Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-12-27

| Port Byron. Dec. 27.-The citizens
of Port Byron were very much startled
Tuesday 10 hear of the sudden death of
James V. Rlthburn, who was a citi-
zen of Port Byron, but was spending
the winter with Mr.. and Mrs William
Parker in Yuma township. Mr.. Rath-
| burn had been treated for dropsv a
couple of years ago, and had lately
implanted of feeling unwell. Nj.
Rath burn was found dead in the barn,
and was not discovered until the re-
turn of his daughter and son-in-law
from a funeral which they were at
tending. The remains were inferred
in Port Byron, the funeral sermon be-
ing preached at the Methodist church
by Rev. Schultz. a quartet composed
of Misses Hobart ana PearSall, DIR. w.
G. Sensibaugh and Rev. j G. Craine,
sang appropriate selections, and Will
liam TilorOok, j. w. Simonson, J E
Swisher, Duane Nicholson, j. McCau-
ley and Thomas Newton acted As pail
bearers. James V. Rathburn was
born in Stubea, county, n. Y, in
1881. came west with his parents
when years of age. and married
Miss Jane Moody July ., 1857, who
died May 80, 1898. He leaves two
daughters, Mrs. w. Parker, of Yuma
township, and Mrs. w. Farber, of
Port Byron, and one son, j. g. Rath-
burn.
1t is contrary to village and town
ordinances o discharge firearms with
in certain limits. and yet it is fire.
quently done and serious accidents
often follow. Mrs. ID. Y. Allsbrow, of
Port Byron, came near being shot
few days ago. While sitting by Il
window sewing, without any warn
ing, a bullet from a 32-calibre rifle
| crashed through pane of glass and
passed within an inch of her face and
| i'm beddcd itself in an oak bedstea
that was standing near. She screamed
and the nei@hbors ran over ana down
| TO, the river bank, but no one was found
near. The discovery was made after
ward by Mr.. Allsbrow that the bullet
had crossed the river from lie Claire,
but by whom it had been fired it could
| not he ascertaiaed.
There was an interesting family
gathering at the residence of +. f.
Crompton Monday last. Mr.. and
Mrs. G.. w. Crompton and two daugh-
tiers, of Rock Island, were present;
| Wainwright with their family. and
Rev and Mrs. Craine. The day was
spent socially and jovially, as all such
occasions generally are, with music,
singing and recitations by the child
rem, the whole gathering finally sing
ing. ..God be With You Till We Meet
Again. "
There were exercises nj the Metho-
L a do
! Christmas tree loaded with presents
play. called "A Christmas Party"
| was PLAYED upon the stage, with DR..
Mrs. Sensibaugh, mother; Forest Ais
brow. Harry" Edna Il. Crompton.
grandmother; Rev. Craine, Uncle
Will" Myrtella Hobart. cousin
Mary" Maude Crompton, Sunday
class, the whole entertainment being
much enjoyed and highly appreciated.
Both the children and grown-up peo-
pie were highly pleased and delighted
with the Christmas presents from the
| tree. and Rev Craine became almost
speechless when Santa Claus presented
him with a handsome couch.
Notes and Personals.
Mrs. McMeekin and daughter visited
in Monmouth.
Our merchants report a large Christ
| mas business.
James Newlands came to visit old
| friends and acquaintances.
Mr.. and Mrs. George Metzgar and
son, of Chicago, were visitors.
NJ. Il. Metzger, of Moline, was a
visitor with his relatives and friends.
Mrs. George McNeal. OF Watertown,
visited Wednesday with Mrs. Merrett.
W. w. Sheppard. of Oskaloosea,
came to Port Byron Wednesday even
ing.
James Mccall, son of Thomas Nc
Call. of SIOUX Falls, South Dakota, ar
rived Saturday.
CLYDE Vandeburgh visited Saturday
and Sunday with his uncle. George
Hunt.
R. y. FIickiDger. of Loretta, Neb.,
and Lam bert FIckinger, of Missouri,
are home for Christmas.
Miss Bessie Lyford, of Beloit COL
lege, and Miss Lucy Lyford, of Evan
ston, are here for Christmas.
The date of the public dedication of
the new Masonic hall and installation
of officers has been changed from Dec.
| % to Jan. >.
Arthur Johnson while skating.
broke through the ice and received 4
| cold bath. He was rescued by George
DIN aud Clarence Leslie.
The pupils attending the Port By
ron academy are still increasing in
mum hers, and the institution is now
reported to be in 1ourishing condi
| ton.
The new telephone is now in opera
ton between Port Byron and Hills
dale. and is found to be great con-
| venience. The instrument at this
point is located in DIR. Burners office,
and the onei in Hilisdale at MeNiartin's,
and VIII be found very useful in cases
of sickness when medical aid is re-