davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-10
At St. Louis.

St. Louis October 9.--Josie F. backed all around today won the Fair Grounds fea- ture, a handicap at a mile and three six teenths Dan McKenna was second half length in front of Taby Tosa Josie F has always been considered very cheap selling platter, and her victory over such a field of horses is an amazing performs ance. Track good.
 First race, seven furongs-Elsie, S5 GIL Anderson), 10 to 1, won; Bugle Horn, SS (HowelD, 4 to 1, second; Thank Heaven, 92 (Raynor), 3 to l. third. Time 31.
 Second race, mile-Captain Gaston, 105 CBirkenruth), 30 to l. won Chandoo, 1OS (J. Matthews), 13 to 1, second; Quiet 105 (Sheehan), to 2, third. Time 45A.
 Third race, six furlongs handicap-Miss Crawford, 100 (Calvit) il to 10. won Ma jor Pelham, 105 (Birkenruth), 20 to l, sec- ond. Ben Adkins, 100 (Mahon), 6 to i, third. Time :16.
 Fourth race, mile and one-sixteenth-Jo- sic F. 99 (Gilmore). to 1, won; Dan Me- Kenna. 1O9 (Birkenruth), Il to 5, second, Taby Tosa, 1O3 CBeauchamp), to ?, third Time 2:0394.
 Fifth race. seven furlongs-Alcom R, s7 (W. Hennessy), 10 to 1, won Tempt, 109 J. Matthews). 10 to 1, second; AXares 112 (Sheehan), to 1, third. Time 1:31.
 Sixth race, six furongs-Gus Lanka, 1O9 (F Smthl. to g. won; Jean Gravier 9S CFoley), 20 to 1, second; Sid Silver, 1OS q. Taylor), to 5, third. Time 117.
 Entries for Today.
 First race, five and a half furlongs-Ida Davis, Max Rose, 9S; Ingolthrift, 10S; Port Warden, Lady Free Knight, Woods Perry Quaker Girl, 105; Enshone, 10S; Anne Davis, no; Tootsie Mack. 9S.
 Second race mile, selling-Hoe Down,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
EddYviIIe.


Eddyville, Jan. 26.-Mrs. w. A..
Waugaman, after a several weeks
siege OF Inflammation of the bowels, is
now able to sit up some, although not
yet strong enough to take solid food
Mrs. G. S. Smith of South Fifth
street, has been quite ill.,
William Allison ST., is able to be out
again after few days illness, and on
Saturday he went to Oskaloosa on a
short trip.
Born, Thursday January %, to Mr..
and Mrs. Joe Lee, of Coalfield, seven
pound daughter.
Born, Saturday January "a, to Mr..
and Mrs. Jas. Davies of Lost Creek,
large ten pound girl.
VIM. Roberts of Lost Creek, had his
right elbow quite badly burned a few
days ago by getting against a hot
stove.
Mrs. Longdon of Sand Ridge is still
sick with the asthma.
Frank Parish OF Chicago, who has
been visiting relatives here, is quite
LII at the home of his mother. Mrs.
Parish on Fourth street
Miss Effie Warner, residing five
miles south of town, has been suffering
for few days with the grip.
The memorial services which were
held at Lost Creek Saturday morning
at 10 o'clock and 2:30 o'clock in the
afternoon in honor of the, miners who
were Killed in the great explosion just
year previous, were largely attended
The hall in which they were held was
literally packed. Father C. f. Waldron
OF ST Mary's Catholic church at Cs-
kaloosa, made the address.
Denis Fourtner has returned to
Knoxville, after a short visit with rel
atives.
Miss Nellie Bourke of Second street,
was in Oskaloosa Wednesday, having
her eyes treated.
j. e. Jones of near Taintor, spent
Sunday night with his sister, Mrs. G.
S. Chord of Fourth street.
Mrs. Chas. Ames. now of Oskaloosa,
and whose husband holds the position
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
UnionviIIe.

Unionville, Jan. ga party was
given at the home of w. M. Dukes
Tuesday evening in honor of Miss Del
la Salzmann, of Wayland. Light re-
freshments were served and a good
time enjoyed by all present.
Ruel Cox made a flying trip to
Blakesburg last Friday afternoon to
get his lady friend, Miss Blanche Will.
liams.
Mrs. E. Miller, resident in the
east end of town, is very sick.
Glen Connolly was visitor at this
place from Udell Friday evening.
Mrs. A. S. Dukes left for her home
in Wayland last Thursday evening.
]. A. Collins has been visiting in
Kansas City, Mo-, the last week.
A. Hicks and Claude Swank went to
Forbush last Friday afternoon to sell
the Forbush Coal Co. some props.
Harl Underwood has quit working
as brakeman on the Rock Island and
returned to his home at this place
last Saturday. !
Mr.. and Mrs. J. B. Leavell, from Ma,
pie Grove district, were in our vicinity
Saturday transacting business.
Ross Hicks, who has been sick al
most all fall is very poorly at this
writing. ~
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27

of town lodges. At one o'clock a pa
rade consisting of Rebekahs and Odd
Fellows marched from the old hall to
the new in double file which was over
two blocks long. This was followed
by addresses by o. e. Garrett and Rev.
c. c. Harl
Jesse Lands, of Osceola, was in our
city on business yesterday
Edith Dale, of Lucas, visited friends
here Saturday.
Word was lately received from Ran
COON, Burma, that Miss Emma Stock
well, the missionary from this place,
has been very ill with fever, but is
slowly gaining strength.
Mrs. Sarah Dana, Of Nebraska. is
visiting her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. A.
P. Root.
Joe Soil, of Marshalltown, has been
visiting friends here.
Blanche Bishop, of Des Moines, is
visiting Mrs. j. A. Allison.
Mrs. A. Watts is visiting her son,
o. E. Garrett.
Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, living three
miles northwest of Murray, died at 10
o'clock a. m. Friday, from paralysis.
The funeral was held at the Metho.
dist Episcopal church Sunday, inter
ment being made in the Murray GENE
terry.
Ezra Dufur, of Lorimor, was on our
streets Saturday.
Ida Hallam is very low with neural
gia at her home in East Murray.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Fremont.

Fremont, Jan. 24.-The Epwortt
league gives a spelling school tonight
The farmers are busy shucking and
moving their corn.
N. j. Bennett has purchased the
Frank Gum property, consideration
$4,000. He moves into this property
March 1.
Miss Edith McFall went to Thayer
Mo-, the first of the week for a few
weeks visit.
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles NJ. Pearson
OF Eagle Grove, spent few days thu
last week and the first Of this weel
visiting with relatives here. Mr.. Pear
son is one of the publishers of the
'Times-Gazette of that place.
Newt Endicott moves on to farm
the first of March. He has rented 6
portion of the James Lathrop farm ~
miles east of town
Mrs. Georgia McFall, arrived from
Algona. on Tuesday, and it is under
stood that her household goods ar
rived here the same day. Joseph Nc
Fall will come down the last of this
week or the first of next.
Mrs. Hester Yenney has been quite
sick but is better at present.
Ira Barr returned this week from 6
three months visit in the northwestern
part of the state.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
BobtoWn.

Bobtown, Jan. 26.-Austin and Jonah
Simmons spent very pleasant eve
ming at the News of1ic Friday.
Mrs. Wesley Dunning of Sorghum
Ridge is seriously i'll.
Charles McCanal made flying trip
to Ottumwa Saturday.
DR.. Charles Wood was a caller at
the Courtney home Sunday.
George Gordon has returned home
from an extended visit at the Jessup
home on Sorghum Ridge.
S. q. Odenbaugh closed a successful
term of school at the Liberty school
house Friday.
Harry Mowery was transacting bust.
ness in Ottumwa Thursday.
Grin Hook has returned from He'd.
rick where he has been visiting friends
for few days.
The O'Brien boys are having their
hay and straw baled this week.
John Horn of Honey street is ship.
ping wood to Otumwa
George Rhodes of Sorghum Ridge
had narrow escape Friday. He was
husking corn for L. S. Wood, when the
team lost their footing and fell, one
horse falling on the other, and turning
the wagon entirely over, throwing the
contents of the wagon in ditch, and
narrowly missing Mr.. Rhodes.
AS Austin Simmons was returning
from church at Mars Hill last Sun.
day evening, fence rail became en-.
tangled in the spokes of his buggy
wheel and wrecked the left front wheel
He was compelled to leave the buggy
and made the remainder of the trip on
horse back.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27

of tank inspector over this division Of
the G. X. /. & p, visited from Wednes-
day until Friday with her mother. Mrs.
Ellen Rose of South Third street.
James Dunkle of Ottumwa was an
over Sunday visitor here
Miss Ella Thompson, of the force Of
teachers OF the Eddyville school, de-
parted Tor Somerset few days ago to
spend few days with her parents,
her brother from Mexico having come
for short visit.
The musical program to have been
given at the school house Friday aft
ernoon was postponed until a week
later, January 80, owing to the scarlet
fever
Will Page and Mrs. Lucy Reed were
passengers to Ottumwa, Friday morn
i ing.
The Weare Commission Co., had
men at work here Thursday, stringing
up a wire to connect Oskalopsa and
Ottumwa.
A number of the young people of
the neighborhood north of town, gave
Fred and Miss Una Padgett surprise
party Wednesday evening as they and
| and their parents, Mr.. and Mrs. N. Fl.
Padgett will soon move to farm
across the river, northwest of town.
The evening was spent in crokinole
and other games, the guests departing
at IL o'clock. Those present We're:
Misses Minnie Bennett, Iva Smith,
Florence Embling, Elizabeth Under
man; Messrs. Harry Harding, Arthur
Bennett, Clarence Burns, Chester and
Harry Besco. The Mccullough place,
on which Mr.. Padgett now resides, will
be occupied the coming year by John
Winograsky of Pekay.
Ed belong, of near Beacon, was here
Thursday and Friday on business.
Mrs. Margaret Newell of Fudge
Creek, who has been ill, was slightly
improved day or two ago.
Marie, the little daughter of Mr.. and
Mrs. Henry Criswell, has been afflicted
with tonsilitis.
Mrs. R. d. Hall and Mrs r M Beamer
have been on the sick list, afflicted with
the grip
Mrs Warren Ruggles, north of town,
is still sick from chronic heart and
stomach trouble
Mrs VIM Stuck. formerly of this
place, but now of Lost Creek, who was
burned by an explosion two weeks ago,
is improving
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
ChiIIicotI1e,

Chillicothe, Jan. 26.-Mr. and Mrs.
John Miller of Ottumwa are guests at
the home of their daughter, Mrs. D. f.
Rambo.
Mrs. E. S. Warren and children
spent Sunday at Columbia at the home
of her sister, Mrs. ]. H. Olney.
The Epworth League will give a
free entertainment at the church Tues
day evening, January 81 Everybody
is cordially invited.
Mrs. Abe Stuber and daughter of
Ottumwa are visiting at the home of
her parents.
Mrs. G. w. Blackman, one of the old
est and most respected residents of
Chillicothe, died very suddenly at her
home Saturday morning at o'clock.
Mrs. Blackman came to Chillicothe in
an early day and was widely known
among large circle of acquaintance.
She was devout Christian and to
know her was to love her.
Henry Kitterman, who has been in
Ottumwa the past week, returned
home Saturday.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
= 1gesoJ,..

Agency, Jan. 26.--Land seems to
still be on the boom in this vicinity.
Eli and George Fair sold their 300
acre farm northeast of town for $50
per acre.
T. M. Young also sold his farm one
and half miles east of town for
$50 per acre, which is said to be con-
siderable advance over its value at
the purchase about a year ago.
Miss Dora Spry went to Council
Bluffs yesterday where she will at
tend business college.
Walter Foster and Drury Fair have
returned to Ames where they are at
tending school,
DR.. j. f. Newell has gone to Chart
ton to remain for some time.
Miss Edna Peck has returned from
a three weeks visit at Cedar Rapids.
Mrs. Ray Mccormick and Mrs. Mick
who have been sick are improving.
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. w. Buttoff and Mrs.
William and Mrs. Thomas Buttoff OF
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
MunteruilIe.

Munterville, Jan. 26.-Mr. Holloway
of Eddyville was a Munterville visitor
yesterday.
j. NJ Nelson delivered a fine lot of
hogs to Chillicothe this week, receiv-
ing the splendid price of $685. per
hundredweight for them.
J. M. Oval was an Ottumwa visitor
Saturday
Roy Gates, the assessor, has already
commenced going the rounds of the
township with his duty of finding out
what he can of the financial condition
of the residents.
Mr.. and Mrs. G. S. Smith and daugh.
ter Pearl and Mr.. and Mrs. w. r.
Smith and family visited with Mr.. and
Mrs. E. G. Allen last evening.
Mrs. J. M. Oval, who has been quite
sick for the past week or more, is now
improving very rapidly, much to the
joy of her family.
Mrs. E. G. Allen, who has been very
sick the past week, is much improved
in health at the present writing.
Mr.. and Mrs. G. H. Swanson and Mr.
and Mrs. L. L., Swenson visited with
Mr.. and Mrs Nels Hall last Thursday
Mr.. and Mrs. J. M. Nelson had a
large number of their friends to din.
ner last Thursday, and all there re.
ported very pleasant time.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Pearson were OF.
tumwa visitors last Thursday
J. E. Larson sold fine team of
horses in Ottumwa last Thursday to
the famous horse buyer, Diamond
Bill'' Hall. There were also quite a
numl err of farmers from this vicinity
who had horses there for his inspec.
ton, and it was noticed quite a mum.
Der brought their horses back home
as they did not get the price they
wanted.
w. r. Smith and G. S. Smith were
also Ottumwa visitors last Thursday
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Russell.

Russell, Jan. 26.-Art and Sam Boyd
have gone to- Texas to look at land
there with view to purchasing farms
Mr.. and Mrs. John Steck and sister
Nora went to Creston on No. 8 Sat
urday to visit for few days.
Miss Elizabeth Davies returned to
her home at Fairfield Saturday even
ing after two weeks visit with her
friend, Mrs. Mabel Allen.
The w. r. G. are going to observe
McKinley's birthday with a special
program to be held at the Baptist
church Thursday afternoon.
Harley Childs came home from his
work Sunday to visit his mother.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Murray


MURRAY, Jan; an. Mr.. and Mrs. VIM
Llnkenback are making an extended
visit with their daughter in Williams
field, III.
Last Sunday morning at the Metho
dist Episcopal church special services
were held in rejoicing over the fact
that the church is entirely cleared OF
indebtedness. A history of the church
was read and following financial
statement then Mrs. Lorimor read an
interesting essay on Cheerful Civ.
ing" A roll call was then held tC
which a great many responded.
Emma Claver has accepted posi-
tion in the new firm of Jamison, Lew.
is & Co., in Osceola.
Last Wednesday, the streets OF
Murray were pretty well crowded, the
occasion being the dedication of the
new Odd Fellows hall. Over S75 Wis,
iterg were present from various out
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27

was transacting business Saturday at
this place.
j. L. Ware of Perry township, was in
Bloomfield Saturday on business.
Sam Pattorff of Wyacondah town.
ship, came up to Bloomfield Saturday
on business.
H. D. Ferguson of Perry township,
was business caller at the court
house Saturday
]. R. Haney of Milton, made short
visit in Bloomfield Saturday afternoon.
M. A. Jones of Perry township, tran
sacted business here Saturday.
Rev. E. A. Hastings of Floris, tran
sacted business at the court house Sat
urday.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Winchester.

Winchester, Jan. 26.-Saturday,
January "a, was Mr.. and Mrs. Thos.
Williams thirtieth weddipe annivers.
airy, and their children planned a sur.
prise for them on the evening before
There was quite crowd of friends
gathered and pleasant time was en-.
joyed. An oyster supper was served
Mr.. Dake OF &eosauqua is visiting
his sister, Mrs scanlon.
Inc young people had a carrom
party at Thomas Browns west OF
town on Friday evening.
Ihere Will be singing at N. Harvey's
north o OF town on the evening of Jan
Des.' Moines is complaining of a
freight car famine.
lLrs. Sarah Brown of near Ottum.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
CLERK RETlR ES
Officer Closes Up Work For Jeff.
erson County.
]. F. MERCKENs QUITS OFFICE
Books and Records of Clerk of District
Court Are Examined by A. w. Mil
Ter, of Henry County, Who Makes
Report to Supervisors.

Fairfield, Jan. 26-(Courier Special
Service) - According to the custom
prevailing in Jefferson county for
many years, an expert was employ
ed to examine the books and records
of John F. Merckens, the county
clerk who retired from Office recent
ly. A. w. Miller, county clerk of
Henry county, was secured to make
the examination and as the result of
his work will submit to the Jefferson
county board of supervisors tomorrow
the following report:
mt. Pleasant, Jan. 26, 1908.
To the Honorable Board of Supervis-
ors of Jefferson County, Iowa.
Gentlemen:
in pursuance of instructions from
Samuel Billingsley, chairman of your
board, have made an examination of
the books and records of John F.
Merckens, ex-clerk of the district
court of Jefferson county, Iowa, from
January 2, 1899, to January 4, 1908,
inclusive, said period being his entire
term of office, and submit my report
to said examination.
The affairs of the Office and the
general conduct of the same, as evil
denced by the books and records
therein, show very satisfactory con-
dition, and indicate careful and
prudent managem ent of affairs.
THE record work done by Mr..
Merckens will compare favorably with
the best in the state.
Il find from an examination of the
fee books Of the Office for the above
named period, that Mr.. Merckens has
paid to the treasurer of jeff
ferson county on account of the coun-
ty and school funds, for district court
and probate fees, marriage licenses,
mechanics liens, naturalization, fines,
and miscellaneous items, the sum of
S5,SS0.42, and that receipts for this
amount are properly on file with your
county auditor.
find that the collections have
been properly accounted for, with the
exception of some slight clerical err
rors and omissions and the true
amount due the county for the period
is $5,S7S.47, making his account stand
as follows:
Amount paid Jefferson coun-
ty, by John Fl. Merckens,
for within period ....... So ,SS0.42
Correct amount due Jefferson
county, for within period. .5,S7S.47
Amount overpaid by said
Merckens for within period 1.95
Amount due John H. Merck
ems by Jefferson county. 195
81 have examined the deposit book
and the judgment dockets and find
that all monies received on these ac-
counts have, as I believe been proper
ly accounted for and paid to those en-
titled to receive them.
in this connection | wish to ex-
press my hearty appreciation of the
valuable help rendered me in this ex-
animation by Mr.. Merckens, and his
son, w. c. Merckens and for the many
courtesies shown me by all the county
officers of Jefferson county during my
short stay in your city. All of which
is respectfully submitted
(Signed), A. w. Miller.
Charlton.
Charlton, Jan. 26.-The citizens will
meet in an adjourned mass meeting
- II
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Bloomfield.

Bloomfield, Jan. 26.-Court adjourn
ed Saturday afternoon until Monday
morning when the trial of the will con
test case OF Brown VS. Huff was re-
sumed
There was a meeting of the members
OF the. committee appointed by the
Davis County Agricultural society to re
wise the premium list for the fair in
1903, at the court house Saturday. The
members of the committee We're: Jas.
A. Dunn, Il. Cleland, George Good, o.
D. Wray, J. G.. Browherd, Harvey
Wray. The newly elected president of
the association was also present.
W. F. Shannon of Seymour spent
Sunday in this city, a guest of DR.. and
Mrs. a. M. Ford. Mr.. Shannon is a
brother of Mrs. Ford.
Mr.. and Mrs. G.. D. Apley returned
Friday morning from an extended Wis
it in Belvidere, Neb., and other points.
They report very pleasant
trip.
Mr.. and Mrs. John W.Higbee of OF
tumwa, spent Sunday in this city at the
parental Higbee home.
Valentine Moore of Marion township,
house Saturday.
j. A. Inskeep of Stiles returned
Thursday from an extended visit in
Linn and Henry counties.
Leslie Eastburn Of Corydon, is Wis
iting relatives here.
c. E. Fenton of Mack, transacted
business in Bloomfield Saturday.
Sherman Dawning from near Bunch
was a business caller in Bloomfield
Saturday.
l. N. Davis of Salt Creek township,
came up to Bloomfield Saturday on
business
B. T. Leyda of Mack was looking aft
er business affairs here Saturday.
Rev. ID. W. Hastings of Floris, tran
sacted business in Bloomfield Satur.
day.
Mike Walters of Marion township,
made bushes strip to Bloomfield
Saturday,
Will Shreeve of Troy come up to
Bloomfield Saturday on business.
G. G. Collins Of Stiles made bust.
ness trip to Bloomfield Saturday
Bud Albright of Ashgrove came to
Bloomfield Saturday on business.
Lee Kirk of Pulaski was business
caller at the county treasurer's Office
Saturday.
J. R. Shepherd Of Drakesville, tran.
sacted business here Saturday.
w. L. Foster of West Grove transact
ed business at the court house Satur.
day.
c. w. Smith of Wyacondah town.
ship was a business caller at the court
house Saturday.
]. p. Horn of Fabius township, tran.
sacted business Saturday at the county
treasurer's Office.
James M. Hunt of Pulaski, called at
the court house Saturday on business
NJ. w. Overturf of Marion township
called at the court house Saturday on
business.
Eli Truitt of Drakeville, made bust.
ness trip to Bloomfield Saturday.
Ed Battin from near Stiles, transact.
ed business in Bloomfield Saturday.
w. P. Rhine of Soap Creek township
was business caller in this city Sat.
urday.
W. w. Power of Pulaski, was attend
ing to business affairs here Saturday.
A. Grimes of Soap Creek township,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Abingdon.

Abingdon. Jan. 24-Miss Lulu Snid
er of Delta, is visiting relatives here
this week.
A series of meetings are in progress
at the Christian church conducted by
Elder Lee Walker of Batavia.
DR.. and Mrs King spent Sunday at
the home of Frank Henry.
c. B. Campbell who has been on the
sick list is slowly improving.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27

Hedrick were calling on friends here
yesterday.
The series of meetings being held
at the Methodist Episcopal church for
some time will be continued during
the week
Miss Lura Houdyshell is very sick
at her home here.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-01-27
Maple Grove.

Maple Grove, Jan. 26.-Messrs
Chalmers Woodruff and Sherman Lee
have been hauling sawdust from,
east of here this week.
Oscar Moon and Miss Sadie Palmer
called on friends at this place Tues
day night.
Mrs. Martha Kingery has returned
to her home after several days Wis
it with relatives.
Miss Gillen of near this place, has
been visiting a few days in Moravia
the guest of her brother.
Several from this place have been
attending protracted meeting in Mora
via this week.
Mrs. G. M. DuVall and children
were in town shopping last Wednes
day.
Mrs. ]. B. Lovel and daughter, Miss
Maude, called on friends a few days
ago.