1917
Mrs Lizzie AndersonMary Baird
Clarence Baker
Mrs. M. A. Banter
W. I Barekman
W. P. Beesley
John Jacob Berlin
D. Brian
Mrs. Lena Burrell
Mrs. P. E. Burt
Ralph Buzzard
Rev. N A Cavens
Lena Angle Chrisman
Mort Coffman
Glen Corrie
Everett Corrie
Mrs. Raymond Costello
Henry Cunningham
Mrs. R. A. Diebold
Robert Diebold
Emily B. French
W. C. Fyffe
Nellie Waggoner Hamilton
W. C. Harms
Mary M. Hester
Rolla W. Houser
O. J. Huchel
Mrs. H. E. Ince
Earl Irwin
L. A. Ivie
Mrs. B. M. Longenecker
Mrs. Samuel Lytle
Harley O. Malone
George W. Martin
George McCann
Mrs. G. G. McGuire / Index
M. Mushrush
J. A. Osborn
L J. Pence
Frank Perkins
Samuel W. Perrott
Alvin French Petty
Moses Petty
Ira Provines
D. W. Quinby
Emma Ruark Rawlings
Mrs. H. D. Rigall
F. M. Roberts
E. O. Shick
Charles Shoup
Mrs. W. E. Simms
Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Smith
Mrs. Martha J. Strader
Mrs. James Stroup
J. R. Sutherland
Carl Thorn
John Umfleet
Charles C. Waggoner
Mrs. Anderson Whites
William L. Wood
J. M. GADDEY’S REMINISCENCES
Sumner, Illinois
January 18, 1917
Editor Press:
I wish to write a few lines for your noble paper, the Press. The title of my subject is "Recollections of my Boyhood Days."I came to this country in the month of May, in the year of our Lord, 1849, and when I landed I believe it was the fourth day of May-anyway it was oat sowing time, and I like oats to this day. I hadn't so much as a suit of clothes to my back and was barefooted, besides, could not speak the English language, and was at quite a loss to know just what was best for me to do, but I soon learned to notice things, and hear others talking until I was not very long in learning to jabber and I was not long in making my wants known.
Recollections soon came into use, and I was sent to school; and I never shall forget the little log schoolhouse on the hillside of the woods, not an acre of ground cleared around the schoolhouse.
The schoolhouse was made of logs, trees cut down and scored and scalp on either side and build in a pen probably 16X16 or 18 feet square. The floor was made of puncheons, split out of logs, and smooth down on one side and laid or notched down with an ax. The seats we sat on were black oak saplings cut down with an ax and cut off 8, 10 or 12 feet long and split open with maul and wedge and surfaced on one side with and an ax and each had two holes bored in for pins or legs. The fireplace was cut in one end of the house and probably was six or eight feet wide. The chimney was built of split lath, laid upon each other and danbed with mud and straw. Our writing desk consisted of a white slab of lumber, split out and surfaced down, and two, two-inch holes bored in the wall on one side of the house. We took our dinner to school in a piggon or a handmade split basket and often consisted of cornbread, fried or boiled eggs, milk, butter, and great slices of fat meat. Often five or six boys and girls ate from the same basket.
Our clothes were mostly or all homespun and our mothers cut and made our garments, knit our socks and mittens, made our caps. Our shoes were coarse and home made.
In a community or a school district you could not see from one house to another. Our roads were mostly crooked, over hills and up hollows. Very often our parents would blaze saplings through the woods to the schoolhouse, to guide us along our way. The country was new. Our teachers were mostly men who had obtained an education farther east. Some of the books we used in school were Ray’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd part arithmetic. We use Webster's Blue Back elementary speller and McGuffey’s readers. Later on we used Goodrich High School sixth readers and McNally's Geography.
On our way to school, we often saw droves of wild turkeys and sometimes a deer, coons, otters, mink and opossums were plentiful along the Creeks. Now and then could be seen a prairie wolf. Sometimes they would infest our hogs and carry off the young.
Thanks to our Creator, we lived through it all and are here today and you all who read this sketch may live to see better days and finally meet in a fairer and better clime than this where parting will be no more and we will need no sun to give us light by day, nor moon by night, for God will be our light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Yours truly,
J. M. Gaddey / Biographical Note:
Biographical Note:
/ Sumner, IllinoisDear Friends:
Perhaps some of my old friends now living in other parts of the country might appreciate an echo from their old "stamping ground."
Many of you remember the old log house, pictured above, in which we spent many pleasant hours together around the open fireplace. Was there the grown-ups gathered, told stories and talk of the more serious things of life. Was there the young folks gathered and chatted freely of things which concerned them. And there, too, the children gathered and played the games which all children enjoy, while all help themselves to the basket of apples nearby.
In this house all of my brothers and sisters, as well as myself, were born.
On this farm, five miles south and one half mile west of Sumner, I have always lived, for feeling no other place was quite so good. I brought my bride, formerly Miss Catherine Gaddey here.
Our children were all born in this same house. 10 children, all of whom are living, the youngest, a son, 36 years of age. All but one-John, of Pesotum, Illinois, live in Lukin.
Although the old house has been replaced by another, the memories that are connected with the other endear our hearts to the former.
My wife and I were permitted to enjoy life together for 56 years. One New Year's Eve was her coronation day, for she was called home.
January 3, 1917, being my 80th birthday, a number of my children gathered to help celebrate it.
I have always been hale and hearty, a doctor having never been called to see me but once-that time I was hurt, and one trip was all that was needed to repair a "hearty" man.
In 1860 I cast my first vote for president. Since then I have never missed a county, state or national election, always voting the straight Democratic ticket, and I assure you that I was glad to cast another vote for Woodrow Wilson and M. D. Foster.
Those of you who have gone west seeking health may wish to come back after reading this record. Very well, the same "boy" will greet you and as he bids you welcome will bid you to be young again.
George R. Corrie
The Non-resident Letters
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Monan Indiana
January 18, 1917
Dear Readers of Pink Press:
Last March I visited Sumner soon after the Pink Edition. Many were the callings I received for not having a letter in that paper. I then promised myself and friends I would appear this year, so here I am.
I hope the reading of this issue gives to every one the pleasure it gives me, for through its columns we hear from friends who otherwise we never would hear from again. This certainly is a pleasure to read how well they are doing and all about their children whom we knew when small.
We are now located at Monan, Indiana, 97 miles southeast from Chicago. There are various reasons why we like it here, lots of work all the year and money always ready when work is done.
Dana is working at round house, will in time be promoted to bring on road. He gets good money and gets paid for every hour he works overtime. Herbert is a drug clerk in a large store, with soda fountain- a good business. Gets good salary. Nina is in the second year high school and is doing well. We have a good school and building. They teach domestic sciences in connection with all the other studies. During vacation she clerks in the leading grocery. Last but not least is what I am doing. I have a two-story house and am keeping borders and roomers. We have one family light housekeeping. I am very busy, with my various affairs to look after. There is only one drawback and that is the high cost of living, for there is plenty of work here for all W. W. (Willing workers).
My name was Lizzie E. Berry. My father was John BerryI was raised 11 miles southwest of Sumner at Berryville. Have lived in Sumner twice. Once when my husband was in school at that place. Last time I moved to Sumner to school my children. It will be remembered by some that Herbert graduated from there in 1915.
We trust to know we have many friends who read this issue. I shall be anxious until it reaches us. I would be glad to get individual letters from old friends and will gladly answer same. I do not think it possible for me to forget Sumner friends if I live to be very old.
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Lizzie E. Anderson
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Guthrie Oklahoma
January 15, 1917
Mr. Editor:
I received your notice that you wanted a letter for the Pink Press and as you do not want us to write about the crops, I will just give some reminiscences of the past.
Forty-six years ago I was Miss Mary Fyffe but on February 26, 1871 I was married to S. W. Baird and we moved from Lawrence to Crawford County, Illinois. We had then just two forty acres of land, about four miles apart, with some goods, a few farming implements and about $1200. Bought a farm and of course, went in debt again, lived there for seven years, then sold out again and bought this place of 160 acres, with two good houses on it about nine years ago, and I am happy to say we have it all paid for and are out of debt again. / Biographical Note:
Lizzie E Anderson, (nee Berry) was born August 1868 and married Jacob Anderson in 1895. He was a school teacher but died before 1910. At the time this letter was written Dana was 21, Herbert 18, and Nina was 16.
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(Mary Baird)Biographical Note:
Mary Adaline Fyffe was born in February 25, 1853 to John Wilson and Lucy Ann (nee Lathrop) Fyffe. She was united in marriage to Silas W. Baird;Silas was born September 30, 1841. To this union were born the following children: Charles (b. Oct. 1880); Ira (b. Jan. 1885); Kate (b. Apr. 1887); Harry (b., Mar. 1890); Everett W. (b. Dec. 1896). Mary died December 1, 1932 and Silas died October 23, 1934. They are buried in the GracelawnCemeteryEdmond, Oklahoma
Lucy (Lathrop Fyffe was born in Vermont in 1827 and married John Fyffe in 1852 in Lawrence County where she spent their life until her death in1915.
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.Biographical Note: / Now about the children: our eldest, a daughter, Mrs. F. G. Retherford, is living in Meridian, about three miles from here, and they now have six boys and two girls. One of the girls was teaching school, one of the boys has a good position with a farmer near town and the rest are still at home. Our first son is here, running the farm for us, because we were not able to make the work go like we used to and then he has four boys and three girls to help him and ours all gone but one, and he is going to school. Our second son is in Katy, Texas, working for another lumber company and two of our boys are gone from the earth, along with the perishing flowers. Our other daughter lives near Guthrie and her husband, J. A. Baty, is also in the mail service. We had 25 grandchildren, but some of them are so far away that we cannot see them very often, so most of them are nearer. One of Charlie's little boys was here from Thanksgiving until about two weeks ago, when his mother took him home and left the other one to stay till next spring, if they don't send for him to come home sooner. I think it is very nice to haves some of them here most of the time, for they are so much company for me.
My brother, C. H. Fyffe, and wife were out to visit us about Christmas and I was truly glad to see them.
Yours respectfully,
Mary Baird
R. R. No. 8
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Danville, Indiana
January 25, 1917
Editor Press:
As I am a reader of the Press will try to write a short letter for your February issue.
My home was at Landes southwest township of Crawford County. I now live at Danville, Indiana have a small farm at the south side of town. Have a erected a nine room home all modern like having in town and country both. We have a flowing well also and everlasting spring which is piped through the house have a two-story garage building.
We used to think that Crawford County Illinois was the only place but find that Indiana is far ahead on account of the good roads as the autos can run the year-round.
I am engaged in the auto business doing fine.
We are always glad to get the Sumner Press. Will close with best wishes to all,
Clarence A. Baker
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Jonesboro, Arkansas
Rural Route 5 Box 53
January 21, 1917
Editor Press:
We are looking forward with much pleasure to the non-resident issue and congratulate you on your success in the past with the non-resident issue.
As I have not written in the past, but not let this opportunity pass without writing a few lines this time.
I am the daughter of Stephen and Alice Angle of Petty Township where I have spent most of my life with the exception of three years in Cole's County, Illinois, and the last four years here in Arkansas, which we think is a fine country and like it fine here. School and two churches within half-mile of us. We are five miles west of Jonesboro, living on a farm which we own. We have four as good-looking and healthy children as you see anywhere, two boys and two girls-Raymond Francis, John William, Mary Alice and Georgia Kathleen.
I'm expecting to visit Lawrence County next fall if I am spared until then.
I extend to all my friends a cordial invitation to visit here in our Arkansas home.
Respectfully,
Mrs. M. A. Banter
Formerly Miss Jennie Angle
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Biographical Note:
Clarence A Baker was the son of John A. and Mary E. Baker. In 1910 he was single and living with his parents in Crawford Co. His grandfather, Edgar Baker came to the county in the 1840’s, and married Sarah M. Paddick. They were both charter members of the
Methodist Protestant church in Landes.
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(Mrs. M. A. Banter)Biographical Note:
Anna Jane “Jennie” Angle was born September 9, 1879 to Stephen and Matilda Alice (nee Westall) Angle. She was united in marriage to Martin Albert Banter, son of Joseph and Elmira Margaret (nee Jeffiers) Banter. Martin was born May, 7, 1872. To this union were born the following children: John W. (b. abt. 1915); Georgia J. (b. abt. 1916). Martin died August 14, 1942 and Jennie died December 1, 1971. They are buried in the Herman Cemetery
Jonesboro, CraigheadCounty,
Arkansas.
Editor Note:
Jennie wrote a letter to the Press on January 9, 1918:
“I was born and raised in Petty Township and attended school at the old Petty schoolhouse, which has long since been replaced by a new one, and went to church and Sunday School at Pleasant Hill (or Petty church), as it was generally called, and hope I will be permitted to attend services there are a few more times before I am called to pass from this world to the one from which no traveler ever returns.”
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(W. I. Barekman)Biographical Note:
William Isaac Barekman
William died on June 20, 1937 and Rosa on December 13, 1938 and they are buried atMt. Peace Cemetery St. Cloud, Osceola County, Florida.
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Annotation:Collier is a historical term used to describe a bulk cargo ship designed to carry coal, especially for naval use by coal-fired warships. / Mt. Carmel, Illinois
January 22, 1917
While in a reminiscent mood I will give a short biography of myself for the benefit of the many readers of the Pink Edition.
My father, Isaac Newton Barekman, and mother, Martha Gaddey, were married September 4, 1870.
To this unit were born five children, three of whom are living, two dying in infancy. Of the living, Mary Ellen is the eldest, now living at Bone Gap, Illinois; Charles Newton living at Flagstaff, Arizona, was next, then came myself; however not until my father had passed to the great beyond, his death preceding my birth by 26 days which occurred on February 16, 1879, I been born on March 14, 1879. Hence a pitiful family was left in Lukin Township, near White Oak school house.
July 3, 1882, mother died, thus leaving three more orphans to the mercy of the people.
Charles was taken in by Uncle J. A. Barekman and giving a good and permanent home, being cared for as a son, also given good schooling. Ellen was not so fortunate. However she was cared for a long time by Uncle William Osborne with a good home, but not quite so much educational advantages. However both feel very grateful for their beneficiaries. Yet the writer of this article was less fortunate, at least in the beginning. I suppose I must have been a very very bad boy, as I was taken on trial by several families, and pronounced bad and returned each time to one of my uncles, who seem to be very lucky in his efforts to induce someone else to give me a trial. At last, at the tender age of five, I was accepted by Uncle Julius Storckman, with his family I remained until I had attained the age of 17, where I had a good home, (considering my being so mean), but very little schooling had fallen to my lot.
Here I started out for myself, going to Indiana, where I worked on a farm and made the acquaintances of my bride-to-be, with whom I afterwards corresponded for some time.
In April 1898, I joined I company 4th Illinois National Guard at Olney Illinois for service in the Spanish-American war, with which I served more than a year, during which time I saw three months "camp service" in Cuba.
On July 17, 1899, I enlisted at Evansville Indiana in the regulars and was at once sent to the Presido, California. Embarked there August 10, 1899 for the Philippine Islands on the transport Morgan City, which the Vessel went on a rock and was totally lost September 2, 1899, in the inland Sea of Japan. No lives were lost, but the entire cargo of Army supplies and about 800 bags of mail were lost.
We were compelled to lay on the beach in Inoshima island six days and nights with little food and no shelter, our food being partially donated by Russian battleships and the Japanese cruiser. Some wasobtained by bartering whatever possessions we had to the natives. I traded my underclothes, “well soiled," for cookies.
On September 8, we were taken aboard the Tata Gama Marn, a Japanese collier and carried to Nagasaki, Japan, where we were given seven days use of a large Japanese barracks. Our American consul leased a large bathhouse where we were given the much-needed free baths, after which I began seeing my first sites at close range of the old world.
We were again taken on board this time the USS transport "Ohio" and again our journey started. Arriving in Manila Bay about September 20. The Ohio drop anchor within three miles of Cavite, where my brother, Charles, was in station, but we did not get to see each other.
I served three years in the islands mostly on the Sulu group. With the Moros, who were Mohammedans.
Returning to the states 1902, I labored at various occupations until February 1904 when I was married to a girl at West Salem, who later proved to be a harlot, with the result that I obtained a divorce 1908. Going into Memphis, Tennessee, for a few years and on returning just one day to be loafing in Grayville, waiting for a train in there met my long time friend from Indiana, whereupon courtship began at once, on December 20, 1909 there was recorded in Belleville papers the results.
My wife, who was Rosa Williams, and I are now living at 1218 Chestnut Street Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
I could mention interesting experiences of my life, but owing to the wars causing paper to be a very costly commodity, I will not ask too much of the famous Pink Edition.
In conclusion, I want to most heartily thank all who in any capacity, however small aided me along in this world, of which I have been but very little, but am glad to be here and see and read about what others have.
W. I. Barekman,
Lukin Township
/ Biographical Note:
Annotation:
Moro people refer to a population of Muslims in the Philippines.
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