davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
The Ubiquitous Church Social.

If life is a dream, then the happieSt
are those who make the most of the il
fusion; and if this entirely original
statement is accepted as fact, it inev-
itably follows that Abilene's society peO-
pie are superlatively happy. Because,
do they not, in their wonderful and re-
markable devotion to church sOcials,
make the most of the greatest deluslon
of the nineteenth century?
The church social is an ign,tS fdtlats,
inasmuch as its light and sparkle elude
the grasp of christian and gentle alike.
No Christian, Baptist, Lutheran, Meth
odist or wording has yet succeeded in
Undertaking. the illusion. The pursuit
has been eager and sustained enough;
eight or ten church socials per week
during the past six or seven months
abundantly attest this declaration; but
the delusion is still before us, strong
and vigorous as at first, and just as
attractive.
1t is not our Neutrality-suspicious. and
church socials are always in the plural-to
find fault with this condition of things.
On the contrary the church social is to be
greatly admired as a work of art; there
is nothing natural about it. You go to
one and all the art you possess is re,
quired to make you feel graceful, com
Portable and happy; herein in part lie:
the Elusive qualities of the social. tire
uuires art to go into raptures over the IL
lusions you buy at figures several degrees
removed from a normal condition; this
is a double illusion, ergo dOubly happy
But the greatest art is to shield the sus
ceptible and ''before taking" poke
book from the articles which SURROUND
YOU on all sides; this is the greatest ar
of all. and if successfully used thu
greatest happiness results. Few. how
ever, are possessed of sufficient f1aeSS
to play this part.
The church social viii thus be sect
to be grand thing, my son. 1t re
moves the christian church membe
from the holy influence of the sanctu
airy and gives him Tor, more frequently
herr a license to show to the wicke
world how great is the natural deprayl
ty of man. Under no circumstance
would the opportunity be so vigorousl
seized were it not for the ''good OF tn
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

cause" The only qualification needed,
Horatio, in those who attend the social,
Is a willingness to spend the despised
dollar; and the man who spends the
most of them is the intellectual planet
around which the lesser satellites revOlve
in awesome admiration.
But there is one redeeming feature
about the multitudinouS church social
of the past winter. Had it not been for
its existence and the attraction of the
Opera House, social life in Abilene
would have been a desert of loneliness,
and the sweet grace and lOvliness of
womanhood, the dignity of manhood,
would have had the pale light of a
flower that had bloSsomed in too retired
a shade.' AS summer comes on apace,
there seems to be no diminution in the
number of prospective socials. They
promise to take the place of lawn par
ties, moonlight festivities and afternoon
picnic and fishing sprees. All honor
and respect to the church social, the IL
fusion of illusions.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
a Big Undertaking.

Hon. T. c. Henry, while here last
week, definitely decided to build his
brick block on the vacant ground just
north of the Henry House. To the
city, this fact is a matter of cOngratu-
lation. The block will cover a whole
square, will be three stories high, and
will front second and third streets. 1t
is also reported that Mr.. Henry will al
low the secret orders to build the third
story, and will deed it to them. When
completed, no other city in the state
will have as fine block of buildings;
and for that matter, Abilene is rapidly
pushing to the front in all things.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Hope Happiness.

Mr.. Gibson, of the firm of Robinson
Bros. 81 Co., has arrived from Iowa
with car load of goods. Their new
store is not ready yet for occupancy but
will soon be. Mr.. Gibson has already
made good impression on our young
ladies by his musical talents and other
qualities. Hope SO far has been very
fortunate in its new business men; they
are men of means, young and ener-
getic.
Hope census-191 now; 500 in six
months.
Mr.. Partridge has commenced haul
ing stone for his new dwelling.
Mr.. Hostetter and NJ. Shaeffer are
also at work on their new bnilding.
Mr.. Teats' nice residence is up and
shows well at distance.
j. Helay has his nest finished and the
bird secured; it will be occupied III a
short time.
T. Pease was married lately to Miss
StOckett, of Hope. The brass band was
treated to cigars on the occasion.
We expect the surveyors this week.
so we will soon know the location OF
the station.
Farmers are invited to send to Mr.
Henquenet the list of horses, cattle o.
implements they have for sale at the
next monthly sale.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
L. P. Meredith

Died in Abilene KS, on Monday, April
2Sth, 1884, of pneumonia, at the age
of 43 years.
Louis Philip Meredith, NJ. D., D. D.
S., was born at Xenia, Ohio, on the
18th of March, 1911. Descended from
an old and titled English family of the
same name, he exhibited at an early
age more than ordinary ability as a
writer of both prose and poetry. Dur
ing his earlier years he was talented
contributor to the press, his articles
being favorably received and attracting
much notice and comment. Later on
he published a popular work on 1.-The
Teeth, and How to Save Them" which
was widely recognized. His Every
day Errors of Speech enjoyed large
circulation and evidenced mind well
up in syntax and Orthoepy. The ''Pock-
ct Dental Journal and Pocket Dental
Ledger also attest his ability and YER
satality. He lectured on Dental Medi-
cine and Surgery before the Cincinnati
and Ohio Medical Colleges, had been
president of the Kansas State Dental
Association and was Vice-President at
the time of his death. lie had in course
of preparation an interesting paper
which he was to have read at the May
meeting of the Association; and he
leaves unfinished large amount of lit
erary work.
His literary tastes and studiOus hab-
its, and his love of sketching and chess
playing, in both of which lines he was
considerably more than an amateur, did
not interfere with his profession, which
he mastered and carried to high state
of perfection. Graduating in 1867 at
the Philadelphia Dental College, and in
1871 receiving his diploma from the
Medical College of Ohio, he was for
wears the recognized head of dental sur
SGlN III
Leaving a lucrative practice, he came
to Kansas to fish, hunt and study at his
leisure. The cause and manner of his
death are well known to his friends.
Returning home from short hunting
expedition, he was taken sick of pneu-
monia and died after weeks illness.
DR.. Meredith was man of peculiar
temperament; but he was ever honest
and straightforward in his dealings with
men, his sympathies were quick and
generous, in his friendships he was firm
and loyal, and in his enmities, if he had
any, manly and just as became gen
tleman. His death loses to his profess
sion man of pre-eminent ability, and
to the literary world man of talent
and of creative and original genius.
The funeral services of this man,
whose eminence and ability were large
ly unknown to our people, were held in
the Presbyterian church yesterday morn
ing, and the mortal remains, followed
by a heart-broken wife, a stricken
daughter, and the tears of friends, left
on the noon train for Xenia, Ohio,
where they will be buried in the family
huryinp ground
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Twenty Years in Congress" by
James Gillespie Blaine, will prove one
of the most interesting and valuable
works on public men and governmental
history ever issued in this country. 1t
is to be hoped that the distinguished
author VIII not wait until he gets into
the presidential chair before he finishes
it. Mrs. Peters, of this city, is canvass
ing the county for the book, and those
who have any desire to make fascin-
ating acquaintance with the history OF
national legislation for the twenty years
following the war, will give her an or
der for Mr.. Blaine's book.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Prof. TillOtsOn, well known to many
of our people as voice trainer and vO-
calist, will give an entertainment at
Grace Chapel, Friday evening, May I'd,
where his musical selections will be from
English, American, Irish and Scottish
melodies. The admission fee will be
twenty-five cents, and those who wish
to improve their voices and knowledge
of music will no doubt do well to at
tend.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Churches.

Baptist church, corner of 9Th and
Spruce streets. Geo. Merriam, pastor.
Services every Sunday morning at IL
O'Clock. Sunday School at 9:45 a. m.
Prayer meeting every Thursday evening
at 100. \ cordial welcome to all.
Services every Sunday morning at
the Presbyterian church at 1O:45, and
in the evening at 7:30; Sunday school at
$50 a. m. prayer meeting on Wednes-
day evenings at 7:30. r. G. Mccarthy,
pastor.
Episcopal services in st. Johns CHI,
Buckeye Avenue, on the list and Sd Sum
days of each month, at IL O'Clock, a. m.
Z. WAGER, Rector.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

VIM. Meyer, young and intelligent
German, has opened cigar factory in
the basement room back of Henry Hunt
er's barber shop. He will manufacture
fine cigars for the retail trade, and the
REFLECTOR trusts that he may make
his venture a success. The great mis-
sion of Abilene is to welcome and en-
courage manufacturing enterprises of
all kinds, whether large or small. a
faithful observance of this duty will
lead us on to wealth and large proper
tons.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

\ little more than a week ago, DIR.
Mered it'll and young friend, Mr.. j. +.
Brock man, went hunting. The next
day fter returning home from the hunt,
the L twas tax en- down with pneumonia,
and in a week his spirit had left the
body and started on its eternal hunt
over an untrie d and unknown field. Not
ma1lv hours after the Dr.. was taken
sicI,. the same disease laid hold Of Mr..
Br6 ,ckman. who is now lying in dan
ger ous condition at the Continental
no tel. 1t was asingularly fatal and dis
strous hunt. which admits OF no ex-
pE lnation. Truly, Gods ways are
N mysterious ways"
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

To fill an 'aching void" in the city
treasury, it is rumored that the city
council is talking of levying an occupa-
ton tax on any and all kinds of bust
ness carried on within the city limits.
There may be no truth in this rumor,
but we warn the council that an at
tempt to make the business men sup
port the city will be bitterly resisted.
There are other sources of revenue more
easily got at. An occupation tax on
legitimate business will be from the
start incurably and hopelessly unpopu-
lar
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
A grand concert and ball. arrange

4 grand concert and ball, arranged
by and for the benefit of the New Basel
brass band, will be given next Satur-
day evening. May Sd, at the residence
of Mr.. II. Ruiz, ST., 8 miles south and
- mile east of New Basel. All who
attend will be treated to excellent mus
ic. Dancing will begin at s o'clock.
The REFLECTOR returns thanks to the
boys for comps"
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
HOUSE PAINTING.

Having formed a cO-partnership we
are now prepared to take contracts for
house painting, hard wood finishing,
carriage painting, sc. Shop-Over City
Blacksmith shop immediately west Of
BOnebrake's establishment,
LANCASTER & MCDOWELL.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
HAZLETT 81 CO.,

Hazlett & Co. are showing at their
SPACIOUS CARPET HALL, an exceed
ingly fine line of patterns in excel
lent
THREE Phys,
EXTRA SUFFERS,
BODY BRUSSELS,
TAPESTRY,
BRUSSELS,
MoQUETTE,
ADMINISTER,
VELvETs,
They have opened the Spring season
with larger line than is usual even
with this enterprising firm. The en-
tire line is first class, covering every
conceivable idea of figure formation.
They also have a large line of WALL
PAPER and WINDOW SHADES in all
the known cOlorings.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
THE
HALLIDAY WIND MILL
AT BoNEBRAKE's. 4w
Study Up Your Titles

to your lands during the leisure hours
of winter. a little precaution now may
save much trouble in future. If you
have no abstract of title from the rec
ords you should lose no time in obtain
ing one. We should be pleased to sup
plyy0u. 7. G. HENRY s. Co.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Mr.. A. G.. Buchanan, of Buckeye,
marketed number of remarkably fine
hogs last Tuesday. One of the hogs
weighed 500 pounds, and there was not
one in the whole lot that weighed less
than 800 pounds. y. G. is one of our
prosperous farmers. Being good dem
ocrat, he deserves happiness and pros
perity.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
GENTS FURNISHING GOODS

l have now added a full line of Gents
Furnishing Goods to my immense stock
of Boots and Shoes. | am prepared to
give the best bargains in Boots, Shoes,
Hats, Caps, Gents Furnishing Goods
and Gloves. Also full line of Pants
and Overalls, listers and general Work
ing SuitS-CIIEAP.
7. G. MCINERNEY.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

What are the officers of the Dickinson
county fair association going to do about
a fair this fall? 1t seems to the RE
FLECToR that preparations for the most
successful fair ever held should be be-
gun. The premium lists should be
ready for distribution in a month or
two, so that exhibitors may know how
to proceed and what to expect. Last
years premium list was out too late.
Other counties are already taking hold
of their fairs, and Dickinson county,
the best in the state, should not lag be-
hind in so important matter.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

County clerk Waring, county treasur-
er Brilliant, commissioner Bricker and
citizen D. L. Pisle hied themselves to
Terrapin lake on Tuesday for fishing
frolic. They had the frolic, but there
being no great liar in the party dis
Greet silence prevails as to the number
and weight of fish caught.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Lancaster 6 Mcdowell do only first
class house painting, carriage painting,
calcimining and papering. Satisfaction
guaranteed and prices as low as the
lowest for first class work. Address
lock box al, Abilene, Kas.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Davis county is burdened with debt
of S12O, 900, Dickinson county, little
more than double the size of Davis and
four or five times as productive, has
debt of $4,000, which cOuldbe paid off
to-day if it was due. Comment is I'M
npcPSSarY
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
"ROCKFORD WATCHES" {
KClIeg'S.
WINDOW SHADES.

100 styles Window Shades, 200
varieties Wall Paper, 400 varieties
Borders and Decorations at SEW
Ellis. See all the stocks, get all the
prices and then come to SEwELL's
and compare.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Strangers here, strangers there, stran-
gers everywhere, and the question is
.swho are all the strangers in town p
There are evidently good many peo-
bic who want to see our gOOdly land
for themselves.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Abilene is destined to be the metrop-
oils of Central Kansas. This years i'm
provements and increase will double
discount any former advance. Clay
Center, Junction City and Salina are
back at the rear, keeping each other
cOnsolatOry company.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Col. and Mrs. Swigart, of Newbern,
have twelve living children, and last
Sunday they were all gathered around
the family board to once more eat of
mothers cooking" the best in the
world. The reunion was very enjoy
able one.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

John Hazlett, the clever and success
full carpet man in at Hazlett & Co.'S,
has been presented with a fine riding
pony from his father, of Harvey county.
John is immensely proud of the animal,
and says that no one shall ride it but
himself and best girl.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

New FURNITURE-A car load of
Furniture was received by Spickler,
Meek & Co. this week. 1t embraces
everything that is fine and good and
durable, and will be sold cheaper than
furniture of the same kind can be bought
elsewhere
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
coon NEWS for Farmers. Bin

UUUU NE " IUI i dIIItIo, I)IIIUtI5
and everybody else. ShOckey d Snider
have now on hand full line Of hard
ware, wOOdenware also a car load of
Ketchem wagons, the best wagon on
wheels; also a full line of buggies,
spring wagons, stoves, ranges, and all
the thousand and one other things that
everybody wants, which we will sell you
at bed rock prices. Come and see us,
corner 4th and Broadway.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

The city council, before proceeding
any further with work on the streets,
should employ a skillful civil engineer
to draft plan for draining the city in
the best and most economical way. In
the general middle we are now in,
money so expended would pay for itself
many times over. This suggestion is
respectfully submitted.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

In the case of the City VS.. Sam Jor-
don, tried before Squire Quinn Monday
evening. was decided in defendant
favor. Jordon was charged with drays
ing without license, which fact could
not be proved.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Mr.. C. B. Swigart and family, of Luz
cas-. Ohio, arrived at Abilene last Thurs
day, and are the guests of Col. Swigart,
of Newbern. Mr.. Swigart will remain
all summer, and will probably conclude
to locate.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Mr.. Day, Of Kansas City, arrived in
Abilene the first of the week for
visit with his mother and friends. He
used to sling type in the Chronicle Office,
but is now connected with one of the
large job offices in the metropolis of the
WpSf
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Nntine-EYerYhodY Read.

Isaac Shockey and Daniel Snider, of
Abilene, have connected themselves as
partners in the hardware andimplement
business on the corner of Fourth and
Broadway. Mr.. ShOckey is thankful
for the past patronage he has received,
and would be thankful for the cOntinu-
ance of the same.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

\ washOut beyond BroOkville delayed
trains last Monday, and during Tuesday
transfers had to be made. The break
has been repaired, and everything is
lovely once more.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Every farmer is smiling over the con-
ditiOn of his wheat. None of it win
ter killed, none of it in any way af-
fected, but all perfect and on the road
to grand harvest.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

The street parade made by Coles cir
Gus, yesterday morning, was very at
tractive one. Not so gorgeous as some
you may have seen, perhaps, but still
reasonably satisfying.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Behold the glory of the small boy,
and the big one as well (! Yesterday it
was, to-day it is not Coles circus has
come and gone, like the evanescent
glow of the fire bug.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
The Dangerous Season

for fires is come again, and it will be
the part of wisdom to protect yourself
with a little good insurance against the
destructive element. We are ready to
supplyyou. L. Z. HENRY NO.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
HOUsEKEEPERS.

As you prepare for your spring re-
fitting call and examine SEwELL's
large and complete stock of Carpets,
Mattings, Paper Hangings, Window
Shades, &c, &c.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
To Whom It May Concern.

On April 22nd, 1884, the undersigned
retired from the Kansas Farm
ers Mutual Insurance Company by tax
inc up his note. OF course the com-
pany will continue on as before, Dut
without my help. HIRAM SToTT.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
NOTICE

Parties indebted to the undersigned
will please come and settle without
further notice or delay. If you have
not the money, give me your note as
my accounts must be squared up.
loft II. NICoLAY.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Fnr the Rest Reef Steaks.

Roasts, Mutton, Pork, &C., call at VAIL
Bros Broadway Meat Market, where
YOU can get them. Vail Bros. also pay
the highest market price for Hides.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

THE BIG RUSH for ShOckey & Sni-
der's is a caution. Fall in with the tide,
Goods coming in on almost every train,
and more to follow. Low prices on
hardware, wagons, buggies and every
thing else is the cause.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
WALL PAPER.

Decorations, Window, Shades,
Lambrequins, Poles, &c. SEwELI's
stock is complete and prices away
down.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Painting Colors.

Wizards French Tube COlOrs for Oil
Painting, mequaled in purity and bril-
liancy of tone by any other cOlOrs in the
market. For sale at the Opera House
Book Store.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
Dickinson County Farmers

are requested to examine the Butord
New Patent Wheel Landslide Sulky
Plow, the ightest draft of any on the
market. For sale by Shockey and Snl-
der, Abilene.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Sherwood Davidson, the popular
young jeweler Of Clay Center, came
down last Friday to get Whit of met
ropOlitan air and to spend Sunday with
his ''best girl
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

The rain and mud yesterday morning
gave the big crowd that came in to see
the circus a sort of ''bedraggled'' ap-
pearance, whatever that may mean.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

W. n. Hendricks has been too sick to
attend to business for the past week OF
two. We hope it will not be long before
w. N. is restored to perfect health.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
LAMPSl LAMPSIl

The largest stock and finest selection
at J. G.. Northcraft's ever brought to
Abilene. Including Glass Bronze and
Library Lamps of every description.
Call and examine.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

W. II. Eicholtz left Sunday for Kan
sas City where he will spend week at
an embalming school, listening to lee
lures and studying the best methods of
embalming bodies.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
PIANOS, ORGANS, &c.

Pianos, Organs and Sewing Ma
chimes. SEwELL sells the very best,
on most favorable terms, and will
meet all competition from whatever
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Misses DUNCAN & Vanway are now
opening a fine line of millinery goods,
at the corner of 3rd and Spruce streets.
Read their ad. in another column.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01

Mr.. E. G.. Putnam, the real estate
man of Chapman, arrived home from an
extended trip through New York, Can
ada and Virginia last Thursday.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-01
HURRY UP

if you wish to improve the present IA
vorable opportunity to sell your farm,
and leave its description with us.
L. c. HENRY Il Co.