100 years ago
AUGUST 8, 1902 — Perhaps a few facts with reference to the Marion County Poor Asylum will not be uninteresting.
In 1887 a proposition for a bond issue of $10,000 for the purpose of establishing a county poor farm was voted upon by the people of the county and carried by a big majority. The site selected was a fine location about six miles southwest of Marion, and the handsome building
The institution is under the management of a Superintendent appointed by the Commissioners, who retain supervisory control. A full report to the County Board is made by the Superintendent quarterly.
The number of inmates provided for at one time averages about ten or eleven. The women do the housework, sewing, cooking, etc. — and the men the work of the field and garden, as each is fitted or able to do. Of course many of the inmates are incompetent or physically unable to do much work and these have to be provided for, and yet so judicious has been the management that the institution, as was before stated, has proved to be not only self-supporting, but actually a money-maker for the county.
Mr. W.K. Palmer, the present Superintendent, took charge in 1893, and to him and his wife belongs much of the credit for the splendid record which the institution has made. Wise planning, judicious managing and plenty of tact and patience are certainly requisite for success in a place like this if they are anywhere. The history of the institution under the present management has abundantly proven that Mr. and Mrs. Palmer possess all these qualities. We have never heard a word of complaint but have heard many words of praise of the way the institution is conducted. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been more than just to the unfortunate people placed under their care. To the spirit they have shown in caring for the sick and helpless is no doubt due much of their success in securing hearty cooperation on the part of the inmates, and hence in making the institution such a financial success. Preaching services are held the first Sunday in every month, and the life of the inmates is directed at all times according to high moral standards. Marion county appreciates the work of these good and efficient people and is proud, pardonably proud, of the splendid institution which is in their care.
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The School Board met in regular session last Monday evening and made the usual tax levy for school purposes. They also voted permission to anyone to remove rock, from the bluff on the Hill school grounds, between the Baptist church and the north entrance to the grounds. The hill will be terraced or sloped back from the sidewalk, and embanked with dirt for blue grass sod.
The whistle of the threshing machine can be heard in every direction. This has been a busy week with farmers.
Mr. R.D. Frazer, in behalf of the members of the C.M.E. church of Marion, secured a deed the first of the week for the building formerly used by the Evangelical people, and the colored people will now have a church building of their own. The building is on Marion street, just west of the Rock Island railroad track. This is certainly a commendable step on the part of these people. To Mr. Frazer belongs much of the credit for the success of the enterprise. He has been the leading spirit in the movement, and succeeded in raising every dollar necessary for purchase of building and grounds. He wishes us to express his appreciation to the white people who have so kindly assisted him in the matter. A regular minister will be sent in the near future, and then there will be preaching every other week. A cordial invitation is given to all colored people to attend the different services and help make the church a means of great good to the people of their race.
Homer Turkle has "gone in" with Fred Spicer in the Singer sewing machine business. He recently purchased a team from Rev. Johnson, and will canvass the country districts. Success to Turkle & Spicer.
Rev. Akin performed a marriage ceremony at the Methodist parsonage last Tuesday for a couple of out of town folks — and mighty fine people. They were Mr. Leonard E. Shamleffer, of Pond Creek, Okla., and Miss Daisy L. Philips of Council Grove, Kan. Mr. Shamleffer is County Treasurer of Grant county, Okla. We understand that the affair is in the way of a little surprise on their friends. They had heard that Marion was a pretty town and concluded it would be a good place in which to have the marriage occur. Now we didn't have the honor of meeting these good people, but we see that their judgment is all right, and it is needless to say that they were delighted with the town after they had seen it themselves. Even if the RECORD cannot claim acquaintance, it is going to extend congratulations and good wishes anyway. Long life, happiness and prosperity!
Misses Ethel Dean, Harriet Sterling, Inez McAdams of Baldwin, Lizzie Bryan, Ruth Keller and Anna Hoch are camping at Chingawasa this week.
An attempt at burglary occurred last Monday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Corn. Mr. Corn was away from home, and Mrs. Corn heard a noise in the house but thought nothing more of it until she heard some one moving about near the bureau. Upon knowing that he was discovered, the man ran and had an exciting and doubtless uncomfortable time making his exit. Mr. Corn had been paid quite a sum of money the day before and it is supposed that the attempt was made by some one who happened to know of that fact.
Lewis & Lucas put down a fine cement sidewalk in front of the Postoffice last week.
S.L. Billings and family, Rosse Case and family and Mrs. J.A. Billings are in Lyndon attending the golden wedding anniversary of Mrs. Billings' and Mrs. Case's parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Heaton. Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Billings have been there for a week.
(Copied by Joan Meyer from the 1902 microfilm files of the Marion Record)
