What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago

One of the towns most respected citizens, Christopher Reed, died at his home in Stockton. He had been ill for about three weeks with a severe cold, and kidney complications caused the fatal termination. Christopher Reed died at 9:30 a.m. on May 17th, 1922 at the age of 76 years and 26 days. He grew to manhood in the place of his birth at Franklin, Wisconsin and lived there until 1878 when he came to Rooks County and homesteaded in Sugar Loaf Township where he lived until he moved to Stockton and purchased the residence which has since been his home. Just before coming to Rooks County, he married Miss Anna Cullen of Franklin, who died in April 1912. Four children were born to this union. He then married Miss Mary Frances McCarthy on November 9th, 1914. Mr. Reed was a man greatly respected by all who knew him. His sterling character and kindly impulses endeared him to neighbors as well as relatives, and the most profound sorrow is felt at his separation from earthly affairs that has occurred.

Contractor Joe Dryden has just finished a large frame building at the Jack Dryden swimming pool, which will be used for offices and dressing rooms. The pool itself will be covered by canvas strung on wires when the sunshine gets too hot.

Raymond N. Osborn of Los Angeles sent his father, S. J. Osborn, a good conduct medal issued to him by the Navy department. Raymond was in the service for six years and has one of the cleanest records. The medal is of bronze, showing the old ship, “Constitution” on one side and the special inscription with his name on the other. Raymond is ex-chief master mechanic. It is a fine memorial to pass on to his children.

A little granddaughter arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ives on May 5th, 1922. The little lady’s name is Beth Francis and she weighs ten pounds. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Spear. Ashley says that he and Mrs. Ives are feeling mighty grand.

Our little item calling attention to the unnecessary height of the structure over the roof opening of the courthouse caused the Board to lower it by a several feet. The building now shows a perfect roof line all the way round. Also, retaining cement walls, capped with Bedford stone are being placed around the courthouse grounds. The finishing coat of plastering is going on on the interior walls of the building.

Duffie Hindman, son of Sheriff Hindman, is one of twelve to get high honors in the Washburn Law School.

A. G. Muir and son of Lanark Township have bought the deep well drilling machine owned by R. M. Nedrow and son of Ash Rock. They have begun drilling on Section 8 where they will drill two wells, and one on Section 19, the old home farm.

Jap Osborn closed a deal last Thursday for 120 acres one mile west of Alton on the river and will take possession this week. Crops are in on the place and corn is already to be cultivated. We are glad he is not to go far away.

Mrs. Grover Brittain of the Woodston neighborhood, while taking her boy to school last Friday morning collided with another car. Her car was upset and her arm was broken near the shoulder. It was a bad break and she was taken to Concordia for treatment.

Solomon Sinclair arrived Tuesday from Rochester, Minn., where he went through the Mayo Clinics. He was given the assuring information by the experts who examined him that nothing of a serious nature was the matter with him, barring a few tropical germs he many have brought back from his seven years residence in the Philippines.

Mrs. Louise Buschman has been very ill since Saturday. As she lives alone, her condition was not discovered until Sunday evening when friends went in and found that she was unable to wait upon herself, and was suffering with thirst. A nurse is now in attendance and her daughter, Mrs. Haworth of Plainville, is with her. She is some better, but will be confined to bed for at least several days.

B. F. Williams, the Woodston merchant, is rebuilding his house on the same site occupied by the home that burned. It will have ten rooms.

The City Park is already a thing of beauty. That it will be a joy forever to the weary tourist goes without saying.