The Chesaning Argus, January, 1878

The Chesaning Argus enters its second year of operation, and the publishers have chosen to commemorate the occasion with a somewhat melancholy editorial.

A new year has just begun and it has ushered in many changes, and many are the events of January 1, 1878 that will be remembered for a life time. To some it will be one of the pleasant memories, while to others it will be with feeling of bitter sorrow that they call to mind incidents of that day; no matter how much pleasure we may wish the many readers for the coming new year, life is such that it must have its bitter with its sweet, and it is well such is the case.

The reason for the somber mood quickly becomes apparent, however, as we learn that one of the founding partners is leaving the paper.

The ARGUS office has not been exempt from the change, first as will be seen by a notice and card elsewhere, has been a change in the firm Mr. Geo. LaMunyon withdrawing. And here let us say that wherever Geo. may go our best wishes are with him, he is a good boy and well worthy of public confidence, being steady, honest and industrious, he cannot help but be highly esteemed wherever known.

George LaMunyon (1860-1927), who is still one month shy of his eighteenth birthday, is leaving the Argus, and taking his place will be the similarly youthful Willis Miller (1858-1951).

We have associated with us Mr. W. Miller one of the best practical job printers as well as most rapid compositors, who will have charge of the job department, and will always be on hand to furnish any information required at his hands. Our office is well furnished with card type, and everything necessary for job work, which has not been the case heretofore.

Despite the praise given to the new printer, his first week on the job was not without its problems, as evidenced by a notice from the editors that appeared in the very next issue of the Argus.

Through the changes and rush of work of last weeks issue, we made a few typographical errors, which we did not get time to correct. The reason I speak of this, is that there are a great many persons if they see a mistake in a paper, or any reading matter, they form an opinion that they are poor spellers. Now if you would look into the matter, and realize the amount of responsibility they have on their shoulders, I believe you would change your mind; if not come and try it for a while, and then you will know it by experience.

Returning to the subject of George LaMunyon, while no reason is given for him leaving the paper, the split does at least appear to have been an amicable one.

I having severed my connection with the Chesaning ARGUS, return my thanks to the people for their interest in my behalf; and would inform them that my good wishes are still with the paper, and hope the patrons will con-tinue their liberal support to the ARGUS, that it may live long and prosper.

GEO. LAMUNYON

One possible explanation is his family’s pending departure from Chesaning.

His father, Ira Walker LaMunyon (1827-1909), an important historical figure in his own right, will soon be moving everyone to Nebraska, to begin a lucrative career as a surveyor in the rapidly expanding mining industry.

George LaMunyon will manage find work in his chosen profession, and the 1880 census for North Platte, Nebraska lists his occupation as printer.

His life story actually makes for some interesting reading.

He was married to Mary Alice McIver (1863-1886), a fellow resident of North Platte, Nebraska, on September 10, 1883, and the couple had two children together before her premature death in 1886.

George took a job with the Union Pacific Railroad and eventually became the station agent at the Union Pacific depot in Hailey, Idaho.

He was married for a second time, on April 27, 1892, to Lillie Winona Brown (1861-1936). The couple immediately moved into a new home that George had just bought but less than a year later he announced that he was resigning from his position with the railroad.

He has been denied other assistance than a messenger boy, and has therefore had all the work to do. This has kept him very busy… at least 12 hours a day, and he has frequently gone to the station out of hours… The hard work has told on him, until he is greatly reduced in weight and spirits, and it is evident that if he were to remain there much longer he would be simply unable to do his work.

Wood River Times, April 7, 1893.

George had apparently managed to build a small nest egg, and rather than seek immediate employment, made plans to travel and visit relatives then living in Colorado, Missouri, Michigan, and Nebraska, with a stop at the Chicago World’s Fair.

...they will probably go to Walla Walla, where they will reside.

This is, however, not yet settled. Mr. LaMunyon has three or four offers; but he has accepted none, as he feels that he must have a good rest. After visiting Nebraska he will probably secure outdoor employment – in a lumber yard, for instance – to harden himself, and by next winter he will settle somewhere.

Wood River Times, April 27, 1893.

It appears that the reporter was badly misinformed about his subject’s intentions, as less than a month later George had settled at College View, Nebraska, home of the then newly founded Union College.

George eventually enrolled at the nearby Lincoln Normal University, finally graduating in 1898.

He took a job as a teacher in the commercial department at Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, a position he held until 1900, when he accepted a position as teacher at Norwich Business College in Norwich, Connecticut.

In 1902, he purchased Westerly Business College, in Westerly, Rhode Island, from one of it’s founders, C. W. Wales.

He will be assisted...by Mrs. LaMunyon, a teacher of several years experience, who will give instructions in stenography, type-writing and English, besides other branches. Students will be given their choice of stenography of the Pitman or Gregg systems. Special instructions will also be given in bookkeeping and mathematics.

Shoshone Journal, September 5, 1902.

George’s father Ira LaMunyon, who had been living at Dumont, Colorado, eventually moved to Denver to be closer to his two married daughters. It was there that he met A. M. Kearns, owner the local Modern School of Business.

Ira LaMunyon and A. M. Kearns, soon became partners in The First Republican Mining Company, founded in 1907.

It appears that it was through this connection that George LaMunyon later became President of the Modern School of Business, with his wife Lillie LaMunyon serving as Vice President, both serving in that capacity for many years.

Happenings

Remember when you date your letters, that this is 1878.

Jesse S. McIntosh, who has been up the lake for some months, teaching telegraphy, came home again.

The J. L. & S. railroad is to be extended to the Straits of Macinaw shortly. This will make a pleasant journey for the people on long hot summer days.

The time table for the railroad has been published in the Argus for the first time, and I thought it would be interesting to look at the expected travel times between Chesaning and various destinations.

Traveling from Chesaning to Jackson will take between 3 and 4 hours. Chesaning to Owosso will take between 30 and 40 minutes. Chesaning to Oakley will take between 10 and 25 minutes. Chesaning to St. Charles will take between 15 to 25 minutes. Chesaning to Saginaw will take about an hour. Chesaning to Bay City will take from 2 hours to 2 hours and twenty minutes.

A suprise party was had at the residence of Mr. Sheriff with the intention of suprising Walter Sheriff who was expected from abroad, and would be on hand to do the honors of the occasion. As he did not arrive, the suprise was slightly turned, but they being equal to the occasion passed a merry evening. The New Year was hailed with delight and scandalized the old year by their irreverence of Old Father time.

We have been looking over the new store of Mr. P. Gould, and occupied by Gould and Oliver, in point of workmanship, it can not well be excelled. Mr. Gould is one of the most enterprising men in our village, and has without doubt, did more to build up the town than any other man, being the builder of the elivator, which has gained for Chesaning a grain market second to none. He is always ready to sustain any enterprise of public benefit. The carpenter work on the store was done by D. Buel and Son; who are adepts in their business.

Chapman Bros are getting their store under the Masonic Hall, in shape to move into which they expect to do in a few days.

There is to be an eclipse on the sun, on the 2d of February; that is if it happens to be a bright and clear day.

Mr. Everets, purchased from Jared Smith, a dressed hog which weighed 595 pounds. Who says Chesaning is not ahead in pork, as well as other products.

The Chesaning mills has lost none of its good qualities by the new proprietors, Messrs Hamlin & Miller of Owosso, who understand their business.

James Andress is to have a social party on St. Valentine’s day, and some lucky participant is to have a house and lot given him.

Many strangers are in town, many of whom are in search of houses, in which to move.

E. York the proprietor of the Chesaning House, is negotiating for the sale of his hotel to Mr. M. Bliss, of Mt. Rose, Mich.

The Michigan Advocate speaks thus of our M. E. church:

Several improvements have been made in, and outside, the M. E. church in Chesaning since conference. A number of the lady parishoners assumed as their share of the improvements the renovation of the church edifice, which they did by causing the plaster to be repaired, the walls and ceiling calcimined circles put about the chandliers, arch work put in the rear of the pulpit, and the old border replaced by new one. The much needed wood-house has been built, as well as several neat stalls for horses. A new bell is now loudly called for by many citizens; for however desirable it may be to see the famous cracked bell in Independence Hall at Philadelphia, the experience of over two years has fully convinced the whole village, and part of the country that it is a different thing altogether to hear one after the same plan in the M. E. Church tower at Chesaning.

Crime

Chicken thieves are quite numerous at present, therefore it behooves all who possess fowels, to look well to the door fastening.

Love one another, but it seems that he forgot this important; and the result was a case of assault and battery on Wednesday last.

A. D. Agneu, while present at Grayling, had his house broken into one day last week. The house was found open and on investigating by relatives several articles were found missing; suspicions rested on certain parties and a watch was kept on the house for some time, but on Sunday last, it was again found open, with a window smashed and blind broken. Mr. Agneu is expected home and he will without doubt discover the burglars.

Misfortune

Mr. Warren Ward while engaged in carrying a number of bags of potatoes out of his cellar, met with a peculiar circumstance, he was found in a senseless condition, with a bag of potatoes across his head. Dr. Eldred was summoned, who soon brought him too.

Diphtheria is raging east of the village.

I Guess You Had to Be There

We know of an instance when a youth went courting, and as the house was small and the people on very intimate terms with the neighbors; he was obliged to spark three families. He says he has not felt well since.

Mr. John MeVanNorman, one of the earliest settlers in this township, is residing on a farm near the Corners. Me is doing well in his old days.

Arriving

I shall be prepared to commence operating in about three weeks; meanwhile those that are in need of artificial dentures and have plates to be repaired, please call and see me, and learn my prices, (which are reasonable) at the store of W. H. Niver, druggist.

J. W. ESSIG, DENTIST.

Departing

Ed Andress and family, left for their new homes, at Red Bluff, California, on Monday last. Ed is one of our old and highly esteemed friends, and the good wishes of a host of friends go with him to his western home.

Births

Girls have been quite scarce lately; but now there is a jolly little maiden at Geo. McCormics, which weighs six and one-half pounds.

Marriages

Well we have just partook of the wedding cake, and do hereby pronounce it excellent. But to make the above plain to the reader we will state that at three o’clock on New years day, Mr. J. L. McCauley of St. Charles, and Miss Allice Niver of Chesaning, were joined in their holy bonds of Matrimony, at the residence of the brides father. Rev. J. H. McIntosh officiating. Only a select few of friends and relatives were present; but the presents were elegent and numerous.

Mr. McCauley was our Local Editor at St. Charles, and helped to pull the Times through it’s short, and painful life.

The bride is universaly known and respected in this vicinity, and her host of friends extend to her the warmest congratulations.

In the evening the happy pair were serenaded by the Cornet Band; and departed for their future home at St. Charles. May joy be with them.

How many commenced the new year in a way long to be remembered; and we are willing to bet a goose, that William Craig will never forget that on that day, Miss Lucy Babion became his bride. We wish them ever so much joy. Rev. J. H. McIntosh tied the knot and it was all done at the residen of A. R. Andress.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Goodale have their tin wedding on Wednesday evening January 23d.

A communication from Albee is unavoidably crowded out, but the principle item of the article was the marriage of Sarah Wilson and Leonard Hawkins. It seems that Leonard has been “hawkin” around Sarah for sometime, and on Sunday last, they called on Squire Smith who made them one in short order. A jolly time has been the result in Albee.

Deaths

John Butts lost their three year old daughter, on Saturday last, the death was caused by a disease of the throat.

DIED. - James Martin Augustine, son of Henry Augustine, Sunday, Jan. 13 1878. Age 25 years.

DIED, the wife of Anson F. Kimbal, Oakley. Jan. 24.

DIED, the son of Jacob Butts, age 4 years, Chesaning. Jan. 24.

DIED, Celestia Keith, wife of M. B. Keith of this township, at the residence of her parents in Hillsdale county, on Jan. 10th 1878, age 30 years.

Brady

Our respected townsman, Mr. A. W. Miller and wife, started on Tuesday last, on a visit of a few weeks to their former home, the Green Mountain state. Mr. Miller came to Brady twenty four years ago, and made his way from Chesaning by marked trees, and by industry have secured to them-selves a competency; and now have left their pleasant home to see again their early friends and relatives, and the rugged hills and mountains of the rightly named Verd Mont.

Spencerville

John A. Spencer is still in the livery business, give him a call.

Wm. H. Oyer has sold his horse to Thomas Carl for 150 dollar.

St. Charles

Inglesh and Griggs have enlarged their mill, and are doing a good business in the way of manufacturing shingles, and are also making a very nice grade of flour Mr. Hoteling of Chesaning being the miller. Their trade being constantly on the increase.

COUNTRY SCRAPS.

On Friday last, We supplied ourselves with a copy of the Argus, and our note book ready, and pencil well sharpened; we turned our back on the village of St. Charles, and bravely commenced our pedistrain excursion to Chesaning. It was without doubt, one of the coldest days of the season, therefore we kept a brisk walk; but our eyes were in good trim, and we did not fail to see the numerous improvements on the route. The first notice-able future of development the house and farm of Mr. Cass Carpentor; he has a neat little log house, newly built, together with a fine field of wheat.

The Guilford farm next appeared with its broad acres of land under excel-lent cultivation, and nearly free from stumps. From Mr. Guilfords a marked difference is to be noticed, showing the effects of age on the farms.

At the Micle mill we found the farm and residence of Mr. Peter Foster, who has everything in apple-pie order, and whose sons are in the railroad tie business. The saw mill is not running at present, but is to run next summer, (at least we were so informed). Mr. Sackrider of Oakley, furnishing the necessary material for the work.

Just here we find that it is difficult to tell where we are. We supposed ourselves in the township of St. Charles, but on stepping through the gate to inquire, were informed that Brant possessed the ground, but in less than a minute we were in Brady; but stumbled on a piece of frozen earth and fell in Chesaning. The trouble is, the four townships corner here, hence the confusion.

But to continue, we next arrived at Mr. Bucklands, and here were shown some splendid sheep and cattle; he has a drove of one hundred sixteen sheep, which are of the best breed that the country affords; and his barn is well arranged for stock raising.

On every hand we notice new farm houses, either built or being built; and many large straw stacks, showing that a large amount of grain has been raised during the past season. Mr. C. B. Lockwood having retired from the mercantile business is to be found on a pretty farm, on this road; also Mr. G. Ireland has a good farm and one of the most pleasant and home like residences that we have seen.

But improvements does not express it, when we are speaking of Mr. R. H. Nasons new farm, and the long line of new board fence, it is simply immense; and Mr. Nason is deserving of a vote of thanks from the people in this vicinity, for his energy and enterprise in thus improving the country.

We will soon travel some other direction, and will continue these articles.

Sunlight Corners

Socials parties are raging in this vicinity to an alarming degree, being from one to seven per week on an average. On Monday last a goodly company gathered at Mr. Huliens and a very pleasant evening was spent in keeping time to lively music of McCrory & Myres band.

Wm. Ashmun is building an addition to his house, in Butter nut grove.

The Chesaning Argonaut