Catlin News Items

G. Wilse Tilton Scrapbook, p. 3, newspaper clipping by Hannah Mariah from Danville Daily News, Danville, Illinois, dated 22 December 1886, page 8, column 3.

Catlin Clack.

Christmas eve at the M. E. Church as usual, a fine entertainment.

Geo. Trout, from the north part of the county, was visiting friends here last week.

Died, on Friday night, Dec. 17th, Mrs. Choice Thomas, wife of Thomas Thomas, who resides three miles northwest of Catlin. Mrs. Thomas was born in England, and at the age of two years, with her parents, went to Wales. Arriving at maturity she married Mr. Thomas, who with his brother John came to this country in 1852. A year later they sent for their wives. The brothers labored in the coal fields of Pennsylvania and Ohio until 1860, when they came to this county, purchasing land adjoining each other, where they still reside, each running a coal mine. Mrs. Thomas leaves a family of six children, four boys and two girls, two of which are not married. She was proverbial for her kindness to the suffering and her relief to the poor. She was known throughout the neighborhood as "Aunt Choice," and of her

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it would [oft be] said, "None knew her but to love her." A funeral service was held at the residence on Sunday at 11 o'clock by the Rev. S. Hodges, after which she was laid "at rest" in the Pate cemetery.

Mr. A. Jones, late postmaster, served in that capacity for thirteen years. A few years ago a change was made in the manner of counting commissions, which Mr. Jones did not "catch on," and consequently he from time to time sent in more money than was required. A few days ago he received a check for $278.32, which was the aggregate over-remitted. He will not be obliged to go to Canada as a defaulter this time.

Mrs. Robert White, a sister of Miss Jessie Tarrant, whose birthday anniversary was yesterday, invited a company of friends, prepared a fine supper, and late in the evening after all were assembled, sent for Jessie. The surprise was complete and effective. Following is a list of presents received: Majolica pitcher, Miss Ethel and Mr. Ernest Church; handkerchief, Wm. B. Brazleton; box fancy paper, Bertie Tilton; pair towels, Mrs. Emma White; handkerchiefs, Walter Jones; paper rack, Mr. H. Pate and Miss Emma Church; bottle perfumery, Emma Church; pair handkerchiefs, Nora Champion; handkerchief, Thomas Tarrant; card receiver, Mrs. G. W. Tilton; collar, Minnie Parker; castor, Mr. And Mrs. A. McGregor; bureau, Mrs. Tarrant; breast pin, Mr. And Mrs. T. Terpening.

Henry Lloyd says his dogs bark every time the wind blows from the south. M. Madden says the dogs are disturbed by Wm. Richards singing and playing his new organ. Mr. Richards and Mr. Lloyd live five miles apart ---- just send a copy of this paper to Mr. Richards and things will get very hot in Catlin township during the holidays.

On New Year's night at the Seminary the funniest play ever written will be rendered. The title is, the Afflicted Family--all sick, all consulting a barber, supposing him to be a doctor, etc., etc. Come.

HANNAH MARIAH.

Dec. 21, '86.