Catlin News Items

G. Wilse Tilton Scrapbook, p. 3, newspaper clipping by Hannah Mariah from Danville Daily News, Danville, Illinois, dated 9 September 1886, page 4, columns 2-3.

Catlin Clack.

Correspondence Danville News

The united testimony of those who were present at the great soldiers reunion on the fair grounds last week is that it was the most enjoyable outdoor entertainment ever held in the county. The predictions in the "Clack" two weeks ago that five thousand people would be present was fully verified, and preparations were sufficient for as many more. The committees had done their work to perfection. The old soldiers were on hand with their donations, speeches, songs and jokes and were masters of the situation. The citizens after contributing to the general fund vied with each other in doing honor to the "battle scarred" and in welcoming visitors.

The entertainment as given from the stand has been written up by Editor Jewell better than I could do it. There are however a few items of interest and amusement that might be added.

An examination of the register discloses the fact that 494 soldiers were present. These were the representations of of 146 regiments or 14600 soldiers as they stood together in the army. The regiments represented were distributed as follows: Illinois 40, Indiana 39, Ohio 24, Pennsylvania 9, New York 7, Missouri 5, Kentucky 5, West Virginia 3, Iowa 4, Kansas 2, Wisconsin 1, Massachusetts 1, U. S. Regulars 4, U. S. Engineers 1, U. S. Colored 1. There was one Confederate--a member of Basil Dakes regiment--and the Mexican soldiers. The youngest enlisted soldier was G. H. Jones Co. B. 146 Ind. His present age is 35 years. All soldiers were entertained free after which there remained and were sold 65 bu. potatoes, 3 1/2 doz. chickens, 2 sheep, 170 lbs. bacon, 170 lbs. beans, 1 box hard tack, 2 bbls apples, 150 heads of cabbage, 15 lbs. coffee with strong sprinkling of beets, onions, and garlic.

G. W. Harner and W. H. Harper who composed the judical wing of the reunion made considerable law, f[u]n and money. Slusser was fined for "looking over the fence at an ear of corn," Blackburn for "wearing a star," Mavity for "stealing a potato," Smith for "striking a cripple," Hannahs and Barger for "stealing a baggy," Jewell for "winking at a woman," and the writer for "smelling an empty bottle." Two other parties were fined but they refused to pay they were carried across the road on a rail and turned loose in Indiana.

The first pages of the register are well written, the last are hard to decipher which shows that applejack is deficient in chirography.

Wash Cunningham carried away a considerable share of the vocal honors.

"Army Bean" or "Beaulah land" its all the same to Rev. I. Villars.

Billy Peyton had with him the drum he used in the army.

Col. Langley brought with him the old flag of the 125th. It was completely fringed in the charge at Kenesaw mountain.

Mrs. Holoway said Capt. Holoway was not a Quaker but an enthusiastic Methodist. This probably accounts for his success at foraging.

"Ras" Douglas' crowing would put to shame any ordinary rooster.

Phocion Howard said it was the first reunion he ever attended with no whiskey on the ground.

Jack Pierce said if any man, woman or child on the ground was unhappy he, she or it ought to be soaked in vinegar and buried in dog fennel.

The village of Catlin was more profusely decorated than ever before.

It is thought that after all expenses are paid, there will be a surplus of about $40 which will be used in the purchase of a large flag for use in the township.

Twenty three members of the 73d Ill., being present they affected an organization with Maj. Burroughs of Fairmount President.

At the close W. R. Timmons and S. R. Tilton, presidents of the two regiments, presented themselves to the audience thanking them for their presence and good order. Their successors are Adjt. Wm. Mann of the 125th, and Capt. Jo Truax of the 35th. Well, it is over, Catlin retains her former prestige and we are happy.

The Catlin fair started on the 8th under fair weather and full sail. There are more speed horses here than ever before, so says the secretary. No person will regret spending a day or two with this hospitable and liberal society.

Twins--a boy and a girl at Theo Terpening's, mother and babies doing well. Theo is taking "Moxie" at regular intervals and will recover.

The youngest merchant that ever commenced business in this village may be seen at the residence adjoining the store of Sandusky & Merchant.

J. R. Ray and Arthur Finley leave to-day for a visit in Kansas.

Miss Jennie Tilton of Carlisle, Ky., concluded her visit here yesterday. Miss Bertie Tilton accompanied her home. They will stop at Indianapolis and Cincinnati to vist friends and view the sights.

Mrs. Geo. Lenhart lost a willow basket containing shawl, fan, etc., a few days ago south of Catlin. If you found it please leave it at the Trade Emporium of either Catlin or Fairmount.

Three of J. W. Newlon's daughters, one of T. A. Taylor's and three of J. Dougherty's of Fairmount have just returned from Milford where they were visiting.

School commences next week in Catlin.

This morning Scott Wolf's little boy and Sy Sandusky's little girl were playing in a buggy. Getting into a quarrel about the whip, the boy pushed the girl out, breaking her right arm just below the elbow.

Horace Pate has just returned from Kansas.

Hannah Mariah.

Sept. 8, 1886.