Friday, Dec 15, 1911--A DISASTROUS FIRE--Mine No. 11 burns Down--To be Rebuilt at Once--250 Men Thrown Out of Work--Higbee, which has undergone almost everything but a tidal wave, was hit another staggering blow Monday night when the magnificent mine of the Northern Central Coal Co, known as No. 11, north of town, went up in smoke--not the mine, proper, of course, but all the buildings and machinery above ground. The fire was first discovered by night engineer Davis about 10 o'clock. He sounded the alarm, but the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to put it out, or prevent it's spread to the large tipple which stood only a hundred feet away. The fire is supposed to have originated in some lockers located between the boiler and engine room and the supposition is that it was spontaneous combustion, as there was more or less grease and oil on the clothing and waste kept in the locker. The mine was the best equipped in the state and the property destroyed is said to have cost at least $75,000. All the electrical machinery and a monster dynamo in the engine house was destroyed with the elegant big engine and other machinery. A flat car of coal under the tipple was also burned. When the fire broke out, the night shift, of four men was at work below and by the time the word was got to them and they had climbed out of the mine by way of a stairway in the airshaft--built especially for just such occasions--the fire was practically over. The boilers were put out of business, of course, and the fan was stopped, but not for long, as it is being run by a traction engine until the boilers can be reset and connections made. There were about 30 mules in the mine at the time and they will have to remain there until a new hoisting apparatus can be erected. They will not suffer for food or water, however, as entrance to the mine will be made by way of the stairs, and we presume the necessary work below will be carried on as usual. Following the fire the pessimists among our population were wearing longer faces than usual and were predicting that the mine would not be reopened. Most everyone, however, looked on the brighter side of the question, and were rewarded for their optimism by the arrival Wednesday of General manager H. N. Taylor of Chicago. Things began to hum as soon as he struck town and after looking over the ruins he gave orders to clear away the debris and a big force was put to work at once, and by night the ground was pretty well cleaned up. Work of rebuilding, we learn, will be pushed day and night and three shifts used when necessary. As yet it is not known how long it will be before the mine will be again in operation, but it will be a great deal sooner than any one anticipated. About 250 men are thrown out of employment, but no doubt many of them can be given work at the other mines here and at the mines owned by the Northern Central at Huntsville, Elliott and Yates. Mr. Taylor was accompanied by an adjuster of the insurance companies carrying the risks on the property, but we are not advised as to the amount of insurance carried or of any settlement made. The mine, which was operated for a time with electric mining machines and later changed to the room and pillar system, was being rapidly put in shape to be operated under what is known as the long wall system--the only practicable system, experienced miners say, for this field, and we presume work to that end will be resumed at the earliest possible moment. The mine, from one cause and another, has never been the producer its original owners intended, but gave promise under the present management of being a record breaker. The Northern Central has certainly done its part to develop this particular field and it is sincerely to he hoped that success will crown their efforts in the shape of big dividents. Friday, Dec 15, 1911--THE DEATH OF JOHN R. TERRILL--John R. Terrill died at 12:40 o'clock this morning at the family residence, 418 South William street. He was born near Ashland, Greenup county, Kentucky, November 3, 1829, and had passed his eighty-second year at the time of his death. With his parents he moved to Missouri in 1844 and settled just south of Moberly. The family home was what is now known as the J. J. Christian farm. In 1856 he was married to Miss Anna Roberts. The wedding was at the old Roberts home and the house was located where W. H. Selby and wife now live, 521 East Rollins. To this union nine children were born, and the faithful wife died in 1874. The remaining family circle was unbroken until about two years ago, when Gene Terrill, the oldest son, died and in a few weeks Miss Lola Terrill, the oldest daughter, entered into rest. Miss Emma Terrill, who was a popular school teacher, also preceded her father to the great beyond. Six children, fifteen grandchildren one brother and one sister and numerous other relatives are left to mourn his loss. The children are, James Terrill, who lives on the old home place south of Moberly; County Clerk Green Terrill, of Huntsville, Henry Terrill and Vint Terrill, who conduct a shoe store in this city, Miss Lizzie Terrill and Mrs. Lloyd Wayland, both of Moberly. The brother, Judge A. P. Terrill and sister, Mrs. M. E. Christian also live here. From early manhood Mr. Terrill had been a consistent and consecrated member of the Baptist church. Born in Kentucky in 1829, moved to Missouri in 1844, married in 1856 reared nine children; lost his wife in 1874, remained faithful to her memory for thirty-seven years, moved to Moberly less than two years ago and now rests from his labors. These few facts are the simple annals of an honest life, even the life of John R. Terrill, devoted father, affectionate husband, faithful friend and christian gentleman. Mr. Terrill found his incentive for his life work in the proper rearing and training of his sons and daughters. He was a patriotic, public spirited citizen, who always found his duty to his family to be his highest honor, so during his long and useful life he did not aspire to and never held an office of any kind. He was a man of the people and his friends were numbered by his acquaintances. He took a genuine interest in all of the affairs of the neighborhood and the people knew that he was their friend. One of Randolph county's most prosperous farmers he always found time to receive and entertain his friends. His children looked to their father's home as an earthly haven of rest and until the death of the oldest daughter the Terrill homestead dispensed the genuine old time hospitality and there was always a royal welcome for kindred and friends. Mr. Terrill's success came as the result of honest and steady work. He endeavored to train his children to habits and industry and frugality and lived to see that his labors had not been spent in vain for his sons are numbered among the leading citizens of Randolph county and bid fair to follow the good example of their honest and industrious father. He was one of the pioneers in the Baptist church and having fought a good fight and kept the faith he was well worthy of the crown of glory that awaited him. After living on one farm for sixty-seven years and in one house for nearly fifty years his life was surely an open book known and read of all men--Moberly Democrat. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--John Longdon who has been suffering from typhoid fever for sometime is able to be out. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--CELEBRATES 74TH BIRTHDAY--Monday, December 10, was a happy day at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Atkins, it being Mr. Atkins' 74th birthday. Mrs. Atkins spent several days in preparation for the event and the result of her untiring work was as tempting a feast as an epicure ever sat down to. The table almost groaned under its burden of good things, and to say that all enjoyed them goes without saying. It was a feast fit for a king and was sufficient in quantity to have fed a small army. Many guests from the country were unable to come on account of the bad roads. Besides congratulations and best wishes from his neighbors and friends, Mr. Atkins was the recipient of about 150 post cards from friends and relatives at a distance bearing some message of love and esteem and a wish for his continued health and happiness. Those present were Judge and Mrs. W. T. Roberts of Hallsville, Mrs. B. F. Ivie, John Dennis and wife, R. G. Edwards,E. Shelby Smith and wife, B. F. Andrews and family, John Ware and wife, Thos Atkins and H. Scott Welch and wife. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Jodie Douglas, who is on the road for a New York firm, spent the past week with his parents, J. A. Douglas and wife, of Rucker. He was a pleasant caller at this office Monday and informed us that he would be located in Oklahoma after the first of the year, and would have that state for his territory. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Floyd Foreward of south of this city met with an accident Friday morning which proved most serious. While spraying his sheep with "dip" the sprayer got out of order and the pump rebounded sending the contents into Mr. Foreward's eyes. He was instantly blinded and with assistance came to town for treatment. The sheep dip contains crude carbolic acid and is therefore exceedingly harmful to the sight. He is now able to go about by the use of goggles and his friends hope his sight will soon by wholly restored, though for a time total blindness was feared--Huntsville Herald. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Wm. Purdy, who is 91 years old, returned to his home in Clark Monday after a visit with his son, George, and family. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Sam Cleeton of Lancaster is the guest of Higbee relatives. He informs us that his father, Moses Cleeton, moved to Moberly last week from Lancaster. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--THE HOME TALENT PLAY--We believe we voice the sentiment of 90 per cent of those who were at the Opera house Monday evening where we say that the play "Driven From Home" was the best play ever put on here by home talent--and we have certainly had some daisies. Each and every player had his or her part committed perfectly, and the play went through without a hitch. From the acting, no one would have ever suspicioned that it was the first stage experience of some of the players. Roy Dennis and Arthur Kirk, as the Walling Brothers, rake and model sons, respectively, acted their parts to perfection and could not have done better if the stage had been their calling. Clyde Giles and wife as Mr. and Mrs. Walling filled the parts exceptionally well, especially the latter, who had an exceedingly difficult part in which all the emotions from supreme joy to the depths of despair had to be depicted. Bert Towles as Judson Small, the sheriff, was exceptionally good and from his acting, the play was real to him. John Evans, as Floyd, the business man, and Mason, the prospector, portrayed each character in a highly creditable manner. John has a good strong voice and had no difficulty in making himself heard. Ernest Harris, as Adams the gambler and crook, was especially good and his portrayal of the character of the villain showed that the right one had been chosen for the part. Mrs. Odus Bradley was exceedingly good in the character of Charity Stubbs--a woman crazy to help the heathens in foreign lands and let her neighbor's children go cold and hungry. Her rendition of the part was fine, and some of her lines are only too true in real life. Mrs. Roy Dennis, as Alice Floyd, the sweetheart of the hero of the play, rendered her part in a most acceptable manner. As Mr. Dennis was the hero the embraces and kisses absolutely necessary to their parts, were given without embarrassment. Miss Nina Williams, as Jane, the society wife of Howard Walling, was one of the best characters in the play. Not many professionals could have acted the great lady or shown more contempt and hatred for her husband's poor old mother better than did Miss Williams, and if applauding her acting hadn't been applauding her acts it would have been hearty and liberal. The play would not have been complete without the splendid acting of little Miss Nellie Giles, who, as the grandchild, won the hearts of all. Miss Rosamond Bowen, as Nancy, the colored servant, could have given any "Topsy" who ever appeared on the stage here cards and spades and beaten her a mile. In voice, carriage and dress she was the negro servant to perfection, and the applause accorded her proved that the audience considered her about perfect. In speaking of a former home talent play in which Thos. Evans acted the part of a negro servant, we stated that the part assigned him was far too short and gave him no chance to spread himself. As Shadrack Jones in the play Monday night, Tom certainly spread himself and made a record as a delineator of negro character that will stand for years to come. He was by far the best character of the kind ever seen on the stage here and but few professionals in the country can do better. His was the star prat and he brought down the house every time he opened his mouth. The music for the occasion was furnished by Prof. H. W. Hare's orchestra. It was of a high order and was very much appreciated. The orchestra is improving constantly. Not the least interesting thing of the evening was the singing. "See Saw," by little Beatrice and Nellie Giles was as cute as could be and the little singers brought down the house. "Alexander's Ragtime Band," by Thos. Evans, David Williams and the little Misses Giles was also a very pleasing number. The two songs by Wm. Mason, one of Higbee's sweetest singers, was thoroughly enjoyed as the storm of applause attested. But the surprise of the evening was the singing of Jas. Scott, more familiarly known as Sandy. He has a beautiful tenor voice of wonderful range and volume, and as he sang the audience sat like people entranced. It was his first appearance as a singer among us and all were not only surprised but astonished at the sweetness of his voice. We believe he is the best singer we ever heard, bar none. Altogether it was a most delightful evening, and if you weren't there you not only failed to help in a good cause but missed something really worth while. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Joe E. Jones, who, with others, went to Kansas City last Friday, says all wished they were back home before they reached Kansas City as they were detained by the Red Train wreck at Alma and did not get to the City until 2 o'clock Saturday morning. The wreck occurred near the only town between Higbee and Kansas City that has saloons, and Joe says that so far as he could observe all who drank took advantage of the delay and got pretty well organized. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--HENRIETTA BOTTOMS DEAD--(poem omitted)--Death has again entered a happy home in Higbee and ruthlessly cut down one of its sweetest flowers, little Henrietta, the 9-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. bottoms, who died shortly before 12 o'clock Monday night of spinal meningitis. All that the loving parents and all the physicians in town could do was done to save the little bud, but to no avail. Death had marked her for his own. A happier family or a more affectionate or loving set of children never lived anywhere, and this break in the family circle--first to occur--has prostrated them all. It is all the harder to bear from the fact that the child was the pet of the family and a favorite with all who knew her. Funeral services were conducted by Eld. E. Y. Keiter and the little body laid tenderly to rest in the city cemetery. The heart broken parents and children have the sympathy of all in their great sorrow. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--THE NEWS FROM BONNEFEMME--Born on the 10th to Joe F. Dougherty and wife, a daughter. Miss Bertha Andrews and Miss Bella Dougherty who are teaching in the western part of the county, spent Saturday and Sunday with homefolks. Mrs. R. L. Rennolds and Mrs. Nancy Enyart twin sisters celebrated their eightieth birthday Monday Dec 11 at the home of their brother Isaac Walker near Myers. Earl R. Stockwell and his daughter, Mrs. Eliza Hardin, of Montrose, Iowa, are visiting relatives and friends in the eastern part of this township. W. C. Shook returned Thursday from a trip through southwest Missouri, where he had been with a view of locating. It is reported that he has sold his farm of 120 acres to Josiah Durnill for $3000. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--DIED--At the family residence 3 miles south of Huntsville Saturday, Dec 9, 1911, Mrs. Margaret J. Asbell, wife of A. D. Asbell, passed into the eternal life after a long illness and the infirmities of age. Mrs. Asbell was born and reared in Kentucky and with her husband and five children came to this country in 1874, locating on the farm where she died. Her husband and children survive her. The latter are: Wm, Algin and Henry of near Huntsville and Mrs. Alverson of Lockwood, Mo. She also leaves 8 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Asbell united with the Christian church at the age of 14 and died in the faith of her confession. A good wife, a faithful mother and a splendid christian has passed away. Funeral services were conducted at the residence on Sunday by Eld. E. Y. Keiter in the presence of a large crowd of neighbors and friends. Burial at Huntsville. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--ADVERTISERMENT--Is your husband cross? An irritable, fault finding disposition is often due to a disordered stomach. A man with good digestion is nearly always good natured. A great many have been permanently cured of stomach trouble by taking Chamberlain's Tablets. For sale by all dealers. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--Joseph D. Dickerson, for 15 years marshall of Fayette, died at the Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis on the 12th, following an operation for kidney trouble. He was 57 years of age and had been on the St. Louis police force, since 1890. Burial was made at Moberly. Friday, 15 Dec 1911--D. S. Forney, one of Moberly's oldest and most highly respected citizens, died at his home in that city on the 7th, aged 77 years. He was born in West Virginia and came to this county in 1862, going into the tobacco business at Milton. In 1869 he located in Moberly where he engaged in the dry goods business. He had been mayor of Moberly three times. Kathy Lloyd Bowlin