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What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago

Tue, 08/25/2020 - 20:11
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Another home has been desolated and a woman’s life cut short in full bloom of maturity by carelessness in the use of coal oil. The tragedy occurred to Mrs. Riley Wildix on a farm south of Dr. Book’s place. The fire in the kitchen range was down to a few glowing coals. To hurry it along in her preparation for dinner, she took the oil can in which there was about a gallon and poured some in the grate. Instantly there was a flash, which followed up the spout and the can exploded in her hands. Her clothes at once caught fire and she ran outside and wrapped herself in a mattress lying on the ground. Her husband was at the barn and ran to her assistance extinguishing the fire on her person, and putting out the fire in the house, which had not reached much headway. He carried her in and summoned Drs. Book and Richmond, who found the unfortunate lady had been burned over a large part of her body, especially in front. They knew at once it would be impossible to save her, as far more than 50 percent of the surface of her body was scorched. Had there been less than half affected, she might have stood a change of recovery. Twelve hours later past midnight, her life was extinct. The deceased was very highly prized, not only by her family and bereft companion, but by all her numerous acquaintances. She was a lady of the most loveable qualities, true to all the impulses of a noble nature. Everybody who knew her sings her praises and expresses the warmest sympathy for her devoted husband and family. During the hours after her accident she suffered little and talked freely of the accident, believing that she would recover.

The Stockton Auxiliary of the American Legion has undertaken a department of service for the human wrecks of the world war now suffering in the government hospital at Leavenworth. The special line of cheer for the boys they are giving is the toothsome cookie, homemade, such as mother used to make. Our Auxiliary has pledge twelve dozen of them every month, the ladies taking turns about supplying three or four dozen each time. There are hundreds of gassed soldiers who can be cheered and buoyed up in their misery by attentions such as these from the mothers, wives and sisters of soldiers. By the same token, many ladies who had no immediate relatives in the war will ask. “What can I do to help?” and we have no doubt any offers of assistance by them will be gratefully accepted.

We visited the Stockton Flour Mill last week and were shown over the plant. It had been many years since we have gotten farther than the front door, and we suppose that is the case with most of our citizens. Murphy and Turrington are making a very high grade of flour and are easily selling all their product in this neighborhood.

Elam Bartholemew says he had one of the most delightful botanical trips of his life this summer in the Black Hills of South Dakota, from which he returned over over a week ago. He collected over 3,500 specimens of fungi on the south slopes of the region, many of the species being new to science. He found the region very profitable for his line of work. He is very enthusiastic over the country as a summer resort. The great hotels at Deadwood, Hots Springs and other resorts are marvels of comfort and completeness. The natives of the region are by no means the hardboiled roughnecks of the former day when Wild Bill met his finish. Elam climbed a hill at Deadwood to view the grave of the famous gunman and of Calamity Jane, the feminine of the species equally puissant, who are buried near together. A sort of hero worship is accorded both by the denizens of the new generation, who are themselves the most orderly, law abiding people to be found anywhere.

A good preventative of disease is one pound of Epsom salts to each 100 hens twice a month. The best cure for a sick hen is an ax. Elma Evans, Secretary of the Rooks County Capper Poultry Club

The roof of the new school building is finished. Plaster on the first floor is about done. Everything is moving forward at a rapid pace.

Mr. and Mrs. Billie Macy are planning on moving to Woodston soon where they will send Elbert to high school. They will occupy the Dodrill house. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Elder will move to the Macy home.

A large addition has been made on the city jail and will be ready for occupancy by city guests soon. Our accommodations are larger than the county will have.

George Stewart received this week a nice letter from J. J. Slightam. He says after going to Wisconsin he had to put on winter clothes as there was a light frost the first of August in his neighborhood. Since then he has warmed up. He will spend a few weeks in Chicago and be back in Stockton before the snow flies.

The hot winds of the last few days have almost finished the corn in the Ash Rock area. Many from the community are filling silos or putting up the corn in shock.

Our new fall stock is in and ready for your inspection. It embraces many varieties but all are of the famous Queen Quality that has stood so long for the very best in ladies footwear. We are showing the supreme walking shoe styled the Osteo-Tarsal, made along the natural lines of the foot with broad heels. It is both dressy and comfortable.We will be glad to show you this exceptionally fine line of shoes. The Maris Department Store