125 years ago

april 4, 1890

The service pension meeting held in Marion last Friday was, under the circumstances, a gratifying success. Among the resolutions adopted by a rousing vote was this first resolution: Resolved, That the time is now at hand when Congress should enact a service pension law, giving to every surviving Union soldier a pension of not less than $100 per year.

After the pension meeting adjourned, a group of gentlemen were standing on the street discussing the speeches. “That reference to the battle of Franklin, by Judge Doster,” remarked Major Thoburn of Peabody. “was true and graphic as I personally know, for I was right there.” So was I, said E.N. Eby of Marion, “so was I” said a Mr. Johnson of this city, “and so was I” chimed in Levi Kline of Grant Township. And thus it is that the old boys rub up against each other in society for months and years oblivious of the fact often that they are really likened together by associations the most sacred and by memories the most thrilling.

March, in its exit, performed the lion act in great style. The last week, and particularly the last few days, were cold and stormy. April was ushered in in tears, and the rain continued to trickle down for two days and nights. Just the thing for the growing wheat, which never came out of winter in better shape. It looks as if Kansas was going to do herself proud again this year.