davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28

ogy, grammar, spelling geography
and music. I am going to study history
next term. We have thirty one pupils
enrolled. We have q seven 4. months
term and we have only ten more
weeks. My teachers name is Mae Cain.
like her just fine We had weeks
vacation Christmas. will tell You
what got for Christmas. got blue
scarf, muller, four pretty handker-
chiefs, six post cards and blue velvet
pin cushion, cream pitcher. sugar
bowl and candy and oranges ana
seventy-flve cents. My birthday is the
22nd of February, the same date on
which George Washington was born.
Last year got twenty-one post CARDS
for my birthday. have four sisters
and three brothers. Two of my sisters
are married and one of my brothers Is
married and he lives In Glenwood, la
We live five miles from town called
Lovilia. We do most of our trading at
Lovilia for 1t Is closer to where we
live. I like to coast down hill when
there is snow on the ground. take my
sled to school when there Is enough
snow on the ground to coast. Last win.
ter we had enough snow on the ground
to have good many sleigh rides had
quite a bit Of fun at school last winter
coasting down hills. One of my school
mates came home with me one night
last week. We had lots Of fun. am
going home with one OF my friends
one night next week II it Is nice and
not too cold. like to read the Junior
letters very much. ~
Rosa McGarry, age IA,
Lovilia, Iowa, R. No. l.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
RUTH SAYS HER LETTER DID NOT
APPEAR.

Dear Editor: This is the second
letter have written l wrote once
before. but 1t happened that it did not
appear in the Courier Junior. Maybe
I did not follow the rules.
One day after Christmas little girl
named Hattie came up to my house
and asked me what got for Christmas.
told her got two dolls. One Of them
was comical doll named Leo. The
other one, baby doll that cries when
you hit it and when you turn it over.
She asked me what else I got, told
her I got ribbon-rack, some goods
for an apron, q ring, a locket, bible
mark, three handkerchiefs. some candy
and nuts and two little booklets. Both
Of them were the same. My brother
and got game Of sten pins and a
game of table croquet.
Your Junior friend,
Ruth Perkins, age 10.
Ottumwa, Iowa, R. R. No. Z.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
FERN LIVES IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Dear Juniors: am IL years old
live in South Dakota % miles from the
capital, we came out here in the
spring from Cantril, Iowa. like 100
1.-Two out hera rlrigh:. hertled our
cattle THIS inner. until school be-
gan. We have killed 50 rattle snakes
Killed six NJ them.
riley fight sometimes.
There arc lot Of prairie dogs out
hare they li,3 III 4 deep hole ii. the
ground, and when you pass they bark
at you, they eat hay and store it in
the!.. hole IT,. winter
We go to Soho i now our teachers
name is Jessie Shepherd, like her
en-" | study reading, spelling, arith-
metic, history, granlper, physiology,
geography.
Ny grandma and grandpa Young
live close to Ottumwa they get their
mai; Il; Floris.
VEL 8. my 10 .'sr l.; getting long
will close SO goo i:by.
Fern Stephenson,
I, Lass, South Dako a.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
STORIES AND LETTERS.
'LEoNA LIKES TO READ BOOKS.

I thought would write and tell you
about the books have been reading.
read and wrote review stories on nine
different books and studied the rest 81
NV studies in about three weeks. /
have received certificates on the lib
rary books at school and have not re-
ceived my other two yet and with my
large certificate it makes three Tor me me
"a ret vet When we get six small ones
we are to get one large one from the
superintendent. received a nice let
ter from Frances and Josephine Nor
ton, two of our Junior friends or Mel,
rose, Ia. and I received a nice card
from Florence Skirvin, Henrietta
Plaster and Mabel Root, three other
Junior girls Frances. Norton has been
very Ill at the Ottumwa hospital oui Ut
she is home now and able to be up all
the time. will close for this time, hop
Ing to receive postal from the editor.
Leona Vest, age IA.
Ottumwa, Ia, r. No. 6.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
FRANCES MOTHER DIED WHEN
SHE WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS.

Dear Junior: thought would
write few lines to the Junior.
am girl about Is years old.
am 4 feet and inches tall. go to
school every day. The goth OF April
is my birthday. MY father lives in
Kansas City, Mo. went to Kansas
City and was there year.
just got back three weeks ago.
I love to read the Junior very much.
l was born in 1898 and lacked one
month Of being two years old when
my mother died. / have stayed with
my grand parents all the rest OF my
life. go to the Irving school and in
the 5th grade.
This is the first time have written
OF the Junior. My playmates names
are Helen Shaw, Ruby Claudine King,
Gladys Jennings, Rophine and Olive.
Grandpas 81 years Of age and
grandma 63 years Of age.
Well will close for this time,
Frances King.
Ottumwa, Iowa, 300 Church St.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
NELLIE's CANARY AND THE
SPARROW,

Dear Editor: l once had canary
bird. 1t sang so loud l put 1t out OF
doors l placed it up in big tree In
front OF the hose. One day sparrow
came up and, sat on the cage. 1t kept
up twitter with the canary. He few
away and brought back green leaf
and dropped it into the cage and the
canary ate it up. He did this several
times that day. They got to be such
friends the canary would open his
mouth for what the sparrow brought
him.
The sparrow would sit on the cage
and listen to he canary sing. The
sparrow used to come to the cage
every day and bring worm or q leaf.
When the winter came on took the
cage in the house and the sparrow did
not come to the cage any more.
Nellie Hutch. age IL.
Bunch, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
FEBRUARY.

In California, February Is beautl-
full month. The orange trees are Q
beautiful sight with their green glossy
foliage and the golden fruit. The pep
per trees are also pretty sight with
their bright red berries and lacey
green leaves and on the desert there
are beautiful wild flowers in bloom
Tho Scarlet Bugler has long stalk
which is about two or three feet in
height and the stalk has just small
green leaves and the flowers are IN
pairs, running all the way up the
stalk. They are red. The wild forget
me-not is much like the old fashioned
for-get-me-not here only much larger
and ccarser. There are also baby
blue eyes, ground pinks. lady tips and
more glorious than all, the Can
fornia poppy and very many other
beautiful wild flowers blooming IN
February.
About the second week in February
we started for the east and the
scenery through the mountains was
grand. The big rocks, some of them
looked like statues of human beings,
others like the ruins Of some large
building. We also saw many Indians
and their adobe houses. When we
reached Kansas, we saw very diner
emit sight from the California. The
bare trees and dead grass and snow
on the ground and the thermometer
down to degrees above zero.
Ruth Massey, aged IL,
Fairfield, la.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
FEBRUARY.

February is the shortest month In
the year, and is generally the coolest.
It has only twenty-eight days. Every
four years is called leap year when
it has 20 days. It is the second month
of the year.
It has more special days than any
other. There is ground hogs day on
Feb. 2. He comes out Of the ground
and IL he sees his shadow we will
have more winter, and If he don't we
will not. Lincoln's birthday comes
next. It is February H.. He was the
sixteenth president Of the United
states and he freed the slaves. Valen-
tines day is the fourteenth. It IS a
festival celebrated that day. 1t was
established in England, France and
Scotland It is not celebrated now as
It used to be. It is more for chill
dren now. while it used to be cele-
brated by young men and girls. It
was established about the 18th
George washington's birthday
comes next. He was the first presi-
dent Of the United States. He is also
called the father Of his country.
.Longfellow's birthday Is on Feb. ~.
He was one Of Americas greatest
poets. "a
-
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
MARIE VISITED HER PAPA'S
HOMESTEAD.

Dear Juniors: l will write and tell
what I go. for Christmas. got two
dolls, doll telescope, rubber ball,
a handkerchief, string of beads. a
pair Of gloves, plaid hair ribbon, an
one dollar, and a lot of candy and nuts.
I spent Christmas with my papa on
a homestead. Mamma and I live In
town during school time. We haG a
blizzard when we went to'see oapa.
We have dog and his name is
Jack. He is as cute as cute can be.
Sometimes when we go for ride IN
the afternoon he will stand and watch
us out of sight and when we come back
he will wait till we stop and then he
will run and bark. He Is very playful.
Your Junior
Marie Dible, age II.
1O5 Monroe ST., Colorado City, Colo.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
MILDRED A NEW JUNIOR.

Dear Editor: am q new Junior.
am ~ years old. am in the 9Th
grade, quarter at school. We have
been living on the corner of Davis and
Vine street, but now we have moved
on farm.
For pets / have two dogs, cat, a
colt, and calf I have two sets OF
paper dolls. One Of their names is
Miss Prudence and the other is Dottie
Dimples.
One doll has party dress after.
noon dress, a play dress, and dress to
wear to town, q coat with furs, and
hats to match each dress and coat.
The other has school dress. q
town dress, party dress, and an after.
noon dress, a coat, with hats to match
each.
/ like them real well, but do not
play with them much. I have q
brother Edwin, 9 years old, two sisters
Francis years, and Katie May 10
months old. Well as my letter Is get.
ting long for the first time I will close,
hoping to see my letter in print.
From Junior,
Mildred Styre, age IL
Ottumwa, Iowa, r. R. No. 6.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
The Courier unior
Published by
the coURiEE PRINTING &C.
oT9umwA. IOWA
MATILDA DEvEREAux.
EDITOR.
GOOD STORIES COMING IN.

Dear Juniors: We are in receipt Of
10 many good stories in the contest
announced last week that we VII!
again print the rules as the contest
does not close until Monday, Jan. ~:
Many birthdays Of noted men are
soon to be celebrated, SO we think the
following subjects will bring forth ex'
cellent efforts from the Juniors:
"aIRTHDAYs OF GREAT MEN"
deeds OF MARTYRED PREsl'
DENTs."
Juniors not caring to write on the
above subjects can select one OF the
following for their stories:
IAN IMAGINARY TRIP IN AN AiH'
SHIP"
"VALENTINE- DAY."
The prizes for this contest Will be
one Of the following articles:
A book, ring, spoon, picture or q
plate.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
Be Kind

Be kind to the unfortunate
For you can't Judge his life;
His path has meier been smooth ike
yours,
But full of toll and strife.
Be kind to the unfortunate
Whose life knows naught that's
sweet;
For poverty, encouragement
May lead astray his feet.
Be kind to the unfortunate;
Give him q brothers care
A helping hand. q friendly smile
When you meet him anywhere.
Be kind to the unfortunate:
He's low and you are high;
And q reward you'll justly earn
From the Great God In the sky.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
RUTH SAYS SHE IS LONELY.

Dear Courier Junior: thought ]
would write to you, ID not feel very
well todav and did not go to school
! have not been tardy but have been
absent few days. have written to
the Courier before and got beauti-
full post card. thank you very much
for sending 1t. MY teachers name Is
Belle Sigler. She boards at our
house.
l have no brothers or sisters and l
get awfully lonesome and ! would
rather have little brother or sister.
Well I will close.
Ruth Dean, age 8.
Eldon, Ia, r. r. No. 2. ia
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
Miss Edna Cary:

Miss Edna Cary: nj
Dear Friend:-I received your letter
through the JUNIOR page. Was glad 70
hear from you. How are you? am
fine and dandy. Have you had the
measles yet? I have not and do not
wan them. Do you receive letters from
Elva Huffman? I exchange post cards
with her occasionally and also Wilda
Conger, but l have not heard from
Waldo for long time and l do not
know what her address is as she has
moved I received your post card
some time ago and was glad to hear
from YOU Many thanks for it. Will
send you card later. Have you ever
received prize from the editor?
have never won a prize. I guess l
never wrote a story and sent it to the
editor though. What did you get for
your birthday and also Christmas? l
got some post cards, handkerchiefs,
nickles and many other things.
Edna Shrimp, age IA,
Charlton, a., r. No. 4.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
FRANCES WAS DISAPPOINTED.

Dear Editor:
AS wrote to the Junior page once
before and my letter was not in print
was very much disappointed when I
did not see it In print, and would Ike
to see this one in print. go to school
to the Melrose public school. MY
teachers name is Sister Burnadetta. ]
like her pretty well. am In the fourth
grade. My studies are reading, Wrltlns'
Spelling. language, geography, physi-
ology and arithmetic.
I would like to exchange cards with
any Of the Juniors.
Frances Mullin, age 10,
Melrose, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28

On the twentieth day of Jandaan
1884 our martyred president, William
Mckinley was born.
He was first a sturdy young school
boy He was bright chap and
learned very quickly. His next step
in life was a young school teacher.
Then as the war fever grew worse. he
decided it was his duty to protect his
country and enlisted in the army.
After nobly filling his place as sol
tlier, he became a ski1lful lawyer. His
first election was in 1876 as congress
man, and he served that ONCE four
teen years. He was next elected gov
ernor of Ohio and served four years.
His next election was as president OF
the United States He married early
in his life to young girl named Ida
Saxton. He did not care to serve
second term for the presidency, but
the people insisted and he was elected
the second term. President McKinley's
assassination was surprise and
shock to the whole community. His
assassin was foreigner by the name
Of Leon Czolgosz. A high prfestess by
the name of Emma Goldman, in
fluenced the assassin to shoot Presi-
dent Mckinley by saying, Thousands
of men die every day, why should
there be any fuss made about this
man?'
A colored man by the name OF
James B. Parker, prevented the
foreigner from shooting the third time
at the president. DR.. P. M. Rixey was
the family doctor who worked very
steadily to help the president but
failed. Miss Grace Mackenzie was the
nurse who was with the president dur
ing his last hours.
Detective Geary caught the presi-
dent in his arms when he was shot.
He was much grieved for by thou.
sands Of people, especially by Mrs.
Mckinley.
r. F. D. No. 4, La Plata, Mo.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
A NEWSBOY
HERO

The Newtonville boys had q fine
coasting place. It was down steer
hillside. and away from the business
thoroughfares of the town. There
every evening might be seen from one
dozen to one hundred boys with their
sleds, enjoying the fine winter past1me
OF flying down the long hill, to walk
deliberately up 1t again. And with
them were their sisters and girl
friends, and an occasional mother or
''big" sister to see that they did not
run into danger. One evening when
fine heavy and solid snow lay on the
ground the children turned out in force
to enjoy 1t. The hillside was dotted
black with them, and their gay shouts
and merry laughter could be heard 9
long way off,
s.The children are having fine time
tonight, son." said old Granny" Rich'
She was speaking to her grandson,
Scotty Rich, q pale faced chap OF ~
Scotty was newsboy and lived with
his aged and widowed grandmother
His parents were dead.
yep, Granny" said Scotty. "Wisht
had coaster. Thought ia make
enough on extras this winter to nave
one. But it seems extras don't sell 80
well as I'd planned. Funny how men
won't buy an extra. Think they get II
all In the next mornin' daily, reckon"
Eyes, an times are close this winter,
son." explained Granny. II had set my
heart on your havin' the coaster, and
also a new pair Of sidewalk skates.
But times are too hard. You see, get
only this small pension from the gov
eminent because I'm an old soldiers
widow. But it amt enough to keep
YOU and me, you see. So, we have to
take all you can earn sellin' papers,
son to keep the wolf from the door.
But after this year, maybe you'll do
better. You're learnin' lots at night
school, sonny, and you'll be fitted to
get into business of your own maybe.
I often see you with fine news stand
down at the Railroad hotel where
you'll get big patronage" =.
.eThat'A~ come with time, Granny
said Scott, hopefully. "Tll be ready
to quit school in year or two. linen
I'll hustle job that'll bring us-you
and me, GRANNY good livin':'
Then the happy shouts and laughter
OF the coasters came through the walls
and windows of the little wooden
building occupied by old Mrs. Rlch
and her grandson. And the old lady
resumed: "As l was sayin'. ScottX,
the youngsters are havin' a fine time
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28

February is cold, Icy month, being
one of the winter months. 1t Is the
second month in the year.
On February IA, comes st. Valen-
tines day. We give and receive val.
entines then. Then on the twelfth OF
February comes Abraham Lincoln's
birthday. He was the sixteenth presi-
dent Of the United States.
Then on Feb. %, just ten days after
Lincoln's birthday, one of the greatest
men in the world and the first presi-
dent of the United States has his
birthday celebrated all over the
United States He is George Wash
ington. February has only twenty
eight day in it except every four years
when it is leap year and then it has
twenty-nine. For the last two or
three years we have moved in Feb
ruary. February is one Of the school
months.
Maude Skirvin. age II,
r. F. d No. 2, Floris, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28

saved my IIe. 0aS-1 NOA hAo"
what to say-I'm SO ashamed OF my
self. I've been fool--a big-headed
fool. But-where is your sled, old
man
'sThere, unhurt," said scotty. ut
stopped soon after I tumbled off. Its
wooden runners don't go like steel
runners, you see.
"Say-will you shake my hand 2
And Bert held out hand to sScotty
"And I'll not ask you to forgive my
conduct-that would be too much. But
as sure as my name Is Bert Jackson
I'll show you that know how to
repay a good turn. Come-let''s go to
the top of the hill. My, but that horse
| is going some, isn't he And both
boys looked after the poor, crazed
runaway horse.
When they reached the top OF the
hill Bert took Scottys arm and, bow.
ing to his rich and finely dressed com
rades, said: Here's hero-a brick
of kid, girls and boys, and he's going
to became one Off he Will. three
cheers for the Newsboy who Is big
hearted enough to save a fools life, q
fool who hopes to repay his great SER
vice in some way?"
/ Scotty felt bit abashed. Playing
the hero was not in his line, but ne
could not get away from the girls and
boys who swarmed-50 in number
about him. Each one wanted to shake
his hand and to say something nice to
him. So, blushing like a girl. Scotty
stood there, wishing he could break
away and run home to his dear old
Granny"
The next day three boys, Bert lead
ing them, tapped at the door to Scottys
home. When Granny" admitted them
Bert dragged in behind him fine
coaster, one that any boy might be
happy to own. And he bore a letter
from his father to Scotty, asking him
to call at his office on little matter
Of business.
"You see, ma'am, this little present
designating the coaster) Is for Scotty.
your grandson. I know 1T Is trlnlng
thing, but I haven't any other way OF
expressing my gratitude to him. But
in the years that are to come | want
to be a friend to your grandson
friend he may call upon in any sort OF
pinch or trouble. And--papa has
proposition to make to him."
And Bert's fathers proposition was
a very good one. He proposed that
scotty and his grandmother move into
one of his pretty residences, where
half the house should be set aside Tor
their use and the remaining roms let
to another tenant. Scotty's grand
mother should be caretaker, thus pay
ing their rent in looking after the
place. scotty was to attend school,
along with Bert, and work on, Satur.
day-certain hours-for Bert's father,
who was wealthy merchant.
"Well, well, son, that homemade
sled lust carried you right into good
luck" laughed good old Granny
few DAYS after they had moved into,
their new quarters. "And you don't
have to sell papers any more, but can
90 to school and learn all about DOCKS
and business. Oh, I am SO thankful
things have turned out in this way Tor
my fine boy"
"And I meansto prove myself worthy
~ Rert's and his fathers kindness to
me" declared Scotty. Il only saved
Bert from sliding under that runaway
horses feet. And Just see what they
Bert and his father are doing lot
Won and me, Granny"
"Dear, unconceited boy" smiled
Granny"
Then they sat down to- supper to
talk 1t all over.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
rHEoposlA VISITING HER GRAND
FATHER.

Dear Editor:
MY grandfather takes the courier so
that is how I came to Write: take
oreat Measure in reading the Junior
mage. NV grandpa and grandma live IN
Bloomfield. Ia, but come to San An
tonic to spend the winter. This winter
they brought mamma and I along
with them. I enclose q little story
which l have written and If see TINS
in print will be glad to write again.
7 want to know how I can belong to the
Junior SO 1 can write for a prize.
Theodosia Wahl age .,
52s w. Myrtle St., San Antonio. Tex.
(Theodosia can read the Junior rules
and the contest rules each week.-Ed.)
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
JUN e.

am going to write about June. I
like it best because my birthday is In
June, and It is also the month of roses
and weddings. June is the sixth
month Of the year. Everything is very
beautiful in that month. The grass is
so green and the flowers are always
in bloom then. It Is the month when
the children have their exercises for
missionary work. The children recite
pieces, sing songs, etc. The longest
days Of the year are in June.
Sybil Viola Wheaton, age 8.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28

ooh, what bad Saturday it is" said
Elsie. 1--WE won't have any fun
yes, we will sister We will make
a snow man." said Alice, little older
than. Elsie
ooh, Alice, you can think of any
thing. Let's 60 eat breakfast right
now said Elsie.
They started out together and be-
gan the task. They put on old clothes
and when their papa came he told the
children there was some poor people
out in the yard. The children laughed
and said: "They are only snow peo-
ple.'
Margaret Murray, age II. I
514 West Second street. OttumWa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-28
BLANcHE's FIRST LETTER.

Dear Editor:
This is the first time I have ever
written to the Junior. We had nice
Christmas. We played games. 4
I was run over by wagon and had
my leg broken. ! had to stay out OF
school six weeks. I have four brothers
at home and one sister. We so to,
school every day, and we like to go.
went on trip on time on the train.
like to play but it is too cold to play
out doors. haven't much time to play.
Blanche McInerny, age 8,
1903 E. Main ST., Ottumwa, Ia.