140 years ago

july 22, 1881

About forty intelligent Swedish gentlemen, principally from Illinois, arrived in Marion Centre Tuesday, prospecting for a location for a large colony. They were driven out in buggies to inspect a large body of vacant lands lying in northeastern Marion and southwestern Morris, which suited them exactly and they at once purchased from Case & Billings eight sections, or 5,120 acres, which however is but a small tract compared to what these good people say they will need and buy. They expressed great pleasure upon learning that no liquor was sold at their nearest town, Lincolnville. Will the Topeka Commonwealth and Leavenworth Times please copy this and then tell us again about how prohibition is keeping people away from Kansas.

The cyclone which was advertised for Wednesday, the 20th, failed to put in an appearance. No regrets.

Mr. Henry Siebert, of Gale Township, has formed a partnership with Mr. W.C. Lockwood in the hardware and implement business. Mr. Siebert is a gentleman of sterling worth, and will no doubt add much to the popularity of prosperity of the already popular and prosperous house with which he is now connected.

Mayor Dudley, of this city, laid upon our table, yesterday, some fine peaches grown at his home on the east side on trees set out two years ago. Two trees have about a half bushel on them, and they are large and delicious.

Jim Moreland, under guard for robbery, hired a team and took his guard, John Wise, out riding this Thursday and when out a few miles from town, managed to get rid of the officer in some way, and drove rapidly away with the team. At the hour of going to press, a posse is in pursuit, but with what result, we know not. We do not wish to pass judgment hastily, but it now looks like an inexcusable piece of negligence, to say the least, on the part of Wise. Prisoners have most too soft a thing here, anyhow, boarding at the hotel, smoking and drinking and having a “good time” generally, with the “boys” around town.