LOS ANGELES, CAL., OCT. 27, '97
Dear Friends: It has been sometime since I have read the news of "Old Pope" through the columns of the H-E, so having at last got settled and being anxious to be up with the times and to hear of the friends at home, you may send my paper to 1305 W. 25th street.
We can't keep house without the HERALD. It is a welcome weekly visitor to our home, and being out here on the Pacific coast it will be a letter from the county as a whole every week.
I am at work for The W.C. FURREY Co., wholesale and retail hardware, stoves and plumbers' supplies.
Well, Southern California surely deserves its name -- "The Land of Sunshine." The climate is as near perfect as can be. The vegetation is grand. Los Angeles is the metropolis, city of 150,000 people, 8 1/2 miles across, has all the modern improvements and everything right up in shape to make a beautiful city.
The first crops of oranges and strawberries are just now coming into market. Fruits? Well, I should smile; there is no end to them -- lots of different kinds that I never saw before. But the finest dish of them all is fresh figs for breakfast. I go out in our yard every morning and pick them off the tree, and I tell you they are fine. But while California has all these advantages of climate and so many different kinds of fruits, still it is not ahead of Illinois or even Pope county in a great many respects, i.e. the flavor of the fruits raised in Pope I think excel those of the same kind here. I tell you the apples and peaches raised there can't be beaten by any state, and it is a pity that you have no outlet to market. A railroad is all in the world that Pope county needs, and I hope the day is not far off when the trains will be rumbling through the valleys and hills which will inspire the farmers and tell them there is as much money in the soil of Pope county as in the Klondyke and for them to have it paid over to them by planting more fruit trees.
Well, I could write for hours but my writing would not bring the railroad any sooner, so will close for this time. With kind regards to all from my wife and self, I am, with best wishes for success. Your Friend, W.W. WHITE.
[The above article were taken from newspaper clippings kept by my dear friend, the late Ruth Baker Huffman. ~ 01 May 98]
We take the following from Saturday evening's issue of Denver, Colo., Daily Camera on the death of Dr. Ed. B. TROVILLION, of Boulder, Colo., which occurred at an early hour Saturday morning, Dec. 23, 1916.
The death of Dr. Edward Boicourt TROVILLION, which occurred at University hospital at 3 o'clock this morning, was not unexpected. He had suffered much and his malady had baffled his own and other doctors' skill.
The event causes universal sorrow in a community, which loved and respected him. Two weeks ago he was taken to the hospital for an operation that had been agreed upon. He taught his class in anatomy at the University until the day before Thanksgiving, having convalesced from a long illness, which left the color of jaundice in his face and had rendered him an invalid for a year or more, during which time he had the devotion of a loving wife and two daughters, Beatrice, a teacher in Boulder's public schools, and Genieve, a junior at the University.
He was born in Pope county, Illinois, Oct. 31, 1861 of an old English family originally known as TREVILLIAN, the name having been changed by an ancestor who succeeded the first TREVILLIAN, who settled in Massachusetts, , but later moved to Virginia. One ancestor was one of the "Green Mountain Boys" who served so gloriously in the Revolution, and the doctor's father served in the Civil war. Hence Dr. TROVILLION was a Son of the Veterans. He was also a member of Columbia lodge of Masons, of the Royal Arch chapter of Boulder and Mount Sinal commandery, Knights Templar.
He took a deep interest in politics and, when the Republican party was in the minority, helped make up a ticket by being its candidate from the mountains for clerk and recorder. He was elected coroner, but declined the office. This was back in the '90s.
Dr. TROVILLIAN taught school in Pope county, Illinois, beginning at the age of 17. In 1882 he was deputy county clerk under his brother in Pope county. Then he took a reg------ course graduating in 1886. He practiced medicine in Rosebud, Ill., until 1889, when he came to Colorado to succeed Dr. G.R. WELLS, a college chum, in practice at Gold Hill, then a flourishing mining camp. So successful was he that his practice took him to all the camps of Boulder county and about 1900 he established his office in Boulder. The University of Colorado regents recognized the great ability of Dr. TROVILLION and he taught anatomy in the medical college for years.
[The above article was taken from: "Trampe's Pope County Historical Review" ~ 01 May 98]
Chas. F. STEINKAMP, son of William and Louise STEINKAMP, was born near Rosebud, Ill., Feb. 14, 1862, and died in his home in Golconda, Ill., June 21, 1940, at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 7 days.
On Oct. 1, 1883, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth BOOS and to this union were born 5 children; 2 sons and 3 daughters; Arthur passed away in infancy.
Mr. STEINKAMP was well known in this and surrounding communities, as he had been a resident of Golconda for many years, living 38 years in the home in which he died. He was a skilled marine engineer, and for 25 years was employed as such on the steamer Bernice. He was a good citizen, a devoted companion, and a loving father. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed in this community.
Surviving are his loving companion, Mrs. Elizabeth STEINKAMP, of Golconda, who with her companion, had he lived until Oct. 1 would have lived together 57 years, and the following children: Mrs. Ernest COPLAND, of Metropolis, Ill.; Earl, of Paducah, Ky.; Mrs. A.H. CRONK, and Mrs. J.H. TRAVIS, of Rosiclare, Ill.; six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Not only these, but other relatives and a host of friends mourn his departure.
Funeral services were held in the home in Golconda Sunday afternoon, June 23, at 3 o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev. Elmer SMITH, pastor of the Golconda Methodist church, assisted by Rev. THOMPSON, pastor of the Golconda Presbyterian church. Burial was made in the Masonic cemetery at Metropolis.
[The above obituary was taken from newspaper clippings kept by my dear friend, the late Ruth Baker Huffman. ~ 01 May 98]
The sad intelligence that flashed through the streets and converted our beautiful little city into one of mourning, last Thursday evening, is yet too fresh in the minds of our readers.
As stated last week, that every effort would be put forth to rescue the drowned man from his watery grave, many offered a helping hand the following morning with hooks and poles to search for him.
The firing of the cannon and the exploding of the cans of powder in the bottom of the river by means of a tube and fuse, failed to have the desired effect. An effort was made to secure some dynamite, but it was not obtainable. Seeing that the hopes for the recovery were shallow, and for the purpose of inducing more to participate in the search, Mr. J.T. RUSHING, acting in behalf of the poor boy's heart-sick parents, offered a reward of $25 for his body. At about 5 o'clock in the afternoon D.E. MILLIKEN and son succeeded in finding and bringing it to the surface. He was immediately prepared and placed in a handsome coffin, and taken home to his fond and loving but heart-broken parents.
A number of friends accompanied the remains out and many others attended the funeral the following morning at 10 o'clock which was held at Mt. Zion.
Mr. PARMELY was a promising young man, who was universally loved by his companions and highly respected by all his acquaintances.
Both Dr. PARMELY and his wife were quite sick at the time they learned of their heart-rendering misfortune, which made the burden more cumbersome if possible, than it would have been otherwise.
They have our profoundest sympathy.
[The above article was kept by the late Mrs. Ruth Baker Hoffman. There was no date on the clipping ~ 01 May 1998]
The sad occurrence of last week ---- the drowning of a young man of promise, who had struggled for a number of years to pave the way toward culture of mind and prominence in station, was cut short without a moments notice by the depth of the treacherous waters that were so inviting to refresh the care worn mind and body. Young Mr. PARMELY, with some of his companions left the school room to enjoy a bath in the river, not dreaming that he was on a journey to "cross" the dark river into the presence of his Maker. His spirit remained on the "other side", his body was found and returned to the sorrow stricken parents and friends. There the drama ends. Occurrences of this kind are not new or isolated, they will happen from time to time and we can not avoid them.
There are not many families here amongst us who do not mourn over the loss of some dear one who's life has been snatched away without a moments notice and found in a watery grave.
No death is more shocking, more distressing and brings more sorrow to a household or community than the death by drowning because it comes without preparation or warning. It is life and health and death in almost a moment.
Not for the purpose of opening the wounds of the sorrow stricken parents or relatives who have lost some dear ones in a watery grave, but for the purpose of cautioning those who venture into the treacherous waters, will we recall some of the sad events.
July 14th 1855: ~ little Willie WISEMAN lost his life at the mouth of Lusk Creek whilst bathing.
June 29th 1868 ~ a little boy of Mr. ROSENGUARD, drowned at the same place.
July 26th 1868 ~ a young Mr. WATSON, drowned whilst bathing, about three miles from Golconda.
Feb, 13th 1876 ~ a day never to be forgotten when the elements combined, storm and rain reaped their harvest of death and left our city in mourning over the loss of five of our best young men, Frank MECHAN, Jim SHERIDAN, Wm. LANE, Wm. FAHLBUSHRAND, G. FELDHOUSE. Their bodies were never recovered.
Aug. 31st 1880 ~ Mrs. BRIDGES and Mrs. RICHEY lost their sweet little boys by drowning in Lusk Creek.
Dec 4th 1885 ~ Geo. READY with four or five others found their watery grave by sinking with Bluff's flatboat.
Jan. 23rd 1886 ~ the day when every heart was bleeding, when sorrow and distress was imprinted on every face, when every household was mourning over the loss of two dear ones, the teacher and his pupil - Carrie RAUCHFUSS and Mr. FRASER, are too fresh in our minds with our hearts still bleeding.
July 31st 1887 ~ Mr. STEVENSON from Evansville drowned near Lusk Creek, and many more whose names have not been mentioned have lost their lives by going into the water without using the proper caution. We hope that these instances of distress and loss of life will tend to a more proper care of parents to guard their children and their young unskilled swimmers not to venture beyond their foothold.
T. SIM____
[The above article was taken from: Linda Lewis Meherg's aunt. No date on clipping.~ 06 May 1998]
Background to a letter dated May 6, 1874 written by Woody REAMS of Big Bottom, Humphreys County, Tennessee to his two brothers in Pope County, Illinois
Revolutionary War veteran Jesse REAMS and his four sons immigrated from South Carolina to Dover, Tennessee [Stewart County] where Jesse died in 1835. Then three of his sons came to Pope County, Illinois in the 1830's, and one, Woody, remained in Tennessee. Bear in mind that Stewart County which is on the Kentucky line is only a down-river float on the Cumberland across the narrow neck of western Kentucky to the Ohio River and Pope County, Illinois. The Pope County sons were Jesse [1807-1856, John [1810-1904], and the Rev. William REAMS [1819-1893].
The letter was addressed to Rev. William REAMS, Wool PO, Ills. and to Mrs. Jane REAMS, Allen Springs, Pope County. Neither village exists on modern maps. Wool later became known as Old Brownfield which is in Section 16, T13S R5E, and Allen Springs, later known as Dixon Springs, is in Section 30, T13S R6E. The back of the old letter was addressed to John REAMS whom we know lived near Eddyville. I presume that the writer expected the first recipient, William REAMS to pass the letter on to the other two, Mrs. Jane REAMS and then to John REAMS. I believe that Mrs. Jane REAMS was the widowed daughter-in-law of Rev. William REAMS, whose remarriage in 1871 was probably not known to the writer. Jane [FARMER] REAMS was my maternal grandfather's mother. This old letter was found among mother's papers and clippings following her death in 1971. The letter is transcribed verbatim without correction of punctuation or spelling.
Big bottom May the 6th/74
Mr. Wm Reames my Dear brother I have just received your very welcome letter which gave me great consolation to hear from you and family it being the first time I have heard from you since the war. I was truly sorry to hear of the death of your wife and you have our cimpathies. We are all well, my wife health is feeble as she is growing old. We have not heard from William since he was at your house. We are living in the Big Bottom near W.C. Jacksons. We have had more rain and high water than ever known in this country our bottom lands are all covered in water at this time and the water is going of slowly, it is impossible for the people to fence there farms this spring we are just putting up an outside fence, it will be late when the people get crops planted. the most of the wheat are killed out up on the [?] where its is a gloomy prospect, though we are thankful that it is no worse, as we learn in others places it is a great deal worse and many are suffering for the want of provisions. We all should be contented with our lot here below and be reconciled to our God. I think if we all live and do well that I will visit you in the fall. You must write again soon and let us hear from you and I will answer you. Direct your letter to [Big bottom Humphreys County Tennessee]. Your affectionate Brother and Sister till death seperates us.
Woody Reams and Wife
The back of the same 12 1/2 by 8 inch lined paper contains the following letter also signed by Woody REAMS [same handwriting] but addressed to Mr. John REAMS and family.
Mr. John Reams and family I write you a few lines which will inform you that we are all well and doing tolerable. Well we are living in Big bottom our youngest daughter is living with us John is living in Benton County We have no heard from William since he was at your house. Isaac Draden is dead and his wife is Alice living on the old place and Woody is married. We want you all to write to us. Tell Sister Fanny to write. We want you all to come to see us as we would like to see you all one time more this side of Eternity and we are now growing old and cannot expect to stay much longer here at best. My wife is feeble but I am just the same Wood Reams you all know. Me I am just what I profess to be and am true blue. Be certain to write and come if you can to see us. We send our Best Love and respects to one and all. Your affectionate Brother and Sister till death.
Woody Reams and Wife
My cousin, William W. REAMS, of Paducah, has interpreted the phase "and am true blue" as affirming the writer's Union sympathies with his Illinois brothers. Regretably, no other correspondence from these siblings has been found.
[The above letter was sent to me 04 June 1994 by Oscar C. BEASLEY; 30 Ashwood Drive; Iowa City, IA 52245 ]~ 12 May 1998
[The above article was taken from: "Trampe's Pope County Historical Review"]~ 04 Feb 1998
[The above article was taken from: "Trampe's Pope County Historical Review" ~ date on clipping is April 18, 1929]~ 05 Feb 1998
~~~~~Golconda, Ill., July 19, 1860
[Taken from: "Trampe's Pope County Historical Review" Golconda Weekly Herald ~ Local ~ Thursday, July 19th, 1860 ~ 12 Feb 1998]
[The above article was taken from:"Trampe's Pope County Historical Review" (date on clipping is 1909) ~ 06 Feb 1998]
A young man by the name of Henry WALTERS, was accidently drowned in Lusk Creek last Thursday, while attempting to ford the Creek. He missed the crossing and his horse fell into a hole in fifteen feet of water. Mr. WALTERS sank and did not appear again, when taken out he was dead.
Mrs. David GOODWIN, Mr. ABBOTT's wife and son, Luther.
Mr. James MORGAN, a close friend of Mr. ABBOTT's for over 70 years, was a special guest at the happy occasion.
Numerous gifts and remembrances were presented to the honored guest.
