Osceola Sun
Osceola, MO
26 June 1879

The M.E. Church South reports 301,293 Sunday School scholars during 1878, with a total membership of 798,862 individuals, who paid for foreign and domestic missions $110,551.17.

When the county assessor comes in and demands that our office towel be listed as real estate, no wonder that the average editor gets mad and declares there is no justice this side of heaven.

Mr. Dudley, Wm. Vestal, Jimmy Elliott and Ervin Thomas chatted friends around on the streets Tuesday. These are all hardworking farmers, but felt too good over the big rains to stay at home.

The Sun desires a report of the celebration of the Fourth at every locality in the county. We will, ourself, take care of the “blowout” at Monegaw; will not some friend do the same for us elsewhere?

Misses Sallie and Agnes Harris returned home last Friday from Fayetteville, Arkansas. A most cordial welcome has been extended these popular and accomplished young ladies by their many friends.

Among the permits issued from the Health Department of St. Louis last week was one for the burial of Hester Jefferson, colored, and a cook. The age given was 117 years. Hester was born at Richmond, Virginia in 1762.

In company with Tom Amrine, the affable host of the Amrine House, we took an afternoon’s recreation Saturday last, gunning in the Peebley Bottom below town. Two hours hunting gave us plenty of fun and twenty-two grey squirrels.

Messrs. Applegate and Rankin were in town Tuesday, superintending the affairs of the Merchant’s Bank of St. Louis. These gentlemen decided not to sell at auction, but private sale, and hence disposed of a very small number of tracts.

Billy Lewellen tells us that he alone has enough wheat to feed the whole Greeenback party of St. Clair. Shall we infer, William, that your crop is very large, or that the G.B. party is small? But, seriously, William has fifty acres of fine wheat.

Joplin News, 18th inst: The trial of John Whitten, charged with stealing Collins’ harness, which took place yesterday afternoon, resulted in his acquittal, but he was immediately after arrested on a warrant charging him with being concerned in the stealing of Collins’ horses.

Quite a number of farmers from the various townships were in town Tuesday to attend the land sale of the Merchant’s Bank. Among the more prominent we noticed Dan. Kidd, Jno. P. Love, D.M. Wilcoxon, Wm. M. Love, W.J. Horn, and Jim Wilkinson. No auction of the lands occurred.

Moonlight picnics are in season, and the young and fastidious will see that it shall not wane unopportuned. – Clayton Democrat.

The language slinger of the Democrat is becoming wild. “It shall not wane unopportuned!” Shades of the lamented Noah W. Stick to the small words, Thaddeus.

Father McKnight, of Butler Township, assisted our local minister during the series of meetings, which have been in progress during the past week. We regret to learn that he contemplates going to North Missouri soon, as he is one of the most consistent Christians and earnest temperance workers of that township.

Clinton Advocate: We had a call last Tuesday from Rev. William M. Love of Jackson Township, St. Clair County. Mr. Love is a bee-fancier, and says his swarms will produce at least three tons of honey. He also informs us that the wheat in his section is good, far better than was anticipated. The acreage, owing to the dry Fall last year, is less than usual.

Stockton Journal: The Osceola Sun of last week published an interesting article showing the progress made by St. Clair County since 1870. It makes a showing that will compare favorably with that of any county in the Southwest. Now, if they will quit whipping people and destroying tax books, St. Clair County will again march on in rapid strides of progress.

Two belles of Toddtown, Ia., went to a ball with a joint beau; but he was not impartial in his intentions, and the fair ones went out to fight. “During the hair-pulling which ensued,” says a witness, “the contestants got up against a barbed-wire fence which appeared to be hungry for calico. Their clothing would now make a good variegated pattern for a rag carpet.”

A naughty exchange, commenting on the bad results of kissing the baby, and what that baby has to suffer in various ways from promiscuous osculation, says the safest plan is not to kiss a baby of the feminine persuasion until it attains the age of 16. The cartilage of the nose is stronger then, and there is no danger of deforming that sweet little feature, or making her near-sighted.

There will be a meeting of the veterans of the Mexican War at the office of Dr. D.C. McNeil in Osceola, Mo., July 1st, 1879, for the purpose of sending a delegate to a convention of Mexican War veterans to be held at Boonville, MO., July 10th, 1879, and to transact other important business. By order of
D.C. McNeil,
Pres’t M.W. Veterans.
Bev. H. McIlhenny, Sec’y.

With the Glorious Fourth so near at hand and numerous rumors of a huge celebration at Monegaw Springs on that day, we were naturally anxious to know whether the new proprietor of Monegaw Springs would be ready for a huge outpouring of the citizens of St. Clair, and what kind of reception he would extend them. Finding Colonel Funkhouser on the streets a few days ago the “screws” were turned on him by a Sun Reporter:
Reporter - Well, Colonel, how have you progressed with the work of renovation and improvement of Monegaw Springs and Hotel?
Col. Funkhouser - Oh, very well, considering the difficulties to be encountered. It was a fearful job!
R. - Will you get as much accomplished as you intended?
Col. F. - Yes, I think so. I have the additions completed, and am now putting in the furniture.
R. - What is the capacity of the house?
Col. F. – I can comfortably stow away 200 persons, so far as lodging is concerned; and, if necessary, feed every man, woman and child in the county. You ought to see my dining hall; it is the biggest thing out side of St. Louis.
R. – I suppose that the cuisine will be strictly first-class, Colonel?
Col. F. – You are right, young man; there is nothing that appeals more directly to the hearts of visitors at a hotel than good fare, and if I can’t make my house recommend itself to the most epicurean tastes I’ll shut up shop. And I am going to furnish billiards, ten pins, etc., to those who like these sports.
R. – How about order on the grounds generally?
Col. F. – I propose to maintain the best order possible, so that no man need fear to bring his family to the Hotel or springs. Nothing immoral or obscene will be tolerated for an instant.
R. – Numerous reports are in circulation in regard to your intended manner of running the concern this Summer. What are the facts?
Col. F. – There will be no trouble experienced by quiet, gentlemanly people who desire to camp on my grounds. People should come to me for information, which will be correctly and cheerfully given.
R. – Do you intend charging parties for entering your grounds who may attend the celebration on the Fourth?
Col. F. – No Sir! You may tell the public for me that I invite the Murphys, Sunday schools, societies, Christians and sinners all to come on that day. If they prefer, let them bring their baskets of provisions. Those, however, who come unprovided for I shall be glad to have patronize the hotel or my restaurant on the grounds. Teams will be fed and cared for, also. But, young man, I am busy and must leave you. Don’t forget to give through The Sun a cordial invitation from me for everybody to come to Monegaw Springs on the Fourth.

“Mrs. Stratton”.
About the middle of last week there arrived at the Amrine House a neatly dressed and rather good-looking lady, a stranger in these parts. Nothing was thought of her arrival and little heed taken of the woman. Saturday evening Mr. H.C. Stratton, who had been absent during the week, canvassing for the marble works of D.K. Holly & Co., came in and took his seat at the supper table. Soon after those around were electrified by seeing Mr. Stratton folded in the arms of the aforesaid fair stranger in a manner that was surprising to and envied by the beholders of the masculine persuasion. Mr. Stratton introduced her as his sister, but it soon transpired that she bore a dearer relation to him – in fact was his wife! Various are the stories in regard to the matter, but there is no doubt that she is his wife and that he had deserted her for some cause or other – whether just or not we are unable to say. The story as told by the lady is a pitiable one of love, trust, betrayal, eternal ruin. A child was the consequence, and the laws of Indiana gave the betrayer choice of paying a round sum in cash, going to the penitentiary, or marriage. In this case the latter was taken. The parties lived together about two years, and at least one child was born to them after marriage. The lady was the daughter of a widow who resided in Marion, Grant County, Indiana, and she states that Stratton boarded with them while canvassing the county as a machine agent, during which time their intimacy began. It is also stated that a divorce exists between the parties, but we do not credit the statement, from the fact that the woman came to Osceola to extort money from Stratton, which she would have no shadow of chance of doing had there been a legal separation. The above is the substance of the woman’s story. Whether Stratton is wholly to blame we do not know. Mr. Stratton has been a resident of Osceola about six months, but during that time has demeaned himself as a gentleman so far as our knowledge goes. He repeatedly told parties here that he was a married man, yet no one seems to have believed the statement. As a man he is very well liked, and we should regret did he prove other an upright, honorable gentleman.
No difference what may be the truth of this affair, there is a moral attached, which should be impressed upon parents and their daughters, of the danger of forming intimacies with men who are comparatively strangers, and whose antecedents are wholly unknown.

The Clinton Advocate claims for that place a population of 6,430. As Will Graham claimed only 3,500 when down here two weeks ago. Clinton is evidently a rushing town-in this respect at least.

The Murphy Celebration.
The County Christian Temperance Union met pursuant to previous appointment at the court house last Saturday afternoon, to take into consideration the celebration of the 4th of July at Monegaw Springs, when and where the following programme has adopted:
1. That each club come in procession, headed by a marshal.
2. Grand procession to be formed at 11 o’clock by the grand marshals, headed by a brass band, after which they will be marched to the ground.
3. Vocal music by the audience.
4. Prayer by the chaplain – Rev. C.H. Woolley, Osceola.
5. Music.
6. Reading Declaration of Independence, by J.B. Jennings, of Osceola.
7. Music by the band – “Hail Columbia”.
8. Oration by Rev. Hutchison of Springfield, R.H. Jackson and J.W. Silsby.
9. Music by the band and clubs.
10. Responses to toasts and 5-minute speeches, by J.F. Tandy and others.
11. Music.
B. Gratz Brown has been invited.
H.C. Donohue, Wm. Hook and Samuel Elyea appointed grand marshals of the day.
J.B. Jennings, Chairman.
Wm. M. Cox, Secretary.

Monegaw Springs Notes.
Two billiard tables at the Hotel.

The store on the hill is doing a good business.

Blackstone and cooking are not synonymous.

Several parties from St. Louis have already visited the Springs.

The dining room at the Hotel is furnished to seat fifty persons at one time.

Several families are camping on the grounds, among them that of D.W. Wells of Doyal Township.

Jno. S. Wilson, a former merchant of Osceola, is one of the fixtures at the Springs for the present season.

J.L. Osborn, Bob Edwards, Charley Johnson and Hi. Meeker, of Osceola, are among the attaches of the Hotel.

There isn’t finer scenery in Missouri than on the Osage about three-quarters of a mile from the Springs. A good road should be cut out to the bluffs, however.

The Hotel was opened to the public last Sunday. Col. Funkhouser will have everything in splendid order by the Fourth. The interior of the Hotel is being fitted up in comfortable and excellent style.

Lack Winchester has effected a lease for the present season upon the tract of land embracing the White Sulphur Springs at Monegaw. We are not fully informed as to what use he will make of the property.

Jno. R. Hopkins, of Appleton City, has opened with a stock of drugs at the storehouse of the Monegaw Springs Hotel, and will aid the health-giving properties of the waters of the Springs by dealing out pure medicines to the afflicted.

While at the Springs Monday we met Mr. W.L. Ward, postmaster at Lebeck, who is running a confectionery and refreshment stand in Old Town. Mr. W. told us that he had purchased the interest of MacElroy in the establishment and would soon remove to the region of the White Sulphur Springs, where he proposes to establish a free camping ground, put in a good dancing platform, a billiard table, etc. This gentleman believes in using printer’s ink and gave The Sun a good order. Thanks.

A Card From Dick Johnson.
Ed. Sun: As I am taking leave of the Monegaw Springs Hotel as its manager, I desire to return my sincere thanks to the public for the very liberal patronage bestowed upon the establishment during the seasons in which I have been in charge. All, without exception, have contributed to my prosperity financially, and many and pleasant have been the days passed at the Hotel and Springs. I also wish to thank Messrs. Proctor of Roscoe; and John O. Gregg and Gip Woolsey of Johnson City for the repeated favors extended me. Lastly, I would recommend my successor, Col. R.M. Funkhouser, as a gentleman who will exert every effort to render the Hotel and Springs a favorite place of resort during the coming Summer, and to bespeak for him the same liberal patronage in the future that was given me in the past. And now good-bye, trusting we may meet often at the Springs. Very respectfully,
R.H. Johnson

We wish again to call the attention of our customers, and also such as may not have been buying from us in the past, to our stock of Harness, Saddles, Bridles, and everything belonging to our business. We have now Light and Heavy Harness; Saddles of all kinds and at all prices; Bridles all styles and cheap; Whips, Spurs, etc., for the thousand. We sell our goods Cheaper Than Railroad Prices, and ask you to call and test the truth of this assertion for yourself. Shop on Second Street, Osceola.
Daniel & Dierfeld.

Lowrey City Items.
(From the Temperance Standard.)

Mrs. Twisle is rapidly improving. She is able to be about some now.

John Greenstreet went last week to visit his old home in Maries county.

Potato bugs and chinch bugs are doing considerable damage in places.

Father McKnight’s folks leave us soon for North, Missouri. We all regret it.

Stout’s school will close in two weeks. These two will be devoted to writing.

Mr. Millan lost a fine four-year-old mare this week by being hung in the stable.

How we wish a baby show could be gotten up. Of course our baby would carry off the prize.

Isaac Hartzell and George Doze are back from Colorado. They like old St. Clair better than ever.

Mrs. Sappington died last week after five months illness. Another family of children motherless.

The editorial staff has been increased by the addition of a young lady of considerable ability and 6 lbs. avoirdupois.

Harvest is nearly over, and the wheat is so short that Uncle Jesse Eblin says it will need no “shortening” when cooked.

J.W. Pierce is about these “diggings” as an insurance agent. If he could only talk glibly he would succeed in that business we think.

Mr. Mahan’s mules ran away with his new reaper last Monday and came very near killing him. He is confined to his bed yet, but is in a fair way to recover. The reaper was damaged to the amount of about $35.00.

Lowest Prices!
We would inform the trade of this community that we have reduced prices in our stock, and will not be undersold.
Good yard wide Domestic, 7 cents.
Prints, 16 yards for $1.00.
Coffee, 8 lbs. for $1.00.
Best N.O. Sugar, 12 lbs. for $1.00.
We have just received a new stock of prints and other staple goods, and will not be undersold on anything kept by us.
L.A. Mentzer.

Monegaw Township.
Farmers are harvesting. Wheat good; flax a fraud; oats a failure.

Wm. Lewellen is in our township bossing a reaper. Billy is very energetic, and as sharp as the business end of a wasp.

Corn looks well and is clear of weeds. The acreage in this part of the county is nearly double what it was last year.

The northwest part of this township has some large herds of cattle. Wilson Arnold controls 200, Higgins & Hurt 100, Col. Chatman 470, Strickland & Campbell 200, W.C. Beach 120, and 700 sheep. This looks like business.

Save money by buying your flour at the upper mill. Delivered in town free of extra charge.

Rules and Regulations!
For the Government and Control of
Monegaw Hotel, Springs,
And
Grounds Attached Thereto.
All persons visiting and boarding at the Springs are expected to observe and obey the following rules:
1. Visitors are prohibited from gambling, becoming intoxicated, or otherwise acting immorally or indecently.
2. Guests are expected to report any inattention or want of courtesy on the part of any of the employees or attaches, to the proprietor.
3. Visitors are authorized to visit any of the Springs, and use the waters of any belonging to the Monegaw Hotel, and generally to enjoy the use of the grounds and Hotel, but are warned not to commit any waste or nuisance on the grounds.
4. Persons visiting other springs or grounds than those owned by the undersigned are precluded from visiting and enjoying the pleasures and advantages arising from being guests at this Hotel.
5. No campers are allowed on the enclosed or unenclosed grounds, without first obtaining the permission of the proprietor. Permit tickets will be issued on application.
6. Visitors can find feed for stock at the stables attached to the Hotel, and provisions, etc., at the Store and Restaurant.
7. The proprietor will not be responsible for any lost by theft, or otherwise, unless guests deposit their money, valuables, and etc., with him personally.
8. Meals as follows: At the Hotel – Breakfast, from 8 to 9 a.m.; dinner, from 1 to 2 p.m.; Supper, from 6 to 7 ½ p.m. Meals at all hours at the restaurant on the grounds.
9. Visitors will find billiard tables, ten pin alleys, swings and other amusements on the grounds.
10. Board at the Hotel $2 per day. By the week, separate room, $10.50. Where 2 or more occupy the same room, $7 per week for each.
11. The proprietor having expended large sums of money in the purchase and improvement of the hotel and Springs, and for his protection and the benefit of his guests has adopted the above rules, and any person found violating any of the above will be ejected from the premises and dealt with according to law.
Robert M. Funkhouser,
Trustee proprietor.
June 24, 1879.

Blacksmithing!
The old Emerson shop has been opened out with a new firm and ready to do all kinds of Blacksmithing and wagon work at Low Prices.
Chamberlain & Hartley.

P.S. Latsch, Watchmaer and Jeweler
Appleton City, MO.
Late with Chas. G. Taylor, Sedalia, Missouri
All work warranted.