Suicide--Jesse Evans, a well-known resident of Longton, committed suicide by shooting last Tuesday evening at the Gordon house in Longton. He died Wednesday and the remains were taken to Kansas City for burial. Domestic, and financial troubles is supposed to be the cause of the rash act. We have been unable to get the full particulars.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Eugene Cox, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cox, was burned to death last Thursday evening. He and one of his playmates were drawing gasoline in the wareroom and after filling the can, Gene drew some and poured it on his clothes to take out some dirt. Calling the attention of his companion to the way it evaporated, he remarked that it was all gone and to prove it he lit a match and applied it to his pants. In an instant he was enveloped in flames and started towards the livery barn of Smith Bros., where he was seized and a quilt thrown over him smothering out the flames, but not before the little fellow had been badly burned on the legs, hips and shoulders, while his hands, arms and chest were terrible scorched. He lived about twenty four hours, when death came to his relief. The body was laid to rest in the Howard cemetery. Eugene was eleven years old and was a bright boy. He will be sadly missed by father, mother, little brother and school mates. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have the sympathy of many friends in the sad bereavement.
Submitted by L. Morgan

One of the Principal Business Blocks in Ashes
About twelve o’clock Saturday night the citizens of Moline were awakened by the cry of fire. The fire had started in the back part of the building occupied by Mr. Stout as a meat market.

The wind was blowing from the northeast and carried the flames so fast that in a few minutes George Harris’ grocery and dry goods store, Stout’s meat market, Easton’s office, McGaha’s bakery, Gill Bros store, J. K. Glasscock’s law office, and Chance’s bakery were all in flames.

The men worked hard and by great effort saved the Central Hotel building and Mickalson’s feed store.

The heat broke the glass in the buildings across the street.

George Harris saved part of his goods. McGaha got out a few things. Gill Bros stock was all burned. Baker Chance saved nothing. J. K. Glasscock lost his library, one of the best in the county.

Only a portion of the property was covered by insurance.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Two Young Ladies Seriously Injured in a Runaway
Tuesday afternoon about five o'clock, while returning from the Baptist picnic, Miss Rosa Maxwell and Miss Bell McMullen were thrown from the cart in which they were riding and seriously and perhaps fatally injured. The accident occurred at the crossing on Elk river, just south of the cemetery. The young ladies were driving a horse hitched to a cart, and on coming down the hill, the animal became unmanageable and they were unable to hold him. No one saw the accident. They either jumped or were thrown out of the cart. When picked up a few minutes after the accident, they were found to be horribly bruised and cut about the head and face, and they were covered with blood and dirt.

Mr. Brock Crawford saw them starting down the long steep hill, and noticed that the animal seemed to be going at an unusually fast gait, and fearing an accident, started on a run, but the accident had happened before he got there. Help was soon at hand and the young ladies were carried to the residence of Mr. Mays, near by, and Drs. Olney and Costello were sent for. They feared that the young ladies were terribly injured. Miss Maxwell especially; several deep gashes were cut in her scalp, one required thirteen stitches. She has remained unconscious since the accident, though Dr. Olney, this morning, entertains hopes of her recovery. Miss McMullen, though seriously injured, was not so badly hurt as her companion, and is speedly recovering. The accident has cast a feeling of sadness over the entire community. Both girls have a large circle of friends and are highly thought of. The hill where the accident occurred is very steep and dangerous, and especially so in driving down it in a cart.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Last Monday, at about 6 p.m. Edward Shilds, a miner at the Jenks coal mines, six miles southwest of Howard, was instantly killed by a cave-in. Shilds and another miner were working together when a cracking noise was heard and the other miner jumped back, saying to Shilds that there was danger. Shilds made some remark about no danger, when the words were hardly out of his mouth before a great chunk of rock buried him completely. The miners went to work immediately to remove the debris but it was an hour and a half before the body was taken out. He was found completely crushed from his head down and it is thought he died instantly. The light in his hat was still burning when recovered. The deceased was a married man and had three children and lived near the mine. His sister, Mrs. Slaten, was immediately notified of the horrible accident and went at once to the scene. The remains were taken to Moline and from there to Coffeyville, the home of the deceased's parents, Mrs. Slaten and his family going with them.

Mr. Shilds was an honest, hardworking man and it is only lately that he has been able to work in the mines, having stuck a pick in his foot several months ago from which injury he had not fully recovered.
Submitted by L. Morgan

The dwelling house of William Smith located on his farm west of Howard, was consumed by fire Monday about 8:30 a.m. Two of his daughters had been rendering lard in the kitchen and had just stepped into another part of the house when the smell of burning wood attracted their attention. Upon investigation, flames were found to be pouring out of the roof. They rang the farm bell and called the men folks to the house, but owing to lack of water and the headway made by the flames, it was impossible to put out the fire. Nearly all the contents of the house were destroyed. A smoke house standing about fifteen feet from the dwelling was also consumed, though the men succeeded in removing 250 bushels of oats that were stored in it. The loss is a very serious one to Mr. Smith---will amount to more than $1,000. He had $700 insurance on the house and its contents.
Submitted by L. Morgan

The residence on the farm of L. T. Williams, Jr., three miles west of Howard, was destroyed by fire Sunday morning.

The flames were first noticed about six a.m. and had made such headway when discovered that it was impossible to save the building and only a part of the furniture was saved. It is thought the fire was the result of a defective flue.

Mr. Williams traded his interest in the Electric Mills in the city and another farm to his father, L. T. Williams, for this place on July 1st.

We are informed there is $600 insurance on the house in the Farmer’s Alliance Insurance Co., of McPherson. The house was a good story and a half structure, worth $1,000.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Horn who live south of Elk Falls were the victims of a run-away accident Sunday night, January 24th while returning home from church. The vehicle in which they were riding pulled apart, and the horses breaking away taking the front wheels piled the occupants out on the ground with such force that all were injured. Mr. Bailey was rendered unconscious from a blow on the head and remained in that condition for two hours, he also received a deep gash above the eye. Mrs. Bailey was also badly bruised. Mrs. Horn was the most seriously injured; her nose was broken and face lacerated and some of her teeth were driven back into the jaw bone, causing the lady great pain. We glean the above from the Elk Falls Journal.
Submitted by L. Morgan

A suit was filed in the district court yesterday morning by Preston Hall, of this city, against W. F. Coors, of Elk county, for alienating his wife’s affections and breaking up his home. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were married in 1897 and have two children. They moved to Humboldt soon after their marriage and were living happily together until Coors put in an appearance and began showing attention to Mrs. Hall. Mr. Hall remonstrated with his wife, but she claimed there was nothing more between Coors and herself than ordinary friendship. On February 1, 1904, Mrs. Hall disappeared and the husband blames Coors for it.

It is indeed a severe trial for Mr. Hall and his many friends sympathize with him.--Humboldt Herald.

All of the parties are well known to our readers. Mr. and Mrs. Hall lived east of Howard a number of years previous to their marriage and both were highly respected. W. F. Coors was our county treasurer for the five years ending last October. He is the present chairman of the republican county central committee.
Submitted by L. Morgan

The 19th day of April 1905, marked the fiftieth mile stone along the matrimonial road of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Blair, of Oak Valley, Kansas.

It was with reverence, admiration, and almost with awe, that we looked upon this couple who for fifty years have shared each other’s blessings and have borne each other’s burdens. And now, after fifty long years, they are as loving and as lovable as on their wedding morn. During the half a century through which they together journeyed, neither ever gave the other a harsh word or an unpleasant rebuke, but have lived happily, quietly and contentedly, accepting the goods provided for them by their creator, whom they revere. And they have given to this world a posterity that will ever emulate their good deeds and try to live as uprightly as their venerable parents.

Quietly and joyously mingled on this occasion all the children except one who owing to unforeseen causes was unable to attend.

The morning was spent in recalling childhood recollections and discussing the various phases through which they had passed.

After which dinner was served and such a dinner! The table was laden with viands from the various states and “fairly groaned” under the weight and toothsome articles.

Those present were: S. L. Blair and wife, Oak Valley; Mrs. P. E. Holmes and three children, Douglas; James Blair, Perkins, Oklahoma; Mrs. Frank Hookham, St. Louis; Mrs. A. C. Gunter and daughter, Augusta; James Cox, wife and children, Elk City; Mrs. M. Ackley, Topeka; Frank Spencer, wife and family, Oak Valley; Mrs. L. L Grubb, Oak Valley; Otto Grubb, wife and son, Howard.

After dinner an enjoyable visit was indulged in after which congratulations were in order and were heartily extended.

Most of the children remained some days returning to their several homes.

Were it not that we saw streaks of gray mingled with the locks of several present we would hope to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary in another quarter of a century.

May the future of this couple be a joyous and bright as has been the past is the wish of all.-----One who was there.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Ben Kunkleman’s Mill Saved By Hard Work
Last evening about 6 o’clock fire was discovered in Ben Kunkleman’s feed and grist mill in the northwest part of town.

The alarm of fire was promptly responded to by a large crowd of people who did good service in fighting the flames, but the fire was in the elevator and was hard to get at and it looked for a while like the entire mill was bound to go.

The elevator, pulleys, belting and much of the inside of the mill was destroyed beside the damage to the building and to the meal and other mill stuff.

The grain bins were full but that part of the mill suffered no damage.

The loss, though quite heavy, was fully recovered by insurance.
Submitted by L. Morgan

LEETY TOPPING COMMITS SUICIDE BY STABBING HIMSELF
P. C. Topping Jr., or as he was better known “Leety” Topping, took his life, Monday, by stabbing himself in the heart. The deed was committed about 2:30 p.m.

According to the report he tried to swallow carbolic acid but his wife succeeded in taking the bottle from him and pouring the contents on the ground. She then ran to a neighbor for help, and it was during the few moments that she was gone that he went upstairs and ended his life.

The coroner and other physicians and a crowd were soon at the scene of the tragedy. An examination showed that he had stabbed himself twenty-one times, some of the cuts being mere scratches while at least one reached the heart. The weapon used was a sharp pointed paring knife.

The deceased has been a familiar figure in Howard for many years. His father was Dr. P. C. Topping, a former prominent citizen of Howard. He was about forty years of age and was deaf and dumb, as was also his wife. He was industrious and economical and everyone was his friend. He was married about four years ago and one child, a little girl, and the wife are all the relatives he has here. We are informed that he had about three hundred dollars in one of the banks and that the little home is clear. He had been in failing health for some time and many think that his mind had become enfeebled.

The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o’clock.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Eldon Thompson Dies From the Result of a Gunshot Wound
Last Sunday about four o’clock p.m., Eldon, the twelve year old son of Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Thompson, of this city, was accidentally shot by his younger brother, Glen. The two boys had gone out to their father’s farm, west of town, and were in the smoke house at the time. Eldon was putting some popcorn in a sack when Glen accidentally discharged a target rifle, which he had found hanging on the wall. The ball pierced the upper part of the right thigh and striking the bone, entered the stomach. Omar Forsythe who lived on the farm heard the shot and immediately went to the assistance of the boy, who was able to walk to the buggy. He was brought to his home and doctors summoned, but nothing could be done for him, and he died early yesterday morning. The funeral was held from the home Tuesday at three o’clock and the burial in grace Lawn cemetery. Rev. geo. E. Tifft conducted the services. Eldon was one of Miss Dolen’s pupils, and teacher and schoolmates attended the funeral in a body.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Geo. L. Bruner, who lived on the county line between Elk and Chautauqua, is in trouble for being married to two women at the same time and as a side line of law infraction, running away with mortgaged property. On April 6, he was married to Miss Nancy Patterson, a highly respected young woman of Chautauqua county. Some weeks ago a woman in Indiana wrote the new Mrs. Bruner’s father that she had first claim on Bruner, and the case was turned over to the county attorney. Bruner caught on that trouble was coming so last week he hiked out, taking a team on which the Grenola Denton’s had a mortgage . He was caught at Vinita, last week, and Sheriff Munsinger went down and brought him back and lodged him in the Elk county jail. He promptly gave bond, however, and is now out till next term of court.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mrs. Henry Mayne is crushed By the Awful Whirlwind
Much Destruction of Property, Crops and Stock
Friday afternoon, May 25, shortly after 5 o'clock, storm clouds were seen forming west and north of Howard. They appeared to be rain clouds, but moved very rapidly, indicating wind high in the air. There was no wind in town, although some rain fell. There was an unusual warmth of temperature, and with the aerial disturbance plainly visible, everyone felt that there was trouble in the elements. The clouds appeared to assemble and pack together to the northwest, and then they moved to the east. Rain falling between town and where they seemed to be thickest prevented our seeing anything of the cyclone formation, but as they moved toward the neighborhood northeast of town, a roaring noise was plainly heard in town.

Very shortly after the clouds had moved away northeast, reports of the devastation began to reach town, and very soon it was known that Mrs. S. H. Mayne had been killed and others seriously hurt. Many wild rumors of death and disaster were heard and nearly all the autos in town tried to go to the scenes of destruction, but as the wind was followed by a very heavy rain, and the roads were full of uprooted trees, many turned back.

It was soon ascertained that Mrs. Mayne was the only one killed near Howard. Mrs. Mary Wells suffered a broken hip, and Alfa Myers, a 12 year old boy had some bones broken.

The following details of the track of the storm are taken from yesterday’s Citizen:
This storm started about four miles northwest of Howard, about 5:30 Friday evening and traversed for several miles in a due east course. Buildings on the farm of W. R. Dunkelberger and C. T. Baughman were slightly damaged but the first serious damage was on the S. H. Houghton farm, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Young. This place is three miles due north of the Howard depot. The house, barn and all outbuildings were destroyed on this farm and Mr. Young lost a mule and several of his horses were badly crippled. Crops and fences were destroyed.

The house and barns on Mrs. Abbie Adams’ farm were damaged somewhat, and trees and fences were torn up. Two different cyclones formed on this place, but fortunately they passed on both sides of the building. Jim Hupp is the tenant.

Mr. and Mrs. John Hebb, who live on the Charley Williams farm, north of the poor farm, were the next victims of the storm. They ran and crawled under a culvert and thus perhaps saved their lives, as their home was completely demolished. They suffered the loss of two horses and their fences and crops.

Otho Elliott, just north of the Williams farm, was in the path of the storm. The house was removed from the foundation, and other buildings and fences damaged.

The buildings on the farms of W. P. and C.E. Heisler were damaged, but they were not in the direct path of the storm.

On the Coonrod and Williams places was a hedge fence running east and west. This fence was forty or fifty years old and was perhaps the biggest hedge fence in the county. Those great trees were pulled up by the roots and many of them carried a long distance.

A mile west of the Williams farm is the Mrs. H. S. Douthitt farm, occupied by the Myers families, Lewis Myers and wife and son Alpha, a lad about 13 years old, and George Myers and his wife and babe. George Myers is a son of Lewis Myers. The house, barn and all the outbuildings on this farm were swept away, and all members of the family were injured. The worst of those injured was Alpha Myers, who suffered a broken collar bone and received some deep cuts on the head. The Myers family lost five head of horses, besides three that were injured. One calf was killed and all of their chickens. This farm was swept clean of everything, even the fences and crops. Only a couple of months ago the Myers family lost their home and contents in a storm.

Ed Maxey, a wife and little daughter, who live just east of the Myers home on the Lawrence farm, escaped with their lives though they had a close call. The house was twisted and torn and the force of the storm was such that the little girl inside the house was thrown violently to the floor. Ed had four horses badly injured, and his crops, outbuildings and fences were destroyed.

The I.N. Kling home south of Maxey’s was damaged, and several big trees torn out by the roots.

The Fairview school house, just across the road west of Klings was slightly damaged.

East of the Maxey’s is the Henry Mayne farm, where Mrs. Mayne lost her life. Here the destruction was complete, the accumulations of nearly a life time were piled in a worthless heap and a home broken up.

Just east of the Mayne farm is the farm owned by Mrs. Mary J. Wells. It is occupied by Mrs. Wells and son, and also by her daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Lew Hebb and baby. The house and buildings on this farm are a complete wreck. Mrs. Wells was dangerously injured, her hip was broken and she was badly bruised. Mrs. Hebb and her week old babe were carried out of the house and some distance and piled under a tree. Although they were covered with mud, neither were injured seriously. Bert Clark was the next victim of the Storm King. His house was removed, barn torn down, one horse killed and three crippled.

Chas. Kling suffered some severe bruises. He and his wife were carried some distance, and over two wire fences. The house and barn destroyed and two of his horses injured.

The house and barn on the Dave Morgan farm was blown down; also the barn on the John Morgan farm.

The house and barn on the Mrs. Cummings farm were destroyed, as were the barn and outbuildings on the Cliff Dershem farm.

Perry Dempsey's barn is down and his Ford is missing.

The barn on the Kincaid farm was blown down.

The W.P. Flock house was damaged, also the barn and furniture in the house.

The big barn on the John Wooddall farm was destroyed and much other damage was done. James Wooddall's house, barn and buildings were all destroyed and Mr. wooddall's loss from killed and injured stock is heavy.

T.I. Wooddall had his fine Herefords out in the pasture here and his loss is very heavy. Some 19 of the animals were killed or injured. As they were valued at from $100 to $500 per head, it will be seen he suffered a heavy loss.

Bert Staley lost his barn and contents; Kanar, house and barn; Sallee, house and barn; Ryan, barn; Al Sallee, barn; Bidwell, house and barn; house and barn on the old John Thompson farm; Seaton house and barn, just one-fourth mile south of Fall River.

The house and big barns on the James Fitzmorris farm southeast of Fall River were destroyed and also the Catholic church in that neighborhood.

Other losses over in Wilson county were on the Burr, Shinkle, Chisham, Fiscus and Nicholson farms. This storm continued over to Chanute, Humboldt and on east.

The nearest the storm came to Howard was on the Vice farm, two miles northeast, where the house was missed, but five big apple trees just east of the house were uprooted. and at the B.B. Hughes farm where a hay barn was blown down.

A heavy rain accompanied the wind. Great crowds visited the scene of the storm Saturday and thousands would have been attracted there Sunday but for the heavy rain that made the roads all but impassable. The usual freaks of the cyclone are in evidence, such as blowing straws into telephone poles, etc. There was no wind in Howard, though about the time of the storm the air was sickly hot for a few minutes.

There were three babies in this storm and all escaped serious injury.

Mrs. Mary Wells and the Myers boy are the most seriously injured.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Miss Vada, Daughter of Sheriff Blizard, Drowned Tuesday Evening
Tuesday evening Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Barber, Andrew Scully, the Barber children, Vada Blizard and Marjorie DePew, went to Elk River near the Joe Harris home. The girls ventured in the water, beyond their depth and called for help. Mr. Barber and Scully plunged in to help them, but neither being able to swim, or at most but little, and having all their clothes on, instead of helping any, at once found themselves in a dangerous position. Bud Barber, a young boy of 16, and a fair swimmer managed to assist the DePew girl and Adelaide Barber out, and also his father, who was unconscious; but Vada sank and was drowned. The alarm was sent to town, and Dr. DePew who happened to be near the scene of the tragedy, recovered Vada’s body, but she had been in the water for near twenty minutes and could not be resuscitated.

Sheriff Blizard, the father, was at Oak Valley on official business when phoned for and arrived home in the course of an hour or so. The little body was brought to the undertaker. The sad affair prostrated the family and fairly stunned the whole community, for Vada was a beautiful young girl of 14, of lovable and loving disposition, almost worshipped by her parents and sisters and admired by all who knew her.

The funeral was held at the Baptist church today at 10 a.m. The entire city mourns with the sorrowing family.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mayor of Grenola Killed by Nightwatch - Mistaken for Bank Robber.
The sensation of the holiday season this year was the terrible tragedy at Grenola. Monday night, in which H. Hayes, Cashier of the Grenola State Bank and Mayor of the city of Grenola was shot and killed by the night watchman, who mistook him for bank robber.

The circumstances are reasonably accurately told in the following account, taken from The Citizen, of this city:
Between 3 o'clock and half past three, Tuesday morning, the night watch saw a car quietly drive into the town and stop at the rear of the bank of which Mr. Hayes was the cashier. Three or more men were in the car. One of the parties came around to the front of the bank and was acting as a lookout. Mr. Downs, who was in the lobby of the hotel, which is across the street from the bank, a position where he could see everything along the principal street, telephoned to Mayor Hayes about the suspicious characters being in town and asked him to get Marshal Berry and come down. Downs remained in the hotel lobby waiting for the arrival of reinforcements, and shortly after he called Mayor Hayes he noticed a suspicious character cross the street and enter the front door that leads to the stairway and go up the stairs. A doorway also enters the lobby of the hotel from this stairway. In a moment or two after this man entered and went up the front stairs, Mr. Downs heard some one coming down stairs and insert a key in the door that opened into the ____where he was stationed and believing it to be the man who went upstairs, and one of the robbers, he shot through the door. The man on the other side of the door proved to be Mayor Hayes, who had been summoned to help him and who had entered the hotel from the rear, gone upstairs and come down the front way. The shot went through the door, entirely through Mr. Hayes' body entering just below the heart and on into the wall on the opposite side of the stairway. The wounded man was given medical attention at once, and as soon as the west bound train arrived was placed thereon to be taken to Winfield, where he could have hospital treatment. But, as said above, he died before reaching Burden and the body was brought back to Grenola on the ten o'clock train.

Mayor Hayes lived about three hours after being shot and was conscious practically up to the last moment before he died. He exonerated Nightwatch Downs from all blame stating that Downs had followed his instructions, and that he should have made himself known to the nightwatch before attempting to enter the hotel lobby, where he supposed Downs was.

Mr. Hayes, who was also mayor of Grenola, appointed L. H. Downs as night watchman last Saturday night and gave him instructions that if he saw any suspicious characters to shoot and make his inquiries afterwards. Mayor Hayes repeated this order to the night watch a second time only a few hours before he was shot. With these instructions and that so many towns were being visited by robbers, the night watch took his orders literally.

Funeral services were held at Grenola Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock after which the body of Mayor Hayes was placed on the train to be taken to the old home at Glasco, Missouri for burial.

Howard M. Hayes came to Grenola about two years ago to accept the position of cashier of the Grenola State BAnk. He was a young man of pleasing address, about thirty years old and a live wire citizen. He at once became prominent in the circles of Grenola business and social life and was chosen mayor of the city and gave splendid service to his town. He was a very likable young man and made friends of every one. Grenola citizens are prostrated by the accident, not only in the death of a favorite citizen, but also over the tragedy that has come to another of her good citizens. Mr. Downs, who is perhaps the greatest sufferer from the affair. No one has any blame for the night watch but only sympathy.
Submitted by L. Morgan

102 YEARS OLD
John Munsinger of Howard, enjoyed a birthday dinner surrounded by his children
Grandpa Munsinger on December 10th, sat down to dinner on his 102d birthday, with sons and daughters, grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. Two years go he celebrated his centennial and was host to a gathering of over a hundred, most of them descendants. This year the company was only a few of the near relatives, but was nevertheless a notable event.

John Munsinger was born in Wittenburg, Germany on December 10, 1812. He came to America in 1826 and to Kansas in 1880. He has been twice married and has thirteen living sons and daughters. Two years ago he had 49 grand-children, 80 great grand-children and 2 great-great-grand-children and there are now doubtless several more.

Grandpa Munsinger is still in good health and is in possession of all his facilities. He has a good appetite, sleeps well and enjoys life in every way. He makes his home with his son, Sheriff J. K. Munsinger, of Howard.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Morgan celebrated their 50th anniversary on Friday, August 20th.
About 11:30 they were very pleasantly surprised by their children, who came in to help them celebrate that they filled with many pleasant memories.

They could not realize what was bringing all their children home until they were asked what took place 50 years ago. After this, they took part in the days entertainment and were jolly as any of the crowd. It was impossible to realize they are both in their 70s.

When the food was prepared, Mr. Morgan led his bride of 50 years ago, out to dinner, where they found the table loaded with good things to eat. The table was decorated with a large bouquet of cut roses, which were remembrances of Mr. and Mrs. George Ransom. Mrs. E. G. Smith sent a large bouquet of 50 different colors of flowers.

Those present: Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Small, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Morgan, and Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Morgan and their families.

All of their children being present, but Mr. W. F. Morgan of Cherryvale, Kansas.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. Top Fear had a joyful day Sunday, when all their children, numbering seven, and grandchildren numbering fifteen all gathered at their home. And when they unloaded their baskets the table groaned with good things to eat. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Top Fear, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Fear and children, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pries and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Fear and children, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Anderson and children, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cain and son, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fear and children, Ernest Fear, Ben Ferguson, Mrs. Jim Arnold and daughter, Mrs. Rose and children.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Saturday, June 4th, being the eighty-seventh birthday anniversary of Mrs. Elizabeth Webber, her granddaughter, Miss Ila Jay, planned a surprise on her and with the assistance of Mrs. H. Taylor, it was most successfully carried out. She was persuaded to go up town to attend to some business and on her return she found her house in the possession of the Woman’s Relief Corps and other friends; the dining table set and decorated with beautiful flowers and dinner well under way. Her surprise was complete, but she soon rallied and was her own jolly self, and said she enjoyed it greatly. All were soon invited to the dining room where a most sumptuous dinner was set and to hear the lively chatter one would have thought them in the very prime of life instead of nearing the journey’s end. A most pleasant afternoon was spent and after wishing Mrs. Webber many more happy birthdays, all were whisked home filled with many happy thoughts and also something far more substantial.

Those present were: Mrs. Elizabeth Webber; Mrs. McLin and son,Clarence; Mr. Will Jay and daughters, Ila, Vera and Vada, and son Deanero; Mr. and Mrs. H. Taylor and son, Harold, and grandson from Nowata, Oklahoma; Mr. Looman Williams and daughter, Miss Janie, of Yale, Oklahoma; Mrs. Lydia Holliday; Mrs. M. E. Force; Mrs. Chas. Comstock; Mrs. Geo. Gotobed; Miss Sarah Price and Mrs. Carrie Buel.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Last Sunday was Enos Mitchell’s birthday, and his wife, abetted by intimate friends planned and carried out a most successful and enjoyable surprise on him to make him remember the day and date. He was properly dolled up and sent to Sunday School with the children, and never suspected what was going on, but when he returned home, he ran right smack into a surprising situation in his pleasant home———he found the dining table enlarged to its full capacity spread with the nicest furnishings and loaded with the best of everything good to eat and the room full of dear friends assembled in his honor. It was a sight beautiful to the eye and heart gripping to his affection, and it is a sure thing he will never forget the occasion.

By a happy circumstance June 26 is also the birth anniversary of Enos's son Wilbur, and of their friend and neighbor Mrs. Eda Chase VanBuskirk so all three were permitted to assume the compliment of the occasion. It was a delightfully happy and entirely enjoyable event and the promoters are to be congratulated on its success. Those present were:
Mr. and Mrs. John Kingsley and Emma Kingsley, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Mayne and son Ellwood, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Maurer, Mrs. G. B. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Enos Mitchell and children Wilbur and Mary, Mrs. Ruth Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. Earl VanBuskirk and daughter Betty Louise, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Mayne, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Carson and daughter Erma, Mrs. Lucy Cummins, Ralph Cummins, Ethel Cummins, Mr. and Mrs. Will Spunaugle, Paul and Mabel Spunaugle, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Ransom and son Robert, Mr. Houtz. - Reporter.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. Andy B. McKay of Longton, celebrated the Golden Wedding anniversary, last Sunday, the 16th of April, at their home in that city. About one hundred guests called informally during the afternoon and extended congratulations and good wishes. Six of their eight children were present to all pleasure to the occasion, and the “happy couple” were the recipients of many appropriate presents.

Andy McKay and Miss Catherine Denneny, were married at Humboldt fifty years ago the 16th inst., journeying from Longton thither in a lumber wagon for the interesting ceremony. Andy was a Union soldier during the war and settled at Longton in 1870, and “the bride” came about the same time. Andy served as postmaster at Longton, and they both have been useful citizens of the community.

May they live many years longer to enjoy each other’s company and the communion of their many loyal friends.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Longley Celebrate the Event, With Their Children and Grandchildren At their pleasant home in Howard, with their children and grandchildren around them, Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Longley yesterday enjoyed a most happy celebration and reunion. On June 24, 1875, at the public school building in Howard City, Kansas, (the local newspaper called it “the church” and it was used for church as well as school purposes in those early days) Mr. Ezekial King Longley and Miss Carrie Hall were married in the presence of a goodly company for the doors were thrown open to all. The very brief account of the wedding published in the local paper may be seen on the 4th page of this paper, in the “Fifty Years Ago” items. The bride’s own piano was brought in from her farm for the occasion, and it was perhaps the only piano in the entire county at that time. The bride’s older sister played “Mendelssohn’s Wedding March” as the bridal party moved down the isle, and that same sister was present yesterday to help celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary, coming from her home in Illinois for the happy occasion. There are still quite a number of persons living in this community who were present on that other happy occasion. One man tells us he, then a young boy, sat on his pony just outside the building and “saw it all” and heard it all, through the open windows of the school house on that beautiful June day 50 years ago.

Yesterday was a beautiful June day as was that other day fifty years ago. It found Mr. and Mrs. Longley in excellent health, and supremely happy that all their living children and grandchildren were able to be with them for the Golden Wedding. Mrs. Abbey Bender, with her husband and two sons, Billy Bob and Roy, and daughter, Margaret Joy; Mrs. Olive Joy Wright, and daughter, and Mr. Roy Longley and wife, all of Cleveland, Ohio, all came especially for this event. Also, Mrs. Ella V. Strachan and daughter, Mrs. Virginia May Turner, of Rockford, Illinois, sister and niece of Mrs. Longley, of Rogers, Arkansas, and yesterday at noon the bride and groom of fifty years sat down to a sumptuous dinner, surrounded by their loved ones--a most happy occasion, truly.

In the afternoon, from 3 till 5, an informal reception was held and a large number of friends called to offer them congratulations and sincere good wishes that many more happy years together may be vouchsafed, Mr. and Mrs. Longley. Ice cream and cake were served the guests by the daughters and granddaughters of Mr. and Mrs. Longley, and it was the remark of all who came the young ladies performed that pleasant service most charmingly and gracefully. It was indeed a happy event for Mr. and Mrs. Longley and their loved ones and all their friends.

A few of those from a distance have today left for their own homes, while some will remain a few days for a longer visit.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Austin Ham, an agile, man-about-town--though he celebrates his 79th birthday, Thursday, July 18, 1957--disdains to mention the aches and pains that usually find a host with those who have survived the buffeting for three score and ten years. Austin’s pick-up truck is a familiar sight to the citizens of Howard, as Austin rattles along, delivering milk, feeding livestock and performing a miscellany of chores. Austin plans to out-last and out-perform his chattering pick-up and all indications lead the observer to conclude that the odds are with Austin.

Since Austin is not planning to have his obituary published for a long time, he feels he can now, with propriety, justify a little biography sketch, for certainly after 79 years, any old bird is entitled to preen his feathers a little publicly.

Austin was born July 18, 1878, in Butler county, Kansas, about eight miles southeast of Augusta. His father, John Ham, a Kentuckian, fought with the Union army and made the march to Atlanta with Sherman’s army; his mother, Harriet Ham, was also born in “Old Kaintuck.” Austin is the last of five children born to his parents; two sisters, Alice and Jane, died in infancy and William and Marietta have been dead for some time.

In 1892 Austin’s parents moved to Wilson county; removing from Wilson county to Greenwood county in 1893, and later settling in Elk county in 1894, six miles southwest of Fall River, Kansas.

Austin has lived in various parts of Elk county during his 63 years of residency, so he cannot feel himself a stranger in any quarter of the county.

In 1907 Austin married Bertha Noakes and to them were born three children, of whom only Kenneth Lee Ham survives; however, their posterity now includes four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Austin is setting up the coffee at Winn’s Café for his friends on his birthday. Happy Birthday, Austin! And since you have said you have already lived to an older age than your father, grandfather and great grandfather Hams, we hope you set your goal for the century mark, for we believe you can make it.---A friend.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest B. Ginn were honored on Sunday, May 20, with an open house at their home in the Antioch community, in observance of their 60th wedding anniversary, given by their daughters Mrs. John Heater and Mrs. Clarence Howell and families.

A beautifully decorated two-tiered wedding cake flanked by pink candles in crystal holders graced the dining table. Refreshments of cake, punch, nuts and mints were served to more than 80 guests. They received many cards, some lovely gifts and flowers, and were made happy by phone calls from their grandsons, Ronnie Howell and family of Lynwood, California. Bob Burkholder and family, Edward Burkholder and granddaughter, Phyllis Nieden and family, all of Denver, Colorado.

Mr. and Mrs. Ginn were married on May 21, 1902 at Cook, Nebraska. They moved to Elk county in 1923 and have lived most of the time since in the Antioch community, living in their present home for the past 17 years, where they have observed their 50th, 55th, and 60th anniversaries.

They are parents of seven children: A.B. Ginn of Indiana; Durward Ginn of California; Glenn Ginn of Alaska; Evelyn Howell, Augusta; Sadie Heater, Howard; Thelma Burkholder, who passed away in 1958. They have twelve grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends, who wish for them many more anniversaries.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Edwards were the guests of honor last Sunday when their children entertained with a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Kill and children, for their 25th wedding anniversary, which is July 3.

The Edwards are the parents of ten children and all of them were present for the dinner, except their oldest son, Kenny, who with his wife and three year old daughter, is stationed on Okinawa. A son-in-law, Bill Marrs, of Moline, was also present.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward were presented with a set of silverware for twelve by their children.
Submitted by L. Morgan

Mrs. Bertha Hemry celebrated her 91st birth anniversary on July 21. She had dinner with her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Parker and son, Danny. In the afternoon, friends dropped in to congratulate her and enjoy her birthday cake, baked by Myrl Condit, and ice cream and iced tea.

Those who came to call were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Will Heater, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McGregor, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Ginn, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Demieville and grandson, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Jontra, Mrs. Ola Rhudy, Mrs. Ruth Fickle, Mrs. Vernon Jones and Linda, Mrs. Myrtle Kingsley, Mrs. Goldie Bruner, Myrl Condit, and the Parker’s. Mrs. Hemry received many cards and gifts and had a most enjoyable day.
Submitted by L. Morgan

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