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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jan 28, 1874
Page
4
A dense row of local items reports diphtheria in Dixon and municipal activity in Freeport. Meetings, sleighing, theater and street gossip mix with mentions of Hon. Jas. S. Taggart, H. N. Kendall, and the Freeport journal, while weather, a missing ear-ring, and a planned masquerade at Turner Hall color the week.
A five year old girl traveling with her sister writes from Omaha on Jah 21 to her parents. She encloses a greenback and asks it be used for a gift for little Willie to commemorate his ninth birthday.
The revivals at several city churches continue with powerful awakenings and conversions. The First M. E. Church altar was crowded Sunday night as many seek salvation, and prophecies of joy and peace before the meetings end appear to be fulfilled.
Those who can dance well are invited to the ball masque at Hettinger Hall tomorrow evening hosted by the Freeport Saengerbund. Do not miss this dance. Tickets cost a fifty cent stamp.
A venting, hyperbolic outcry complains of a seasonal nuisance figure, asking for brutal punishment yet remaining tongue in cheek. The speaker voices extreme frustration at winter’s persistence, invoking icy imagery to long for a thaw and vent their irritation.
Taxpayers in Stephenson County contributed generously to finance a fine courthouse, with the iron fence soon to be added and the entire project expected to be completed quickly. It is doubtful another building of such full appointments could be duplicated for the same money in Illinois or elsewhere.
An effort to bring Mr. Benjamin F. Taylor to Freeport succeeded. He will deliver his famous lecture What made him do it or Motive Power at the Opera House Monday evening February 2. A full house is expected and reserved seats are available at Emmert & Burrell's starting Thursday January 29 with no extra charge.
Joseph B. Smith Special Commissioner offers for sale at public auction on Tuesday February 24 1874 the Mayer Farm located on Yellow Creek near Hess Mills three miles from Freeport. The tract is well watered and timbered valued at seventy five dollars per acre but may sell for less terms detailed in the advertisement.
The snow keeps piling up and sleighing is lively. Ike, a local livery man, recently rode out with two in hand and swept around a corner, likely to visit the Journal staff for a spin around the block. If readers miss an issue, Ike will cover the damage and make it all OK.
A reunion of soldiers will be held at Sterling on February 20 1874 with an oration by Major General John M Palmer. A grand procession of military and old battle flags will occur, followed by a banquet free to all soldiers. Reduced railroad fares are expected for attendees. Major J W R Stambaugh is the corresponding secretary.
Every man to his profession is shown by J R Smith who has been harvesting ice in winter. Using long saws he blocks the Pecatonica’s sleeping water into units and stores it in his riverbank ice house for summer days when locals will seek daily cold relief from these frozen stores.
The firm of Lawver and Bigger attorneys at 3054 Olive Street is composed of Major Lawver and J O Bigger, both Stephenson county natives, aiming for unbounded success. Shoup and Harding of 212 North 3d Street in St Louis list Major James Shoup and Colonel Jacob R Harding, with Harding formerly partnering Gen Atkins, as its members.
Misa Abbie J. Wheeler formerly of Benson and Wheeler departed for Joliet to open a fancy goods and notion store. Louis Krohn of Krohn Feiss Co Cincinnati visits. Lt. W A Dinwiddie US Army, after weeks in Freeport, heads to Salt Lake City and is promoted.
Last Friday six city sportsmen including Bliss Piersol Staver Boynton Jenkins and De Puy set out on a rabbit hunt. They teased us with a promised full report but the reply was a flat threat to shut the paper. Rev Mr Jenkins killed three rabbits and Sheriff Piersol one small one.
A brief item notes an event at the Opera House scheduled for Monday February 2. Details are sparse but indicate a public venue engagement likely a performance or show. Local readers may attend to learn about timing and programming.
A small Freeport group visited the Crane's Grove exhibition in Baileyville on Friday evening. Welcomed by locals, attendees enjoyed the show and the large crowd caused a rush at closing time. A man assisting two Freeport ladies was swept several blocks by the surge but reunited with his companions and promised lasting fidelity.
Two youths from Kalamazoo entered their names at Brewster House as Pierce and Lillis and advertised sale of patent rights for the Ladies' Friend treadles. Deputy Gates arrested them with Sheriff Piersol for selling rights that belonged to another person. they were jailed and sent to Chicago.
A critic argues teachers must be well informed and culture rich, not merely book handlers. He cites exam failures in Knox County and warns primary grades demand deep subject mastery, with teachers guiding young children to learn rather than rely on text-only instruction. Coming Benj F. Taylor, Opera House, Monday eve next.
In Judge Hyde’s court last week the Ridott case, with Miss Angie Ackerman as plaintiff and Henry Frehling as defendant, ended in a guilty verdict after two hours of cross examination. Prosecutors Neff and defense attorneys Amerling and Marvin led lengthy arguments, while a later tax dispute resulted in city judgments totaling $562.40 against thirteen defendants.
Benj Taylor, noted lecturer and humorist, will present at the Opera House Monday evening. The program includes poetry readings and light satire, reflecting on creative life and public opinion.
During a storm two young women sleigh riding five miles from town encountered a bob sled team that toppled into a snow ditch. Shingles spilled, trapping the man beneath. One woman freed the team and led them to safety, another summoned help, and the rescuer pulled the heavy shingles away and freed him despite his pleas. A farmer and sons arrived to assist, praising the heroine who earned the olive wreath of the victor.
A letter from Montavello Missouri dated January 19 asks for copies of the Journal to form a local club and reconnect with former Stephenson County residents. The writer hopes the Illinois area has mild weather and asks for several copies to share with neighbors and hopes for future letters.
The Boston and Athletic clubs arrange a joint August tour to England featuring two clubs a full umpire and a combined force of American players. They will play four championship games in England rest and fit a grand Lord's cricket match and cricket nine at Rugby and Oxford with a large party of both players attending. The touring party includes Spalding Beals White McVey Schaffer O Rourke Leonard from Boston and McBride Clerker Sensenderfer Reach Murnan McMullen Sutton Anson of the club teams with three Philadelphia cricketers volunteering. The trip aims to showcase American cricket and base ball to English audiences and conclude with return home the following year.
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