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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jul 06, 1870
Page
2
Freeport Journal reports no definite outcome from the recent constitutional election. Early indications show adoption with narrow minority representation defeat. R Smenpon appears elected to the Illinois Supreme Court Sixth District. McAllister wins Seventh District, praised for independence and vigor.
Tips for taxpayers detailing that assessors set dates in July and August, that the Town Board handles reductions, and that failure to appear at the review meetings prevents remediess. It explains liability rules for April 1 property holdings and the risk of tax sales if the buyer pays or seller redeems. It warns readers to check meeting times and bring grievances promptly.
Washington correspondent Don Pratt writes that Shaffer opposed Wilson, then Chief Justice of Utah Territory, after Wilson backed officers appointed by the predecessor and lawmakers defying law. The piece notes Shaffer’s removal request and Grant’s action, citing Judge Caton and broad political tensions with Mormon power.
Fragmentary remarks discuss Probate Judge and Territorial Marshal cases, Governor Shaffer's stance against Mormon influence, and alleged provocations for war. References to Wilson, Grant, Colfax, Butler, and others critique treating polygamy and naturalization as mere tastes rather than moral issues, noting court terms and polygamy policy.
Letters from the People recount Mr. J. R. Baird a James town preacher who lectured at United Brethren Church exposing Free Masonry. He boasted of 17 degrees in Masonry yet offered few dates or names while critics challenged his record and motives. The Forreston column then describes Forreston’s town prospects and notable residents, business leaders, and local businesses with names and holdings, concluding with June 23 1870.
After reading a letter and Thorp comments the lecturer, in a casual tone, declared masons would not dissolve his standards and claimed satisfactory references could be given for non masons. Thorp pressed for references, none were provided, audience dismissed and a follow up lecture announced for the next evening. The writer saw the lecturer the next morning seeking a Polo gentleman for a copy of the letter which listed clergymen and congressmen as references. A press exposure suggestion followed.
From Ridott, editor writes on the village’s growth since its platting as Cochranville. Irwin Cochran and later proprietors, John F. Smith dominates grain trade with over 300,000 bushels shipped and buys in Pecatonica and nearby towns. Ridott hosts several stores, a wagon shop, farms, multiple dry goods and grocery firms, doctors, and three churches, with population around 1200, praising progress and local industry as of June 17, 1870.
Balleyville remains lively as growth continues, with Mr M H Philbrick serving as merchant and postmaster for 22 years. Benjamin Lane, nearly 80, is a respected longtime resident born in 1791 who married for over 57 years and has eight children. The piece highlights stable local industry, schooling, religion, and celebrated marital longevity.
A Freeport reader argues for dog eradication after extensive losses to sheep and a sow from roaming dogs. The letter cites multiple incidents in McConnell's Grove area, including a neighbor's dog killed, eleven sheep slaughtered, and personal losses totaling about fifty sheep since moving to the farm. The writer asks authorities to abate the nuisance and declares for total dog extermination to compare profitability of dogs versus sheep.
A Davis resident asks the Freeport Journal to publish a detailed feature about their village. The letter requests better coverage of local farms, towns, and people and notes the town’s neat appearance and growth.
A nameless sect held a weeklong camp near Bobtown. At one o clock a chaotic scene unfolded on the grounds as opposing factions clashed and shouted religious phrases. Women waved hands and the crowd blamed each other, leading to pushes, mockery, and a street fight mixed with preaching references to Baal and the golden calf.
The report describes a Bobtown camp meeting ending after disruptive conduct deemed mocking religion and indecent by locals. Authorities ordered the camp to leave the premises immediately, reflecting community standards and moral expectations.
Yen Low Creek writes from Freeport about severe drought harming crops in Missouri and Kansas while praising mulch as soil moisture keeper and winter protector. He notes wheat and oats yields, praises Missouri wheat decline, Kansas prospects, and urges continued tree care and chestnut planting in the region.
Citizens of Southry Harlem with Bro J D Diffenbaugh organized a Sunday School at Schofield May 2. It was named in honor of its parent Embury of Freart. Nearly $40 was raised for books and furniture, plus a Main Stem gift and a donation from the Methodist Book Concern. The Branch won the Pregrum Banner and displayed it on Sunday July 5 with Rev F A Hardin addressing the group. Praise is given to Pastor Diffenbaugh and Atchis for their zeal in establishing the school and to all who support Bible teaching.
A May letter from Jewell County describes organizing a town company naming Jewell City as temporary county seat, with plans to permanent location by October and to elect county officers. Immigrants keep arriving, a milk company forms for frontier defense, buffalo roam nearby, and July 4 festivities are planned with speeches, dinner, and entertainment.
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