January 1903 through December 1903

APRIL 3, 1903

- Frank Woodard and Della Barnes were married by Squire J.F. Ransom on Sunday evening.

JUNE 12, 1903

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank Taylor, who have been visiting Mr. Taylor's parents, returned to
their home in St. Louis Monday night.

- Mrs. Emma Humphrey has returned from Chicago, Saturday where she has been taking 
treatment of the nerves of the face. She is much improved.

- Mrs. J.W. Myers and her daughter Mrs. Tressie Redman, and little granddaughter, of
Springfield, will leave June 20 for Sheridan, Wyo., for a visit with her daughters.

- John W. Henline and Mrs. Ellen M. Smith were the first to be married in the
new court house. The ceremony was performed by Judge Russell Monday.

- Wm. P. Gahagan, a brakeman who was badly hurt here Friday night by being
squeezed between two cars, died Wednesday night at St. Joseph's hospital in
Bloomington.

- John Mountjoy and wife, of Bloomington, have located here. He has a position
as night boss with the Colfax Co.

- Lannie Moore, who formerly lived in Colfax will be married to Miss Effie Pearl
Neville at O'Fallon Wednesday June 10th.

- Mrs. James E. Hatfield, of Normal, is visiting her sister, Mrs. C.C. Evans, and
helping attend their little girl who is very sick.

- Mrs. J.R. Williams and son Junior went to Pontiac Tuesday to visit her parents
Mr. and Mrs. O.A. Means. Mr. Williams accompanied them to Bloomington.

- Lester Martin will graduate from the Wesleyan law school June 9. Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Martin and family, Mrs. R.H. Goodyear, and a few of her friends will
attend.

                                   ACCUSSED OF EMBEZZELMENT

  The case of the people vs. Harvey Gentry was tried before Justice Schaffer in
Bloomington Wednesday and Thursday. According to the evidence presented,
John W. Henline, of Colfax deposited some time ago in the Citizen's bank of
Saybrook, $1,150 in the name of Anna Smith, the money being deposited in her
name, as alleged, to prevent a conservator from getting hold of it in case such
an appointment was made. Later, according to the allegation, Gentry and Mrs.
Smith went to Bloomington and drew the money from a bank there on the
certificate of deposit. It was further alleged that Gentry gave the woman $400
and kept the rest, telling her the $400 was all he could get on the check. He
further claims, so it was averred at the trial, that he paid the balance of $750 to
some lawyer, whose name he did not know and could not describe. A number of
witnesses were subpoenaed, but few put on the stand. He was acquitted of the
charge.

                                   CHARGES ATTEMPT TO POISON

  Emile Williams vs. Jay Williams is the title of a sensational bill for divorce filed
in the circuit court. The complainant is Mrs. Emile Williams of Colfax. She make
the charge that on April 3, 1903, her husband tried to take her life with
strychnine poison, but that she escaped. Their married life was short, but not
proverbially sweet. The bill says that they were married on Nov. 4. No other
allegations are made save that in which the wife says that the attempt was made
on her life.
  She says that she has no means of support for herself or her children aged 6
and 8 years, and that her husband is an able-bodied man capable of contributing
to their support. She asks the court to set aside part of the personal property
owned by her husband for her use and that a further decree be entered that he
be ordered to contribute from his earnings. Aside from some household effects
the wife says she has no property, and she asks that her bill be filed and that
she may plead as a poor person.
  In conclusion the bill asks that she be allowed to have custody of her children
and that she may have the privilege of resuming her maiden name, Emile Cless.

JUNE 26, 1903

- R. Williams returned from northern Tenn. Monday. He brought another car load
of hogs to feed. They average 150 lbs. and can be picked up much cheaper
there than here.

- Harvey Jennings, of Fairmount, Minn., is visiting his uncle W.L. Jennings. He is
a traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house.

- J.M. White is building a large new double corncrib on his farm north of town
occupied by Geo. Sweet.

- Dr. Pendergast, the well-known optician, will be at Dr. Shultz's office Thursday,
July 2nd, one day only.

- Master Elmo Wiley is spending the week visiting a cousin at Gibson City. This
is his first trip alone.

- Sam E. Lyons is building a fine new barn on his lot in town. It will be 24 X 32
with cement floor.

- Wm. Harpole came down from Chicago Monday and has been spending the
week on his farm.

- Hartzell Langstaff will be home from Chicago, where he has been attending
medical college, Tuesday night.

- Rubie Langstaff entertained a few friends at his home on Tuesday evening. A
very enjoyable evening was spent.

- H.W. Ray received a message last night stating that his son, Robert was very
sick and for him to come at once.

- A. Crumbaker has rented the room under the opera house, and as soon as his
engine and machinery are installed, he will move his feed business there.

- Miss Alice Beckwith is home for the summer. Miss Beckwith holds a position in
the Sioux City, Iowa schools and returns to her position in the fall at an
increased salary.

- While Phoebe Wood was our calling yesterday afternoon a swarm of bees
came and settled on her house. They found a knot-hole near the door and took
possession.

- Ira Munson has resigned his position in the Press office and is studying
telegraphy and station work under B.B. Harris in the I.C. depot. The vacancy this
caused in the Press office has been filled by Ross Reagan.

- W.E. Clark, a brother of Mrs. J.P. Arnold, and quite well known here, was
married Wednesday night at Evansville, Ind. He will take a trip up about the
lakes and arrive in time to spend the 4th.


JULY 10, 1903

                                       TWO PIONEERS GONE
       J.J. Henline and Williamson Hays Die of Old Age - Biographical Sketches

  J.J. Henline died Sunday morning at 5 a.m. at his home 5 miles northwest of
Colfax. His death resulted from old age. He had been confined to his home for
several months, and to his bed for some time before he died. 
  James J. Henline was born in Boon County, Ky. November 9, 1815. Had he
lived till November 9 he would have been 88 years old. He came to Illinois in
October 1828. He settled in Lawndale township and has resided there ever
since. He was married December 29, 1839 to Sarah Smith, who died February
12, 1883. Eleven children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy. Those
living are; Mrs. Lucinda Whitlock, of Kansas; Milton, of Towanda, William, of
Akron, Ohio; Shelton, of Crumwood, Ohio; Adison, of Orleans, Neb., and Robert
of Colfax. Mr. Whitlock, Mrs. Wiley, Frank Robert and Milton were present at his
death. There are thirty-eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at Evergreen church near his home.
The services were conducted by Elder Wiley from Normal. The pall-bearers
were six of his grandchildren, his son Milton's boys.
  Burial was in Evergreen cemetery. Deceased leaves 240 acres of fertile land in
Lawndale township, all of which he gives to his son Robert, the other children
having received their equity in cash. Mr. Henline was the oldest settler along the
Mackinaw and two years ago at a reunion of old settlers at Atlanta, Illinois, he
was voted a silver spoon and a gold-headed cane for being the oldest settler
present. Deceased was not a member of any church. He was a kind-hearted
man, and upright citizen and respected by all who knew him.

                                       Williamson Hays

  Williamson Hays was born at Waynesboro, Augusta county, Va., and died at
the residence of his son, Charles Hays, four miles southeast of Sibley,
Wednesday, on his 86th birthday. He came to his state from Virginia in 1865,
and for the last twenty years (until about two months ago when he was brought
to his son's sick) he has resided at Colfax. He was an earnest and active
Christian and for over forty years a consistent member of the M.E. church. He
died in the triumph of faith and is a rest. He leaves seven children, besides many
other kindred and friends, to mourn his departure. Three of his children besides
Charles, reached his bedside before his death. to-wit: John Hays, of Fort Scott,
Kansas; James Hays, of Delany, Ill., and Mrs. Isaac Cundiff, of Saybrook. A son
in Oklahoma, a daughter in the state of Washington, and a son whose
whereabouts are unknown, were unable to be here. 
  Appropriate funeral services were conducted at the house yesterday by Rev.
A.A. Waters, of Melvin, who had been pastor of the deceased at Colfax. His
body was shipped from here this morning for interment today. - Sibley Journal

- Frank D. Hutson and Grace M. Henline were married in Bloomington
Wednesday by Rev. Gilliland. Mr. Hutson is an industrious young farmer of
Lawndale township and the bride is an accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Seth Henline. They will go to keeping house at once on the A. Hutson farm.

- Among those who spent the 4th with friends in Colfax, were Mr. and Mrs.
Mueller, of Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Englehart, of Bloomington, Mr. and Mrs.
Ed Sawyer, of Padua, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kercher, of Normal and Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Brown, of Normal.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ed Clark, of Evansville, Ind., are visiting with relatives here.
They were recently married, as noted in a former issue of the Press, and are now
on their wedding tour. Mr. Clark is a brother of Mrs. J.P. Arnold and Mrs. 
J.F. Ransom.

- David Neill fell down cellar in W.F. Newell's store Monday and broke his collar
bone. He started to go down cellar and had taken only one step, when he
missed step some way and fell to the bottom.

- A letter from T.S. Willhite in Denver, Col., states the weather was so cold there
on the Fourth that people wore their overcoats all day.

- Miss Myrtle Fincham, of Towanda, who has been visiting relatives here for two
weeks, returned to her home yesterday.

- Miss May Holmes, of Bloomington, is spending the week here visiting with
friends.

- James Hays, son of Williamson Hays, who died near Sibley recently, was in
town yesterday.

- Mrs. John Thiss returned home Wednesday and Mrs. Daisy Davison came with
her for a short visit.

- Miss Rickie Grending went to Evansville, Ind. Monday to spend her vacation.
She will be gone two weeks.

- Miss Clea Turley has returned to her home in Lincoln, after a four weeks visit
with her sister, Mrs. William Morris.

- Mrs. E. Gates has returned to her home in McDonough county after a five
weeks visit with her brother, H.W. Ray and family.

- The little child of E. Kinney has its arm dislocated on the 4th. Mrs. McMackin,
its grandma, was lifting it upon the porch when the accident occurred.

- Mrs. Jas. True, of St. Louis, came Friday, for a visit with friends and relatives.
She and Mr. True both have good positions with the St. Louis Republic.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1903

- W.G. Anderson went to Olney yesterday on business. 

- Mr. and Mrs. George Morris are the parents of an eight-pound girl, born
Wednesday.

- Robert McClintock has bought out the Allie Wood restaurant in the Meister
building.

- A. Hogarth, of Chenoa, and Dick Schroeder, of Bloomington, were callers in
Colfax yesterday.

- License was issued Wednesday for the marriage of Fred McReynolds of Colfax
and Vera Jenkins of Selma.

- Charles Summers, of Hedrick, Ia., has bought the Wm. Bradford 80 acres just
north of town, paying $146 per acre.

- Frank Corpe started Wednesday for a two weeks' visit in the west. Mrs. Corpe
will visit with her parents at Chenoa during his absence.

- Vollie Wright has bought from W.C. Mooberry two lots in the H.W. Ellington
addition on North Center street, and will build on them next summer.

- The Idlers club met at C.M. Green's Wednesday night and reorganized with the
following officers: president, Carl Horine; vice-president, Miss Gertrude Stowell;
secretary, Miss Luella Thorpe; treasurer, V.O. Wright. The club has about 35
members. They will have a business meeting next Wednesday night at Noah
Arnold's.

                          ANCHOR

- Wm. Willis spent Sunday in Gibson.

- N.H. Watson is on the sick list this week.

- Frank Smith has returned from Kentucky.

- Fred Muller returned from Iowa on Monday.

- Mr. Ben Riser spent Sunday in Bloomington.

- A.D. Stewart has returned from Madison Wis.

- Mrs. C.D. Morris was shopping in Colfax Monday.

- D. James was in Peoria on business the first of the week.

- Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Worley of Saybrook, spent Sunday here.

- Miss Jessie Smith, who has been sick the past week, is improving.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1903

- Ike Wood and family, of Lexington, spent Sunday with relatives in Colfax.

- Mrs. J.W. Arnold went to Decatur Wednesday to visit her daughter, Mrs. A.H.
Eyman.

- Truman Henline has taken a position with Joe Reed. Mrs. Sam Clark, his
mother, has moved back to Colfax and they are keeping house on East Wood
street.

- Reuben Castle returned to Colfax Friday. He has been gone about a year; part
of the time he spent in Missouri, but recently he has been staying at Onawa, Ia.
He says things do not look very flattering in Iowa, having been entirely too wet.

- Mrs. Anna Richardson is visiting her brother, W.C. Hamilton and assisting Mr.
Renz in putting his new stock on the shelves. She is clerk in a store of a brother
of Mr. Renz in Eureka.

- W.A. Ray has sold his farm in Fayette county and will move back to Colfax
about Jan. 1. We are glad to welcome Mr. Ray back as one of our citizens.

- Chas. W. Deam, of Toluca, Ill. is expected to preach Tuesday and Wednesday
nights next week at the Christian church. Members urged to attend. - Wm.
Gaddis, Clerk.

- Mrs. Addie Powell missed a step and fell down cellar, Tuesday, badly bruising
her arm and back.

- Mrs. Thomas Bryant, who has been visiting for six weeks in Virginia, returned
home Monday.

- Frank Bunn and family, of Melvin, visited friends and relatives here
Wednesday.

- J.M. Pratt returned from Ohio Tuesday. Mrs. Pratt and little Madeline will visit a
while longer.

- S.E. Cline returned from Ohio Tuesday. He sees little improvement in that
country in the last eight years.

- Harvey Gentry has accepted a position with N.E. Patton. He will run a wagon
through the country and buy chickens.

- Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Green entertained a few friends at dinner, Wednesday, it
being the second anniversary of their marriage.

- Mrs. H.L. Hensley is staying with her mother, Mrs. Charles Smith, near
Cooksville, while her husband is attending medical college.

- Mr. Frank Hutson is sick with malarial fever.

OCTOBER 23, 1903

- Things have been lively the past week in the courts of Colfax. Saturday
morning the case of W.C. Mooberry versus W.H. Grove was tried before Squire
Ransom after a change of venue had been taken from Squire Z. Burns. The suit
was brought to recover a commission alleged to be due W.C. Mooberry for
selling a stock of groceries for Mr. Grove. The case was hotly contested.
Congressman Sterling represented the plaintiff and Wm. Bach the defendant.
This case was tried by a jury and a verdict found for the plaintiff. The case has
been appealed to the circuit court, and will be tried in the November term of
court.

- On Monday morning Henry Lewis was tried in Squire Burns's court before a
jury on a warrant sworn out by Harry Akehurst, charging him with assault and
battery. Mr. Lewis plead not guilty, and the jury took the same view of the matter
and acquitted him.

- The suit brought by John W. Henline to recover $1,200, which he says was
tricked from him by the connivation of Lucy A. Smith and Harvey Gentry, both of
this town, promises to be a never-ending affair. Already pleas have been filed in
the case which have piled up a big record. Henline, it will be remembered, said
in his bill that for two years had boarded with Lucy Ann Smith, a widow, and that
shortly after an attempt was made by his relatives to have a conservator
appointed for him he deposited $1,150 in the bank at Saybrook in the name of
Mrs. Smith. He charged that he could not read nor write and that he had the
certificate of deposit made out in her name, so that it could not be touched by his
relatives. The old man then claimed that Mrs. Smith and Gentry conniving
brought the certificate of deposit to this city and assigned it to the Corn Belt
bank.
  Now comes the story of the defendants. Harvey Gentry, by his attorneys, has
filed an answer in which he denies the whole business. He says that Henline
delivered a certificate of deposit to Mrs. Smith and the same was her absolute
right and property. Gentry denies that he has any interest in the certificate and
asks that the suit against him be dismissed.
  Mrs. Lucy A. Smith has filed a crossbill and an answer in which she sets up a
very different story from either Henline or Gentry. Both of these parties are made
defendants to the crossbill. She says that she rent's Henline's house and has
done so for years and that he had lived with her most of the time. She reiterates
the story told by Henline that he deposited $1,150 in the Saybrook bank, but this
money, she says, was tendered to her as her absolute property and not merely for 
trust for the old man as he alleges in his bill. She says the deposit
in Saybrook was made on July 7, 1903. Mrs. Smith declares that Gentry is her
neighbor and that for years she has entrusted confidence and business matters
to him and that on his advice they went to Bloomington together some time after
the deposit at Saybrook was made and deposited the certificate in the Corn Belt
bank less $100 which was drawn out at the time. Mrs. Smith charges further that
Gentry agreed to sell the certificate and that he went out and came back to her
and reported that he could get but $400 for it and this was turned over. Mrs.
Smith now alleges that Gentry collected the face value of the certificate and
retained $750 for his own use although she says that he told her that he paid
$750 to some person whom he did not know but whom he supposed to be a
lawyer.
  All of this Mrs. Smith declares to be false. She asks that Gentry be ordered to
pay her $750 and that the action of Henline against her be dismissed.
  Thus far the case has only reached the pleadings stage. 
  Involving the same matters is an action in the court against Gentry and Mrs.
Smith for embezzlement brought by Mr. Henline, which is yet on the docket for
trial. This week Mrs. Smith got an order from the court granting her a separate
trial on the charge against her.

                             MARTIN WILLIAMS FAMILY REUNION

  A reunion of the Williams family was held Sunday, Oct. 18, at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Martin Williams, in Colfax, it being Mr. Williams's seventy-third
birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have eleven children and twelve grand-children,
all of whom were with them as well as a few friends. Those present were Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Williams and six children. Mr. and Mrs. William Williams and
daughter Daisy, Mr. and Mrs. John Theinel and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Wm.
Engelhart and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Charles McAtee and daughter Mable,
of Ellsworth, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of Indianapolis, Ind., Mr. and Mrs. David
Shalley, Mr. and Mrs. George Pollard and two children and Mr. and Mrs.
Williams's sons, John, Jay Thomas, Martin and Charles. Well-filled baskets were
brought and a most enjoyable dinner was served from 1 to 3. Many useful
presents were received and all departed as they came, feeling quite happy over
the event.