Remedies, Cures and Old Time Practice

Sulpho Lithia Well
Appleton City, Missouri

Appleton City Journal
7 March 1901
Onward the Word. Appleton City to have a system of Water Works.
A Bath House to be erected at the Sulpho-Lithia Well and other improvements to be made for the accommodation of health-seekers.
The meeting of the shareholders of the Appleton City Water & Power Company in the City Hall Thursday evening was one of the most harmonious and business-like assemblages of the representative citizens ever held in the history of the town and resulted in placing important enterprises upon a solid footing that will contribute largely toward the upbuilding of Appleton City.
John B. Egger, president, and H.R. Howard, secretary of the board of directors, presided at the meeting.
The secretary read the constitution and by-laws that had been prepared for the government of the association which was promptly adopted. A proposition was then submitted by the directors to issue $5,000 worth of bonds from the sale of which to provide funds for the erection of a bath house at the Sulpho-Lithia Artesian Well; to make other improvements on the company's grounds; to erect a stand-pipe, or tank, and establish a system of water works on Main street. The resolution to that effect, which was presented by Prof. G.A. Theilmann, met with unanimous approval upon the part of the shareholders. In view of the fact that sixty days time will be necessary to obtain a franchise from the city for the establishment of water works and to issue the bonds Prof. Theilmann also offered a resolution authorizing the board of directors to proceed at once with the work of constructing the bath house and in making other needed improvements at the well in order to have everything in readiness for the opening of the season. This resolution was also unanimously approved and signed by all of the shareholders present.
Mr. A. Howard, of Stafford Springs, Conn., president of the Trustees' Land Co., being present was called upon for a few remarks and promptly responded in a manner that added largely to the degree of enthusiasm that had characterized the proceedings of the meeting. He complimented the people very highly, and in well chosen words, upon the careful, considerate and business-like way in which they had transacted the business and declared that their action on this occasion inspired him with greater confidence in Appleton City's future than ever before. Mr. Howard has had much experience along the line of developing mineral springs and the establishment of health resorts. The company in which he is largely interested is now spending $500 per month for the purpose of advertising the Stafford Springs mineral water and it is proving a paying investment. The town has become a popular health resort for New England people and the water is being shipped to all parts of the country. He assured the people that even greater results would be attained in Appleton City with proper effort. He declared that after a thorough investigation he was prepared to say that from a medicinal standpoint the water from the Appleton City Sulpho-Lithia Artesian Well is equal to the best and has no superior. Our people know Mr. Howard to be a plain, practical business man, sincere in everything that he says and does, and his remarks were greeted with vigorous applause.

Appleton City Journal
28 March 1901
The Appleton City Water and Power Company, composed of business men and representative citizens of the town, was organized last spring for the purpose of drilling in the earth to provide a quantity of pure water sufficient to supply the city with a system of waterworks and for the needs of manufacturing and other purposes. The first board of directors was composed of the following gentlemen: A. Howard, President; T.C. Brown, Vice-President; H.R. Howard, Secretary and Treasurer; R.N. Burns, G.A. Theilmann and J.H. Schellmann.
A contract for drilling the well was entered into with a Chicago company and the work progressed rapidly until the 31st of July when the hope of getting flowing water was abandoned and it was decided to make a test of the quantity and variety of water in the well. A pump with a capacity of over 100 gallons per minute was placed in and steam turned on. Within a few minutes a great stream of water came gushing up and the discovery was made that it contained a vast amount of mineral matter different from anything in that line that has been found in this portion of the country. The news that Appleton City had made a great mineral water discovery spread rapidly and people afflicted with many of the ills to which human flesh is heir came to test its therapeutic properties and in many instances were rewarded by finding almost immediate relief.
It was then decided to increase the capital stock of the company to $5,000, put in a ten-horse power automatic gasoline engine and convey water to the beautiful Forest Park, near the center of the city, where health and pleasure-seekers could rest and stroll upon the green sward beneath the umbrageous trees. It is, indeed, an ideal retreat in the summer time.
The engine arrived in due course of time and arrangements were made to hold a grand celebration in honor of Appleton City's Great Mineral Water Discovery. People came from "everywhere" to attend the celebration and thousands drank of and were delighted with the water. The great success attending the celebration only added to the general enthusiasm upon the part of our citizens over the discovery. A quantity of the water was forwarded to Prof. Paul Schweitzer, State Chemist, at Columbia, for analysis. His report, which is published herewith, fully verified the conclusion of our people regarding the medicinal properties of the water, and especially that of those who in the meantime had been using it for stomach troubles, rheumatism, liver trouble and kidney complaints, impurities of the blood and other maladies where physicians and drugs had failed. They had a valid reason for their enthusiasm - personal experience - the best that can be had. Time and space in this issue will not permit of the publication of long testimonials from those who are sufferers from pronounced incurable maladies and who are today either rejoicing over restored health or receiving benefit from the use of the water. Those who may wish to obtain more information on the subject than it is possible to give in these pages are respectfully referred to the mayor of the city, Dr. W.E. Shelton, or any other physician or businessman of the town and it will be furnished freely and promptly.
Among those in this immediate vicinity and surrounding country each of whom have been suffering from some one of the ailments enumerated elsewhere and have received relief from the use of the Sulpho-Lithia Water may be mentioned Rev. James F. Watkins, Presbyterian minister; S.G. Bigelow, telegraph operator; E.S. Knowles, farmer; C.R. Cole, stockman; E.H. Whelan, farmer; W.E. Wells, farmer; Hon. L.L.H. Cherrington, farmer; Mr. Varnes, teacher, of Syracuse, Mo., and many others.
The management and future development of the Sulpho-Lithia Well is now under the control of the following board of directors, all substantial and successful businessmen: Jno. B. Egger, cashier of the First National Bank; R.N. Burns, J.S. House and J.H. Schellmann, merchants; Prof. G.A. Theilmann, principal of the Appleton City Academy, and H.R. Howard, resident manager of the Trustees' Land Company. In the list of shareholders will be found the names of all the businessmen and representatives of the city, as well as those of a number of prominent farmers of the surrounding country. Everything connected with the undertaking has moved with vim and unanimity. The people fully realize the fact that Appleton City is exceedingly fortunate in the discovery of such a vast quantity of valuable mineral water and capital will not be lacking for its proper development.
The main well is located within two blocks of the center of the business portion of town. The water is also conveyed from it by pipe line to Forest Park, a beautiful shady dell in the heart of the city, provided with a public library and building, band pagoda, seats and other accommodations for visitors. A lake, bath house and other conveniences will be provided that will make Appleton City a health and pleasure resort - a place to regain life and vigor and to add to longevity - the equal of any town in the west. Her citizenship is made up of as fine people as exist anywhere. Enterprise and good taste is visible on every hand. Beautiful homes, well kept lawns, wide and well regulated streets, level roads and attractive drive-ways. In fact, the town could not be more favorably adapted for a health resort. It is naturally one of the healthiest places in the western country and every physician in the city will bear The Journal out in making such statement. The writer has resided here for over twenty years and during that time the town has never been visited by an epidemic of even the slightest nature. Of course people get sick from natural causes here as elsewhere, but as a rule there is less sickness in Appleton City than in any town of its inches in the state. Some physicians, who in years gone by, have located here, but failed to get sufficient practice to make a living, have declared that people seldom die in Appleton City except from superannuation. Such is the natural result of the fact that we have good drainage and the residents take pride in keeping their premises clean and in safe sanitary condition. Typhoid and like fevers are almost unknown. The hotel and boarding-house accommodations are also all that could be desired.
In conclusion, if you are "under the weather" from any cause come and spend a few weeks with us and if you cannot become a permanent citizen of the Prairie Queen return home happy. A more desirable little city as a place of residence cannot be found.

Analysis by State Chemist:
Columbia, Mo., Oct. 12, 1900
Mr. H.R. Howard, Appleton City, Mo.
Dear Sir - Please find analysis of the mineral water from your Artesian well sent to me some time ago for investigation. The water, while resembling in general the waters from the Artesian wells of the tier of counties in this state running from north to south through St. Clair county, is remarkable for the large amount of Lithia it contains as well as for the total absence of Salts of Potash. It will prove serviceable medicinally as well as for other purposes and is a valuable water. P. Schweitzer.
Grains per United States Gallen of 231 Cubic Inches: Silica, 2.3364; Lime, 30.0811; Magnesia, 15.4844; Soda, 203.2318; Lithia, 3.6214; Sulphur Trioxide, 1.2558; Chlorine, 288.7732; Carbon Dioxide, 0.5257, totaling 554.9475. Oxygen, 65.0745, totaling Mineral matter 489.8730.
These substances are United as follows: Silica, 2.3364; Calcium Carbonate, 1.1916; Calcium Sulphate, 22.6505; Calcium Chloride, 39.9057; Magnesia Chloride, 36.7633; Sodium Chloride, 383.5142; Lithium Chloride, 3.6214; Mineral Matter totaling 499.8730.

Testimonials from Appleton City Journal:

Dr. W. Cline - The Artesian well at this place possesses a valuable mineral water, which, when taken internally, should be with judgment and not in too large quantities. This water is useful in digestive troubles with a tendency to acidity, irritation of mucous membrane; also in kidney and bladder diseases. Skin diseases may be cured or benefited by systematic bathing. W. Cline.

Dr. Talbott - The analysis of the Appleton City Mineral Water as furnished by Prof. Paul Schweitzer, of Columbia, is eminently satisfactory. The water contains no deleterious substances, the mineral matter being composed of Lime, Magnesia, Soda, Lithia, Sulphur and Chlorine in such proportion as to certainly render it valuable medicinally for both internal and external use. It will be found efficient in fermentative indigestion, kidney and skin diseases, as well as for general deprivation of the blood. D.S. Talbott, M.D.

Dr. Shelton, Mayor of City - I have examined the analysis of the Artesian well water of this place, made by State Chemist Schweitzer, and find its medicinal qualities as good as the best. It will relieve, or greatly modify, the following conditions: Gout, Rheumatism and allied diseases, indigestion in several forms, liver diseases, skin troubles, kidney diseases, obesity, some forms of constipation, etc.
W.E. Shelton.

J.B. Gathright, M.D. - I know of no mineral water, from well or spring, which is more beneficial to the system run-down from any cause than that of the Appleton City Lithia well of St. Clair county, Missouri. The Lithia is so combined with other mineral products that is good effect on the kidneys, liver, bowels, etc., is wonderful, as has been proven. This water is especially effective in gastric and intestinal catarrh, scrofula, rheumatism, kidney, bladder and kindred diseases which have a tendency to deplete the system. J.B. Gathright, M.D.

Dr. Whaley - When the leading physicians of the country recommend to their patients the use of a mineral water the afflicted can rest assured that it possesses superior medicinal virtue. Dr. John C. Whaley, one of the leading physicians of Osceola, and state senator of this district, a few days ago ordered a case of the water from Appleton City's famous Sulpho-Litha Fountain be sent to C.E. Lewellen at that place.

Clinton Tribune - Two months ago the enterprising citizens of Appleton City bored a well 1,300 feet deep which supplies about 100 gallons per minute of water that is said to cure almost, if not quite all, the ills that flesh is heir to. An analysis shows that it contains all the health-giving elements. The Tribune would publish the official statement, but it don't understand the meaning of all the big figures. Anyhow it is a remarkable well of very remarkable water - but it won't do to drink too much of it at once.

El Dorado Sun - The Appleton City people did not succeed in getting an Artesian well, but they penetrated the bosom of mother earth to a depth of 1,300 feet and found an inexhaustible volume of water that is impregnated with valuable medical properties. As they failed to secure a flowing well, the people with characteristic enterprise and energy, have gone to work and purchased a pumping plant; and as a result, a fountain has been created in the beautiful park in the northeast part of the city which will be supplied with a constant stream of water fresh from the well. The people are highly elated over their well and the probable therapeutic merits of the water, and we hope that their most sanguine expectations will be realized.

G. Wilse Robinson, Physician - Joplin, Missouri, Nov. 19, 1900. "An Ideal Health Resort." Appleton City has long possessed the natural advantages of an ideal health resort. Situated in the midst of a rolling prairie, its beauty and comfort-loving citizens have made a veritable forest by the liberal use of the most beautiful shade trees. The air is pure and invigorating. The surroundings are calm and restful. To these advantages, which nature, supplemented by thrift, has so lavishly bestowed upon this little city, has now been added an artesian well 1,300 feet deep, the water of which is almost a specific in many of the chronic diseases which are most difficult for physicians to treat successfully. The water is termed Sulpho-Lithia, and the analysis shows a large percentage of Lithia-Chloride. There are also a number of other mineral products in such proportions that those suffering from rheumatism, kidney and bladder diseases, diseases of the stomach and intestines, gout, skin diseases, and, in brief, any debilitating disease or condition will be benefited by the use of this crystal, cleansing, health-giving and life-lengthening water. G. Wilse Robinson.

Sulpho-Lithia cured him. A long sufferer from Rheumatism now enjoying good health and free from pain. E.S. Knowles, a well known citizen of Appleton Township, tells what Sulpho-Lithia water done for him. Mr. Knowles' testimony: I have been using the Sulpho-Lithia water from the Appleton City well ever since its discovery and can say that it has helped me very much and I am in better physical condition and feel better than I have for sixteen years, having been a sufferer from rheumatism during that time. But I am now free from pain and able to attend to the duties of my farm. I am now sixty-six years of age and enjoy life as I haven't for years. E.S. Knowles, Feb. 14, 1901.
The testimonial printed herewith from E.S. Knowles, one of Appleton township's best and highly esteemed citizens, regarding the results that have attended the use of the water from the Appleton City Sulpho-Lithia Well is a convincing advertisement nor the curative properties of the water. Mr. Knowles is a man who under no circumstances could be induced to misrepresent anything. The water in his case, as in hundreds of others, has brought relief from pain and suffering and restored health and happiness.

Cured of Eczema. A case of seven years standing healed by the use of Sulpho-Lithia water. Statement by S.G. Bigelow, a well-known citizen of Appleton City. Had been treated in the Railway Hospitals and by some of the best physicians in St. Louis without finding relief. The following testimonial from Mr. Bigelow, a gentleman who has resided in Appleton City for a number of years and is well known as one of our most reliable citizens, regarding the curative properties of the water from the Appleton City Sulpho-Lithia Artesian Well contains facts regarding the cure of a remarkably obstinate case of eczema. Our people are familiar with his sufferings from the disease. For months he was confined to his home or in the hospital and unable to perform manual labor with any degree of satisfaction to himself or employers. Read what he says:
Appleton City, Missouri, March 28, 1901.
I have been afflicted with eczema for the past seven years; have had treatment from the M.K. & T R'y Hospital at Sedalia, Mo., and from two of the best specialists on skin diseases in St. Louis, but received only temporary relief from any of them. I commenced using the Sulpho-Lithia water from the Appleton City Artesian well as soon as it was completed and am entirely well. I was taking some blood purifying medicine at the time I commenced using the water but I have not applied any kind of medicine externally since I began using the water. Anyone suffering from this disease and wishing to learn more about this water can do so by writing me and I will cheerfully answer all questions. S.G. Bigelow, Tel. Operator M.K. & T. R'y.

Fountain of health. Another sufferer from Kidney and Bladder disease made well and happy. About ten days ago Mr. J.R. Bradley, of Clinton, who had for a long time been a sufferer from an annoying and painful kidney and bladder disorder, arrived in Appleton City on business and at the suggestion of his old time friend, Mr. Patrick, began drinking the water from the Appleton City Sulpho-Lithia Well. The effect was almost like magic. Before he knew it his trouble was gone. Mr. Bradley before taking his departure Tuesday called, in company with Mr. Patrick, at The Journal office when we found him to be in an exceedingly happy frame of mind as the result of the benefit derived. Said he: "I want to tell you that the water has cured me of a serious, painful and annoying disease and I will lose no opportunity to induce others like afflicted with whom I meet to give it a trial. It certainly possesses wonderful curative properties."

28 Feb. 1901 - Rheumatism Gone. Sulpho-Llithia brought him out. Had been in bed seven weeks and now able to go about his home at will. Reports of remarkable cures of rheumatism, eczema, dyspepsia, constipation, liver and bladder diseases resulting from the use of SulphoLithia water from the Appleton City well continues to pour in from every quarter. The change that has been made for the better in the physical condition of many people is truly wonderful. Many who have made up their minds that they were doomed to suffering during the rest of their lives, because of the fact that medical sciene had failed to bring relief to them, are now rejoicing in the restoration of health.
A few weeks ago John Hurdelbrink, a well-known German farmer near Copeland, sent to H.A. Klitzing at Blue Point, Effingham county, Ill., two gallons of the water from the Sulpho-Lithia well at this place. Mr. Klitzing has been a sufferer for a long time with rheumtism and at the time the water arrived at his home and he commenced drinking it had been confined to his bed for seven weeks. A few days ago Mr. Hurdelbrink received a letter from the gentleman requesting him to send four gallons of the water at once and in which the writer stated that he is improving rapidly, being able to go from one room to the other and about the house at will. He said that it was the greatest pleasure to him to be able to go into the dining room and enjoy his meals with the rest of the family. Mr. Klitzing also stated in the letter that he had every reason to believe that it would effect a permanent cure.
Mr. Hurdelbrink came to town immediately upon receipt of the letter and forwarded the water as requested. Argument is no longer needed to convince anyone that Appleton City has "struck it rich" in her Sulpho-Lithia discovery. To be convinced of this fact one only has to watch the stream of people that go to the well during all times of the day and in all kinds of weather for the water. Men, women and children of all ages and conditions can be seen going and coming from the health-giving fountain with smiles on their faces and good cheer in their hearts.