Marine Newspaper Articles
MARINE - LOOKING FOR VILLAIN
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 14, 1839
Mr. Thomas H. Kimber of Belleville offers through the newspapers a
reward of one hundred dollars for the apprehension of a man calling
himself Eli Dyer, who came to the Marine Settlement, in this county,
about the last of July, with the avowed intention of seeking a home
in the West, and by means of forged letters of recommendation from
the Hon. Levi Woodbury, as well as from the Rev. Albert Barnes and
other clergymen, succeeded in defrauding sundry individuals of money
and property to the value of several hundred dollars. This
individual represents himself as a Minister in the Presbyterian
Church, is apparently between 50 and 60 years of age, about five
feet seven or eight inches high, very stout built, dark complexion,
strong features, with deeply set grayish eyes. In preaching, he is
fluent, earnest, and solemn, and usually wears a brown or auburn
wig, his own hair being quite white. He was accompanied by a young
woman who went by the name of Matilda Ann Jones, and passed for his
niece. They left Marine together on the 2d of October last.
SILVER CREEK BRIDGE DESTROYED
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1850
We understand that Mr. D. Ground of Marine has made a good Ford just
below the site of the old bridge, which fell in last week. This will
save travelers on this road the necessity of going round by Troy,
which is three or four miles out of the way. We hope our county
court will, as soon as practicable, proceed to have a new bridge
erected at this point. From the Madison County Record.
FIRE AT THE RESIDENCE OF MRS. CATHERINE BUTLER
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, November 21, 1855
Marine, IL - To the Editor, Nov. 10, 1855 - - I assume the
unpleasant task of announcing to the public the destruction this
morning by fire of the residence and outbuildings of Mrs. Catherine
Butler, widow of the late Rev. Calvin Butler, of this vicinity. The
fire originated in some unknown way, in the dwelling house, about
three o'clock this A.M., and completely destroyed the same, with
almost every article of furniture, clothing, &c. Extending from the
dwelling to the stable, the fire consumed the latter, some three or
four hundred bushels of oats, the entire supply of hay, some harness
and farming utensils. The horses, three in number, were forced,
uninjured, from the stable. Mrs. B. and six of her children - all
then at home - escaped in their night clothes, with no other bodily
injury than a severe cut received by the oldest daughter in the left
wrist, completely severing the radial artery. The older pair of
twins, girls, aged thirteen years, ran barefooted and in their night
clothes, a mile to the village, to obtain a physician and arouse the
inhabitants. Although bereft of a comfortable home, and of almost
every necessary just at the commencement of winter, and thus thrown
upon the attention of friends and neighbors, the escape of the
entire family with life, enables Mrs. Butler fully to retain her
usual cheerfulness. This is a case which appeals to the liberality
of a Christian community. Signed George T. Allen
ANCIENT DOCUMENT FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 9, 1866
We are under obligations to Mrs. Dr. George T. Allen for a copy of
the following manuscript, which she found among other papers
belonging to her father, Curtiss Blakeman, Sr. It will be seen by
reading this venerable document that our early pioneer fathers fully
appreciated the influence of the press in advancing the cause of
freedom. Let those of the present day read it, and seriously ask
themselves the question – how much they owe to the loyal press of
the North for the preservation of the government and establishment
of universal freedom in our country today?
“Marine, Illinois, February 18, 1823
We, the subscribers, convinced of the necessity of supporting some
newspaper establishment, the conductor of which will take a firm and
manly stand against the introduction of slavery into this State, and
against the calling of a convention to alter the constitution; the
sole object of which, we are well convinced, is to effect the
introduction of slavery, do hereby agree to use our utmost exertions
and endeavors to support such newspaper establishment as may be
fixed upon. Henry Starr, Curtiss Blakeman, and Thomas Mather, Esqs.,
are hereby appointed a committee to make such arrangements as they
shall deem necessary with the conductor of such newspaper
establishment, and for the purpose of giving efficient support to
such newspaper as shall be edited in the cause of liberty. We, the
subscribers, do hereby subscribe for the numbers of copies of such
newspaper set opposite our respective names, at five dollars a year
in State paper, to be paid in advance – the amount of which
subscription shall be deposited with the above-named committee.
Curtiss Blakeman Sr., 10, paid; to deliver at Edwardsville
W. Kinkade, 10, paid; to delivery to Lawrenceville
Henry Starr, 10, paid, to deliver to Edwardsville
Thomas Mather, 10, paid; to deliver to Kaskaskia
Jacob Ogle, 10, paid; to deliver to Belleville
George Churchill, 10, paid; to deliver to Edwardsville
Thomas Lippincott, 5, paid; to delivery to Edwardsville
Samuel D. Lockwood, 10, paid; to delivery to Vandalia
The above has been carried fully into effect, and settled, by
Liberty being fully established in this State, and so may it remain.
Signed, Curtiss Blakeman, Sr. "
NEWS FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 8, 1871
With your kind permission, I beg leave to intrude upon the columns
of your excellent journal, with a short synopsis of the “doings” of
Marine.
Like many other towns, ours is annually agitated with a railroad
fever. The present year is no exception to those of former years,
saving that more earnestness and spirit is evinced. A railroad,
intended to be built from Toledo, Ohio, to St. Louis, would, if
built on an air line, almost pass Marine direct. In order to better
induce the company to locate as near our town as possible,
subscription books were opened, to which the citizens of Marine and
vicinity promptly responded. Some $12,000 have already been
subscribed. This road, if built, would give a new impetus to our
town, and be of great use to our farmers.
The Russian singers of St. Louis performed at Elbring’s Hall on
August 19, to a very large and pleased audience. Their reputation as
excellent singers is well merited.
Several enterprising young ladies of our town arranged a vocal and
instrumental concert on last Wednesday evening, August 23, for the
benefit of the Sunday School Society. A fair and appreciative
audience was in attendance. It is only regretted that the house was
not full from pit to gallery, as the object for which it was given
is certainly a good one, and home enterprise should always be
encouraged. The young ladies to whom the arrangement of the concert
is due are Misses Anna L. Ellison, Emma P. Sawyer, Wilma and Annie
Stoutzenberg, Sarah Blakeman, and Lottie and Hattie Wood, with
several others unknown to me. Miss Ellison, with graceful dignity,
assisted by Miss W. Stoutzenberg, who presided at the piano, while
Miss Sawyer and Miss L. Wood are especially worthy of mention, for
the beautiful songs rendered to the delighted audience. The concert
was under the auspices of the Rev. H. W. Wood.
The Christian congregation have erected quite a handsome church in
the southern part of our city, adding largely to the good appearance
of that part of the town. The Marine Cornet Band has invested in a
new and splendid set of silver instruments, while as performers
thereon, they are second to none in Madison County.
The highways leading in different directions from Marine are in most
excellent order, mainly due to the untiring efforts of our esteemed
townsman, H. C. Gerke, County Commissioner. Crops, on an average
here, are abundant, with no cause to complain. Signed, L. W. B.
CURTIS BLAKEMAN MOVES TO MISSOURI
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 18, 1872
Hon. Curtis Blakeman, late of Marine, and one of the oldest
residents of this county, has removed to Missouri, where he will
take up his residence with one of his sons.
MARINE NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 01, 1874
The quiet little city of Marine, with its nearly 1,000 inhabitants,
is making a grand stride toward improvement. In addition to several
new dwellings erected this season, the Lutheran Church has been
remodeled and a beautiful spire added that would be an ornament to
any city of larger pretentions.
The new public-school building in course of erection will cost the
sum of $10,000. It will be furnished with all the modern
improvements, and will be a monument to the enterprise and
prosperity of the citizens.
NEWS FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 29, 1874
I had the pleasure recently of visiting the Fire Brick Works of
Tiemann, Rauschenplat & Co. They are in the northwest part of
Marine. The clay of which the bricks are made lies 325 feet below
the surface, in a layer varying in thickness from 7 to 9 feet, and
is raised by steam power. When first taken out, it is quite tough,
but on exposure to the atmosphere and the rays of the sun, it
crumbles and becomes quite brittle. In the same mine is a vein of
coal of a fair quality, which is taken out and furnishes fuel for
the engines and for the local trade. The coal is 25 feet above the
clay, and some 80 feet below the clay is a thicker vein of coal, and
also of better quality, judging from recent borings, which they
would mine if the demand justified it. This firm also owns and runs
a steam flouring mill in the same yard. They employ during a part of
the year a force of 50 men.
NEWS FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 25, 1875
John Deibert, merchant tailor, has put another story on his
building, and enlarged his shop to enable him to keep on hand a
stock of gents ready-made clothing. He has a fine stock, and at all
prices.
The Marine Mills and Fire Clay Works were recently sold under a deed
of trust for some $6,500, less than one-half their worth. The
purchaser is a Mr. Kubs of St. Louis, who is reported as having
plenty means. They are running with a full force.
NEWS FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 02, 1875
Since my last, several changes have taken place. E. Eaton, Esq., has
bult a neat barn; Dr. P. Fisher has built an office near his
residence; Henry Hoyer, a large and convenient shop for carrying on
his wagon-making business; and several thousand feet of sidewalks
have been built. L. A. Richardson, our enterprising druggist, is
making arrangements to build a storeroom to accommodate his
constantly increasing trade, and Dr. H. P. Sackett, dentist,
druggist, etc., is enlarging his place of business by building an
addition to his house.
Our public school is moving along finely. There are 225 pupils
enrolled. The teachers spent one day this month visiting schools in
St. Louis, and expressed themselves well please and determined to
make ours better. The private schools of the Catholic and Lutheran
Churches have opened, and have taken a few pupils out of the public
school for a time.
NEWS FROM MARINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 10, 1886
Our annual school picnic took place last Tuesday. The excellent
Lebanon Band was on hand for the occasion, and everything was in
proper trim, when a rain lasting about three hours set in. This put
a damper on further proceedings, but nothing daunted the procession
formed, and after marching through the principal streets of the
town, adjourned to the Turner’s Hall, and did the best they could
under the circumstances.
Our public school closed last Friday with a school exposition. All
the written work of the monthly examinations of the past term were
exhibited in neat shape to visitors who came and went. The
blackboards were filled with written work of various kind. Mr.
Arthur Oehler called the pupils and visitors to order, and after
singing a few sons, one of the scholars, Letha Cain, stepped forward
and addressed Professor William E. Lehr. He was presented a
beautiful, gold-headed cane, bearing the inscription: “To Wm. E.
Lehr, from present and former scholars, Marine School, 1886.” It was
a complete surprise to Mr. Lehr, who was deeply moved. [It was
announced that Mr. Lehr was leaving to take a position as principal
of the Collinsville School.]
MARINE NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 01, 1894
The roundhouse at the extremity of the eastern switch is completed,
and engine No. 1 is stored in it.
Neudecker Bros. have had electric bells put in the Park View Hotel.
Fred Wildi of Highland put them in.
The ball to be given at Turner Hall next Saturday eve by the Arion
Band will be conducted by the Marine Social Club. The members of the
club are Will Krentzberg, Dan Kettler, Henry Gottenstrater, Louis
Wentz, Ed Dewey, and Fred Thurneau. During the past two seasons, the
club has given a series of very pleasant entertainments. Under its
management, the ball promises to be a success socially and
financially.
MARINE NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 8, 1894
Seibert School is closed again for two weeks, on account of
diphtheria. The teacher, Phil Shaub, is at home.
What might have proved a serious accident occurred Saturday evening,
as Mr. Ward was returning home. Meeting another party on a bridge,
he drew aside to let him pass. In doing so, his buggy wheels slipped
off the embankment, precipitating horse, buggy, and driver into the
ditch. Help was called, and Mr. Ward was soon extricated from the
badly broken buggy. Fortunately, the buggy fell over him in such a
manner that he remained unhurt.