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 submitted mainly 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 character that this is Starchus M. Spencer. The other contributor signs his name “Num Skull.” Unfortunately, we are never given a clue as to the identity of Num Skull. In these bi-monthly columns, both authors garner a lot of information about the people, the area, and the climate of Plum Grove and its vicinity.
Plum Grove, Butler Co., Kansas 07 January 1881, Fri
PLUM GROVE ITEMS.
ED. GAZETTE . Christmas is over at the Grove. It was duly celebrated by a hop at J. J. Long’s on the 23rd, a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, and a wedding on the 25th. Leander Shay and Miss Maggie Bateman were happy couples.
The returns are all in from last winter’s weddings and considerably increase the United States’ military strength.
We understand that Brubaker will soon locate the headquarters of his huckster business near Plum Grove, where he will keep a supply of everything for his patrons.
👉🏻 Dr. J. V. Seamen has gone to visit his parents and friends in Missouri. Will be home sometime next week.
👉🏻 DIED.- At 10 o’clock on the 25th, of scrofulous fever, Br. Erastus Denning, of this township. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss.
👉🏻 The Plum Grove literary society is progressing finely. Secures a large attendance and furnishes lots of amusement every Friday night.
Yours,
NUMSKULL.
𝚨nything for A Quiet LifeΩ 