davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Embtien Center.

There WAS family Christmas tree at
the residence OF James and j. l.. Hodg.
don. About 40 were 10 attendance, rela-
tiyes aud near neighbors, OF Mr.. Eodg
don. The school children gave n pleas
ant entertainment of Rotations, dia.
logues aud songs, Mas Hortense F.
Hodgdon aecomps wing the singers with
the violin James Hodgdon, who Is
past 80 years. sang some songs IA did
also hi, son, l. L. Hodgdon. There was
very good display of presents, rather
more Of the useful than ornamental
order Aud all seemed we'll pleased
with their allotted share OF them. After
the distribution of presents lunch was
served, after which there waS dancing,
games aud social converse till late
hour, All as they started Tor their homes
hoped 10 meet again next year.
Colds and Ia grippe are very prevalent.
Elmer Berry came out of the woods
last week sick
George Elgerly has sold his hay to
Madison parties w
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
SO. s mithfield.

Rev. Ora Chase preached twice here,
last Sabbath. Much interest WAS mani
tested during both services by both old
and young.
After a suspension of two weeks our
school commenced again Monday morn
ing, under the instruction Of Mr.. John
Downs, the former teacher, Miss Rogers,
being obliged to leave on account of her
health.
JEANNE Crowell is at home for the
holidays.
Alta Holmes came home to spend
Christmas.
May Higgins Is sick with an abscess In
her throat.
Mr.. Frank Bickford and family spent
Christmas with their daughter, Mrs.
Emma Mosher In Rome.
Mr.. Doyle recently caught pickerel
measuring 26 inches, weighing about 3
pounds. Has anyone done better?
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Browns Corner.

Moses Horn spent Christmas with
relatives in Bingham.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. X Bailey spent
Christmas with friends IN Hartland.
Mr. Geo. Emerson is making shovel
handle blocks at /. Crowelrs.
Mr., Scott Morrel, who has been AT
work in the salem lead works, Salem,
Mass, for the past TWO years, arrived
home on Saturday.
Mr.. Miller Kicker, who has been in
poor health for long time has been
much worse of late
II. l.. burlington has been suffering
from poison in his hand and wrist,
caused by using green paint ia painting
a sleigh.
Elder James Tibbetts held meeting
AT the city school house, Sunday after
noon.
There will be meeting at this place
Saturday evening.
Friday evening WAS the occasion of
our annual Christmas tree. There was
a short programme consisting of music
and recitations by the scholars, prayer
and remarks by Rev. Fred jackson and
Mr.. Geo. Emerson, The house was
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
CORRESPONDENCE.
Carratunk.

Henry Adams and wife of Bingham,
were in town Friday. Mr.. Adams
furnished music for the ball.
The Christmas tree at the Chapel WAS
well attended. The trees were deeorat-
ed and every one received a present
either useful or ornamental.
Mr.. Jophanus Adams and friend were
in town, Friday. They are on "A hunting
trip.
Edith Butler has gone back to Show
hogan, to work.
GUY and Nathan Williams Of Bing-
ham, attended the dance here, Friday
night, also their sister and Mr. Samuel
Bessy.
Eddie Murphy and Miss Bridget
Connors of West Forks, were in town.
Friday night.
A large number of the boys from the
woods took vacation, Christmas day.
Mr.. Z. X. Cleveland is in town the
guest of his daughters, Mrs. Thomas
Berry and Mrs. Fred Williams.
BERTHE Livingston has gone to North
Arson, to stay with her father.
Mrs. w. d. Moore has gone in the
woods with her husband TO spend the
winter.
Mr.. Goodrich, the blacksmith was
quite badly injured while shoeing horse
last week.
Charles Adams of The Forks. was in
town, Sunday
Mr.. Stephen Blaisdel of the Marble
and Granite works of Oakland, was in
town on business recently.
Leon Webster spent Christmas in
town.
School ia progressing finely under the
instruction of Mr.. {. +. Ball OF The
Forks The scholars show deep in
terest in their studio. which shows Mr..
Ball knows how to get on the right side
of his pupils
We wish to congratulate the new mar
ried couple.
Say, boys, did you learn how to dance
the new dance "Old ZIP Coon
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Canaan.

The Christmas tree at the church, last
Thursday evening, was success.
Mrs. Winfield Goodrich of Fairfield, is
visiting at Mrs. r. S. Goodrich's this
week.
Mrs. V. NJ. Pingree of Lewiston, was
In town few days last week, and re-
turned home Xmas morning, taking her
mother, Mrs. Colcord who has been in
feeble health for a number of weeks,
with her. 1t is sincerely hoped Mrs.
Colcord will speedily recover and soon
be able TO return home,
The Masons hold watch meeting at
their hall, New Years evening. There
will be program consisting of readings,
recitatons, singing, ETC., and Mr.. f. {.
uerrick will deliver the address.
Some of our village people attended
the Xmas tree at Browns Corner, and
others at Moore's Mill. All report a
pleasant time.
Mr.. G. A. Martin and f. C.. Herrick
are in town holding series of meetings.
They will be kept up all this week and
possibly part of next week.
A. c. Robbins spent Christmas day
and the Saturday following with friends
in Skowh gan.
Monnie Burrill who cut his leg severe
ly a few weeks ago, is able to be about
again.
II. Weymouth and j. A. Harris are
working in Bingham.
We wish all a Happy New Year.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
East Cornville.

Chas. r. Moody and sons farm build
ings were burned to the ground about
eleven O'Clock, Sunday night, the family
barely escaping with their lives. The
fire had gained such Roadway before any
one discovered it that Mr.. Moody had to
leap from the window with his hair
scorched, and his head burnt to blister.
The floor was on fire so he burnt his feet
badly. After reaching the ground he
ran to the door which was on fire. He
then smashed in a window and got out
his wife and sons wife and little Hazel,
10 months old, taking them out in their
night clothes. He then went to the
stable got the robes and wrapped them
I'D as well as he could. Then he ran to
get out the horses and cattle. There
were two fat hogs which he WAS unable
to get with nothing but stockings on his
feet, with the weather below zero. Mr..
Moody lived about half-mile from any
neighbors and it being at that time of
night that everyone WAS fast asleep,
those people were exposed to the cold
for nearly an hour before help arrived.
The neighbors and friends feel deep in
terest 10 Mr.. and Mrs. Moody for they
have lost everything in house, stable and
barn, including their clothing. When
help arrived Mrs. Moody was nearly
frozen. They were taken to the nearest
neighbors where they were kindly cared
for. Mr. Moody is now sick with bad
cold; Mrs. Moody stood the exposure
and shock wonderfully we'll but she feels
deeply her loss having lost her beautiful
plano and many valuable keepsakes
which were very dear to her. The
young Mrs. Moody burned her hands
badly In her efforts to escape. The
shock and burns have made her sick.
Little Hazel is all right as yet. Their
loss figures up twenty-five hundred
dollars, with no insurance.
The sleighing never better and people
about here are improving 1t hauling their
wood and logs to market.
Christmas passed off very quietly.
There were a few family gatherings. C..
r. Longfellow entertained few friends
at his pleasant home where comfort
seems to reign supreme.
The William Morgan Post, G. A. r.,
will have public installation of officers
at their hall, in Athens village, at
o'clock Friday, January, lat
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
pishon's Ferry

j. NJ. Pettigrew and wife returned
recently from their visit to relatives I'm
Lynn, Mass.
spending the holidays with friends in
this place.
Howard Fisher is improving slowly.
His sister, Mrs. Althea Chase of FAR
field, is with them at present
DR.. and Mrs. f. II. Kidder of Clinton,
were guests of Mr.. and Mrs. j. NJ. Petit
grew on Christmas.
Edwin Parker of the Skowhegan high
school has been passing a three weeks
vacation at home,
Raymond Kelley is recovering from
pneumonia.
The Christmas tree and concert at the
f. b. church Friday eve, WAS a success
The musical selections were very fine,
AS were also the recitations by the
children, while the tree with its load Of
beautiful presents gladdened the hearts
of all. or course Santa Claus appeared
and this was one of the times when Mrs
Santa accompanied him. The house was
we'll filled.
The Christmas entertainment at Good
will also occurred Friday evening.
Eugene Decker and sister, Lila, from
Portland, are passing the holidays with
their parents and friends here.
Miller Linnell of Duluth, MINI, was
called here recently by the serious illness
of his mother, Mrs. Cynthia Linnell
Although in her ninetelh year, Mrs.
Linnell is improving fast and 1t is now
hoped will fully recover from her severe
attack of pneumonia
Miss Mary Davis is stopping Al Simon
Pettigrews.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
NOT EASILY MOVED.
True Story of What Was Needed to Get
Move on Mr.. Blank.

True Story of What Was Needed to Get n
Move on Mr.. Blank.
A pretty girl living near New York
is affected with large number of would
be beaus, but has no use for any of
them. For one, in particular. she had
less than no use
He showed up one evening in BIZ
cycle suit, and while he sat III the par
lor with the pretty girl the pretty girl 8
little brother sewed the bicycle cap firm
~ down to the corner of the hall table
and then dumped all the oil from the
callers bicycle lamp. But Mr.. Blank
never murmured while be picked the
stitches from his cap az he said good
night and walked the az miles home
without complaint.
OF course the pretty girl thought that
Mr.. Blank would never show up again
and gave little brother half a dozen bear
hugs as reward for bouncing him. But
ten days later Mr. Blank appeared
again as if nothing had happened, this
time in evening dress with Il silk hat.
1t was an awful hot night. but little
BOTHER was ON deck just the same, and
thin slice of limburger cheese went
under the lining Of that hat before the
evening was over
Mr. Blank did not depart until II 80
that evening but nothing was ever heard
of the cheese This time the pretty girl
and little brother made bets that Mr..
Blank would never call again, but Mr..
Blank did call again and with smile
on his innocent, round face At about
9:30 little brother strolled into the par
lor and walking up to the clock pushed
the hands around couple of hours
ahead and strolled ont again silently,
Mr.. Blank went early that evening and
has not been back since. New York
Sun.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
East SkOWliegan.

No Christmas tree in this place, and
the greatest reason was no spare money
to buy presents with. Most of the peo-
pie from this place vent 10 Moore's
Mills where they had a good one, The
htppiest woman in the crowd was Verge
Holt's wife, who received a nice fur
cape. and such "A gift AS that always
make a woman happy.
/. NJ. Richardson, OLDEST son of III.
bridge Richardson OF th.s place, arrived
at his fathers the 9th INST. from Fur
tie Lake, Wis. for short visit.
John Bigelow from The village, aud
Mr.. Ford FROM Lynn, Mas. hunted for
deer three days last week and found
plenty Of tracks but no deer.
Mr.. sawtelle Of sidney and Mr Moore
Of Madison. we're in the place trying 10
engage apples 70 send - liverpool on
commission, but failed to - any here.
Farmers would ike to sell aud know
what they gel.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Ripley.

Christmas was observed at both
churches by Christmas trees and appro-
pirate exercises, Thursday and Friday
evenings. The representation of Santa
Claus in the cantata and the singing at
the Christian church were very com
mendable.
j, :. LaughtOn has been hauling logs
for the past two weeks with from two
TO four teams, from the site of the de-
funet Iibhetts mill near Mainstream
bridge, to FclkCr's mill at the village.
representative of the Wrought Iron
Range Co., has been making a canvass
OF the town with his much advertised
mule team during the past week with a
fair degree Of success.
Geo H. Rand Jr. has been spending
his Christmas holidays at his home in
this town
Mrs. Lueilia stafford Is finishing the
term Of school ia district No. 3, made va
cant BY the resignation of Miss Fife
Lord
Mrs. George Chadbourn who has been
very sick OF pneumonia is much better
Frank Randall and Carroll Hanson
went on hunting expedition last week
but came home empty handed.
Leslie Strout, our traverse Juror, has
been home during the adjournment of
court at Sko~ hogan, for the holidays.
Rev. Henry Mclaughlin of Carmel,
will preach at the Christian church on
Sunday a. N. January 81 at 1870.
Ernest Bane who has been at work in
the woods for some time is at home with
a bad cut in his foot.
Harry Weymouth is hauling quite an
amount of hemlock lumber from his lot
near the pond to Felker's mill
The school children and neighbors in
district No. B observed Christmas in "A
philanthropic way, by surprising little
Henry Hatch, who has been sick all the
fall and winter, with a Christmas tree
loaded with delicacies, outside clothing,
under clothing, slippers, and everything
to make him comfortable and happy.
"Aunt Currier,p widow of the late
John Currier, is very sick at her home
with Rev. VIM. Lang and family
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
West Athens.

The Freewill Baptist society held their
quarterly meeting as appointed which Was
success from first to last. Rev. Israel
Knowles continued series OF meetings
with good Attendance.
Rev G. s Cleveland was called to
kiugsbury, Ne, Dee. %, to attend the
funeral of y. ;. Curtis, who died very
suddenly of the neuralgia of the heart.
Mr.. Curtis was IS wears, months, 20
days old. He leaves widow, four sons,
two daughters aud a Urge circle of
friends. He was Il nativ, of Dexter.
Maine. He moved to ki,g sbury in 1873.
He was of a family of Is children.
Russell d. Cleveland has returned
from Boston.
Mrs. Ben Davis, an old lady, fell down
stairs a few days age, and was severely
injured.
II. T. Bush has gone into business at
Gates corner.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Arson Centre

Dr +. NJ Wing Of North Arson. was
IN this place, Sunday.
Wm. Booker and wife were up from
Madison, Sunday.
Mrs T. J. Moore has been quite sick
with a cold for the past few days.
Walter Booker killed and dressed two
nice hogs recently.
Mrs Annie Quint has been on the sick
list for the past few days.
Mrs. VIM. Booker of Madison, passe i
Thursday in this place.
George Pullen killed and dressed two
nice pigs recently.
Simon Quint appears out with a new
sleigh, high dandy cutter.
Fred Houghton who has been up-river
for the past few days, returned home,
Friday.
Henry Moore of the Gray district,
passed through here, Friday, on his way
home from down river.
Simon Quint spent Christmas at Madi-
son, with his cousin, Harry Booker
VIM. Gordon and son are harvesting
their ice.
Willie Quint and his aunt, Mrs. Clara
Nutter, went to Scion, Saturday, to pass
the Sabbath with his brother, Willis
Quint.
Samuel Qunt went to Madison Satur-
day, upon special business.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
No. Arson.

Six men with nineteen horses stopped
at the Somerset House, Monday noon on
their way to Alder stream, for Lawrence
and Newhall of Shawmut.
Miss Annie b. Later is at home on a
Christmas vacation from Gray's bust
ness college, Portland, where she is
studying stenographY and type writing.
Frank l.. Dutton, of the sophomore
class of Bowdoin college, was one of the
twelve selected from his class to com
pete in the prize defamation at the
close of the fall term.
Mrs. B. S. Weston started for her
home in California Saturday morning
She was absent from America four
months on her European tour. During
her travels abroad Mrs. Weston visited
many places of interest, among them
being London, Paris, Antwerp, Genoa
and Rome.
Perley Walker, Arson Academy '92
and Maine State college '96, has been
visiting relatives in Massachusetts the
past week. Mr. Walker will go at once
to Hoboken, n. j., to attend Stevens
Institute of Technology during the col
lege vacation.
Sheriff Viles, l. l.. Salley and Darius
Houghton Of Skowhegan, were in this
village Saturday.
Luke Houghton and Wilkie Clark re-
turned from the State college at Orouo,
Friday night, having completed their
first term.
The auhual meeting of the proprietors
of the Arson and Madison bridge will
be held in this village, Saturday, Janu-
airy 2, 1897
In the town of Arson during 1896
there were 81 marriages, 36 births and
20 deaths Among the deaths of our
citizens prominent in professional and
business life were Hon. Vim. Atkinson,
Hon. j. J. Parlin Benjamin Hilton and
Sherman w. Hapgood.
The young men of the town have or
ganized a club to be known as the Ven
dome. Its membership is confined to
gentlemen only Its object is the adj
yancement of mental and physical cul-
ture. A prominent feature is its literary
entertainments. Its membership is con
fined to no school, church nor any other
organization. The club has between
twenty and thirty members Meetings
are held weekly in the Steward block on
Elm street
Mr.. and Mrs. Alfred Moore of Madi-
son, were the guests of Mr.. and Mrs. W.
G. Emery during Christmas.
w. 5. Jones and E. c. Jones returned
from a weeks moose hunt Tuesday.
They took the northern woods where
the big game turks for their field, going
as far as the Enchanted, but brought
home no game, at least so reported.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Snithfield

Have been having very cold weather
for the past fortnight.
Very little snow and hard sleighing.
The remains of Mrs. James futile of
Aorri1gewock. were brought TO the
Gould school house cemetery for burial
last Wednesday, the 23d.
Mr.. and Mrs Charlie Marston spent
Christmas with Mrs. Marston's parents
in Reautield.
Mr.. Crowell. our road commissioner,
has been through town making arrange
ments for winter rOads.
Christmas eve was observed by a few
of the friends and neighoors meeting at
Mr.. Coles and passing social evening.
\ tree which was beautifully laden with
presents was the principal feature of the
evening.
There were eleven persons took the
first and second degrees in Somerset
Grange at their last meeting.
William Stanley got hurt very badly
one day last week while watering the
cattle. Three of the cattle came run
ring into the barn, the first one knock
ing Mr. Stanley over and the others
running over him. He lay there till one
of the neighbors happened in aud helped
him into the house.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
Fairfield Centre

Mr. 4. z. Horne was calling on friends
here, Monday.
Mr. Frank Ross is again able TO attend
to his work after being confined to the
house number Of days with a severe
cold.
Nellie aud Clara Allen are visiting
their parents. Nj and Mrs J. +. Allen.
Miss Low Tozier who Is teaching in
Belmont, Mass, "a passing the Christ
mas vacation with her parents in this
village.
Miss Belle Longley Of Palmyra. Is
visiting friends here.
MI Luther Taylor and wife of Pitts
field, VI, are visiting Mr. Taylor's sis
ter, Mrs. Warren George.
Victor Grange closed its years work
with very successful meeting, Satur-
day evening. Ia spite of the cold and
bad travelling, there was very good at
tendance aud much interest in grange
work manifested The program for the
evening had for its subject The Good
Old Days and a very interesting one
IL proved, IA old and young alike enjoy
old time "reminiscences. Harry LIBBY
read finely written paper on 1.-THE Fire
Brand aud The Friction Match An
animated discussion 90 THE Good Old
Days OF our Daddies was participated
In by all OF the Older members present.
Mrs. A. II. Ella gave an Instructive talk
on Thackery's Vanity Fair. The De
cember number Of the Grange Review,
which was particularly bright aud
newsy sheet was read by the editors,
Mr. &. r. Tibbetts and Miss Ruby Good
win. The music for the evening was
furnished by the male quartette, whic h
is becoming great factor in the success
OF our programs.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
East Athens

RT NJ Hunt If gtrtlaad. held a
meeting ut eur school house, Dee. 20,
AMI r. expected there again, Jan. 3, AT
2 80. a.. h1Ia- a -#rsiteat the Starhrd
-chua. hra-e NJ the same hour each
alternate sunday.
hiagmaa littefiea who has been in
poor health tor several weeks, is some
81 htt improved aHd raiovcd Christmas
bT having all ms children an home with
the exception OF one Who il III the west.
Chs-ley joaquin of Alpera. Mich, is
visiting ms grandparents, NJ. and Mrs.
Estes and Other friends here.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-12-31
SHERIFF SALE.
STATE OF MAINE

SOMERSET
Taken this twenty. eighth day of December
A. ID. 1895 on execution issued on a judgment
rendered by the Supreme Judicial Court, for
the county of Kenuebec, at the term thereof
begun and held on the third Tuesday OF
October A. ID. 1895, to wit, on the twenty fifth
day of November a. D. 1895, in favor Of Orvills
ID Baker and Frank l.. Staples both of Angus
ia in said Kennebec county partners, doing
business in said Augusta under the firm name
and style OF Baker, Baker and Staples, against
Gustavus w. Spinney of Phippsburg, county
OF Sagadahoe in said state. for the sum OF
three hundred twenty dollars damage, and
sixteen dollars and sixty cents costs OF suit.
and will be sold at public auction, at the
school house in Starks village, in raid Somer-
set county, to the highest bidder. on the tenth
day of February A. ID. 1897 at one O'Clock in the
afternoon, the following described real estate
and all the right, title and interest which the
said Gustavus w. Spinney has in and to the
same, to wit
piece or parcel of land situated in Starks
and bounded as follows to wit commencing
at the northwest corner of school house lot or
the road leading from Starks village to West
Mills, running north on said road to land
occupied by Wakefield Gre enleaf (snown as
the Hannah Chapman lott thence easterly on
said line about ten rods thence southerly
about four rods, thence easterly to land form
erly owned by Patience Quimby now owned
and occupied by Alonzo Qulmby, thence
southerly on said Quimby's land to land
formerly owed by Rhoda Elliots heirs now
owned by j. P. Merrill, thence westerly to
southeast corner of school house lot thence
northerly six rods to northeast corner Of
school house lot, thence westerly on said
school house lot TO the first mention ed bound
containing six acres more or less the same a.
one piece decided to q. W. Spinuey by AlonEo
Quimby and one piece decided to G. W.
Spinney by Alice NJ. sawyer excepting piece
six rods square in southwest corner OF said
Sawyer lot known as school house lot.
Also anotl er piece or parcel OF land situated
in said Starks, bounded and described "a
follows. To wit; On the north by land former
ly occupied by Warren Gray, now occupied by
Angler Gray. on the east and south by land
formerly occupied by J. G. Waugh and p.
Norton, now occupied by Hiram Waugh and
w L. Walker, on the west by land formerly
occupied by Joseph Frederic, being the sans
at decided TO q. W spinney by Cyrus Athears
and known as the Thomas Waugh lot contain
ing fifteen acres more or less.
3w53 r.. =. NILES, sheriff
Skowhegan, Deoe mber 2sth, A, ID. 1885.