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 its vicinity.
Followers of my posts taken from the annals of THE PLUM GROVE ITEMS will undoubtedly be aware that a significant bit of animus existed between “Num Skull” and “A Star Cus” when political leanings were the topic. The following is an example of their good-natured, spirited debates that leave no doubt in the readers’ perceptions that they did not share like political convictions.
THE PEABODY GAZETTE
09 APRIL 1880
PLUM GROVE, BUTLER CO., KANSAS, 09 APRIL 1880
EDITOR Gazette:
PLUM GROVE ITEMS 09 APRIL 1880
\Where was “Num Skull” last week that no items from him appeared? We noticed “Num Skull” when he read his previous communication in the GAZETTE, he believed that politically he had led a wrong life, but his father was a good democrat. He (Num Skull) was raised a Democrat and taught that the name Democrat was to be revered. He also says that Republican principles were sound, and if they were only headed by the word Democratic, he could vote for Republican principles.
Mr. editor, I believe if you labor faithfully with “Num Skull!” till fall that he will vote for the Republican nominees.
👉🏻 Died on 30 March, Henry Hogan. Mr. Hogan was, one of the most popular men of Plum Grove, was well-liked by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and five children.
👉🏻 Mrs. Ashenfelter, the wife of David Ashenfelter, died on the 31st ult.
👉🏻 A joint-stock company has been formed here to prospect for coal. A meeting of the stockholders will be held on the 16th inst ., at the Hall in this place. Those interested in the Cause are invited to be present.
👉🏻 A leap year party was given at the residence of J. J. Long, on 01 April. The ladies gave the invitations, also went after their fellers. The floor managers were composed of the same ladies also. It was pronounced the best ball of the season.
👉🏻 James M. Tucker reports his father Improving, but still very low.
👉🏻 Plum Grove city election went by default on Monday last,
A STAR CUS.
YOURS,
A STAR✬CUSS.
𝚨nything for A Quiet LifeΩ 