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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jan 06, 1875
Page
4
The JOURNAL informs subscribers in and outside Stephenson County that all must remit arrearages to continue receiving the paper. Outside county readers are told this is their last issue unless payments are made before the next issue, with delinquents warned of stoppage and the reason.
A religious notice outlines Embury M E Church quarterly gathering with sermons by Elder Tibball on January 9 and 10, including Saturday 2 p m and Sunday 10 a m sessions. Also notes week of prayer services across city churches and charitable events at Salem Church.
On New Year’s Day Joseph Bischoff, a leading book binder, presented a meerschaum pipe and cigars with humor and generosity. The speaker admits not using tobacco but promises to care for the pipe and keep the cigars fresh, praising Bischoff as both successful and jovial.
A newspaper passage recalls the season shift from June warmth to frosty nights, noting a 18 degree swing in a single night. Japan's players were seen relaxing at an open Brewster House window, capless in the daytime as cool breezes sweep past their calico banners.
Z. F. Kreckner announces a boxing and forwarding effort for clothing to victims in Kansas and Nebraska. Residents who can donate should bring smales to the County Clerk office for packing and shipment. one box already sent on New Year’s Day and another ready, with more to follow as supplies arrive.
The death of Mrs. Joanna Lebkicher wife of Samuel Lebkicher occurred last Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from consumption after a protracted illness. A large funeral service was held at Salem Church Sabbath afternoon conducted by Rev. D. B. Byers despite cold weather. The community extends sympathy to Mr. Lebkicher in his bereavement.
The Freeport city notes a water shortage as the fire department may work little week ahead to convey water to the Court House cisterns. Charles Plunkett presents Saratoga at the Opera House for two nights with Mrs. Plunkett as Effley Remington, praised as a rare local comedy treat.
Waddell of Chicago visited Freeport last Saturday though he did not call. C L Shaffer of Roe Brothers, Chicago, returned home after months here as locals note the harsh times. Messrs Myers of Rock Grove and Hoffman of Juda Wisconsin visited, planning a four to five week eastern trip. Wise dissolves organ partnership with Scott at Mendota. Freeport urged as good home for Wise. L T Lemon of Farmers Insurance rushed to Indiana to ailing father. father improves. O W McClure and O L Currier from Chicago visited New Year's Day, attracted by Freeport. B W Merrill of Eleroy settled here, buying Hart’s share in the Delhauer & Hart grocery. Former Freeport residents returning for holidays note steady city improvements. John H Witter, once of Freeport, now farming near Frederick City Maryland, enjoyed seeing new buildings. hopes to return but interests lie elsewhere. He plans to head east next Monday after a week here.
At the Salem church a watchnight service on New Year’s Eve led to an unexpected start of 1856 with a wedding ceremony at the altar railing. The pastor joined bride Miss Mary E. Rice and groom Mr. W. O. Domer, followed by groomsman H. Brownly and bridesmaid Miss K. F. Howard, as the couple were pronounced man and wife amid surprised cheers. The event marked a rare first-minute New Year wedding in the region.
An old Freeport reminiscence recalls the eighteen seventy fifth New Year and quiet celebrations, noting calm streets and routine life. A December 29 Opera House lecture by Mr Sherman, Grand Master of Illinois Odd Fellows, extolled secret societies and their charitable works, drawing praise from a packed, diverse audience.
A prominent Freeport resident, Geo. W. Oyler, was assaulted on January 1 1875 as friends and leading locals including county clerk Kleckner invaded his home. They presented Oyler a gold headed cane, and the night featured singing by J Allington and daughter, plus other performances. The piece casts the event as an odd, amiable incident reflecting local friendship.
On January 1 1875 William Farly adopted son of Thomas M Fair aged about 18 years started out alone with his gun to kill rabbits. After crossing a fence he drew the gun through a crack muzzle forward and it discharged into his breast. He walked to a neighbor for help but died Saturday morning. The town mourned as the Lena National Cornet Band held a well attended concert and dramatic entertainment.
The Stephenson County Bible Society met December 21 to hear O Foster report on canvass of Freeport. Of 2,000 locations visited, 275 families lacked a Bible and 190 refused one. Donations supplied 179 people with Bibles costing 132.99. total Bible sales 53 books cost 44.55.
Epirons Jousnat Dear Sirs submits a local item from Fisxpont Ill dated Jan 5 1875 highlighting growing Sabbath School attendance in the Baptist Church with new singing book Songs of the Bible, active teachers, and a largely reelected slate of officers led by Superintendent J H Stearns and Secretary Wm Rodearmel. Preaching planned every evening this week except Saturday.
Freeport Inc hosts the first quarterly meeting in Freeport Saturday January 3 1876. The association opens at 10 30 with President Q W Moore of Cedarville presiding the exercises began with song and scripture reading.
The minutes recount a February 1875 gathering with Mrs D B Wells as secretary pro tem. A committee of Snyder, Hichel, and Weed was named to draft a future program. The group set the next meeting for Freeport High School and later moved it to the last Saturday in February. Members and addresses listed include C W Moore Cedarville, A A Krape Orangeville, H A Smith Lena, and many others across Stephenson County.
A correspondent recalls American travelers who left Europe with a reputation for honesty. In one instance a shopkeeper accepted delaying payment for goods totaling hundreds of dollars, urging the buyer to return and pay later, insisting the buyer take the items. The shopkeeper declared the buyer an American gentleman, stressing long-standing trust.
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