Note: The Peabody Gazette gives us some real insight into life in Plum Grove in the late 1870s and early 1880s. In this weekly newspaper, we find columns entitled “Plum Grove Items.” These columns were mostly submitted by two authors. The first contributor signs his name “A Star Cus,” It is easy to deduce from the style the columns are written and the similarity of the name that this is Starchus M. Spencer. The other contributor signs his name “Num Skull.” We are never given a clue as to the identity of Num Skull. In these bi-monthly columns, both of these authors garner a lot of information about the people, the area, and the climate of Plum Grove and vicinity.
PEABODY GAZETTE
January 2nd 1880
PLUM GROVE, BUTLER CO., KANSAS, January 2 nd 1880
EDITOR: Gazette
PLUM GROVE ITEMS.
January 2nd, 1880
This being holiday week, the only items to record are about twenty marriages in this vicinity; Rev. Budd has been busy tying the matrimonial knots.
👉🏻 On Christmas night, the first of a series of hops occurred at Bigness’ Hall; every person who attended pronounced it an acceptable affair; on New Years’ night, the second ball will be given at the hall for the benefit of the cornet band.
👉🏻 Mr. W. C. Garrett has contracted to break 700 acres of prairie for Mr. Robinson, the coming summer; Mr. R. owns one of the finest tracts of land in the Whitewater Valley; he also contracted with Mr. John Odor to plant four miles of hedge, and tend it for three years; he intends putting 700 acres into wheat next fall.
👉🏻 Dr. Seaman has gone to Missouri on a two week’s visit.
👉🏻 Miss Finley, of Peabody. is teaching in the old Plum Grove district; she is spoken ofvery highly, and is giving good satisfaetion both to parents and scholars.
👉🏻 Rev. Budd has just closed a two week’s meeting at Centennial schoolhouse.
👉🏻 C. V. Cain and Mr. Johnson have dissolved their partnership ; the stock and farming utensils will be sold on the 10th inst, at public sale.
A St✶r Cus.
𝚨nything for A Quiet LifeΩ 