The Journal Leon, Iowa August 16, 1883 As I was just thinking of Leon, concluded I would send you a few items. Old Uncle ASA GARDNER, of Smyrna, one of Clarke County's first settlers, while on his way from Garden Grove yesterday in a spring wagon, his team became frightened and ran away, threw the old gentleman out and broke his neck. Many of your readers were well acquainted with him. He leaves all who knew him to mourn his loss, for he had no enemies. He was 73 years of age and a good Christian. The farmers of this community are nearly all through with their harvesting and we hear the sound of the thresher in every direction. ENOS BALDWIN has two very sick daughters. Holland, of Osceola, and McCullock (sic), of Humeston, are waiting on them. Aside from this there is very little sickness in these parts. A grand hop in the store house of Flanagan & Perrin's last Friday night. Guess the boys didn't get very rich. "Well, how about the election," is heard quite often, and we have to tell them that W. PECK, of Decatur was nominated by acclamation for Surveyor. One motion of M.F. STOOKEY, Dr. H.R. LAYTON, of Leon, was nominated to fill the office of Coroner. On motion of J.C. GAMMILL the thanks of the Republican party of Decatur County were tendered FRANCIS VARGA for the impartial manner in which he discharged the duties of acting Chairman of the Central Committee the past year. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert January 3, 2010 [email protected]