GENE: Eugene Francis Boyd was born in 1920 Worland, Missouri. Worland was platted back in 1888. It was named after a guy named Harry Worland, who ran the local pharmacy. The post office, also named Worland, was established in 1887, and remained in operation until 1952.

If one knew Gene none of this should come as a big surprise. There was just something about him – perhaps his “laid back” demeanor that emanated such a humble beginning.

He grew up in a place called Knob Noster, Mo. Where he graduated from high school in 1939. After school he served in the U.S. Army with the 43rd Infantry Division during WW2 that conducted Campaigns in New Guinea, the Northern Solomons and Luzon.

During his service days he met and married an attractive Vermilion gal named Yvonne Smith. Initially they lived in Seattle where he was stationed. But when discharged the couple came to Vermilion and took up housekeeping in a house on Grand Street. For the next 15 years both worked at his mother-in-law’s restaurant, “Ann’s Lunch”.

The restaurant was a 24 hour eatery and Gene always worked the night shift. That’s where I remember seeing him most. It was located a storefront in the Fischer Building on Liberty Ave in Vermilion. There were several small tabletop juke boxes along the counter. And every time I hear the music of Les Paul and Mary Ford, I think of Gene in Ann’s Lunch frying hamburgers while whistling along with the song “How High the Moon”. That, of course, was one of the selections on the juke. Gene always seemed to be in good humor.

He, along with Yvonne, was actively involved with various veteran and fraternal organizations. He was a member of American Legion, and one-time Commander of Post #397; Ely Masonic Lodge #424, Royal Arch Masons #233 in Vermilion, OH, and Royal and Select Masons Council #103 in Lorain, OH.

The couple was also very involved in Republican politics in Erie County. In those years the licenses for things like the local liquor store and license bureau were politically appointed. Ergo, at one time the Boyds ran the local BMV. They used the site of the old restaurant as the site of that operation.

I don’t recall it myself, but Gene later worked at Bettcher Industries in Birmingham. At that time both he and Yvonne lived at her mother’s farm along Route #60 just south of Axtel.

Sometime following Yvonne’s death in 1988 Gene returned to Missouri and passed into the hands of God in a Coffeyville, Kansas hospital in 2007 at the age of 87.

And, again, every time I hear Les Paul and Mary Ford, I think of him. Both and Yvonne are buried at Maple Grove in good ol’ Vermilion.

FEATURES THIS WEEK: At the history museum theatre this week is a video production I put together eight years ago. The featured personalities are Nuggie Cook, Dawn Full, Connie Dropko, Jim Hart, Jim Snell, Lucile Clark, Roger Watkins, John Tuttle, Genevieve Clark, Melba Walker, Tootie Reisinger, Bill Summers and Marie Tansey.

By and large this is an enjoyable piece. And as some folks know a few of those named above are gone now. So I’m glad I still have the video.

Somewhere, amongst all the stuff I have filed away I have entire clips of all the interviews. As soon as I find them, I’ll make them available.

This piece runs 22:08 minutes.

THE SECOND FEATURE: I also added another video / slideshow briefly following the First 200 years of the Congregational Church in Vermilion. This is a real nice historical documentary.

NEW THIS WEEK:Seven years ago (09/14/2009) I had a telephone conversation with J.R. "Dick" and Jeanne Parsons that I asked to record because, among other things, I believed it would someday be historically relevant. After Dick's first wife, Suzanne, died in 1978 he married Jeanne. Both used to sell real estate in the area. My reference to their jobs in past tense is because by 2009 both had retired and had moved to Georgia. But in his early years Dick was, to wax poetic, a mover of buildings, boats and many other big things. There was a time (believe it or not) when folks didn't just tear down perfectly good buildings when they were perceived to be in the way of someone's notion of progress. They moved them..

It is an interesting audio file that runs 17.14 minutes. Have a listen...

Enjoy.

It runs 12:40 minutes.

All the video and audio files can be found @:

VERMILION HISTORY MUSEUM THEATRE

LAZY MEN MAKE THE WORLD TURN ‘ROUND: Few folks refer to them as “machines” anymore. But that is, of course, what they are; cars. Back in ’05 – 1905 – there were very few machines running about northern Ohio. And the ones that were, were not generally deemed to be a positive technological improvement. Laws regarding their operation had yet to be established. And so…

The July 6, 1905 edition of The Vermilion News reported, “Careless auto driving is becoming so common as to arouse the indignation of the public in general. While many autoists are careful and observe all regulations a certain few take advantage of their position and proceed to run over everything in sight. Such people whether autoists, cyclists or drivers of fast horses should be brought to a stand and made to understand that others have rights too. Fred Volk of Elyria and Wm. Stolzenberg were knocked down in Elyria by a Cleveland autoist Monday and injured. They have the number of the car and promise to make it warm for the parties who ran them down.”

But in the words of author Robert A. Heinlein, “Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.” These machines certainly beat having to house and feed a horse or mule. And the roads being little more than rutted paths were hardly ideal for bicyclists. Ergo, the machines trumped all and rapidly became a part – an integral part – of American life.

In 1905 there were only 8,000 machines in the United States. In 2005 there were an estimated 247,421,120 registered passenger vehicles in the U.S. These numbers are even more significant when one considers the fact that no automobiles were manufactured in the U.S. between 1942 and 1946 due to WW2.

The snapshot of the antique automobile show on Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, O. that accompanies this essay was captured shortly before or, perhaps, even during the aforementioned auto production hiatus (c. 1940 / 42). Considering the fact that some of the machines pictured were only about thirty years old it is absolutely amazing just how rapidly the technology had advanced in such a short time. The auto with the hard top along the curb in the middle of the photo (for instance) is a Cadillac Model 30 that was built in 1910. It was the very first mass-produced closed-body car. It was billed as “a leap in reducing the discomfort and danger of driving through mud, snow, rain, or dust.”

By the time these shadows were captured convertibles were deemed quasi-luxury cars for the young and / or the young at heart; and hardtop sedans were family cars for older citizens and sundry other “fuddy-duddies”. Given that fact the reason by-standers appear to be mesmerized by the roadster on the street needs (as Desi Arnez used to say) no “’splainin’”.

But setting all that aside the cityscape background may also be of some interest to some. Though owners / proprietors and the types of business conducted in these stores (now including the barbershop) have changed numerous times over the years changes in their outward appearance have been very subtle. The tiny storefront between what was then George Rathbun’s wonderful grocery store and the barbershop no longer exists. How it was used back then is unknown – perhaps storage. But one thing that is made perfectly clear in this snap is that the barbershop and the little store next (east) to it are one building. At the present time that’s not very obvious.

As for the machines – GM just announced that sometime before the end of this decade they will put a car on the road that can “almost drive itself”. While the alterations in Vermilion’s cityscape have been less distinct than those in the auto industry who knows what the lazy men of the morrow will bring?

Ref: 9/1/13; Revised 12/02/17; Not previously published

Vol. XV, No 28 - VERMILION, OHIO THURSDAY, December 14, 1911

Bad Wreck

The west bound express train on L. S. & M. S. Ry. left the track at the Grand Street crossing shortly after 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon and was wrecked. The engine was thrown around and landed squarely across the track on its side just east of the Washington Street crossing, one car was completely wrecked and several others badly damaged were flying at different angles across the tracks. The north track was almost completely torn up and is being rebuilt. The middle track was partially demolished, some of the rails being thrown into the ditch.

Fortunately no one was seriously injured, although the escape of several including the firemen and engineer and two “bos” who were riding the “blind baggage” was something miraculous. The firemen managed to escape from the cab of the engine and the engineer was thrown from the engine into a nearby garden.

It was nearly 3 o’clock before the big wreckers arrived and about 9:30 at night the first train passed over the southern track. Electric wires were strung and by the aid of arc lights and torches the large force of men worked all night. Most of the express was removed from the cars during the night and loaded into another train.

The cause of the accident is not definitely known but it is supposed a truck on one of the cars was off the track for some distance, as indicated by the cuts on the ties from the bridge. The train first left the track at the switch just east of the Grand Street crossing. The number of steel cars probably prevented more damage perhaps the death of the messengers [sic].

Considerable excitement was caused when the firemen on one side of the train was looking for his uncle, the engineers supposing him under the engine and the engineer was on the other side looking for the firemen

A large stone from the ballast was thrown through a window of S. W. Simon’s residence, but besides breaking of the glass did little damage.

This is the second wreck which has occurred at this point between the two streets in the last five years, and the fifth within a mile and a half the past 10 years one of which demolished the bridge across the river.

The fire department was called out but had no work to do excepting put out the fire under the boiler.

The engineer, a Mr. Coleman and fireman Bowers, as well as conductor John Steible of the wrecked train live in Toledo.

Contrary to reports the accident did not happen on the new roadbed, but before the new bed has been had been reached.

Croniger’s Baby Dead

Joseph Unser received a dispatch sounding from his nephew, Prof. Croniger of Bluffton, Ind. schools that his little son had died Saturday from scarlet fever. The remains were taken to Green Springs for burial.

Mr. and Mrs. Croniger have the sympathy of their many friends here in their bereavement.

COUNCIL MEETING

The Village Council held a meeting Tuesday evening and received a proposition from Atty. Handy of the L. S. & M. S. Ry. relative to a crossing for the residents of the stove plan allotment. While the meeting was a lengthy one no action was taken. Another meeting will be held next week.

NOTICE

I forbid all saloonists or saloon keepers and all persons to give or sell my husband, Christ Nuhn, any intoxicating liquors.

MRS. IDA NUHN.

[NOTE: Just can’t help but wonder how this worked out. I doubt that it was good.]

ANOTHER BUSINESS CHANGE

M. L. Seely has moved his meat market into the” corner store” having taken an income “interest” in the business. The new firm will hereinafter be known as Unser & Seeley. A large line of all kinds of meats will also be found in their store.

Notice

Beginning Dec. 20, we the undersigned milkmen of Vermilion will make the following charge for milk. 7cs per quart or 15 tickets for $1.00.

Geo. Maurer
Chas W. Krapp
Geo B. Baumhart

“SKIPPER JIM”

The following was clipped from the Ashtabula Beacon:

Perhaps you are so busy with your “dry” campaign in Ashtabula that you will not feel an interest in Capt. James A. Stone, who died suddenly in Cleveland the other day.

But Ashtabula lost a good friend when “Skipper Jim” sailed into the harbor for the last time., And the flags should be at half-mast in every port along the lakes.

James Stone was a gentleman of the old school by which I mean that he had a courtesy and polish and kindliness that made him shine in any society. He was a disciplinarian. His orders on his boat were absolute but the men who worked with him and under him worshipped him.

Many years ago I sailed with him a trip on the steamer Maurice B. Grover. I was just a boy who yearned for a trip up the Lakes and had always thought of it one of those delightful events that only the elect might enjoy. In John P. DeVaney’s office I first saw James Stone, and as he left the place, I plucked up my courage faltered: “Captain what do folks do when they want to get a trip up the lakes on a steamer?”

His eyes twinkled. They twinkled his whole life through, and he said: “That is a weighty question but if you tell me your name and skip up home and get your grip you can come aboard the Grover, and I’ll try to show you how the thing is done.

I’ve had some pretty good times in my life, but that trip to Escanaba and back to Ashtabula will be green in my memory as long as memory last. No man could have been kinder or more entertaining had I been his lifelong friend. He gave a boy a good time, and out of it grew a friendship that lasted up to his death. We corresponded regularly and his letters have been a delight.

An incident that shows the whole someness [sic] of his nature, and then I will close. We had together gone to look at a dock in Ashtabula. She was a beauty in her black paint, as rakish as pirate as clean and spick-and-span as an old maid’s kitchen. In the dining saloon we found a sign done gold that ran something like this:

NO TALKING
DURING MEALTIME
YOU ARE EXPECTED
TO EAT IN SILENCE
AND THEN LEAVE TABLE.

I haven’t the wording just right, but I have quoted the meat of it. “Skipper Jim” simply said “Damn!” And then, “Let’s go back to the mate Maurice B. Grover for I’ve seen enough.

Back in his cabin he remarked: “From deckhands up we are all human beings. A man who possesses a good story or cheerful word, and who hides it in his bosom when it should be passed along, is not a friend of humanity. The cheerful man is always a better worker. How the devil would my crew get a chance to tell a story if they didn’t do it at mealtime, when we are together? That’s where I unload most of my stories. Any craft that I’m skipper of the will be run as nearly up to the handle as possible, but will also be human right down the line, and laugh as often as you get a chance.”

And if that isn’t good religion, I don’t know what it is.

God bless the memory of “Skipper Jim.”

Respectfully yours,
A. M. Hopkins.

THE SOROSIS HISTORY

“When Time who steals our years away
Shall steal our pleasure too,
The memory of past will stay,
And half our Joyce renew.”
– Moore.

Dec. 3, 1893, some of the ladies of this place met at the home of Mrs. F. H. Rae and organized themselves into a society, which was called, the Ladies Literary Society of Vermilion. The name afterwards was changed to the Vermilion Sorosis. At first meeting, Mrs. Rae was chosen chairman and Mrs. C. E. Gove, Sec’y. A literary program which must have been previously prepared was given, this was followed by an election of officers as follows: president, Mrs. F. H. Rae and Mrs. Luella Barram, Sec’y., also a committee on By-Laws must’ve been appointed, but no record of such is on file, but at this meeting, a committee consisting of Mrs. Rahill, Mrs. Parsons, and Mrs. Quigley were called upon to present the By-Laws which they had drawn up. At the third meeting a treasurer and six vice presidents were elected. The six Vice Pres to have the responsibility of the programs and to take charge in absence of the President. Later it appeared advisable to elect one Vice Pres. and six corps leaders, also a corresponding sec’y and these eleven officers constitute and executive committee, who have charge of the Society’s affairs and funds with the approval of the society.

It was decided to hold meetings every two weeks, and annual dues placed at 50c, payable semiannually in June and December. Later initiation fee of $1.00 was added for all future members and annual dues to be paid annually. The society’s membership was divided into six corps, each corps in charge of a chairman to furnish a program four evening set in a year. Later only five leaders were appointed and three evenings furnished. The object of the society being the discussion of such subjects chosen by the executive committee, as it seemed best for the welfare of its members.

There is no record of the attendance at the first meeting, but at the second, thirteen are recorded, and as far as can be ascertained, the charter members numbered thirty-three, of which the following is a list: Mrs. Rae, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Coen, Mrs. H. Edson, Mrs. F. Parsons, Mrs. Quigley, Mrs. Rayhill, Mrs. Gove, Mrs. E. Tilden, Mrs. Chas. Parsons, Mrs. Safford, Mrs. G. D. Nicholas, Mrs. D. B. Goodsell, Mrs. F. V. Pelton, Mrs. E. M. Kane, Mrs. A. B. Parsons, Mrs. L. Wells, Mrs. H. Jackson, Mrs. L. V. Thompson, Mrs. J. Delker, Mrs. J. Abell, Mrs. B. S. Horton, Mrs. H. L. Minium, Mrs. J. Case, Mrs. Anna Ball, Mrs. L. Body, Mrs. Marion Rae, Miss Lillian Horton, Miss Sadie Hart, Miss Lucy Mecker, Miss Lottie Goodell, Miss L. Barram, Mrs. L. H. Royce.

There is no record of how long this charter remained open, but the first account of any addition to the membership after the above list was at the fourth meeting, Jan. 29, ‘94, the names of Mrs. Jessie Rae, Miss Carrie Rust, Miss Addie Rust and Mrs. Danny Thompson. February 12, ‘94, Miss Gertrude Miller’s name was added, Feb. 26, ’94. The names of Mrs. W. P. Der, Mrs. Geo Harris, Mrs. H. G. Dunker and Ms. Tina Larson were enrolled. March 26 94, Miss Carrie Bell united with the society April 9 94 Mrs.Terry Childs and Miss Sarah weeks, June 1994, Mrs. C. B. Parsons, October 8, 94, Miss Georgia Mead, October 22 94, Mrs. Fred Piper, November 1994, Mrs. John Kane making it the end of the first year, 49 members. The largest number of members enrolled at any one time was during the years 97 – eight, they’re doing at that time 61 active members. The first five meetings were held the homes of Mrs. Ray, Mrs. Bill, Mrs. Nicholas, Mrs. F. V. Pelton and Mrs. L. Wells in the order named.

On February 26, 94 Sorosis met at the Masonic Hall where it continued to hold meetings, (except to the warmest weather) until March 16, ‘95, when they decided to rent the K. O. T. M. Hall, where it remained until March 15, ‘97, when the society rented the lecture room of the Cong’l church for its meeting place and continued there until June ‘99, when it was deemed advisable to meet at the homes of its members. It again returned to the Masonic Hall in Jan. 22, 1900, where it met till May 13, 1900, where it me to the present the different homes of its members have offered at shelter.

The Sorosis has had one very severe case of paralysis when it was only eight years of age, which nearly cost its life, when on June 3, ‘01, the interest, enthusiasm attendance was so small, its few remaining members out of great sympathy, rather than see it struggle thought it best to let it give up the ghost. So a motion was made by Mrs. J. E. Kane, seconded by Mrs. A. M. Thompson, to disband which motion was carried. The society having previously disposed of its property by means of a will. But this means of disbanding was found illegal, as all of the property had not been disposed of, via one lone dictionary, and lo, here was one ray of hope seen by Miss Burt and Mrs. Kaylee to resuscitate it, by means of a vigorous counter irritation so, that on June 17, ‘01 it took on a new lease of life and for the past 10 years has been able to make its appearance once in two weeks.

Sorosis was brought up under very sanctimonious influence, as its meetings were always opened with prayer and singing of the Doxology up to June 1902 when these two were lost of view. Since when no search had has been made, “lest haply they might be found.”

[NOTE: I’m not sure that the writer of this history understood the meaning of the word “sanctimonious” – which she misspelled. “Spiritual” might have been a better word – although there were undoubtedly many folks about town thinking that these ladies were somewhat sanctimonious.]

The interest of the Society along the line of municipal improvements have been very keen, it being very instrumental in having one of its members, Mrs. F. H. Rae, elected as a member of the school board in 1895 for a term of three years, also having a Curfew Ordinance passed and enforced for a period of time. This matter being brought up in Sorosis Feb. 1900.

Time and space forbid speak of all the work along literary lines done during these 18 years but a few of them can be briefly mentioned, and under the head of debates, the following:

- The old and yet ever new woman suffrage.
- Resolved “That’s more important that women should have pockets in their clothes and men.”
- Resolved, “That the married ladies have done more efficient work in the unmarried ladies in the Sorosis.”
- Resolved, “That the literature of the 19th century is better than that of any other.”

- The free coinage of silver.
- “Which is the greater influence on man’s character, heredity or environment.”
- Which has done the most for the home, Music or decorative art.
- Is it better to be born rich or poor.
- For and against capital punishment.
- Are women’s burdens increasing.
- Are books more beneficial in the homes and magazines and many others too numerous to mention.

Other subjects under discussion have been History, both Ancient and Modern. Music from the first records down to the present time. Art of the Old World as well as the New. Science, such as Electricity, Astronomy and Liquid Air. Fiction from the pen of the best authors. Political Economy. Drama as given by Shakespeare. Poetry, the best thoughts from our most gifted poets like Tennyson, Longfellow, Whittier, Burns, Byron, and many others. Parliamentary Law, until a motion can be made without moving the chairman of the chair. And as proof of the Society’s Dramatic Talent we need only to refer you to the entertainment given by them March 30, ‘96, called Living Pictures. Their first and so far only. And at frequent intervals when not otherwise engaged the society spent its time revising its bylaws.

During eighteen years of the society has had eight Presidents namely, Mrs. Rae, Mrs. Seemann, Mrs. Edson, Miss Hattie Burt, Miss Carrie Rust, Mrs. J. Case, Mrs. Elizabeth Kane and Mrs. Mary child.

While eleven Secy.’s and eleven Treas. have cared for the society’s books and funds at one time the Sorosis belonged to the L. F. W. C. and was represented in its annual convention at Lakeside by delegates, three different years, namely, Miss Carrie Rust, Miss Harriet Burt and Mrs. F. H. Rae.

Our present membership is limited to thirty-six, and is complete at present, while the honorary list numbers thirty-seven members.

Some of our members have withdrawn from time to time and regretting their rash act have returned to us so that our membership has been from eighteen to sixty-one.

This society has held in all 365 meetings, regular and otherwise. Think a moment, equal to one year of study session and have thus spent many pleasant and profitable evenings together. But it has also seen the soft side of life as well, where it has been called upon to witness the passing of 12 its members into the greater Federation on the other side and
“Tho’ lost to sight, to mem’ry dear
Thou ever will remain;
One only hope I heart can cheer,
The hope to meet again.”
-Linley.

May the future of Sorosis be bright, may its meetings be profitable, and its influence felt in Vermilion so that we as members of this organization may truly say,
“If being here alleviates the burden of some load,
Or causes brief forgetfulness of dull and weary pain,
Or even brings a ray of light upon a shadowed road,
Then surely our humble life will not have been in vain.”

Addie A. Ross, Sec.

AMHERST

BORN – to Mr. Mrs. Fred Brandau, son, Friday, Dec. 8, 1911.

Word has been received from Allie Fullmer of Norwalk that he is gradually recovering his sight.

The directors of the waterworks held a meeting Friday for the purpose of paying bills

Funeral services of John Schultz were held on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. W. L. Bretz officiated. Burial was made at middle Ridge Cemetery.

The remains of David Miller, a former resident of Amherst were brought here from Lorain Monday and interred at Cleveland St. cemetery. Services at the grave were in charge of Richard Allen Post No. 65, G. A. R. of Elyria, of which the deceased was a member.

RUGBY

Little Deforest Reynolds is quite sick at this writing. Dr. Bond of Vermilion is attending him.

Mr. John Stevenson has been playing George Washington for a few days. He has cut down the cherry trees that were set out seven years ago by Geo. Ney’s grandfather. Now you ask Mr. Stevenson about it he will not deny it, neither did George Washington.

CEYLON

Geo. Reising took a load of hogs to Lorain Tuesday.

Mr. Christ Hauff left Sunday for Germany where he will spend the winter.

STRONG’S CORNERS

Elmer Kushner is drilling for gas and is having fine success.

The dance given at Jim Bogart’s Friday evening was well attended and a fine time is reported.

AXTEL

Mrs. Fred Ball is sick with the Grippe. Miss Marie Heines is assisting with the housework during her illness.

The M. E. Christmas program will be held at the church on Christmas night, Dec. 25th. Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

BROWNHELM

BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brandan, Dec. 8th, 1911, son.

The work on the Cong’l church is going on steadily in spite of the bad weather.

Howard Shattuck who has been sick for the past two weeks with peri-typhoid is much better.

Rev. L. Seith of Cleveland, a former pastor of this place preached Sunday morning at the German Evangelical church.

Friday morning while the Junior class of B. H. S. were doing an experiment in Physics a bottle of sulfuric acid which Erwin Peasley was opening broke throwing acid over him severely burning his clothes and hands.

[NOTE: Yikes!!!!]

LOCAL NEWS

As we go to press the work of repairing the track on L. S. Ry. is nearly completed, but the trains are still running slowly over the section where the wreck occurred.

The wrestling match at the Town Hall Tuesday evening was successful so far as the events were concerned. Vincent certainly a winner. He “flopped” Baxter, was considered “something” of a wrestler the first time in 2 minutes and in about 5 minutes the second time. The preliminaries were also good. The crowd was small.

Photographer Lewis secured some very fine views of the wreck Tuesday.

F. W. Wakefield who underwent an operation for goiter at Lakeside Hospital Cleveland last week is getting along nicely.

BERLIN HEIGHTS

Some of the grades of the public schools are preparing Christmas exercises.

The Cong’l Benevolent Society are preparing for a social entertainment to be given in the near future.

OBITUARY

It will bring sadness to the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Croniger to learn of the death of their little son, Charles H, which occurred on last Saturday, Dec. 9, 1911, at Bluffton, Ind. It will be remembered at Mr. Croniger was principal of the Vermilion High School for several years for the past two years has been principal of the Bluffton High School.

Little Charles had reached the age in life when he had become most interesting. Although only a little past two years of age, he could say most words, to a child so young, very distinctly. This sickness was one of those most to be feared and dreaded among children, that of scarlet fever. He was taken ill on Sunday preceding his death. At one time during his short illness it seemed that he would recover and always done it could have been to that end, but all in vain, the death Angel was near at hand and claimed one of the one of whom Jesus said: “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.”

The body accompanied by the parents was brought to the home of its grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Holtz, near Tiffin on Saturday night the funeral service was held on Monday afternoon, consisting of prayer at the home and a short service at the grave which was conducted by Rev. A. G. Rupert of Berlin Heights.

Charles Holtz Croniger was born in Greensprings, Aug. 8, 1909, had lived in this world just 2 yrs, 4 mos and 1 day.

A short life, about a promise, hope lasted.

“O thus from childhoods earlier this hour,
I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay;
There never was a tree or flower,
But ‘twas the first to fade away!”
“For if we believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

We sorrow not [even] as those who have no hope. They shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day I make up my Jewels.

BIRMINGHAM

Mrs. Conrad Reed is still very low with blood poison and little chance for recovery.

Mrs. Grant Miller was removed to the hospital at Cleveland last Tuesday after a long illness for an operation.

The little calm stack stock boy was taken with scarlet fever at his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Ward off but is getting along very nicely.