Having read in the last week’s issue of the Wheaton Illinoian an article criticising the operating of automo-biles in and about the city of Wheaton and of Mr. Ely’s car in particular referring to the unfortunate accident it met with in being struck by an electric car last week Wednesday. The Illinoian in its "spirit of fairness" to every one, gladly furnishes space for Mr. Ely’s views on the subject. That the crossings of the electric railroad through the city of Wheaton are particularly dangerous when they operate cars with speed is patent to all, especially from the fact that these tracks parallel the North-Western right of way and a clear view of these several crossings is obstructed by buildings, moving cars, etc.

All the streets in Wheaton, south of the railroads, are in such deplorable condition that horse and automobile traffic driving south naturally follow the best streets, going west on North Railroad street, crossing the North-Western tracks at West street, then immediately the electric road. This happens to be the most dangerous of the latter’s street crossings in the city on account of the cattle chutes and small buildings adjacent to the North-Western track at this point and should be most safe guarded, preferably by gates, but at least by ringing of automatic bells or blowing of whistles and a fixed and invariable slow speed maintained by its operating motormen. If these precautions are disregarded, accidents must continue to occur. In the particular instance of Mr. Ely’s machine being run into at that point, he as well as his drivers are unusually cautious in approaching that crossing and prepared to stop on the appearance of an electric car coming around the cattle chute, and it was due to the fact that his driver was able instantly to stop, though unwarned of the approach of the electric car that the occupants of the automobile escaped injury.

In regard to the speed of the automobiles through towns and on country roads, the provisions of the state law are in a general way carefully followed, and the automobile drivers should not be made scape goats for accidents that are caused by the carelessness or stupidity of others who are using the roads: as the new state law concerning automobiles, while regulating various speeds to obtain under varying conditions, gives the automobile driver an equal right to the streets and roads with any other users, and it would seem with care and proper recognition of these equal rights by all vehicles, accidents would be few and the pleasure of travelling greatly enhanced.

was born near Hagerstown, Md., February 14, 1829, and died at the home of his son, Calvin, July 17, 1907.

At the age of six years he was left an orphan. With five brothers and one sister, all of whom have passed away but one, the youngest brother, Samuel, who resides at Dallas Center, Iowa.

On October 14, 1848, he was united in marriage to Susan Hawbecker, of Upton, Penn., a union which continued through fifty-four years. To them were born seven children, Mrs. S. B. Cromer of East Big Woods, Mrs. J. N. Cromer of Chicago, Calvin Steck of Naperville, William Steck of Wheaton, Steven A. Steck of Aurora, Andrew P. Steck of East Big Woods, and one child who died in infancy.

In 1865 he moved with his family to Illinois and settled on the farm now owned by his son Andrew.

After the death of his wife, to whom he was devotedly attached, and whom he nursed with undivided care through the five years of her suffering, and to whom he never forgot to be lover, husband, and companion, he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. S. B. Cromer. About a year ago while on a visit to his son, Calvin, he was taken ill, and for eleven months he has been a patient, gentle sufferer from brain trouble from which he has suffered at times since the death of his wife…

He leaves six children, sixteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss…

Dr. Lowe has opened an office on Main street.

Fred Blair, of Lake Geneva, visited his mother last week.

Mrs. Satiria Hiatt was calling on friends here this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Hanson are at Delavan lake for several weeks.

Thomas Foulis and family are at home in their new house near the lake.

Will Laier of Kansas City, enjoyed several days with the home folks.

E. W. Zander is building a new home on Cottage and Pleasant avenues.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles and son, Harry, are in Canada at the present time.

L. C. Cooper and son Wilber are in northern Minnesota on a fishing trip.

LeRoy Newton and family are now at home in their new house on Main street.

FOR SALE: A 2 seated rubber tired trap. Will sell cheap. Must be sold at once. Mrs. McElroy

Mr. Beeler went to Nauvoo to visit his daughter Hazel, who is attending school there.

Mrs. James Gordon and Mrs. Louie Mauser spent Tuesday with relatives at Gary, Indiana.

Miss Love and Della Wickersham of Chicago visited last week with their aunt, Mrs. George Adams.

A.V. Crisler of Park Ridge has purchased the old Coe farm, north of town, and will improve it at once.

Miss Emma Lloyd and Miss Helen Nelson spent Saturday and Sunday with relatives at St. Charles.

Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Cooper entertained a party of 40 young people last Friday evening in honor of Wilber’s birthday. All report a fine time.

Among those at home after several weeks rest and pleasure we note the following: Gretchen and Dana Jacobs, Dorathy and Melville Smith, Esther Gordan.

They have hit upon the plan of giving out-of-door entertainments, and last Saturday evening at lest five hundred people were on the street listening to their overtures, marches and waltzes. The solo by Amos Dresser, Jr. was exceptionally fine. Any one wishing to give the boys financial assistance can leave their donations at Hiatt’s drug store or with R. B. Steven.

Following is a list of the members:

Cornets – R. B. Steven, C. M. Gauger, A. M. Tufts, Clarence Knight, Earl Lyman.

Altos – Ed. J. Halleman, Amos Dresser, Jr.

Trombones – L. Hattendorf, Arthur Guild, Wm. McDonald.

Clarinet – T. Roy Hull.

Baritone – Edw. Fisher.

Basses – W. Hattendorf, Arthur Hattendorf.

Drums – Philip Schatz, W. F. Hemenway.

Miss Margaret Dresser, Accompanist.

Grocery

and

Market

Last week a number of foreigners who are working in the gravel pit at West Chicago were noticed to be wearing new shoes of ordinary quality. Other workmen appeared wearing the same kind of shoes and suspicion was aroused. Upon being closely questioned one of the men said he had paid one dollar for the shoes and purchased them of a fellow workman. A thorough investigation developed the fact that twelve men were in the shoe firm. Their source of supplies were freight cars. They stole anything that looked serviceable to them, and if they could not use it, buried it.

Nine of the twelve men were arrested and brought to the county jail. The prisoners there protested from being made to associate with the "guineas," as they were all "black hands" and live stock importers. The sheriff, however, thought birds of a feather should be flocked together and there are now thirty prisoners in the county jail.

Was held at Bloomingdale in Hollenbach’s grove where they have been held for the last seven years. There were about four hundred in attendance.

The day was perfect and was enjoyed by all.

Among the old familiar faces from Bloomingdale and surrounding towns were seen – of Bloomingdale, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Ellis, Mrs. Lucy Ingalls and daughter, Miss Georgia; the Misses Mary and Margaret Neltnor. W. C. Fox, Mrs. Frank Goodwin, Mrs. Henry Roehler, Mrs. Jacob Bender, Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner and Mrs. Josephine Rathbun. From Meacham came Mr. and Mrs. John Baker and their sons and families, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jones and Mrs. Susie Wilk. Itasca sent Mr. James Lake and family, and Mr. Henry Lawrence and family. Several from Chicago were there, prominent among them were Mrs. I. D. Kinne and her three sons with members of their families. Wm. Rathje and wife and others. Mrs. A. E. Hills from Lombard. From Aurora: Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Verbeck, Mr. and Mrs. C. Muzzy, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Longhorst, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sperry, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Drummer. Elginites: Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ehle, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Nish, Mrs. Sybil Smith Parkens, Mrs. Eben Todson, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Lester, Mrs. Sarah Rathbun Gould, Mr. and Mrs. James Batten, Mrs. John Batten, Mr. Chas. Baxter, Mr. Fred Kohn, Mr. Dennis Lawrence, Mrs. Sophia Bartlett and sons, Mr. C. D. Bartlett of Bartlett. Mrs. French and her daughter, Mrs. Hannah French Moss, of Ontarioville. Mrs. Mary Beck Feidler, of Roselle. Those from Glen Ellyn were Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Meacham and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Meacham, Mrs. Seymore Dodge and daughter, Miss Ella, Mrs. Carrie Rathbun Patch, Mr. and Mrs. Hills. From Wheaton: Mr. Robert Gates and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Plane, Mr. Daniel Compton, Mrs. H. B. Patrick, Mr. Geo. Patrick, Mr. G. B. Durland, Mrs. Jane Barnes, Mr. Ed Coe, Peter Northrup, T. H. Dumper. Mr. Clarence Worrell, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, was present. He left town in 1863. He enjoyed the day very much. He intends to come every year hereafter.

All these people named either lived in Bloomingdale or attended church there in early days.

Those missing since the picnic a year ago are Jonas Blank, Geo. F. Diebert, Thos. Ryan, Dr. Oleson, Miriam Batten Landon, Charles Mann, Carl Stegman.

After all had eaten and had been served with hot coffee a business meeting was held. A report of the last picnic was read and the following officers were elected for next year: President G. W. Meacham; Vice President, Will K. Patrick; Secretary and Treasurer, H. B. Hills. An executive committee was named to represent neighboring towns…

Statistics show the large number of people killed by railroad trains, but the experience of the writer as coroner the past ten years shows the "rock the boat man" and "the look into the gun barrel to see whether it is loaded man" have a twin brother in the man who tries to dodge trains on a railroad track.

The railroad right of way is as much the property of the railroad, as is your house and lot. You resent the idea of people crossing your lawn or garden. You even grumble when the public triangles across your terrace to cut corners, yet the public considers the railroad track a public highway.

The citizens of Naperville have been going to and from the campmeeting grounds east of that city by way of the railroad tracks while the wagon road is the shorter route. At times dozens of people walk the tracks between the two points, and the danger whistle of passing trains is heard more often there than any other stretch of track in the county.

Ralph Berger, 21 years old, and Horace Berger, 18 years old, brothers, and Herman Volkman, 21 years old, were instantly killed Sunday while walking on the tracks. In company with others, the young men were returning from Naperville park, about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and in stepping from the track to avoid an east bound freight train, stepped in front of a west bound passenger train. All the young men were residents of Naperville.

Although Engineer Abbott is one of the most careful engineers on the Burlington, this is the seventeenth fatality in which his locomotive has figured. All of them, however, have been accidents in which he has been freed from blame.

There were two other boys with the trio who happened to see the approaching train in time to jump from the track as the engine passed. Another couple a few rods in advance leisurely walked from the track as the train was almost upon them, being unaware of danger. The engineer was giving the warning whistle, but the noise of the passing freight train drowned the alarm.

There are times when accidents are unavoidable, but courting death by becoming a track walker is sometimes costly before the lesson of danger is taught.

Naperville was peculiarly visited by death within the week. Two of its choicest young men died after an operation for appendicitis and the three young men on Sunday made five deaths within a week. The two Berger boys were his only sons. Mrs. Berger was in a Chicago hospital, having undergone an operation last week.

The coming of the orphaned green auto was as mysterious as the subsequent failure of any one to claim it. It was nearly midnight, now more than a month ago, when some one banged loudly on the door of Peterson’s hot house. One of the employees was aroused and he found two young men standing in the yard. They had a couple of automobile lamps and some other detachable appurtenances of a machine.

"Our machine is down and out and in a ditch," one of the men said, "and we want to leave these things here until we come back and get them."…

That was the last seen or heard of them.

The next morning Prof. Elliott Whipple of Wheaton College, an enthusiastic automobilist himself, discovered the abandoned machine in the ditch…Aroused with a feeling of pity for the badly battered machine, Mr. Whipple had it taken and stored in his private garage…leaving the key to the garage with the janitor of Wheaton College… Mused the janitor, … "For my part, I’d rather go driving behind Sheriff Gorham’s black pacing mare any day. She never busts a tire."

Born, to Mr. and Mrs. E. Ludquist, August 1^st, a daughter.

Mrs. Rhoda Parker, of Aurora, spent Sunday with relatives here.

Mrs. Linwood Moulton visited with relatives at Evanston this week.

Irene Rathbun will spend two weeks in Chicago with her uncle, Harry Parker.

Mr. and Mrs. T. Delves celebrated their 9^th anniversary last Sunday with friends in Chicago.

Mrs. Frank Hassler entertained a party of ladies last Friday afternoon. Progressive cinch was played, it being a garden party.

Died, at her home, Monday evening, August 5^th, after about two hours’ illness, Mrs. L. G. Cooper. The funeral was held from the Congregational church Thursday afternoon.

A sad accident occurred last Friday afternoon about four o’clock at the home of C. L. Moulton. Grover Cleveland Santmeir, who had been employed since April at the Moulton home as a hired man about the place, had been trimming trees with Mr. Moulton; when he was nearly 50 feet from the earth a dead branch gave way with him and he fell to the ground very near to Mr. Moulton’s feet. A doctor was called and he was taken to the Maywood hospital where it was found he had broken his back in three places. He was conscious all this time, and his only thought was for his father and mother who live in the Sheandoah (sic) valley, Virginia, with his brother and sisters. He died at 1:30 Saturday morning, and the remains were sent to Virginia for burial. He was a member of the Glen Ellyn band and also the Sabbath school orchestra. He was a faithful servant, and everybody who knew him speak well of him. Mr. Moulton said of him, "He was just like a son to me." The sympathy of friends here is with the bereaved family in this their sad affliction.

When a few hard headed and public spirited business men gathered on the porch of the Chicago Golf Clubhouse at Wheaton and entered into a propo-sition to give a fair at the Wheaton race track on September 12th, 13th and 14^th, for the benefit of the Chicago Lying in Hospital, it is impossible that they or others who discussed the subject when broached at that time realize the significance or tremendous proportions of the project. Now that the machinery of preparations is in full operation, it is a safe wager that the people of this section of the country have never seen such a wondrous affair as the approaching event, for it will embrace all the familiar features of the "back wonder" countryside fair so dear to memory, and the principal features of the modern out-door carnival, and every medium and section are being drawn upon for amusement and recreation and diversion material…

Miss Ballou is the eldest daughter of Mrs. Augustus M. Ballou… After… teaching school for a while she attended the U. of Illinois for three years. The past two years she has held the position of principal in the high school at Elizabeth, Ill., where she has made many friends.

Mr. Storm is the eldest son of Mrs. Ellen Storm, of Lockport, Ill… He is a graduate of the U. of Illinois and a successful teacher. At present he is superintendent of the Elizabeth high school, which position he has filled the past two years.

Locals and Personals

Born to Peter Schulz and wife on August 19, a daughter.

• Mrs. E. W. Dresser is at Rockford visiting her mother.
• Mrs. E. F. Gould was called to Lincoln, Ill. owing to the death of her father.
• Albert Jones, of Warrenville, has sold his store to Mr. Dyke, of York Center.
• Owen Mink, stationed at Wash-ington, D. C. as a surgeon for the United States army is visiting his mother.
• The new St. John’s Catholic church at Winfield was dedicated Sunday with appropriate ceremonies. Archbishop Quigley of Chicago had charge of the services assisted by priests from neighboring parishes. Many people from Wheaton were in attendance.
• L. C. Clark, well known throughout the county, died very suddenly at his home in West Chicago Sunday.
• Prayer meeting at the Gospel hall, corner of Hale and Wesley streets, at 7:30 each Thursday evening. Come.
• E. M. Whittle of Pittsburgh, Pa., visited his parents and sister here this week. He was accompanied by his wife and son.
• Mrs. T. C. Lawler, of Chicago, who is visiting her brother, Peter Wegemann, is detained there on account of her son being ill with typhoid fever.
• Mr. Will Moffatt, Kirk Patrick and wife, W. Conner and wife and many others drove to Wayne Sunday to attend the funeral of A. W. Moffatt.
• G. B. Durland returned home from Des Moines, Iowa, Monday where he visited a brother he had not seen for 25 years. Mrs. Durland accompanied him on his visit.
• Peter Northrup will celebrate his 91^st birthday Sunday. His six children will make the occasion a memorable one. Mrs. H. Jordan of St. Charles is now a visitor at the home.

Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Arnold, August 6, a son.

Elmer Adams is building a new house on Hillside and Prospect avenues.

Kimbel hotel was struck by lightning during the heavy rain last Friday.

Mrs. L. J. Hiatt spent one day last week with Mrs. Leo Sheldon at Austin.

Aubory Moulton is enjoying several weeks at Lake Villa the guest of Archie Jacobs.

Married, August 17, Mr. A. E. Brannigan and Miss Francis Laier. They will make Wheaton their home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hermon Cooper and daughter, of Syracuse, New York, will remain several weeks with L. C. Cooper and family.

Invitations are out for the marriage of Mr. Alexander Bailey and Miss Alice Carey, of LaGrange, at Emmanuel church, September 3^rd.

We still handle that old stand-by, "Geneva Belle" flour, the kind you’ve always used. You can always find Ceresota and Gold Medal here too.

McChesney & Parker

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. McChesney announce the marriage of their daughter, Sadie Valeria, and Mr. Magnus J. J. Hanson, on Tuesday the 20^th of August, 1907, in the city of Chicago. They will be at home in the city after an extended trip in the East.

Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Hill and family returned home Monday after a three weeks’ outing at Riverview Park.

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Paxton entertained friends from Chicago over Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Cody and daughter Edyth, of Chicago, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Barrett over Sunday.

Cars on the electric and steam roads handled the crowds admirably, and the pleasure seekers had nothing but the best transportation facilities every move they made. The attendance at the fair for the three days was about 20,000 people…

The beauty show was the county rivalry department. To Miss May Cooper of Naperville went the title of the prettiest girl of the county as well as the gold watch which had been offered as the first prize. The other winners in order of their standing were Miss Laura Sauer of Wheaton, Miss Jessie Higley of Glen Ellyn, Miss Hattie Ketchum of Eola, and Miss Evelyn Martin of West Chicago.

The old settlers meeting at the country Fair the afternoon of the 12^th inst. was a success… Mr. Taylor Warne, aged 88 years, sang a hymn with a clear, strong voice and spoke heartily and well. Addresses were made by R. T. Morgan, Supervisors Amos Churchill and Thomas Betts, and Mayor Scott of Naperville. W. J. Laird of Naperville recited a patriotic poem. Several men and women over 90 years of age were present. Also several married couples who have passed their golden wedding day and still appear well and hearty.

Prizes awarded at old settlers reunion at Wheaton Country Fair, September 12, 1907:

Oldest male settler, Giles Strong, aged 80, July 1834.

Oldest female settler, Mrs. Frances Strong, aged 72, September 11, 1835.

First male child born in county, W. J. Laird, 72, born August 12, 1835.

First female child, Frances Strong, September 11, 1835.

Oldest married couple present, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Dodge, married December 18, 1848.

Oldest county official, Peter Northrop, aged 93, elected circuit clerk and recorder 1852.

Harry Clare will attend school at Champaign this fall and winter,

Died, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Swan Johnson, Sept. 17, aged 3 days.

Died, at the home of his parents, Sept. 16, Franklin Brown, aged 9 mos. The funeral was Wednesday 18^th. The burial was at Waldheim.

Mrs. Oscar Swan gave a lunch and plate shower Wednesday for Miss Minnie Moulton. Covers were laid for 12, and all enjoyed the social time and dainty lunch.

Intending purchasers of tickets for the Glen Ellyn Congregational Church Choir entertainment course should obtain their tickets early as no more than 300 season tickets will be sold.

Miss Ethyl Zander entertained a party of young people Wednesday evening, Miss Minnie Moulton being the guest of honor, it being a kitchen shower for Miss Minnie, who is to be married about the 14^th of October.

A party of 45 young and old, met at the home of Miss Ruby Spears last Friday, and gave her a novelty shower. She was married Tuesday to Mr. Charlie Gray, a young farmer northeast of town on the W. H. Churchill farm. Mrs. Gray has a host of young friends, and all join in wishing her a long life of happiness. Both young people are active in the Methodist church.

Died, at Onarga, Ill., Sept. 15, Mrs. H. Barns, a sister of Mrs. P. W. Stacy, who died just three years ago to the day.

Mrs. H. Davis and Miss Mabel Randall distributed flowers last week at Wesley hospital in behalf of the Epworth League.

Miss Ruth Stubbings gave a lunch last Friday in honor of Minnie Moulton. Covers were laid for 12 and all enjoyed the repast.

About twenty-five young people of the Methodist church gave a surprise shower for Miss Ruby Spears last Friday evening.