[Large adv for Meibergen's, The Clothiers. "Thanking you for past favors and patronage and promising you bargains in Clothing for 1892..."] Atty J. L. Sheetz played the part of Santa Claus and fitted up his office with neat and attractive furniture to take the place of that destroyed by fire last January. The railroad "Y" will be completed this week and the engines can then turn around and head the way they are going. It will be a pleasing change that will suit all around. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fenton, of Verona, were treated to a surprise on Dec. 18th, the silver wedding anniversary of their marriage. They were the recipients of many nice presents. James A. Miller, connected with the grain inspection force at St. Louis as chief deputy, was at the hub last Tuesday. He was called home by the illness of his father, Allen Miller, of Verona. It is the general suppostition that Santa Claus lost some very valuable time looking for Jerry Simpson's socks. Those who didn't receive a visit from the old gentleman can thus account for it. Mr. Jared Ryker, an old citizen of Aurora township, died at the home of his son, in Aurora, last Monday morning. He was 80 years of age and had been a citizen of Lawrence county since 1851. [Lengthy article about a fox hunt with 80 participants near Leonard Williamson's last Christmas morning.] [Adv for BRICK LIVERY STABLE, King & Carr, Props., Mt. Vernon, MO. "Teams left with them will receive especial attention. Careful drivers furnished when desired. Terms reasonable. 3tf.] Mr. H. Brumback is on a visit to his children in Ohio. James Smith and wife, of Monett, are visiting relatives in this city. Joseph Anderson, of the Indian Territory, is on a visit to his old home.

Mr. John L. Lester is erecting a neat residence in the west part of the city. Ves Thompson and George Ryan left yesterday morning for the Indian Territory. Jobie Boyd and Will Thompson are up from the Indian Territory on a visit to relatives. Miss Anna Ingram, of Springfield, is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Bernie Lacy. Miss Dora Provin, of Lockwood, is visiting the family of Mr. J. B. Lindsey. Mr. Porter Roberts, of Joplin, is spending the Holidays at the old homestead. Everything these days, from the tooth ache to anything else, is called the grip. Will Kendall, Henry Brooks, Hub Jones and Al Moore are among the grip victims. Sam Wear, who has been living in the Indian Territory the past two years, arrived at this place last Thursday. The Downey school house, recently destroyed by fire, was insured for $500. A man living in the neighborhood was the general object of suspicion as the one who had fired the building. A committee was appointed, and, after investigation cleared him of the public charge. Ol Kirby has sold his interest in the grocery store of Kirby & George to George Williams, and one of the well and favorably known young men of this community. Mr. Kirby will, in a short time, go to Kansas Ckity to attend a commercial school. There was a reckless discharge of fire arms around this place during the evening of Christmas day. Boys, don't carry pistols. You certainly do not need them for self defense and may be the cause of some act or accident that will make you unhappy the balance of your lifetime. Don't.

A sneak thief entered the residence of Judge W. R. Brashears, in Turnback Twp. Friday night, and was "going through" the Judge's pantaloons, when Mrs. B. awoke, but before she could arouse her husband the "bird had flown" with nothing to reward his daring attempt at robbery. -- Republican. A gentleman called upon us to make note of a narrow escape he had the other day. He says that he and his wagon got across the railroad track only three minutes before the train came along and that his hair has threatened to turn gray from so much solemn thought about the peril he passed safely through. LIST OF LETTERS on hand for the week ending Dec. 18, 1891....J. H. Matthews, P. M.: Goodin, Mrs. Lizzie Holloway, Mr. C. M. Mesturn, James Neal, Mr. & Mrs. B. M. Stanbery, Henry LICENSED TO WED P. T. Carroll, Monett Carrie O. Faulkner, Marionville Phillip D. Sergent, Claremore, I.T. Ella Wear, Mt. Vernon David B. Cox, Chesapeake Sarah E. Brownfield, " Henry J. Wilks, Verona Sarah C. Smith, Mt. Vernon D. Replogle, Aurora Sarah J. Carpenter, " J. W. Templeman, Fairland, I.T. Matilda C. Denman, Newton Co. Edward T. Ladd, Aurora Lizzie B. Wolf, Logan John Skaggs, Peirce City Alice McColley, " Henry A. Miller, Lawrenceburg Mary E. Dryden, "