Paul Leonard Ervin, 1917-2001

Moravia Union - 18 July 2001

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  Paul Ervin, age 83, of Centerville died Saturday, July 14, 2001 at Golden Age Care Center, Centerville.

  Paul was born December 16, 1917 at Cincinnati, Iowa to Clarence and Grace Euwer Ervin. He was raised in Cincinnati and graduated from Cincinnati High School. He was married to Dorothy Stagner on December 24, 1938 at Bloomfield, Iowa and she survives him. Paul farmed in
  Appanoose County. He owned and operated the Appanoose County Ambulance Service for many years and later was a custodian at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Mercy Medical Center). He was a member of the Drake Ave. Christian Church.
  He is survived by: his wife, Dorothy of Centerville; four sons, Donald and his wife Karen Ervin of Otho, Iowa, Max and his wife Mary Ervin of Centerville, Jim and his wife Cheryl Ervin of Huxley, Iowa and Bob Ervin of Indianola, Iowa; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by: his parents and two brothers Rodney and Tommy.
  Services were held on Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at Drake Ave. Christian Church with Pastor Carl Heien and Fr. Joe Bathke C.PP.S. officiating. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome, Iowa. A memorial has been established and may be left at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home.

Gravestone for Paul & Dorothy Ervin

in the Jerome Cemetery
----------------------

  The editor appreciates the contribution of the above updated gravestone picture by Jimmy Ervin of Centerville, Iowa.

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Ad-Express/Iowegian - 18 July 2001

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  Paul Ervin, 83, of Centerville died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Golden Age Care Center.

  He was born Dec. 16, 1917, in Cincinnati, the son of Clarence and Grace (Euwer) Ervin.

  He married Dorothy Stagner Dec. 24, 1938, in Bloomfield. She survives.

  Also surviving are four sons, Donald Ervin and his wife, Karen, of Otho, Max Ervin and his wife, Mary, of Centerville, Jim Ervin and his wife, Cheryl, of Huxley and Bob Ervin of Indianola; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Rodney and Tommy.

  He was raised in Cincinnati, graduating from Cincinnati High School. He farmed in Appanoose County and owned and operated the Appanoose County Ambulance Service for many years. He later was custodian at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital (Mercy Medical Center). He was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church.

  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Drake Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Carl Heien and Fr. Joe Bathke, C.PP.S., officiating.

  Friends may call all day today, Monday, at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, Centerville, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.  Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery in Jerome.

  A memorial has been established to the Seymour First Responders and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Velta Lorene Barrell, 1914-2003

Iowegian - 3 April 2003

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  Velta Lorene Barrell, 89, of Centerville died Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at her home.

  She was born March 21, 1914 near Albia, the daughter of Robert Thomas and Margaret Elsie (Wells) Agan. She received her education in rural Appanoose County schools.

  Velta was united in marriage to Robert W. Barrell on Sept. 5, 1937 in Centerville. She was a homemaker.

  Velta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert W. Barrell, on Oct. 28, 1998; a brother, Homer Agan; sisters, Edna Smith, Bertha Ross and Audrey Varney; daughter-in-law, Carol McVeigh Burrell; son-in-law, Jack Miller; grandson, Walter Gene Engle; and great-grandson, Craig Engle.

  Surviving family members are four sons, Roger Barrell and his wife, Janie, of Centerville, Gary Barrell and his wife, Dorothy, of Mystic; Donnie Barrell and his wife, Marilyn, of Milo and Perry Barrell and his wife, Louisa, of Royal Beach, Md.; four daughters, Darlene Miller of Centerville, Sharon Phelps and her husband, Don, of Centerville, Carma Morrow and her husband, Bill, of Centerville and Shirley Tomlinson and her husbad, Robert, of Castle Rock, Colo.; 22 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchilren; and eight great-great grandchildren.

  Funeral services will be heldon Saturday, April 5, 2003, at 10 a.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with Rev. Mark Waits officiaating. Burial will follow inthe Jerome Cemetery in Jerome.

  Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

  A memorial has been established to the family and may be left at or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville.

William H Thompson, 1825-1906

The Seymour Press - 15 February 1906

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  The funeral of W. H. Thompson was conducted from the church in Jerome on last Wednesday, the 7th.  Mr. Thompson died at his home west of Plano, on the 5th.  He was 80 years, 9 months and 5 days old. He has been a resident of Appanoose county sine 1854 and was highly respected. His wife died 10 years ago, and three children, two sons and one daughter, are left to mourn the father.  Burial at the Jerome cemetery.

JEROME News - 10 November 1953 - Iowegian

Centerville Iowegian - 10 November 1953

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Report Mr. Fry Much Improved

  JEROME - Mrs. I. E. Fry reports that her husband, who has been in the Bloomfield hospital for seven weeks, is very much improved in health and is eating better.

  Mrs. Johnny Vruble attended a pink and blue shower this past week in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Carl Micetich in Centerville.

  The high school students of Jerome enjoyed two days' vacation due to the State Teachers convention in Des Moines.

  Walter Warnick drove his dad to Kirksville, Mo., to the hospital there for a medical checkup. Both returned the same day.

  Vera Scott has gone to Davenport where she has employment for the winter.

  Mr. and Mrs. Gene Wray have named their new baby son, Carl  Eugene.

  The Jerome Methodist church is having a room built on to serve as a kitchen. Carl Barbaglia of Mystic, with the assistance of some of the farmers, plans to begin building soon in time to have it finished for Thanksgiving.

  Mrs. Stella Dooley reports that her daughter, Bertha, has gone to Pensacola, 

Fla. to live for the winter. Bertha will stay with her niece, the former Patty Dooley, whose husband is stationed there with the Army.

  A new family by th name of Williams have moved into the Stanley Matelski property. They have two small children.

  Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Vruble and family and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Johnson, all drove to Rock Island, Ill., Friday to attend the wedding of Jackie Vruble to Joe Verihoores that took place Saturday. The Vruble returned home Sunday evening. They report that the bridegroom and best man were in a car action the night before the wedding and were hospitalized. The groom was released an hour before the wedding ceremony, but the best man was unable to be present due to a broken rib and bruises. The groom's 17 year old brother was made best man instead.

  A birthday dinner was held at the Carl Hamm home honoring Carl Hamm and his granddaughter, Barbara Jones.  Carl's mother, Mrs. Mae Hamm; his sister, Mrs. Artie Barrell and family of Centerville; his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Jones and family of Davenport; another daughter, Mrs. K. E. Owen and family of Jerome; and his wife, Belle, and their son, Carl Jr.; were all present to help the honorees celebrate their birthdays on Sunday.

*Blozovich, Messa recall days in county's mines

Ad-Express/Iowegian, 20 February 1998

Annual Progress Edition - Heritage Section

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By Julie McClure, Staff Writer

 "I finished school after the eighth grade and began working with my father in 1929 in a coal mine. Back then most 14 year olds were finishing school and would then go to work with their fathers in the mine," said Rudy Blozovich, who worked in coal mines during 1929-1956. He graduated from eight grade at Rathbun school. There wasn't a high school when he was going to school.

  Blozovich worked in several mines including Empire mine, Sunshine Coal Co.'s No. 3 and 4, and out west in New Mexico.

  He performed several jobs while working in the mines. He loaded coal adn ran a mining machine.  It took three peope to run the machine so they worked as a team. The machine that they used is on display at the old post office museum in Centerville.

  The miners worked eight hour days when he first started mining, but later they switched to seven-hour days. "We did just as much work in seven hours as we did in eight," said Blozovich.

  During the winter months when a large amount of coal was needed they sometimes worked six days per week. The sixth day was on Saturday. During the regular season they cut back to five days per week.

  It was not always a day job; sometimes Blozovich worked from 4 p.m. to midnight or the swing shift. During the swing shift the miners would have to cut coal so the next day the miners would have coal to load.

  Safety equipment was not invented for the mines so there were minor injuries.

Pit lamps and hard hats were about the only pieces of equipment that miners wore in the mines. When Blozovich worked in the mine out west, he wore hard hats and used a battery light.

  Around 130-150 men at one time worked at Sunshine No. 3 mine.

  "Most of the old timers are all gone now, most of by buddies anyway," said Blozovich. "I didn't make much money as a coal miner, but we made a living out of it."

  Blozovich enjoys to hunt and fish and cultivates a property in Rathbun to raise a pretty good sized garden each year.

Frank Messa

  In 1921 Frank Messa began his career in the coal mines. He worked in the mines from the time that he turned 16 years old until 1971 when the mines shut down due to the railroads switching to diesel engines.

  "The coal mines went to the dogs when the railways began using diesel. We were about finished when they shut down," said Messa.

  "I've just about done everything there is to do in a mine," said Messa. Messa began working in the Walnut Creek mine and trucked for the mine. The miners at this particular mine shipped coal up to 100 mines to the west.

  Messa also dug goal by hand, ran a mining machine, drove ponies and mules, trucked and loaded the coal while working in the mines.

  The machine that he ran is now at the museum in Centerville. "The machine ran real good at the time and it was still working when we shut the mine down," said Messa.

  When Messa started working in the mines he father, Dominick Messa, was on strike. He along with many other miners were out of work for two years due to the strike.  After the strike the miners were represented by a union. Messa also had three brothers that all mined.

  When he graduated from school after the eighth grade, he began working in the mine.  He attended school in Jerome. At that time there was a two-year high school, but he didn't attend.

  Messa worked five days per week during the winter months from about August through April and then when ever there was work to be done. The work days covered eight hours. "When I was younger the eight-hour days seemed to drag on, but as I got older they were hardly long enough," said Messa.

  One time when he ws trying to pump some water to get a drink the water wouldn't come on so he turned the air shaft[s fan on and the stairs fell out. This was an escape route which had been rotted by the ice from the winter. They had to repair the stairs before returning to work so that if the mine fell in they would have a way to escape.

  Messa recalled a close call once when he had his head between the roof on a coal car.  Another near accident was when a 10-foot rock of coal fell and covered the hole the he was in. The tunnels that the miners worked in were 28 inches deep. Eighteen inches were known as the top coal and the other 10 inches were called the bottom coal. "We worked on our hands and knees all the time, so we had really rough hands after working in the mine," commented Messa.

  In 1971 when Mess was forced to end his job in the mine, he went to work at the lake for Earl Simmons and Bill Webb at the hatchery. In his free time now he enjoys playing cards, especially pitch.

  "I was just a hard working coal miner in those days," laughed Messa.

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  Editor's Note:  *Blozevich and Massa are the correct spelling of the names of these miners.

Maurice Stamps Publishes New Book

The Seymour Herald - 14 June 2012

---------------------------------

  Maurice Stamps has published a new book, Shoal Creek Legends 4 which is on sale at The Seymour Herald and from Nancy and LaNanc Salon,

  This is the fifth book he has written.  Legends 1 and 2 are sold out.  SNAFUS (World War II) and Legends 3 are also available.

  The new book sells for $12.  If you wish to have one mailed, send $15 and your address to P.O, Box 6, Seymour, IA 52590.  Checks should be made out to the Seymour Community Club,  Proceeds are used for the Enid and Maurice Stamps Scholarships,

  Maurice will have a book signing inthe park during Old Settlers.

William Addison Hagan

The Seymour Herald - 28 January 1937

-------------------------------------

William Addison Hagan

  William Addison Hagan, son of Elizabeth and James Hagan, was born Jan. 6, 1858, in Bellair twp., Appanoose county, Iowa, and departed this life at his home in Jerome, Iowa, on Jan. 20, 1937, at the age of 79 years, and 14 days.

  He was the second child of a family of six children, two boys and four girls.  His father, mother and two sisters, Callie and Mary Belle Hawkins, and one brother, John F., have preceded him in death.

William Addison Hagan with his horse and buggy

in front of his parents' home in the center of Jerome --

a second floor was later added to this house

  In 1871 he moved with his parents to Jerome where he spent the greater part of his life with the exception of brief periods of time when he was employed in the states of Nebraska and Washington.  

William Addison Hagan as a young man in Nebraska

  He went to Kalispell, Montana, in 1927 to stay with his sister, Mrs. Emma Ogle, after the death of her husband.  In 1929 he established a home for his sister in Jerome, where they have lived together for the remaining years of his life.

  In the earlier years of his life he and his father managed a grocery store and postoffice in Jerome.  He was later employed by the Hawkeye Lumber Co. for a period of several years, which was his last active work.

  He united with the M. E. church in early youth and was an active Sunday school worker during his stay in Nebraska, where he also served as Sunday school secretary.

  He was an upright and honest citizen, being highly respected and esteemed wherever he made his home.

William Addison Hagan with his horse

  He leaves to mourn their loss, two sisters, Mrs. Ada Crouch, of Kalispell, Montana, and Mrs. Emma Ogle of Jerome, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  Due to failing health Mrs. Crouch was unable to be present at this time.

Emma Elizabeth Hagan Ogle, William Addison Hagan

and Ada Rebecca Hagan Crouch

William Addison Hagan with three nieces -

Phyllis, Mary and Betty Hawkins

William Addison Hagan

  Funeral services were held at the Jerome M. E. church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock conducted by the Rev. Francis B. Harris.  Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

William Addison Hagan's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

--------------------

Card of Thanks

  We desire to thank our neighbors and friends for every act of kindness and sympathy following the death of our brother and uncle, W. A. Hagan.

  -- Mrs. Emma Ogle, Mrs. Ada Crouch, Nieces and Nephews 

James Wesley (Dave) Workman, 1891-1968

The Seymour Herald - 4 July 1968

-----------------------------

  James Wesley Workman, known to many as Dave, the son of Edison and Emma Diltz Workman, was born in Appanoose county Jan. 18, 1891, and passed away Monday, June 17, 1968, at the Davis county hospital in Bloomfield at the age of 77 years.

  On Sept. 23, 1915, he married Zelda Loofbourrow at the David Loofbourrow home near Jerome. She survives his passing, along with two sons, Forrest of Rock Island and Burdette of Moline, Ill., four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three sisters, Mrs. Beula Luzadder of DeKalb, Ill., Mrs. Inez Fry of Centerville and Mrs. Gussie Baker of Lenora, Kans.

  Dave had been in poor health for several year because of a heart condition which  resulted in his passing. He lived his entire life in the Jerome community and spent most of his time farming. He was saved in 1953 and became a member of the Jerome Methodist church, attending as long as his health permitted.

  Funeral was Tuesday, June 18 at the Jerome Methodist church with burial in the Jerome cemetery.

  A memorial for the heart fund has been established. He will be missed by his many loved ones and friends.

CARD OF THANKS

  Our recent sad loss leaves us with grateful hearts toward neighbors and friends. Their conforting expressions of sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be remembered.

Mrs. J. W. (Dave) Workman

and family

Charles Lovell McGavran, 1883-1957

The Seymour Herald - 5 December 1957

--------------------------------

  Charles Lovell McGavran, son of J. L. McGavran and Hattie Branch, was born Dec. 6, 1883, at Minneapolis, Kans.; and passed away at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Centerville, Iowa, Nov. 21, 1957, at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 15 days.

  With the exception of his early childhood he lived his entire life in or near Seymour, Iowa.

  On Oct. 2, 1904, he was united in marriage to Bertha Etta Close who proceded him in death. To this union were born two sons, Kenneth of Des Moines and Keith of Ames, Iowa. 

  When a young man he was united with the Christian church of Seymour. During the past few years he had attended the Jerome Methodist church at Jerome, Iowa.

  On June 25, 1947 he was united in marriage to Ida Mincks, who with his sons, Kenneth and Keith; stepsons, Richard Mincks of Seymour and William Mincks of Cedar Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren survive his passing.

  He also leaves two brothers, Elvin and Earl of Seymour; six sisters, Mrs. Maude Lister of Plano, Iowa; Mrs. Nina Whitworth of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Mrs. Chloe Vaverka of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Agnew of Wichita, Kans.; Mrs. Ruth Edwards and Mrs. June Drefke of Alamo, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. A sister and a brother preceded him in death.

  The funeral services were held at the Jerome Methodist church Sunday, Nov. 24, 1957, at 2 p.m.  Burial was in the Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour.

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CARD OF THANKS

  We wish to express our heart-felt appreciation for the many acts of kindness, cards and floral offerings received during the illness and passing of our loved one. Many, many thanks to all.

The Charles McGavran family

Harriett Marie Hefner, 1912-1984 Fu

The Seymour Herald - 9 February 1984

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  Harriett Marie Hart Hefner, the daughter of Howard and Cleo Green Hart, was born April 28, 1912 in Wayne County, Iowa. She departed this life February 4, 1984 at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, Iowa at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 6 days.

  Harriet was united in marriage to W. R. Hefner September 6, 1930 at Centerville, Iowa. To this union two children were born.  They celebrated their Golden Anniversary September 6, 1980.

  She was a member of the Jerome Methodist Church and had been a resident of Jerome for 53 years. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge and a Past Noble Grand. She took a active part in Farm Bureau, 4-H and a member of Helping Hand Club.

  She was preceded in death by her parents.

  Harriett is survived by her husband, W. R. Hefner; daughter Colleen and husband William Henderson of Des Moines; son Norman and wife Bonadene Hefner of Seymour; two brothers Loran and wife Emma Hart of Portage, Indiana and Harold and wife Mary Jane Hart of Whittier, California. Also, grandchildren Mark and wife Marjorie Hefner, Henry Hefner of Seymour, Roma and husband Mark Snook of Chariton, Jill Person of Des Moines, also six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

  Harriett was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all.

  Services were held Monday, February 6, 1984, at 1:30 P.M. from the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with the Rev. James Schweizer, officiating. Hymns, "Going Down The Valley: and "In The Garden" were sung by Dick stropewith Mrs. Iris Merrill, pianist. Pallbearers were Paul McElvain, James McElvain, L.H. Mallett, Richard Bumgarner, Wilbur Rupalo and Kenneth Owen.

  Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery.

  There was a memorial to the Jerome Methodist Church.

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Card of Thanks

  The family of Harriett Hefner wishes to thank neighbors, friends, and relatives for the many kindnesses expressed during our bereavement.The beautiful flowers, many cards, food brought to our home andthe memorials were all deeply appreciated. We extend our special thanks to dr. Owca and the staff at the St. Joseph Hospital. Also to the members of the rebekah Lodge for serving the family dinner the day of the services.

 Bill Hefner

 Colleen and William Henderson and Family

 Norman and Bonadene Hefner and Family

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Gravestone of William R. and Harriett M. (Hart) Hefner

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 7, Block 23, Lot 9

Burma Shave Signs

  Editor’s Note:  In 2000-2001 I served as a District Governor of Rotary International [RI] under RI President Frank Devlyn of Mexico City.  He recently sent this email to friends about Burma Shave Signs in the USA.  If interested in learning more also see: (1) the Wikipedia article on Burma Shave,  (2) complete list of the Burma Shave Jingles, and (3) Grant’s Tribute to the Burma Shave Sign.

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Hola Amigos:

  I remember these Burma Shave Signs as a kid driving with my father along the USA highways….Those of you who did not have a chance to drive on highways in the USA will not have a clue.  Do think of sharing with your family and friends who did get a chance to drive themselves, with their parents, etc. as many will remember these Burma Shave Signs.

  Burma Shave Signs...To My Old-As-Dirt Friends & Relatives. To qualify as "old as dirt" you need to recognize these. For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's, '40's and '50's.
  Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields.  They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet.... and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.
  Here are more of the signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR.
BURMA SHAVE

TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP
'CAUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP
Burma Shave

SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE
Burma Shave

DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT
Burma Shave

DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave

BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE
Burma Shave

CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER
Burma Shave

SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT
Burma Shave

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE
Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT?
Burma Shave

NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU
Burma Shave

A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN'
Burma Shave

AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY
Burma Shave

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE
Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES
WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING
DEPENDS ON YOU
TO DO HIS THINKING
Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH
DRIVER IN TREE
THE MOON WAS FULL
AND SO WAS HE.
Burma Shave

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE
TAKE IT SLOW
LET OUR LITTLE
SHAVERS GROW
Burma Shave

Do these bring back any old memories?
If not, you're merely a child.
If they do - then you're old as dirt.

Regards from your Rotary Amigo in Mexico City,

Viva Rotary!                                       

Frank Devlyn

Jerome in 1896

The Seymour Press – 13 February 1896

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JEROME, IOWA

  The enterprising and rapidly developing little city of Jerome is on the Milwaukee rail road, in Appanoose county and is rapidly springing into public notice and now has a population of 300.  It has several large and well stocked general stores and other branches of industry. There has been a great many buildings erected during the past year and several more are under course of construction. It is rapidly becoming one of the most prominent trading points in this section and with its excellent railway facilities it is destined to become one of the leading towns of this section of the Hawkeye state.  Surrounded by a country that will surely become a great agricultural and stock country, Jerome will certainly become a great business point.

WANTS

  Jerome wants 1000 settlers to locate within her limits or immediate vicinity, to enjoy the ozone and health-giving atmosphere of this salubrious climate and to engage in the various business enterprises.  She also wants an attorney, bank, harness shop and a grist mill and parties who have capital to invest should correspond with the postmaster of Jerome.

EDUCATIONAL

  Jerome has a fine school building erected at a cost of $5000, 80 x 60. The school the present year is in charge of Miss May White as principal and Miss Susa Heffner assistant, and their services are giving perfect satisfaction. There are 100 pupils attending now and the official staff is J. H. Martin, president; B. Sedevie, secretary and James Brick, treasurer; all respected citizens.

CIVIC SOCIETIES

  We find well represented the I.O.O.F. with M. Allen, N.G.; Jas. Rou, G.G.; W.S. Fox, secretary; Don Forsythe, treasurer.

CHURCHES

  We find here the M. E. church and it is the only one.  It is in good condition financially and has a very large membership. The leading and most popular hotel is the

JEROME HOTEL

And is the only eating house in the town.  It is a two-story frame building cost $2500 and is a metropolital hotel in every particular. It is owned and conducted by H. L. Hazelwood who is assisted by his accomplished wife. This hotel has about fifteen good rooms, a good dining room and sample room and a good place for traveling men to stop and their table is unsurpassed. Mr. Hazelwood has been in this city three years and was a native of Missouri and was raised on a farm in this county. Jerome can feel proud of her hotel and we enjoyed our stay very much here and should we ever visit this little city again we will surely take our meals at the Jerome.

  Among the business men of the town who are enjoying a lucrative patronage we find

M. ALLEN

Who is proprietor of the Farmers and Miners store and was born and raised in Centerville, the home of Gov. Drake and is personally acquainted with the governor and all his family.  He came to this city two years ago and begun the merchantile business to-day owns the largest store in the city. He owns a two-story building which is 20 x 80 with Odd Fellows’ hall above.  The clothing room is on the upper floor and on the right side of the store is dry goods and dress goods of all the different styles and prices and on the left had side is boots and shoes and gents’ furnishing goods. In the rear is queensware, groceries of every description and the butcher shop and kills none but the best meats and has all kinds of game in season.  Mr. Howry is practically a new man but is well liked by all in acquaintance. They also have a store at Gladstone mine No. 1 and it contains a complete stock of groceries and furnishing goods. They deliver goods to any part of the city and country. Mr. Allen is one of the old and esteemed citizens, and has all those necessary qualifications that go to make a successful business man and we are pleased to note that he is enjoying a constantly increasing patronage.

J. FORSYTH & CO.

  The leading and only exclusive drug company in the city of which D. W. Forsyth is the manager. It was established two years and a half ago and is well equipped with all the necessary fixtures for running a metropolitan drug store including prescription case and prescriptions are compounded with the best of care both day and night. They carry a complete line of all the most reliable patent medicines, school supplies, stationery, all kinds of drug sundries, wall paper, paints, oils and varnishes and everything usually kept in a first-class drug store. This firm has a store at What Cheer and at Mystic.

DR. J. H. DILLON

Graduate at Iowa City and is enjoying a very extensive practice. He was raised in Unionville, Mo., and came to this place a few years ago. His office is over the drug store and is well equipped, having all the necessary fixtures, a good library and he takes some of the leading medical journals and has a good set of surgical instruments. He is a careful student and when not out on professional duties he is studying medicine.

C.A. GAINS

Was born and raised in this county on a farm. He came to this city two years ago and started a store and is the youngest business man in the city, being only 24. His store room is large and filled with a complete line of merchandise and groceries and he has the largest line of boots and shoes in the city. Country produce is taken in exchange for goods at highest prices, employs a clerk and runs a free delivery.

JAMES HAGAN

Is the popular and accommodating postmaster of Jerome and makes a splendid official. He has been in the county since ’54, and is a carpenter by occupation and was one of the first men to go into business here, was appointed postmaster in April, 1888 and has held the position all the time since, excepting six weeks. The office contains about 200 boxes and other necessary fixtures. He carries a stock of groceries, stationery and confectioneries and takes in country produce. Mr. Hagan was township assessor four or five years and justice of the peace eight or nine years and is a notary public.

GLADSTONE COAL CO.

  A feature that Jerome fully enjoys is her coal mines and we find located here the Gladstone Coal Co. which was established in ’89 and is one of the oldest and most extensive coal companies in the county and has a capital stock of $40,000. The present officials are James Goss, President; Robert Marsden, superintendent; Peter Marsden, secretary and treasurer, and they are all old and highly respected citizens. Their shaft No. 1 is located one and three quarters of a mile east of Jerome and shaft No. 2 is at Jerome. It is well equipped with the best of machinery and has a hoisting capacity of 40 Cars of coal per day or 800 tons, and they work from one to three hundred men all the time, owing to its great demand, and it always finds a ready market and they get the highest price for it. The quality is superior to any other and is known as the Walnut Block and all is thoroughly screened and weighed on the Fairbank railroad scales after screening before leaving the city. They ship coal as far north as Edgerly, N.D. and as far west as the western portion of Kansas and all over Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota and find a ready market all along the line of the Milwaukee and wherever it is handled it has given the best satisfaction and they ship from 75000 to 100000 tons of coal per annum.  All their men are paid semi-monthly and everything runs smoothly to both miners and patrons by reason of its careful and conservative management. Peter Marsden, the secretary and treasurer, is a fine young business man and lives with his father, Robert Marsden, who resides at mine No. 1, and he is a great favorite among the miners and citizens of this city.

W. S. FOX

Is the local agent on the C.M. & St. P. and has been in the city six months and with the company six years. He is also agent for the Western Union telegraph company and U.S. express company. He is a very fine young man and is very popular and prominent.

BIG FOUR COAL COMPANY

  Is the oldest coal company of the city and was established here a number of years ago. They work about forty men, they have a hoisting capacity of twenty cars per day. It has a capital stock of $20,000 and is one of the most prosperous mines along the line. Wm. Oughton the superintendent, while he is yet a young man in years he is old in business and has many years of experience in the coal business.  W. L. Myers is the president and is a very prominent man. The company ships coal to South Dakota, Missouri and other states and it is giving perfet satisfaction.  Mr. Oughton owns a grocery store in this city which is 20x60 and also a fine residence, he informed the writer that the company was enjoying a very hearty patronage all over the state.

E. B. FULLER

  Is the proprietor of the only barber shop in the city and has been in this city one year. His shop is located first door west of the Jerome hotel and is well equipped with all modern fixtures. He also takes orders for fine tailor made suits. He is an experienced barber and when in need of a nice clean shave call on him and receive satisfaction. He is one of our most industrious and enterprising citizens and we were very much pleased to make his acquaintance.

G. W. PASS 
[GEORGE W. ROSS]

Is the leading blacksmith and has been here two years and was a blacksmith before the war. He was in the late war, enlisting in Co. B, Sixth Kansas Cav. and worked at his trade while serving.  His shop has all the necessary fixtures for doing all kinds of blacksmithing and makes a specialty of horse shoeing and repairing. He owns a good residence and is a very worthy citizen.

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  Copy of original published article in the 13 February 1896 of The Seymour Press.