How Christmas Came to the Poor House....

One day there came to the poorhouse a woman whose head was white.
With the snows of sixty odd winters, and never a sadder sight.
Have I seen and I've seen full many! than the poor, old wrinkled face.
All wet with tears as they left her in the pauper's lodging place.
I dont want to die in the poorhouse, she said, with a heart breaking moan.
And the grief of the poor old creatures would have touched a heart of stone.
Why couldnt they let me stay there?  it wouldnt be long I know..
And end my dayes in the old home? Oh how can they treat me so?

By and by she told me her story. Her husband had long been dead.
He died when Benny, my youngest was ten years old she said.
An I've been so glad so thankful that he didnt live to know.
What was in the hearts of the children that he loved and trusted so.
My children be kind to your mother, he told em the day he died.
I know you will care for her always, an he called em to his side.
Robert an Marthy an Sarah an Promise me children, said he.
An they promised that they would be kind to an always take care o' me.

Robert the oldest was twenty when his father died in May.
And he took things into his own han's in a masterful and kind o'way.
An if I tried to advise him he wouldnt lis'en to me,
For women dont understand b'isness, thought htey think they do, said he.
So it wasnt long afore Robert had everything all his own way.

I'd rather than live in a jangle I didnt have much to say.
An' it seemed as if Marthy an Sarah had somehow got the idee.
That they knew better than I did, an they wouldnt lis'en to me.
Benny an I  poor Benny, who loved me better than they.
We knew that we wasnt wanted, we felt we was both in the way.
But we jest hel'fast to each other an he'd tell me of many a plan.
That was goin tu make things different when he got to be a man.

It seemed as if Robert jest hated the boy for his share in the farm,
An he blamed him for this thing an that thing tho' he never was guilty of harm.
An at last I said  Benny dont stay here It'll kill me to have you used so.
It'll be awful lonesome without you but I'll stan' it jest pack up an go.
An he went.  Run away, Robert told em  Good riddance says Marthy says she.
But it seemed as there'd ben a fun'ral an the only mourner was me.
Oh Benny My Benny My baby!  He loved me an what would he say.
If he knew I was here in the poorhouse, an they called me a pauper today!

By and by when Robert got married the girls said that they wouldnt stay.
To be bossed round by his wife; an left home an they live in the city today.
Marthy married a man that's got money they say he's a rich as can be.
But she'll let me die here in the poorhouse an Sarah's as cruel as she.
Robert's wife she was all us against me an Robert would say she was right.
An I couldnt do nothin to suit em  it was my fault from mornin til night.
I tried hard to make em no trouble, I wanted to earn my own way.
But I couldnt an that is the reason I'm here in the poorhouse today.

It was the morning of Christmas, and we heard the glad bells ring.
IN hte joy that comes at the birthday of Christ, our SAviour King.
The day'll bring gladness to most folks, she said with a sorrowful sigh.
But when one's homeless an friendless it's the best of all blessins to die.

I wonder if Robert an Marthy, an Sarah'll think to day.
Of the mother they sent to the poorhouse, to get her out of the way.
As they're eatin their Christmas dinner? God grant they may never know.
What it is to have their children turnin ag'inst 'em so..
I wish I could hear from Benny, jest a word from him today.
To say that he loves his mother as he did when he went away.

Lis'en!! There's somebody knockin! I'll go to the door an see.
Mebbe the children are sorry, an are sendin after me??
The door swung back on it's hinges to let the visitor past.
Mother!! My poor old mother, it's Benny come back at last!

She felt his strong arms round her his kiss on her withered cheek.
And for one long happy moment it seemed that she could not speak.
Then with a sob that choked her she whispered, Oh My Boy!!
thank God, I shan't die in the poorhouse! and the bells all rang for joy!!

Fair weather stories~~

A crowing rooster during rain indicates fair weather.

If the rooster crows more than usual or earlier expect rain.

When the roosters go crowing to bed they will rise with watery head.

If a rooster crows on the ground it is a sign of rain; if he crows on the fence it is a sign of fair weather.

Roosters are said to clap their wings in an unusual manner before rain, and hens to rub in the dust and seem very uneasy.

When fowls roost in the daytime expect rain.

Fowls and birds oiling their feathers indicate rain.

When the hens crow expect a storm within and without.

Geese wash in flocks before rain.

Ducks and geese go to water and dash it over their backs a rain is imminent.

Ducks are more than usually noisy on the approach of a storm, and their loud quacking is considered by farmers to be an almost unfailing sign of rainy weather.

If chickens stand around under a shed during a rain the storm will be short; if they come out during the rain the storm will be along one.

Buzzards flying high indicate fair weather.

A solitary turkey buzzard at a great altitude indicates rain.

If the crows make much noise and fly round and round expect rain.

The crow flying alone is a sign of foul weather, but if they fly in pairs it's a sign of fair weather.

If owls hoot at night expect fair weather.

Blackbirds bring healthy weather.

If owls scream in foul weather it will change to fair.

Blackbirds’ notes are very shrill in advance of rain.

Cuckoos hallooing on low lands indicate rain on high lands fair weather.

Sparrows fly in flocks before rain.

Swallows fly low in bad weather signs.

Parrots refuse to talk just before a rain.

Six weeks after you hear the katydid expect frost.

When the thrush sings at sunset a fair day will follow.

Larks when they sing long and fly high, forebode fine weather.

If storks and cranes fly high and steady expect fair weather.

When quails are heard in the evening fair weather is indicated for the next day

When men of war hawks fly high it is a sign of a clear sky; when they fly low prepare for a blow.

A solitary magpie foretells bad weather.

Birds singing during rain indicates fair weather.

Birds flying in groups during rain or wind indicates hail.

When birds cease to sing rain and thunder will probably occur.

If gnats fly in large numbers expect fair weather.

Spiders always come out of their holes  shortly before a rain.

When spiders hide look out for a change in weather.

If webs of the spider fly in the winds anticipate east winds.

If spiders are busy making their webs expect fair weather.

Crickets sing much more sharply just before a rain than at other times.

The skin of the abdomen of frogs changes it's hue from clear white to yellow on the approach of bad weather.

If cattle run around a meadow expect rain.

When pigs run about with straw in their mouths a high wind is approaching.

If the wool of sheep feels crisp there will be no rain.  If it is limp and feels soft to the touch a storm is coming.

If flowers close their petals look for rain.

A yellow sunset tells of wet weather.

A red sunset tells of fair weather.

A red sunrise foretells wet weather.

A gray sunrise foretells a dry day.

A rainbow in the morning the shepherd's warning

A rainbow at night the shepherds delight.

Sundogs around the sun or moon indicates a storm.

A deep blue sky indicates fair weather.

Fog indicates settled weather

If it rains before seven it will be clear by eleven.

If your corns ache expect rain.

If your bones are rheumatic expect rain.

The falling soot of a chimney indicates bad weather.

If a full moon rises red expect wind.

Light yellow sunset presages wind.

Hazy weather is thought to have frost in winter, snow in spring, fair weather in summer, and rain in autumn.

Three foggy morns will be followed by a rain storm.

When the leaves of a tree show their underside there will be rain.

When the perfume of flowers or the smell of fruits are unusually noticeable expect rain.

The twelve days following Christmas denote the weather for the coming twelve months one day for a month.

The day of the month the first snow storm appears indicates the number of snow storms the winter will bring.

Thunder on Sunday is considered by the weather-wise the sign of the death of a great man; on Monday the death of a great woman; on Tuesday if in early summer it foretells an abundance of grain; on Wednesday warfare is threatened; on Thursday an abundance of sheep and corn the farmer may reckon upon; on Friday come great man will be murdered; on Saturday, a general pestilence and great mortality.

1809 Newspaper Article 

GOVERNOR HOWARD TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR

St. Louis, April 10th 1813
SIR. I have the honor herewith to enclose you the Report of Blundeau of which I made mention in my last also the result of a council held With the Sacs and Foxes. Since his return the letter from Rock, an Interpreter at Prairie Du Chien of which he speeks in his report has arrived which you will also find enclosed. You will observe that Rock speaks of their views toward Illinois the Canadians and Indians up the Mississippi mean by Illinois all the country below on both sides of the river: that a formidable invasion is meditated and preparing against this country I have no doubt. I am making every exertion to prevent it, by a display of my little force on the frontier, at points and in a way they do not expect by letter of the 10th of October last from your Predecessor in Office I was assured that Colo Anderson with four companies was coming on to this frontier that the companies of Allen and Desha were destined for the defence of this country: I have never been notified by the Dept of different arrangement, I find the whole of those troops ordered in another direction this I learned a day or two ago from an order of Colo Gaines to Captains Allen and Desha, this has caused much alarm in the country and embarrassed me much at a most critical moment; however my efforts will continue should the country be invaded it will happen before the 15th of May, a number of small parties are now on our frontier two valuable Citizens, Capt. Jourdan and his son, were killed a week or two past, near his farm, two Rangers and a Citizen were fired on last week near Fort Mason, the Citizens horse was killed but neither of the men received injury.
Copies of all the papers I have enclosed in my last letter and have been forwarded to Govr Edwards by me, tis likely he has sent them on to you before this.
I am with great respect Your Humble Servt
BENJA HOWARD
THE HONBls THE S. OF WAR

P.S. I set out again this morning for our northern frontier and shall write you fully upon my return. B.Hd.
   [Endorsed] St. Louis April 10, 1813 Gov. B. Howard Inhabitants alarmed at the departure of Andersons Regt Two Citizens lately killed. Recd June 1813.

[p. 661, the last paragraph of Blondeau's report]

I met a Mr Gilbert on the 3rd Inst who told me that the Indians had killed a man on Buffaloe crick by the name of Capt Jourdain.
I remain your Excellency obedient Servant
MAURICE BLONDEAU

Miscellaneous articles in the BOWLING GREEN TIMES

June 5, 1890:

Jas. C. Keith, of Sherwood, Texas, formerly of St. Fancois County Missouri, supports a beard which one year ago was seven feet long, all of 15 years growth. Mr. K. is just six feet tall and his beard is so heavy he is compelled to keep it thinned out.—[Callaway Gazette.]

~

I have lately purchased (at considerable expense) an elegant, new hearse, and as I have as complete a line of Undertaking goods as can be found anywhere, I am now fully prepared to attend to any Undertaking upon short notice, with neatness, promptness and at reasonable compensation for such work. The Hearse will be furnished on very reasonable terms when desired. After business hours I can be found at my home near the mill, or Martin Campbell will be found at 3rd door west of store. All calls shall be attended to immediately.
ED. C. CROW.

~

TO THE PUBLIC.
The Organs handled by James D. Motley, of New Hartford, Mo., known as the “Leslie” Parlor and Chamber Organs are first-class instruments and fully warrented by me.
C. E. Leslie
9-6 m
Chicago, Nov. 6, ’89

~

The 7th Congressional Democratic Committee will meet at the city of Louisiana, Mo., on Tuesday June 17th, 1890 for the purpose of selecting the time and place of holding the next Democratic Congressional Convention to nominate a candidate for Congress; and also to fix the ratio of representation of each county in this district to the said convention.
HOMER L. MURRAY, Chm’n
James I. Jones, Sect.

~

Everybody Knows
That at this season the blood ?? with impurities, the accumulation of months of close confinement in poorly ventilated stores, workshops and tenements. All these impurities and every trace of scrofula, salt rheum, or other disease may be expelled by taking Hood’s Sarsaparilla, the best blood purifier ever produced. It is the only medicine of which “100 doses one dollar” is true.

~

October 4, 1894, pg. 5, col. 3:

Ladies, don’t fail to call and see the most stylish hats in the city, at Mrs. M. Van Wisdoms, the Palace of Fashion. 

~

Jos. Moore, the Populist candidate for congress, spoke to a small audience at Curryville Friday night. When he had finished his speech, Joe Kirthlink arose and fairly made the welkin ring, chewing Mr. Moore up in grand style. Joe claims to be a Republican.

~

October 11, 1894, pg. 4., col. 4:
From the Clarksville Sentinel.

We are glad to learn that Col. Hume, whose mill recently burned at Bowling Green, is preparing to put up a splendid brick mill into which he will put all the modern machinery for the manufacture of flour. The fire doubtless caused Mr. Hume considerable loss but will prove of large benefit to the business and other interests of our county seat. A good mill, as we know by experience, is worth everything to a town.

~

From several localities in the state comes the report that horses have died from eating chinch bug fodder. It might be well enough for farmers whose corn was infested by chinch bugs to be a little guarded upon this point.

~

We are unofficially informed that the annual meet of the Missouri and Illinois Fox Hunters Association will be held at the spring on John Fielder’s farm near Calumet Church—the old Hick’s place—beginning Monday, October 8th.

The Bowling Green Times
Bowling Green, MO
Thursday, May 6, 1937

Courthouse News:

____

Marriage Licenses

Lafe Windmiller, of Clarksville and Mary Kull, of Louisiana, - April 28th
Harley Grimmett, of Vandalia and Helen Porter, of Louisiana,- April 29th
William Jones Gardner and Frances Fay Campbell, both of Frankford.- April 29th
Elmer H. Martin and Catherine A. Edwards - April 30th
Charles Hurt of Bowling Green and Bessie Austin of Bedford, IL -May first
Walter Muehler, of Mexico and Mae Collard, of Pleasant Hill. Ill - May first

Real Estate Transfers

J. C. Gentry, M.T. Nalley and A.W. Forgey to Olie Poole and Gertrude H Poole , one acre in Survey 31, Twp 52, Range 1 W, adjoining Eolia. Considerations six hundred twenty-five dollars.

Nancy Royalty to Frederick W, Russe, Jr., the NW1/4 of Section 8,Twp 52, N. Range 1 W, containing 38 acres. Consideration four hundred fifty dollars.

Clyde Epperson and Mel Epperson to Lorin Gilbert and Cecil Gilbert, the NE corner of Lot No.7 in Block No.1 of Ashburn. One dollar and other good an valuable considerations.

John Hobbs to Floyd B. Ash and Julia A Ash, the E 1/2 of the SE.1/4 of Sec. 16 in Twp 51. R 4 W, containing 10 acres. Considerations, One thousand and four hundred dollars.

F.C. Haley, 3rd and Dorothy Haley to Paul Stepanek and Mary Stepanek, Lot No. 22 in Block No.3 of Marshall S. Allen's first addition to Louisiana. One dollar and other valuable considerations.

Phoenix Joint Stock Land Bank of Kansas City, to William E. Page and Alice M. Page, the E.1/2 of the NW ? of Sec. 12, Twp 54, R 3. Consideration $1.00.

The Mercantile Bank to Joe Venable and Ora Venable Lot No. 553 and the S 1/2 of Lot No. 554 in Block No. 63 of Louisiana. One dollar and other consideration.

Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchard Company to Marvin C Johnson, the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Sec. 19 in Twp 54, N R 1 W. Valuable consideration and one dollar.

Joseph C. Weber and Mary Weber, to Mary E Ruffin, a part of tract NO. 5 of Kling's subdivision. One dollar and valuable considerations.

Attend Silver Tea Given at Vandalia

The Fidelis Class of the Vandalia Baptist Church entertained with a tea at the New Davies funeral home, Friday afternoon. Tea was served at three and four o'clock In the afternoon and eight in the evening.

Those who attended from Bowling Green were: Mesdames I. W. Hungate, J.H. McPike, Burkett McPike, Tom Cornish, Edward V. Long, Price Maddox, Tully Reeds, Arthur Kleppisch, Grover Price, Paul Sanderson and son, Dicki, W.E. Kleppisch and the girls's trio who sung. Patsy Sue Kleppisch, Margaret Anne Ball and Margie Fray. Mrs. Glover Fillingham of Vandalia was also on the program.

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell