Church Street begins where Highway 2 runs east-west & intersects with Highway 69 - at the corner where the library & Loving Chapel is - where Highway 69 turns off to the west. Church Street starts there & runs on down south from Highway 69. Main Street is on the west side of the Courthouse & runs on down to the depot. I think you're right about Idaho St. The old jail was off the n.e. corner of the square along Idaho St. If I remember right, Commercial Street is Highway 2, going through city limits, then becomes Highway 2 again once you leave town. School Street (where I used to live in the 1970's & early 1980's) is one block west of Highway 69 coming into town from the north. School Street ran from the school & north to where the street turned into a cul de sac. If you followed School Street all the way north, you'd end up in my garage when we lived there. The house is still there but doesn't look like it did when we lived in it. Sharon R. Becker Ringgold County IAGenWeb Coordinator [email protected] See What's New at Ringgold County: http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/what'sNew.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronald M McClure" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 11:41 AM Subject: Re: [IADECATU] Leon opera house > well, i guess i've been gone too long. i thought hi way 2 was 1st > street, > not commercial street. i'm wrong?.....and that hi way 69 was church > street.....am i wrong? if i'm correct, then does anyone know what > streets > lie on either side of commercial street? main street runs on the front > (west) side of the court house and idaho runs on the back side (east) of > the > court house, right?....mac > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Richard Albright" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 11:06 AM > Subject: Re: [IADECATU] Leon opera house > > > FYI: My 1968 telephone directory for Leon and nearby towns shows the > Hotel Leon at 104 South Main and Cartwright's DX Service Station at 101 > West > Commercial. There also was Robinson's 66 Service Station at 107 West > Commercial. I don't know if either filling station is the one mentioned in > the postings but in '68 those are the only ones listed on Commercial and > none was listed in the first block of Main, but not all stations in the > phone book had addresses. Rick > > On Dec 1, 2009, at 4:34 AM, Jack Scott wrote: > >> Main and Commercial Streets are still named the same. Of course, >> Commercial is also >> >> Rte 2. The hotel was rebuilt and named the Leon Hotel, owned and run by >> Olive Sparks >> >> And her son, Delmar Sparks. >> >> >> >> The “filling” station (I’m glad you called it that because that’s what >> they were called in those >> >> days was built, owned and run by a partnership of my maternal >> grandfather, >> Fred Welling >> >> and Clint Davis. Since I lived in that block I got to play there >> sometimes. … jack > > www.iagenweb.org/decatur > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes > in the subject and the body of the message > > > www.iagenweb.org/decatur > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.426 / Virus Database: 270.14.88/2538 - Release Date: 12/01/09 07:59:00 -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 6 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 722 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message

leroy/jack: on what corner of commercial and main streets was the opera house located?....mac ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jack Scott" <[email protected]> To: "decatur county list" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 6:34 AM Subject: [IADECATU] the Leon opera house Main and Commercial Streets are still named the same. Of course, Commercial is also Rte 2. The hotel was rebuilt and named the Leon Hotel, owned and run by Olive Sparks And her son, Delmar Sparks. The “filling” station (I’m glad you called it that because that’s what they were called in those days was built, owned and run by a partnership of my maternal grandfather, Fred Welling and Clint Davis. Since I lived in that block I got to play there etimes. … jack Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:34:57 -0600 From: "Leroy Achee" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] 'COLE YOUNGER HERE'.. To: <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Mac, The Opera House's original address was on the corner of Main & Commercial Streets what those streets are now I don't know. The Opera House and Leon Hotel burned in 1923. In 1924 there was an empty lot and where the Opera House stood became a filling station per the Sanborn Fire Maps. By 1934 (again the Sanborn Fire Maps) the Hotel Leon is rebuilt and there is still a filling station on the corner. I believe at one time the hotel was also called the Fireproof Hotel (from my visit to Leon). I have a lot of info on the Hotels in Leon at this time period from trying to track down my Harp family who were hotel people. Alas I have only been to Leon once in the last few years and couldnt tell you what the real address is. I have a map I have put together showing what the different hotels were called and their locations, there were only so many and often renamed - if you are interested. Jo from Louisiana www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

well, i guess i've been gone too long. i thought hi way 2 was 1st street, not commercial street. i'm wrong?.....and that hi way 69 was church street.....am i wrong? if i'm correct, then does anyone know what streets lie on either side of commercial street? main street runs on the front (west) side of the court house and idaho runs on the back side (east) of the court house, right?....mac ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Albright" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 11:06 AM Subject: Re: [IADECATU] Leon opera house FYI: My 1968 telephone directory for Leon and nearby towns shows the Hotel Leon at 104 South Main and Cartwright's DX Service Station at 101 West Commercial. There also was Robinson's 66 Service Station at 107 West Commercial. I don't know if either filling station is the one mentioned in the postings but in '68 those are the only ones listed on Commercial and none was listed in the first block of Main, but not all stations in the phone book had addresses. Rick On Dec 1, 2009, at 4:34 AM, Jack Scott wrote: > Main and Commercial Streets are still named the same. Of course, > Commercial is also > > Rte 2. The hotel was rebuilt and named the Leon Hotel, owned and run by > Olive Sparks > > And her son, Delmar Sparks. > > > > The “filling” station (I’m glad you called it that because that’s what > they were called in those > > days was built, owned and run by a partnership of my maternal grandfather, > Fred Welling > > and Clint Davis. Since I lived in that block I got to play there > sometimes. … jack www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

http://iagenweb.org/decatur/earlydecDocs/oldnews1900.html This article mentions the G.W. JENREE HOTEL at Decatur City. Nancee

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 13, 1911 The subject of this sketch, GILBERT W. JENREE, was born in Clearfe (sic) County, New York, Dec. 2, 1825, and passed away at his home in Leon, Iowa, April 4th, 1911, at the ripe old age of 85 years, 4 months and two days. Mr. JENREE came to Iowa about the year 1851, thus giving him a residence in this state of about 59 years. In 1862 he enlisted in the army of the United States as a private in company A 1st Regiment Iowa Vol. Cavalry. He served his country in this capacity for about fifteen months when on Nov. 2, 1863, he was discharged. He leaves to mourn his departure a loved companion and five children, Mrs. ELIZA K. CRAIG, of Leon; Mrs. ELLA K. THARP, of Grand Island, Neb.; Mrs. IDA WALKER, of St. Joseph, Mo.; FRANK, of Gary, Indiana and CLARENCE IVAN, of St. Joseph, Mo. For many years the deceased was a member of the Methodist Church, though for some time physically unable to attend the services. During the past several weeks his mind seemed to be turned in an especial devotional manner and during his last days much of his time was spent in reading the Word of God and in prayer. Surely a most blessed way to spend one's last days on earth. --------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected] My Notes: He is buried in the Leon Cemetery next to his wife and other children. Jenree, G.W.-Leon-Painter-Herkimer Co., NY-l850-Leon (From Andreas Map) of Center Township. Copy is dated March 17 1864. In the issue appear the advertisements of Richards & Hale, general Store; Chas. C. Stout, druggist; James M. Coffin, photographer; the Jenree Hotel, the Lunbeck Nursery and many others.

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 11, 1911 Waubonsie's Trail is mapped across the state and now forms a tie that binds Keokuk on the east to Nebraska City on the west, marking the line that Mr. Reininger, president of the Trail Association, says will eventually become the first hard road crossing the state of Iowa. Beginning at the Missouri river on the west, the counties and towns traversed by Waubonsie's Trail are the following: Fremont County, East Nebraska City and Sidney, the county seat. Page County, Shenandoah and Clarinda, the latter the county seat. Taylor County, New Market, Gravity, Conway, with Bedford the county seat, being reached by a well kept road connecting either at Gravity or New Market Ringgold County, Benton, Mt. Ayr, the county seat, and Kellerton. Decatur County, Leon, the county seat, Lamoni, Davis City and High Point. Wayne County, Corydon, the county seat, Bridgewater and Promise City, with a good connecting road to Seymour only three miles off the trail. Appanoose County, Jerome, Centerville, the county seat, and Moulton. Davis County, Westgrove, Bloomfield, the county seat, and Pulaski. Van Buren County, Milton, Cantril, Mt. Sterling and Farmington, with a road connecting Keosauqua, the county seat, from Mt. Sterling and Farmington. Lee County. The road runs nearly due east from Farmington to a point south of Donnellson, where it connects with a stretch of macademized road that leads into Keokuk, the eastern terminus and the largest city on the Trail. Waubonsie's Trail is by many miles the shortest across the state, and being the only defined road crossing the southern portion of the state, will soon prove one of the most popular. Road work is now under way in nearly all of the counties and the promises of voluntary assistance and help are surprisingly large. It means a great, broad highway that will prove as prominent as the milky way across an autumn heaven. ----------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected]

It's interesting, my great grandfather was Benjamin Franklin Townsend, at one point I believe before this trail was organized, he travelled with his family from Des Moines, Iowa area down through St Joseph, Missouri on his way to Colorado. He travelled with his family by covered wagon, with the two eldest boys, Arthur and Alfred, on horseback. while crossing the river at St Joseph, Missouri the two boys were seperated from the family. Only Alfred has ever been found and he ended up in Nebraska. Arthur Eli Townsend is a mystery to this day. Does anyone have any information on the trails used before this new trail was organized?

Nancee- My G'father, Ralph Thompson(1911 graduate of Leon HS) cut the original grade for this Hwy in 1917-18 from the Weldon corner to Osceola. A man by the name of Blair did the section from Osceola to the Warren Co line in 1921. Of course, this was later called the Jefferson Hwy (Hwy 69). Does anyone know who had the contracts for the original grade in Decatur Co., and when they were cut? Of course the paving was done later; probably when the grade was done to Des Moines.-Clair Thompson ----- Original Message ----- From: Nancee Seifert<mailto:[email protected]> To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 7:31 AM Subject: [IADECATU] ORGANIZE A NEW TRAIL - KANSAS CITY TO DES MOINES. Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa March 9, 1911 The Waubonsie Trail matter has so livened up things in this section that another trail association has been organized and is promoting a trail to run from Des Moines to St. Joseph and Kansas City by the way of Leon, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany. The matter was started at just about the same time by the boosters of Leon and the boosters of Lamoni. Leon had talked over the matter and was quietly getting things in shape for the launching of the scheme when Lamoni organized and the Leon people have entered into an agreement to let the preliminary organization made at Lamoni Wednesday of last week stand, and working with representatives from Harrison County, Mo., will push the work of organizing the other counties in both states along the proposed route of the new trail. The name of the trail was officially chosen at the Lamoni meeting. It is to be called the "Des Moines, Kansas City and St. Joseph Inter-state Trail association." W.A. Hopkins was chosen president; J.C. Danielson, vice president; Dan Anderson, secretary and G.W. Blair, treasurer. These officers will remain in office until the annual election, which will be provided for in the constitution, is held. The headquarters of the association will be located at the town of Lamoni. The object of the new trail organization is to promote and maintain an improved highway on north from Des Moines indefinitely and from Des Moines south by the way of Indianola, Osceola, Leon, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany. There will be a junction trail at Bethany, one of them traversing the route from Bethany to Pattonsburg, Cameron and Kansas City and the other running west and south to Albany, King City and St. Joseph. The routes are so arranged as to give the shortest possible mileage between Kansas City, St. Joseph and Des Moines. This road or trail will connect the principal cities in this section and should and will without the least doubt prove a most popular route of travel for automobiles and other methods of travel. The proposed trail gives a direct route from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Des Moines. This would be of great advantage in the movement of government troops. Representatives from Lamoni were in Leon Monday meeting with the committee from the Leon Commercial club **(part of article missing)** the route of the road who become members of the association, also the location of their farms The folder will be similar in form and general style to those issued by railroads and will be placed in hotels of the terminal cities and also in those of the towns along the trail. The Commercial clubs of the various towns will be given an opportunity to place advertising matter in the folder setting forth such facts regarding their cities and surroundings as they desire to announce to the public, also views of points that may interest tourists and prove of benefit to the cities and towns. The trail association will make every effort to have the road placed in the best possible condition and induce the counties through which the road passes, to construct permanent concrete bridges and culverts. It is expected that the farmers will keep their part of the road dragged and worked into proper condition. Each town will be responsible for the road half way to the next town on the trail. All of this work is to be done under the direction of the local trustees in each county and the executive board. Already the work of organizing two counties, Decatur County, Iowa, and Harrison County, Missouri, has been completed the trustees for Decatur County being Jas. F. Harvey and Jas. W. Hurst, of Leon, P.E. Shirley, of Davis City, W.A. Grenawalt and Dr. W.J. Mather, of Lamoni. In Harrison County, Missouri, the trustees are E.H. Frisby, B.P. Sigler and Leonard Heaston, of Bethany, O.W. Curry and R.A. Hart, of Eagleville. The work of organizing the other counties along the proposed route will be pushed forward vigorously. The route from Leon to Davis City, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany, a distance of forty-four miles has been located and the trail will be continued in both directions from Leon and Bethany. This trail, or improved highway, will indeed prove a splendid thing for this section and the state at large. It will connect with the Wabonsie Trail in Decatur County and thus afford another trail running east and west through the southern tier of Iowa counties. At Des Moines it will consist with the famous river to river road and also the Des Moines and Lake Okoboji roads. The cities and towns and farmers will be greatly benefited. At all points where the matter of the trail has been taken up with the people, all, especially the farmers, are enthusiastic and have promised their hearty support. ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.iagenweb.org/decatur<http://www.iagenweb.org/decatur> ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

FYI: My 1968 telephone directory for Leon and nearby towns shows the Hotel Leon at 104 South Main and Cartwright's DX Service Station at 101 West Commercial. There also was Robinson's 66 Service Station at 107 West Commercial. I don't know if either filling station is the one mentioned in the postings but in '68 those are the only ones listed on Commercial and none was listed in the first block of Main, but not all stations in the phone book had addresses. Rick On Dec 1, 2009, at 4:34 AM, Jack Scott wrote: > Main and Commercial Streets are still named the same. Of course, Commercial is also > > Rte 2. The hotel was rebuilt and named the Leon Hotel, owned and run by Olive Sparks > > And her son, Delmar Sparks. > > > > The “filling” station (I’m glad you called it that because that’s what they were called in those > > days was built, owned and run by a partnership of my maternal grandfather, Fred Welling > > and Clint Davis. Since I lived in that block I got to play there sometimes. … jack

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 11, 1911 Little FREDA MARGURITE, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. JOHN EVANS, was born October 12, 1908, and died April 28, 1911, at her parents' home about ten miles southeast of Leon, age 2 years, 6 months and 16 days, at the time of her death which was caused by pneumonia following measles. She leaves a father, mother, one brother and three sisters to mourn her loss FREDA was a dear, loving little girl and will be missed by her family and friends, although a small child, she had wound her way into the hearts of all who knew her. Short funeral services were conducted by N.A. Still of the Eden Cemetery after which the little body was lowered to its last resting place. The entire community sympathize with these bereaved parents but what is our loss is Heaven's gain. May we all meet her there. ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, March 9, 1911 C.A. DAVIS, one of Decatur County's prominent farmers, committed suicide Sunday afternoon about five o'clock at his farm near Garden Grove, by shooting himself with a shot gun. Mr. DAVIS had not been well it is said for some months and had been moody a great part of the time. He seemed to be brooding over imaginary financial troubles and it is believed that an unbalanced reason was the cause of his rash act. The act was committed about five o'clock Sunday afternoon at a point about three rods north of the house. Two daughters were in the house at the time, Mrs. DAVIS and Mrs. GEORGE DAVIS, who was visiting there, having gone to the corn picnic grounds west of the house a short distance. Mr. DAVIS secured the shot gun and started from the house. His daughters pleaded with him to give them the gun but he would not do so. They tried to take it from him and a struggle ensued which ended with Mr. DAVIS still in possession of the gun. He told them that it was not loaded and that he was not going to hurt anyone. He passed out of the door on the north side of the house and in a few minutes, Mrs. DAVIS accompanied by her guest, Mrs. GEORGE DAVIS, returned to the house. The daughters told what had happened. A few minutes later they heard a shot fired and running to the window they saw Mr. DAVIS lying upon his face where he had fallen. They hurried to his side and found that he had fired the charge from the gun through his heart and that death had evidently resulted instantly. He had removed his flannel shirt and had, it seems, held the muzzle of the gun over his chest and directly over the heart, discharging the weapon by using a stick to trip the trigger. Neighbors were at once summoned and the coroner notified. The coroner under the circumstances decided that an inquest was unnecessary. Mr. DAVIS owned a good farm of 200 acres well stocked, but he seemed to brood over imaginary financial troubles a great deal saying often that he was a candidate for the poor house. So far as is known his debts outstanding were very small. Mr. DAVIS is the founder and owner of the famous Davis grove where the annual corn picnics of the corn club are held. --------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected]

Main and Commercial Streets are still named the same. Of course, Commercial is also Rte 2. The hotel was rebuilt and named the Leon Hotel, owned and run by Olive Sparks And her son, Delmar Sparks. The “filling” station (I’m glad you called it that because that’s what they were called in those days was built, owned and run by a partnership of my maternal grandfather, Fred Welling and Clint Davis. Since I lived in that block I got to play there sometimes. … jack Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:34:57 -0600 From: "Leroy Achee" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] 'COLE YOUNGER HERE'.. To: <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Mac, The Opera House's original address was on the corner of Main & Commercial Streets what those streets are now I don't know. The Opera House and Leon Hotel burned in 1923. In 1924 there was an empty lot and where the Opera House stood became a filling station per the Sanborn Fire Maps. By 1934 (again the Sanborn Fire Maps) the Hotel Leon is rebuilt and there is still a filling station on the corner. I believe at one time the hotel was also called the Fireproof Hotel (from my visit to Leon). I have a lot of info on the Hotels in Leon at this time period from trying to track down my Harp family who were hotel people. Alas I have only been to Leon once in the last few years and couldnt tell you what the real address is. I have a map I have put together showing what the different hotels were called and their locations, there were only so many and often renamed - if you are interested. Jo from Louisiana

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa March 9, 1911 The Waubonsie Trail matter has so livened up things in this section that another trail association has been organized and is promoting a trail to run from Des Moines to St. Joseph and Kansas City by the way of Leon, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany. The matter was started at just about the same time by the boosters of Leon and the boosters of Lamoni. Leon had talked over the matter and was quietly getting things in shape for the launching of the scheme when Lamoni organized and the Leon people have entered into an agreement to let the preliminary organization made at Lamoni Wednesday of last week stand, and working with representatives from Harrison County, Mo., will push the work of organizing the other counties in both states along the proposed route of the new trail. The name of the trail was officially chosen at the Lamoni meeting. It is to be called the "Des Moines, Kansas City and St. Joseph Inter-state Trail association." W.A. Hopkins was chosen president; J.C. Danielson, vice president; Dan Anderson, secretary and G.W. Blair, treasurer. These officers will remain in office until the annual election, which will be provided for in the constitution, is held. The headquarters of the association will be located at the town of Lamoni. The object of the new trail organization is to promote and maintain an improved highway on north from Des Moines indefinitely and from Des Moines south by the way of Indianola, Osceola, Leon, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany. There will be a junction trail at Bethany, one of them traversing the route from Bethany to Pattonsburg, Cameron and Kansas City and the other running west and south to Albany, King City and St. Joseph. The routes are so arranged as to give the shortest possible mileage between Kansas City, St. Joseph and Des Moines. This road or trail will connect the principal cities in this section and should and will without the least doubt prove a most popular route of travel for automobiles and other methods of travel. The proposed trail gives a direct route from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Des Moines. This would be of great advantage in the movement of government troops. Representatives from Lamoni were in Leon Monday meeting with the committee from the Leon Commercial club **(part of article missing)** the route of the road who become members of the association, also the location of their farms The folder will be similar in form and general style to those issued by railroads and will be placed in hotels of the terminal cities and also in those of the towns along the trail. The Commercial clubs of the various towns will be given an opportunity to place advertising matter in the folder setting forth such facts regarding their cities and surroundings as they desire to announce to the public, also views of points that may interest tourists and prove of benefit to the cities and towns. The trail association will make every effort to have the road placed in the best possible condition and induce the counties through which the road passes, to construct permanent concrete bridges and culverts. It is expected that the farmers will keep their part of the road dragged and worked into proper condition. Each town will be responsible for the road half way to the next town on the trail. All of this work is to be done under the direction of the local trustees in each county and the executive board. Already the work of organizing two counties, Decatur County, Iowa, and Harrison County, Missouri, has been completed the trustees for Decatur County being Jas. F. Harvey and Jas. W. Hurst, of Leon, P.E. Shirley, of Davis City, W.A. Grenawalt and Dr. W.J. Mather, of Lamoni. In Harrison County, Missouri, the trustees are E.H. Frisby, B.P. Sigler and Leonard Heaston, of Bethany, O.W. Curry and R.A. Hart, of Eagleville. The work of organizing the other counties along the proposed route will be pushed forward vigorously. The route from Leon to Davis City, Lamoni, Eagleville and Bethany, a distance of forty-four miles has been located and the trail will be continued in both directions from Leon and Bethany. This trail, or improved highway, will indeed prove a splendid thing for this section and the state at large. It will connect with the Wabonsie Trail in Decatur County and thus afford another trail running east and west through the southern tier of Iowa counties. At Des Moines it will consist with the famous river to river road and also the Des Moines and Lake Okoboji roads. The cities and towns and farmers will be greatly benefited. At all points where the matter of the trail has been taken up with the people, all, especially the farmers, are enthusiastic and have promised their hearty support. ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 1, 2009 [email protected]

Mac, The Opera House's original address was on the corner of Main & Commercial Streets what those streets are now I don't know. The Opera House and Leon Hotel burned in 1923. In 1924 there was an empty lot and where the Opera House stood became a filling station per the Sanborn Fire Maps. By 1934 (again the Sanborn Fire Maps) the Hotel Leon is rebuilt and there is still a filling station on the corner. I believe at one time the hotel was also called the Fireproof Hotel (from my visit to Leon). I have a lot of info on the Hotels in Leon at this time period from trying to track down my Harp family who were hotel people. Alas I have only been to Leon once in the last few years and couldnt tell you what the real address is. I have a map I have put together showing what the different hotels were called and their locations, there were only so many and often renamed - if you are interested. Jo from Louisiana ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronald M McClure" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 6:39 PM Subject: Re: [IADECATU] 'COLE YOUNGER HERE'.. > so.............does anybody know where the "opera house" was in > leon?.......and what would it's street address be today if it were still > standing......mac > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 3:23 PM > Subject: Re: [IADECATU] 'COLE YOUNGER HERE'.. > > >> For an interesting reference to the James Younger Bros tap into >> www.bing.com - Corydon IA bank robbery - Mary Stewart >> >> >> ---- Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Decatur County Journal >>> Leon, Iowa >>> Thursday, April 13, 1911 >>> >>> 'Former Outlaw Lectured in Leon Tuesday Evening Upon What Life had >>> Taught >>> Him' >>> >>> ---------------------------------- >>> Cole Younger, the last of the famous Younger brothers many years ago >>> charged >>> with many robberies in the middle west, delivered a lecture at the opera >>> house in this city Tuesday evening to a good sized audience. Those who >>> went >>> expecting to hear him devote his entire lecture to his career as an >>> outlaw >>> were very disappointed. The last part of his lecture was devoted to >>> that >>> matter. >>> >>> His lecture contained much good advice to the young men and he urged >>> that >>> they profit by his experience and lead lives of usefulness and take >>> advantage of the great opportunities that the present affairs. >>> >>> In the last of his lecture he told of his service in the confederate >>> army >>> and his connection with the forces of Quantrell, the Guerilla leader, >>> during >>> the troublesome times along the Kansas and Missouri borders, of in later >>> years how himself and a few others repelled the attempt of a mob to >>> capture >>> him at his home in Jackson County, Missouri. He stated that at the time >>> it >>> was reported that a train had been held up and robbed in Iowa by Cole >>> Younger and the James boys, he was at Osceola, Mo., and had witnesses at >>> that time to prove that such was the case. He told of his journeys to >>> southern states, his attempt to enter the cattle business in Texas, and >>> the >>> events that led up to the robbery of the Northfield, Minn., bank, and >>> his >>> final capture and conviction. He spent twenty-five years in the state >>> penitentiary of Minnesota at Stillwater. >>> >>> He stated during the course of his lecture, that he had been wounded >>> twenty-two times and that a number of the bullets still remained in his >>> body >>> His lecture was interesting and he was given the close attention of >>> the >>> audience all the way through. He stated that he had been greatly >>> misrepresented. He told of one incident wherein some detectives upon >>> their >>> own account, reinforced by a number of men that they had employed along >>> the >>> way, had come down into Missouri to effect the capture of the Younger >>> brothers. Learning of their intentions and deciding that it would be an >>> easy matter for him to convince the detectives that he was in Missouri >>> at >>> the time the train in Iowa was robbed and turn them back, he and several >>> of >>> his friends went out to met them. On a country road they met them and >>> Cole >>> said he halted them and asked who they were looking for. They replied >>> that >>> they were looking for Cole Younger and his associates and he told that >>> they >>> did not need to look further as the stood before them. >>> >>> The men who had been employed by the detectives, Mr. Younger stated, >>> were >>> quickly following them. A newspaper reporter, a member of the party, >>> also >>> hurried away at great speed and the conference did not occur. The >>> newspaper >>> man got lost in the timber and ran across an old cemetery. An article >>> then >>> appeared in the public prints, Mr. Younger says, stating that the >>> newspaper >>> man had found the burying ground where the Younger brothers laid their >>> vill >>> (?) at rest. He stated that the only time that he was ever in Iowa >>> previous >>> to this was when he passed through the state enroute to Minnesota, when >>> the >>> robbery of the Northfield bank occurred. >>> >>> He is 68 years old. >>> -------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert >>> November 30, 2009 >>> [email protected] >>> >>> www.iagenweb.org/decatur >>> ------------------------------- >>> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >>> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >>> quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> >> www.iagenweb.org/decatur >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >> quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> > > > www.iagenweb.org/decatur > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.426 / Virus Database: 270.14.87/2536 - Release Date: 11/30/09 07:31:00

so.............does anybody know where the "opera house" was in leon?.......and what would it's street address be today if it were still standing......mac ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 3:23 PM Subject: Re: [IADECATU] 'COLE YOUNGER HERE'.. > For an interesting reference to the James Younger Bros tap into > www.bing.com - Corydon IA bank robbery - Mary Stewart > > > ---- Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> wrote: >> Decatur County Journal >> Leon, Iowa >> Thursday, April 13, 1911 >> >> 'Former Outlaw Lectured in Leon Tuesday Evening Upon What Life had Taught >> Him' >> >> ---------------------------------- >> Cole Younger, the last of the famous Younger brothers many years ago >> charged >> with many robberies in the middle west, delivered a lecture at the opera >> house in this city Tuesday evening to a good sized audience. Those who >> went >> expecting to hear him devote his entire lecture to his career as an >> outlaw >> were very disappointed. The last part of his lecture was devoted to that >> matter. >> >> His lecture contained much good advice to the young men and he urged that >> they profit by his experience and lead lives of usefulness and take >> advantage of the great opportunities that the present affairs. >> >> In the last of his lecture he told of his service in the confederate army >> and his connection with the forces of Quantrell, the Guerilla leader, >> during >> the troublesome times along the Kansas and Missouri borders, of in later >> years how himself and a few others repelled the attempt of a mob to >> capture >> him at his home in Jackson County, Missouri. He stated that at the time >> it >> was reported that a train had been held up and robbed in Iowa by Cole >> Younger and the James boys, he was at Osceola, Mo., and had witnesses at >> that time to prove that such was the case. He told of his journeys to >> southern states, his attempt to enter the cattle business in Texas, and >> the >> events that led up to the robbery of the Northfield, Minn., bank, and his >> final capture and conviction. He spent twenty-five years in the state >> penitentiary of Minnesota at Stillwater. >> >> He stated during the course of his lecture, that he had been wounded >> twenty-two times and that a number of the bullets still remained in his >> body >> His lecture was interesting and he was given the close attention of the >> audience all the way through. He stated that he had been greatly >> misrepresented. He told of one incident wherein some detectives upon >> their >> own account, reinforced by a number of men that they had employed along >> the >> way, had come down into Missouri to effect the capture of the Younger >> brothers. Learning of their intentions and deciding that it would be an >> easy matter for him to convince the detectives that he was in Missouri at >> the time the train in Iowa was robbed and turn them back, he and several >> of >> his friends went out to met them. On a country road they met them and >> Cole >> said he halted them and asked who they were looking for. They replied >> that >> they were looking for Cole Younger and his associates and he told that >> they >> did not need to look further as the stood before them. >> >> The men who had been employed by the detectives, Mr. Younger stated, were >> quickly following them. A newspaper reporter, a member of the party, >> also >> hurried away at great speed and the conference did not occur. The >> newspaper >> man got lost in the timber and ran across an old cemetery. An article >> then >> appeared in the public prints, Mr. Younger says, stating that the >> newspaper >> man had found the burying ground where the Younger brothers laid their >> vill >> (?) at rest. He stated that the only time that he was ever in Iowa >> previous >> to this was when he passed through the state enroute to Minnesota, when >> the >> robbery of the Northfield bank occurred. >> >> He is 68 years old. >> -------------------------------------------------------------- >> Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert >> November 30, 2009 >> [email protected] >> >> www.iagenweb.org/decatur >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >> quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > www.iagenweb.org/decatur > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 20, 1911 BENJAMIN JEFFERSON RIDDLE was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, June 28, 1823, and died at his home in Decatur City, Iowa, April 13, 1911, at the age of 87 years, 9 months and (?) days. On February 21, 1850, he was married to AMELIA RADEBAUGH. To this union ten children were born, nine of whom, together with his wife still survive. He became a member of the Christian Church in 1895 and remained a faithful member until called up higher. The funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Decatur Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Elder J.S. Coffin, of the Leon Christian Church assisted by Rev. Vannetta, of Decatur, and Riley Buchanan, of Leon. The speaker took for his text 11 Tim. 4:7-8. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give to me at that day, and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved His appearing." A large audience of friends and neighbors gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to this great man. His remains were laid to rest in the Decatur City Cemetery. In the death of Mr. RIDDLE, the wife has lost a true and devoted companion who has journeyed with her for more than half a century, the sons and daughters a noble father and the community a splendid citizen. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement. ----------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert November 30, 2009 [email protected]

For an interesting reference to the James Younger Bros tap into www.bing.com - Corydon IA bank robbery - Mary Stewart ---- Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> wrote: > Decatur County Journal > Leon, Iowa > Thursday, April 13, 1911 > > 'Former Outlaw Lectured in Leon Tuesday Evening Upon What Life had Taught > Him' > > ---------------------------------- > Cole Younger, the last of the famous Younger brothers many years ago charged > with many robberies in the middle west, delivered a lecture at the opera > house in this city Tuesday evening to a good sized audience. Those who went > expecting to hear him devote his entire lecture to his career as an outlaw > were very disappointed. The last part of his lecture was devoted to that > matter. > > His lecture contained much good advice to the young men and he urged that > they profit by his experience and lead lives of usefulness and take > advantage of the great opportunities that the present affairs. > > In the last of his lecture he told of his service in the confederate army > and his connection with the forces of Quantrell, the Guerilla leader, during > the troublesome times along the Kansas and Missouri borders, of in later > years how himself and a few others repelled the attempt of a mob to capture > him at his home in Jackson County, Missouri. He stated that at the time it > was reported that a train had been held up and robbed in Iowa by Cole > Younger and the James boys, he was at Osceola, Mo., and had witnesses at > that time to prove that such was the case. He told of his journeys to > southern states, his attempt to enter the cattle business in Texas, and the > events that led up to the robbery of the Northfield, Minn., bank, and his > final capture and conviction. He spent twenty-five years in the state > penitentiary of Minnesota at Stillwater. > > He stated during the course of his lecture, that he had been wounded > twenty-two times and that a number of the bullets still remained in his body > His lecture was interesting and he was given the close attention of the > audience all the way through. He stated that he had been greatly > misrepresented. He told of one incident wherein some detectives upon their > own account, reinforced by a number of men that they had employed along the > way, had come down into Missouri to effect the capture of the Younger > brothers. Learning of their intentions and deciding that it would be an > easy matter for him to convince the detectives that he was in Missouri at > the time the train in Iowa was robbed and turn them back, he and several of > his friends went out to met them. On a country road they met them and Cole > said he halted them and asked who they were looking for. They replied that > they were looking for Cole Younger and his associates and he told that they > did not need to look further as the stood before them. > > The men who had been employed by the detectives, Mr. Younger stated, were > quickly following them. A newspaper reporter, a member of the party, also > hurried away at great speed and the conference did not occur. The newspaper > man got lost in the timber and ran across an old cemetery. An article then > appeared in the public prints, Mr. Younger says, stating that the newspaper > man had found the burying ground where the Younger brothers laid their vill > (?) at rest. He stated that the only time that he was ever in Iowa previous > to this was when he passed through the state enroute to Minnesota, when the > robbery of the Northfield bank occurred. > > He is 68 years old. > -------------------------------------------------------------- > Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert > November 30, 2009 > [email protected] > > www.iagenweb.org/decatur > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 13, 1911 'Former Outlaw Lectured in Leon Tuesday Evening Upon What Life had Taught Him' ---------------------------------- Cole Younger, the last of the famous Younger brothers many years ago charged with many robberies in the middle west, delivered a lecture at the opera house in this city Tuesday evening to a good sized audience. Those who went expecting to hear him devote his entire lecture to his career as an outlaw were very disappointed. The last part of his lecture was devoted to that matter. His lecture contained much good advice to the young men and he urged that they profit by his experience and lead lives of usefulness and take advantage of the great opportunities that the present affairs. In the last of his lecture he told of his service in the confederate army and his connection with the forces of Quantrell, the Guerilla leader, during the troublesome times along the Kansas and Missouri borders, of in later years how himself and a few others repelled the attempt of a mob to capture him at his home in Jackson County, Missouri. He stated that at the time it was reported that a train had been held up and robbed in Iowa by Cole Younger and the James boys, he was at Osceola, Mo., and had witnesses at that time to prove that such was the case. He told of his journeys to southern states, his attempt to enter the cattle business in Texas, and the events that led up to the robbery of the Northfield, Minn., bank, and his final capture and conviction. He spent twenty-five years in the state penitentiary of Minnesota at Stillwater. He stated during the course of his lecture, that he had been wounded twenty-two times and that a number of the bullets still remained in his body His lecture was interesting and he was given the close attention of the audience all the way through. He stated that he had been greatly misrepresented. He told of one incident wherein some detectives upon their own account, reinforced by a number of men that they had employed along the way, had come down into Missouri to effect the capture of the Younger brothers. Learning of their intentions and deciding that it would be an easy matter for him to convince the detectives that he was in Missouri at the time the train in Iowa was robbed and turn them back, he and several of his friends went out to met them. On a country road they met them and Cole said he halted them and asked who they were looking for. They replied that they were looking for Cole Younger and his associates and he told that they did not need to look further as the stood before them. The men who had been employed by the detectives, Mr. Younger stated, were quickly following them. A newspaper reporter, a member of the party, also hurried away at great speed and the conference did not occur. The newspaper man got lost in the timber and ran across an old cemetery. An article then appeared in the public prints, Mr. Younger says, stating that the newspaper man had found the burying ground where the Younger brothers laid their vill (?) at rest. He stated that the only time that he was ever in Iowa previous to this was when he passed through the state enroute to Minnesota, when the robbery of the Northfield bank occurred. He is 68 years old. -------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert November 30, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 13, 1911 The death of Mrs. CHARLES BUCK occurred Friday evening, March 31, at seven o clock at her home one mile east of Lamoni. For over a year she had been suffering, and last April made a journey to Hot Springs, South Dakota, for relief, but in spite of all that could be done she grew worse and the last few weeks of her life were full of agonizing pain, so that death was a relief. MAGGIE BELLE MARK was born in Ringgold County, Iowa, November 3d, 1867, a daughter of GILBERT and MARTHA MARK. The mother died when her daughter was only a child. On the seventh day of February, 1894, she was married to CHAS T. BUCK, at her father's house in Chanute, Kansas. For four years they resided in Lexington, Nebraska, removing thence to Lamoni where they have lived ever since and where she died at the age of 43 years, 4 months and 28 days. To them three children were born, HAZEL E., CLARENCE C. and RALPH MARK, who with their father are left to lament this great loss. Mrs. BUCK's father still lives at Chanute, Kansas. Her sister, Mrs. VERNIE CHEEDLE, lives at Grand Junction, Colorado, and two brothers, HENRY and C.R. MARK make their home at Mason City, Nebraska. When she was only a young woman Mrs. BUCK united with the Christian Church at Kellerton, and was always true to the faith which she had accepted. She had many friends and was held in respect and loved by all of them. During her last sickness there were many who were solicitous regarding her and inquiries were numerous as to her condition. Her loving thoughtfulness in the home can be known only by the members of her family. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, April 2, at 2:30 at the home, conducted by the Rev. R. M. Shipman, who read for the scripture lesson the 23rd Psalm and part of the fifth chapter of II Corinthians, and used Ezek. 24:15-18 and Rev. 21:3-4 as a basis for his remarks. The songs used were Anywhere With Jesus," Face to Face," and "Abide With Me." The pall bearers were Frank Mock, Charles McCann, J.V. Lemley, George Evans, H.L. Ferguson and C.C. Grenawalt. A large number of friends followed the body to the Lillie Cemetery where the burial took place. ------------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert November 30, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 13, 1911 In a recent issue the Kansas City Journal published the following concerning Mrs. LOUISE NYE GODFREY, well known in this county, who died a few days ago at St. Joseph and was laid to rest in the Lamoni Cemetery. The perils that threatened the sea trader when the United States was in its infancy and bold buccaneers plied their trade, are brought again to mind by the report of the death of Mrs. LOUISE NYE GODFREY of St. Joseph, Missouri, mother of Mrs. VALENTINE WHITE, of 900 West Kansas Street, Independence. The death of Mrs. GODFREY leaves her daughter claimant for $10, 680 from the 'government' for the capture of her grandfather by French pirates during 1798. The bill to allow the claim is now before congress. SOLOMON NYE BARLOW started one day in 1798 for the Bahama islands with a cargo of cattle. It is the value of that herd that Mrs. WHITE has fallen heir to through the death of her mother, daughter of Commander BARLOW, for the ship did not reach the Bahamas. In keeping with the practice in vogue with doughty French pirates of the time Mr. BARLOW's cargo was captured. The French government later made reparation to the United States for the losses sustained by American seamen by those raids. The sums were never turned over to the individual claimants by the government but Mrs. GODFREY, up to the time of her death, was to be the beneficiary of a bill pending before congress. The claim has been pending for over 100 years and now amounts to over $10,000. Mrs. GODFREY, who was the direct heir of Captain BARLOW, was also the wife of a commander of a warship during the blockade running in the Civil War. At one time she was prominent in Boston society. She was 92 years old when she died. Death was due indirectly to a fall. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert November 30, 2009 [email protected] My Note: So the government took the money, but failed to give it to the individuals who should have received it... Things haven't changed much with the government today!!