says he took the horse for a lark. Albert Scott and Nora Cowens are in jail at South McAlester charged with the murder of Cash Ellis, found dead in bed a few days ago. The woman admits being with Ellis when the crime was committed, but lays the shooting on Scott. All are negroes. COATSWORTH NEWS - December 29 Mt. Ebish has taken charge of his blacksmith shop, commencing Monday. He is a first class smith. Mr. Nash's little boy, who was shot two weeks ago last Saturday is getting well. Ace Epperson found the rest of his cotton since the frost killed the grass. The little infant of Mr. and Mrs. Grism died Saturday and was buried Sunday. Mrs. McCortney of Clark's mill is on the sick list. Robert Payne and Mattie Butler of Connorsville were married on New Year's day. Miss Zena West of Coatworth and Mr. James F. Nickols, of Tishomingo got married Sunday. Prof. John Espy Watts, principal of the Presbyterian school, has been appointed instructor in history in the High School at Kaufman, Texas, and has accepted the position. He expects to enter at once upon his new work. During his stay in Wapanucka Prof. Watts has made many friends who will regret to have him leave, but who will all join the Press in wishing him well wherever he goes. Miss Mary Alexander, who has proved herself a most competent assistant in the school, will now take charge as principal. Mrs. M. C. Rutherford returned yesterday from Tennessee, where she went to spend the holidays with relatives and friends. I have a good Registered Tennessee Jack for sale on good terms. Apply to H. L. Nixon, Wapanucka, Indian Territory. Mr. Cole of Texas was here this week visiting his brother, J. B. Cole. WANTED - hands to clear and put in state of cultivation, 100 acres of land and to split 20,000 rails and 10,000 posts. Apply to L. Fountain, Wapanucka, Indian Territory The little girl of Mr. and Mrs. N. W. Criswell continues very sick with typhoid fever. The dwelling house and contents of George Milligan who lives in Wells Valley was burned Tuesday evening. The Wapanucka Press, 14 January 1904 TATE - RUDD Last Thursday afternoon, at the United States court house in Atoka, R. C. Tate and Miss Clara Rudd, both of Wapanucka, were quietly married, J. D. Catlin, clerk of the United States court, officiating. Miss Rudd is one of the popular young ladies in Wapanucka society circles, and is indeed a very beautiful young woman, possessing those lovely traits of character which have endeared her to a wide circle of friends here and elsewhere. Mr. Tate is a local manager of the American Cotton Co. of this city, and is a young man of sterling worth and business ability. The Press joins the many friends of the newly wedded couple in wishing for them a long and happy life together. GOES TO RILEY BROS. An important transaction was concluded this week, in business circles, whereby the enterprising firm of Riley Bros. has secured the service of John C. Attaway, one of the best salesmen in Wapanucka, for the year 1904. Mr. Attaway has been with the Enterprise Store since its establishment, and through his honesty and untiring endeavor to please both his employer and customers, has established for himself a reputation and string of friends worthy to be envied, Riley Bros. are certainly to be congratulated on their success in securing the service of Mr. Attaway. STOLE 17 HOGS Deputy Criswell arrested the Right Honorable William McCoy, a colored gentleman and Sunday school teacher, last Saturday for stealing only 17 head of nice, fat hogs of Mr. Cole who lives just west of town. This is the same colored gentleman who stole the cotton from Martin Jones a few weeks ago. JOHN F. BURNS DEAD R. E. Wade and wife returned Thursday from Charles City, Iowa, where they went upon the sad mission of attending the burial of Mrs. Wade's brother, John F. Burns, who died at Waterloo, Iowa, on December 25. Mr. Burns was one of the leading lawyers and business men of Waterloo, Iowa, and his death brings sorrow to the people of that city and section. The deceased was a brother to James M. Burns, of Charles City, Iowa, who is well known here, and Mrs. R. E. Wade of Wapanucka, both to whom the Press joins their many friends in extending heart-felt sympathies. SUCCESSFUL OPERATION Cashier J. M. Dickinson of the Wapanucka Banking & Trust Co. has been suffering considerable of late with caries of the bone in his left leg and an operation became necessary. The operation was performed last Thursday morning by Dr. Gill, of Arkansas, assisted by Drs. McRay and Stamps. It was a very successful operation and Mr. Dickinson is getting along nicely. On account of a lack of evidence E. W. James, charged with burning the Choctaw Depot at Erick, a week ago, was released as the result of his preliminary hearing. James was suspicioned because his truck which was in the depot was being held on orders from a Montana sheriff. Rev. A. Frank Ross, a Choctaw citizen, is a candidate for mayor of Durant. LOCALS J. M. Hedrick, of Cope, was in town Monday. Sol Rosinky, of St. Louis, is now behind the counters at the Enterprise Store. Uncle Jimmie Watterson of Cope was attending to business in the city yesterday. Dr. McRae went to South McAlester Friday to meet his wife. Mrs. D. Kennedy is visiting her mother at Norman, O. T. J. O. Surrrell, of Jesse, was here last week on business. Henry Burrow of Jesse was in the city yesterday. R. H. Johnson who lived in Wells Valley the past year has moved to near Atoka. Henry Cannon, of Oconee, was in the city Sunday visiting his brother, R. E. Cannon. L. Fountain is building a 6 room residence on Third Street in East End. It is located upon a most beautiful site and when completed in all compartment will be an elegant home. Mr. Long, who has been living here a few months, is moving back to St. Louis, Missouri. W. J. Bond has moved his stock of goods into the Carnahan building on Main Street. Judge W. H. Jackson of Viola was attending to business in town yesterday. Capt. A. A. Faulk is building a nice four room dwelling on his property in East End. It is reported that the Captain is building this house for a permanent home and that he does not expect to live alone, either. W. J. Harris, of Wells Valley has moved to Ashland in the eastern part of the Choctaw Nation. Miss Maud Deweese and brother, Wallace, Miss Nannie Hauk and Mr. Leonard Daughterty, of Coalgate, were the guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Ball Saturday and Sunday. F. M. Jackson returned Saturday from a trip to his old home in Tennessee. He says the people back there appear to be doing very well but do not possess that "get-up-and-get" spirit which is only found in our great West. He was glad to get back to Wapanucka, the land of hustle and prosperity. Col. Richard McLish, of Viola, was in town yesterday. W. T. Sissom, of Ego, was in the city Tuesday. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Todd Tuesday morning. Uncle Bully Cribbs, of Viola was shaking hand with his many friends in the city Saturday. B. B. Freeman who lived at Coatsworth last year but who now lives at Jesse was in the city Saturday. J. W. Justus of Viola was extending the glad hand to friends in the city Saturday. J. H. Thomason and S. A. Attaway of Jesse were in the city Saturday on business. W. T. Tate of Oklahoma City, was here Monday visiting his son, R. C. Tate. Elbert Williams and Walter Duckett attended the show at Coalgate Sunday night. Will Hendricks came in Sunday night and gave himself up to officer Johnson. Hendricks was wanted for disposing of mortgaged property. J. F. Read, who lived at Coatsworth last year, has moved to Jesse. Mr. Read is a good man and will make the Jesse community a genuine citizen. For rent or sale. The store house now occupied by Harry Byers will be for rent or sale after January 31st 1903. For particulars address C. P. Cobb, Atoka, I. T. A sale is commencing Saturday January 9th at Harry Byers. He is moving away from Wapanucka and wants to dispose of as much goods as possible. Two stray cows are at my place one and a half miles west of Wapanucka and owners may get them by paying for this advertisement and damages. One is a yellow cow with points of horns sawed off, branded N on right shoulder; other is a red and white spotted cow branded W H on right hip. J. F. Spurlin VIOLA ITEMS Mr. Voiles and brother of Ravia have moved to the Viola farm. They are very nice people. Mr. Hobbs, of Staffordsville, has moved to Viola. Mr. Hobbs is a first-class blacksmith and a good man. Mr. Dickson has moved to the Lanham place, and Mr. Lanham has moved to the Choctaw Nation. George Harris has moved to the Kennedy place and Mr. Kennedy to the Choctaw Nation. Walter Dickson has moved to the Dickson place and his old place is now occupied by Pat Kimbrough. Mr. Burch has moved to the Ray place, A. J. Low to the Burch place, J. M. Taylor to the Michel place and J. D. Parmlee to the Taylor place. The Miles brothers have moved near Roff and Eldeer Springer to Iona, Elder Reed to Jesse, Mr. Owens and John Edwards to the Choctaw Nation, Walter Simpson to the Owns place and Mr. Johnson of Purcell has moved here. Mr. White, of Cope was in Viola last week on business. Cal Howard of Durant was in Viola last week on business. J. W. Williams has sold out his property on Salt Springs and moved to Coalgate. Mr. Hurst, of Salt Springs, has sold out and moved to the Pot country - a new man coming to his place. Burney Underwood has been awarded the contract to carry the mail from here to Coatsworth for $75.00 per year. NEWS FROM EGO - January 12 Lula and Horace Morgan are boarding in Ego to attend school. Mr. Bullard and family of Lehigh have located here. Dr. Morgan happened to a serious accident one night last week. His horses ran into a stump, throwing him out and completely demolishing the buggy. Mr. Parker of Texas was the guests of Mr. Dumas for several days last week. Francis Jones made a flying trip to Ada Monday. Miss Drain and Mr. Joe Simms of Boggy Depot, visited friends here Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Curb Drain, of Boggy, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Snider. Van Moran who has been seriously ill for several days in better now. Miss Abbie Dumas entertained a number of her friends at a dance Friday night. Miss Abbie is quite a charming hostess and all present were sorry when the hour for departure came. Some of the guest present were: Missed Dumas, Smith, Attaway, Epperson, Longhinghouse and Powell; Mesdames Nelson, Goforth, Nabors and Hinchey; Messers. Long and Elbert Jones, McMillan, Musgrave, Robert and Joe Simms, Blunt and Clark. OCONEE SIFTINGS Oconee is situated about 12 miles northeast of Wapanucka and is in Wapanucka's territory and is a district whose trade goes to Wapanucka. Charley Mury has moved to Texas. Marshall Criswell, of Wapanucka, was up in this country last week and for that reason whiskey peddlers are roosting high. Tom Slater is talking of going to Texas but we opine that he will never get any further than Mr. Hammond's near Jesse. Rev. Ray held services at this place Sunday. A J. Lowe has his land broken ad is ready to plant corn when the time of the year rolls around. Lewis Montgomery and sister Miss Miraim, Tom Lee and Ethel Whiteside took in the preaching at Moore's schoolhouse last Sunday. The Wapanucka Press, 21 January 1904 THEFT OF COTTON One of the shrewdest pieces of thievery that has been accomplished in this section for quite a time was the stealing of a wagon load of cotton on Wednesday night of last week from a farmer by the name of Hackworth living on Wilsom Grednwood's place near Byrne. Hackworth left 778 pounds of seed cotton on h is wagon in the field that night. The next morning upon examination he found that his wagon was empty, the cotton having disappeared for parts unknown the night before. Officers were immediately notified and a hot trail of the thieves began. It was found that the thieves had loaded the cotton in another wagon and departed in the direction south. Officer Johnson followed in pursuit to Durant and upon arriving there he found that the strange man, giving his name as I. S. Wilson had sold the cotton to a gin a few hours before. No trace could be found of the man further, but a vigorous look out is still being kept and the officers believe he will be arrested in Texas. Yesterday evening C. A. Skeen bought the City drug store of W. N. Shofner. Mr. Shofner will enter another line of business. J. R. Coffman will remain with the drug store. LOCALS R. F. Keys, of Folsome, was trading in town Saturday. Dr. McRae and family are now living at the Robert Howell place in old town. Harry Byers spent Sunday at Wilburton to which place he will soon move his business. The friends of J. M. Dickinson were pleased to see him on the streets Monday. W. S. Johnson sends the Press for another year to Mrs. M. H Duberry, Sherman, Texas. Jack Nixon is now manipulating the delivery wagon for the big McAlister store. Dr. E. E. Morris, of Rush Springs, is in the city this week, the guest of Mrs. J. R. Coffman. Miss Ella Nixon returned Monday from Eastland, Texas, where she has been visiting for several weeks. W. H. Summit, formerly of Byrne but who now lives near Atoka, was in Wapanucka Friday the guest of W. A. Franc. Dr. J. D. Enfield, of Oconee was in the city Saturday on business. B. B. Freeman, that hustling farmer of Jesse, was giving the glad hand to friends in the city Saturday. Mrs. J. P. McRae returned last Friday from Colony, Missouri, where she had been visiting her parents for several months. Miss Ethel Juhan who has been visiting her brother, Frank Juhan, returned to her home at Ardmore Monday. Sam Bennett, of Shawnee, O. T., is holding down the cashier's desk at the Wapanucka Banking & Trust Co. during the illness of Cashier Dickinson. Walter Brown, colored, was pulled last Friday by deputy Criswell for disposing of mortgaged property. He is now peeping through the bars at Atoka. J. L. Bayne, of Tyroller, the new town on the Katy between Ada and Oklahoma City, was in town the first of the week. Mr. Bayne thinks that Tyroller will make a good town. W. S. Johnson received a fine pair of blood hound pups last week, but one of them is dead. However he will get another and will train the two especially to run down criminals. Frank Juhan visited at Ardmore Monday. J. H. McClendon attended to business at Atoka Tuesday. W. J. Bond, not being satisfied with his new location in the Carnahan building on Main Street, has moved back to his old stand on Choctaw. F. M. Jackson left Tuesday for a business trip to Myra, Texas, to be gone for several days. He will return by the way of Utica, Indian Territory, where he has extensive business interests. An important deal was closed yesterday evening whereby Riley Bros. bought of R. McLish the corner lot on Main west of Skeen Building upon which they will build a two story stone building. D. Kennedy received the unfortunate news Monday that his brother at Amarillo, Texas, had been thrown from a wagon during a runaway, one of his legs being mangled so badly that amputation was made necessary in order to preserve his life. The Waters Pierce Oil Co. has made Wapanucka a distributing point with J. E. Benson in charge. Mr. Benson is prepared to deliver oil to all parts of the city and country on short notice. Miss Mollie Powers is now assisting Prof. McRae in the Choctaw Avenue School. An assistant became necessary because of the steady increase in the enrollment of the school, there being now enrolled 70 odd pupils. Prof. McRae is a good teacher and is giving entire satisfaction to the patrons. VIOLA ITEMS - January 19 Our Doctor reports a fine boy at the home of Mr. Dickson, and a girl at the home of Bud Hill last week. He also reports Mr. Jones, who lives on Salt Springs, as very sick. Mr. Kenneday of Calloway, was shaking hands with his old neighbors in Viola this morning. He says they are well pleased with their new location in the Choctaw Nation. W. J. Foster and Clyde Chapman started for the Choctaw Nation last Saturday, where they are moving. Mr. L. P. Agnew, of Salt Springs, was in Viola yesterday prospecting with a view of putting in machinery to utilize the fine water power from the Viola springs. Mr. Hobbs, our clever blacksmith, is getting down to work in his new shop. We can hear the sound of his hammer almost continuously. We can hear the buzz of our saw mill regularly. Uncle Bud and Jim are trying to furnish their customers with lumber and shingles but are failing to supply the demands. Mr. Voiles and brother are making quite a change in the appearance of the Viola farm. Mr. Cheston, of Salt Springs, was in Viola yesterday. COATSWORTH NEWS - January 19 C. S. Walden expects to soon start out a peddling wagon. Jess Aderholt, of Texas is visiting his brother at Coatsworth. Mrs. S. A. Heed and granddaughter of Connorsville were visiting her son, Lon, last Sunday. She expects to go to Wapanucka to visit Mr. and Mrs. Henegar the last of the week. John Elish, our new blacksmith, is building a new house and will move his family here from Province within the next few days. Bill Howard was up a few days ago to buy a new pipe. Messrs. Lon Heed, Epperson and Sconyers went fishing Saturday night but they failed to get anything except a lot of mud. C. S. Walden in order to keep up with the time has bought himself a new watch. Mr. Goss left Goatsworth this morning for the Seminole Nation where he has leased a place. The little boy of Mr, Nash, who was accidentally shot some time ago in the leg, is now able to get around on crutches. W. O. Duston of Ardmore closed out a bankrupt stock of goods at Connorsville last Saturday causing quite a rush in buying goods that day. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Cravatt is very sick. Mrs. Armstrong is on the sick list. Billy Reed of Jesse was in town Sunday. Jack Brooks and Berry Jones were at Wapanucka Saturday. J. W. Sconyers, of Province, has moved to Coatsworth. OCONEE SIFTINGS - January 19 Rev. C. Newton Martin, of Wapanucka, is conducting a meeting here this week. Our school is progressing nicely under the management of Miss Minnie Dyer. Nat Addison, of Hunton, fearing that William McCoy, the negro Sunday school teacher, would get up in his neighborhood, loaded up 12 head of fine fat hogs and carried them to Lehigh market this week. Miss Mary Richards, who was formerly saleslady in the company store at Lehigh, has accepted the position here as governess of the children of Mr. J. P. Jemison. A $25 saddle was stolen from John McEachern near Ego last Friday night. Mr. McEachern offers a reward of $10 for the recovery of the saddle. R. L. Branstettler has moved his barber shop from Main Street to the bowling alley building on Choctaw Avenue. Mr. Branstetter has a good trade. The Wapanucka Press, 28 January 1904 TAYLOR MILL BURNED Last Thursday night, during the rage of a severe snow store, the engine shed and corn mill of Dr. A. A. Taylor caught fire and was burned to the ground. The engine had not been fired up for three days and it is a mystery where the fire originate, Supposition, however, have it that some of the wood around the engine caught fire some days ago and had never been put out and from that the fire originated. Through the heroic work of the citizens who rushed from their warm beds to the fire the gin plant was saved. There was no insurance on the property and the total loss is estimated as about $1,200. C. A. skeen attended court at Roff Monday. A 12 pound girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy McCurdy Friday. James Barker, of Ada, was in Wapanucka Sunday visiting his father, Capt. W. N. Barker. J. G. Riley has moved to the Carnahan place on Choctaw Avenue. The house has been painted and otherwise greatly improved. R. C. Hickman brought in a load of fine fat hogs last Friday for which he found a ready market at the Fulton Meat Market. B. C. Cunningham, a dentist, who kept his office over the First National Bank, pulled up his stakes and moved to Coalgate last Thursday. S. A. and Tom Attaway were in Wapanucka Sunday. W. B. Duff left Tuesday for Shawnee to look after some business interests there. W. P. Booker is making quite extensive improvements on his farm north of town. Mr. Booker has a very valuable place. A pound party was given a the home of E. J. Ball Tuesday night for the benefit of the pastor of the Baptist church. A large crowd was present and a very enjoyable time is reported. J. D. Phillips, of the Phillips boarding house, informs us that he will soon begin the erection of a large two-story hotel. Mr. Phillips is a good hotel man and will always be found doing a good business. Tupelo Times Caple & Cole opened their up-to-date restaurant on Main Street last Saturday for business. Those who enjoy a good cup of coffee and a nice prepared meal know now where to find it. We predict a good business for the Farmers Café. Mrs. W. N. Shofner left yesterday for Ft. Worth to visit relatives. K. A. Drain, a prominent merchant of Boggy Depot, was in the city yesterday on business. Mr. Drain says that Boggy Depot is getting along nicely. W. F. Hargrove, who was sent to the United States penitentiary at Atlanta, Georgia, from here in 1901 for assault with intent to kill, returned to Wapanucka Monday. Mr. Hargrove was sent up for two years but through good behavior he got six months off. He looks well and says that he was treated very nicely by the prison officials. Mr. Hargrove is a fine blacksmith and will probably put up a shop somewhere in this section. VIOLA ITEMS - January 26 Clyde Chapman came in yesterday evening from the Choctaw Nation on a hunt for a mare and a horse of J. F. Foster, both getting away from them Saturday night. He has heard nothing of them as yet. We have had some increase in population in our town since our last writing. Mrs. Joe Chapman presented Joe with a fine boy on Wednesday of last week. But Joe is beginning to gradually come to his right mind again. Mr. Jones, living on Salt Springs Prairie, whose illness was chronicled in these columns last week, died yesterday. The burial will take place today at Wells Valley. Pneumonia was the cause of his death. Mr. Violis returned yesterday from Tishomingo where he had been on business. NEWS FROM EGO - January 26 Mr. Price was unfortunate enough to have a valuable horse stolen from his barn one night last week. Messrs Human of Durant made a flying trip to Ego last week. Mrs. Sam Nelson, who has been visiting her father, Mr. Dumas, for some time, has returned to her home in Texas, Hiram Morgan is just recovering from a severe spell of pneumonia. Pie Herrald and family of Olney visited relatives at Ego last week. Mrs. Snellgrove died Friday night after a lingering illness and was buried at the cemetery. Supervisor Calvin Ballard, of South McAlester, visited the National school last Friday. He expressed himself as much pleased with the progress of the school. Also makes favorable report of all the Choctaw Schools. Mr. and Mrs. Bethel and Mrs. Gordon Simms entertains their sisters, Miss Bethel and Mrs. Keys, of Greenville, Texas. Van Moran is still on the sick list. OCONEE SIFTINGS - January 26 A leap year and apron string party was given at the home of S. A. Whiteside last week, which was greatly enjoyed by all present. All the boys seem to been experts at sewing except Dr. Enfield who sewed himself up in the apron of his girl. She had to tear him out. Prof. A. J. Hampton took the cake for being the prettiest young man. Lewis and Cecial Montgomery furnished music for the occasion. Tom Slater left today for Texas where he goes to work on a cow ranch. HUNTON NOTES - January 26 Measles are raging in the community. Several pupils in the school have the disease. Claud Nix is very sick this week. Prof. Miles has the best school ever before taught at the Iron Mines. Some of the advanced scholars are Dasie and Bessie Adison (Addison), and the two sons of William Howard of Salt Springs. The Oak Hill school, situated 3 miles north of Hunton, is progressing nicely. Several young ladies from other points, among whom are Miss Bulah Jackson, of Texas, Miss Lila Murphey, of Springer, Misses Harrett Goff and Jessie Cunningham, of Pontotoc, are all attending. Hooker Hastings and Brown Driggers are champion spellers in the school. They propose to down Jesse school in a spelling match soon. The cold weather has caused a boom in cow hides. Frank Driggers has lost a few head of cattle. Henry Burrow and H. Keel are attending court at Ardmore this week. Mrs. J. R. Cunningham has moved here from Pontotoc. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.html