1886

Washington News, Washington, IL, Thursday, December 30, 1886, Page 1.

STRAY SHOTS [1886 Year In Review]

  The year 1886 will soon be gone never to return.  It will soon pass up before the Everlasting Presence.  And, perhaps it may not be amiss to recount the history which it will whisper on its dying bed, of what has transpired in our midst during its short but eventful career.

  January brought to our midst the famous Leslie concert troup and the hotel escapade of Prof. Jacobs and his organist.  It also witnessed the dissolution of the firm of Fifer and Stormer, Dr. Gulick’s sale and removal, the visit of Dr. Nichols and J. J. Allee.  Mr. Gove’s noted horse Ben. Nevis, passed away in this month followed by a heavenly visit in the shape of a meteor passing over our city on the 7th.  N. J. Zaneis took an over dose of saltpeter and Joel Morse placed his neck into the matrimonial noose.  General Prentiss lectured in the opera house and Mrs. James Smith wife of “old Jimmie Smith” received a pension.  The Washington Dramatic company presented their first play “The Dead Witness,” and January passed away in a blinding snow storm.

  February begins as cold as January did.  This month witnessed the death of Mrs. Jane Hamilton, and the removal of Jos. Rich to this city.  Henry Deffenbaugh is stricken with paralysis and Jo Zaneis secures $1,000 from the pension department.  Rev. Johnston surprises his members by tendering his resignation.  The death angel claimed Miss Gracie Hukill, Mrs. P. B. Bowers and Mrs. J. F. Planck.

  March brings good luck to the wife of J. D. Johnson who falls into a $15,000 legacy.  It also notes the departure of Miss Lizzie Miles of her new Kansas home.  The coal boom is at feaver heat [sic].  The English Lutherans indulge in a dime sociable and the family of John Burky move west.  Mr. and Mrs. Baker celebrate their golden wedding, and death claimed as its victims Mr. Robt. Small and Mrs. Elizabeth Waughop.

  With April came the annual town election, and sees a new postmaster installed.  Mr. Crane says adieu and Mr. Tobias takes possession of our mail.  A moonlight sociable at the skating rink.  It also records the death of Mr. Frank Benford and Mr. Henry Marsh.

  May came in with her (-?-) and brought with it the blushing Belva Lockwood.  The city election occurred, and the Hon. Thomas Cooper is married.  In this month occurred the death of J. R. Holland, in Cedar county, Mo.  Decoration day observed, and little folks’ May festival at the ball.  May also records the death of Mrs. A. W. Stewart and little Leroy Tobias.

  June was rather a quiet moth.  The “Washington Heathen” stirred up the Rev. Crewes and the sheriff locked up the L. S. North (-?-) in this month.  The McGibney family visited Washington and the “Stray Shot” man was on the sick list.

  July, especially the third, fourth and fifth day thereof was celebrated but not here.  Washington did not celebrate and most of her people went elsewhere.  The month however was noted for the accident which befell Mrs. Any Scheidner, and the accidental death of Edward Weaver, and the burglaries committed at Deer Creek.  The Eureka Camp meeting was the biggest attraction of the month.  “Our Girls” will perhaps remember it.

  August was a hot month but not too warm to prevent Peter Kinsinger from taking a better half, nor Israel Kinser from securing the weather prediction.  In this month the aspirants for county offices began to bloom.  During its stay death layed its key fingers on Mrs. W(-?-) Barnes, Mrs. Emma Zinser, Mrs. Henry Ganzhorn, Mr. Daniel Jensen, Nettie C. Hughes, Mr. David Nichol and Mr. Matthew Holland.  It also counts the men that the “Coon” dance was held in August.

  September was decidedly a political month.  Conventions were the order of the month and candidates were as numerous as flies around a molasses barrel.  Burglars seemed to be (-?-) as J. R. Crane, J. V. Graff, Fred Kelso and Mrs. Andrews and testify.  This month records the death of Mr. Adam Switzer and a young daughter of Mr. Ben Lyons.

  October opened with the death of J. M. Small and the marriage of Charlie Miller to Miss Belle Hukill.  Outside of these events nothing of note occur[r]ed exception the excitement of politics.

  November brought with it the election and turning over of the offices to the republicans.  It also seen [sic] our city council in a wrangle over the Immel license case, and brought to us the annual Thanksgiving Day.  It also records the destruction of the Blume residence, the Thanksgiving supper given by the Christian church, and the death of Solomon Zinser, sen., and Lawrence Ryan.

  December brought snow and considerable cold weather, especially the latter part of it.  Business has been unusually brisk for which, I am quite sure, our merchants are thankful.  I don’t believe I ever witness[ed] as fine a display of holiday goods as those exhibited this year by Washington merchants and I wish their sales had been ten times as great.  They deserve it.  The month so far [h]as been interesting in many respects.  Percy James has been married, the Pekin Opera company visited us.  Bro. Hukill aired his prohibition views and burglars undertook to carry away two of our largest stores.  The Christmas festivities were duly observed by the Washington fire company as well as by the individual families, and churches.

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