USA > Indiana > Wells County > Ossian > 20th century souvenir edition of the Ossian news, Ossian, Ind., January 1st, 1900 > Part 3
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The United Brethren church is our youngest christian organization. Until the building of the large brick by the M. herents are doubled or trebled-there can E. church it boasted the only brick house never be too large an element of good in a town the size of Ossian. of worship in Ossian. It was organized under the pastoral labors of Rev. J. P. Stewart in the year 1889. The membership at this time was small, but through the faithful efforts of Revs. Stewart, Holmes, J. JBaptist Church. W. Lake, W. Z. Roberts, and those of the
Of those agencies which have contribut- other pastors itinerant, evangelical and ed to local spirituality the Baptist church otherwise, the supporters of the faith now must ever be considered hopefully one. It number 70 souls.
is a matter of regret that though the
the congregation now worships was erect- ed in 1889 at the cost, including lot, of historical points, the memory of the mem- $2,800.
The beautiful brick structure in which church was organized as late as March 28, 1882, it was difficult to get many accurate bers supplying the written records which were unfortunately lost some time ago.
The Sabbath School has an enrollment of 100 scholars, The Y. P. C. U. numbers 30 members.
The first pastor of the congregation organized March 28, 1882 was, Rev. Jasper H. Winans The membership at that time
The present pastor is Rev. W. H. Shep- herd who though burdened with the labors consisted of 12 earnest souls. Meetings of the several churches under his care, is were held in various public places for
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several years as the supportors were un- Hart, 1894. Rev. C. S. Winans, 1899. able to build at once. In the year 1885,
The foregoing list is set down from verb- however, the frame building now in use al report, memory being forced to serve was erected and under the pastoral care for written records: if there are any inac- of Rev. Walters the house was dedicated, curacies the church will excuse them. and the church gradually grew in numbers.
The pastor now guiding the church is A list of ministers who have served Rev. C. S. Winans, whom many remember. the church since its beginning is here Under his care it is to be hoped the mem- given: bership will increase from the present 48 Rev. Walter: 1885. Rev. C. S. Winans, to a much larger number. Several notable 1887. Rev. D. B. Record, 1888. Rev. revivals have been held in the Baptist Lucas Aspy, 1889. Rev. W. J. Kemp, (no church, all of which' have had wonderful date). Rev. C. S. Winans, 1891. Rev. influence for good over this community.
fraternal Organizations.
Probably no town in Indiana of the size one finds society expressing itself in vigor- of Ossian boasts of so many orders as our ous, well-sustained orders one is constrain- own little city. We have four regular ed to believe that in that place culture and male secret societies and three female like mental prowess exist, because school organizations. This speaks well for the church and the more exclusive social social nature of our people. Wherever organizations move hand in hand.
Residence of Mrs. Wm. Lopshire.
F. & E. M.
"Ossian Lodge, No. 297, F. & A. M., met under dispensation, Septem- ber 30 1863, John P. Nash, Worship- ful Master; E. Covert, Senior Ward- en; B. F. Taylor, Junior Warden. The Master appointed William Beaty, Secretary; J. I. Metts, Treas- urer; Joseph Kreigh, Senior Deacon: Thomas Vail, Junior Deacon. Chart- er members same as mentioned, the charter being dated May 27, 1864: and July 7, following, Amos Town- send, of Bluffton, a special deputy of Grand Master Hacker, organized the lodge by the installment of the following officers: J. P. Nash, Worshipful Master; E.Covert, Senior Warden; B. F. Taylor, Junior Ward- en; J. I. Metts, Treasurer; C. Sump- ton, Secretary; James Johnston, Senior Deacon: A. H. Metts, Junior Deacon; T. Vail, Tyler.
SOUVENIR EDITION
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REV. E.CAMPBELL
REV. C.M.MOLLOPETER
REY. 2 W.Z.ROBERTS
REY.A.S.ELLEY
REV.D.M.LUTTRELL
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
Mason, Associate Mat- ron; Mrs. Jennie Stine, Secretary: Mrs. Mary Stine, Treasurer: Miss Lucy Vail, Conductress; Mrs. Anna Trevey, As- sociate Conductress; Miss Nellie Craig, Adah: Mrs. Ella Hatfield, Ruth; Miss Jennie Allen, Esth- er: Mrs. Lida Metts. Martha; Miss Edna Gor- rell, Electa; Mrs. Eliza Seibold, Warder: T. A. Doan, Sentinel; J.W. D. Metts, Chaplain: H. O. Stine, Marshal; Miss Jennie Craig, Organist.
The present member- Residence of Mrs. Samuel Hood. ship of the lodge is 64, a gain of 30 over the char- The following have served as Worship- ter enrollment. The officers now in ser- ful Master: J. P. Nash, J. I. Metts, C. W. vice are: . Mrs. Anna Trevey, Worthy Beardsley, W. B. Miller, James Gorrell, Matron: W. D. Mannes, Worthy Patron: William Stine, James Swaim, Henry O. Mrs. Hannah Wilson, Associate Matron: Stine, J. C. Hatfield, Ed. Stine, J. C. Miss Maggie Stine, Conductress; Miss Mason, E. A. Vail.
Jennie Allen, Associate Conductress; Mrs.
The present lodge membership is 65. Maggie Weaver, Warder; Mrs. Anna The following gentlemen are at this time Gibson, Adah: Miss Grace Derr, Ruth; in service as officers: W. M. Craig, Miss Grace Wilson, Esther: Mrs. Allie Worshipful Master; F. M. Beaty, Senior Derr, Martha; Miss Nellie Craig, Electa; Warden; W. H. Rupright, Treasurer; Miss Lizzie J. N. Johnston, Secretary: James Swaim, Secretary; W. D. Mannes, Mrs. Laura Beaty, Treasurer; G. W. Val- Senior Deacon: W. M. Doan, Junior Dea- entine, Sentinel; Mrs. Anna Craig, Chap- con, G. W. Valentine. Residence of A. Hoopengardner. Tyler.
Che O. E. S.
The Emerald Chapter No. 166, O. E. S., the sister lodge of the F. & A. M., was petitioned for Dec. 14, 1895, was organ- ized and instituted Jan. 25, 1895, the instituting officer being Jacob J. Todd of Bluffton. The charter membership was 30: the first officers were; Miss Lizzie J. N. John- ston, Worthy Matron; J. C. Hatfield, Worthy Patron; and Mrs. Ona
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lain: Mrs. Lillian Spencer, Marshal; Mrs. Mate Beaty, Organist.
1R. of D.
The first officers were: Miss Cora Hood. M. E. C .: Miss Martha Taylor. E. S: Mrs. Serepta Worley, E. J .: Mrs. Bertha Davis: M. T .: Miss Grace Wilson, M. of R. & C .: Mrs. Lillian Spencer, M. of F .: Mrs. Ella
Since its organization the K. of P. lodge Woodward, P. of T .; Mrs. Myrtle Snarr, has made great gain. It is one of our best G. of O. T .: Mrs. Jennie Stine, P. C.
secret societies and its benefits, both social and practical are incalculable.
The present number of members is 33 Castle sisters and 11 knights; total 44 members. Hall lodge was instituted Feb. 4, 1892, by the loss by death to lodge has been 3; re- George W. Grimes of the Bluffton lodge. movals 10. There were 34 charter members, and the financial condition of the lodge was a suc- cess from the beginning,
The officers now in the service of the organization are: Mrs. Serepta Worley, P. C .: Miss Martha Taylor M. E. C .: Mrs.
The first officers of the organization Ella Woodward, E. S .; Mrs. Lulu Davis, were: W. A. Woodward, Past Chanc. Com .: E. J .: Mrs. Harriet Patterson, M. of T .: E. Salesbury, Vice Chance .: J. S. Burnett, Miss Cora Hood, M. of R. & C .; Mrs. Ella Prelate: Robt. Green, M. of E., Irvin Porter, M. of F .: Ed Davis, K. of R. & S .: J. E. Ormsby, M. A .; Elmer Allen, I. G .: Chas. Niriter, O. G.
The charitable work done by this estimable order has been consider- able. The present finan- cial condition is flatter- ing. The membership roll is now 99. Consider- ing everything this lodge is in every way exceedingly valuable not only to its members and their families but . to the entire people.
The officers now in service are: J. A, Lech- Residence of N. H. Trenary. ner, C. C .; L. L. Allen, V. C .; A. S. Elzey, McDowell, M. of F .: Mrs. Belle Vananda, P. Prelate; Chas. Swaim, M. E .; O. W. Reed, of T .: Mrs. Mira Quackenbush, G. of O. F. M. F .; F. P. Quackenbush, K. of R. & S .: Warren Mahnensmith, M. A .: William Reed, I. G .: Clint Vananda, O. G.
1. M. M. F.
The I. O. O. F. order was instituted Nov. 12, 1895 by Dist. Deputy Grand Master W. Rathbone Sisters. D. Fitch with 12 charter members. The officers elected and appointed at that time The Garland Temple, No. 118, of Rath- were: E. B. Kern, Noble Grand: E. A. bone Sisters, the sister organization of the Vail, Vice Grand; L. A. Todd, Sec., L. F. K. of P. lodge, was instituted Dec. 31, Wilson, Treas .; J. F. Tisron, R. S. N. G .; 1894 by District Deputy Grand Chief, Mrs. John Glock, L. S. N. G .: Joe Vail, I. G .; Mary Lipkey of Bluffton, with 24 members. Hiram Whetstone, O. G .: Jacob Fatcher. The Charter was granted June 4, 1895, by Conductor; W. H. Sumers, Warden: W. Grand Chief Mrs. Josie Nelson, Union City. M. Craig, R. S. V, G .; V. K. Grim, L. S.
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Residence of Dr. M. N. Newman.
V. G .: Theo. Melching, R. S. S.
The number of members at present in good standing is 30. The meeting night is every Tuesday.
The following is the enrollment of officers: Chas. Grim, N. G .: W. M. Craig, V.G .: Jacob Fatscher, Sec .: B.D. Johnston, Treas .; Frank Jackson, R. S. N G : Dole Hecber, L. S. N. G .: V. K. Grim, Warden: Henry Fatscher, Conductor: Clark Quack- enbush, I. G .; Alonzo Kreigh, O. G .: Fred Hiser. R. S. V. G .: Jonas Ferril, L. S. V. G .: Thos. Melching, R. S. S .: John Glock. L. S. S.
Rebecca Lodge.
of P. is the Pearl Lodge, No. 561, I. O. O. on application of Mrs. Mary A. Clark, Misses Zora Philips, Mary L. Kyle, Rosa
instituting officers. There were 15 mem- bers at the starting, out of which num-
Warden: Miss Jennie
Trenary, Conductress: Miss Blanch Smith, R. S. N. G .: Miss Jennie Wilkins, L. S. N. G .: Miss Katharine Craig, R. S. V. G .: Miss Mary Houser, L. S. V. G .: Miss Mary Kyle, I. G .; Miss Mamie Fatscher, O. G .: Miss Katharine Craig. Organist.
The growth of this society has not been rapid as it only numbers about 20 members at this time.
Those active as officers at this time are as fol- lows: Miss Maud Vine- core, N. G .: Miss Mary Kyle, V. G .; Miss Anna Chalfant, Sec .: Miss Katherine Craig, Treas .; Mrs. Jennie Wilhelm, R. S. N. G .: Miss Maggie Melch- ing, L. S. N. G .: Miss Grace Black, R. S. V. G .; Miss Grace Wilson, L. S. V G .; Miss Nellie Craig, Warden; Miss Rosie Glock, Conductress; Miss Mamie Fatscher, Chaplain: W. M. Craig, I. G .; Hiram Whetstone, O. G.
R. O. C. M.
The K. O. T. M. order was instituted with great eclat, a band was organized under its auspices, and great things were promised in the way of financial benefits to those who should become members. At
Holding the same relation to the I O. O. the present time the pretentions of the F. that the Garland Temple does to the K. lodge are more modest.
The charter was given Feb 15, 1896, F. The charter was granted this society with the following officers enrolled upon it: J. B. Haifley, P. Sir Kt. Com .: J. C. Hatfield. Sir Kt. Com .: E. E. Derr, Sir Glock, Blanch Smith, Margaret Melching. Kt. Lt. Com .; J. C. Mason, Sir Kt. R. K .: Organization was effected Mar. 21, 1898, W. M. Craig, Sir Kt. E. K .; G. W. Glass.
the Bluffton Paradise Lodge furnishing Sir Kt. Chaplain; G. W. Wagner, Sir Kt.
Sergt .: A. G. Gorrell, Sir Kt. Physician: Wesley Crummitt, Sir Kt. Mat. A .; Wm. Sir Kt. 2nd M. of G.
ber the following officers were elected: Short, Sir Kt. 1st M. of G .; Ezra Johnson, Miss Zora Philips, N. G., Miss Anna Chalfant, V. G .: Miss Nellie Craig. Sec .: It is possible that the real value of the Miss Rosa Glock, Treas .; Miss Maggie lodge exists in the low rate of insurance Melching, Chaplain: Miss Maud Vinecore, promised the members in good standing.
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Other Organizations.
The G. A. R. is almost an extinct organ- ization, as the comrades have grown too old to care much about the sustaining of the order. Occasionaly a meeting is held. but much of the vigor of the Post was lost with the removal of S. C. Goshorn to Malden Mo., some years ago.
Although not wholly "secret" in its workings. for want of a better opportunity it is best noted here that the W. C. T. U. society is flourishing and is each year in- creasing in power and efficiency.
sober side of life. The N. O. D. club. a young ladies society, whose mystic name is untranslatable in modern tongue, (though its lettering is supposed to imply matrimo- nial suggestions.) is in active existence. So little is really known about the work- ings of this association of social eligibles. that no satisfactory descriptive report can be furnished. The B. and W .- Bachelors and Widowers-club is so famous locally that more than a mere mention of its exist- ence were too much Its occasional ban- quets call out the elite of the city.
In dismissing the subject of secret and other societies it is fair to state that much of the charitable work done in Ossian is due to their admirable service .- succoring the sick. defending the oppressed. is the keynote. so far as we know, of every active
Two humorous local organizations have organization mentioned in the foregoing done much to "give the laugh" to the pages.
Miscellaneous.
The Creamery.
Some twelve or fifteen years ago several ing a creamery in Ossian. It was reason- gentlemen conceived the idea of establish- able to suppose that a country as prosperous
Residence of J. C. Mason.
as that in which we are situated would produce dairy products if the well-to-do agriculturalist could be induced to raise cattle for that purpose. Upon the promise that the men in power-that is to say. the farmers- would turn their atten- tion to dairy farming. C. W. Eastman. W. M. Craig and J. C. Hatfield "rolled up their sleeves " so to speak, and set to work. But. although in matter of quality of pro- duct the Ossian Cream- ery was a pronounced success, it grew impossi- ble after a time
to
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
lacking in raw material.
Brain Elevator.
Some men seem born to seize upon opportun- ity, others appear to re- quire the opportunity to seize upon the man. To the first class belong W. R. Beaty and T. A. Doan who appear to have made a success of everything they have attempted. With ship- ping facilities in the condition they are in: and many things in a questionable state of Saw and Planing Mills. passivity, these gentle- men concluded to make g'et sufficient cream to keep the establish- grain shipping one of the industries of ment running in full blast. The idea of West Ossian. dairy farming has never taken much hold As long ago as 1890 T. A. Doan and the Hatfield firm began to experiment with the idea and branch out a little in grain buying. They built a fair-sized elevator near the trackswitch, and for a time this upon the farmers of Jefferson Township. Cattle, hogs, etc., are raised for the dis- tant markets; it is better to realize at once upon the sale of fatted stock than to keep the stock for its worth, and other uses: served the purpose of the investors. such has been the reasoning of many of our most successful agriculturists.
This condition of affairs has made the fight of the creamery long and pretty
In 1893 the firm changed: and Wm. Beaty and T. A. Doan became owners of the business.
They were able to handle the grain that much up hill. There was never a time came in to them. A slow gain at first, for when the "Climax" creamery butter did several years, caused by poor shipping ad- not get highest market prices. The only vantages, made the enterprise seem a doubt- trouble was lack of quantity: the quality ful equation to be resolved. However their might not be impeached.
perseverance won. Farmers began to For a number of years J. C. Mason. and realize that it paid them to sell to Beaty his several assistants-of whom Henry Mc- & Doan, and to bring their cereals to Clelland is to be especially remembered- Ossian. They did so, found good prices, toiled to make the work a success in the truest sense of the word. That they ac- complished what they did is a matter of some importance. But custom and tradi-
gentlemanly treatment and cordiality which made it seem advantageous and pleasant to sell here. This state of affairs necessitated the shippers increasing the tion and also perhaps "notion" caused the size of their quarters. A large concrib cream-furnishers to drop off, until the was erected by the mill switch, furnished plant for the manufacture of the famous with a power sheller and other necessary "Climax" butter, is all but at the end of apparatus, and controlled by the power from the mill. Then in 1899 the elevator was built and all the facilities for handling grain improved. The machinery for car- ing for the produce, storing it, the con- its usefulness. It is felt in the near future, the creamery will be a thing of the past. A snuffed out candle; but not ingloriously so. It is rather a difficult proposition that any manufacturing business be successfully trivances which made it easy to do the work carried on, providing there is always a attempted were added and the building
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Grain Elevator.
itself was erected, a pattern of convenience.
The capacity of the elevator is 8000 bushels of grain, without crowding. Three cars of grain can be taken in and two loaded a day, which is a fair figure for a town of this size. On an average the firm ships three car loads of grain a week.
That the enterprise is a good one and worth the investment there can be no doubt. Farmers will find it to their ad- vantage to deal with this home firm: albeit there appears to be an Eldorado elsewhere-an Eldorado that never ma- terializes when one seeks to find it by cutting old ties and old patronage.
I. E. & V. TR. 1R.
We are not blessed by railroad facilities, still the Muncie division of the L. E. & W. R. R. which passes through West Ossian affords suf- ficient rail convenience for all the traffic and passenger uses of the town. The road was sur- veved away back in the
old days when the country was wild and the forests full of game, however the first engine was a long time in making its ap- pearance. As a matter of fact the road was not in active operation until 1870. This branch railroad of a large line has changed hands many times, and apparent- ly it has never been a very paying property. Under the management of the late Calvin Brice it assumed more dignity and im- portance than at any time previous.
M. E. Spencer.
-----
Residence of M. E. Spencer.
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
The management of the road has al- to be attended to by Jas. H. Keefer. the ways kept the depot and grounds in good company's agent at this point. condition, improving from time to time as The results of the decision of the com- it seemed good. Without exception all pany have been exceptionally satisfying. the Ossian employes of the company have We now have nearly three miles of gas been good fellows and perfect gentlemen. mains, and every one in the city who has The present agent, M. E. Spencer, has the desire, is furnished with fuel and been with us a number of years. He is an light. The price for service is so moder- affable young man, strict in the perform- ate, that in almost every instance the cit- ance of his duties and was a valued member izens prefer to use gas rather than be of the town council. He owns one of the bothered with wood and coal.
neatest residences upon beautiful Mill Street. Since his arrival in the city from his former home at Spiceland, he has been kept in case of an emergency occurring an able and respected citizen.
natural Gas.
At this place the Company has a tool- and store-house where many things are somewhere along the line-Ossian being a sort of a half-way station between Fort Wayne and Bluffton. This, together with a private telephone, all under the care of Mr. Keefer, makes accidents fewer and more easily controlled.
Ever since the natural gas boom in Blackford County and southern Wells It is a pleasant matter to be able to say County filled the country with work and that the policy of the Company has always workers. the town has desired a modicum been in harmony with the best interests of like success. In vain. however, was of the people.
this desire, for though we have made two fair tests for gas of oil, no results were ob- tained that justified even hope. much less an expenditure of money. But in spite of failure, the desire for gas accommodations
For many years the question, "are we caused the citizens of Ossian and vicinity prepared to fight fire?" would have re- to continually agitate the idea. Finally quired a strong negative answer. The the Fort Wayne Gas Co., whose main line several unsuccessful attempts to organize passes through the city, and who. it may hook and ladder companies failed signally. be mentioned, subscribed liberally to our At one time there was in actual existence test wells, consented in the fall of 1896. to permit a "tap"' Residence of W. R. Beaty. oif their 12-inch main, in order that the town might be sup- plied with fuel and light.
This kindness on the part of the Fort Wayne Gas Co. was realized after a great deal of agitating and importuning by our leading citizens. After it became pretty well assured that the Company would con- sent to a "tap". Jas. H. Keefer took the matter in hand and went about securing that which was so much desired.
As a matter of fact. the Company yielded to the wish- es of the people, and put in a good service over nearly all the town. leaving the business
Facilities for Fighting Fire.
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such a fire-fighting band but upon tests, it was found that nothing much could be done unless modern tactics were put in use. The need for an engine capable of per- forming good work was felt for years, but not until the fall of 1895, did the city fathers untie their purse-strings and let loose dollars enough to secure one.
With the appearance of the medium sized chemical hand engine, security once more fell over the village. To put jest aside, the little machine has done its work faithfully, and many a time since its purchase saved the town from a large con- flagration. The illustration on page 18 shows the engine all ready for a "run."
Recently the town ordered an hundred barrel cistern placed in the street just back of Hatfield's store. From this van- tage point a fire in the main blocks will be head as manager, and put up a "series easily controlled. Later other cisterns will be sunk, as seems best.
L. F. Wilson is present fire chief, and together with W. M. Craig, Harry Bunn, and several other leading spirits, is pre- pared to put up a pretty good fight against the terrible fire demon. There is no actual company -no real organization, still the necessary work in the hour of danger has always been well done by the volunteer service.
Telephone System.
Ossian's first acquaintance with tele- fall.
Residence of J. H. Young.
utility of a small circuit. The long felt need of means of communication between the railroad, livery-stable and other places of business awoke a spirit of progress and in a short time the idea developed into a successful effort, and thirteen entered in- to an agreement with Mr. Keefer at the line", which gave very satisfaction so far as local needs and uses went. There was still a desire for better means of communi- cation, however.
In the summer of 1899, the Central Union Telephone Company made their agents, Roe Bros., a proposition to put in an exchange system giving each subscriber the privilege of long distance communi- cation. This offer called forth a meeting of those owning phones, the result of which resulted in a resolution giving the Central Union Telephone Co. the right of way.
The system started in with about 16 subscribers, the line being erected in the
Under the direction of Roe Bros. the
phone communication was in 1882, when the Bell Telephone Company, now the exchange is cared for by Mrs. Nora Central Union Telephone Company, first Brickley.
put in a station here and a long distance The improvements over the former line. But it was many years before any system are many and manifold. The material advancement in the way of a fame and methods of the Central Union local system was made. Not until Jas. H. Telephone Company need no remark Keefer in February, 1896, put up a private here. We deem the subscribers to the line between his house and office, did the present mode of local and long distance citizens become convinced of the paying telephone communication especially for-
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
tunate in having been able to secure that askance, and began to rank him with his which is not often granted to a country predecessors. Still, being of seemly ay- town, no matter how flourishing, by the pearance, a few men ventured their sup- Central Union Telephone Company. port. A number of subscribers were secured, and Mr. Keefer put his meager $500 equipment into the old Naus building, Ossian Tews. now known as the "gas shop," and began to issue the Ossian NEWS. These quarters were too small to suit the editor of the
About fifteen years ago two men-Du- Bois and Huffman-succeeded in establish- journal-that proposed-to-stay. Therefore ing in Ossian, a newspaper that was a piti- in Feb. 1891, he moved his establishment able failure. The Ossian Weekly Tele- entire into the north room of the Ossian phone managed to drag along a few months, House. The man's sturdy determination and during that time precipitated its own- to win overcame the doubts and predjudice ers "head over ears" in debt with all the of the people who had been "gold-bricked" merchants in town. Although the support by the Weekly Telephone. Subscriptions seemed fair, the men were unable to offer began to roll in, and advertising to boom up-our business men have always been sagaci- ous enough to recognize the incaculable benefits to be received from judicious advertising.
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