davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
FALL ABOARD" FOR RETREAT
Proposed Railway From viroqua TO That
Point Excites Great Interest


That the people of that vicinity are
greatly interested in the proposed con-
struction of railway from this city to
West Prairie and Retreat, was attested
by the attendance at the mass meeting
held at West Prairie on Saturday ev-
ening. Several hundred taxpayers were
present. Numerous Vircqug business
and professional men showed their in
terest W their presence.
Tn Meeting opened promptly at 8
o'cloe,. with the boom of cannon.
Attorney w. F. Wolfe of La Crosse
made a forceful address, touching up
on the desirability and feasibility of
constructing the line. Taking the es-
Inmates of railroad builders he found
the new project would cost in the neigh
borhood of $3.50, 600. 1t was proposed
that the towns of Franklin, Sterling
and Wheatland in this county, and town
of Freeman in Crawford county bond
themselves for $125, 600, the promoters
to raise the balance.
A committee composed of three re-
preventative citizens from each of the
above mentioned towns, was chosen to
take charge of the matter and whip it
into shape for presentation to the cleo
tors for their approval or disapproval.
Former Mayor F. A. Chase spoke
briefly, explaining to his hearers why
the meeting had been called. Mr..
Chase said that since the time he ac-
companied the late w. w. Cargill on a
tour of inspection through that region,
he had often been interviewed regard
ing the proposed railway. Hence the
NEE ting was called to sound the gener-
al sentiment.
We understand that railway talk is
now rife in the vicinity southwest of
Viroqua and that favorable action by
the towns concerned is probable.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
IEAyY FOREST FIRE LOSS
aZE CONSUMES 900 SQUARE
iILES OF WISCONSIN FORESTS
Il IS OF 300 are Burned-Lumber
companies Chief Suffers in the
Northeast

Milwaukee, July 13- Wisconsin's for
est fires this year have cost lumbermen
and settlers in the neighborhood Of
So, 900, 900. Three hundred families
have been made homeless. Definite
figures cannot be learned until the COM
ing winter brings in the timber cruisers
with their detailed reports to the lum-
Der companies.
The district north of Chippewa Falls
where a tract fifty miles long and forty
miles wide has suffered from scores of
small fires, is most seriously affect
ed and the losses there are placed at
about 81, $50, 600 of which 500, 600 is
suffered by the Wisconsin Central rail-
road alone
The district to the northeast has not
suffered so seriously, though the losses
in Marinette. Oeonto and Forest coun-
ties have approached half a million.
The lumber companies operating out
of Wausau, Tomahawk, Rhinelander
and Ashland have suffered heavily and
the damage north of Ashland, toward
Washburn and in the neighborhood Of
Superior, probably totals nearly a mil
lion dollars.
Much of the fire has been through
barrens, where the loss is small. but
the district north of Chippewa Falls,
which is filed with small villages and
cities, has suffered most severely
There were over twenty towns threat
ened with destruction in that strip.
Mills owned by the Upham company,
the yellow River company, a Weyer-
haeuser subsidiary, the Willow River
company Of New Richmondand smaller
companies have been burned down,
the loss being to the mill companies
alone nearly half million.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
RURAL NEWS ITEMS
Contributed by tho Censor's
Live Correspondents
JEFFERSON.

SPRINGvILLE, July 1S.-George E.
Morse and family o. Viroqua Wlre
guests at the b. /. Hunter home on the
It'll Mr.. and Mrs. John Side and
son of Viroqua were the guests of Mrs.
Sides parents, Mr.. and Mrs. liver
johnson on the nth Miss Anna john
son has returned from Aberdeen, South
Dakota, where she has been for some
time and is now at the home of her
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. liver johnson.
James johnson and wife were guests
at the elias Thompson home on the 18th
-. Mr.. and Mrs. Peter Erickson visi-
ted at the home of Il. O. Dahl on the
nth Mrs. David Mcdonald, daugh-
ter Mrs. p. L. LoaS and son of La
Crosse were the guests Of relatives in
Viroqua part of the past week. Mas
ter George Tomkins of Viroqua was
the guest of Roland Older couple of
days the week past. Frances Older.
accompanied by her guest Miss Drink
wine OF Sparta, spent portion of the
past week with Mrs. George Hallen-
back (nee Anna Graham) near Genoa
80. The long looked-for rain came at
last. Quite good rain fell on the 16-
18th, most in the night or rather Sun
day morning Mack Allen of Newton
was the guest of his sister Mrs. Louie
Graham on the 18th. Allen Moe, son
of DIR. A. j. Moe of Heron Lake, Min
neseta, was a guest at the home of his
uncle A. j. Favor part of the past
week John Shoults planted tobacco
on the nth. 1t is hoped he may get a
good crop, thus demonstrating that late
planting will be successful. JONES.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
tFrom the stoddara 1imesl

A large number in this locality are
now making hay on the islands, which
is reported to be of fine quality in
most places.
Preparations are being made for the
erection of several new buildings in this
village in the very near future.
VIM. KocimsIi sold his two lots in
TINS village to w. Slater of Coon VAL
ley. who intends erecting a business
building on the same in the very near
future.
Miss Margaret Spears, daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. J. W. Spears of La Crosse
and granddaughter or Mrs. Sarah
Spears of Oak Ridge, who underwent
an operation for humorous growth at
a La Crosse hospital, is rapidly recov-
ing and has returned home.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
fFrnm ths viola Intellireneerl

There is small acreage Of tobacco
in the Kickapoo Valley this year and
the long dry spell has hurt it materi-
ally.
The bankrupt stock of merchandise
of the Danforth, Keehner q Edge com
pany was sold at auction to the highest
bidder The stock was sold to Ralph
M. Ericsson, of Racine for $40, 200 or
about 81 per cent on the dollar.
y w. Sellers planted his tobacco land
to corn on account of the piotracted
dry weather and is surprised at the
results. The field was planted on the
2Sth day of June and on the 10th day
of July the length of the stocks were
from IL TO Is inches, measuring from
the kernel at the root to the tip of the
blades. Think of it, inside of IL days
from planting the seed terminated and
made this Phenomenal growth.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
wHEATLANp.

RED MOUND, July 1Sth--We felt like
tpraising Him from whom all blessings
fiow," when we received that much
need shower of rain last Saturday night.
1t seems as If il came just in time to
save our corn and potatoes. and also TO
lay the dust, so as TO make travelling
possible. Most Of our farmers had al
ready given up raising tobacco, so there
is no danger Of an reproduction in
this section this year. Man. are dis
posing of their calves, as the prospect
is that there is shortage of fodder and
hay on hand for use next winter, and
what there is must be kept for horses
and cows. Our butterman continues
taking in cream and churning the finest
quality Of butter three times in week.
80. Berries are scarce this season and
every one is trying to raise a large
patch of tomatoes to take the place of
apples. We raised $40 at our ice cream
social at X. G. Worman's last Thurs
day night, and we are to have another
at Homer Vests next Thursday even
ing Dewey Sallendar has recovered
from the measles. 80. Mr.. and Mrs.
Amos Medley of La Crosse are visiting
at Delbert Neely's Mrs. A. Chase is
improving slowly in health 80. The
work on Levi Coles new house is pro-
crossing rapidly under competent Viro-
qua carpenters, assisted by Geo. Stoda
of Red Mound. Our blacksmiths are
doing a wonderful lot of work all the
time VIM. Sallendar is still enjoying
his western trip IN company with Edwin
Broadhead. !. Grandma Fosdic will re-
ceive a postal card shower tomorrow
from her old friends in this vicinity 80.
Miss Orpha Miller is pluckily holding a
claim IN fertile section in Montana.
Coon WILL.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
BYLAWS OF SHELBY FARMERS
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE. co.

SECTION IS This company win pay lossea
caused by steam engines used In running thrcsa-
ing machines. provided;
First-That watehman be kept az the engine
while FIRE vs. in tho furnace on fire boN.
Second--That the smokestaek Is equipped with
the most APPROVED spark arrczter. ard the screen
Or smoke bonnet BE- kept On and in good order
Third-That at least two barrels fallof water
and four pals be kept ready for use at a conYen-
lent place near and handy Ter extinguishing any
FIRE that might be started BY sparks esEders
from the engine. In addition to the water needed
for the use Of the engine.
Fourth-Thrt a suitable ladder be kept az hand
Of the length OF at least fourteen feet.
Fifth-That the insured 81 all before the engine
IL started TO do his threshinR call the attention Of
at least three reputable witnesses u the fact that
he = as complied with all the provisions Of this
section and IL the dsured shall fail to comply with
any Of the provisions Of this section. this com
pany will not be liable for any loss be may sustain.
Dated. july II. 1910.
PETER KEfzHoLTz Secretary.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
WILL DIsnANTLE BURNED STEAMER
Professional Diver toRemoye Machinery
FROM -. s." Near Victory

A current news dispatch states that
Charles j. Murray, the professional
diver Of East Dubuque, has made a
contract with Capt. Streekfus TO dis
mantle the hall of the j. S and ex-
poets to start the work within few
days.
Speaking Of his recent explorations in
the wreck, he said that he could not
work 10 advantage for the reason that
the hull threatened 10 collapse and it
was dangerous TO work in it. Also
there was 50 much debris in the hull
that be could not do much.
He was engaged 70 examine the hull
TO see if he could find any handcuffs.
and also any of the clothing or property
of JvhrI Plein. He says that Plein' 9
body was fearfully burned. One hand
ard one foot we're badly eharred. De-
ceased had fine gold watch, sum Of
money and other valuables on his per-
son wnen he left home on Inflated trip.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
LONG LOOKED FOR RAIN ARRIVES
Much Needed Fall Of Rain Reached This
Section Last Sunday

Early Sunday morning the two
months drought which has held this
section in its damaging grip, was
broken. A rain from the west swept
over us and for about an hour continued
to clarity the dust-laden atmosphere.
While this rainfall fails to restore the
soil to normal condition, nevertheless
it will greatly benefit the corn and po-
tato crops and give measure of relief
to the burnt-out pastures. Owing to
the shortage in hay and fodder many
farmers are disposing of their young
stock. For this years crop Of tobacco
in Vernon county the curtain has Just
about rang down. Here and there can
be found an early set field that promises
a reward to its owner. 1t is estimated
that not more than one-twentieth of a
normal crop will be harvested.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
WHAT our NEIGHBoRs ARE DOING
Cuttings From the Press Of Surrounding
Towns
CFrom The Readstown Tribunel

]. r. Chitwood returned from the
west. From Minneapolis he had gone
out across the prairie to Dickinson.
Mort Dakota. He says that in the
country through which he passed the
farm crops are practically a total loss
and the farmers are very much dis
couraged.
Earl Swain went in an emigrant car
from this station to his claim in South
Dakota. He took with him a horse.
cow, hog, chickens and the lumber from
a house which had been in use on his
fathers farm here, besides number
of tools and implements for use on the
farm. Mrs. Swain was to follow later.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
GENOA.

GENOA, July I'm. Shumway and
family left last Monday with a house
boat and have stopped at Trempealeau.
where they are cutting brush. Mrs.
Ruby Cooper of Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan, is visiting relatives here. Sew
eral pearls have been found here by
clam diggers. Mrs. Demander and
children spent last week at Stoddard.
... Mrs. Alfred Latimer and Mrs.
Frank Gillette and children attended
ladies aid annual picnic dinner at River
side last Thursday Mrs. Laylan, who
has been at La crosse for the mast
several months with her daughter, is
now visiting relatives here :. Mr.. and
Mrs. Drake and daughter of Sioux City,
Iowa, spent few days the latter part
of the week visiting Mrs. Alfred Lati-
mer Charles OFT and M. Shumway
came down from Trempealeau Sunday.
returning Monday morning :, Mr.. and
Mrs. Harry Griffith and children of
La Crosse spent last week visiting at
koeppe's and Ristow's "A. b. Dow
ney and two daughters May and Ger
trude went to Montana, where they
will visit relatives. John Briedenback
is a guest of relatives here -, Alex
Ristow is laying cement side walks for
several in town "A very interesting
ball game occurred here Sunday be-
tween the Hickory Ridge nine and
Woodehuck nine. Mr.. Frohock and
Mr.. Pennel of Viroqua are visiting
Frank Frohock here. !. Last Sunday
night tightening struck the house OF
John Nicoloti, who lives about three
miles. IL was discovered in time 80
there was not much damage done
Word was received here last week of
the death of Tommy johnson at Paden,
Oklahoma, June 22nd, of typhoid fever.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
DISTINCTION FoR DISTRICT ATTORNEY

District Attorney Bennett has re-
ceived notice from Prof. VIM Under
hill Moore, of the University of Wis
consin law school, that he has been APP
pointed by the Executive Council of
the Wisconsin Branch of the American
Institute of Criminal Law and Crifni-
nology as a member of the committee
on the Jury" The committee con-
sists Of Judge E. G. Higbee Of La
Crosse, District Attorney j. H. BEN
ne.t of Viroqua, Judge George Glenn
entson of Lancaster, Supreme Court
Justice John Barnes, Professor r. B.
Scott Of Madison. Several other COM
mittees were also appointed, consisting
of judges, professors and students of
eriminology. Mr. Bennett WAS the on
~ district attorney IN the state so hon
ored-due likely to bis long experience
and recognized ability in this respect.
Mr.. Bennett has advocated the re-
moval Of the district attorneyship from
politics and political influence, and the
election Of this official for long terms
in the spring, or the non-partisan ap-
pointment Of this official by the gov
.ernor In much the same manner that
judges are now appointed. The Wis
ga ~p@N% -. q stANa-k ~ ~
publican state IS strongly democratic.
Mr.. Bennett points out that in Vernon
county there are scarcely enough dem
ocrats 10 man the election Offices and
that because os political Bartisanship
the people have been deprived Of the
services of many Of the eounty's best
lawyers in the past merely because
they we're Of different political faith
than the majority Of the electors. He
insists that the public is entitled to the
best service II can get irrespective Of
the political faith Of the Official IA ali
such positions as district attorney,
county physician, etc
Buy Thayer's cement brick for els
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

Elsewhere in this issue is a political
advertisement opposing the county
option issue. This is the first of
series of such advertisements. When
you read it you viii know that it ema-
mates from the brewing interests. They
say that 81, SOS, 900 bushels of barley
were made into malt in Wisconsin last
year, the value of the barley being
$12, go, 900. They fail to state how
much pork that amount of barley would
have made had it been used for that
purpose. They also fail TO say how
much the beer made from this barley
cost the people of Wisconsin after it
had gone through the brewers hands.
-Readstown Tribune.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
a Blaze Al Westby

At the hour Of II O'Clock last even
ing the building in which the Times is
published at Westby, was discovered in
flames. The fire started in room in
the rear of the building, this room be-
ing used for storing purposes by the
A. II. Dahl store. The main part of
the edifice was saved. Editor Owens
susta.as damages from ruined equip
meat and ''pied" type. 1t is believed
ne will recover enough from insurance
to make up the loss.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
ROUND AND ABOUT Us

Riehland socialists have nominated
complete county ticket to be voted for
at the primaries. Their choice for
member of the legislature is woman,
most excellent and talented lady,
wife of leading business man of the
county seat.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
roR MEabER on AssEMBLY

To the voters Of Vernon county; At
the solicitation Of many leading repub-
licans throughout the county, ! hereby
announce my candidacy as member Of
the assembly from Vernon county, sub
jeet to the ratification Of the voters at
the September primary In the near
future / shall outline my views or the
issue before the people. solicit the
support Of voters throughout the coun-
t.. Respectfully yours,
JOHN z. SToLL.
Viroqua, Wis, July 16.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
Liahtnina striLer Barn

On Saturday evening lightning struck
the barn Of G. G. Olson on his farm in
the town Of Jefferson, burning same to
the ground together with about twenty
tons Of hay, one COW, calf, buggy, har-
ness, sleighs and other articles stored
there. He also lost about two hundred
pounds Of wool. The insurance carried
was nearly $500. MIR. Olson is one of
the most progressive farmers in Jeffer-
son town and the loss falls heavily now
on account Of the scarcity Of feed.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

A man may mortgage his home to
buy an auto, but he can't mortgage
his auto to buy a home. The worst
thing about the buzz wagon is that
when you have run it half mile it
ceases to be a marketable commodity.
There is nothing in the earth or the
waters under the earth that loses value
as fast as an automobile. The only
man who seems willing TO appraise It
at its true value is the assessor EN-.
roria GazQttp
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
OBSERVERS FUN AND SENTIMENT
Some Pleasant Catches That are Ex.
pressive

One can forgive the self conferred
egotist If he is cheerful in his mino'
worships, but the man with constaat
crouch, who wears blue glasses and
raises his hands in horror at every adj
vancement and innovation has no place
in a world where JOY and goodness aud
all that is worth while may be had for
the taking.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

IRISH RIDGE, July 10. Tobacco crops
look good after the rain Philip ia
cobus made trip TO Dover, Minnesota,
last week A number of the girls of
Irish Ridge visited at Ole Christian
sons on Sunday Albion Clements,
after visiting relatives and old-time
friends here, has gone TO Dover, MIN
nesota, where his wife is to meet him
-. Alfred Selin made a trip TO La.
Crosse last week. New CONFER.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

The board of supervisors of La Crosse
county has taken steps looking TO the
establishment of tuberculosis sani-
tarium in that county. An appropria-
ton of five thousand dollars was made
as an initial starter.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

The Mississippi river has never been
known to be so low stage Of water as
at the present time, all manner of
steam boat traffic having been aban-
doned from Dubuque to st Paul Many
places in the man channel water is less
than foot deep.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

Sixty-one cutters in the button fac
tory at Prairie du Chen are out on
strike. Wages is said to be the cause
of the disagreement with employers,
although the workmen earned from 81. so
to SO. 90 per day.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

Postmaster Thomas Gander Of Sold
iers Grove, nearly lost his life on a re-
cent day. While standing on q plank
fishing in the mill pond the timber gave
way precipitating him into deep water.
Being unable to swim Mr.. Camden went
down the third time before he was
rescued
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20
She had a little hammer,
She used it with a will.

She knocked at everybody
They couldn't keep her still:
She knocked about her neighbours,
IL they were friends or foes,
She knocked about the table
And knocked about her clothes.
She knocked at hubby 'ssmoking,
About his snoring. too;
She knocked about his whistling,
And so, perhaps, would you;
AT last the Reaper claimed her,
Her course on earth was run;
Her husband then considered
Her knocking days were done.
But hubby went one evening
To see spirit show,
Where always in the cleaning.
The spirits come and go.
He heard a spirit knocking
my wife" he said, "1'll betl
Now isn't she a wonder?
Hear that She's knocking yeti
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

A certain king who had met with
strange and terrible vicissitudes in his
youth found himself in his early man
hood at the very head of the nation-on
the throne almost the idol of his peo-
PIE. What more could he ask for in
this world? And yet, he was not salts
fed: there was sorrow in his heart. He
could command armies, subdue nations,
build palaces and surround himself with
all the pleasures of this earthly life,
and still be unhappy. At one time he
wrote goodness and mercy have fol-
lowed me all the days of my life, and
later on, "Why art thou cast down, o,
my SOUL"
So it is with most of us there is ever
a hope deferred, wish not gratified,
hearts desire unfulfilled. And we, like
the poet king, indulge ourselves in
sort of soul-sadness mat coics5 peril
ously near murmIring and repining in
stead of being thankful for the bless
ing we receive. However, there are
some of earth's inhabitants of happy
disposition; they are not SO inclined to
find fault with every thing under the
sun generally, or with their own selves
and their own circumstances partieul-
arly. Life is beautiful to them, and
strange as IL may seem, they are not
always those who have been altogether
the most favored in many ways. Health,
wealth, and not few other of life's
most desirable attachments have been
denied them, and yet they refuse to be
unhappy. They will not question the
dealings Of divine Providence with
them, or waste their time is useless
complaining. Why cannot we all be-
long to this same happy class Of peo-
nie3
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

The whole community about Reads
town is shocked by the sudden taking
off of M. James Homer Ward, lead
ing citizen, death claiming him on the
morning of July 8. Mr.. Ward died
suddenly from heart failure. He was
sixty-fiye years old, anative Of Indiana.
He had been a resident of Sugar Grove
and Readstowu sections for many years.
At the time Of his taking Mr.. Ward
was president Of the bank Of Reads
town
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

Because he was overlooking with
human kindness, Jailer S. f. Brown of
La Crosse is alleged by the county
board and the district attorney to be
not proper man for rs position, and
he was removaA ~ Sheriff Duncan.
Brown is blamed for the escape of nine
prisoners within the past few months.
1t is not alleged that he eonniyed at
their escape, but that be was too easy
with the prisoners.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-07-20

Buy Thsyer's cement brick for els
terms.