Newspaper Articles from Elk County page 4

Dr. Cole of Elgin has purchased a business lot on the east side of the square, and is preceding with the creation of a building for his stock of drugs, which he will move up as soon as he can get his building completed which be in about two weeks.

Mr. Buckley of Peru, jeweler and blacksmith has located at the Falls.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Mr. John Lee of Elgin, President of the new Board of Commissioners was in town the first of the week.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Matanzas is the name of our town and post office in the new township of Little Cana. Formerly it was known as Jayhawk.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Peru has made arrangements to have another paper started there if the county is divided.

Peru in this county, is excited over the discovery of an unknown mineral in endless quantities near town. The specimen we have seen was smelted in a blacksmith forge and resembles tin or brittania. Specimens of it have sent to various places for the purpose of having it assayed.
Submitted by Freida Wells

A vein of coal four feet thick is reported one and a half miles west of town.

A boy about 14 years of age, son of E. W. Sames, while carrying an axe on his shoulder, fell and chopped off two of his fingers.

Several bad cases of Diptheria are reported in our neighborhood
Submitted by Freida Wells

From the Ledger of the 14th, Mr. E. W. Fay of Peru, is said to be in Texas.
Submitted by Freida Wells

The following attorneys attending Circuit Court called at the Journal office, E. W. Fay & S. P Moore, Peru; C. C. Tompkins & J. J. Miller, Elgin; Mr. Browning of Cedar Vale. The later mentioned is a whilom editor and publisher, there fore knows something of the ups and downs of newspaper life.
Submitted by Freida Wells

List of marriage license granted during the month of May

GEO. E. CADY and REBECCA MCLANE, JNO MESCHER and LOUISA A. MILLBURN, E. W. BRISCOE and CLEMENTINE BEASLEY, CHARLES GODLSBERRY and MARY ENNES, V.CAFREY and MARGARET EATON, R. M. GILLBREATH and TERESA NAVE, W. Q. WICKERSHAM and LKATE GILLBREATH, WILLIAM QDDY and SARAH CLARK.
Submitted by Freida Wells

A. P. GREEN has moved his family from town to his new residence on the Wild Cat.
Submitted by Freida Wells

C. F. GARNER of Sugar Grove, Fannin Co., Texas is making a short visit to his relatives near Howard.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Died - June 2nd 1874 OF _______ MRS. MARGARET BOOK. 62 years of age married 42 years, leaves spouse and 4 children. (no names given)
Submitted by Freida Wells

JOHN BAUGHMAN left Howard this week to make his future home in Colorado. A. C. HICKMAN has bid adieu to the climate of Southern Ks to rendezous in Iowa, his former home.
WILLIAM DORY of Greenfield starts for Chicago on Monday with one hundred head of fat cattle. MR. HAYNES of this place, will ship an entire train of fat cattle next week.
(Note Canola and Greenfield are now Grenola. KS)
Submitted by Freida Wells

Last Monday morning about nine o'clock a ten year old daughter of a MR. SWANKS, who resides on Duck Creek aboaut 10 miles east of Longton, was bitten by a rattlesnake, from the effects of which death insured at 6 o'clock on the same day.
Submitted by Freida Wells

J. L. HART, of Canola and MISS KATIE THOMPSON, of Boston were joined in marriage last week.
Submitted by Freida Wells

One of D. W. FRENCH'S children died of whooping cough last Monday.
Submitted by Freida Wells

A MRS. HUGH living near Grafton; this county while hoeing in the garden on Tuesday last. She was buried on Thursday.
Submitted by Freida Wells

BROKE JAIL- Salem BERGNER was committed to the Howard county jail because of non-payment of upwards of $100, assessed against him as costs in a case of malicious prosecution. Jim PRINGLE was the jailer, and any one who knows PRINGLE known that he is very vigilant, sleeps with one eye skinned, etc. But BERGNER, wearied of the monotony of solitary confinement, broke jail Wednesday night, and is now no longer restrained of his liberty. PRINGLE says he knew from the way the fellow acted that he was going to make an effort to escape. Not one regrets the departure , however.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Notice is hereby given that my son B. ABBOTT, aged 18 years, did on the 9th day of August without cause or provocation leave his home. All persons are hereby warned not to give him credit on my account as I will not be responsible for his debts. - John ABBOT
Submitted by Freida Wells

I. A. POWELL had just finished plastering his saddlery shop.

ALTER & BLACKBURN have adorned the front of their grocery with an awning.

G. W. BURCHARD will be in Elk Falls from 25th to 29th inst. to take applications for loans in Howard County.

Mr. FLEEK, living hear town, had a horse stolen recently, and has yet recovered it. We have heard of a number of persons whose stables have been visited by suspicious fellows within the last two weeks. Enough money was raised by subscription of buy Mr. FLEEK another horse.

Messrs. MATTINGLEY and JOHNSON of Boston, called yesterday. They are strongly in favor of uniting upon some man for the Legislature who is against division of the county, no matter what point may be his preference for county seat.

The outside of the Journal is almost wholly occupied by a synopsis of a debate between J.H. COOK, a Seventh day Adventist, and J. D. McBRIAN, of the Christian or Disciple denomination. Though these discussion usually fail of convincing the minds of those who hear, a sufficient number of our readers will be interested in its perusal to repay for giving it the space it occupies.
Submitted by Freida Wells

The following comprises a list of the principal business houses of Longton:
N. MOMMA, Dry Goods and Groceries; J. G. ALBRIGHT, Hardware, Groceries, Stoves, Tinware, etc.; C. H & E. CANNON, Dry Goods, Groceries, Queensware; J. L. MYERS, Grocer; A. SEDGE, Saloon; W, DRISCOLL, City Drug Store; C. F. NIECE, Druggist; J. G. BURCHFIELD, Dealer in Mowers and Reapers. The city of Longton has always been fortunate in having first class business men to shape the affairs of the town, and the result has been for good.

Dr. J. T. PILE of Elgin, has been spending the past week with his Elk Falls friends.
Married on the 17th inst., at the residence of Jno. W. SEELY, by Rev. R. BAKER, Mr. John W. SEELY and Miss Phoebe A. MCWHIRT all of Howard of Kansas.
Mr. Wm HARKLERODES, of St. Joseph, MO. is visiting his daughter, Mrs. H. B KEELY, at this place. He drove through in a buddy within six days. He seems to be well pleased with the prospects of Elk Falls.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Married Aug 6th by Rev. E. A. GRAHAM at the residence of J. H. PRICE near Longton, Mr. James S. DRISKELL and Miss Mary S.SNYDER, all of Howard County Kansas. MARRIED - BECK - BAKER, at the residence of the bride's father, on the 22nd of Aug by Rev. M. H MELTON. Mr. William BECK and Miss Ella BAKER. All of Howard.

Submitted by Freida Wells

Mr. BURCHARD has been spending the week in town, negotiating loans on real estate.
Personal - J. B. RICE, the candidate on the farmers ticket, called to see us on Sat. last.
Mr. E. S. CUMMINGS has purchased a very nice Burdett Organ for his daughter Alma.
Frank WILLIS returned from Independence on Saturday last where he had been on a visit to his family for a week or ten days.
J. Q. BURCHFIELD, of Longton will start with his family to visit friends in Indiana about Sept. 1. September 8, 1874
J. B. RICE will speak at the school house on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 o'clock p m.
Mrs. Dr. SAULSBERY, of Peru, announces herself as a candidate for the office of superintendent of Public Instructions.
G. P. SMITH of the reform ticket called on Sunday last found only the devil in. Sorry we were not in.
Mr. HUBBLE'S regular fare for carrying passengers to Eureka from this city is $3 and not $2 as formerly stated.
Dr. GRASS of Canola was in town yesterday. He gave us a short call.
W. W. JONES went to Thayer Thursday will return on Tue next.
A. F. GITCHELL and son have dissolved partnership. A. F. GITCHELL continues at the old stand. Chas. GITCHELL is going to engage in the sewing machine business.
Submitted by Freida Wells

GILBREATH-STURM, at the residence of Dr. R. N. HALL, on the 2nd of Sept. by Geo. F. Graham, Probate judge Mr. Nelson GILBREATH and Miss Lizzie STURM, all of Howard.
Submitted by Freida Wells

Peter Lynes has moved his house into town.
R. S. Turner had been fore sometime past, and is yet quite sick.
Mr. A. F. Gitchell has been very sick for a week past. We are glad to hear, however, that he is improving.

Cal Donaldson and wife have returned from a protracted visit.
Capt. Berry, from Iowa has rented the Sherrin Custer building which he will occupy in a short time.
Mr. Brizendine has sold his dwelling house to Mr. somebody, anyhow Mr. Rickseehers partner, for $350.
T. B. Rice who was to have spoken here last Saturday, failed to put in an appearance, for what cause we do not know.
A. B. Hicks drug store is closed up for and indebtedness of $35.
Mr. James Ogle and family from Illinois arrived in Elk Falls on Tuesday evening last. Mr. Ogle is the gentleman who purchased the Dr. Henry property.
Submitted by Freida Wells

In Ashes Our Little City Visited By The Most Disasterous Conflagration In Its History
The Loss Near Ten Thousand
A Good Servant But A Terrible Master The Fire Fiend Has Full Sway For A Time

On last Friday evening about 9:00 o'clock, just as most of the citizens were preparing to retire, the appalling cry of "fire" sounded out on the still air of night. The fire was discovered to be in the back part of W.E. Harvey's meat market, and as soon as the alarm was given, several men, who had not yet gone home, responded to the cry and rushed to the flaming building. The alarm soon spread and men, women, and children from all parts of town were soon on Main Street attracted by the bright flames which shot straight up nearly a hundred feet. The meat market and nearly every other place of business was closed but the door was burst open and then the flames came rushing through so hot that no one could face them. Work at once began to subdue the flames while part of the crowd went to work at once getting the goods and moveable property out of the offices and rooms adjourning. The buildings burned were all of wood. Commencing on the north, next to Darling's Hardware was Harvey's Meat Market, where the fire is said to have begun: then an empty building where the Smith stock of groceries, lately taken by an attachment, were stored, which building also belonged to Harvey. Next to this was a small building belonging to D.M. Reid and occupied by O.C. Shackelford with books and notions, next D.M. Reid's real estate office, then J.D. Pugh's drug store and Wells' barber shop. And last Joel Jackson's building occupied by J.L. Sollers with billiards and pool tables.

All of the buildings were one story frame erected when the town first started, and occupied until the owners could build better.

As was before stated the tike was first discovered in the rear of Harvey's meat market, and had made such headway that it was impossible to tell just where or how it originated. The fire soon enveloped this and the adjoining building and then, despite all effort, marched steadily on to the south sweeping everything before it.

Water was hard to obtain in sufficient quantifies to do any execution, although men and ú number of women too, worked with might and main with pails to check the onward progress of the destroying element. The buildings were very dry and took fire before the flames came in actual contact with them, and the heat drove those back who were trying to get near enough to throw water on the fire. It looked for a time as though our devoted little city was doomed, but fortunately there was no perceptible breeze which enabled work to be done on all sides.

When the fire had communicated to the last building, the bank of Barnes, Brown, and Denton stood next and it is fortunately built of stone two stories high and almost fire proof, although it has wooden door and window frames. Men mounted this building, and although it was a very trying place, they succeeded in keeping the fire from getting a hold on it. A number of brave men also stationed themselves on the roof of Bowdon Bro's store and ware rooms, which were of shingles, and stood their grounds amid falling cinders and fire and battled manfully to save this Melding, although it stands within less than thirty feet of where one building was a sheet of fire. By the aid of wet blankets salt and plenty of water, the building was saved although it seemed as though it would surely go, and perhaps it would had not several daring individuals got some scantlings an pushed in the side of burning building next to it.

Sparks fell around Smith Brothers barn but fortunately they have a force pump and hose which they used to good advantage to extinguish stray sparks and keep their roof wet. Fire also fell in the Rock Island lumber yard but was put out by those on the look out.

Goods were carried from the burning buildings and piled up in the streets promiscuously, and some petty thieving was done, but not much considering the amount of property exposed and the crowds allowed to pass among them at will.

When the fire became the hottest and it seemed doubtful that the bank could withstand the attack, Bowden Brothers began to remove their immense amount of dry goods and groceries and in ú short time, everything of value was out of the building. When the fire was finally subdued, the goods were put back in about as short a space of time.

On the north the work was as desperate and dangerous. Men were on the roof of Darling's Hardware and it was only by dint of hardest fighting that it was saved as the fire got under the roof back of the iron cornice on the front causing it to have to be torn away in order to get at the fire with water.

But finally, the fire began to diminish and everything was last under control. But less than an hour from the time it started, seven places of business were in ruins.

The loss will foot up nearly ten thousand dollars which is only partly covered by insurance. The Individual loss and insurance are as follows:

W.E.Harvey, meat market, loss, $1,500; insurance, $900
O.C. Shackelford, books and notions, loss $400; no insurance
D.M. Reid, real estate office and Notary Public, loss $1200; insurance $500
J.D. Pugh, drugs, estimated loss from $2000 to $3000; insurance $1300
H.L. Wells, barber shop, loss on furniture $50; no insurance
Joel Jackson, building $1200; no insurance
J.L. Sollers who occupied Jackson's building with billiards and pool was damaged $50 to $75.
The bank building of Barnes, Brown, and Denton was damaged together with their fixtures, $100 The Odd Fellows Hall is in the second floor of the bank building and their furniture was damaged fully fifty dollars;
E.E.Darling's building was badly damaged, the cornice being torn off, the roof unsoldered and a large plate glass in the front broken. The damage will probably reach over $1000. Insured.
The damage to Bowden Bros.' Stock by carrying it out and in well probably reach $1000. Insured.

Everyone worked with a will and many brave acts were performed but more might have been accomplished had there been any trained organization on the ground. All seemed to be free from excitement but the work lacked direction or united effort with each individual doing what he thought best. This should be a warning and some effort should he put forth toward getting some sort of protection against fire, if it is nothing but a bucket brigade. Also let us have no more wooden buildings in the business portion of the town.
Submitted by Freida Wells

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