ARCHIVE

100 years ago

AUGUST 11, 1904 — Preparation for the opening of the Republican State Campaign in Marion September 1 are progressing satisfactorily. The local committee is busy as bees and the State committee is lending all the assistance possible. The committee on parade has decided to form the procession on Walnut street and march through Main street to the hill. People on Walnut street and tributaries, and those who live along the line of march on the hill, should "primp" their places for the occasion, for there will be lots of people here.

Just when we were beginning to settle down with a sort of satisfied feeling that we know all about Kansas and its resources we run up against something that knocks all the conceit out of us. And we get a jar of this kind nearly every time we get out over the State. Something of this kind happened to us last week in Reno county. In company with Judge F.L. Martin, County Clerk Will Newlin and Mr. Albert Thompson, of the Bee, we spent several hours driving through the orchards surrounding Hutchinson. Now we supposed that the farmers out there raised some fruit on a small scale, but the hundreds of acres of orchards freighted with fruit, surprised us. It was a revelation to us. It is estimated that more that four hundred car loads of apples will be shipped from Hutchinson this Fall, besides those that go into apple dumplin's, apple cider and apple "sass" for home consumption. Hereafter we shall think of Reno county as a great fruit county. People have grown rich out there raising fruit, and farmers worth fifty and one hundred thousand dollars are not uncommon. For instance, there is George Cole, a pioneer, who has been there thirty-odd years, and has grown rich. He has a magnificent farm and spends much of his time and money in Europe. He made his money on the farm, chiefly from fruit. There are scores of others just like him. It was interesting to us to hear Messrs Martin and Newlin and Thompson, all of whom are enthusiastic horticulturists, discussing the relative merits of the Jonathan, the York Imperial, the Wine Sap, the Missouri Pippin, the Grimes Gold Pippin and other varieties of apples. Among the fine fruit farms visited were those of Messrs Pennington, father and son, the former being a brother of our former fellow citizen, Mr. A.J. Pennington, who died here some years ago. The elder Pennington has a farm which it would do you good to see, and the young man is following in his footsteps. We enjoyed that ride immensely, and it opened our eyes to another great Kansas Industry.

Lawrence Thrasher, son of County Clerk Jesse Thrasher, an athletic boy sixteen years of age, slipped and fell while attempting to jump over a fence, last Saturday afternoon, and broke his arm near the elbow. Dr. Hannaford attended him and he is getting along all right.

The editor has jut learned of the death of his old friend A.J. Covert, of Fairplay township. He was a pioneer. He was a regular old-fashioned Andrew Jackson Democrat, who believed in Democratic principles with all his heart and ceased not for popularity or success, even, at the expense of his convictions. He was an honest man. We always liked him.

Obituary

William James Gilchrist died at his home in Marion, Aug. 14, 1904, Mr. Gilchrist was born in Logan county, Illinois, January 24th, 1847. He was married to Ellen M. Prutsman in 1865. He settled and made his home in Logan county, where he lived until 1878, when he moved to Kansas. He settled in Sedgwick county. He lived there until 1898 when he moved to Marion.

Mr. Gilchrist was a member of the Christian church. He lived an exemplary Christian life, and died in the faith in Him to whom he had consecrated his life.

In April, 1864 Mr. Gilchrist enlisted in Co. D 145 Illinois Infantry. He served in the army for five months and was mustered out, and honorably discharged at Springfield, Mo., Sept. 4th, 1864.

Mr. Gilchrist was a man of sterling qualities, a good citizen, a Christian gentleman, a faithful husband and loving father. He has completed his service. "He has finished his course; he has kept the faith." And he has entered the reward. His wife, nine children, two brothers and two sisters mourn the loss of one they loved.

Funeral services were held at the home August 15th, and the remains were laid to rest in Highland cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev. J.A. Kjellin, pastor of the Baptist church.

Uncle George Griffith was taken suddenly and seriously ill Monday, and was unconscious and speechless for some time, but he has rallied some, and now recognizes people and is able to talk a little.

If every town in the United States had sent proportionately as many people to the World's Fair as Marion has sent, the great Exposition would have been a greater success than it has been.

The Lawn social at the home of E.W. Hoch last week was well attended and netted the Reading Room fund nearly eighteen dollars.

The work at replacing the bridge in Central Park was begun Monday. John Watson is bossing the job.

There will be an ice cream social at the Wren school house next Wednesday. Everybody invited.

(Copied by Joan Meyer from the 1904 microfilm files of the Marion Record.)

Quantcast