Purgatory

There was no on-line copy of the January 1, 1881, Rural Republican so Lawrence County news printed in the Western Sun was used for this blog.   

News: The previous Tuesday Matt Harvey had four horses killed and one crippled by the O&M railroad between Lawrenceville and Vincennes. A baby boy of Sheriff Ed Ryan died Friday and was buried on Christmas Day.

Unfortunately, the only other ‘news’ item published was by a special correspondent to the Western Sun who criticized Lawrenceville, denounced the election, and slandered everyone he named. It is as follows:    

“Christmas among the Hills and Hollows that border on Purgatory” (He was hopefully referring to the swamp lands between Lawrenceville and Vincennes by that name and not a reflection of depravity on the part of the residents…..)

“There is no one perhaps who has not a kindly feeling away down in the bottom of his heart for the place of his nativity, no matter what the opinion of the world in regard to that particular spot may be. It is not on account of its beauty, therefore, that takes this rider to Lawrenceville Illinois at least once a year. The town has almost the same ancient appearance that has made it famous as the county seat of ‘foggism’. The ruthless hand of enterprise does not interfere with the aged and fast- decaying buildings.  On the contrary, when a break is made in the direction of progress, a new site is chosen for the monument of a man's skill in woodwork. The same ditches cross and recross the place, and the river, into which I have fallen as many times as there are fishing days in a year, still flow senselessly on.

“November, and our democratic friends take it as a special favor if they are not interviewed on the cause and effect. For the sake of democracy, however I think the cause and effect should be explained. In the heat of a political canvas, it frequently occurs that a move is made, just as in a game of checkers, which throws a battle in favor of the enemy, and this was done in Lawrence County. The whole fight in the county, on behalf of the Democrats, was made of the sheriff’s office. Moses Petty was put up by our friends as a man of untarnished name, and even Republicans refrained from attacking his character. On the other hand, a flaw was discovered by Republicans in their own candidate, and which, had the Democrats not overdone the thing, could have been used with good effect. But through particular zeal, it was charged and pamphlets circulated in all parts of the county that Ed Ryan was not only a gambler, but a drunkard. Democrats who had known him from youth knew this to be false.

 “The officers elected in November, as I understand it, will not hold their offices for four years, as the constitutional amendment, recently adopted in Illinois provides for an election in 1882, and four - year terms will begin then. I asked Mr. Dickerson what would become of the county clerk, treasurer and probate judge, whose terms will expire next fall.  He says there is a difference of opinion on the subject, it being largely possible that they will be appointed by some authority and hold over one year longer. If not, they will be elected to serve for one year.

“The flight of Mr. William Robinson, a prominent attorney of Lawrenceville, is creating just the least bit of ripple of excitement in that city. It is now nearly two weeks since Mr. Robinson went to Vincennes, where it is alleged, he got into some trouble. There is talk of domestic troubles having something to do with his disappearance, but it is supposed that nothing but the brilliant attorney’s liking intoxicating liquors, has caused him to hide his face from his family.

“Mr. Ed Ryan, sheriff- elect of Lawrence County, has agreeably disappointed those who supposed he would appoint John P Scott as his deputy. The gentleman who is so fortunate to receive that appointment is Mr. A C Gosnell, who is on the shady side of 50 years. It is not proper that I should express an opinion as to his ability to perform the functions of that office, but that he is ‘grit to the backbone’ has been fully demonstrated on more than one occasion.

“The Sun has already mentioned the sad bereavement of Sheriff Ryan and wife in the death of their boy, aged 4 1/2 months, that occurred last Friday morning. He was well and hearty a few hours before his death which later was caused by hives it is said, that settled in his heart. This is the third baby Mr. Ryan has lost since his marriage.  Truly his cup of bitterness is full to overflowing.

“One of the best jokes of the season is connected with the marriage of Mr. William A Gosnell and Miss Callie Ackman, that occurred on Thursday evening December 23. The groom told his father confidentially, you know, that he was going to commit matrimony, and the bride told her mother the same, in confidence of course and they left the house, nonchalantly declaring that they were going to prayer meeting. The meeting was in the office of Esquire William Walton, and the sermon was delivered from a marriage license. Squire Walton promised by all that was lovely not to say a word about it but told the first person he met. William thought that he had everything well planned, but these things will always leak out.

“The teachers are beginning to arrive today to attend the county institute which is now in session. It will bring out about 75 teachers, possibly 100 as crusty Professor Cox has said positively that no teacher need apply for renewal unless he attends the institute.”

The correspondent did not have the courage to sign his name, and I wonder how many subscribers the Vincennes paper lost from the western side of ‘Purgatory’.