davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Ages of President at Death

President Cleveland died at more
advanced age than was attained by any
other president since Buchanan, who
lived to be II. Garfield died at 40,
the shortest life of any Of the presidents.
Lincoln died at Sc, Johnson at Sc, Grant
at SO, Hayes at 70, Arthur at Sc, Harrison
at 81 and Mckinley at 81. The earlier
presidents averaged longer lives, per-
haps because the average age at which
they entered office was more advanced.
Washington lived to be 81, John Adams
died at 80, the most advanced age at
tanned by any of the presidents; JEFF
ferson died at S3, Madison at IS, Monroe
at IS, John Quincy Adams at 80, Jackson
at 7S, Vau Buren, at 70, William Henry
Harrison at 6S, Tyler at II. Polk at So,
Taylor at 65, Fillmore at "a. Pierce at
"a. Roosevelt, the youngest Of all pres
idents, will retire, if he lives to the end
Of his term, at 81 years Of age, after
having served nearly eight years.
Cleveland was the last Of the express
idents. n -
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Commends Our Road Work.

When Prof. 7. II. Macdonald, of the
Iowa State Highway Commission, was
here two weeks ago to look at some of
the Decatur county roads, the Leon
Commercial Club requested that the
commission send some good roads bull
letins here for distribution. Secretary
James F. Harvey received the follow
ing letter from Prof. Macdonald, in
which he says Decatur county is max
ing good progress in road improvement:
AN1Es, Iowa, July 1, 1908.
JAMES F. HARVEY,
Secy Leon Commercial Club.
Dear Strive are sending you by e1-
press today box of road bulletins for
distribution on July 4th. After reach
ing Ames found there would not be
time to have something printed especi-
ally for this purpose, and found also
that we had moro bulletins on hand
than had anticipated. l hope there
will be enough of these to suit your
needs and thai you will find them salts
factory.
| think the county, especially around
Leon, is making big progress in road
improvement, and we wish to aid you
in every possible way. In short time
we will have out bulletin on road
work which will contain number of
cuts showing roads kept up by Mr..
Dye in splendid shape at a very low
cost. 1t is worth good deal to COM
munity to have some one who takes
such deep interest in roads, as about
every community in the state needs
someone to keep the interest alive and
to show what can actually be done with
the material and money available. We
have enjoyed what little time we have
spent in your county and will be glad to
respond to any calls you may make on
US, if possible. Very truly yours.
Iowa HIGHWAY COMMISSION,
Per T. H. Macdonald, Highway Engineer.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
William c. Overholtzer.

William G. Overholtzer was born in
Knox county, ILL.,, May 8, 1859, and died
June 20, 1908, aged 40 years, 1 month
and II days.
In 1866 he moved with his parents to
Iowa and has been a resident Of Deca-
tur county since that time. March q,
1882, he was united in marriage to Eva
Wright, and to this union were born
three children, two daughters and one
son.
A few days prior to his death he made
. trip TO Dakota and was i'll on his re-
tnrn, but was not thought to be seriona
until few minutes before he died.
p Mr. aOverholtzer was one Of the trus.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
DfCATUR'S DELIGHT IS DEDICATED.
New Court House is the Pride of the County.
People from Far and Near in Attendance
to Witness the DediCdtOry Services.

lures, J. d. Braun Manufacturing Co.,
of Chicago; decorating, William L. An
drews, of Clinton. The exact contract
cost was $95,334.20.
J.A. Wilson, of Garden Grove, was
general superintendent, hired by the
county.
J.J. Peterson, of Waterloo, Iowa, was
foreman of construction.
There we're speeches Of dedicatory
and patriotic character by Judge Smith
MCPHERSON, Judge H. K. Evans and
Judge H. M. Towner.
In the basement are the Offices Of the
surveyor and county superintendent and
an elegant fitted up rest room for the
ladies, including every desirable con-
venience. The heating plant is in a
sub-basement.
On the first floor are the offices of the
treasurer, auditor, board Of supervisors,
clerk, sheriff and recorder.
On the second floor is the court room,
law library room, county attorneys
Office, grand jury room, two witness
rooms and two petit jury rooms.
A fine clock caps the climax in the
cupola and greatly adds to the beauty
and usefulness of the magnificent
structure.
The new court house is one of the
finest and best in all Iowa and the peo.
pie Of Decatur county have right to
feel proud of it. The inside fnishings
of the building have no superior in all
the state. A complete description is an
impossibility and one must see the
building in order to fully appreciate it's
magnifcance and beauty.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
After Twenty Years.

The writer is pleased to be in Leon
again after an absence of about twenty
years. The welcome that he has re-
ceived by those who knew him in former
years has been most cordial and we
assure you highly appreciable. Butwith
the kindly recollections of the past
come also the shadow caused by the
missing Of many who have gone to their
reward. They we're our friends and
your loved ones and we miss them and
their friendly cheer.
The Leon of today is not the Leon of
our time. The town of the past has
grown to a beautiful little city. I'm
provement and thrift mark the business
and resident parts of your city. Your
homes are certainly your pride and give
evidence of contented and peaceful
dwellers therein.
OF your new court house it is suf-
fcient here to say that it is the finest
and best built one of it's size that we
have seen in Iowa, and it is fitting
monument to the loyalty of the people
of Decatur county to the best interests
Of this one of the best counties in
Iowa.
Along with the other interests of the
town and county that has kept pace
with the spirit of progressiveness, this
writer will be pardoned for making
special mention of the Leon Reporter.
1t is matter of personal qualification
to us that it is recognized all over the
state as one of the very best county
papers in Iowa. That it is so is due to
the untiring energy and business integ-
rity of it's present proprietor. We
congratulate the people OF, Leon and of
Decatur county upon having so able a
representative of it's interests.
During our short stay in Leon we
shall be pleased to renew our acquaint-
ance with all whom we knew in former
years and shall be gratitied to have the
new friends of The Reporter and its
editor call in and see US during his
absence in the west.
May the future bring to all the peo.
pie of Decatur county continued pros.
perity and happiness, is the ardent and
most sincere wish of this writer.
LON II. BoYDsToN.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
M0RTUARY.
Lewis Cass Sales,

Cass Sales, son Of the late Judge
Sales, was born in Washington county,
Iowa, September 4, 1850, died at his
home 2 miles south Of Leon, July 1st,
1908, at the age of fifty seven years,
nine months and twenty-seven days.
Mr.. Sales was one Of the old and
well-known citizens of Decatur county,
having come to Leon with bis parents
when but about years Of age 81 years
ago, so that men say, II knew him
when he was a baby" or II have been
acquainted with him all his life"
On June 20, 1878, he was united in
marriage to Miss Dora Huffman, of Leon.
To this union two children were born,
Frank B. Sales of Leon, Iowa, and Mrs.
Mary Hall, of Tolbar, New Mexico.
These with the wife, his companion for
a little over 80 years, his widowed
mother and brother, Mr.. Frank Sales,
and a sister, Mrs. L. w. Forgraves, who
resides in st. Joe, Mo-, and 8 grand
children survive him.
Mr.. Sales had been in declining
health for about 8 years, but for the
last months had not been able to do
any work, yet was able to be up and
about the place, coming to Leon occa-
sionally. He was in bed but two OF
three days before the end came, and
was conscious almost to the last, speak
ing words Of endearment and recogni-
tion to his wife but few hours before
he passed away.
| Mr.. Sales was man who bore repu-
tation for uprightness and fair dealing
in the entire community. Many kindly
words Of appreciation have been spoken
of him. His home life was Of the most
pleasant characters. He was kind
and loving husband and father. A few
days before his death he talked Of his
children; said he did not care to have
them bother after him in everything
but he wanted his son to be honest, al
he ever sought to be and his daughter
to be bright and happy. During hi
last illness he was patient and yer,
appreciative Of the tender ministration!
rendered by his loved ones. In hi,
going home is greatly bereft. His ole
friends and acquaintances will miss
him and all will feel that one Of kline
and gentle spirit has gone from us.
To the surviving family all tender
their love and sympathy. God knows
the depths of human sorrow and il
this sad hour the Christ invites you tx
come unto him and find rest.
The funeral services were held a.
the home south of Leon Friday after
noon at 8 o'clock, conducted by Rev
J. L. Boyd, pastor Of the Leon M. E
church, interment being in the Leol
cemetery. The cortege which followed
the remains to their final resting place
was one of the largest ever seen in thi'
4 county,
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09

lesque on Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Among those who won prizes in the
afternoon contests were: Chas. Dobson,
John Konklin, j. II. Chandler, Clyde
Mitten, Willard Gassett, Arthur Ed
wards, L. &. Clark, Ross Dale, Milo
Moore, 7. II. Ryan.
In the contest for the prettiest baby
girl Merna West won. For the prettiest
boy Wayne Jones was successful. An
engraved souvenir spoon was the award.
In the contest all Leon babies were
barred
The ball game in the morning between
Leon and Davis City was won by Leon,
the score being to g. The features of
the game were the pitching of Clyde
Pickering and the fielding of Willie Bill
Hinkle who had five put outs and two
assists. That's goin' some for an out
fielder, hey?
The afternoon game between Davis
City and Garden Grove drew large
crowd. Davis City won the game in an
easy fashion. Kid Anderson, who start
ed the game for Garden Grove, lacked
control and gave way in sixth to Mr..
Thomas, who halls from Buxton, and has
quite reputation as a pitcher, but
he must have got in the harvest field, as
he demonstrated to finish that he was
no finger of the sphere. He lasted one
round, Beldipg finishing the game. Kid
der Johnson pitched good ball for Davis
City, holding Garden Grove to three
hits. The score, Davis City 5, Garden
Grove 1.
Not an accident occurred to mar the
pleasures of the day, and there was the
very best of order during the celebra-
tion. The police had nothing whatever
to do but assist the people in seeing the
sights and in enjoying themselves dur
ing their stay in our little city. Not an
arrest Was made-none were needed.
Thus passed into history the Fourth
OF July, 19OS a day that will always be
remembered as one of the brightest and
best in the lives of the vast multitude
who were present in Leon to assist in
the celebration and dedication of the
new court house.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Off to Denver.

DEAR REPORTER: At the close of
Icons big celebration Saturday night
we left Leon for Denver. The party
consisted of Hon. e. J. Sankey, one of
the delegates to the national conven-
tion, Miss Ora Sankey, Mrs. Marion F.
Stookey, Miss Freda Teale, the Re-
porter editor, Mrs. Hull and Miss
Dorothy, and we were joined by Oscar
Judd and Carter Scott, of Davis City, so
there are nine of us. The Iowa special
train was due to leave Charlton at 10
"a. m. Sunday morning and we spent the
night at Charlton. Many trains were
speeding west Sunday morning, just
ahead Of the Iowa special being the
Cook County Marching Club of Chicago
with special train of twelve sIeepers.
Our special left Charlton on time, be-
ing in charge of Claude M. Myers, of
Ottumwa, who is a prince of good
fellows. Hardly were we started when
courtesies commenced, fruit. sand
wiches, and cool drinks being brought
to the ladies while the gentlemen were
we'll taken care of by the commisary
department which occupied a special
baggage car, Mayor Tom Phillips, of
Ottumwa being in charge. In a short
time we had met nearly everyone on
the train of ten cars, among them being
Congressman Dan Hamilton, the demo-
cratic member of congress, from the
Sixth district who is jolly good fellow
and favorite with all on the train.
We reached Red Oak at 2:90 where we
were taken up town in carriages for
dinner at Hotel Johnson, and it was as
fine chicken dinner as we ever sat
down to, the genial landlord Sam Payne
| working like Turk for he never fails
to look after his guests, the Johnson
having the reputation of being one OF
the best hotels in Iowa.
After dinner we speed along crossing
the river at Plattsmouth and stopping
a few minutes at Omaha. No place
through Iowa did we see as good corn
as right in Decatur county. At Lincoln
we we're to have stopped few hours
to visit VIM. J. Bryan at his home but
were late there it being dark when
Lincoln was reached. We went six
blocks for supper and when we returned
to the car found Mrs. J. A. May, her
husband and daughter waiting to see
ius. Mrs. May will be remembered as
Miss Allie Fry an old time resident Of
Leon but it has been sixteen years
since she left Leon. !. ,ss:
Whilea at Lincoln q aflrions rain came
up and as the whole county was already
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09

All Decatur county joined with Leon
in celebration Of the Fourth that was
made doubly jubilant BECAUSE of the
dedication of the fine new court house
which has been under erection for more
than year past. The county waited
long time before deciding to replace
the old pioneer structure that served as
a court house with modern building,
but when it did it went at the thing
right and now a building costing ap-
proximately 100000 stands as monu-
ment to the prosperity and progress of
the people of Decatur.
The work on the new court house
commenced March 20, 1907, and was fin
ished promptly on contract time, July
1st last. The building is of pressed
brick with stone trimmings and has a
green tile roof from which springs a
tower surmounted by clock. The in
terror is finished in red oak. In the
halls and all spaces there are marble
floors and wainscoting. The structure
is heated with thoroughly modern
plumbing. The Office furniture is Of
modern wood and metal construction.
A Des Moines firm of architects,
Smith, Wetherill & Gage, designed the
court house and superintended it's erec-
tion. Lauritzen Brothers, Of Waterloo,
were the general contractors, while the
other special contracts were awarded as
follows: Plumbing and heating, Wallace
& Linnane, Of Des Moines; wood fur
nlture, Jaeger Manufacturing Co., Of
Des Moines; metal furniture, Art Metal
Construction Co., of Jamestown, N. Y;
clock, Seth Thomas Clock Co.; light fix
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Presbyterian Notes.

A Progressive Religion" will be the
subject next Sunday morning. Evening
lecture on the topic, "The Fate Of the
First Journalist of History; or the Work
of CAIN Thursday evening historical
lecture on "The Patriarchal Period in
Hebrew History" Rev. and Mrs. W. E.
Kunz entertained the young people Of
the congregation Wednesday evening OF
this week.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
An Important Subject.

That great convention Of governors
and statesmen have been in session is
evidence of the vital important of
the subject that called together so
notable aconvention-the forestry river
Improvement and reclamation pro-
jects now under consideration in the
United States. We are entering upon
a new era. Our great forests have dis
appeared, our vast reaches of fertile
public domain have been absorbed and
we are awakening to the value of our
long rivers as thoroughfares for cheap
transportation. Hereafter we shall APP
proach international Improvement in
wide and scientific fashion and as a
government. we are due to do things.
Few know that this is actually more
to the credit Of the American Forestry
Association and it's efficient secretary,
DR.. Will, than any other moving cause
outside of plain necessity. For years
this association and DR.. Will have urged,
pleaded and pointed out the need and
remedy. Fence posts have become so
scarce and costly that farmers are turn
ing reluctantly to steel and cement.
Lumber has gone SO high that good
frame houses are the perquisitites of
the wealthy. Freight rates alb sorb the
farmers profit while from 1taska and
the Yellowstone magnificent waterways
offer water transportation. That we
have at last turned to consider is due
primarily to the agitation created and
kept alive by the American Forestry
Association.
DR.. Will, the secretary, who has work.
ed so hard and accomplished SO much,
will appear at our coming Chautauqua
in an illustrated lecture which will ex-
plain what Roosevelt and the governors
had in mind at the great convention.
1t is an opportunity for the young and
old to understand at it's beginning one
OF the great movements Of National in
terest.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
THE BIG CELEBRATION A SUCCESS.
Was a Success in Every Respect. An Attend
dnCe OF Ten Thousand People and the
Excellent Program Carried Out.

Never before in the history of De-
catur county was there such q big,
grand and successful celebration as
that of last Saturday. 1t was in every
sense OF the word a county celebration
From every nook and corner of the
county the people came to join in the
festivities Of the occasion and to enjoy
the varied exercises of the day.
A conservative estimate of the num-
ber present was placed at ten thousand
people. Early in the morning they be-
gan to arrive and by noon the town was
Utterly jammed, the capacity to enter
tain the vast throng being taxed to the
utmost.
The program as published was fully
carried out and was successful in every
particular. The parade was magnifi.
cent one, as follows:
Grand Army, led by martial band.
K. of P. Band.
Farquhar & Sons, hardware.
j. A. Caster, groceries.
Wade Lindsey, secondhand store.
High School Band.
Clarinda Butter and Egg Co.
Thompson & Warner, Merry Widow
Leon Fire Department.
Kraft Clothing Co.
Ogilvie & Gardner, groceries.
Bell & Robinson, druggists.
Bowsher & Bowsher, buggies.
Harry Wright, implements.
Long Bros, dry goods.
Lamont Concert Band.
Leon Reporter, Devil.
Hubacher Lumber Co.
Harry j. Vogt & Co., groceries.
Garden Grove Band.
G. M. Keller. real estate.
Decatur County Journal.
Leon Telephone Co.
Grand River Band.
Adams Express Co.
Frank Coder, groceries.
Sears, Roebuck & Co., (burlesque)
AS the parade passed up and dow
the street the people greeted it witt
frequent applauds of approval. Among
the ''catchy" attractions of the parad,
was the "Merry Widow" and the bur
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09

flooded it made it look like regular
lake. Ali night long we travelled
through the storm the rain falling in
torrents and accompanied by high
wind. We reached McCook at 6 o'clock
Monday morning and will be late in ar
riving at Denver as we have yet 265
miles to travel. There is water every
where and our train is six to seven
hours late. O. E. HULL.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
The School Census.

Secretary J. w. Rowell of the school
board has finished the enumeration of
school children of Leon and from it we
learn that there are 533 children Of
school age in our city. There are 277
males and 256 females. According to
this statement. there is a gain of 3S
pupils over last year.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
New Court Cases.

Will of P. Orfeld filed for probate,
July 2.
VIM. ]. Bennett vs.. Ida Belle Bennett.
Divorce. George W. Baker attorney
for plaintiff.
Fred Gould VS.. G. B. g. @. r. r. Co.
Action for damages to land by reason
of defective piping, etc. 9. W. Hoffman
and Ed q. Sharp attorneys for plaintiff,
Mary R. Brown VS.. George W. aud
Elizabeth Carter. Suit to quiet title to
lands. Marion +. stookey attorney so1
plaintiff.
]. r. Macy vs.. Henry and Aria Clark
Suit on promisory note. Geo. w. Baker
attorney for plaintiff.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Baptist Church.

Covenant and business meeting next
Saturday at ESQ p. m. Il Preaching It
ll a. M. and 8 p. N. Lords day. Sunday
School at 9:45 d. M. B. Y. P. e. at z b.
N. JAS. A. k.aARMsTRoNG, Pastor.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Methodist Notes.

Preaching next Sunday both morning
and evening. All other services at the
usual hours. All invited. ss s
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09

We have a fine line Of lawn mowers
ranging at reasonable pricesi at our.
store. VIM. CRIOHToN 81 SON.:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09

4 For SALE Several pieces Of resi-
dence property III Leon. Or will rent
or trade them.e Off. j. CEsIRR.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-07-09
Council Proceedings.

City council met Thursday night of
last week. The following claims we're
olIoua1.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-01-13

the present writing the question Of
who is to be appointed deputy sheriff
to succeed the late NJ. S. Huston is in
volyed in doubt. The sheriff, it is
understood, wishes to be surrounded
by young, active, vigorous men, and so
far all the young, active, vigorous men
who have shown any disposition to
seek the office of deputy here, and
after very little preliminary investi-
CATION into its requirements and its
profits, have wisely concluded that
such fire Of youthful vigor and enthu-
siasm as they possess can be made to
count much better in some other
pursuit. They find that in point of in
come and attractiveness as an occupa-
ton. the deputyship nowadays is
about on par with bucksawing wood,
and that the bucI1saw has the adj
vantage in that the incumbent Of the
saw horse plant does not have to give
a bond large enough to mortgage both
his earthly and spiritual possessions.