Republican from Salem, Illinois • Page 1

VOLUME XXXI SALEM. ILLINOIS, THURSDAY, DEC. 29. 1910. NUMBER 16 Historical Library Illinois Republican is Greater Salem's only Real Newspaper And Still it Grows.

CHRISTMAS CHEER Churches of City Observe the Joyous Day. LITTLE PEOPLE HAPPY Entertainments Held in Various Churches of the City. Christmas was generally observed by the churchs of the city and notwithstanding the absence of snow the little people were made to feel so far as possible the real spirit of the season and every possible was provided for their enjoyment. Never, perhaps, in the history of Salem, was the day more quietly passed and friends vied with each in spreading Christmas cheer to all residents of the city. Among the Sunday schools was the season made particuTarly joyous and no one was slighted who attended the exercises at the various churches.

The exercises at Methodist Episcopal church took place Friday evening and the interesting program delighted the large audience gathered for the occasion. The program included drills, recitations and songs by the little people of the school and the drills by the primary class and the H. S. Shrigley class of girls were excellent. The little tots were cute because of the antics performed during the many exercise, and the young ladies of Mr.

Shrigley's class were enjoyed because of the grace and percision with which they carried out the various movements. A recitation by Stuart Leckrone, three-year-old tot, brought down the house, and the recitation by Pauline Bachman was very very pleasing. At the conclusion of "the program the little people were given a surprise by the unexpected visit of Santa Claus who had cancelled previous dates and driven hard in his mighty automobile to be present on this occasion. After a brief season of jollification with Santa the members of the school were marshaled into line and headed by the children's patron saint they repaired to the basement of the church where the usual treat of candies, nuts and fruit was distributed. The Presbyterian school also held exercises on Friday evening and a part of the cantata "The Spirit of Christmas" was given by the members.

The exercise represented Christmas in many lands and Santa Claus was much in evidence. The St. Nick was portrayed by A. R. Williams.

From far away Russia Babouska was impersonated by Mrs. D. D. Haynie. The Spanish Balthazar was represented by Harry N.

Anthony. The Holland Kris Kringle was represented by Prof. J. M. Chance and the German Knight Rupert was represented by Rev.

H. G. McVicker. None were more joyously received, however, than our very Santa Claus and the little people showed their affection for him in a most delightful manner. The several countries were represented by the little people arrayed in costumes worn in the various, lands, and the recitations and songs given were thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience.

At the conclusion of the program the children were given the usual treat. The school of the Episcopal church had a brief exercise Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock which was followed by a treat for the children. Exercises were held at the Baptist church Saturday night and only a brief literary and musical program was given by the pupils of the school. A treat of candy and nuts was distributed. On Christmas Eve seventy-five members of the Christian Bible school rendered one of the best cantatas that has ever been presented to a Salem audience.

Long before the time of beginning the people began coming and the church was packed with people; additional chairs were brought in, children were seated on the platform and every available space was utilized, there being people The Republican goes Into More Marion County Homes than any other Newspaper standing in the back of the church and in the entrance hall. To this large and appreciative audience, the cantata was rendered in a most pleasing and successful way, without a break from beginning to close. The cantata consisted largely of musical numbers and drills and conveyed a better impressions of our Uncle Sam and the extent of his influence. The following characters were presented by the persons whose names immediately follow them: Uncle Sam, G. Will Trenary; Columbia, Florence G.

Priest, Eight Messenger Boys, Mrs. Tracey's Bible School class; Telephone Girls, Roland Brinkerhoff's class; Bells, Mrs. M. J. Tweed's class; Holly Sprites, Miss Grade Hults class, Daughters of Columbia, Dr.

J. E. Schoonover's class; Newsboys and Bootblacks, Mrs. Tracey's class of boys with some of Mrs. Tweed's boys.

The states representing Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern States, by Mrs. Tweed, Mrs. McGlumphrey, Mrs. Aikman, and Miss Irma Hanes; Weather Bureau Man Arthur Charlton, Flag Boys by members of Roland Brinkerhoff's class; The Indians, Boys of Mrs. Shore's class; Britannia, Marie Harrison.

Just before the closing hymn eight spirits of the past representing George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Priscilla, Columbus and Betsey Ross, Massasoit and Pocahontas, made their appearance being very ably presented by S. N. Finn, Mrs. E. P.

Garner, Supt. G. H. Trenary, Mrs. S.

N. Finn, Mr. and Mrs. M. A.

Thrasher, M. C. Morris, and Hildred Schoonover. Special mention should be made of the splendid recitation rendered by Gail Boynton and the duet sung by Lola Aikman, and Ethel Estes, as well of the Messenger Boys, Newsboys and Bootblacks, the Indians and Weather Bureau Man and Flag Boys, the rendition of whose parts took the audience by storm. The church was very beautiful and ically decorated with the national colors as represented by flags and bunting and with red and white crepe paper and bells representing Christmas bells.

These decorations were planned and arranged by a committee whose chairman was S. N. Finn and who did their work very creditably. To Mrs. Morris, who was both organist and general manager, and to Mrs.

Tweed who was her assistant, credit is due for the successful presentation of the cantata. After the closing hymn the members of the Bible School marched in an orderly manner past Uncle Sam and his helpers and received a splendid Caristmas treat which had been prepared by a committee of which Col. J. J. Bell was chairman.

Home From Southern Trip. Engineer L. J. Jourdain and C. 0.

Fowler arrived home last Friday from a prospecting and sight-seeing trip in and about Tampa, Fla. They give glowing accounts of the wondrous beauty and evident prosperity in the land of sunshine. We Illinoisans who are shivering in the grip of winter can scarcely realize that a few hundred miles south the trees and flowers are blooming and that the trees 1 in the orange groves are banging full of ripened fruit, but such is the case. These gentlemen brought home with them several crates of oranges and grape fruit which they gathered from the orchards last week. It was our pleasure to sample this fruit and it was most delicious.

Join Taylor Company. Will and Nellie Reynolds, the deservedly popular foot-light favorites, came down from Kinmundy on day to join the Taylor Stock which is being organized here by Robert Taylor, manager of the Broadway Theatre. The several members of the company are here and two weeks will be spent in preparation for the midwinter season. The booking has been in progress. for several weeks and many good towns are included in the route.

Mr. Taylor has been endeavoring to secure only first-class talent and in securing Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds he has shown most excellent judgment. They are unsurpassed in their respective parts and will continue to be favorites with show -going folk.

CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS Son of Former County Official Weds Vernon young Lady. A Christmas wedding of particular interest to the society folk of Vernon and vicinity was that of Grover C. Betts and Miss Carrie V. Arnold which took place Sunday afternoon in the presence of a few relatives and friends. Rev.

Crouse performed the ceremony. The bride is one of the most charming young ladies of the Vernon vicinity being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Arnold. She is a leader in chuich and religious society work of that village and her 1 friends are limited only to the extent of her acquaintance.

The groom is a son of the late Isaac B. Betts and Mrs. Rebecca Bette and was born and grew to young manhood in Salem. He removed with his parents to Vernon some years ago and since the death of his father bash had charge of the farm near Vernon and bas been the support of his mother. He is a worthy and industrious young man and his prospects for a bright future are very promising.

Friends here extend hearty congratulations and best wishes for a full measure of wedded bliss. BRASEL-SCOTT. On Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the parlors of the Methodist Episcopal church in this city occured the marriage of Elmo Brasel and Miss Mary K. Scott, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J.

G. Dee. Mr. and Mrs. J.

H. Yingst, friends of the bridal couple, were the only witnesses to the ceremony, This young couple have been residents of Salem only a few months but during the time have won a large circle of friends. Both claim Coulterville as their home and it appears that their courtship has extended over a period of several years when they were school-mates. Upon reaching young manhood the groom accepted a situation at Centralia having in the meantime completed a course in electrical engineering. He was employed in the plant in that city.

Later the lady who is now his bride went to Centralia and took the course in Brown's Business College. When the change was made in the superintendency of the electric light plant here Mr. Brasel accepted a situation under Supt. Wade and a short time thereafter Miss Scott came to Salem to accept a situation as stenographer in the office of Judge C. H.

Holt. Mr. and Mrs. Brasel will prove to be valuable citizens of Salem and friends extend heartiest congratulations. All Sunshine in Florida.

In writing to have his paper changed from Cartter to St. Petersburg, E. R. Morton says: "We came to St. Petersburg on December 21, to spend the winter.

The climate here is mild 1 and delightful. The blooming flowers, fine gardens, with beans just ready for use make quite a change. Large orange and grape fruit groves, beautiful palm trees are seen all about this city. St. Petersburg is located on Tampa Bay and is one of the best fishing stations no the Gulf." The Taylor Stock Co.

The Peerless and" Original Taylor Stock will open at The Broadway Theatre for one big week starting Monday, January 2, presenting an tirely new play at every performance with high class specialties between the acts Mr. Taylor has selected the folLowing players: Corrine Carpenter, Nellie Reynolds, Nila Mac, Zelda Maston, Electa Willard, Will Reynolds Billy Willard, Chas. Neuman, Elmer Noland, Robt. Taylor and Al Primrose. Prices 10, 20 and 30 cents.

Attorney E. B. Vandevort 1 went last Thursday to Portsmouth, Ohio, for a holiday visit with relatives. Recital at Methodist Episcopal church Friday night by Misses Nance Martin, Teresa Peifer, Roxy Magness, and Lillie Black. Admission 25c.

THE WEEK IN SOCIETY J. Forest Bell Gives Dance in Horor of Miss Larimer. The winter holiday season is always looked forward to with great anticipation by Salem society folk and this year has been no exception to the case and the usual festivities mark the glad occasion. The weeks festivities were introduced Monday night by a reception dance at B. of R.

T. hall with J. Forrest Bell as host given in honor of Miss Kathryn Larimer who at home for the holiday season. All ments for the affair were arranged by Mr. Bell and not a single detail was over-looked which added to the evenings pleasure.

The lady guests upon this occasion were presented a beautiful carnation souvenir of the affair and the gentlemen were also remembered. During the evening the most delicious fruit punch was served in great abundance. The dancing continued until the wee sma' hours. This function was declared by the participants to be one of the most notable affairs of the kind ever held in this city and the host was the recipient of many congratulations. The annual jollification of the Liter- ature and Art Department of Salem Woman's Club was 1 held on Tuesday evening at the handsome home of Mrs.

Mary Bradford and some guests were most royally entertained upon this occasion. A feature of the evening was a beautiful and daintily lighted Christmas tree upon which hung presents for each of the guests, and included rattles, bells and other childhood toys. Each guest was also presented with a Haveland china cup and saucer as a souvenir. During the evening pleasing recitations were given by Mrs. E.

D. Telford, Mrs. C. E. Jennings and Mrs.

D. D. Haynie. Mrs. W.

B. Henderson, the club poetess, gave a delightful write-up in verse of the several members of the club. After the program most delightful refreshments were served. The affair closed with music by the band -that is to say--tin horns lustily blown by the several participants. Mrs.

R. S. Charles was the hostess on Tuesday at a noon day luncheon to members of the Art Club given in honor of her sister, Mrs. White, who is a holiday visitor with her. Following this and during the afternoon a reception was given in honor of another visitor, Mrs.

S. H. Charles, mother of Mr. Charles, who stopped off here for a few days before continuing her journey to California. Both affairs were extremely delightful and the several guests pronounce Mrs.

Charles a most charming hostess. The annual banquet of Mt. Olive Lodge 1. 0. 0.

F. was held last evening in the dining room of Odd Fellows ball and a large number of members of the order participated in the event. Sam J. Baker of Olney, grand scribe of Encampment branch, was a guest of honor upon this occasion. At the conclusion of the banquet addresses were made by several members of the order and the festivities were continu ed until a late hour.

Mrs. E. H. Barenfanger was hostess at a teception and card party last evening and a most delightful time is reported. The annual mid-winter banquet of the Bachelor's Girle Club was held Tuesday evening at the home of Miss Maud Bachman.

A Christmas tree was a feature of the evening's entertainment. Woodmen Elect Officers. The Modern Woodmen of America elected the following officers on last Thursday night; M. Consul Wm. Taylor.

Consul E. J. Jones. Banker Sig Kaufman. -Clerk Thos Storment, E.

C. Mills, C. Jennings. Managers FORMER RESIDENT IS KILLED. Oscar R.

Snodgrass Fatally Injured in Coal Mine at Divernon. Oscar R. Snodgrass, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.

W. Snodgrass former well known residents of Salem, sustained injuries in the coal mine at Divernon last Saturday which resulted in death a few hours later. Deceased had been a resident of that place for several years during which time he had peen employed in one of the large coal mines in that city. He was married there some two years ago his bride being a most charming young lady, daughter of one of the wealthy citizens of the locality. The accident which resulted in the death of the young man occurred about 8 o'clock Saturday morning.

He was riding on a car of coal toward the mouth of the shaft and in passing through one of the openings in which a cur.ain was hanging he was brushed from the car falling between the car and the wall of the mine. In that manner he was dragged several feet and was badly crushed about the abdomen. He was removed to his home and for three hours endured intense pain but was entirely conscious until death about three hours later. On Monday the body was brought to his parental home at Sandoval and the following day brought here for interment. Three members of the Knights of Pythias and three representatives of the United Mine Workers accompanied the body to Sandoval and later to this city.

The funeral Tuesday was conducted by Rev. E. U. Smith of Sandoval. Oscar Ray Snodgrass was born near Salem, October 18, 1882, hence at the time of his death was aged 28 years 2 months and 6 days.

He grew to young manhood, in this city and upon the removal of the family to Sandoval some years ago accompanied his parents there. He was variously employed during the past few years being engaged for some months as baggage-men on the Illinois Southern, later as brakeman on the Illinois Central and then as a miner at Divernon. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, United Mine Workers and Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. Besides the widow there survives the father, mother, three brothers and one sister to all of whom the sympathy of friends is extended. The Oratorio.

Last Sunday night the Oratorio of Christ and His Soldiers was magnificently rendered by the Oratorio Society of the Salem School of Music i in the Methodist church. This work is one of great merit and is compiled by the English musician John Farmer who is the instructor of music in the Hanow School, Oxford England. The presentation of this classic was an event in the musical life of Salem. It is the most pretentious program ever given by local talent. The artistic rendering of the oratorio, and the manifested attention of the intelligent and representative audience prove that Salem people are far above the average in giving and enjoying music of a high order.

The solos, recitatives, and choruses were given in excellent voice, with precision and promptness in attack and beautiful -in phrasing The interpretation of the text was intelligently and sympathetically expressed by the singers. The audience filled the church, and at no time did the interest in the enjoyment of the oratorio lag. The utmost, careful attention was given from the very first singing of the word Joy to the grand Amen at the close. To such a degree was the work a success, that it has been suggested the event be made an annual one and at the Christmas season a similar work be given. The idea is a good one and no doubt will be realized in the future as the musical event of the Christmas season.

Works like the oratorio given last Christmas night are, sermons in song: and it was gratifying to see the devotional spirit expressed both by singer and listener in the most excellent rendition of this master piece in scripture and song. DEATHS OF WEEK Silas Mercer, Pioneer Citizen. i is Dead. 83 YEARS IN COUNTY. William Crenshaw.

Pioneer and Veteran Citizen, Died Saturday. William Crenshaw, aged citizen and veteran of the civil war, died last Friday at his home in this city. MrCrenshaw had been ill but a few days and his condition was not considered alarming until a few hours previous to his death, when he was stricken with organic heart trouble and expired very shortly. Mr. Crenshaw was born in Gallatin county, March 10, 1824, being at the time of death aged 86 years, 9 months, and 14 days.

On August 2, 1863, at Raleigh, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth R. Thomas, who preceded him to the grave only a few weeks. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw all of whom survive.

Shortly after marriage they removed to Marion county and for 43 years were residents of this vicinity. After the breaking out of the civil war deceased enlisted in Co. 110th being mustered in at Tomlington Gap, Tenn. He served until discharged at the close of the war. He had been identified with J.

S. Chandler Post G. A. R. Funeral service was held Monday afternoon at Methodist Episcopal Church South conducted by Rev.

J. Rose. Members of J. S. Chandler Post had charge of the service and the ritualistic work of the fraternity was given at the East Lawn cemetery.

MRS. SARAH SQUIBB. The death of Mrs. Sarah Squibb wife of Omer Squibb, occurred early Tuesday morning at the family home in Stevenson township, and the residents of the locality are bowed with grief over the demise of this excellent woman. Death was due to an attack of pneumonia from which she hate been suffering for some two weeks.

Mrs. Squibb was a daughter of the late Daniel Holstlaw and Mrs. Ruth Holstlaw and was born in this county nearly sixty years ago, and her entire life has been spent within the confines of the county. One son, Elmer H. was born to Mr.

and Mrs. Squibb and he with the bereaved husband and father survive. Mrs. Squibb WAS a most devout christian woman and a legion of friends and neighbors attest to her true worth as wife, mother and friend. Funeral service was held yesterday afternoon at the family home conducted by Rev.

Bovard of Marion, who had been a friend of the family for maay years. Interment occurred at East Lawn cemetery in this city. IRA BLAIR. Ira Blair, son of Mr. and Mrs.

A.T. Blair. died Tuesday at the family home in this city, aged 20 years, 9 months and 6 days. The family removed here from Louisville, and the body was taken yesterday to that city for interment. The deceased lad was known to many of the young people of the city.

and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. His untimely death is regretted by a 4 and the sympathy of citizens is extended to the parents in this hour of bereavement. SILAS MERCER. Silas Mercer, for eighty-hree years a resident of Marion county. died Monday at the family home in Raccoon township.

He was aged 89 years. Mr. Mercer was one of the best known and highly esteemed citizens of the south part of the county and for years he had an important part in the work of the county. Mr. Mercer was the ice (Continued en Eighth page).