**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Fulton County Ledger, February 3, 1870, Canton, Illinois Transcribed by: Tina Reed **************************************************************************** Articles from Fulton County Ledger, February 3, 1870 City County & Etc. We learn Amos M. ROSS, who was recently convicted for forging a sheriff’s deed to a piece of land in this county and sent to Joliet for one year, has been pardoned by the Governor and set at liberty. If a rascal has any influential friends to intercede with the Governor for him it is useless to go to the expense of arresting and convicting him; as justice will be certain to be cheated of his victim. A note from Mr. John BLACKABY near Bryant informs us that Mr. SWEARINGEN who committed the rape (for the second time, we learn) upon a young lady near Cuba stole from him the revolver used to frighten the girl and her companion. SWEARIGEN broke into BLACKABY’S house on the 20th ult., and stole the pistol. Mr. BLACKABY received the pistol from Bolivar NEWTON, who arrested SWEARINGEN and took it from him. The Elmwood Chronicle says that on the 19th ult., Ella, three years old daughter of B. BEVINE of Yates City, while stepping backwards struck a kettle of scalding hot water her mother had set on the floor and fell into it, scalding her so severely she died on the 21st. Her mother who was in another room heard her scream but it was to late to save her. George STANDARD son of [ILLEG.] STANDARD and a man named MASON of Lewistown started this week for Nebraska with the view of making that State their future home. George has purchased some land there. They went by team. Saturday evening last there was a party at the STANDARD house in honor of George and to bid him goodbye. -------------------------------------------------------------- Our Scrap Bag The Vermont Chronicle says a BALL WILL BE HELD IN Sperry’s Hall, Bernadotte on the evening of St. Valentine’s Day, the 14th inst…The Fulton House has been sold to O.R. TAYLOR…. SWEARINGEN, who committed the rape on a young woman near Cuba, is now in jail in Lewistown. We learn he is a new recruit to the gang which has made so much trouble in this county having lately came from Ohio…The Register of last week says Mr. James TURNER was suddenly summoned home from California by the dangerous illness of his father- Grandfather Sterling TURNER. The latter gentleman is quite poorly. He is 94 years of age…. We learn the grocery of David BALL in Buckheart was broken into one night last week and David’s beer guzzled by the intruders who afterwards repaired damages by paying for the beer……The mother of Dr. LUCAS of Peoria, aged 70 years was married on Sunday evening last to a young man of 72 years a resident of West Virginia…..Mr. Benj. MESSLER of Cuba for about thirty years a resident of Fulton County, died on Friday last of dropsy…Snow fell in New York last week to the depth of nearly two feet… -------------------------------------------------------------- Sad Case of Poisoning On Wednesday morning last Mr. John K. VAN DORN an old and highly esteemed citizen of Fairview twp. by mistake drank a quantity of sulfuric acid and report says he is not expected to survive. We have heard two reports. One is that the old gentleman went to his closet in which he was in the habit of keeping a bottle of liquor, to take with his morning bitters and a bottle containing the poison had been set on the same shelf and by mistake he got a hold of the wrong bottle. The other is that a son living at home returned from Fairview where he had purchased the poison for some purpose and had it in his sleigh in a bitters bottle. The old gentleman found the bottle in the sleigh and supposing it to be what it was labeled took a drink. From the corrosive nature of sulfuric sold, unless immediate relief is obtained it is almost impossible to save a life. At last report he was still alive but no hopes were entertained for his recovery. The Rushville Times says Dr. J.T. ATKINSON while crossing the Mississippi River at Hamilton to Keokuk in a skiff was carried down river by the ice until it gorged and crushed the skiff. The Doctor reached the shore after having been on the river for seven hours. The Doctor’s feet were both frozen. He was on his way to relatives in Bloomfield, Iowa. -------------------------------------------------------------- Midway Jan. 30, 1871 Ed. Ledger: Dear Sir, It has been some time since I wrote you from this part of the country, yet hope you will pardon my seeming dilatoriness. On the evening of the 20th as I was sitting quietly by the grate enjoying in the best possible manner the beautiful winter evening, my monotony was broken by the sweet strains of music. I proceeded to the door, when to my joy and astonishment I behold Prof. A.BROADSTONE’S Masquerade String Band. After receiving the luxuries of Mary’s pantry, they then visited the dwellings on Main Street, among which was the residence of Rev. Mr. WELCH. The Rev. informed the boys the pies and cakes were defunct, but to call again at which time he hoped to be prepared. The Prof. has spent a great deal of time drilling this band and this was his debut, and proved a perfect success. We hope to be greeted with another serenade soon. -------------------------------------------------------------- Many Friends We copy from the Democrat of the 28th ult., as follows: A friend furnishes us with a few items of news from South Fulton. Attempted Suicide- A Mrs. WILDMAN, residing near Summon concluded to suddenly leave this world of sorrow the first of this week, and after writing a note to her family announcing that fact she mysteriously disappeared. After a two days search for the cold corpse the body was found snug and warm at a neighbor’s house. She had postponed her trip with the “grim ferryman” and wisely concluded to remain where she was better acquainted. The lady is a second wife, and disagreement with her children is said to be the source of her troubles. Married Fifty Years- Mr. Wm. BABCOCK and wife of Pleasant twp. have been married fifty years sometime this month. The old couple is yet hale and hearty. John EASLEY and wife of Ipava, recently celebrated their golden wedding. Seventy odd relatives were present. Dr. Wm. M. MOORE, of Summon is suffering from a severe hemorrhage of the lungs. On Tuesday evening a very large dancing party occurred at the Henry HARWICK’S residence in Pleasant Township. Forty numbers were taken and besides the dancers quite a number of persons were present as lookers on. Good order prevailed and a most pleasant party it was. Personal- We learn that John BAILY, formerly of Vermont and son of Evan BAILY our County Treasurer, has been elected County Judge of Crawford County Kansas, by a majority of 100. He was the only Democrat elected in the county. Mr. Wm. J. DYCKES leaves town today for a brief visit to Kansas. Where he goes to look up a location in which to make a permanent home. Our people will greatly regret to lose Mr. D. Another Raid- On Monday evening thirty or forty couples of young people made up a sleighing party and executed a successful raid upon the elegant farm house of Mr. Solomon STROUSE in Pleasant Township. Mr. S and family had a few hours notice and were well prepared for their guests. With music, [ILLEG], [ILLEG], and animated conversation the evening joyously passed away. Narrow Escape- On Friday of last week MESSERS, William STANTON, and Isaiah PRICKETT were engaged in conversation in STANTON’S blacksmith shop in Lewistown, stepped for a moment into a wagon shop adjoining. Scarcely had they left the blacksmith shop when the building fell to the ground with a crash. MESSARS, STANTON, and PRICKETT would undoubtedly be crushed beneath the ruins if not for this opportune escape. The falling of the building was because of the heavy burden of snow on the roof. Mr. HUPP’S old shop near fell from the same on the Saturday previous. DONN-RAWALT Married in the Congregational Church at a few minutes past 6 on Friday evening, January 27, 1871 by Rev. H. BATES, Mr. James DONN and Miss Ellen RAWALT. Two or three days previous to the wedding numbers of our citizens received through the post office cards of invitations, which caused fashionable circles no little subject for speculation and comment. At 6 o’clock there was a large audience waiting and watching for the appearance of the bridal party. At fifteen minutes past 6 by the clock they entered the church, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen taking the lead, and passed along the middle isle to the alter, where the minister was waiting, and in a brief time two loving hearts were made one, and two immortal beings pledged to love each other until death doth them part. Miss Ellen RAWALT, the bride, is one of our most highly esteemed and respected young ladies- the daughter of the late Benjamin RAWALT and niece of Major Jonas RAWALT. The groom, Mr. James DONN, is a young hardware merchant- a young man of sterling integrity and excellent morals- who stands high in the business community, and who is rapidly paving the way to amass a good share of this world’s goods. The bride was dressed in white alpaca, en train and beautifully trimmed in white- long veil and orange wreath on her head. The bridesmaids were Miss Libby M’Quaid and Miss Nannie HAVERMALE. They were dressed in white tarleton, en train, and trimmed in lace. The dresses were very becoming and the young ladies made a beautiful appearance. The groomsmen were Messer’s Wm. A. CHILDS and David A. BEESON. After congratulations from relatives and friends, the party returned to the residence of P.C. STEARNS, Esq. And after donning traveling suits, the bride and groom were escorted to the T.P. & W. depot and took the 7 o’clock train west to Bushnell, and there meeting the train for Chicago. This was the grand wedding of the season. We add our congratulations to the many friends of the happy couple and wish them us alloyed happiness in all their journeys through life. P.S.- On Wednesday Alderman DONN and his bride returned to Canton, when a grand reception was given them at the residence of P.C. STEARNS, Esq. The house was filled with invited guests. The Coronet Band was present, and gave them some of their fine music. A splendid supper was spread and all was joy and merriment.