Friday, 22 Dec 1911--JONAS WARE DEAD--Jonas Ware, aged 70 years, died at his home near Burton on the 11th, after a short illness. He was a native of the county and a brother of T. C. Ware of the same neighborhood. He is survived by five children. Interment was made Wednesday at Sharon after funeral services by Rev. Notley Magruder. In his death the county lost a mighty good citizen. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--A GOLDEN WEDDING--Friday, Dec 15, 1911, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Pitney celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. A warm, bright winter's day with children, friends and neighbors gathered together in their hospitable country home, this couple whom God has in so many ways richly blessed, welcomed one and all in a hearty, home-like way. Twelve children blessed this union. Eleven living, all grown and married. Ten were present on this happy occasion. One boy--David--living in Oklahoma, was absent. Thirty-two grandchildren, two absent--Wm. Goe of St. Louis and Mrs. Mamie Terbet of Thurber, Tex. Ten great grandchildren, only one present. The children presented to their father and mother an elegant gold watch each, and as the toil-worm hands of the dear old parents clasped the love token of their children the thought came of the loving watch they had kept over them through life that had indeed been pure gold--aye, more than gold to each and every child. Many other presents were given, from bright gold dollars to golden slippers, all in harmony with the day. In the dining room was a scene long to be remembered by those present. The table with the wedding bell suspended just above the huge wedding cake richly decorated with gold leaves with white streamers from bell to corner of table with immense boquets of white and yellow crysanthemums, and loaded with everything good to eat--' twas indeed a goodly sight to behold. And when Mr. and Mrs. Pitney, seated at the head of the table with their ten children around them and friends ranged round the table, a son stepped out and thanked God for the privilege to the children to once again meet in the old home with mother and father, asked blessings on all present and also on the absent one, and prayed for guidance so that they would all meet in the home beyond. One felt as if it were a glimpse of heaven when all God's children would meet as one family. Mr. and Mrs. Pitney are enjoying the best of health and are not old at all in either looks or actions. Mr. Pitney, 69, Mrs. Pitney 67, have spent all their lives in and near the home they have reared their children in. In the afternoon two little granddaughters sang "Fifty Years Ago We Wedded" and the ten children sang "Evening Sunset." Then the entire group of parents and children had their picture taken. All together a day long to be remembered by those fortunate enough to be present and deeply appreciated by those who had been considered dear enough friends to be bidden to join in the happiness of this memorable occasion. Congratulations were hearty and sincere, all wishing them the good fortune of living to celebrate their diamond wedding, which they could easily do and then not be old. Those present of the children: Mrs. Chas. Binney and two children, Thurber, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Joel Robb and three children, Mr. and Mrs. Eck Pitney and five children. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pitney and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Ware and three children, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Pitney and one child, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pitney, Mr. and Mrs. John Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Pitney and one child, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Osborne and two children. Other relatives and friends: Mr. Asa Morton, Mrs. Anna Campbell and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. Boos Kirby and child, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Jones and child, Rev. Notley Magruder and family, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Robb, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pattrick, Miss Ethel Robb, Mr. and Mrs. Dysart Nicholas, Mr. J. J. Campbell, Mrs. E. Fowkes of Hannibal, Mrs. Nicholas and son, Mrs. Ann Ware, Mrs. John Mure and daughter, Miss Lizzie. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Saint Nicholas. We will let you know what we want you to bring us from your home at the North Pole. We will not ask for much, as many other little boys and girls and boys would like a nice present. We want one little trunk, a dollie or two, a set of little dishes with red flowers, a doll carriage and candy, nuts and fruits. Don't forget our little brother Eugene Lafoy. He wants a little ring, and a little red wagon. Our little niece Clara wants a cup, doll and chair. Do not forget some candy and nuts for them. Don't forget our little cousins, school friends and other little girls and boys. We want to see you when you call--Gertie and Edna Kirby. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa: I though I would write you a letter to see if you would bring me something for Christmas. I am a little girl only six years old and live off of the road. If you find my house I will be at home looking for you. Please bring me a nice little doll a wagon, popcorn, peanuts and a nice lot of candy and other things I would like to have, and don't forget my little sister Fratie. She loves toys, too--Opal Gladys Mead. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa Claus: Do not forget me this year. I am a little boy 6 years old and have two baby sisters, Delphia May and Addie Frances. I want a sled and a knife and some candy and nuts, and Delphia wants a doll and a doll cart, a rubber ball and a big picture book and candy and nuts. Addie Frances wants a doll, a Teddy, a rubber ball and a pair of shoes and candy and nuts--Carl Lessly. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa Claus: As Christmas is drawing near I will write and tell you what I want. I want an air gun, skates, some candy, oranges and nuts. I am a little boy 9 years old and live a half mile from town. I also have a little cousin and I want you to remember her. She wants a doll and a little table--David William Knight. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Santa Claus: Here comes a letter from a little girl that lives way out in the country. I am 9 years old and go to school. I am in the 4th grade. I have a little sister 3 years old. She wants some oranges, candy chewing gum and some nuts and a nice big doll. I would like to have a nice gold band bracelet and some oranges, candy and nuts.--Jewel Fullington. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Santa: I want you to bring me a gold watch, dog cat and engine. I will put the fire out so it will not burn off your whiskers--Cecil Richards. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Santa. I am a little boy six years old and live west of the Katy depot. I want a wagon, a pair of roller skates and a watch and a foot ball. That is all for this time. Don't forget mamma and papa and sister and brother--Louie Brewer. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa: I am a little boy 6 years old. My name is Ernest Stevenson. I live by the Katy depot. I go to school and like my teacher. I will tell you what I want you to bring me. I want a cup, sled, train, wagon, drum, horn and some fruit. don't forget my brothers and sisters. I will have a hot fire for you when you come. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year--Ernest Stevenson. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa: I will write you a few lines. I am a little boy 7 years old. My home is in Thurber, Texas. I am at Grandpa Pitney's on a visit and I thought maybe you would not know where to come, so you must not miss the way. You can come down to Russell on the train and grandpa's house is right up on the hill, a big white house. You can't miss the way. Well Santa you can bring me a little train, a story book and lots of candy, nuts and oranges. Don't forget my sister, Sarah. Bring her something nice--Tom Bennie. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS--Dear Old Santa: I will write y ou a letter so you will know what to bring me for Christmas. I am a little boy 6 years old and live in Higbee. My name is Berthel Osborn. I want you to bring me a tricycle, cap pistol, story book and lots of good things to eat and please don't forget my dear little brother, William. Bring him something nice.--Berthel Osborn. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Claud Long, step-son of Ben L. Edwards, was married at St. Charles Friday of last week to Miss Virginia Davis of that city. The NEWS joins others in best wishes. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--H. Baumhoeffer of near Rocheport, shot and killed his brother, Fred, in a quarrel Wednesday. They had lived on adjoining farms for twelve years and had frequently quarreled over family matters. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Mrs. Gus Sundeen of Pittsburg, Kansas, is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Jas. Webb, and other relatives and friends. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Born, on the 11th, to Milton Wheeler and wife, a son. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Roy Richards went to Decatur, Ill, Monday. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Born, on the 19th, to A. O. Durnil and wife, a son. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--HENRY HARE DEAD--It again becomes the sad duty of the NEWS to this week chronicle the passing of another old friend and neighbor--Henry Hare, who passed peacefully away at his home in this place at 6:50 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 1911. The cause of his death was dropsy, asthma and an affection of the heart from which he had suffered for two years or more. Despite a change of climate, the best of medical attention and the tender care of loving children he continued to grow gradually worse until death came as a welcome relief. He realized several months ago that his days were numbered and was perfectly resigned to his fate, stating that he was not afraid to die and that he felt that it would be well with him. Mr. Hare was born in Quethriock, Cornwall, England, Aug. 29, 1851, and was therefore in his 61st year. He came to this country when about 17 years old, locating at Springfield, Ill, where he was married to Miss Jeanette Smith. They were the parents of nine children, William, the eldest, dying in 1873, Emma in 1880 and John in 1887. Following the death of the latter they removed to Higbee from Elliott, Mrs. Hare dying April 25, 1906. The surviving children are David S, Henry W, Mrs. Lizzie Reese, Mrs. Hiram Webster, Thos. W. and Miss Jennie Hare. He was an Odd Fellow, having joined the order about the time he reached his majority and on the organization of a lodge here he removed his membership to Higbee and became a charter member of Monitor lodge No. 274, and we presume will be laid to rest with the honors of the fraternity. A more upright or honorable gentleman never lived among us, and in his death the town and community as well as his family have suffered a distinct loss, and the sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved ones. At the hour of going to press funeral arrangements had not been made, but it was thought services would be held Sunday afternoon. Interment will be made in the city cemetery. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--C. A. O'Dell, Joe E Jones, Thos L. Warford and others will put on a home talen play some time new month for the benefit of the band boys. The title of the play, which is said to be a hummer, is "The New Minister." Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Geo. W. Blansett, while working at the Block mind Tuesday lost his footing and fell from the screen to the ground, a distance of about 15 feet, knocking his left knee cap to one side and throwing the knee joint out of place. It was at first feared that he had been injured internally. He was hurried home and his wounds dressed and he has since been getting along as well as could be expected. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--A number of congenial friends spent a most pleasant day in the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Pattrick Sunday Dec 17, 1911. Snow laden boughs and the twitter of snow birds and whistle of red bird, gave quite a Christmas air to the cozy country home. And when invited to the dining room where the table fairly groaned with the many good things to eat that always comes with the Xmas season in these old time homes, the assurance came that indeed that glad time was near. And each one felt it a great pleasure to gather around the table with the old gentleman, the father of the family, who, with snowy locks of over eighty-one winters, filled his accustomed seat as he has done for nearly sixty years on these annual occasions. As the dinner is always the important event of these gatherings there is only a short interval between it and the time of departing. That time was passed with conversation and music. Thanking their host and hostess for an enjoyable day, the guests wended their way home realizing the pleasure of visiting the country home. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Elston, Mrs. (Mrs.?) F. M. Tymony, wife and children, Mr. Lem Jackson and family, Miss Laura Myers, Miss Willie Martin, Mrs. John Chesser, son and daughter, Mrs. Wm. Jackson and daughter, Mr. J. E. Lessly and family, Howard and Showard Dawkins and W. R. Pattrick and wife. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--THOS. EVANS TO MARRY--Thos. Evans, accompanied by his brother, John, left here yesterday for Emporia, Kan, where he will be married at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, Dec 25, to Miss Katherine Thomas, a popular young lady of that city. The groom-to-be is a son of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Evans of this place and is one of Higbee's most reliable and popular young men. The News joins other friends in advance congratulations, and wishes Mr. and Mrs. Evans a long life of unalloyed happiness. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--Last week in writing up the home talent play, "Driven From Home," we failed to mention Robert Williams, whose hard work as manager did more than any other one thing to make the play the success it was. He selected the play, assigned the parts and directed all the rehearsals. The manner in which the play was given proved that he was the right man in the right place, and for one oversight of last week we most humbly beg his pardon. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--OBITUARY--In memory of Henrietta Bottoms who passed into rest at midnight, December 11, 1911. Little Henrietta was 9 years, 4 months and 12 days old when the messenger of death came and called her to that haven of rest of which Christ said "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Death is ever sad, It comes as a thief in the night and takes from us those who are nearest and dearest. In this instance a home has been broken into and the tender flower which had budded and bloomed awhile in the parents arms was taken from their loving care to bloom into perfect life in that home preapred for the pure in heart. How like tinkling cymbals and sounding brass are the words of sympathy and sorrow we try to offer these broken hearted parents and sisters and brother. For we can not understand the depth of the wound in your hearts. We, as many others, came and said to you, "We loved her, and we love you and sympathize with you in your deep grief," but unless we have suffered this same kind of sorrow we can not know what you have suffered. But we write these words to admonish you to be brave and bow your will to His desire, and remember you have given to Him a precious gift, and He has taught us "It is more blessed to give than to receive." How bitter the tears that were shed as we tenderly laid her remains to rest. But how bright the thought when we remember--(poem omitted). We cannot understand these things, and in this life they will ever remain a dark mystery, but when we see Him face to face we shall understand. Her presence will be sadly missed in the home and the Bible school but our loss is her gain and heaven has become more inviting by her departure. (poem omitted) E. Y. K. (This was probably the minister, Rev. E. Y. Keiter.) Friday, 22 Dec 1911--ONIE THORNBURG DEAD--T. O. Thornburg, one of the county 's prominent and prosperous farmers, died at his home three miles south of Moberly on Thursday, Dec. 13, after a lingering illness, aged 53 years. He is survived by his wife and nine children. Funeral services were held at the home Friday by Eld. E. Y. Keiter and interment made in Oakland cemetery, Moberly. In his death his family has lost a loving husband and father and the county an upright and honorable citizen. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--We see from the Armstrong Herald where Rev. N. B. Green, brother of Mrs. Jas. Humphrey of this place, who recently went to New Mexico to reside, has been called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church at Las Vegas, with a guaranteed salary of $1200 a year and more if it can be raised. His Higbee friends extend congratulations. Friday, 22 Dec 1911--L. T. Burton, who has been in the mercantile business at Armstrong for a year or two has traded his stock to David Bradsher for a tract of land northwest of that place. The Herald says that Mr. Burton and family and J. M. Denny and family will leave about the first of the year for southern California to make their future home. Mr. Burton's Higbee friends, where he was born and reared, will regret to learn that he is to remove from this section. Kathy Lloyd Bowlin