125 years ago
february 19, 1886
The Florence papers announce the discovery of coal five or six miles west of that city, which would make it seven or eight miles from Marion. It is said that a Mr. Schneider, while digging a well, struck a vein of good coal at the depth of fifty feet. It is further said that the vein had been penetrated one foot in thickness, and the end not yet reached. We trust this is not a lie.
Peabody is to have a new bank, with W H. Ellet and Robt. Camp as proprietors.
Mr. T.L. Fife, formerly with the Western Land & Trust company, has purchased an interest in the Commons’ Bros. cigar factory. Mr. Fife is a gentleman of rare business attainments, a genial, social gentleman, and has hosts of friends wherever he is known. For two terms, he has held the responsible position of register of deeds of Marion County, giving the highest satisfaction to all with whom he did business. With his well-known business enterprise and high social qualities, he is bound to make a success in his new venture.
Excavating is going on rapidly for two big stone stores for Mr. Bowron and one for Will Bates on Main street.
Mr. T.M. Potter, a leading citizen of Peabody, and formerly the able Principal of the Marion school, was in town Tuesday.
Mrs. S.J. Smith has begun the erection of a nice residence on her beautiful lots on the corner of Denver and Cedar streets, on the hill.
Marion is talking of becoming a city of the second class. It undoubtedly has the requisite 2,000 population, and it is a mere question of policy.
Mr. J.H. McBurney has put down one hundred feet of sidewalk in front of his premises on Freeborn street—being the first to comply with the new ordinance relating to the extensive line of walks out in east Marion.
Mr. John S. Christie wants to buy five hundred last spring chickens, for which he will pay spot cash. Bring them in to the bank, immediately.
Workmen have been busy for some time, now, on Mr. Geo. C. Lockwood’s new home on his fine lots on corner of Cedar and Welch streets, on the hill.
Mr. W.C. Reiff, of Antelope, has decided to quit farming and move to town and has begun the erection of residence on Lincoln avenue, near Mr. Helm’s.