25 February 1915 Henry Republican, Henry IL	Speer Mrs. Root paid a week-end visit to her mother in Sparland, returning Sunday with her family. Mrs. Grant Burdick attended the O. E. S. school of instruction at Peoria Friday and Saturday. Ot Hurd had the misfortune to lose one of his work horses last week by it falling in a well near his barn. Columbia school had a vacation Thursday and Friday of last week. Miss Sweetland and Helen Even spent theirs at Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. O. W. McCraw spent Sunday at Peoria, at the home of their daughter Edith who accompanied them home for a few days. Miss Violet Burnett went to assist her brother John Bernett and wife, who will move Wednesday, exchanging places with Hugh King, who has been living upon the old Crawford farm. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stowell returned home Saturday evening after spending the week in Peoria and attending the auto show. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
February 19, 1880, Henry Republican	Castleton: C. Bermaster and S. A. Clark leave here for Nebraska this week. H. O. Brown and Will. Perkins start next week. Chet. Fulford spent an evening with us last week, glad to see our old friends. Mrs. Joh of Valley, had been visiting with her daughter Mrs. H. D. D. Martin a few days. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
April 29, 1880 Henry Republican	Castleton Harlow Brown has built an addition to his property, this gives Mr. Sullivan more room to display his fine stock of hardware, and also to make room for Mr. Holland, who occupies the second floor for a restaurant and boarding house. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
July 22, 1880 Henry Republican	Cyrus Bocock has build an addition to his farm residence east of this place. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
October 19, 1910 (Reprinted October 18, 1950 Bradford Republican)	Dr. and Mrs. R. W. Sharp and daughter, Hazel, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Tyschen spent Sunday in Mendota, the trip being made in the Ford.  They returned home Monday morning. Thursday afternoon Mrs. Otis Montooth and children and niece, Sophia Christianson, returned from Idaho, where they had been during the summer months.  Mrs. Montooth feels improved in health and strength. A letter received by Mr. Peter Phenix from her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Murchison, says that in Alberta, Canada, where they have been located this season, there was snow in the air a few days ago. Mr. and Mrs. Murchison will not winter in Canada, but are making their way by easy stages to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. and Mrs. William Steimle and family last week moved to their farm property a few miles southwest of town.  During the summer the place has been improved by the building of a fine residence, barn, granary, and other farm buildings. Peter Thurm returned from Peoria on Monday evening.  He has been there a week with his son-in-law, Nic Stauffer, who under went an operation for appendicitis. Mr. and Mrs. John Tumbleson are here for a visit with relatives.  He has taken a lay-off day from work in a Galesburg foundry and will visit his parents in Kansas before returning to work. Mrs. Arthur Wilson and babe arrived yesterday from Marathon, Iowa, to make a short visit with relatives. Arthur Harmon, of near Wyoming, will move to the farm where his brother, Clair, now lives, in the spring and the latter will locate on the property which he lately purchased of his cousins, the Harmon heirs. A. Loudenburg, Morgan House, and Mike O'Brien, of Spoon River, went to Omaha, Monday to purchase cattle. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
November 30, 1910 (Reprinted in the Nov. 29, 1950, Bradford Republican)	Mrs. T. J. Capperrune, son Clifford, daughter, Mrs. Ruth Hanchett and husband, went to Chicago on Saturday for a week's visit with Mr. and Mrs. Cady R. Capperrune. John Kimble is here from South Dakota to spend the winter, leaving his father to take care of the ranch. Arley Harwood has forsaken the vocation of traveling salesman and has become junior partner of the firm of Weisenborn-Harwood Land Co., which has offices in the Mayer building in Peoria. Charles Gerard who has employment with the Buda Plaindealer, passed the day with his family here. An item to escape us last week was that of the return to Bradford of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kopp, who have proved up on their South Dakota claim. Mr. William Austin and little daughter arrived on Saturday from their home at Mitchell, S. Dakota, and are enjoying a short visit with relatives. Word was received here Monday by C. Huffman that lightning had struck the barn Sunday morning, on the farm occupied by their daughter, Mrs. John Nickolls, near Wady Petra, burning the structure to the ground. The loss is a heavy one and only partly covered by insurance. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
January 25, 1911  (Reprinted January 24, 1951, Bradford Republican)	Miss Ida Ketchum went to Chicago last week, where she enrolled for the spring term at the Chicago Kindergarten college. Byron  Allen and Fred Farley, after visiting a week in Nevada, Iowa, returned home Monday. John Barry was very much surprised Monday evening when a number of friends dropped in.  Mrs. Barrry had invited the, it being his birthday.  Oysters and other refreshments were served. Everett Wright, of Milo, came home Friday after an extended visit in Missouri. Having decided to move to South Dakota, Michael Malone, will have a farm sale, Tuesday, on the farm 2 miles east and 1 1/2 miles north of Bradford. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
August 20, 1919 (Reprinted August 16, 1939 Bradford Republican)	Mrs. Fred Deyo of Augusta, Kansas is a guest at the home of Mrs. E. D. Rennick, and other relatives. Mrs. J. F. Carroll received word the first of the week that her son, James had arrived at New York from France. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
August 12, 1886 (Reprinted August 16, 1939 Bradford Republican)	H. Phenix has recently bought a Hedrick perpetual baling press which has attracted a good deal of attention.  It will be operated by steam power. Mother Fairbanks and son, Stokely have gone on a visit to Nebraska. Mrs. Elton Boyce of Stanton, Mass., who has been visiting friends in this section returned to her home Tuesday. William Pilgrim and wife visited friends at French Grove, Peoria county from Saturday until Tuesday. Miss Hettie Burtt returned from her visit to Mendota last week. Simon Cox, of Wyoming was a Bradford visitor last Tuesday. G. E. Prouty made a flying visit with friends here the first of the week. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
August 20, 1919 (Reprinted August 16, 1939 Bradford Republican)	J. H. Bucher, linotype operator at the Republican office, received word from his parents, at Kansas City, that his brother-in-law had been killed instantly when an automobile in which he was riding skidded on the new boiled boulevard. [Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
September 11, 1890 (Reprinted September 11, 1940 Bradford Republican)	Mike Carico this week emigrates to Dallas County, Iowa. Ed Decker, John Finnegan, Alva Ames and Morris Fowler took premiums with their colts at the colt show at J. H.Jamison & Co.s, barn Saturday. Mrs. Reardon and family of Keota, Iowa are visiting in the Patrick Finnegan home. Jacob Thurm, or Hahn, as he is sometimes called, has rented the Horton elevator at Lombardville and refitted it for business. Squire Dator has gone to Nebraska on a visit and to recuperate his health. A. R.Hepperly, clerk of the district court at Ellsworth, Kansas has been a visitor with the family of J. N. Ketterman.
January 23, 1896 (Reprinted January 24, 1951, Bradford Republican)	R. Rakestraw, of Wyoming, has received a patent on a swinging gate. Hosea Harmon's public sale, held Thursday of last week, brought fair prices.  Next week the Harmon family will move to Fillmore county, Nebraska. C. R. Capperrrune returned to his studies yesterday morning in Dixon.  He has been home about a week between terms. Squire Bocock, W. A. Washburn and William Weeks are attending a Masonic school of instruction in Dixon this week. E. Andrews is now making a specialty of the three best brands of cigars made.  The Royal Sport, American Seal and Havana Rose. William Ribley marketed a nine month old turkey this week that weighed 30 pounds. The Thomas Imes family left recently for their new home in Des Moines, Iowa
From the Stark County News, July 14, 1859	Unclaimed Mail Lists Unclaimed Mail at Toulon, Stark County, Illinois July 1st, 1859 Armstrong, Lewis Arnold, Royal Barlow, I.S. Boyd, John Briggs, R.C. Brown, Stephen H. Butt, Peter J. Cox, John Crum, Samuel Campbel, I.L. Campbell, Abraham Chambers, Mrs. S. Dandson, Peter Evans, Charles Frances, Levi Flork, Wm. Fuller, Allen C. Fast, David Foreman, Mrs. S.L. Graves, Henry Gill, B.M. Gillingham, Margret Greenfield, Bethuel Godfrey, Miss Mary A. Gelean, Mr. Hutchenson, David K. Hare, Robert Haris, William H. Hays, Harry Henchy, C.C. Hutchen, Miss E. Hamilton, Miss Elvira Hall, Roscoe G. Hady, William Hall, Roberts Howard, W. Headley, Miss Mary Husch, Charles Hill, Lorenzo Jones, Nelson Jenk, P.M. Johnson, G.W. Kelley, Daniel Kennedy, John Kacia, Conrad Lashall, James R. Lee, J.L. Lesen, Miss Harriett Milke, Jonathan Maxfield, John A. Manholland, F.A. Moncrief, A.J.P. McBreath, Duncan Marks, William Newton, William Porter, David R. Robbins, C.I. Ripley, T.S. Riggs, Edward Rarick, John Sever, Joseph Sullivan, James Sweet, Jonathan Stockner, Hugh Sweet, W.B. Shinn, John Shinn, G.A. Stimpson, M. Swape, Philip Thomas, Miss Sarah N. True, Cyrus Wright, Edward P. Wright, C.P. Woodward, Daniel Welch, Isaac Wilson, F.D. White, John Williams, G.A. -----Benjamin Turner, Post Master -Contributed by Karen Seeman
From the Stark County News, April 7, 1859	List of Leters remaining in the Post Office, Toulon, Stark County, Ills., April 1st, 1859: Ash, David L. Bigelow, A. Buchanan, John Bennett, Jeremiah Baslous, C.R. Bailey, Henry Brockaway, John Barthanong, Mrs. Bates, Benj. F. Brooker, Peter Baker, R.C. Brown, A.J. Campbell, Ahahan Calvin, L.O. Curtis, Joseph Cox, Harvey Cleaveland, Melissa Campbell, A. Dixon, Wayne Dunnell, E. Dixon, Martha Demuth, John Demuth, Jeremiah Farding, Isaac Foats, Levi Flint, Charles F. Fell, Miss Susan Ferris, Miss Celestia A. Fife, Royl O. Geer, Mrs. Abbey Greenough, Hugh Gallahan, Michael Gearhart, Christian Hickick, Harison, D. Hotchkiss, F.D. Hachtel, George Higgens, J.G. Hook, Mrs. Jacob Hubbard, John Henry, James R. Johnson, P.P. Judge, Michael Karns, A.M. King, Soloman Knowles, James Kelley, Daniel Lyons, Adam Lindsay, Sarah Lisle, William Lighty, John McAlister, Charles Masey, Miss Harriet McCarty, Michael McDonald, Finley Miller, W.M. Noble, Mark Patternson, Jackson Packer, W.H. Rarick, John Rounds, Mary Jane Rose, John B. Reider, Jane Sahde, Abraham Sweet, J.B. Shelbe, Jonas Smith, Patrick Swackhammer, David Shull, John Sen. Smith, W. Spillman, Thos. J. Seart, Miss Mary E. Stone, Miss Louisa A. Stewart, Miss Elisabeth Wolwoth, L.S. Whiffen, Daniel Washburn, R.F. Winters, Wash. -----Benjamin Turner, Post Master -Contributed by Karen Seeman
From the Feb. 28, 1862 edition of the Stark County Union (Stark County News)	Among the recent volunteers from our county to join the army is that of our esteemed friend James A. Henderson, Esq., of this place. He left here yesterday in pursuit of the 47th regiment, intending to enroll his name as a high private in Company K, the members of which are mostly from Essex and Toulon Townships. The 47th when last heard from was at Cairo, and from thence, it is supposed, will proceed to the Cumberland River, and is probably now on its way to its destination. Our friend will perhaps reach it in time for the first battle, as he is anxious to, now that the regiment is no longer laying round in the brush in Missouri but is going into active service. Mr. H. has been assisting us as the editor of the Union. He will make a star soldier, we know, for no one has a greater reverence for the star-spangled banner or is more determined that it "in triumph shall wave." S.S. Kaysbier, Esq. left yesterday to join his regiment, in better health than upon his arrival home, though not entirely well. Mr. K. belongs to the band of the 47th, is an accomplished musician, and while our boys are playing the decree with the rebels he will charm the union men with their favorite "Dixie." We don't know how we can better comply with the request of our friend than by publishing his note: Friend Henry--Immediately after the news of the battle at Fort Donelson, the patriotic ladies of our town met, and with commendable zeal went to work preparing necessaries for our brave boys that were wounded. Would it not be well for others to imitate their example? Suppose you make mention in the welcome Stark County Union. ---Yours, Isaac Thomas Wyoming, Feb. 26, 1862 NOTICE WHEREAS My wife, Mary E. Dorrance, has left my bed and board without any cause or provocation, I hereby forbid all persons from harboring or trusting her on my account as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. Penn, July 14, '59 H. B. Dorrance -Contributed by Karen Seeman
September 24, 1859	A large number of Liquor indictments were found by the Grand Jury, among which were some nineteen against Jane Davis, a notorious character of Lafayette. Who the other indictments were against, we have not yet learned. We hope, however, that our officers will show them no mercy, for what is the use of law if it is not enforced An interesting case has just been decided in this court, from Peoria County. Miss Mary Conrad brought suit against one Johnson Cole for breach of promise to marry. There was a great array of legal talent on each side, and the struggle was ably conducted. The plaintiff claimed $10,000 damages, and succeded in recovering $8,300. The defendant, we are informed, is able to pay the amount. The public seems well satisfied with the verdict. -Contributed by Karen Seeman
From the Stark County News, August 11, 1859	From July 14, 1859 Thieving Some time ago Mr. J. Winn of this place, left a new pair of boots on the door step of his residence and went into the house; after a short time he returned for them, but they had disappeared, and neither boots nor thief could be found. On Monday a man came before Esquire Brodhead, and made comlaint against a certain party in this vicinity, for stealing a pair of boots, whereupon a writ was inssued and put into an officer's hands to arrest the (--?--) party but at last accounts he was not found. -Contributed by Karen Seeman
County Correspondence August 2, 1888	Stark County News Stark County, Illinois C. W. Wall has sold his drug store to Mr. Overman from Peoria. Mr. Wall's family have moved to Wyoming; we understand he will spend the summer in Manitoba for the benefit of his health. Hopkins Shivvers has presented his wife with one of those handsome organs from A. Sundquists. Miss Belle Pierce who has been in Galesburg with her lifelong friend Mrs. McKenzie, during the last weeks of her sickness, returned from her sad visit last Friday. As is known, the lot on which the Town Hall stands, together with the basement and first story of the building, have been offered to the town of Toulon for $3,000, to take in payment the bonds of the village payable any time within twenty years at six per cent. This would give the village the control of the building, and such reparis could be made as the safety of the building demands. The lot would give suitable ground for a calaboose, engine-house, etc. The question of purchasing will come before the village board next Monday night and that they may know the mind of the citizens, papers have been drawn up; one will be found at Starrett's store, and another at the Bank, and voters are requested to call and register their names for or against the purchase. Mrs. Annie Shallenberger and son Paul are spending the week with Toulon friends. They are on their way home to Neb., from a long visit in various parts of Virginia. Miss Mary Christy and little Shelby Hamilton started Tuesday for Syracuse, Neb., to visit Shelby's father. Dr. W. T. Hall drove his handsome horse, "Captain", decorated with a fine new harness, and attached to a handsome buggy, to Kewanee, last week, and gave the entire outfit to his son, Dr. C. W. Hall. We exceedingly regret to hear that Mr. Perry Winn is very feeble, being mostly confined to his bed. Miss Kate Oliver is attending the National Summer school of Oratory at Grimsby Park, Canada, of which the famous Professor Murdock of Philadelphia, is conductor. On this evening Urban J. Overman leaves Peoria to take up the burden of life in Toulon, Stark county, where he will go into business for himself. Mr. Overman has lived here for years and is thoroughly identified with the drug and prescription business. He has hosts of friends to wish him success in his venture. He exchanges the chief clerkship at R. D. McDougal's for an enterprise that he is bound to go ahead in. Toulon gains what Peoria loses, an active, business-like young citizen. --Peoria Journal Al King will continue clerking in the drug store. Married--At the congregational parsonage in Brimfield, Sunday, July 28, Rev. William Parker officiating. Charles T. Henderson to Effie F. Adams, both of Toulon. The Galesburg Register yesterday announced the death of Rev. Anna Flemming of Avon, whom many of our readers will remember as one of the speakers at our recent Temperance Convention. She closed her address with these words: "May we as a body of Christian women, so deeply interested in the issues of the coming battle keep ourselves sweet spirited and true, clean in thought and word, firm in our adherance to duty and true to our convictions of right." Born to Beverly Oaks, Thursday, August 2, a son. Luna Wolgamwood and Mamie Hall will start for Iowa this evening for a visit of some weeks among relations. The past few days the following parties have purchased gasoline stoves, J. L. Newton, Cora Moore, Mrs. J. H. Dixon, Wm. Martin, W. F. Newland, Martin Rist, and Frank Hook. -Contributed by Karen Seeman
Princeville Telephone March 10, 1932	West Jersey News Personal and Local Mrs. L. J. Smith is ill with flu at her home east of town. Mrs. B. Z. Page is quite ill at her home northeast of town. Joan Alldredge has been quite ill with flu the last two weeks. Mrs. Ed Wiley spent Saturday afternoon with Mrs. C. T. Egbert. Little Tommy Smith fell the full length of the cellar stairs recently. Mrs. and Mrs. Raymond Brady called at the Chas. Kamerer home Sunday evening. Wesley Graves died at the county farm recenty and was buried in the Stringtown cemetery. Chas. Kamerer, Fred Smith, Earl Addis and J. H. Beamer spent Friday in Springfield, Ill. on business. James Craig, from Dallas City, Ill., came last week to see his sister, Mrs. Margaret Webster, who is seriously ill. Miss Mary Webster came home from Danville to attend the funeral services of her grandfather, J. D. Webster. Owen McGinnis and family moved into the George Sweat house east of the Hawthrone school house one day recently. Stella Foster moved from Toulon last week to the McGinnis farm and will keep house for her brother, Bert McGinnis. Mrs. Jennie Graham from near Marshalltown, Iowa, came Saturday to attend the funeral services of her brother-in-law, J. D. Webster. Mrs. Snyder Atherton, living south of town, is seriously ill with flu. Mrs. Helen Novak from Chicago is spending a few days with her friend, Miss Maybelle Webster.
Princeville Telephone March 10, 1932	Duncan News Duncan Personal and Local Mrs. Walter Gingrich was a Peoria visitor Friday. Mrs. Elizabeth Evelhoch was a Bradford visitor Friday. Sherman Hill visited last week with relatives in Chicago. Walter Gingrich was a Springfield business caller Friday. Miss Stella Graves visited relatives in Princeville one day last week. Thomas Darby died at his home in Princeville Sunday night at 12 o'clock. He was the father of Mrs. John Springer and Pearl Darby. John Edwards of Toulon was a business caller here Friday.