Friday, 3 January, 1913--MISS SALLIE AUSTIN DEAD--Miss Sallie Austin died at 6:20 o'clock Saturday morning at the home of her nephew, Jack Roberts, who resides one half mile east of Moberly. She was born December 26, 1839, and was 73 years of age on Thursday. The surviving relatives are two brothers, Albert Austin, of Renick and Felix Austin of Texas, besides a number of nieces and nephews. Miss Austin was the daughter of the late Captain Austin of Go, G. Ninth Missouri cavalry. When the company enlisted she made a silk flag and presented it to her father's company. After the war the flag was given to her and at each reunion her brother, Albert Austin, takes the battle flag to the place of meeting and the men live over the stirring times when they followed the starry banner on to victory. She was a lady of culture and refinement and of a very retiring disposition. Dignified and gracious her friendship was very much appreciated by the many who had learned of the depth and sweetness of her nature. In earlier life Miss Austin was quite a singer and her well trained voice brought pleasure to many people. She was a devoted member of the Christian church an affectionate sister and aunt, a considerate friend and was one of Randolph's real gentle women, whose place in the history of the county will be cherished as long as this community is composed of an intelligent and grateful citizenship. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. Wolfe in the Huntsville Christian church at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Interment in the family lot in the Huntsville cemetery--Moberly Democrat. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--DOG FINDS MASTER'S BODY, BURNED--Richmond, Mo, Dec 25--Jacob Bellis found at midnight last night in the woods on the Lon Bates farm, nine miles southwest of this city, the body of a man burned beyond possible certain recognition. Thomas Davenport had been missing since Monday night. All day yesterday Davenport's dog made trips from the home back and forth into the Bates timber. Bellis heard the dog howling at midnight and found the animal beside the body. The dog's devotion is accepted as identification of the body. With William and Jesse Vance, Davenport had gone to the woods Monday evening to cut a bee tree in search of Christmas honey. The three men found and cut the tree and guilt a fire of logs and brush to furnish light and warmth. Late in the night the Vances left for home after having urged Davenport to go with them. But he insisted that he proposed to enjoy the glorious night alone before the roaring fire. Tuesday search began for the missing man. The body was found in the brush several yards from the ashes of the campfire of the bee hunters. It is believed Davenport rolled in agony from the fire after his clothing was ignited as he lay asleep before the log heap. Davenport was 62 years old and a native of Ray county. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--No. 43 WINS MURPHY'S PIANO--Miss Beatrice Dennis the Lucky One in the Exciting Contest Which Ended Dec 25th.--M. Murphy's big piano contest which had been on for several months, came to a close promptly at 9 o'clock Wednesday evening, December 25th, amid excitement that would have done honor to a presidential election and an avalanche of ballots, the total number of which pales into insignificance the last general election--Bull Moose and all. Mr. Murphy had intended beginning the counting promptly at 9 o'clock, but as there was something like a dry goods box of ballots, and he and his clerks were about all in from the three days' rush, he wisely determined to put it off until the next morning, as it would take four or five hours to complete the count. All those from the country who had remained expecting to hear the result were on hand early the next day with dozens of others. In order that there might be no charge of unfairness on his part, and to avoid errors, Mr. Murphy got Gordon Rankin and H. Scott Welch to assist him in the count. Each one counted the votes that had been cast Wednesday and each checked the other, so all can rest assured that every vote cast was counted and that the final standing of each candidate as published below is correct. When it was announced that the count had commenced, the store began to fill up, and in very short time was jammed to the doors. The count was long and tedious, but the crowd waited patiently. It was completed at last and when Mr. Murphy came down stairs with the final totals on the score sheet, there was a sudden hush in the store, and for a few seconds one could have heard a pin drop. When he announced that No. 43, Miss Beatrice Dennis, was the winner, her friends, by thousands it seemed, broke loose with cheers that all but cracked the steel ceiling. The crowd surged out into the street and others took up the yell, and for five minutes a man who had just awakened from a sleep of sixteen years would have sworn that Bryan had been elected. The crowd gathered around the winner showering her with congratulations, when some one jerked her hat from her head. In an instant the hat and all its fancy trimmings were torn to tatters as souvenirs, and the happy owner of a once beautiful bonnet was taken on the run to the nearest place where such things were kept and given the best hat in the house. She was also given several nice pieces of jewelry by her enthusiastic admirers. Miss Mollie Chesser, No. 26, who retained the lead so long, was a very strong second in the race, and although defeated has reason to feel proud of her big vote. In the last weeks of the contest the country vote, especially that part of it from Howard county, seemed to center on Miss Dennis, while the people in and nearer town stuck pretty close to half a dozen or more candidates. But for this Miss Chesser would have no doubt ran much closer to the winner, if not handed the prize. Miss Nina Williams, No. 174, ran an exceedingly strong third, polling something like 14 million votes the last day. Had her friends not made the mistake of holding back until the last, but kept her well to the front the last week or two, she also, would have perhaps been very much in the race, and given the winner the race of her life. All the young ladies in the contest worked hard and faithfully, and it is a pity that but one could win. Each one deserves a piano and the NEWS trusts that the new year will bring them one. We had hoped to be able to print a picture of the winner, a most pleasant and winsome little lady, in this issue, but will have to defer it, as we could not have the cut made in time. (The final count of all entrants was printed, but only by number.) Friday, 3 January 1913--A SURPRISE CHRISTMAS DINNER--Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Golden's children sprang quite a surprise on them Christmas day. Mrs. Golden had invited all of her children and their families home on that day but couldn't get one of them to promise to come, as the children had planned a month ago to surprise their parents on that day by all coming home together and bringing dinner. Mrs. Golden seemed sad to think that not one of her children thought enough of their parents to spend Christmas day with them, but her sadness was turned into joy when she looked out of the window and saw her children and families driving up to the house, one after the other, and each one bringing a well filled basket. The old folks were just preparing to go to their oldest son's to spend the day. When dinner was announced the table was loaded with every good thing imaginable from the baskets. The daughters-in-law and sons-in-law insisted that Mr. and Mrs. Golden and their ten children be seated at the same table as they might never all be together again, and when they were all seated Mr. Golden remarked that it seemed like there didn't used to be so many. Mr. and Mrs. Golden have ten children, all of whom are living and married except the youngest, who is 18. They have 16 grandchildren. The day was pleasantly spent and the hour of parting came only too soon. Mr. and Mrs. Golden received many useful presents. Those present: Ed Shook and wife, Ed Griffin and wife, Everet Golden and wife, Omar Golden and wife, Philip Grapes and wife, Roy Golden and wife, Elmer Dennis and wife, Ed Sweeney and wife. Grover Grapes and wife, Ethel Golden and Maggie Belle Dougherty. A GUEST. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--MRS. J. F. SMITH DEAD--Mrs. J. F. Smith of near Clark, who had been suffering from cancer for several years, and who had been operated on twice recently, died on December 19, 1912, on an Alton train just as it was pulling into the depot at Kansas City, where she was going for a third operation. Her physicians advised against her making the trip, but she had been so much benefited by the last operation and had such strong hopes of ultimate recovery she insisted on making the trip. Just before reaching the station, a blood vessel burst and she bled to death in three minutes. the body was brought back to Clark and laid to rest in Fairview cemetery after services by E. Y. Keiter. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late David White, and is survived by her husband, two sons, Joseph and William, and one daughter, Mrs. Jasper Roberts, of this place. She also leaves several brothers and sisters. The NEWS extends its sympathy to the bereaved ones. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--BOWEN-LOWSE--Miss Lizzie Lowse, for many years a faithful and efficient operator in the Huntsville telephone office, and Mr. Robert Bowen, of Moberly, stole a march on their friends Tuesday evening by getting married. They were married in Moberly at 7:30 o'clock. The bride is one of Huntsville's best and most worthy young ladies, and her marriage was quite a surprise to most of her friends here. The groom, we believe, is a son of John Bowen of near Mobelry and is a sober and industrious man. They will, we understand, reside in Moberly--Huntsville Times. The bride is a sister of Joe Lowse of this place, and is quite well known here, were she has many warm friends, all of whom join the NEWS in congratulations and best wishes. Friday, 3 January 1913--Mrs. H. D. Kindred, wife of a prominent farmer living near Paris, was killed on December 20th, being thrown from her buggy and kicked to death by her horse. She had been to town to buy Christmas presents. Friday, 3 January 1913--Born, on Dec 28th to Dan Rice and wife, a son. Friday, 3 January 1913--Born, on Dec 29th, to Curley White and wife, a son. Friday, 3 January 1913--Born, on Dec 31st, to David Robinson and wife, a son. Friday, 3 January 1913--Mrs. J. H. Ryan returned to her home in Lamar, Colo, the first of the week after a visit with her father, Joseph Lessley, and other relatives. Friday, 3 January 1913--Miss Vera Cubbage, who is attending Missouri Valley college at Marshall, spent the holidays with her parents, Henry Cubbage and wife of near town. Friday, 3 January 1913--Mrs. Mose Stevenson and children returned Saturday from a visit with her brother, K. E. Magruder, and family of La Grange. She was accompanied by Mrs. Magruder, who will spend a week or ten days. Friday, 3 January 1913--A. B. Guerin returned Monday from a visit with his mother near Gilliam. Mrs. Guerin is one of the biggest farmers in Saline county, owning and operating a 1200-acre farm. She has on hand at present 250 head of beef cattle, 150 of which she has full feed. Although 76 years of age, Mrs. Guerin superintends her big farm as well as does her own housework. Friday, 3 January 1913--DEATH OF A GOOD WOMAN--Mrs. Ben Robson is dead! Such was the startling news that came as an electric shock to the people of Higbee at 8 o'clock Tuesday evening, December, 24, 1912, as with hearts full of Christmas cheer and expectation they were gathering at the several churches to witness the Christmas exercises and to enjoy the children's delight over the wonderful trees. The news was so unexpected and such a shock to all that the holidays were gloomy for every one and didn't seem Christmas at all. Mrs. Robson had not been in good health for some time, suffering from a complication of troubles and a peculiar headache that at times drove her almost frantic. She never complained, however, nor would she acknowledge that she was sick enough to go to bed. Wednesday she was feeling much better than she had for weeks, and while Mr. Robson was getting ready to go to church she remarked that she felt better than she had in a long time and believed she felt well enough to go to church, too, but that she had perhaps better stay at home. Several things she said and did prior to her death seem to indicate that she had a premonition of coming death. Only a few days before she had gone to see Mrs. John Race, an old neighbor and friend, remarking before she went that it might be the last time she would ever see her. She also carefully washed and ironed some clothing several weeks ago, remarking, as she put them away, that she wanted to be buried in them. Wednesday she swept and dusted the house thoroughly and placed everything in order before completing her arrangements for a big Christmas dinner. After her husband had gone to church, Mrs. Robson went over to Mrs. Jas. Humphrey's, just across the street, to get a chicken for the dinner, and while seated in a rocking chair talking to Mrs. Humphrey, suddenly put her hands to her face and dropped her head forward. This was her custom when laughing, and as she had just related something amusing her little grandson had said, Mrs. Humphrey thought for an instant that she was laughing. But seeing her hands drop to her lap and her body lurch forward, she realized that something unusual had happened. She called a doctor at once and Drs. Dinwiddie and Burkhalter were there in less than three minutes, but she was dead when they arrived. They gave apoplexy as the cause of death. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church of which deceased had been a devout member of over fifty years, by the pastor, Rev. W. L. Halberstadt. The immense assemblage, which was more than the church could accommodate, and the many beautiful floral offerings, spoke more eloquently of the veneration and esteem in which she was held than mere words can tell. Interment was made in the city cemetery. Mrs. Robson, whose maiden name was Watson, was born in Weardale, Durham county, England, on April 1, 1851. She was united in marriage to Ben Robson on January 23, 1876. They came to America in 1877, locating in Iowa, and on Nov, 28, 1879, moved to Huntsville, and from there to Higbee on May 1, 1895, where they have since resided. We had Mrs. Robson for a near neighbor since her removal here, and know whereof we speak when we say that a better Christian woman, a more devoted wife or mother, a better neighbor or truer friend never lived in the town. Her religion was the old fashioned kind, and she lived it in her life seven days in the week. She always had a smile and a kind word for all. We never saw her angry and never heard her say a harmful word of any living creature. By her quiet, unassuming way, and her gentle, Christian spirit, she won all who came in contact with her, and all who knew her feel that they have sustained a personal loss. In her death the community as well as her family has suffered an irreparable loss. Besides her husband she leaves two daughters--Mrs. Edwin Rees and Miss Emma. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. John Dawson, of Huntsville, and a brother in England. The NEWS joins the community in warmest sympathy to the bereft. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--Mrs. Bert Rees of Columbia was the guest of her mother, Mrs. Mary Williams, during the holidays. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--Miss Theresa, the 15-year-old daughter of Francis White and wife of near Rucker, died on Dec 25, 1912, of typhoid fever and peritonitis. Interment was made at Perche church. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--Peter Sweezer, an old and highly respected citizen of southwest of town, died on Dec 20, 1912, after a long illness, aged 82 years. We have been unable to get any particulars on which to base an extended notice. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--W. W. Short of southeast of town was stricken with paralysis at the home of Henry Bias near Harrisburg and has since been in a critical condition. As he is 80 years old, his recovery is not looked for. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--Mrs. Catherine Newton died at 2 a.m. Dec 25, 1912, at the home of her son, Frank, at mine No. 11 just north of town, of kidney trouble. She was born in Indiana in 1852, and was married in 1875. She was the mother of nine children only one of whom survives her. Her husband died at Renick in 1903. She was a member of the Methodist church. Services were held at the home Christmas day by F. H. James and interment made in the city cemetery. Friday, 3 Jan 1913--Uncle John Hubbard, one of the county's best known citizens, died at his home in Renick Wednesday night, of pneumonia, aged about 82 years. Kathy Bowlin