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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Feb 21, 1872
Page
4
The column highlights merchants prospering this season, railway blockades on the Union Pacific, a temperance sermon by Rev. W. A. Smith, a steamer filling cisterns after rain and snow, a new Shakeperian Society, and local crimes and entertainments. It notes a large Brewster House banquet, injuries at a courthouse project, and advertising appeals for the Journal. It mentions a Dixon man seeking a marriage guide and local theater plans.
Farm machinery demand rises as farmers prep spring work and towns like Freeport push to attract car shops and rail or manufacturing jobs. George McLenahen, a former office employee, suffered a severe press accident but escaped broken bones. Jesse Zimmerman of Rockford pleaded guilty to murdering his wife and received a life term with five days in solitary yearly, plus hard labor. Daniel Veck and Duane Crutt ebburgh were each sentenced to one year for theft and forgery respectively.
The Dubuque to Chicago line via Forreston now runs finished passenger cars. Described as models of beauty, the trains utilize Miller platform and coupling for safety and convenience. The article hints at future observation of the new cars in a big city setting.
The report notes that in Kalamazoo churches parish collections are taken up by the prettiest young girls, advising Freeport and other single men to join in with scrip instead of fumbling pockets for copper.
A grinder in the reaper works of F. H. Manny at Rockford Illinois was last Friday caught in a belt revolving at seventy five revolutions a minute and instantly killed. Charles Ingland a 22 year old Swede was the deceased. his head crushed and bones badly broken.
The piece questions whether Ohio whisky sales rose after a temperance law and asks why whisky supporters resist enforcing similar rules in Illinois. It raises stakes about supply and illicit access and ends with a prompt for a response to the public inquiry.
The community expresses gratitude to KE B Hall Esq of the American Merchant's Union Express Company for his polite attention in delivering packages after business hours. His strict duties and uniform courtesy earn strong praise from the local business community.
Between 12 and 1 o clock Friday noon, observers saw a large circular rainbow with the sun at its center. The northern arc appeared twice as bright as the opposite side, all parts clear and distinct. Interlocking white rings merged with the circle, while additional rainbows stretched to the east and west.
The Warren Sentinel reports the Ward residence in Ward's Grove, one of the area’s oldest settler homes, destroyed by fire on Tuesday while Mr Ward was away. He lost all household goods and a prized library said to be the county’s largest. Neighbors joke a wife might have saved it. He owns other houses. friends hope for his future marriage.
The social and literary society presents a grand literary entertainment on Wednesday evening February 21 commemorating Washingtons birthday. A premier literary and musical event of the season with an extremely low admission price of 10 cents, aimed to allow all citizens to attend.
Mr D A Knowlton's team bolted at noon on a Monday at Cherry street and Stephenson street. The driver struggled to regain control after striking a drag and was thrown out. The horses ran free but were soon recaptured. The coach wheel was broken. the driver escaped unharmed.
Owing to severe weather attendance was low but participants enjoyed the society meeting. Miss Guiteau played piano, a debate favored revolutionary soldiers over late rebellion, with a unanimous jury verdict for the affirmative. Declamations followed by S Hermans J W Carey R Kryder and Rd Cowles and an essay by Miss Beckwith. A public debate is planned in four weeks with a larger program anticipated.
A pleasant leap year gathering was held at the residence of Mr G F Smith on Union Street last Friday evening. Guests enjoyed the occasion and left buoyant and happy, believing leap year parties bring delight and enjoyment.
A Turner Hall gathering in this city Thursday evening drew a large orderly audience to oppose the new state temperance law. Speakers in German denounced the law while English translators and speakers offered explanations, and plans for another meeting were formed.
A public gathering featured President and General Atkins expressing support for a new temperance law. The speaker urged petition drives to repeal the law and submit it to a popular vote if needed. Atkins said he would enforce the law but favor repeal if proven harmful, drawing strong applause from attendees.
The Republic Life Insurance Company reports a successful first fiscal year despite the Chicago fire, with policies totaling 14 018 047 dollars and 6 391 insureds. The firm expands nationwide with branches in New York Philadelphia Baltimore and the West. Freeport Branch elects H C Burchard as president and lists officers. the article urges readers to consider this model home company for life insurance.
An adjourned meeting of the First Presbyterian Society of this city was held Monday evening to decide on accepting or rejecting the Rev. I. E. Carey’s resignation. The ballot tally was 65 against accepting and 16 in favor, a more than four to one vote to retain their pastor.
At a mass meeting in the Opera House Rev. M M Parkhurst of Grace M E Church Chicago spoke on the Great Fire. Contributions followed to rebuild Chicago churches and endow Garrett Biblical Institute. First M E Church raised 1000 dollars and Embury M E Church 700 dollars.
The Peoria waterworks bonds have been issued to the extent of 458020.65 with a remaining balance on hand of 21380 after paying the expenses.
A serious stabbing occurred last Sunday after a quarrel over a woman at Dick Rowley’s wine and beer saloon near Stephenson street. Emma Lee testified, Smith, a visitor, stabbed Rowley four times, with the deepest wound near the ear. Rowley survived, Omith was arrested after a row, and Smith faced examination. the case continues with jurists Green and Amerling.
Kent residents tell of a wandering black horse and pale rider seen near a dense thicket and old well, a voiceless ghost hog, and a dead man keeper of a terrible secret. An enormous crowd searched the area but found only a rabbit skeleton, water, and silence, ending the mystery.
The pending Insurance Bill faces strong opposition for restricting claims and forcing cash payments. Critics call Section 8 an incitement to arson, arguing depreciating values and builder estimates cannot be universally applied. Eastern companies may withdraw, and the credit ban is deemed oppressive. Col Turner supported the bill. Senators Hunter and Little are urged to oppose or amend.
The article notes the conductor of a country paper hopes to maintain his patron friends, a prosperous and uninterferred friendly intercourse, until such time as the pace slows or ends.
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