Mount Pleasant News Then

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: January 8th, 1875 The dreary demeanor of drunken desperadoes disappointingly darkened the streets of Mount Pleasant on Christmas Eve. A great deal of damage was done to a local saloon as well as within the Mayor’s office. Numerous night-owl natives were dressed to the nines for the series of masquerade balls held over the last few weeks. Hear a...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: November 20 th , 1874 The Civil Rights bill has sat on the tables of Congress for nearly four years now. The time has come for a final push to get the bill into law before it becomes completely lost to the public conscience and progress towards an equal country is stunted. We examine the efficacy of Temperance Legislation in the driest state in...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: November 13 th , 1874 The outgoing Senator from Missouri, Carl Schurz, gave a thought provoking presentation last week that left many longing for more than they received. Governor Carpenter makes an official proclamation for Thanksgiving Day. And later, I make some educated guesses on the lack luster voter turnout from the previous election and...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: October 30 th , 1874 I give a round-up of railroad news and happenings from the last week, as it was quite an active one. The lunar eclipse over the weekend was a spectacular stellar sight. I recount the progression of this event and the reactions of townspeople who came out to witness the event. And later, the great mystery of cow kleptomania...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: October 30 th , 1874 I give a round-up of railroad news and happenings from the last week, as it was quite an active one. The lunar eclipse over the weekend was a spectacular stellar sight. I recount the progression of this event and the reactions of townspeople who came out to witness the event. And later, the great mystery of cow kleptomania...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: October 23rd, 1874 Last week in Springfield saw a wonderful and massive celebration at the tomb of the late Abraham Lincoln, as speeches were delivered by the President, the Vice-President, Lincoln’s closest friends, and many other men of note. Hear the contents of some of these orations and the series of events as if you were there yourself. G...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: October 16 th , 1874 Elections were held back on Tuesday in Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, and West Virginia. This edition will announce all the results we have available to us, making projections when necessary, of our county and state, as well as the previously mentioned states. Later, I will discuss a possible solution to issue of student no...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: October 9th , 1874 Election Day is next week. This week I wanted to take the opportunity to refresh you on two of the most important issues of our day that will be impacted by your vote next Tuesday. The first is a summary of the Rail road centralization bill before Congress, which was drafted by our own Rep. McCrary. The second is a recap of t...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: September 11th , 1874 We have received a letter from the stricken Col. Gruesel one week after his altercation with Charley Eshelman. Hear how the sir recounts his perception of the bloody and violent events from last week. I give you a couple of new book recommendations to consider ahead of the winter’s snow. And later, I recount the trip I too...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: September 25th, 1874 Saturday saw a bloody affair between a number of men with hurt prides and axes to grind. Windows were broken, stones were literally thrown, and the freedom of the press was questioned by public hands. Hear how this all came to a head and what came of it. The celebrations of Tuesday’s Emancipation Day were a huge success. I’...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: September 4 th , 1874 We hear from a Trenton resident as she recounts her recent journey to Mount Pleasant, as well as the goings-on in her town. I recap some of the marvelous things going on right now at the county fair. And later, turmoil has erupted and more blood has been shed in Louisiana as the White League continues their reign of terror...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: September 11th , 1874 The Tax Sale listings have arrived. Hear who failed to pay to the state and what rates some of the plots will be going for in the coming weeks. The Minnesota committee tasked with investigating their former auditor’s funds handling have presented their findings and... it’s not going to look good on the late man’s legacy. A...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: September 4 th , 1874 Tragedy has befallen the McDowell family this week, after their youngest son intentionally ingested poison, ending his life. The new heard law referendum has come. Hear how and what to vote on. And later, hear about the latest styles which have become available in our community thanks to the proprietors of one local shop....

This week 150 years ago... Our friendly Occasional reply's to Fair Play's previous response to the matters of finance, the gold standard, and inflation I present a series of maxims and observations to for the betterment of our lives and sensibilities Could the cure for consumption come from the blood of sheep? Henry County Heritage Trust Facebook Page Annotated Script and Bibliography Hosted on Ac...

This last week saw the incredible reveal of the Reverend Henry Howard Beecher’s testimony before the council of Plymouth Elders. While we were unable to attend the hearing, we are getting these details third hand, so you can rest assured we will provide you with an accurate enough account of his testimony of this great national scandal. Henry County Heritage Trust Facebook Page Annotated Script an...

The contents of the letter from HW Beecher to E Tilton, released to the press the week of August 7th, 1874, dated back to the fall of 1870.  Transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: August 14th, 1874 We hear a response to a our recently featured response on the issues of paper money and the gold standard. A warning needs to be aired to travelers planning to stay in hotels in Burlington. And later, it seems that the habeas corpus marriage trend from out east has come to our neck of the woods. Henry County Heritage Trust Fac...

I’m Spencer Barton, and these are your headlines for: August 7 th , 1874 The Beecher-Tilton scandal has new developments, including vows of silence, released letters, police reports, and even Ms. Susan B. Anthony. The habits of two families chickens resulted in playground warfare and a court hearing. And later, I present a proposition which many feel would greatly improve the commerce of our city:...

This week 150 years ago... We hear a response to a previous writer on the issue of money and financing in America. I recount my conversations I had with a sheriff, a U.S. marshal, and a fugitive. And later, I report live from Indianapolis, where I attended the National Butter Convention. Henry County Heritage Trust Facebook Page Annotated Script and Bibliography Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

This week, 150 years ago... The independent press is under attack from some in the federal government The Normal Literary Society holds a discussion on the question of compulsory education Mr. Clarke learns the hard way that crime doesn't pay Henry County Heritage Trust Facebook Page Annotated Script and Bibliography Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we report on the destruction due to the most recent fire to impact the city of Chicago, read off the financial report for the National State Bank, and we give our opinions on the platform of the Republican Party of Iowa. Henry County Heritage Trust Facebook Page Annotated Script and Bibliography Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recap the great Beecher-Tilton scandal which has been the subject of gossip for some time, re-ignited by the announcement that the accused adulterous vicar is headed for civil court. Have you been to the post office lately? You may have a letter waiting for you. Find out if you are overdue on a visit. Are you tired of toothaches and stomachaches? Your ice water consumption could be the cause of...

I return to the court house, this time to witness the county Republican Convention. We hear from a concerned citizen on the issue of inflation, banking, and money circulation. And later, Decision ’74: where do you stand on the temperance question? We hear just how divided the Republicans alone seem to be on the issue of intoxicating drinks, as well as our nation’s health experts. Henry County Heri...

This week in Mount Pleasant, 150 years ago: I go to the Anti-Monopolists of Henry County convention as they prepare for the state-wide convention next week. With the Russian Empire on the brink of war, thousands of Mennonites are expected to flee to America. We learn more about these Christians and why many may be calling Iowa their new home. We talk to Dr. D.W. Robinson about his introduction of...