davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Number 3a
III. w. BECKETT DIES HEskE
HAD REACHED AGE OF 90


Funeral services for the late
Erasmus Beckett, one OF the Oldest
and best known residents of this
community. whose death occurred
here Saturday, were held Monday
afternoon at 2:30 from the home OF
his son Mr.. Frank NJ Beckett. The
services were conducted by Rev.
Perry S. NeIdon of the Methodist
/ Episcopal church. Mr.. Beckett's
two favorite hymns were read:
| abide with me- and Gently Lord,
| o gently lead u.s. The pail bearers
were relatives, with the exception
Of Mr.. Elmer e Harris, and were
from Waterford and vicinity. They
were besides Mr.. Harris: Austin,
Arthur. Alex and Lewis Beckett
and Elmer Roberts Interment was
made in the McConnelsville ceme-
ltery. The following sketch of the
, life Of the deceased was furnished
this paper, by the family:
Erasmus W Beckett was born
Feb. S, 1886. on the opposite side OF
the Muskingum river from what is
now Beckett postoffice, and died
March 6, 1925, at the age of 80
years and 28 days. His mother dy-
ing when he was but seven months
odd. he was taken by his mothers
sister Julia Watson Bone, and she
and her husband Jacob Bone. be-
came as father and mother to him
as long as they lived. On Oct. Is,
1857, he was married to Sarah J.
Pritchard, who, like himself, had
been left an orphan at an early age.
To this union were born eight chill
dren, four dying in infancy. A
daughter, Mrs. Rose Kirby, pre-
.ceded him in death in 1893. Sur
viying are three sons, Frank NJ.
Beckett of McConnelsvflIe, o.: Car
ry w. Of Columbus, o., and Harry P.
of San Jose, Calf. He also leaves
five grandchildren and two great
grandchildren Since the death of
his wife on August 81, 1905. Mr..
Beckett had lived by himself in
rooms in his building on Main street,
here, until about two months ago,
when he finally consented to make
his home with his son, F. M. Beck
EFT. Always healthy man, rarely.
If ever, requiring the services of a
physician, yet his decline at the last
had been rapid, body and mind keep
ing pace until the end, which was
peaceful and sweet as his life had
ever been.
Mr.. Beckett began in the saw
mill business in May, 1859. and was
probably the first man to own and
operate portable saw mill in Nor
gan county, continuing in that bus
mess for period of 80 years. In
1891 he purchased the building and
stock of groceries of the late C.
Burckholter, and conducted that
business until he retired a number
Of years ago.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Death OF DIR. Ellsworth King

Relatives in this locality received
word of the death of DIR. Ellsworth
King of Los Angeles, Cal, which oc-
Cured March 8. following the un-
dergoing of an operation. The
message came as great shock, as
while it had been known to the rel
atives here that DR.. King was not
in good health, it was not known
that his condition was serious. and
details of his illness are not known
to them as yet.
The deceased was a native of near
Westland, Morgan county. He had
been located in the west number
of years, first in South Dakota, and
the last six years of his life in
California. 1t was while residing
in South Dakota, that he was mar
ried. His wife survives; also two
sons Waldo and Ellsworth of the
home, and daughter Mrs. Mary
Emery of Los Angeles. He was
about 65 years of age. DIR. J. A.
King of McConnelsviile, Mrs. r. A.
Kennard and Mrs. Belle Balm of
Malta and Mrs J. F. Dougan of
Pennsville are his brother and sis
ters. A brother John King died
about year ago.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
New Era HospitaIity Night

The New Era club held its annual
hospitality meeting Monday night.
1T had been planned to hold it at the
summer home of Mr.. and Mrs. Len
nard Sears, but because of the bad
weather the place was changed to
the George NJ. Scott residence.
Those present included in addition
to the members of the club, one in
vited guest by each member, in all
about so persons being present. An
elegant chicken dinner was served.
st. Patrick's day decorations were
used Besides the elegant dinner a
program was rendered, Mrs L. E.
Sharp, president, presiding. The
program included piano solo by
Mrs. George w. Lowell; an original
poem by Mrs. 3. D. Richardson; al
so readings given by Miss Mary
Elizabeth Coulson and Mrs. C. L.
Stanbery. Following this program,
music was furnished by the Ortho-
phonic victrola, and bingo was play
ed. The committee in charge of
the affair was composed of Mrs. c..
S. Dye, Mrs. Fred Coulson and Mrs.
Ann Shafer. Mrs Alice Dye Ritch-
ey of Hebron was an out of town
guest.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Special Meetings At Joy Close

A contribution to the Democrat
concerning revival meetings recent
ly held at Joy. was in substance as
follows:
Mrs. Roy Rogers from near Ell
Dorado, Kan, has been conducting
a three weeks revival in the NJ. E.
church at Joy, o., and had wonder
full success to which we give God all
the glory through his son Jesus
Christ. In spite of bad roads had
big crowds and all seemed like one
big family Had such wonderful
fellowship, one with another. Souls
came to the altar to find Jesus. The
church was filled. at the close of the
meeting, and all were sorry the
meeting had come to close. IT
seemed like olden times indeed, as
people came for many miles away
on horseback, in sleds and wagons,
and some walked a distance of eight
miles and were always ready to join
in the first song. We shall never
forget the good revival.
The eastern people are inviting
Mrs. Rogers back some time to hold
a tent meeting.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11

bers Of Post were invited as hon
iorary pail bearers. A quartet from
the local Methodist Episcopal
church--Messrs Harry Betz and
Richard Bell and Mrs. j E. Spence
and Miss Margaret Rothrock sang
the hymn requested The funeral
services were under the auspices Of
Valley lodge /. o. o. F., and were
held from his late residence Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 O'Clock, and were
largely attended. The pastor at
Wesley Chapel, Rev. J. l.. Nuzum,
had charge, and was assisted by
Rev. Perry S. Neldon. Atty G. o.
McGonagle read an obituary sketch,
and tribute to the deceased, and
the members of the G. A. r. had
their rituaIistic service. AT the
cemetery the /. o. o. F. had charge
The paH bearers were Messrs. Irven
Travis, j. u. Huffman, Jos. w. New
berry, Raymond Durbin, c. F. Siler
and Geo. W. Duvall. There were
many handsome floral tributes In
terment was made in the McConnels-
vile cemetery
Among those from away who were
in attendance at the funeral were
Mrs. Bernice Shaw OF Jefferson, O.;
Mr.. and Mrs. J. w. Farra, Mr.. and
Mrs. Charles Hahn, Mr.. and Mrs.
Carl Wilson. Mrs. Montford Wilson
and son Kenneth, and Mrs. Bertha
|Christman. all of GAINESVILLE and
Mr. Everett Whipple of Cleveland
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Death OF G. l.. (Love) Ramsey

Mr.. Irven Travis Of this place re-
ceived a telegram Tuesday telling of
the critical illness of his cousin Mr.
Love Ramsey. A few hours later
word came of his death, which oc-
Cured at the Springfield, O., Ma
sonic home where he had been for
the past five or six years. Mr.. Ram
sey was son of the late Benjamin
and Sarah Wilson Ramsey, and was
born at Stockport He was about
|68 years of age, and was the last of
his family of three. In early life
he worked on the old Malta Valley
Register, and also worked on the
ia circus and from that time on un-
til about the time he went to
Springfield, he was connected with
shows. He was with Buffalo
Bill for time as advance commits
sary agent. For number of years
he made this place his home. His
father was one of the we'll known
river men of his day, being for years
captain on the Mink. His. father was
a brother of the late Mrs. Mary E..
Travis of this place. Mr.. Ramsey
was also cousin of Mrs. Emmett
Wilson of this place, their mothers
being sisters.
Mr.. Ramsey's Masonic member
ship was with the Stockport lodge.
Funeral services will be held Friday
at 1880 at the Masonic home
Springfield, and burial will be made
in the Masonic cemetery at that
place.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Birthday Party At Sears Home

A very pleasant event occurred
at the DR.. w. r. Sears home in NAL
ia Saturday evening, when the first
birthday anniversary of his daugh-
ter Phoebe Marie was celebrated.
The little lady received oceans of
presents" in honor of the event. At
the fine chicken dinner which was
served at about $50 O'Clock, covers
were laid for the following: Mr and
Mrs. Willard Huntington and Mrs.
Olivia Sears, grandparents of
Phoebe Marie; Mr.. and Mrs. S. B..
Sheridan and daughter Miss Marjory
Sheridan, and DR.. and Mrs. w. r..
Sears and daughter
In the center of the table was a
huge birthday cake with it's one
large pink candle and at each plate
was an individual cake with it's one
little pink candle the idea of the
first birthday anniversary being
thus carried out in a most beautiful
way. The company spent a delight
ful social evening following the din
ner
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Deayertown Grange Program

The following is the program for
Deavertown grange, Saturday night.
March 13. at 1880 o'clock: Opening
song, The Wearing of the Green;
roll call, Irish jokes; Has the radio
added to farm life, Dallas Stone
burner; Prophecy of Deavertown
Fgrange in 1850, Barbara Stinson;
Advantages and disadvantages of
centralized schools, Mrs. Violet
Stoneburner; an original poem,
Elizabeth Thomas; question box:
My trip to Washington, Chas. Bush;
Where does Ohio rank in livestock,
wheat, corn, hay, coal and minerals,
David Wainwright; Where do our
taxes go, Carl Eveland; The most
foolish thing l ever did, Dell Ram
bo; My favorite corn bread recipe,
Mrs. David Wainwright: closing
song. Please come and don't forget
to have question for the question
boX-XX
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
open Meeting OF Malta Grange

On Friday evening, March 19,
Malta grange will hold an open
meeting. The vocational agricul-
ture boys and their teacher from
the McConnelsville high school will
be present and put on program,
after which short play will be Civ
en-. Also refreshments will be serv-
ed. All the members and their fam
lilies are urged to be present.-Iyan
McKitrick. Lect.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Edwin Lowell In Honor List

A news item from wooster states
that the list of honor students at
Wooster college, who received high
grades for the first semester has
Just been given out by DR.. Charles
r. Compton, registrar of Wooster,
and that it includes Charles Edwin
Lowell of McConnelsville, O., who
received no grade less than B. High
entrance requirements is believed
to be largely responsible for the
small number of failures at the mid
term this year. However there has
been corresponding increase in
the requirements for class standing.
The Wooster college faculty believes
that in having 120 honor students
this past semester, these students
have done exceptionally good work.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Francis Asbury Hospitality Night

Monday evening the Francis AS
bury, society held its regular yearly
hospitality night" at the Metho-
dist church parlors. A pot luck
supper was served at $50. The
supper was most elegant one, and
the color scheme of green and white
was beautifully carried out. st.
Patrick's day decorations were used.
Following the banquet, a program
of stunts was put on, which were
planned by Mrs. Neldon. These
stunts included the Lady Midgets;"
Human Ford" Three Maids Of
Lee;' hand shaking contests. and 4
unique spelling contest. The even
ing was very much enjoyed by the
l70 members and guests present.
The regular meeting of the society
will be held tonight at the home OF
Mrs. Mary Longley.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11

Another good oil well was drilled
in last week on the Jas Rusk lease
which is about two miles above Mer-
riam station. 1t was shot Monday
and is making 20 barrels. This
makes six good producing wells on
this lease, which includes the Clar-
lendon and the o. W. Harrop, and
|other farms in that vicinity, the
lease comprising about 1000
acres. This field is believed to be
a continuation of the York town
ship field, and it is stated that Mr..
Rusk has refused a $4,000 offer for
the lease. Mr.. Harry Donehoo of
this place is driller, and other wells
are being put down. The wells are
in the Berea sand and are about
1900 feet deep.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Entertain For Two Neldon BOYS

Mr.. Curt Shilling's Sunday school
|class of young men, and Mrs. Earle
Eveland's class of young ladies, en-
tertained Tuesday night at the NJ
E. church in honor of Virgil Neldon,
who leaves Friday with his parents
Rev. and Mrs. P. s.. Neldon for their
new work at Port Clinton. In all
about 40 were present. Games were
played. and music and refreshments
were enjoyed. Mr.. Earle Eveland,
superintendent of the Sunday school,
made short talk, and presented
Virgil with gold pencil, the gift of
the classes. Monday night Donald
Sims class of boys entertained at
the church for Perry Neldon, ir.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Entertain For Mrs. NeIdou

Tuesday evening Mrs. A Fl. Mer-
Ger, Mrs. r, H. Bell and Miss jamie
Elmore entertained at the home OF
the former, in honor of Mrs. Perry
IS. Neldon, who with her husband
and family is leaving Friday for
their new field of labor at Port Clin-
ton. Those present included the
members of Mrs. Mercer's Sunday
school class, of which Mrs. Neldon
of the evening was a handkerchief
shower for Mrs. Neldon. Refresh
ments were served, and a pleasant
evening was enjoyed. In all about
35 were present.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
was Sister OF The Misses Lackey

Through the courtesy of the
Misses Lackey, the Democrat is
printing the notice of the death of
Mrs. Eliza Burns which occurred in
Evansville, Ind The account was
taken from a paper published in
that city:
Funeral of Mrs. Eliza Burns, S4,
will be held at 2:3O, p. M, Saturday
at the home of her daughter. Mrs.
Ben Newman, jr., Al Washington
avenue. Mrs. Burns died at her
daughters home at $3.50 p. M,
Thursday, following long illness.
She was born in McConnelsville, O.,
March 5, 1841 Two daughters,
Mrs. j. w. Burtch of Los Angeles,
and Mrs Newman, survive. She is
survived also by one son, w. F..
Burns, and three sisters, the Misses
Harriet, Belle and Emma Lackey
of McCOnnelSville.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Attends Convention In Columbus

Mrs >. &. White of the II. White
d Co. store left Tuesday to attend
the 18th annual convention of the
Ohio Retail Dry Goods association
which is being held in Columbus
this week-Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday. The gathering is at
the New Neil House.
Tuesday evening was devoted to a
question box and smoker, and Mr..
White was on the program, for the
topic "Store publicity for the med
ium and smaller sized towns" he
speaking on one part of the subject,
and Thurman G. Tilden of Cincin-
natl being assigned to discuss the
other part.
The opening of the convention
took place at one o'clock Tuesday,
Included among the speeches, music.
ETC., of the program, are mer
chandise exhibits, a style show, ban
quet, etc. The convention closes
this afternoon.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11

Fine Meeting In Charge OF Women
The special service held at the
Presbyterian church Sunday even
ling, under the leadership OF the
women OF the church, was very sue
cessful and interesting, and a well
ATTENDED meeting.
The service was opened with a
splendid voluntary by the church
organist Mrs. George Lowell The
program which followed was presid-
ed over by Mrs. G. III. Fouts. The
Scripture reading was given by Mrs.
A. N. Grove. Mrs. A. P. Whitaker
gave beautiful, well rendered
reading. Special musical numbers
consisted of a duet by Mrs. Nora
Chandler and Mrs. Mary Vert. and
two songs by a ladies quartet COM
posed of Miss Coda Window, Mrs.
Chas. Walker, Mrs. M M. Mcdonald
and Miss Ada Hatton. Besides these
there were hymns led by the ladies'
chorus, and the prayers, ushering,
taking Of the Offering, and other
exercises of the evening were in
charge of the women, the following
participating: Miss Isabel Bozman,
Mrs. Frank Finley, Mrs. Lucille
Pharis, Miss Fannie Dover, Mrs.
John Fox, Mrs. Clara Mckinney
Miss Campo Evans, Mrs. S. A. Fin
ley and Mrs. c. A. Gaylord. In addi-
tion to women's program the pastor
Rev. A. N. Grove gave an address
of about fifteen minutes.
The service of next Sunday ev-
ening will be in charge of the men
of the church, and judging from the
successful meeting of which they
had charge about a year ago, it will
be one of great interest and profit.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Thank Offering Service

The annual open thank offering
service of the W. F. M. S. of the M.
Up. church will be held Sunday even
ing, March ID, at 1880 o'clock. Fol-
lowing is the program: Song; Scrip
ture reading; prayer; special music !;
playlet, "How some doliies came to
go as missionaries" by Sunshine
Circle; pageant, Canton Pearls"
The Characters are as follows:
Fung Yam, Ora Godfrey; Amooi,
Hazel Johnson; Mrs. Cham, Flor
.ence Gatewood; Missionary teacher.
Wava Mendel; Sam Chi, Thomasine
Savage; Yuk Mel, Inez Ralph;
Shuet Fong, Louise Starrett. Silver
offering; benediction.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Death of Rev. W. C. Stokes

Rev. VIM. c. Stokes, pastor of the
Pennsylvania Avenue Methodist
Episcopal church of East Liverpool
died Monday at st. Luke's hospital
Cleveland, from weeks illness
with an abscess of the ear. He was
Ia former pastor of the local Metho-
dist Episcopal church, having serv
ed here about five years. From here
he moved to the Franklin Avenue NJ.
E. church, Cleveland, and was trans
ferred about three years ago to East
Liverpool. He was about At years
of age, and is survived by his wife
and four children, Sarah, Gene,
Margaret and William C. jr. Rev.
Stokes was 4 an able pastor and
preacher, and was beloved by
large circle of friends here, who will
learn with sorrow of his passing.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
8. S. Glasses Feast Tonight

The Sunday school classes Of
Judge A. Fl. Mercer and Atty Chas.
I'll. Fouts will have chowder sup
per tonight in the parlors of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Sup
per will be served at 6 o'clock. The
wives and husbands of the members
of the classes are invited. The en-
tertainment will be fashioned after
the old time district school style.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Leave Tonight For Tourney

Coach Ballenger and basketball
team leave tonight for Cambridge,
to play in class B tournament Friday
and Saturday. Owing to sickness,
and other causes, M. & M. enters the
tournament with their team in the
poorest condition that it has been
in during the entire season. How
ever at that, they will be strong
contenders for the championship.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Ohio Newspapers Sued For Libel

Seven libel suits, against that
many Ohio newspapers, for total
damages of $4,000, were filed yes
terday in federal court by Alyce Nc
Cormick, Omaha, Neb., who alleges
defamatory statements were printed
with her photograph in December,
last. Exact contents of the alleged
defamatory statements, according to
the petitions filed here, are that
Miss Mccormick, who was chosen
Miss Nebraska in beauty contest
and then entered Ziegfeld Follies,
was named correspondent in the di-
vorce suit of Emma A. Miller in
Venango county Pa, against her
husband, Charles Miller Previous
to being selected as Miss Nebraska.
according to the petitions, she was I
captain in the Volunteers of Amer
ica. The newspapers sued, and the
amount of damages asked are: Steu-
benville Herald, $4,000; GAINESVILLE
Signal, 100000; Newark Advocate,
S1O,0O0; and Coshocton Tribune,
Marietta Times, Lancaster Daily Ga
zette and Chillicothe News-Adver-
tiser, $4,000 each.-O. S. Journal,
March 5.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
George Carter Adjudged Insane

Judge A. H. Mercer and Sheriff
Newton went Monday to the home
of George w. Carter of Homer town
ship, about five miles from Trimbie.
where a lunacy inquest was held on
Mr.. Carter. aged 70. The court
found him insane, and Sheriff New
ton took him to the Athens state
hospital. Mr.. Carter's condition
was such, both mentally and ply
sically. that he could not well be
brought here for the hearing.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
2OOo PEOPLE ATTEND DANCE
AND THE FTDDLERS' CONTEST

We believe we are safe in stating
that the crowd here last Thursday
night to attend the old time dance
and fddlers' contest. was the largest
ever brought to town at this time of
the year. The streets about the
armory and public square were a
lam Of cars. At the armory 1t was
the purpose to have each and every
person register as they entered.
This plan was carried out until af-
ter about 500 persons had register
ed, when the crowd came in such a
jam that they were let go on in with
out registering. 1t is a conservative
estimate that at one time fully 1900
persons were on the armory floor,
since the spacious drill. room was
practically a solid mass of people.
1t was the biggest crowd ever at
the armory. The people came and
went. and more than 1000 persons
in all attended the affair at some
time eduring the evening. People
werex present in numbers from all
the Surrounding counties, this in
face of the fact that many of the
country roads were very rough and
bad, and the weather not far from
zero. Had the weather been more
favorable and the roads in better
shape, the attendance would no
doubt have been very much larger.
Big as was the crowd, the order
and behavior throughout the even
ing was of the very best. The Lion
Tanners orchestra of this place al
ternated with Beebe's orchestra of
Beverly in furnishing music for the
dances. both round and square.
There were all kinds of dances,
from the old time dances to the
latest Charleston. Henry Johnson
of Beverly was employed as caller to
assist the local callers. The hall
was decorated with banners and
confetti. Besides the dancing there
was the fiddlers' contest, with seven
entries. A number of others brought
their violins, but at the last moment
failed to enter-perhaps the size of
the crowd gave them stage fright.
rell of Malta: George E. Savage of
this place took second; John Lent
of near Malta third, and James
Jackson, fourth. The prizes were
SIS, ST, SIS and $3, respectively.
While it was termed "Ford Old
Time Dance" Henry. Ford had moth
ing to do with it. Mr.. James Manly,
proprietor of the Twin City garage.
he, and he alone, gave it, and it was
absolutely free, Mr.. Manly standing
all the expense. Take it all in all, it
was the biggest thing perhaps, that
any single business man in the
county ever attempted. While Mr..
Manly expected good sized crowd,
the attendance was far beyond his
expectations, and he has ahcry rea-
son to feel much pleased Over the
splendid. success the affair was.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1926-03-11
Letter Carried On Shenandoah

The Noble County Leader of
March 3, said: A boys kite caught
in the branches of a tree, sent Il let
ter on its way to the governor of
Iowa, and a torn American flag to
the naval station at Lakehurst, N.
j. The boy, John Marchis, of Ava,
climbing the tree to rescue his kite,
found lodged in the branches the
letter addressed: Governor of Iowa,
via Shenandoah" and the flag, to-
gether with pieces of the outer COW
ering of the ill-fated dirigible which
crashed near Ava six months ago.