davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
A Statement.
Decatur Inwa Ian %

Decatur, Iowa, Jan. 23, 1910.
10 The Reporter, Leon, Iowa:-I
see by the last issue of your valuable
paper an article taken from the Reg
lster and Leader, of Des Moines, un-
der heading of "Ghost Demands Re-
venge.' Now the report of what
occurred at that meeting is fairly
accurate and the part assigned to me
is absolutely correct, but the report
as to the part played by Mrs. George
Havens, of Decatur, places that lady
IN an embarrassing position before
her friends. Mrs. Havens is a Unitar-
Ian the same as our honored presi-
dent and not spiritualist, much less
spirit medium. Mrs. Havens and
myself have been students of Psy-
cology for several years and have
spent some time in investigating
telepathy and the workings of the
subsconcious mind, and while we
have had some startling results we
DO not feel that we can affirm or deny
spirit return. There is no question
but the human mind can be placed
in such condition as to receive i'm
pressions from outside sources.
Whether these impressions can be ex-
planned by telepathy or the work
lngs OF the subsconcous mind we do
not pretend to say as we are only in
vestlgators in this field of thought.
Chas. b. Millsap, Decatur, Iowa.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
NOT HALLfY'S COMET
Brilliant Comet Seen in the Western
Sky each Evening is Unknown
in the Astronomical World.

Many people in Leon have been
gazing with astonishment at the brill
liant comet which can be seen low in
the western sky about six o'clock in
the evening, and many suppose that it
is Halley's comet, about which so
much has recently been published
put the comet is wanderer, having
been first discovered last week at
johannesburg, South Africa, and as
yet 1t is mystery to astronomers as
it came unheralded.
The comet is receding from the
sun, and consequently will appear
higher in the western sky each even
ing and set later. But it will also
grow diner at the same time, as it is
rushing off into space, CARRYING it's
tail in front of it, and in about a
week will be almost beyond the view
OF the naked eye
The comet as described is abou
eight times in length the width Of the
suns face. The sun generally an
pears to be about foot in diameter,
SO that the comet is in appearance
about eight feet long. When first
seen after the sun has set it stands
forth against the dark blue of the sky
with it's head shining dull red glow,
glare of light somewhat larger than
the evening star Venus, which hangs
IN the heavens not far above it. The
tail is "yellowish color" and curves
prettiiy upward, and the whole ap-
pearance is that of large sky rocket
falling to earth.
NO report has yet been made by the
astronomers as to the direction from
which the comet has come. 1t is un
doubtedly one that has visited the sun
at some former time, but possibly not
for hundreds of years. The great
comet of 1882, which every living
person of forty or more will remem-
Der is not expected to return to the
earth's sight for one thousand years.
It's dash out into space is therefore
over ten times farther than that of
HALEY comet, or over two hundred
and eighty billion of miles,
Ihe johannesburg comet is likely
TO be just such wanderer, visiting
the sun for the first time in centuries,
ana probably never to be seen again
within thousand years. 1t is not
astonishing that this comet has come
upon the world of science so unex-
pectedly. 1t is quite probable that it's
orbit comes in from the opposite side
OF the sun, thus keeping it in the
glare all the time, and preventing
astronomers from catching a view OF
1t until it has passed around and
away from the sun SO that darkness
could make it plain. Halley's comet
is coming directly the opposite direc-
ton, and is approaching the earth
from the rear toward the sun. That
puts it in the night time heavens for
the astronomers, but by the time it
becomes near enough to be seen by
the unaided eye it, too, will be in
the glare OF the sun most of the time,
and Will only be seen for a short per-
lod, Just before sunrise, and later on,
just before sunset.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Henry Fletcher Keller.

Henry Fletcher Keller was born
October 8, 1856, in Decatur county,
Iowa, and departed this life January
IA, 1910, at the age of SO years, 3
months and 5 days. Mr.. Keller had
been a great sufferer for the past 12
years but bore his aff1iction with
patience, often saying he fully be-
lieved there was a reward awaiting
him in the better world.
He was married September 6, 1884,
to Miss Laura Kelley. To this union.
We're born three children, Helen,
Frank and Grace.
He leaves a loving and devoted
wife who cared for him constantly
during ten years of helplessness; his
three children, three brothers, six.
sisters and many relatives and
friends to mourn his departure.
Funeral services were held Friday
morning at the Van Vert Methodist
church by Rev. Elijah Tillotson, and.
interment made in the Shy cemetery.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
THE LOCAL HAPPENINGS.
Some Interesting Items Of Local
News Gathered on the Run
During the Past Week.
When to Cut Hickory Wood.

In reply to our inquiry as to when
to cut hickory wood SO that the
worms will not eat it, we have had
several old experienced men tell us,
and while they different somewhat it
may be of interest to parties who
want sound hickory for handles, etc.
John Bell, the veteran wagon-maker,
says If hickory is cut in March in the
dark of the moon that the worms will
not bother it. Uncle Jim Harris says
to cut it in February, and says that
hoop pole makers always want hoop
poles cut In February if possible.
Uncle John Cochran, who has had
years of experience in cutting buggy
spokes and wagon timber, says to cut
timber in the dark of the moon in
January, February, July or August.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Ralph sigler Buy Bus Line.

R. A. Sigler took possession of the
Leon bus and transfer line on Mon
day morning, having closed deal
with w. A. Allbaugh for his fine new
busses and drays which he did not
sell when he disposed of the old
busses to w. H. Moore a few weeks
ago. Mr.. Sigler also bought Mr..
Moore's outfit and several of the fine
teams formerly used by Mr.. ALL
baugh on the line, and Leon is again
sporting the finest bus line to- be
found in southern Iowa. Mr.. Sigler
has secured the services of G. c. Lit
tie to manage the bus line and will
endeavor to give the travelling and
local public the very best of service.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

O'Clock the jury. sent word that they
had reached verdict, and the Judge
and attorneys were summoned to The
court house to hear the verdict of
guilty of manslaughter.
Under the law the defendant. un-
less granted new trial will be SEN
fenced to an indeterminate sentence
of eight years in the penitentiary,
the maximum penalty for man
slaughter, as the new law gives the
presiding judge no option of fixing
the number of years the defendant
shall serve, this being determined by
the state board of parole.
The jury in arriving at verdict
took number of ballots. The irst
ballot stood eight for a verdict of
guilty of murder in the second de-
gree, and four for acquittal, and then
it changed to for conviction and 3
for acquittal, and stood this way until
"a short time before the verdict was
reached.
The grand jury of this term of
court finished their business up in a
hurry. They were empanelled on
Tuesday and adjourned for the term
on the following day, returning just
one lone indictment, which has not
yet been made public as the defend
ant has not been arrested.
After the jury returned their YER
dict in the Hamilton case Sunday
night Judge Evans adjourned court
until Monday of next week, there be-
ing no other cases ready for trial, and
returned to his home at Corydon
Monday morning. He will return to
Leon next Monday to finish up the
business of this term of court, there
being several cases set for trial before
the court, the trial jury having been
discharged for rle term.
The following cases have been dis
posed of since our report last week:
Law and Equity.
Minnie Brannaman VS.. Pearl E.
Brannaman ct al, report of sale and
deed to Eliza j. Bay approved
William H. Wilson executor, VS..
B. F. Sutherlin ct al. dismissed by
plaintiff.
Probate.
Estate of J. B. Kelley, widows al
lowance fixed at 5000.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Fire at Kellerten.

Kellerton had a $4,000 fire Mon
day night, which destroyed the
buildings occupied by the Johnston
general store, the postotfice, Emer-
sons wareroom and vacant store
building. The fire was discovered
about $3.50 in the evening and fierce
fire was consuming the interior of the
Johnston store at this time. All of
the losers We're pretty well insured
SO that no one will be a heavy loser
by the fire. The burned buildings
will all be rebuilt at once.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Looking After New Depot.

e. H. Peck, the Burlington civil
engineer who drew the plans for the
fine new depot to be erected this year
in this city by the Burlinton road,
was in Leon last Saturday looking up
some matters connected with the To-
cation of the city water pipes, sewers
and electric light lines, so that ar
rangements could be completed for
this work in the new depot as soon as
1T is completed. 1t is thought that
work on the new depot will be COM
menced early in the spring.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Have oftimeS no connection. knowledge dwesa &
In heads replete with thoughts of other men,
Wisdom in minds attentive to their own
Cowper.
Miss Helen Horner, of Lamont, Wis
tied the High School one day last
week.
The exercises in the High room
Friday were very good. Miss Freda
Teale rendered beautiful piano solo
and Miss Nella Cain spoke Damon
and Pythias.
Misses Ruth Chase and Sarah
Whittam were High School visitors
Thursday.
Misses Eula Combs and Fern Tharp
are new scholars in Miss Pryor's
room.
MRS. George Gardner and Mrs.
Gates visited in the primary grade
last week.
The students in the botany class
are doing some fine note book work
on seeds.
Friday evening of this week the
School band goes to Decatur where
the boys with the Decatur High
School give concert and box supper,
Quite number from Leon expect to-
go over and enjoy the evening.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

H. L. Tullis, the Leon agent of the
Adams Express Co., met with very
painful injury at the depot Tuesday
afternoon, and one which will prob
ably confine him to the house for a
few days He was wheeling big
express truck across the railroad
track when ten gallon can of cream
tell from the truck and struck him
Just above the ankle At first it was
thought the leg was broken, but an
examination by an X-Ray machine
disclosed the fact that the bone was
not fractured.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Methodist Notes.

Subject for Sunday morning "Who
are Christians?" This will be the
first OF a series of sermons on the
sermon on the Mount Sunday
evening subject, 'Halley's Comet,
and Other Comets" The ministerial
association will hold an open meeting
in the assembly room of the library
Monday evening, Jan. 31st. Rev. L.
Hughes, pastor of the Presbyterian
will give an illustrated ad-
dress upon the subject, What Would
Leon be Without the Churches?" The
public cordially invited.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Broke His Arn,,s II,

John Reuss, of Decatur City, met
with a bad accident last Saturday.
He was engaged in hauling hay on a
sled when his team ran away and
overturned the sled and load, throw
ing Mr.. Reuss to the ground, and
broke both bones in his right arm at
the elbow. He was in Leon Monday
to have the injury examined by an
X-Ray machine. The break being
located right at the elbow joint is
quite serious one and will keep Mr..
Reuss from work for some time to
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

G. B. Simpson, the we'll known
cigar maker of this city, is thinking
OF buying out the Burlington road, or
at least part Of it, as he goes to
Davis City every evening and back on
the early train next morning, and all
because he cannot stay away from the
bouncing young cigarmaker which
was born to them on Monday morning
at the home of Mrs. Simpsons par
ents in Davis City, where she had
been visiting for some time. Charley
says he is sure the finest boy ever
born in Davis City.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

The K. P. band and the knights
who started to Osceola last Wednes-
day afternoon to attend the district
convention of the K. P. lodges, had
hard time on the trip and did not
reach Osceola until late in the even
ing. The engine on their train broke
a wheel short distance north of De-
catur City, and could not be run for
ward, so it was backed on the side
track at Decatur City and they had to
walt several hours until another en-
CINE could be sent down to pull the
train. But the boys report having a
splendid time after they reached
Osceola
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Miss Clare Lunbeck visited friends
in Leon over Sunday last, being on
her way to the state of Washington.
where she has been elected to the
once OF Assistant State Superinten-
dent of the Children's Home Society
OF that state. This is the result of a
visit there during the past summer,
and is a promotion along the lines of
work pursued by Miss Lunbeck dur
ing the last nineteen years. Her
work will be in Seattle and Tacoma,
with residence in the former place.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

w. H. McCalla, of Eden township
returned Saturday evening from Des
MONIES, where he accompanied Mrs.
McCalia, who was operated upon in
hospital in that city for an injury
to one of her eyes which at the time
was not thought to be serious, but
has recently been giving her consid-
cradle trouble. He says Mrs. Nc
Gala is getting along nicely and will
return home shortly. Her daughter.
Mrs. p. A. Adams. is with her in Des
Moines.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Mrs. d. c. Cowles.

Mrs. Julia A. Cowles, wife Of D. G.
CoWles, died at her home in Davis
CITY, Iowa, January 19, 1910, aged
~ years, | month and 15 days. Her
last illness was of short duration, but
she had been ailing for the past two
OF three years. On January 18th she
nad paralytic stroke, but rallied
from 1T, and lived for six days when
the end came and then noble wora-
an passed to her reward.
Julia Ann Morris Smith was born
IN Galloway county, Missouri. When
sne was eleven years of age she NOV
ed with her parents to Mercer county.
Missouri, where she grew to woman
mood, and was married to d. Corydon
CoWles, July IL, 1858. LITTER a year,s
residence in Mercer county they came
to Decatur county, Iowa, and here
tney nave resided ever since with the
exception of three years spent in
orange county, California. She is
survived by loving husband. who
can say after over ffty-one years of
"eaded lie there never was cross
~ord between them, one son, Delbert
r. CoWles, of Davis City, and three
daughters, Mrs. Ollie Hullinger, of
paws City, Mrs. Lizzie Kirk and Mrs.
drena Lille, of Orange county, Cali
fornia, twelve grandchildren fourteen
great grandchildren, five sisters and
Two brothers, besides large circle of
otner relatives and friends to mourn
the' loss of a true friend and good
woman. There were present at her
Dedslde when death came, her hus-
oand and only son, Delbert, her
daughter, Mrs. Hullinger, grandson,
Edwin MITCHELL and sister, Miss
Hetty Smith, who had always made
ner nome with sister Cowles. All
was done for her that loving hands
and medical skill could do, but all to
no avail. Her time had come and she
peacefully folded her tired hands and
Iell asleep in the arms of the loving
Savior She had loved and trusted in
Tor many years. Her death leaves a
VOID IN her home, in her church, and
with her neighbors and many friends
which never can be filled, for she was
ever first to help all in sickness or in
need.
When but young girl Mrs. Cowles
united with the Baptist church at
Princeton, Mo-, and. on June 6. 1880.
she by letter became member of the
New Salem Baptist church in Decatur
county. She ever lived faithful and
consistent christian life and died in
the triumphant faith, leaving behind
her that blessed assurance that all
was we'll.
a loving wife, a noble mother and
true friend has gone to her reward.
Peace to her memory.
Funeral services were held at the
Union church in Davis City on FRI
DAY. Jan:' 21st, with Rev. Deyo in
charge of the services. His text was
taken from Revelations 7:14. By re-
quest Rock of Ages" and "The
Bright City of God" were sung. In
terment in the new cemetery at Davis
City.
A Card-We desire to return our
sincere thanks to the many kind
friends who so kindly assisted us in
the care of our wife and mother.
D. C. Cowles,
Mr.. and Mrs. Delbert Cowles,
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

George McCalla, of Coates, Kas.,
who is visiting at the home of his
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. w. H. McCalla,
OF Eden township, accompanied by
his sister. Miss Belle. went to Van
Vert Friday for short visit with
relatives. Mr.. McCalla expects to
return shortly to Decatur county
having arranged to farm his fathers
farm near Davis City, the coming
year.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Editor j. j. Stirling, of the, Cory
don Democrat, was visitor in this
oity last Thursday, being, on his way
home from Osceola. where he attend
ed the K. P. district convention. Mr..
Stirling who is an expert linotype
machinest installed the new linotype
in The Reporter a few months ago.
and dropped in to see how nicely the
machine is working
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
A Musical Treat.

The instructors of piano and voice
from Graceland College will give
musical in the P. e. o. hall Tuesday
evening at $500 p. M, Feb. 1st. Ad-
mission 20 cents
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Mrs. c. E. Gardner will commence
a class in music next week Pupils
liking in the north part of town will
take lessons at the home of Mrs. v.
r. McGinnis, and those living in the
south part of town at the home of
Mrs. Gardner. Terms-Two in a.
class, $40 each Private lessons. 80
minutes long, $40 for 20 lessons.
Ihose desiring lessons send postal to
that effect to Mrs. Gardner
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Death of Prof. NJ. schoenert.

Many Leon people will remember
Prof. M. Schoenert, who taught music
in this city for several years, and will
be interested in the following ac-
count of his death at his home in
Huron, S. D., on Tuesday of last week
which is taken from Huron paper:
After a long and painful illness,
Martin Schoenert passed away Tues
day evening at s o'clock His wife
and two daughters were with him at
the time of his death, it being impos-
sible, however, as yet to locate his
son, who was last heard from in
Seattle.
Mr.. Schoenert has been in poor
health for the past nine or ten years,
at frequent periods suffering acute
sick spells, which confined him to his
home. His affiiction for these many
years and the disease which finally
caused his death was pernicious ane-
mia On the day following Thanks
giving he suffered a hemorrahge of
the stomach and since that time has
been in very weakened condition,
although able to move about the
house somewhat, but not strong
enough to venture outside. On Fri
ooy AoCS NC W 40 IdhSll WI Il SluhluS
spell, from which he never rallied,
but failed rapidly and died quietly
last evening.
Martin Schoenert was So years of
age at the time of his death, and was
native of Halle, Prussia, where he
was soprano soloist of Franks In
stitute of Halle between the ages of
ten and fifteen years. His musical
education was most complete, taking
instructions under Prof. Gregor, royal
director of music, Prof. Brandt and
the well known Franz. Following
the completion of his education at
Halle he was appointed instructor of
music and language to the family of
prince Damashoff, Tiflis, Russia.
When % years of age he came to this
country, and accepted the position of
musical director in one of the largest
Philadelphia churches
He was married in 1887 to Anna
Helen Rieche, and taught music in
colleges at St. Louis, Leon, Humeston
and Fairfield, Iowa, in 1899 coming
to Huron to accept the position of
director of the Huron college school
of music.
He has been we'll known in musical
circles in this city since first coming
here, although he severed his connec-
tion with the college after three years
and devoted his time to private pn-
pills. He was for some time choir
master and organist of the Presby-
terian church. For the past four
years he has also been city clerk Of
the city Of Huron. He was a member
OF the Presbyterian church. the
knights of Pythias, the NJ. B. A. ard
the Loyal Americans
Mr.. Schoenert is survived by his
wife and three children. the Misses
Laura and Martina of this city and
Allie Sehoenert. of Seattle, to whom
the sympathy of the many friends Of
the deceased and his family will be
extended at this time. Mr.. Schoenerl
is well known by every resident of
Huron, and everyone has come to
look upon him not only with the nigh
est respect but with affection as well.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Wanted Salesman.

We want reliable energetic agent
to represent us in Leon. Have an
attractive proposition to make to the
right man. Address United Wireless
Telegraph Co., 622 Bee Bldg, Oma-
ha, Nebraska.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Frank P. Shy, of Minden. Neh.

Frank P. Shy, of Minden, Neb., a
former well known resident of this
county, came in last week to join his
wife. who has been visiting for several
weeks at the home of her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs j. w. Moore, north of
Leon. They will shortly go to Lo-
noke, Ark, where Frank will try his
hand at rice raising the coming year.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

For Sale or Exchange-A $4,000
stock of up-to-date clothing and fur
nlshing goods. Will trade for land,
and prefer Decatur county land. Ad-
dress P. O. box 26, Knoxville, Iowa.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

George McCalla, who has been vis-
iting at the home of his parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. w. H. McCalla, in Eden
township, for couple of weeks,
left Monday for his home at Coates,
Kas., to close up some business af-
fairs there as he expects to farm in
Decatur county the coming year.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Wanted--Salesman to sell our
guaranteed Oils and Paints. Expert
enee unnecessary. Extremely profit
able offer to right party. The Empire
Oil Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Col. B. R. Watchbaugh, the we'll
known auctioneer, who recently 10.
Gated in this city, told us that at the
Finley Johnson sale which he cried
near Weldon last week there was
$500 worth of stuff sold and less
than 500 in notes were given in set
tlement, all the other buyers paying
cash. Horses at this sale brought up
to $3.50 per head and COWS sold for
SIS.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

The home of C.. E. Chastain, in
Eden township, is under quarantine
Tor diphtheria, their two youngest
children having the disease, but they
are getting along nicely.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

Mr.. and Mrs. Clyde Waller, of near
Decatur City, have the sympathy of
many friends in the loss of their in
fant child which died Monday from
lung fever. The little body was laid
to rest in the New Salem cemetery
Tuesday.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27

The north bound passenger train
on the GAINESVILLE branch was delayed
nearly five hours last Thursday on
account of the engine jumping the
track about mile south of Koyle
Junction.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-27
Farm for Rent.

Good farm, big house and barn,
both good, sheds, lots and plenty of
water. Railroad switch on land sand
that sells at good price.
21-tf. Ed H. Sharp. agent.