"a nice fat legacy"

November 26th, 1880 

The death of the editor prompted the following obituary:

Died on Sunday morning November 21, 1880, at her residence, Miss Mary Buntin, editor of the newspaper, the Rural Republican, after a long-continued illness.

“Thus early in her 29th year passed away one whom it was a pleasure to designate as the noblest young woman of our acquaintance. At an early day she was called to assume most of the cares and anxieties of an afflicted family in which the promptings of filial duty developed a zeal and an aptitude for the laborious work as the Editor and in December 1875,, she took the position as Editor of the Rural Republican, where by good tact and clear judgment, she was soon recognized by the craft, as one worthy of the exalted position, lending the influence of its columns to the promotion of morality, intelligence and the betterment of mankind, until the Rural soon became to be accepted by both its political friends and foes as a power for good within range of its circulation. That her laborers in this direction were not in vain, it suffices to recall the present advanced position of our county as compared with others more favored.   Her first endeavor was to encourage all the material interests of our community. Reviled at, she reviled not again, trusting to the common vindication for her reward and her well-merited compensation in this regard was but just tribute to her noblest of character and right royally did she appreciate the strengthened confidence so kindly bestowed.

Today yonder cemetery holds her lifeless form and yet her good deeds are not, nor will they be buried. Their legitimate fruit will continue to gladden many a homestead, many firesides, as this or that member of the circle catches some inspiration for good. Patient under the heavy hand of affliction, her Christian fortitude sustained her along the shadowy path to death. For long years her associates in the ME church and Sabbath school will bear witness that while their loss is great, her crown is well- merited, through long-suffering.

With a faith unclouded, with that peace which surpasses understanding, she has flown to the better Land, where “there's rest for the weary.”

The funeral services of the late editor Miss Mary Bunton were conducted by Rev’s CW Sabine and WS Hennessy. The pallbearers were Judge Hoffman, HL Cunningham, H H Corrie, B H Propes, DL Gold, and KP Snyder.

The weather was cold, and the ice was 4 inches thick and freezing. Thanksgiving services were held in the Christian church. Quite a number of invited friends partook of a sumptuous dinner at Mr. SP Bartons on Thanksgiving Day. The many rich delicacies with which the table was burdened, did honor to those who prepared it. Flocks of wild geese were seen flying over the city. Ice skating on the Wabash river was excellent.

Thomas G Cecil, late supervisor from Russell Township, died at Cecilia, Kentucky November 19th, 1880. Death occurred at Cecilian College Kentucky, an institution established by his family. The information was communicated to this community through a letter to Captain M O'Donnell. The funeral took place in Cecilia.

Mrs. Helen Adams, wife of MF Adams of Allison Prairie and daughter of Judge Crews, died November 21.  She was one of the prominent ladies in that section and had been afflicted a long time.

SP Barton shipped 150 train cars of wheat this season to Toledo, Ohio and would pay a dollar a bushel to farmers selling to his establishment. Whilst John Richardson was passing across the river his foot got fastened between the ties, it was conjectured, and the express train ran over him, tearing his body to pieces. The inquest was held the day the paper was published. (More next week)

Henry Clubb of Lawrenceville received $700.00 pension arrears. The residence of Mrs. Lucinda Wallace, of Sumner, came very near being destroyed by fire. The flames were extinguished with a serious loss to the building.

The charge complained about by the late Editor concerning the voting fraud in Lukin had been admitted and the case demanded further inquiry. Election judges in several places in the country were arrested for violations of the right of every citizen to his vote and a correct counting thereof. Some of the local judges were to be called on to show why persons, not citizens, were permitted to put in a ballot or two.

Lafayette Barnes of Sumner, Circuit Clerk Elect, of Lawrence County, had his bond approved by Judge Conger of Olney, preparatory to entering upon the duties of said office.  Mr. Barnes was a most excellent young man and was well qualified to discharge the duties Of Circuit Clerk according to the newspaper.

Bridgeport: The O&MRR was having the depot repaired. The young folks were making good use of the snow and were out sleighing every few nights. Citizens there organized an anti-tobacco club. The members neither chewed nor smoked. While Dr. MD Fraser was seriously ill with pneumonia, Drs Maxwell and Barr attended to his patients. The paper noted that leeches sold for $1.00 a dozen.

Mount Zion: A nice snow had fallen. Lou Manfar received a back pension of $1500 and purchased the Crane land lying west of the old Catholic Church.

He was a little lawyer man,

Who meekly blushed while he began,

Her poor dead husband’s will to scan,

He smiled while thinking of his fee,

Then said to her, so tenderly,

“You have a nice fat legacy.”

And when he lay next day in bed,

With plasters on his broken head,

He wondered what on earth he’d said.

(If you don’t get it the first time, read it slowly the second time...)