140 years ago

august 5, 1881

The condition of President Garfield became alarmingly worse on the 23rd owing to the stoppage of the discharge from the wound, and the consequent formation of a pus cavity. Several operations have been found necessary. The location of the bullet is now believed to be in the right iliac fossa—the cavity between the front of the hip bone and the ribs, which contain the small intestines. On the 27th everyone about the White House was cheerful, the general opinion being that the President was out of danger.

The Methodists of Marion Centre expect to dedicate their handsome new church about the 14th inst.

At a meeting of business men Monday night the “Marion Centre Board of Trade” was organized and the following officers elected: president, John F. Carter; vice president, Levi Billings; secretary, E.A. Hodge; treasurer, R.M. Crane. These gentlemen mean business, and we trust that all their efforts for the upbuilding of the place will be cordially seconded by every resident of the city. Let unity prevail, energy and enterprise continue to characterize our people, and the future fulfill the brightest dreams of the present.

Wheat is coming in in goodly quantity. The quality ranges from good to moderate, and the prices oscillate in the eighties.

The new iron bridge spanning the Cottonwood west of town is finished and appears to be a fine structure. There are some things connected with its erection, however, which have a bad look and deserve explanation. The law specifically provides that before such a contract can be let bids of the same must be advertised for, but it seems that in this instance no competition was allowed, and certainly the required advertising was not done. The officials should rise and explain.

Frank Ridgeway has purchased the Sanford & Son drug store in this place. Frank, here’s to your success.