The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1869-07-29

the punishment of offenders, on Tues
day became the scene Of another trial
A pair of young folks, having passed
safely through the courting stages, came
to court to try to get married, and what
| Is more, succeeded in their laudable en-
terprise. The young man had some
difficulty: being a stranger here, in OBJ
tanning the affidavit necessary to pro-
cure license, but some one whom he
knew happening along the corridor
just ia the nick Of time, he darted from
the clerks office and secured the proof
and the document, which he left with
the clerk until he could 60 and bring
the lady of his choice. But what SEEM
ed strangest Of all to a casual observer
was the fact that Immediately after the
ceremony, as soon as they could go to
the hotel, get their things together and
divide thcm-the money was divided
ut the hack door-the newly married
pair separated, the groom departing in
the Wilton hack and the bride taking
the one bound for Clarence. 1t would
be the worst of mOckery to wish them
joy of their journey in opposite direc-
tons; SO here's to their happy meeting.
DEATH OF a PIoNEER.-On Monday,
the 26th day of July, VIM. Mason, Esq,
one Of the Oldest aud most respected cit
zens of the county, died very suddenly
ut the house Ct Mr.. Hardacre, about a
half mile from his own residence ut Ma
sons Grove. Mr.. Mason was always
hale and hearty until about three or, four
months ago, when sudden and severe
illness left him comparatively feeble,
though he nor his friends had reason
to apprehend the sudden blow which
proved fatal. At the time of his death
he was on his way to Upton, leaving
home for that purpose aud stopping for
a neighborly call Of few moments at
Mr.. Hartlacre's. After very short stay
he started to leave the house for his con-
veyance, when he was stricken by death
at the very door, and expired within
fifteen minutes without speaking.
Mr.. Mason, as we are informed 10y s.
A. Bissell, Esq, settled at Mason's
Grove, as from him it was afterwards
called, early i'm the year 1886, while this
State was a part of Wisconsin Territory,
and while the whole of the present ter
ritory ofthe State of Iowa north Of the
south line of township seventynine was
organized as Dubuque county. Very
soon after his settlement, Mr.. NJ. was
appointed Justice or the Peace by Hen
~ Dodge, then Governor of the Terrific
ry of Wisconsin, which Office lie held
until the organization of the Territory
of Iowa, June 10th, 1888, when he was
offered the position Of Sheriff of Cedar
county by Robert Lucas the first Gov
ernor Of Iowa Territory. This office he
declined, recommending to the Govern
or Mr. f. +. Edwards, now of Musca-
tine, who therefore received he appoint
ment as organizing Sheriff: Mr.. Mason
was then appointed by Gov. Lucas, as
he had previously been by Gov. Dodge,
Justice Of the Peace, which office he
continued to hold by appointment until
it became elective, when it was again
given him by the unanimous vote Of the
precinct in which he resided. From
1888 to 1910, when there were so many
bitter contests concerning the right of
possession of the valuable lands around
Mason's Grove, Esq. Mason was in al
most every case made arbiter, and none
of his decisions We're reversed by higher
courts. 1t is related of him that it
was of no use in any case to read or
quote law for his guidance; that he de-
cided everything OH its merits as dis
cerned by his eminent common sense,
unhampered by any legal technicalities
or "points," and that his decisions were
never complained Of or reversed.
After the organization of the State of
Iowa he was for long time one Of the
County Commissioners, and also held at
different times other important and re-
sponsible offices, among them, that Of
Commissioner of the School Fund, i'm
all of which he discharged his duties in
SO honest and able manner that no
blame was ever attached to him.
He died without physical pain or suf.
fering, leaving very many friends; and
if any enemies, the oldest inhabitant Of
the county has never heard of them.
HARPER's MAGAZINE for August, has