davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

was born October IA, 1892. in HigH-'
land Center and continued to live
there until November II, 1897, when
with my father, mother, three brothers
and two sisters moved to Yates Center,
Kan. We only lived there one year
and three days, when we went to lola,
Kan. Then we came back to Iowa,
March is. 1898. and we still live here.
went to Galva, ILL.,, in 1904 to visit
an aunt at that place. I had a very
pleasant vacation. 1 returned three
months later. My school was out In
June. My teachers name was Miss
Woodward. am in the seventh grade.
MY studies are: Reading, arithmetic,
history. geography, grammar, physiol-i
ogy. music. writing and drawing. L
have little nephew. His name il
Estel This is the second time have
written to the Courier Junior. 1 have
seen several letters that my friends
have written. I like to read the stor-
les and letters in the Junior. Well +
guess this Is all for this time.
remain your Junior friend,
Ethel Irene Emery, age Is. !
Butler, Iowa. =
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
THE OPENING DAY OF SCHOOL.

1 went to school the first day and
the door and window were open and
three of the pupils were there. but
the teacher wasn't so we went up to
her boarding place and she was there.
We came down to the school house
with her and we sat around and talk
ed until time for school,
After school was taken up the
teacher went around and got our
names, as the other teacher didn't
leave any register.
She then recited some of the classes
but did not have time to recite them
all before recess, 1t took up SO much
time finding our lessons.
At recess we played ball. We got
all the classes in in the afternoon and
when o'clock came we went home.
Viola Ross, age IA,
r. F. D. No. 1,
Cedar, Iowa.
Dear Editer:-Yes, like to see the
Roll of Honor in each week, even if
my name isn't on it.
Well, 1 will have to close and go to
school, Yours sincerely,
Viola Ross.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

My school commenced Sept. 4 with
Miss Katherine Powelson as the teach
err.
1 take nine studies and am in the
seventh grade. There were 20 at
school the first day. We changed some
of the books In this county; we spent
most of the first day being assigned
our new books and lessons. My school
room is very nice one, nicely fur
nished and situated on the east side OF
the building. 1 have a very pleasant
seat by the south window. We have
nice chart and globe in our school
room. The first day was not like some
Of the days since, cold and rainy, but
was a very pleasant sunshiny day. I
had a very nice time, but was tired
when l reached home in the evening.
{Ans.)-Yes, like to see the names
on the honor roll even if my own is not
there, but of course would rather see
mine too.
Yours as ever,
Orphia c. Sides,
Jerome, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

James Madison was the fourth pres
ident of the United States. He was
born at Portconway, Va. March 16.
1851, and he graduated in 1872. He
was elected to the continental con-
gress in $780, and in 1884 to the legis-
lature of Virginia, in which he was
largely instrumental in securing the
fullest religious liberty to the people
of the state. He was also one of the
leading spirits in the convention in
1887 which framed the constitution of
the United States and it was in a
great measure due to his influence
that the instrument was ratified by
the legislature of Virginia.
Madison was member Of congress
during Washington's terms, although
he retired to private life when John
Quincy Adams was present in 1897.
He was author of the Revolution Of
179S," adopted by the legislature Of
Virginia in opposition to the famous
During Jefferson's term, from 1901 to
1907. Madison filled the position of
secretary Of state with such ability
that he was chosen Jefferson's success
sor and was inaugurated president
March a 1909.
The principal things happening dur
ing his term was the war Of 1872, be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States, which was terminated by the
treaty Of Client, Dec. IA, 1914, although
the battle of New Orleans was not
fought until January 8, 1915. On re-
firing from the presidency Mr.. Madi-
son took up his RESIDENCE at Montpel-
| Ter. Va, where he died June %. 1896
While not distinguished for brillian-
| cy of intellect, Maids IN was a pure
and noble statesman and was vel
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
Our fourth president was James
Madison. He served two terms, 1909

Our fourth president was James
Madison. He served two terms, 1909
to 1917
He was born in Virginia in 1851;
died 1886. From his political princi-
pies he was obliged, though reluctant
ly, to oppose Washingtons admins
tration. which he did in a courteous
and temperate manner. He was secrc-
tary of state to Jefferson. After his
presidential service he retired from
public station. His mind was strong
clear and well-balanced, and his mem
DRY was wonderful. Like John Quincy
Adams. he had laid up a great store
of learning which he used in the most
skillful manner. He always exhaust
ed the subject upon which he spoke.
when he had finished, nothing re-
manned to be said.' His sunny temper
remained with him to the last. Some
friends coming to visit him during his
final illness, he sunk smilingly back on
the couch. Il always talk better
when 1 lie" he said. 1t has been said
of him: ct was his rare good fortune
to have a whole nation for his
friends
(Ans.)-Yes, like to see the honor
roll each week, if my name is not on it.
1 remain,
Maggie Spencer. age IA years,
r. f. D. No. 5,
Abba, Ia.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

was asleep had been gratified. But at
that moment he would half his kingly
possessions to see the rain pouring
without as it used to do when he was
a plain little chap at his boyhood's
home in the United Stares of America.
And not only did he long for the old
time rain, clouds and lightning, but
his heart was sad, sad and crying for
the old days and the old dear ones at
home. He wished-oh, how he wish
ed!-to be once more boy to run and
romp and know no other worries than
those that come into the life of a good,
healthy, wholesome American boy, who
never sees a king nor fairy. More
over, King Dick did not relish marriage
with the beautiful Princess Malice.
Though he admired and honored her
very much he did no, think she would
be the wife to him that-well, he had
to admit it-that pretty, teasing, frolic-
some Minnie Jones, his dear little
American sweetheart at school, would
be when she should become woman.
All, how his poor heart beat as he re-
membered his dear little sweetheart!
How he used to gather the first spring
blossoms for her; how he would take
the choicest apple to school to slip in
to her desk. And how he enjoyed be-
ing leased by her, for he knew she
liked him better than any Of the other
boys at school, boys whom she never
thought enough of to tease. And as
these remembrances came, poor I'M
happy King Dick buried his head in
his pillow and wept just as though he
were a most miserable boy instead OF
mighty king.
81 would give this kingdom to any
one who would give me back my boy
hood. my parents, sister and bfother
and-and-my dear little sweetheart,
Minnie Oh, to go fishing again! on,
to go in swimming with Tom and
Frank! Oh, to play base ball! Oh, TO
see it rain, and rain, and rain, and
pour, and flood and storm! This per-
petual sunshine and summer is terri
ble-it is torture. l really believe I'm
going mad unless l can throw up TINS
| job of being king!"
"Helo, there! What, sleeping? Why
don't you know the rain is coming IN
on your feet Come, get up and say
howdy to a Teller" And King DICK
opened his eyes at the voice OF FRANK
Graves, his chum Then he looked
about him in dazed manner, scarcely
realizing that the kingdom OF Granny
Isle had been a dream.
\ Gee, Frank, I'm glad to be boy
again! Lordy, how terrible to be q
king and about to be married to 9
u fairy princess. Terrible!" And DICE
! sprang up, shaking the hay from his
clothes as he looked out at the ralr
with happy feeling at his heart ;.
"Ain't this beastly rain!' sac
Frank. shaking some of the stray
, drops from his coat.
"No, it's glorious, after all those FIVE
/ wears that l haven't seen drop" Thel
with laugh Dick sat down near TN
open window to relate to Frank hi
| reign in Granny Isle-Maud Walker.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

was born December 49, 1892, on 6
farm, four miles northwest Of North
English, Iowa county, Iowa.
In 1897 I went with my mother and
sister to Cherokee to visit our cousins.
had nice time We stayed there
three weeks. One day we went to see
the toboggan slide in the Sioux river.i
scramble to get out of the water.
My next trip was to Barnum's cir
Gus at Ottumwa. enjoyed the circus.
My next trip was to Washington.
We started December 10, 1905. On our
way we stopped at Grinnell, Kan, to
spend Christmas and New Years with
our cousins. Here we attended several
entertainments. Then we started on
our way again January Z, II p. m,
uary 8, a. m. This Is nice large
city.
Our next change was at Cheyenne,
Wyo., the same day at 3 p. m. This IL
another beautiful city.
Our next change was at Umatilla,
Ore, January 10, a. m. We had to
wait until p. M, so we went to the
Columbia and Umatilla rivers, which
are near the depot.
My brother caught two fish, about
three feet long, in the Umatilla river.
We reached Mobtown Wash, Janu-
airy 10, 1880 p. M, and had to stay at
the hotel until our baggage came. So
We took the stage for Sunny Side.
Wash, January IL, 8 a. M, and here
were are yet experiencing the warmest
weather we have ever seen, it being
10 degrees several times.
Well as my letter is getting long, I
will have to close, hoping the Junior
page success.
AS avar VOI1r friend
Della Cheney, age 10.
Sunny Side Wash
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
NY STATE.

Iowa is my state. 1t was discovered
by the French in 1878. Iowa contains
ninety-nine counties. 1t has popu-
lation Of 2,231,s53 people. Iowa is
called the Hawkeye state.
There are not many large wild ami
mails in Iowa. Farming and stock rails
ing are the chief industries. Corn is
the chief grain, and hogs are the most
important stock.
The most important mineral in Iowa
Is soft coal, with which one-f1fth of the
state is underlaid.
Clay, for brick and tile making is
found in nearly all parts Of the state
The wild rose is the state flower
There are several hundred different
kinds of wild flowers in the state. Wild
roses, lilies, asters, honeysuckles and
the famous golden rod are very com
mon.
During the nesting season there are
nearly two hundred different kinds OF
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
MY TEACHER.

My teacher, Miss Nora Eckels, lives
three and one-half miles from Wash
ington, and two and one-holf miles
from Landscape School, No. 9, which
she teaches.
She taught our school last term, and
everyone was well pleased with her.
The last day of last term the par
ents of the children had a pleasant
surprise on her, and we all had plenty
of ice cream and cake.
She is very kind to all Of the schol-
airs and lets them enjoy themselves
with busy work after they have their
lessons. She rides her bicycle to
school every morning and home in the
evening, only when it is bad wealth
err she boards at Mr.. Griggs', who lives
a short distance from the school house.
Oracle Hightshoe. age 10,
R. r. No. 1,
West Chester, Ia.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
WHEN DICK WAS KING OF GRAN
NY ISLE.

Dick sat in the barn loft on the hay
reading fairy tale. The rain was
pouring without and Dick could not
go fishing nor swimming nor baseball
playing. And the poor fellow was
very lonely. for his sister Lucy and his
small brother Billy had gone with
their mother to the country the day
before to spend a few days with
friends Dick, being the eldest son,
was left at home to "look after things"
ings.
But the rain had brought gloom, and
Dick, growing impatient in the house,
with only Maggie, the cook, for COM
pany had found an old story-book
which he had not yet read, and had
rushed through the downpour to the
barn, where he buried himself In the
solitude of the hayloft.
After finishing the fairy story, which
related the successful life Of young
prince who, through the love of beat
tiful fairy queen, had been made king
over a beautiful island, Dick fell to
bordering over his own life, which, in
contrast to that of the young prince,
was very dull and uneventful, indeed.
Throwing the book down and stretch
ing himself on the hay, he exclaimed
aloud: "Wish could meet young
fairy maid who would fall in love with
me and make me king over some beau
| tiful island in the seal"
Just as Dick said this the rain pour
ed heavier and heavier and the sky
grew darker and darker, till Dick could
hardly see through the gloom. "a set
tiled deluge for the remainder of the
day." he declared. Goodness! If l
we're only king l would never stay
where the weather is bad. I would
employ fairies who would manage the
elements judiciously and allow the rain
to fall only at night, when I was sound
asleep in my bed"
"Well, what say you to readjusting
things to suit yourself, beginning right
now?" asked the sweetest voice Dick
had overheard I'm Princess Maiziee
daughter of the fairy queen, Adelaide
Verbonni."
Dick Strengthened up and in the
greatest establishment looked at the
speaker who had SO mysteriously come
into the loft and who stood, marvo
of girl beauty near him, her purplish
blue eyes fastened questioningly upor
his own wondering orbs.
"Why, excuse me, Miss-er-er-
Princess-what did you call YOURSELF
and Dick sprang to his feet, pinl
color Of embarrassment tinting his
sunburned face. You must pardon
me if | am a bit ungallant, for-for-
you came upon me SO suddenly, SO I'm
expectedly, you know"
D,ipooc Moi1ipp wovo1 har oraraf11
hand and, smiling, said: Il am not &C
customed to peoples conventionalities
Being in the habit of debating to 9th
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

and in 1884 to the legislature Of Vir-
ginia, in which he was largely instru-
mental in securing religious liber-
ty to the people Of the state. Madi-
son was a member Of congress during
Washington's term. He was the auth
or of the Resolutions of 1885," Dur
ing Jefferson's term, Madison was sec
rotary of state. Jefferson refused a
third term. and the republicans noml-
mated Madison for president. He was
elected, and inaugurated March 4, 1903.
On returning from his second term Of
the presidency in 1917, Mr.. Madison
took up his home at Montpelier, Va,
where he spent nearly twenty years
with his books and friends, before his
death, June 20, 1886. AS a scholar and
great thinker, Mr.. Madison had few
equals. He was also a pure and able
statesman, and was worthy Of the uni
versal respect that was given to him.
Ruth Springer, age II,
Fair Oaks, Cal.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
JUNIOR STORIES.
THE FOURTH PRESIDENT.

James Madison, the fourth president
of the United States, was born at
Port Conway. Va, March 16, 1851. His
education began at an excellent school
kept by scotch master; afterward
he was taught by the clergyman of
the parish. He graduated at Princeton
in 1772. On returning home he was
busy with history, law, theology and
teaching the younger members of the
family His character was well known
and generally admired. He was elect
ed to the continental congress in 1880
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
WHAT i SAW At THE FAIR.

Last year I attended the Bloomfield
fair. 1t lasted four days. We went
on Thursday. We had to get up and
start pretty early. We got out there
just as the clock struck nine. We went
through the town and watered our
horses at the big tank. Then we went
out to the fair grounds and bought our
tickets, went in and took care of the
horses Then we went and looked at
the stock and poultry, and then went
to the art hall to look at the fancy
work. fruits flowers, cakes. bread, pie,
and all such things. Then we went
and ate our dinners, and in the after
noon we watched the amusements and
went up into the amphitheater and
watched the races, and then came
home.
I remain,
Winfred Hunter. age years,
PIakesh1lrR Ia,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
i HAVE DONE THIS sum-
MER.

doing such work as homework, cooking
and gather fruits. I went to school
and tried to learn. have hoed in
the garden and truck patches, helped
to take care of the chickens and tur-
keys. have raised flowers, some OF
them lilies, sweet peas, nose, dahliaas
verbenias and roses.
Your friend
Pearl West, age IL.
Blakesbur, r. F. D. No. /.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

MADGE BARRETT.
JENNIE RUPE.
NAOMI e. ROBERTS.
EDNA ALTMAN.
BLANCHE ZENTZ.
LULU BLOMGREN.
NORA MAE DALEY.
HARRY FREED.
ESTHER FREED.
LESLIE BENSON.
MARGARET GUTHRIE.
ETHEL DORR.
RUTH WILLIAMS.
THURLOW SANFORD.
BERYL DANIELS (3).
MAY SHAFFER.
IRMA FLEENER
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

birds in the state. There are very
many fish in the rivers and lakes Of
Iowa.
Iowa is more than one thousand
miles from the ocean. but tea, coffee,
spices and other imported article are
often brought directly here by way Of
the Mississippi river.
Your little friend,
Leona Berry, age IL
2051e North Ransom street.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

worthy Of the universal respect ac-
corded him.
Question answered: 1 do like to
see the names on the roll of honor,
whether my name is there or not.
Your little friend,
Norma Daniels, age years,
EldOn Ia
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

Dear Editor -
I am little girl II years old. Papa
takes the Courier. We have had
an awful bad storm in Nebraska this
year. 1t tore down our barn and hen
house and killed all of our chickens,
and took our house off the foundation
and it killed horse for us. 3Hli
We live in Nebraska, six miles from
Curtis. 4 have three sisters Their,
names are Susie, Flea and Lizzie.
1 am glad when the Courier comessi
for I like to read the letters and stor-t
les. This is the first time have ever
written to the Courier Junior.
Yours truly,
Olive Baker.
Curtis, Neb.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

The first thing I saw after we got
the gate at the fair was the
Ferris wheel. l did not ride on the
Ferris wheel because mamma thought
it looked too dangerous, it was so high.
After we got out of the wagon we went
through the Art Hall. After while
we ate dinner, and after dinner uncle
took sister and and gave us ride
on the merry-go-round. After that we
got with q schoolmate of ours, and
went and got peanuts, candy and ice
cream. we went and drawed too. We
walked around and had fine time all
afternoon. We came home in the
evening. We started to school Monday
after the fair am at school now. l
like to go to school. Freda Grant l
am going to answer your letter be-
fore long.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
elge |
. 1l
JUNIOR LETTERS.


Dear Editor
I am going to school now. HAYS
six studies: Reading, arithmetic, phy-
siology, geography, language and
spelling 1 like my teacher. Her mama
is Jennie Ferris. I like to write LETT
ters.
I will close.
Your friend,
Alden Doud, age 8 years
Douds-Leando, Ia. y
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
THE COUNTY FAIR.

When the grapes begin to purple
And the shade is tinged with cool;
when the sun has lost its fierceness
And us kids are back in school;
When the leaves just start to turning
And there's Jingle in the air,
Then know that it's a gettln
Toward the time of county fair.
There where village meets the country
There enclosed by high board fence;
Daunting nothing to wild boyhood
Who crawled through to save ex-
pense
Shout the voices of the vendors,
Grind the tunes and squawk the
toys;
Gala week for all the county;
Week of wonder for the boys.
Pooh, Who care for blooded live
stock,
When the heart is filled with lust
For hunk of long cream candy
That is full of race track dust?
T cts throw balls and hit the babies
Grinning at us from their rack;
Let's go play the wheel of fortune
Sos to get our money back.
Hear the old folks greet their neigh
bors;
See the young folks smirk and fiirt;
Hear the wall of crying babies;
Feel the CRIME of sweat and dirt,
Watch the races from the grandstand
Mercy, there is some one killed!
Someone tried to cross the racetrack
Or a Jockey has been spilled.
Ring a cane and see the sideshow,
Wend your way through floral hall
See the pumpkins and the Jellles,
And the quilts upon the wall
Buy a sandwich from the lunchstand,
Watch the big balloon ascend.
Like the common ones at blowing,
Even fair days have an end.
Time of purpling grape and autumn,
With yaller in the corn;
Season when the summers waning
And it's cool like Of morn,
Time when harvest moons are shining
And there's Jingle in the air;
When the farm works well nigs
over
Dear old time of county fair.
10. F. S.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

Dear EDITOR
I am little girl 10 years old and
am going to school very soon. GU
school should have begun the first
September but they did not have
teacher. am in the fifth reader nov
We have to change arithmetics and n,
doubt language this year. Well, as
my letter is growing long, I will close.
Katie Henry,
Darbyville, Ia.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25

Dear Editor:-
1 saw my piece in the Junior and
thought I would write again. My
school began Monday, September IL
MY teachers name is Miss Celia Car
vim. I am in the first reader, spelling
and language. Ny occupation when
get to be man will be to work at
Dudley with Brother Mike and papa in
the stone quarry. My first vote that /
intend to cast will be republican. !
don't expect that President Roosevelt
will be In when 1 become man. Our
dearest President was William Nc
Kinley, who was laid to rest in the
cemetery in Canton, Ohio.
AS my letter is getting long. / vii
close. Yours truly,
Johnny Adcock. age Z, ~
Chillicothe, Iowa,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-09-25
Your friend,
May Shaffer. Age 10.
La

May Shaffer. Age -.
Douds Leando, Ia.
Ans.-Yes, would like to see the
honor roll if my name was not on it,
because l like to read the names and
see how many prizes each one has got,
and to see If there is any one know.
May Shaffer.