davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1911-08-31
about the sorghum molasses.

There is man named Conger
who lives near Marion and whose
homemade sorghum molasses
is declared to be the best ever"
by people who like that sort of
sweetness. Mr.. James is very
fond of the molasses and so last
fall when at home, the notion
struck him that his friend and
colleague Clark would like it too.
When he was ready to leave, he
bought him a bright, new tin
bucket. put gallon of the mo-
lasses in it, and logged it in his
hand all the way to Washington
in order to be sure that it got there
safely.
Mr.. James is appreciated by
everybody, but if you want to
see the real, genuine article in
appreciation, the kind that is all
wool and a yard wide, is guaran-
teed not to fade, rip, tear or run
down at the heel, you should just
go to Marion sometime and see
him among his town people.
The Democrats and Republicans
there are about evenly divided in
number every time an election is
to be held, they fight each other
with all the determination and
say all the mean, hateful things
about each other that Democrats
and Republicans generally do on
these pleasant occasions. At
such times and under such heat
ed conditions, Mr.. James comes
in for his full share of the lam
basting, he being as it were, put
in effigy as one of the hated op-
position. But aside from politics
there was never a more popular
man in his home town than Ollie
M. James. The Republicans
there are as proud of his high
portion in public life as are the
Democrats and they do not mind
saying so. Every body feels that
in producing a man such as he is
the town itself shares to a large
extent his reflected glory.
Everybody knows him and to
the majority of the people he
goes BY the name of Ollie. He
is as well known throughout the
country as he is in town and
these rural friends and acquaint-
ances yell their greetings to him
as far as they can see him and
the recipient of these attentions
never fails to stop for a friendly
chat and to ask about the health
of the family, the state of the
crops and matters in general on
the farm. But even to this good
day, some of the older general
ion occasionally halls him with
the boyhood nom de guerre of
Whitley" and that he has not
forgotten it is shown by the
alacrity with which the answer
is returned. What the future
holds for the eloquent statesman
can not be foretold, though now
it seems to be rich in promise
of higher honors than he has yet
attained. But whatever may be
his lot. the people of Marion will
ever be found true to Ollie James
and interested in his welfare and
ready to do what they can tohelp
him along. That he too will con-
tinue to cherish his love for his
native town and to feel an inter-
est in all its doings, is assured,
and the name of Mr.. James and
of Marion will continue to be
linked together in coming years
as they have in the past.
N. Il. BAcoN.
Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1911-08-31


to this, she almost succeeded in
talking him into the notion of
going west to travel as agent for
a patent churn or some other
household contrivances. But
just when it seemed this plan
was the accepted one, Mr.. James
decided to study law and enter
ed his fathers office for that
purpose.
Having once decided to be a
lawyer, he made quick work Of
it. In a comparatively short
time, he passed the required
examination and was admitted to
the bar and taken into full part
nership with his father, the firm
name being James & James.
But all this time he had kept his
finger on the political pulse and
he soon began to voice his opin-
ion in the curbstone discussions
and it was natural that he should
drift into public speaking.
In his first real political debate
his opponent was E. T. Franks,
a citizen of Marion and a rip
roaring Republican who has since
attained a prominent place in the
state leadership of his party and
was one of the three candidates
recently for the Republican NOM
ination for governor. Mr.. Franks
was an older man and a more
seasoned campaigner and the
youthful orator of the House of
James came out second best, but
with great credit to himself and
an undaunted spirit.
In 1887 Mr.. James made his
first step out in real political life.
That year he was elected page
in the lower house of the state
legislature then at Frankfort.
The following session he was
cloakroom keeper in the senate.
The daily association with poll
ticians during this time and the
mere being in the vortex of ex-
element that always reigns at
the capitol during a session of
the legislature, gave the incipient
statesman much valuable train
ing and a keen insight into the
game in which he was destined
to play such an important part.
Unlike so many others, Mr..
James did not climb by slow
steps upward to a prominent
place in politics. He never held
any county offices or minor dis
trict or state positions. He con-
sidered carefully before asking
for anything at the hands of the
people and not until 1903, did he
decide that the time had come.
In that year, he announced as a
candidate for representative in
congress- his claim for the place
being backed up with a record Of
years of faithful service to his
party during which he had es-
tablished a widespread reputat-
ion as an orator and campaigner.
His opponent was Sam Grassland
of Mayfield, and Mr.. James won
by a large majority. The First
District is the Gibraltar De mo-
cratic district of Kentucky and
so we'll pleased were his support
ers with his services that he was
reelected to congress four times.
This year he decided that it was
time that he was promoted and
so asked for the Democratic
nomination for United States
senator over Thomas H. Paynter,
the incumbent. These race be-
tween these two attracted much
attention because of the bitter
ness injected into it. Just a few
days before the primary election
Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1911-08-31

time in Washington with her
husband where she is a general
favorite.
In religious life Mr.. James is
as ardent and enthusiastic as he
is in politics. He comes of staunch
Methodist stock and has not de-
parted from the ways in which
he was reared. He is one of the
pillars of the Methodist Church
at Marion; one of the kind that
gives literally of his means and
attends upon all the ordinances.
This summer this congregatio n
is engaged in building a new
house of worship and Mr.. James
was one of the first and most
liberal contributors.
Practically all of his spare time
Mr.. James spends at Marion.
During these vacations he sits
about his beautiful home, loafs
in the stores, puts in some time
in his law office or the courtroom
and mingles generally with the
people. He takes a deep interest
in the affairs of his home town
and is always ready and willing
to give aid in any way he can.
If it is to help out some local
candidate for office he answers
the call promptly and carries
CONSERVATION into the opposing
forces with the vigor and power
of the speeches he delivers.
If it is to raise money for some
worthy enterprise or charitable
object he subscrib es literally and
without delay. In this respect,
he is looked upon almost as a
patron saint and when help is
needed he is one of the first
thought Of.
Marion is an enthusiastic base
ball town and when Mr.. James
is at home he never misses ball
game. He is king of rooters row
and is worth several times the
price of admission to see this
massive man who always sways
multitudes by his magic words
seize his hat in his hand and
tear up and down and yell and
howl as only dyed in the wool
baseball fans do. In this pose
as rooter in chief, one would
hardly recognize him as the dig
nified, eloquent and profound
Ollie M. James, M. C.
While he enjoys his home to
the fullest extent, he is not a
bit stingy about it and is always
anxious to give his less fortunate
fellows a taste of it. Many of
the most prominent men of the
country are frequent visitors at
his house. But in addition to
this, he very often takes or sends
some reminder back to his fell
low lawmakers. Champ Clark
is especially favored in this re-
gard and receives large share
of the gifts the big Kentuckian
bestows. The hefty congress
man thinks no one can cure a
ham like his father doesit. Mr..
James fattens and butchers his
own hogs each winter and per-
sonally superintends the curing
Of the meat. In the smoking
process, he burns nothing but
sassafras wood which he claims
gives the meat a peculiarly de-
licate and aromatic taste. One
time Ollie took Champ one of
the hams and the Missourian liked
it so we'll and expressed such en-
thusiam over it, that now he gets
one frequently. But perhaps
the best of these stories is that
Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1911-08-31

W Ills lOIlc IOWH, dllu IL 10 W
present this that this is written.
Mr.. James was born July 81,
1871 on a farm seven miles from
Marion. From the first the baby
was a neig hborhood curiosity by
reason of his great size and the
peculiar wilderness of his skin
and hair, and almost before he
was given a surname, he was
called Whitley" 1t was not
long after the birth of the boy
that the family moved to Marion
where they have lived ever
since and where Mr.. L. H. James
the father has engaged in the
practice of law.
The boys education was Sc
cured in the public schools at
Marion and it must be admitted
that as a pupil he never took any
prizes. He had a confirmed hab-
it of strolling into the schoolroom
sometime after the tardy bell had
rung and barely managed to
scrape through with passing
grades on most of his studies.
But what he may have lacked in
studiousness he made up in his
penchant for get ting into mis-
chef. That his poor recitations
did not indicate a dull or slowly
working mind was shown by the
nimbleness of his wits and his
resourcefulness in planning es-
capades for himself and his COM
panions. Second only to this
propensity was his ability in ex-
Treating himself and companions,
his success generally being due
to his responsiveness in arguing
with his teacher or accuser, fore
runner of the eloquence and pow
err in debate which have played
such an important part in his later
career.
Mr.. James might be truly term
ed a born politician" From
infancy almost he evidenced an
interest in politics and as he grew
older this waxed stronger. He
would go any distance or brave
any hardship to hear a political
speech; he haunted the polling
places on election days, his chief
pleasure in reading was to pore
over the columns of daily papers
given to reporting and discussing
public affairs. AS early as nine
years of age he formed the habit
of reading the papers aloud to
his father, who suffered much
from rheumatism. Mr.. James,
Sr, encouraged this interest and
would discuss the matters read
thus impressing them upon the
youthful brain. With a marvel
ously retentive mind for facts
and figures, the embryo states
man early became a local auth
ority upon political matters and
when called upon, he rarely fail
ed to have the desired informant
ion. 1t is told on Mr.. James at
Marion that as one man express
ed it, until he was a right smart
chunk of a boy" he was a rep
ublican. Mr.. James emphatic
ally denies this.
But if there was one special
line of endeavor in which Mr..
James might be said to have
excelled his boyish companions,
it was in his ability and willing
ness to carry water for any pur-
pose. He was almost looked up
on as the town water-carrier,
and he was always ready and
willing to undertake a job.
Whenever a circus struck town,
Whitley" always paid his ad-
mission to the big tent by carry
ing water to the elephants and
among the most cherished pos
sessions of his wife today is a
PHOTOGRAPH of the sturdy boy
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
The decorations were of smilax,

The decorations were of smilax,
holly, palms and chrysanthemums.
Both young people are we'll known
in mankatO. The bride is the pOpu-
lar daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August
Rabe and received her education in
this city. She graduated from the
high school and also from the Com
mercial college. Until recently she
was stenOgrapher at the III. B. Perrin
& Son garage. The bridegroom is
connected with the MankatO Manu-
featuring company and is man of
excellent qualities. He has made
this city his home all his life, and
has a host of friends who wish him
the happiest of married life.
The young couple will go immedi-
ately to housekeeping at 208 Pleas.
ant street. The out of town guests
were Mr. and Mrs. J. c. Rabe and
family of Nicollet and Miss Rose
Rabe, sister OF the bride, of St.
Paul
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22

ton Iantz of Mapleton were business
visitors in Mankato yesterday.
Mrs. Frank J. Busch and John
Klein went to st. Peter today to
attend the funeral of Martin Klein
Herman Wilde of Vernon Center
transacted business in Mankato to-
day.
H. l.. Cordell of Forbes, is visit.
ing his mother for a few days. She
is seriously sick at Emmanuel hos
pital.
Hi Riley, one of the editors OF
The Northwestern Agriculturist OF
Minneapolis is spending a few days
in the city.
Miss Tryphena Lewis and Owen
Lewis of Lake Crystal are the
guests of Miss Mabel Rudberg for
a few days.
Miss Mamie Owen of Oshkosh
Wis, is expected to arrive in the
city today to visit her sister, Miss
Flossie Owen.
John Doose returned to his home
at Elderon. Iowa, today after spend.
ing few days as guest of his broth
er, Gus Doose.
Miss Mabel Johnson and Miss
Maude La Due of st. Peter are Wis.
iting at the home of Miss Agnes
Rudberg on State street.
Manager Charles Griebel of the
Mankato theatre returned home to-
day after a trip to Chicago. He Wis
listed points in Indiana also.
Mrs. NJ. Dittman of McGregor, S.
D., has arrived in Mankato to spend
the winter with her son, Rev. Ar
thur Dittman, at Madison Lake.
A. H. Hussel, who is student
at the Mankato Commercial college,
has left for Morgan, where he Will
spend the Christmas vacation with
his uncle.
James Lindsey left today for his
home at Tomahawk, Wis, where he
will spend the holidays He is one
of the members of the debating team
at the Commercial college,
George Fisher, the popular sales.
man for the Finch Van Slyke &
Mcconnell company of Minneapolis,
with headquarters at Mankato, has
left for his home at Appleton, Wis,
where he will spend the holidays.
Professor and Mrs. George E.
NettletOn left this afternoon for LIE
Sueur where they will spend Sun.
day. They will attend the revival
meetings being held there by Mr..
and Mrs. ]. NJ. Harris of Evanston,
Ill. They are holding revival meet
ings all over the country, and while
going through Mankato visited at
the Nettleton home over Thanksgiv.
Ing.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
From Saturdays Daily.
Program at Commercial COLLEGE.

President Johnson of the Man.
kato Commercial College Literary
society evidently made the proper
impression on the students at their
last meeting when he spoke of the
benefits they would get from taking
part in the literary programs. The
program given by the society last
evening was decidedly better than
either of the former ones. The col
lege orchestra opened the program,
and was followed by the mems quar-
tet, composed of Messrs. Foote, Tall
man, Hilliard and Davies. The stu.
dents encored their song and they
then gave "By the Old Mill Stream
The subject for the debate was,
Resolved, that the commission
form of government should be
adopted" The affirmative was pre-
sented by Mr.. Christie and Mr..
Lever, while Mr.. Lindsey and Mr..
Ney upheld the negative. The argu.
ments were good, and the rebuttal
showed evidence of careful study in
to the question. The decision was
unanimous in favor of the affirma-
tive.
Mr.. Schwartzenbach, the orchestra
accompanist, rendered a very pleas
ing piano solo and was encored. The
male quartet then sang again and
was welcomed enthusiastically. They
first sang "Massa's in the Cold, Cold
Ground" and at the insistent ap-
plause sang There Was a Tack"
Miss Palmer of the college gave
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Freids We're Entertained.

Miss Anna Jaeger entertained fif-
teen of her girl friends at birthday
party yesterday. Games and music
were INDUCED in at which all took
an enjoyable part. Miss Mary Zim-
meth won the head prize and Miss
Anna Frey consoled herself with the
BOBBY. Refreshments were served.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Entertained Sixty Guests.

Mr.. and Mrs. H. A. Hubmer en-
tertained about sixty guests at their
home in Decoria Saturday evening
at wedding reception in honor
of their son, George, and his bride,
formerly Miss Lydia Currier. The
couple were married on December
IA at Wells A bounteous supper
was served and the evening spent
in social way. Many presents were
received, most of them being hand
painted dishes and cut glass.
The groom holds a position in the
st. Clair State bank and the couple
will make their future home at st.
Clair, where he has provided beau
tiful home.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Was Pleasant Surprise.

A number of Mrs. A. H. Silber's
friends surprised her at her home
yesterday. that day being her birth
day. The ladies had very pleasant
time, and Mrs. SLIDER proved herself
a very charming hostess, even when
taken unawares.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Miss Severance Entertained.

Miss Maude Severance entertained
about eighteen Of her school friends
at her home on Bradley street last
evening. The evening was spent
playing games and delicious refresh
ments were served. The guests had
a very pleasant time.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22

winter with his family who have
been there since last September.
Mr.. and Mrs. r. B. Wigley of AL
bert Lea arrived in the city last
week and will spend the holidays as
the guest of the latter's parents, Mr.
and Mrs. William Craver of Belgrade
avenue. Mr.. Wigley is connected with
the Standard Oil company of this
city. His headquarters were recently
moved from Owatonna to Albert Lea.
j. w. True arrived from Oklahoma
yesterday. He was called here be-
cause of the illness of his daughter,
Jenette. Mr. True will remain here
until December 25. Mr. True ex-
poets to remove his family to Okla
homa in the spring. He is advertis-
ing his home on Hanover street for
sale and at reasonable terms Any
one who desires to purchase a we'll
built, modern house, should consult
Mr.. True before he departs for the
south on Monday next.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22

her mother Of Portland. Ore, are in
the city visiting friends and rela-
tives. On their way to Mankato
they stopped at Minneapolis for
short time. Mr.. Peterson expects to
leave for Tennessee in about two
weeks.
Edward Drews left this morning
for Mortified where he has accept
ed a position as stenographer and
reporter on The Mortified News.
Mr.. Drews was formerly student
at the Mankato Commercial college
and has a large circle of friends
here who wish him success in hts
new position.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Youna PEOPLES Forum.

The Young Peoples forum Of the
Methodist Sunday school was enter
tanned at the Schippel home on Hick-
DRY street last evening. There was
very large attendance and every
one enjoyed themselves immensely.
Refreshments were served.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
From Fridays OaIiv.
Rabe-WiIcox Weddjnu

George Henry Wilcox and Miss
Birdie Rabe were united in marriage
last evening at the home of the
brides parents, Mr.. and Mrs. August
Rabe, in the presence of Immediate
relatives The ceremony was per-
formed at eight o'clock by Rev. W..
N. Jameson Of the Centenary Meth
odist church.
The bride wore a dress of white
lace over cream messaline and carri-
ed shower bouquet of brides roses.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Kathleen Hart in Quartet at Church
of the Redeemer.

OF the HedeSmer.
Minneapolis Tribune: kathleen
Hart, the well known Minneapolis
soprano, will succeed Mrs. Edith
Pearce Daubach as soprano in the
Church of the Redeemer quartet
January 1. Miss Hart has signed a
contract for two years.
Miss Hart is one of the best
known of the younger singers in Min
neapOlis. For three years she studied
with Fraulein Schoen-Rene in Berlin
She also studied dramatic art with
Madam Reuss-Belce, director of
women at the annual Wagner festi-
val at Bayreuth."
The Sunday Minneapolis Tribune
contained a picture of Miss Hart.
She is the daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
T. w. Hart, formerly of Mankato.
Engagement Is Announced.
The wedding announcement of Miss
Sadie Leah Saliterman OF Minneapo-
lis to Henry L. Hackner of this city
has been made. The couple will be
married on January Z, 1912, in Min
neapolis, after which they will take
a honeymoon trip of one month. The
trip will include visit to Mr.. Hack
ner's old home at Norfolk, Va, and
to Washington, d. c., and Baltimore,
Nd
man of this city, being employed at
the store of l.. Salet on North Front
street. The bride is one of the pop
.ular young ladies Of Minneapolis and
has a large circle of friends who
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
(From Mondays DaiIy.)
Piano Recital,

The pupils of Miss Mamie Skuse
gave piano recital at her home
on North Fifth street last Saturday
afternoon, the younger class only
taking part. A social hour followed
and refreshments were served. The
program was as follows:
"Study" from Theo Presser. $50.
Edgar Mullen
Air, "Ann of Tharau". .Theo Presser
Little Rosy Lips. I'll. Streabbog
Elsie Schipper
A Little Flower. i. .Theo Presser
Gretchen Jefferson
Holiday March. .......T heo Presser
Gretchen Jefferson
Beauties of Paradise. :. l.. Streabbog
Ruth and Sylvia Kuebler
Shower of Roses. Il. Streabbog
Morning Prayer. ...... Il. Streabbog
Martha BackstrOm
Garland of Roses. Il. Streabbog
Ruth Kuebler
General Boulangers March. 80.
Ruth Kuebler
Star of the East. 49,. :. "A. Kennedy
Edith Rosquist
On Parade ............ &C. Edwards
Edith ROsquist
An Autumn Afternoon, Reverie. :.
............. &C. Lindsey
Lester Lang
Blumenlied. 80. =. -. Gustav LANCE
Shower of Roses, OPP. 1856. .'......
...............'... IL. Streabbog
Sylvia Kuebler
Andantlno ......r....... =. .Czerny
Farewell to the Aims
................. Gustav LANCE
Frederick Jefferson
The Shepherds Evening Song. -.
.................. Charles Blake
Mamie Skuse and Lester Lang
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Happy Birthday Party.

A pleasant surprise was rendered
Miss Margaret Hotaling on Saturday
evening by fourteen of her school
mates. The evening was spent in
telling ghost stories, singing and
guessing contests. About 1890
dainty refreshments were served by
Mrs. Hotaling and daughter, Mrs.
l.. Stennes of Chicago. Miss Hotal-
ing was the recipient of handsome
leather bound year book, and sew
eral other gifts. The guests de-
parted after having spent an enjoy
able evening and wished their
hostess many happy returns of the
day.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Nicely Entertained.

The Ladies' Aid of the Christian
church was very pleasantly enter
tanned Friday afternoon at the home
of Mrs. Jorgenson on Fulton street.
About thirty-five ladies were present.
A delicious lunch was served and all
had good tire.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-22
Club Women Take Vacation.

Club women OF Mankato are TAX
ing a vacation until after the holt
day season. The Art History club
hold their last meeting of this year
the week and the Zetetic club will
held their last meeting of this year
on Monday. Both clubs will COM
mence work again about the second
week in January. The Zetetic club
has fuller program for this years
work than usual and found it neces-
sary TO have one more meeting be-
fore the holidays than they are ac-
customed to having.