EDITORS LUCIFER: The anniversary of the birthday of Thomas Paine was observed by the progressive Liberals of this place. The exercises consisted of singing by the U.M.L. choir, short speeches, select reading and a poem written for the occasion by Miss Rosetta Waters in honor of Thomas Paine.
    The hall was tastefully decorated with mottoes in evergreens and flowers and the Secretary was instructed to send a notice of the meeting to the Liberal papers.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, March 16, 1888, page 4


    In his "News and Notes,"' in Freethought, S. P. Putnam relates how Miss Rosetta Waters, of Talent, Oregon, was "by the logic of a majority," voted out of her position as a teacher in the public schools, because of her Freethinking opinions, whereupon she "opened a voluntary secular school of her own, which has been so well patronized that the public school has hauled its colors down, and the law of attraction has prevailed over the power of the sword." Good! But suppose that the power that wields the sword had forbidden the establishment of "voluntary" schools, what then? Would not independence of thought have been rendered much more difficult? Would not emulation have been made almost impossible? As it is, must not Miss Waters and her friends not only pay all the expenses of their voluntary school but also help pay those of the public school in which she is not allowed to teach because she has opinions of her own which she has the courage and honesty to express? And this is the work of the state; this is its justice; this its protection of the weak! But when we come to the carrying of the mails we find that emulation is killed by a prohibitory tariff upon all mail carried by private parties. In the issuance of money we find competition prevented and monopoly made inevitable by another prohibitory tariff (tax), this time upon banks of issue.. These are greater evils, even, than that of which Miss Waters was the victim, and for the reason that a way out was left partly open for her. Will not Mr. Putnam occasionally say a word in his own bright, breezy way against these two government-created and -protected monopolies, that of the currency and that of the mail carrying business?
Fair Play, Valley Falls, Kansas, July 7, 1888, page 3


    Mr. Harman, Dear Friend:--The following resolution was passed at the 41st anniversary of Modern Spiritualism by the First Spiritualist Society of Southern Oregon in their meeting on March 31st, 1889.
    WHEREAS, It is only an act of justice to those reform journals that stand in the picket line and have to bear the opposition of bigotry and persecution, that those people who have outgrown the old and are in sympathy with the new ideas should sustain those "Light-bearers," therefore
    Resolved: That we, as a society, endorse the course of LUCIFER, THE LIGHT BEARER as a journal of social, political, and especially on sex reform, and give it all the financial aid we can.
Talent, Oregon.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, April 12, 1889, page 3


    I have followed the different views of your correspondents on Sexual Science with interest. I do think that the publication of those outrages which are perpetrated on woman under our present marriage laws will do a vast amount of good, and open the eyes of those who dare think and are not dead to all human feelings.
    I do not agree with the majority of your correspondents that the "root of all evil" is contained in our present marriage laws. I look on life as a great school wherein the good and bad is needed for growth, is needed as an object lesson for all, for teacher and pupil. Three-fourths of our people reason with their stomachs and can and will only be educated and evoluted out of their present routine of eating and sleeping through the force of circumstances, through necessity. I know of what I speak. I have pointed out to my neighbors the evils of society which makes slaves, cowards and tyrants of the majority, but they cannot understand. I have kept up this agitation about four years and I begin to see some change. Circumstances are in my favor. Hard times, monopoly, low wages and the struggle for existence become harder day by day. They begin to see the coils of the monster which manifests itself in authority and has its origin in the animal in men. I can get them to read our progressive papers and tracts and a change is coming, and I have great hopes for the future.
    If we had the power to remove all obnoxious laws, we would do only harm to those who believe in them, and would destroy one of the most powerful levers of progress we now wield. We do not fight any imaginary evil and wrong, but that which causes anguish and suffering to humanity. There is only one remedy. Improve the mental and moral nature of man by agitation or education; point out the foul spots in our social, political and religious life; let people judge if they call that tree good which bears such fruit as crime, misery and degradation, and whenever I have me with one who has had his perception cleared, has been persecuted and suffered from this fruit of the tree of evil such a one will listen and believe me.
    In conclusion I would say, we must deal with causes if we want to remove the effects. All the manifold evils of society can be traced to men--to the individual--elevate the individual and society will raise itself above the present low level and break the chains of ignorance and superstition which now bind both men and women.
Talent, Ore., 1-21-'90.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, February 7, 1890, page 3


    DEAR BRO. HARMAN: I presume you are overrun with letters and I have not written you for that reason, but since the clouds are thickening I feel that it is our duty to help you hold up your hands as the hands of Moses of old were held up, which I now proceed to do in two ways, first by telling you that you have the full sympathy of this family and more especially the women, that is, myself and sister, for we know full well that it is our battle you are fighting, and if human sympathy is any help to you, you must certainly have ours; then I shall send you a little money by P.O. order. It is not much but we hope to send more if we have any crops this year, and as you would rather send out literature for the money I will tell you what I want (list enclosed). I sent to you for "Prodigal Daughter" one year ago, I was almost afraid to lend it around but did, and the outcome is that it traveled till it was almost worn out, then a lady patched it together and begged me to let her have it to send to friends in the Willamette Valley and gave me ten cents to get another one for her. All the LUCIFERs I hand around to those that are liberal enough to receive them, and to those that I know would burn them if I handed them to them in person I enclose it in a wrapper, take it to another town and mail it, for I have learned that people will read things they receive at the P.O. that they would burn if an outspoken Freethinker handed the same to them. We never destroy a LUCIFER and never keep them, only long enough to read them.
    I wonder if your critics think that such evils as O'Neill describes will get any better by being safely covered up? The safer they are covered up in the dark the longer will they exist. If you could hear the way women are talking perhaps you do, but I mean women that are uneducated and have never read anything on social reform. I wish you could hear some that come to talk with myself and sister, and--thanks to LUCIFER and its contributors, for it is there we get most of the knowledge that we divide with them--if you could hear those poor women, some of them can scarcely read, you would rejoice at the rebellion that is going on against these abuses.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, April 11, 1890, page 3


    WOMAN'S FRIEND: Mrs. Breese wrote to you sometime since to send on LUCIFER, it is a most welcome guest here, not because we delight in hearing of such outrageous wrongs done under the cloak of marriage or anything else but because we know the devil is here and the sooner it is generally known the sooner we will be from under the burden we as women are under now. We are glad that you are still a free man and hope against the time does come for the trial that those justice doers (in name only) will understand from both men and women that they have a serious case on hand.
    We think Voltairine de Cleyre knows what to say and how to say it, but it would not be surprising to hear of her arrest any time. She presents things to think of as they should be, and the sooner we as people see and think aright the sooner will light come.
    Many of our public lecturers are but stumbling blocks to their hearers, and I often think that if they cannot present a better example in their lives they had better not pose as teachers; but such obstacles are ever in the path of progress. While we build one part of the temple of Liberty we destroy another.
    We earnestly hope you will be left at the post to keep LUCIFER's flag flying.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, June 26, 1891, page 3


    The holidays have passed peacefully by, and our quiet burg has not noticed any perceptible difference between the old and the new year. All are well satisfied with their lot, for anything I know to the contrary.
    The plentiest thing in this locality is mud, and still more prospectively. By the way, this reminds us again of the necessity of grading and macadamizing our public roads and also of the necessity of doing it in the spring of the year.
    It would pay the county well to send our county judge back to the old states to take lessons in road making. If he was to go through Ohio and inspect the manner of grading. piking and pounding solid the public roads as they have found, it pays to do it. Our county might be a thousand percent better off for the knowledge. It is a disgrace and a stigma on the character of the otherwise live citizens of the Rogue River Valley to be satisfied with the condition our public roads are permitted to be in every winter. We are all ashamed to have strangers visit us this season of the year on account of the miserable condition of our public roads. We have a number-one court house, a good jail and generally good school houses. Now let us have good wide roads and have them well graded and piked.  Land-owners should not be penurious about a liberal width of street at least 66 feet wide (that is the width the law requires in Iowa and Dakota). If it were 100 feet wide and fringed with a row of trees each side and well graded up in the center the locality would be all the more attractive.
    We expect Rev. E. E. Thompson, of Medford, to preach at Talent the 17th, morning and evening. He may protract the meetings if the people wish him to.
    The bridge builders (Dan McFadden, foreman) did a number one job on the R.R. bridge across Wagner Creek and have moved below.
    There is to be an Alliance public meeting Friday evening, the 15th. Several able speakers have promised to entertain the crowd at the U.M.L. hall. By invitation of Progress Alliance No. 60 of Oregon.
Southern Oregon Mail, January 14, 1892, page 2


    The recent spell of fine weather has been propitious for grain seeding, and wheat in this locality is about all sown; and the fall-sown is looking remarkably well for the time. Many are plowing for corn, and others preparing their land and getting their seed in readiness.
    The special series of religious meetings terminated Thursday the 4th inst., very auspiciously. The accessions to the M.E. Church were about 30, to the Baptists 3, and many yet undecided.
    The Thompson brothers and Dr. Kahler are a happy trio of gospel workers.
    We are to have a church sociable for the benefit of our worthy pastor, E. E. Thompson, next Friday evening at 7 p.m., sharp. Admittance free; pay what you please to get out. Remember the time and come Friday evening, the 12th inst. Everybody come and bring a friend.
Southern Oregon Mail, February 11, 1892, page 2


    As yet I have been unable to see my way clear in regard to woman's freedom except by a change in our economic system. History proves it. On every side we see the tyrant to be the one which controls the bread and butter question. A new tyrant is added--the one that controls the means of distribution. So long as production and distribution are controlled for private gain liberty is a mockery, sexual freedom a farce and all our work in that line a waste of time. It is of the utmost importance to rally all our forces and make a main assault on the enemy's line at those two points, and you will find that the most determined opposition will be encountered when we touch the economic question.
    Now I do not wish you to understand that because I think the economic question the root question we should let others alone and confine ourselves entirely to this main question. Evolution teaches us that we must progress all along the line of human needs and wants. To take any other view would be narrow. But I believe that all the wrongs, oppression and tyranny which we see manifested in everyday life are the result of our cutthroat dog-eat-dog competitive system. Some of the extremists in LUCIFER lay all the woes and ills of human life to our compulsory marriage laws. Yes, they are bad enough, but such laws would not last 24 hours if property rights were not back of them. The greatest champion of woman's freedom is democratic socialism. Let us gain that. Let us gain equality, by destroying the wage system, and then we will see light ahead. We see the dawn of a new civilization in the great combinations what are causing such uneasiness to those who cannot see that trusts and combines are the logical development of the joint stock company, and all laws to bolster up the present antiquated competitive system will be abortive and end in failure. Steam and electricity have sounded the death knell of competition, and a lover of humanity will regret to see the specter of want and hunger banished from the earth.
Talent, Ore., Jan. 12, '92.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, February 26, 1892, page 3


    Friend Breese thinks (see Various Voices [above]) that "so long as production and distribution are controlled for private gain liberty is a mockery, sexual freedom a farce and all our work in that line a waste of time," and adds, "the most determined opposition will be encountered when we teach the economic question." The simple fact that men have been sent to prison whose only fault is the persistence with which they urge attention to the sex question, whereas no one has yet been imprisoned because he "touched the economic question," would seem to show that our esteemed contributor is in the wrong. Those who now control production and distribution of commodities fear nothing so much as the agitation of questions relating to maternity and heredity, that is to say, questions regarding the production of human beings. They care but little about politics so long as the supply of contented or gullible slaves is not cut off, but they know full well that sex reform means interference with this supply; and hence their unrelenting opposition.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, February 26, 1892, page 2


    The weather continues propitious for the tender fruit-blows, but it is rather cool for grain to do its best.
    S. Sherman has had his notarial license renewed for another term of two years.
    There is yet occasionally a case of la grippe lurking around among the hills, but no severe cases have been reported.
    James Reames is yet in a critical condition, suffering with pneumonia.
    The family of Rev. Mr. Stevens has arrived from Stanton, Nebraska. Mr. Stevens came here in advance and purchased thirty acres of the Colver ranch. They expect to build on their place soon, but meantime will occupy the Mansfield house, in Talent. The family consists of a father, mother and nine intelligent-looking children, and is an honorable accession.
    The Baptist church at Talent will hereafter be occupied every Sabbath, morning and evening, either by preaching, class meeting or Y.P.S. of C.E. The union prayer and testimony meetings are well attended and very interesting to those who are prepared for a better world, and are trusting Jesus for salvation.
    The Talent school-house is occupied by a subscription school, taught by Rosetta Watters; and the Upper Wagner Creek school is taught by Effie Rose. Each teacher has about thirty pupils, and are doing good work.
    The "hills" are full of prospectors since the Ashland papers have let the cat out, and I shouldn't wonder if we would hear something "drop" west of Talent, soon.
    If anything new or striking transpires I'll let you know "right away off."
Southern Oregon Mail, March 31, 1892, page 2


    Samuel Stevens and wife started last Monday to return to their home in Klamath County. Geo. Lowe accompanied them, taking a load of dried fruit.
    Frank Robison, the young tonsorial artist, of Ashland, left last Monday for Bonanza, Klamath County, where he proposes to open a barber shop. We wish him success.
    In the years to come that mystical character, the "oldest inhabitant," will take a fiendish delight in frightening the tender immigrant by referring to the "cold spring of '92."
    Henceforth anyone can swear in the presence of Welborn Beeson without in the least shocking his sense of propriety. He is notary public.
    On the 10th inst. Wm. Stafford, of Antelope Creek, yielded to the urgent solicitations of the deputy sheriff to attend court and answer to the charge of threatening the life of W. Beeson, jr., and other parties. He was discharged.
    Homer Gee, of Ashland, and Miss Grace Hargrave, of Talent, were married on the 12th inst., at the residence of the bride's mother, Elder Lewis officiating.
Southern Oregon Mail, May 20, 1892, page 2


    Hurrah for the Southern Oregon Mail.
    The days are very dry and hot, but pleasant evenings and mornings.
    The Torrys are hauling an immense amount of railroad wood to Talent this season.
    Hurrah for the People's Party, the Omaha nominee for President, and better times!!!
    There will be ice cream at the Talent restaurant Saturday evenings, during the heated term.
    The grain is ripening very fast, but the most of it has been cut for hay, and it was lighter than the average crop.
    Mr. Julius Foss' dwelling is about finished. It is the finest house in this precinct, next to that of E. K. Anderson.
    The Alliance is a school where voters may learn how to vote, so each member should consider himself a recruiting officer.
    Mr. A. Alford has had a bay window built to the southern end of his dwelling, which is quite an improvement. Mr. and Mrs. Alford are now in Klamath County visiting their son Russell's family.
    Our local Alliance at Talent numbers at present about 75 members, and at the last meeting there were nine applications for membership presented by Brother Anson Jacobs. The election of officers for the next six months resulted in the choice of S. H. Dunlap president; J. B. Charlie [Carlile?] vice president; W. H. Breese secretary; S. Sherman chaplain; E. E. Deming lecturer; Stella Duclos steward; Effie Terrill doorkeeper; Jesse Beeson organist. Our Alliance is in possession of a library of books and periodicals and Miss Stella Duclos is librarian. She holds the would-be readers strictly to the rules, to the care and return of the books.
    I am glad to have a paper published in this county in the interest of the masses of toilers. Go on, go on, go on.
Southern Oregon Mail, July 1, 1892, page 2


Editor Southern Oregon Mail:
    I am kicking, while I am enthusiastic in favor of the public school system, and believe it to be the mainstay of the nation, and should be fostered by every legitimate means in the power of our laws. But it seems to me that the people of Oregon have cause to growl at the "powers that be," in the frequency that we have to change the kind of school books used; and the trouble is that every time the change is made the books are of less value. If there was an improvement it would not be so bad.
    But the immediate cause of this "kick" is that while the people are burdened with a debt that seems almost out of the question to ever pay, our county board has raised the salary of our worthy school superintendent. I am a personal friend of Mr. Price and think him highly qualified for the position of school superintendent. But I also think there are at least a hundred other persons, both gentlemen and ladies, that are fully as well qualified to perform the duties of the office, that would be glad to do so for a less salary than has been paid in the past, instead of having it increased.
    Just consider the case. "Us" farmers, while we may not have the time and money invested that would be necessary to obtain an education suitable to fill such an office, we probably have more money invested in our farms and machinery, and I know we put in more time and harder labor, and I do not know of a farmer that is making $700 from his own labor, including the investment in his farm, on which he has to pay the heavy tax that is required to keep up the interest on the public debt. I say it is time the salaries of our officials should be reduced to suit the circumstances of the rest of us, instead of being increased. I presume I will be classed as a "Kronic Kicking Krank" by some, but I appeal to taxpayers to say whether I am right or not.
Southern Oregon Mail, July 2, 1892, page 1


    Headers are running, and harvesting is in full blast.
    Henry Hansen and wife, of Medford, spent Sunday on the Creek visiting relatives.
    H. H. Goddard is building a new barn for W. J. Dean; 20x20x40 feet is the dimensions.
    James Garvin Sr., Ernest Purves, Barry Lynch and James Garvin Jr. have gone to Pokegama in search of employment.
    J. B. Dyer has manufactured a wood-sawing machine of his own invention and moved to John Holtan's place to cut railroad wood.
    We hear on good authority that B. C. Goddard and M. H. Coleman were drinking heavily on the 4th, of soda water at Colestin's.
    Grant Rawlins will teach the first term of school in the newly created Anderson Creek district. The school will commence in a few days.
    Mrs. Augusta Bostwick, daughter of Louis Schneider of Anderson Creek, was in from her home in Josephine County to spend the 4th with her parents.
    Irene Carlyle, youngest daughter of B. Carlyle of Talent, fell from a horse on the 8th inst., resulting in a double fracture of her left arm above the elbow.
    E. E. Jones, of Iowa, is visiting his brother-in-law, John Abbott, of Wagner Creek. Mr. Jones intends to spend several months in the valley, and if he continues as well pleased with the country as he is thus far, will make his permanent home here.
    Mrs. Orin Robinson, of Cottage Grove, Ore., and her six-year-old son returned home last Saturday after spending several weeks visiting relatives and friends in this valley. Mrs. Robinson, nee Mary Barneburg, formerly lived several years in the family of John Holtan and attended school in this district.
Southern Oregon Mail, July 2, 1892, page 4


    J. C. Hannah, of the celebrated pottery factory situated near Beagle, on Rogue River, has delivered a load of fine ware at C. K. Klum's for sale at low rates.
    S. Sherman informs us that he keeps Eagle Mills flour for retail at popular prices; also that Clint Carney has sold his place of two and one-half acres to Elder David Brower, con. $660. The Carneys will move to Douglas County.
    B. C. Goddard and wife and Mrs. Sula Dean paid a visit to Colestin's last week. Mrs. Goddard intended to remain several days, but the light air of that altitude rendered breathing difficult and she was obliged to return the second day.
    S. Sherman and wife returned last Wednesday from Klamath County, where they had spent several days visiting their daughter, Mrs. McCumber. Their grandchild Ralph returned with them.
    Mrs. G. T. Mann had the misfortune to fall a few days since, resulting in a fracture of the large bone, radius, of the left forearm and dislocating a smaller one at the wrist. About twenty-four hours elapsed before a physician could be procured, rendering the operation of setting the bone and reducing the dislocation exceedingly painful.--News.
Southern Oregon Mail, August 26, 1892, page 4


    A grand rally and reorganization of the Talent People's Party club is announced for September 8th, at 7 p.m., in the U.M.L. hall. County Organizer Wakefield and S. H. Holt will both be present, and a profitable meeting is expected. All are invited, says J. W. Abbott.
Southern Oregon Mail, September 2, 1892, page 2


    Gust Edlund is up from Chico, Cal., for a week's visit among his many friends in this locality.
    Mrs. F. Grob returned last Saturday from a month's visit in Jacksonville.
    Eugene Fowler was kicked by a horse last Sunday, resulting in a serious injury to his shoulder and arm.
    George Lowe suffered a serious attack of cramping last Sunday.
    There is a dash of romance connected with the late train robberies in California. The daredevil exploits of Chris. Evans and John Sontag rival the marvel achievements of Claude Duval, Dick Turpin, Joaquin Murrieta and other historic outlaws, who won the esteem and admiration of the lower classes by "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor." What will be the effect of so many successful robberies of late upon that class whose conscience are easily adjusted to their loose ideas of morality?
    Isn't it a long time between showers? No rain worth mentioning in this vicinity for nearly four months. This year will prove that corn will fairly mature on good soil in this valley without rain or irrigation.
    Frank Robinson last week returned from California. He concludes that Wagner Creek is good enough for him.
    On Sunday night last the fire that was raging on upper Wagner Creek got uncomfortably near Wm. Abbott's saw mill and Anderson's quartz mill and about forty people turned out to check it. It was noticed, however, that the party or parties who set the fire were conspicuous by their absence.
    S. Sherman received word last Monday that his daughter, Mrs. Alice McCumber, who has been temporarily stopping at Shook's in Klamath County, was accidentally shot in the arm a few days since. Mr. S. left at once with the intention of bringing her to Talent when she is able to ride.
    John Abbott and wife, James Beaty and wife and Mrs. A. L. Alford left on the 22nd ult. for Dead Indian on a week's camping expedition. Mr. Abbott has been in poor health for several weeks past and we hope the trip will have the desired effect.
    Mrs. John Veit killed a rattlesnake within a few feet of her house, a short time ago, that had seven rattles. Mrs. Carney Garvin also killed one that was prowling around the milk house, which beats Mrs. Veit's by three rattles, and yet men say that women are afraid of snakes.
    The Shidelers are still camping at Mountain Springs and having a good time. Several of their friends on Wagner Creek have called to see them. They have an ideal camp--secluded, picturesque, airy and complete in arrangements. Should an artist stray along there he would find a scene well worth transferring to canvas.
    Melvin Atwater and family have gone to Crescent City on a camping trip, also with a view to locate in that vicinity if suited with the country.
    M. H. Coleman and son Blin have been down for several days past with malaria.
    S. M. Robison and wife and daughter Delia and Girtie Purves left for Applegate a few days since, to spend several days camping.
    A Phoenix gentleman located a claim on upper Wagner Creek about two weeks ago. Having chosen a building site, he attempted to burn off the rubbish. He is having splendid success. Several hundred acres are already burned over, and the fire is still at work.
Southern Oregon Mail, September 9, 1892, page 4


    The People's Party rally called for Sept. 8th was well attended, and was addressed by the Rev. Ira Wakefield in his characteristically convincing style and resulted in the formation of a Weaver club of more than twenty members and with the following officers:
    Chairman of the evening, W. Beeson, Sr.; Treas., John Abbott; delegate to county central committee, Robt. Tracy; Sec., Wella Beeson.
    The club was then addressed by S. H. Holt as to the best means and methods of furthering the Party's cause.
    A campaign fund of two dollars and a quarter was started.
    The club then adjourned to meet again September 23rd. The finance plank will be the subject of discussion, and we expect to have speakers with ability to ably handle that subject.
    Everybody is invited to attend, especially the doubtful and unconverted ones.
Southern Oregon Mail, September 16, 1892, page 2


Editor Southern Oregon Mail:
    I wish to call the attention of the Sub-Alliances to the fact that I have observed during my time as secretary, that the most prompt and energetic Alliance has always had a good portion of female members. This leads me to the conclusion that if we wish to have wide-awake and growing Alliances we must have our wife, mother, sister and daughters as members at our meetings. Women are recognized in all social and political movements as prominent factors. The social features of our Alliance is the cementing and binding force. Let me advise you Alliance Bro.: Don't go to your Alliances by yourself and leave the female members of your family at home. Take them along, make up your mind that they shall have a good time and it will radiate on yourself so you will be happy and others also. Women's presence at our meetings will tend to keep harmony and peace; it will put a premium on politeness. Her presence will goad the stupid, indifferent and ignorant into a study of the principles of reform, and such a feature will add an element of reform to our order, without which it would be a failure.
    Briefly then, women are a necessity to a successful Alliance, therefore spend some extra time inducing all your female acquaintances to join our Order, and then the strong minded--the lords of creation--will follow.
    One writer has said that the world was a great stage and humanity was nothing but puppets to dance on the boards and do the will of a few schemers. This to a certain extent is true, but in our Alliance we are making sovereign American citizens and not puppets, therefore let us live up to the rules of our noble Order. The great drama which is now played on the world's great stage is Capital and Labor. We are acting our part. The curtain is up and it never will drop till justice is done to the toiling millions. The eye of the whole civilized world is upon us. They watch the pulse-beat of America; if we fail, the suffering, the experience of all past humanity will be lost and civilization will again end in anarchy and chaos. Intelligent action on our part can only settle this battle of the ages, of the giants, capital and labor. The cry today is turn on the light! turn on the light!! till every fetter is broken, till every wrong is righted, till every man, woman and child is free, free to work, to trade, to speak, to worship.
    Brother and sisters, we today are some of the actors in this great tragedy which is played on the world's great stage!
    Let us act our part, manly, womanly and truthfully.
    The grand principles of our noble Order, "Equal rights to all, special privileges to none," must never be lost sight of, and when this is gained, LIBERTY, JUSTICE and FRATERNITY will mean more than at any previous period in man's onward career.
Southern Oregon Mail, October 7, 1892, page 2


    The Weaver Club of Talent met Friday evening Sept. 23 at the U.M.L. Hall. Mr Wilcox was elected chairman for the evening.
    The finance plank of the People's Party platform was taken up and ably discussed by W. Beeson, Sr., Mr. Aids, Mrs. Breese, and W. H. Breese.
    Mr. Wilcox, who has been visiting in the East all summer, most of the time in Iowa, made a speech on the present outlook of the three great political parties; he said: "Nearly every man I talked to is going to vote for Weaver, and Iowa, Kansas and several other states are going People's Party."
    There was good music and it was a well-attended and enthusiastic meeting. The money question,  particularly the banking system, will be more fully discussed at the next meeting.
    Democrats and Republicans, Prohibitionists and Mugwumps, these are educational meetings and you are all cordially invited to come and take part in the discussions.
    Next meeting Oct. 7.
Southern Oregon Mail, October 7, 1892, page 2


    Progress Alliance No. 60, of Talent, will give a dance on Friday, Oct. 28th, 1892. Tickets for dance and lunch, $1. Floor managers: Nicholas Brophy, J. I. Patton, Anson Jacobs. Com. on Reception: Mrs. Foss, Mrs. Beeson, Wella Beeson, Frank Wilcox. Good music will be on hand. Special invitation is extended to all Alliance Bro. & Sist. S. H. Dunlap, Pres., Wm. H. Breese, Secy., Progress Alliance.
Southern Oregon Mail, October 21, 1892, page 2


    MR. W. N. BURDICK: Dear Sir:--I am a stranger to you in person but not in kindred thoughts. Though I am away where the grand Pacific surges, and the towering old mountain peaks are kissed till they blush like crimson by the grand old luminary each eve, yet the REVIEW is a welcome visitor each week, for the things of home ever touch the tender chord of a wanderer. But what called me to feel closer now than ever before was your editorial on Thanksgiving. The universal humanitarian spirit shines from it. It glows with a feeling of brotherhood. It is synonymous with Goethe's Hermann when he said:
    But how can we be thankful to a God or man when we read of the poor in our large cities, where wealth is banked by the millions by part of our people (or family), and others lying freezing and starved in the streets. The New York Sun said only a short time since that "an old cast-iron stove, bedstead, two tubs, three chairs, roll of carpet, wash boiler, old clock and pine bench were thrown out at 332 East Thirty-Sixth Street, and an old woman followed and sat on them--they were all she had from six o'clock on Friday night until four o'clock Saturday night, and was then carried by a renter into her house." What becomes of those people? The police returns for the year tell the story: 88,152 arrests; 24,350 females.  Lodges were furnished a total of 126,380. The homeless lodgers being 68,854 males and 57,426 females. See the amount of crimes we are responsible for: 492 unknowns were in the potter's field during the year, 93 were picked up in the streets. Deaths by poison, 39; by pistol, 61; by hanging, 30; by gas, 19; jumping from buildings, 4; by stabbing themselves, 20. "The rest by living in dens, slums, penitentiaries, etc. Under such conditions should we be thankful that we live in America or anywhere else? Why can we not practicalize the grand old foundation principles, "that all men are created equal," and should we not as a whole enjoy life, liberty and. happiness, instead of this physical and moral annihilation? Oh, for the "voices in the air" and body to work in harmony and make a heaven on earth, and make it here and now. Hoping these feeble, appreciative words from a stranger will cheer you on I am,
    NOTE.--We don't know whether the above was intended for publication or not but we assume the responsibility of publishing it, as it is a well-written letter and there is nothing of a private character about it. The wish for universal harmony, happiness and heaven on earth is commendable, but we shall never realize it on this earth unless that mythical period, the millennium, shall dawn upon it sometime during the cycles yet to be; neither shall we ever see the time when all will be above want and no one know the pangs of hunger. It was the curse of the fall that in the sweat of the face man should eat bread, and it is only the few that have been given sufficient foresight and financial ability to amass wealth. "The poor we have always with us," and shall have until the end. Ours be it to relieve it to the extent of our ability as the Son of Man did while on earth, and our duty will have been performed when we seek to lift up the fallen and attempt to "pour the balm of consolation into the wounded heart." But we will desist before we run these remarks into a "Sunday Night." We shall be glad to hear from our correspondent again.
Postville Review, Postville, Iowa, December 17, 1892, page 2


    Mr. James Hanson, who lives four and half miles south of Medford, is having just a trifle more than his share of misfortunes. Last spring sometime his arm was thrown out of joint and he was laid up with this injury all summer. In October following, death entered the portals of his home and took away his kind and loving wife, and he is now compelled to take his six-year-old daughter to the children's hospital at San Francisco for treatment for hip disease. Surely this is too great a multiple of misfortunes to fall at the door of one man in so brief a time. The Mail extends sympathy, and we feel sure all Medford join us in so doing. The little girl has been at the same hospital for treatment before.
Medford Mail, January 20, 1893, page 3


    The Talent News don't make much pretense at printing what is termed by the newspaper fraternity a "blanket sheet," but even though miniature in size it prints some very interesting reading matter. [A blanket sheet could be nearly four feet by five.] For instance the article on "Early Times" in the "new" days of Southern Oregon from the pen of Mr. Welborn Beeson, which appears below:
    "There was no U.S. mail through this country for several years after the pioneers had formed quite a settlement. We obtained our communications as best we could. It generally occupied six months to receive answers to our letters written "to the girls we left behind us."
    In the spring of 1854 there was a total eclipse of the sun; but having received no almanacs for that year, we knew nothing about it. It took place about 10 o'clock in the morning of a bright May day. People were at their usual avocations when all at once it began to grow dark and yet there were no clouds visible. It made a singular feeling come over us; and I do not wonder at the Indians being so easily frightened by Columbus, with the eclipse he told them about. The writer of this was at work with others building fence; we could with difficulty distinguish objects at a short distance. Capt. J. M. McCall, now of Ashland, came riding up and after consulting with him we came to the conclusion that it was an eclipse, which proved to be the case when our long-delayed almanacs arrived around Cape Horn via the Sandwich Islands, which we had ordered the fall before.
    Later on, C. C. Beekman, of Jacksonville, at the time traveling with his family, began to carry express over the mountains, making connection with the outside world at Shasta City. The price we paid for a paper or book like Harper's Monthly was one dollar, and we were glad to get our letters at any price.
    It was dangerous crossing the mountains; there were lions, bears, Indians, and, worst of all, highwaymen that did not stop long before they fired if they thought their victim had money and would resist. Wm. Rockfellow soon had what was called a passenger pony express and made regular trips carrying passengers each way. It then became less dangerous for the hitherto lonely expressman.
    About this time, quite a number of our mining population, who had come alone, and left their families behind, began to send for them, directing them to come by steamer via the Isthmus, thence up the Sacramento River to Shasta City, then take the mule or pony train for Rogue River. A number of the ladies of our valley could tell of their hairbreadth escapes and wonderful adventures while traveling the narrow trail over the mountains between here and Shasta City, where if anyone had said at that time that a railroad would be constructed, he would have been considered insane to think of such a thing.
Medford Mail, February 17, 1893, page 1

    W. Beeson & Son are delivering a lot of lumber at Talent to be used by the Phoenix section men.
    Mrs. B. C. Goddard is very low with a pulmonary complaint. Otherwise health is generally good.
    Jack Garvin and Mart Pellet are sinking a shaft on the Pelton ledge and are in more than 50 feet already.
    A neighborhood revival meeting is progressing in the Anderson Creek district with a good deal of interest manifested.
    C. W. Sherman is working for C. T. Payne & Sons. They will send him over into Klamath County to work on their ranch as soon as the mountain road becomes passable.
    Ben Dyer has got gold on the brain and has several ledges under control, and it need not be surprising if a mining association should be organized in Talent district most any day.
    A well-dressed man in drab clothes, about 30 years of age, and 6 feet tall, is passing up and down the road and has been proven a bilk. Boarding houses and hotel keepers are warned to look out for him.
    J. B. Carlile and James Garvin went up by train to Ashland this morning, expecting to finish their first 100 feet contracted for in the shaft on the Stevenson & Co. mine. They may take another contract to go deeper.
    Gust Edlund, for two years past a resident of Talent and vicinity, took the southbound train this morning in company with a young man who has been working for the Harveys, both expecting to stop at the Pokegama lumber mill.
    A young man, who goes by the name of Doctor McGee, has been stopping at the Sherman house during the past ten days, says he cures cancers on the plan of no cure no pay. He has undertaken one on Lou Drake's face. His method is to eat them out with a patent medicine. We are all anxiously waiting the result. He has some patients in Ashland.
Medford Mail, March 3, 1893, page 1


    Talent school closed for the term, having had six months under the management of Prof. Beatty and Miss Roberts.
    Old Mr. Beeson has been laid up with rheumatism and a combination of complaints, the effect of la grippe of a year ago.
    The young folks of Talent attended a pleasant social dance given by the Phoenix folks, of which I guess Manafraidofabear will give you a report.
    Our constable, J. B. Carlile, is suffering from a severe cold, contracted while sinking a one-hundred-foot shaft on the divide between Wagner Creek and Ashland.
    A meeting will be called soon to try to raise means to build a new school building. The one now in use is not fit to confine criminals in, much less innocent pupils and teachers.
    James W. Briner is spending a few days with us, buying a supply of provisions to take to his rich placer mines on Beaver Creek, where he expects to dig out a small fortune this summer.
    Wm. Abbott has been running his saw mill nearly all winter and has a supply of lumber on hand, waiting for the roads to dry up so as to be able to deliver, to fill the numerous orders.
    If we are not much mistaken your correspondent at Phoenix has chosen a misnomer for his nom de plume, for if he is the person we take him to be he is the hero of a hundred bear fights, and always came off victorious.
    This little village is at present very quiet, for nearly every able-bodied man is at work on the farm, or chopping cordwood, or prospecting, although just at present the snow on old Wagner Peak is too deep to admit of successful prospecting, but as soon as the snow shall have disappeared a great deal of actual work will be done, and without a doubt numerous ledges will be developed.
    We have churches here of several denominations. Rev. J. Morrison of the Seventh Day Baptist, Father Brower of the Dunkard, Bro. Kahler of the Methodist with friend Stevens of the Baptist, and Sunday school led by Billings. Also spiritual circles innumerable, and a literary society, and last but not least by a good deal, the Alliance, with one hundred and thirty-five members and more coming.
    Mrs. B. C. Goddard passed over to the unknown shore after a long and painful illness, at her daughter's home, Mrs. Ersula Dean, on Saturday morning, March 18. A large procession of her friends and neighbors followed her remains to the Talent cemetery, where with appropriate ceremony she was laid away to the long rest, after so long a journey on earth, she having passed her sixty-sixth birthday. She was a dutiful wife, affectionate mother, and true friend. Sic transit gloria mundi.
    At about 2 o'clock p.m. the house of James Purvis, being the fine residence built by David E. Stearns during his life, caught fire from a defective flue, and in one hour was entirely consumed. The neighbors immediately gathered from far and near, but a strong wind blowing, they were unable to save the residence, but prevented the outbuildings from catching fire and also secured the most of the household goods. Their loss is about $1,500 and comes very heavy on Mr. Purvis at this time.
    Several of the citizens are building new board fences around their fine farms and are moving the time-worn, old-fashioned, Virginia rail fences to the background. A few years ago the principal occupation of this neighborhood was the making and hauling of rails, and rails passed as legal tender to pay for produce and groceries, but with the introduction of more modern improvements no more rails are used. It is hard for an old timer to get used to the new order of things, and every day brings something new in this rushing, progressive age.
    I have been reading the predictions of John McGovern and Andrew H. Green, in regard to the future of the great cities of America one hundred years hence, and it occurred to me it would be a fine idea for the Mail to solicit essays from the students of the various schools, teachers or anyone else, to give their opinion in regard to the development of our beautiful valley during the next ten years. Not of any one particular spot, but the whole of this cove, surrounded as it is by the rim of everlasting mountains. If one part is improved the whole valley will feel the impulse. It is evident some great change must take place in our financial and business affairs, or there will not be employment for the rising generation that are now attending our numerous schools.
    A great deal of excitement, which caused a large crowd to gather, happened today. Some time ago Ben Dyer discovered a very rich ledge of gold quartz where the railroad had cut through the point of a hill near here, but the R.R. Co. would not allow him to work the mine on their right of way until he should prospect the ledge further away, and then if it proved rich, they were to give him the privilege to open to the right of way. He sunk a shaft fifty or sixty feet away, first having bonded the land from the owner, G. F. Billings. On last Friday he came to his home, having left his tools and windlass at the mine. Today when he and his men went back, they found some parties from Ashland working the mine, claiming to hold a bond for a deed from G. F. Billings for the land, and also asserting that they had taken out seven hundred dollars since last Saturday. It made Mr. Dyer pretty hostile, and it is hard to say how it will terminate. It throws a rather wrong appearance, either on the Ashland parties, or else on our esteemed Sunday school leader, G. F. Billings.
Medford Mail, March 24, 1893, page 1


    Mart Hurst, of Antelope, was in town making friends a visit, and reports everything sticky over there.
    The R.R. section boss here has a jolly crew of boys, and they appear very much interested to have the R.R. in good repair in and about Talent. It may be they have had a hint of the result of the aforesaid school census.
    John and George Wolgamott are putting out quite an acreage in fruit trees on their ranch in section 28, one mile and a half west of Talent. Their ranch is above the fog belt and is one of the finest places for fruit in the neighborhood.
    Emmett Beeson brought a load of nice, juicy, mild, yellow Danvers onions to town the forepart of the week. He had no trouble to dispose of them to good advantage. His ranch on Antelope Creek is noted for the fine vegetables he raises.
    Quite a number of our citizens past middle age are suffering with chronic diseases. Hr. Dunlap, Mr. Beeson, Noah Allen and our shoemaker, James Helms, are at the Bay for treatment. A. Clemens is also there. A. Drake is being treated at home, with hopes of recovery.
    A pleasant social party had at the residence of Mrs. Mary C. Beeson, on the eighteenth anniversary of her daughter Jessie's birthday, on the twenty-second inst., and all appeared to enjoy themselves muchly, and the recipients of the presents were much surprised and pleased.
    Our school clerk has made a private report to the writer that there are just an even forty young ladies in this school district between the ages of sweet sixteen and jolly nineteen, to say nothing of three handsome young grass widows. But maybe I hadn't ought to have told you, for as said above, the school clerk did not give this item in his report to the county superintendent.
    The warm sunshine the last few days has started grass and grain to growing in fine order, and everyone seems to have taken new life and are making garden while the sun shines. We have had so many cool, wet, disagreeable weeks that our "garden sass" is very backward and not, like C.C.C. says, "gone to seed." No, not much, we don't go to seed in or about Talent, this early in the season.
    George Dewey, an enterprising young man from California, who has captured one of Talent's fairest daughters, has a portion of E. K. Anderson's ranch rented, and notwithstanding the wet season, has a large portion neatly cultivated in grain which is growing fine. D. Shoemake is plowing another portion for corn, and with the well-known energy with which he is possessed, will undoubtedly make a success.
    The trouble over the mines near the railroad right of way at Bloody Point I spoke of last week still remains unsettled. J. B. Dyer has obtained counsel from one of the best mining expert attorneys, that the state of California affords, and is proceeding strictly according to law, and will without a doubt eventually hold the mine, but after tedious trials he discovered, notwithstanding a combination of capital is against him.
    E. K. Anderson, for the first time in many years, has leased the greater portion of his fine farm, and is turning his attention to mines, mercantile and manufacturing industries. Although the mining business is no new thing to him, having mined, perhaps, a longer number of years consecutively together than any other man now living in Jackson County. He informs me there has not been a year since 1849 he has not taken out more or less gold from mother earth.
    We are already feeling the effects of the great show at Chicago. A number of the enthusiastic citizens are rushing around to find curios and specimens to send, and one old gentleman, who is a cripple, and draws a goodly pension for services rendered Uncle Sam during the late unpleasantness, worked and toiled hard to get several sections of some big oak, laurel and alder trees, which were really fine specimens, but it was rather discouraging when the conductor of the passenger train saw the blocks on the platform ready for shipment, to remark: "Old man, they will split them blocks up into stovewood, and laugh at you for sending them." Another gentleman went up Wagner Creek and got a wagonload of rock to show what rich mines we have. Perhaps he can play them off in Chicago for quartz, but here the expert miners would say it was granite rock.
Medford Mail, March 31, 1893, page 2


    Our shoemaker, Mr. Devol, is still on the sick list.
    Robert Fleming was over from Antelope on business at Talent.
    The young people had an enjoyable social at the U.M.L. hall last Saturday evening.
    W. Beeson has left us for a week's vacation. I believe he is visiting friends about Medford and Jacksonville.
    The Conwell Bros., recently from the state of Georgia, have rented a farm of Helms & Ammerman, and are preparing to plant seventy-five acres of corn.
    Father Brower, the respected minister of the Dunkard church, is planting out a fine orchard and improving his residence in the northwest part of town.
    We are sorry to learn that our neighbor near Phoenix, Mr. Wiley, is having trouble with someone about some stock. We know Mr. Wiley would not intentionally allow his stock to damage anyone.
    The mining trouble at Bloody Point, of which I spoke last week, has been satisfactorily settled, by the purchase from J. B. Dyer of his interest in the mine. The other party is now pushing the tunnel in on a rich vein of quartz.
    Our citizens were hustling last week to raise cash, or in other words, "preparing to meet their sheriff," on time to save the additional percent, which was said would be added to the tax if not paid by April 1st.
    C.C.C. seems to think our climate has a pernicious effect on the veracity of Manafraidofabear, but the people up this way that are acquainted with M. have considerable confidence in him, but seem to be puzzled in regard to those ripe seeds on the garden "sass."
    Robert Purves, who has been at his father's the past two weeks helping to put up a residence for the family since the disastrous fire, has now returned to Williams Creek, where he is engaged putting out a large hop yard. He is an industrious, enterprising young man.
    The little pests known as ground squirrels are making their appearance in numbers, and for self-protection the farmers are scattering poisoned wheat around the fence corners to feed the marauding little animals. It is quite an additional inducement to the squirrels to eat the bait if a few drops of the oil of rhodium is mixed with the poison.
    Our enterprising farmers, James Harvey and sons, who are clearing a fine body of land on Bear Creek bottom and are otherwise improving their farm adjoining our town site, have purchased of Mr. W. J. Dean some fine, thoroughbred Poland China hogs, and intend to show as fine stock as anyone in the country.
    James Helms and A. Clemens returned from the bay much improved in health. Helms reports having had a pleasant visit with the colony of old residents of Jackson County, located on Ninth Street, Oakland. He met James Glenn, John Drum, Jerry Martin and a number of other well-known men that made their fortune in old Jackson, and have retired to Oakland to enjoy life.
    We notice W. P. Dodge has started the ball in motion in regard to the future of our valley. We are in hopes others will express themselves. In that way thought will be started among us, and we will realize what a grand resource of nature we have been blessed with, only awaiting a combined effort of men to use it to our mutual advantage.
Medford Mail, April 7, 1893, page 2


    Editor Mail:--Our friend Dick, the Eagle Point correspondent of the Valley Record, seems to have got mixed on the tax problem and is calling for help from the widely renowned legal lights, Judge Neal, W. H. Breese and myself. I have not been able to confer with my colleagues, but what I learn from attorney Joe Simon, of Portland, the mortgage tax law as it is designated will be of great benefit to the people of Oregon, for it will encourage capital to invest. What in? Why, mortgages, of course. Don't you see, Bro. Dick? You and I can invest the vast sums we have made the past few years in plowing sticky, in mortgages, send the mortgage to Yreka for safekeeping, and not be bothered by paying taxes, and yet our county and state won't lose anything, for the fellow that gives us the mortgage has to pay full value for the property he holds, no matter if he does owe us two-thirds of its value. Oh! this late lamented legislature, under the direction of our Portland friends, kept a good look out for us capitalists. They did not want Dick and I and all the rest of the rich men to carry our vast capital out of the state which we were in danger of doing if we undertake to walk out this wet weather.
    But jokes aside. It does look kind of like double taxation. This week I own $500 worth of cattle on which I am able to pay taxes, if Bro. Woolridge gets around to assess them. But he don't come, and next week Bro. Dick comes and buys my cattle for which he gives me his note for $500. About that time along comes Woolridge. He says, "Howdy Beeson, what property you got?" Well, I say, "I ain't got much. Here is about three hundred dollars worth of household stuff, but that is exempt, cause the old lady keeps house, and I board with her sometimes." "All right," says Woolridge, "is that all you got?" "I have got a note on Dick; I reckon you don't charge on that " "Oh! yes we do, we tax notes when we find them, but we don't often find them."
    He turns to Dick, goes through the same questions, but Dick tells him he owes me a note of $500 for the cattle. "Oh! that makes no difference. We tax everything." Hurrah! Jackson County gets taxes on $1000 and there is only the same $500 worth of cattle that there was last week. See?
    At this lick my friend the Judge will be able to redeem his promise, and get the county out of debt during the next four years.
Medford Mail, April 14, 1893, page 1

    Editor Mail:--By your clemency, I would say to the intelligent readers of your interesting paper that, between showers, we have been cogitating among ourselves and corresponding with some of the authorities as to the  practicability of securing a telephone line between Ashland and Medford, with Talent and Phoenix as intermediate stations. We find there will be no difficulty in the realization of the enterprise if the places mentioned will each come down with the necessary money. When it is ascertained what the assessments for each place will be, a meeting can be called and solicitors appointed. It must be conceded by all parties that a telephone communication would be a great convenience, if not a luxury, as it need not require the services of an expert, as anyone who can talk in any language can use it, provided the one at the other office can hear and understand. Another thing we have applied for is an express office in Talent so that we  may procure checks to send off, also receive checks through the mail and not be subjected to the inconvenience of going away so far from home for our exchange. A third convenience--especially to settlers in the foothills west of Talent--which is under consideration, is a public road from here directly west on the line between land owned by Welborn Beeson, Helms and Amerman and through E. K. Anderson's and James Reams' places. There are four or five families living among these foothills within three miles of Talent, who have no public outlet, but are obliged to open gates and fences and go twice as far around coming to this metropolis to market. We do not object to our neighbors building new fences, but it would look better, in our judgment, if they wouldn't set them in the road, unless in the middle, so that teams might take either side and not strike together, as they are likely to now.
Medford Mail, April 14, 1893, page 5


    The predictions for 1993 that have been going the rounds of the press have reference mainly to the large cities of the Union. One prophet lifts the veil of the future and sees Denver the largest city in 1993; another sees Chicago the largest.
    Of course New York and other cities have their friends among the prophets.
    It is presumable that each prediction favors the city in which the prophet is most interested. Now, ye editor of the News is, of course, most interested in his own town. Nothing would suit us better than to read the horoscope of Talent and make a full report to our readers; but there being no astrologer doing business in this valley, we can do nothing in that line. But we are not discouraged.
    Spooks are always available. There are probably more spooks, good, bad and indifferent, to the cubic foot about Talent than can be found around any other town in Southern Oregon, not even excepting Ashland. Now, spooks are bashful creatures; they don't like to talk with people that are wide awake. It is necessary to enter into a full or semi-trance condition.
    If one has learned how to do this, his way is clear. Having taken lessons in the art of going to sleep at will, we resolved by this means to woo the sprites of the air and note the result. So, with note book in hand, we seat ourself in the one chair in our office, with our feet resting comfortably on a type case, draw the mantle of forgetfulness about us, close our eyes, become mentally "passive" and await developments. After the usual preliminaries we are controlled by a spook gentleman who announces himself as a noted prophet of old, who has been constantly perfecting his prophetic powers during the long centuries since he was doing business in that line on earth, and that he has got the art of reading the future down to so fine a point that he is sure of hitting it every time.
    Then we asked:
    Then in slow and measured phrase he gives us the following startling information, our pencil keeping pace with his words:
    "Verily the hamlet of Talent hath a wonderful future. With my trained eyes I will peer through the mists of the century to come and thou shalt know the truth.
    "Knowest thou that the growth of a city dependeth upon the mighty men that dwell therein? Verily there are many valiant men in Talent and they have great possessions; but their desire lyeth not in the way of building cities. One would sell all that he hath and journey to a far country, yea to the city of Oakland; another selleth goods in the market place and maketh bacon of swine's flesh, yea the flesh that was condemned under the Law; the desire of another is to thresh out the grain that groweth in the valley; another putteth his shekels into banks and the town seeth them not. The mighty captain of the tribe of Populists looketh afar off for greater honors than the tribe may give unto him; another liveth the forlorn life of a bachelor and his desire is to return to a far country, yea the country of Faderland, and take unto himself a wife. I see two mighty men of your town, yea they are spiritual counselors, but they would not have the people place their affections on things of earth, even to the rearing of cities. A worker in wood also dwelleth in your town but I see that he laboreth in neighboring cities more than in his own. Your young men and maidens journey to the south and to the north and Talent knoweth them no more. Many there are that dwell in the country round about who might come out to the help of the city if the mighty men therein would lead the way. I see a man of large possession who dwelleth on the highway that leadeth towards Medford, but he has many trained dogs and his desire is to hunt the bear, the deer and the coon; yea he is a mighty hunter; there is none like him in the land. To the west I see a man who tilleth a large orchard where groweth the peach, the apple and the pear, but his chief desire is to delve into the earth for the gold that is the root of all evil. I see a highway that leadeth by a creek that is called Wagner. One of the dwellers thereon is, I should judge, a collector of taxes, for he constantly journeyeth throughout the country round about. The desire of many others that dwell nearby is to read the blasphemous writings that are found in certain books and papers and they have no part in the town. Verily none of these people putteth forth an effort to build up the city of Talent. But verily I make known unto thee that in a brief time a mighty man will journey to Talent. Yea he will become a leader. He will establish a great market place and people will come from the uttermost parts of the valley to exchange their produce for his wares. This mighty man will employ scribes to write the merits of Talent and publish the same in the News and all other great newspapers of the land. Verily thousands of people from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south, that read of the beauties of your town, journey hither, buy town lots and build houses upon them and dwell therein. Workers in wood and workers in iron, carvers of stone, makers of raiment, skilled workers in brass, teachers of schools, preachers of the gospel, doctors of medicine, and doctors of law; yea every trade and every profession is represented. A score of years pass and lo! and behold, Phoenix is absorbed in Talent. I peer into the future and note its marvelous growth. A century passes.
    "I see spread out before me a mighty city. It extendeth from beyond Ashland on the south to Medford on the north; yea these three are one and the length thereof is one score miles and the width thereof is one fourth of the length thereof.
    "But lo! the name is changed. The three cities unite, their names are blended, the great city is called TALASHFORD.
    "I behold massive buildings and lofty towers, extensive parks and lovely gardens. An electric railway runneth the length of the city. I see magnificent school buildings supplied with the most wonderful apparatus for use in teaching the young the beauties and wonders of the world around them. I see a mighty structure in the center of the city; yea it hath eight stories. On the front is an arch on which is written NEWS BUILDING. I look within. Wonderful to behold! Verily the NEWS is as large as the blanket that covereth a horse and it hath a million readers:"
    That quickly brought us out of our trance and the spook fled. But we sat and pondered over the wonderful disclosures, gazed long and musingly about our office and--drew comparisons. 
Edward Robison, Talent News, April 15, 1893, page 3  Reprinted in the Medford Mail, April 21, 1893, page 1

    Mr. McClurg has moved into town and occupies the Phil. Briner residence.
    John Nyswaner, of Rogue River, was visiting in Talent the other day. He reports the roads in bad condition.
    Snow continues so deep on the hills it deters much prospecting that otherwise would have been done ere this.
    The family of John Garvin is occupying the fine residence of Mr. Cox while Mr. Garvin and son, James, are prospecting for a rich ledge on Wagner Peak.
    The owners of the celebrated Patton mine contemplate running a tunnel into the hill to tap their rich ledge at a 500-foot level, which will bring labor to several more men.
    We were perambulating around Phoenix the other day and were very hospitably entertained by your correspondent, Manafraidofabear, whose latch string always hangs out for his friends.
    The marriage of Robert Gray and Mrs. Hargrave was recently celebrated in this locality. Their friends hereabouts, and there are many of them, wish the couple a long and happy life.
    William Addison has sold a part of his nice farm to Matthew Stewart, of Washington, who takes possession the first of May. Addison will build on the other part. We will have two good neighbors instead of one.
    J. B. Dyer has rented Warren Lyndee's blacksmith shop and has fitted up two forges and still has all the work he can get through with. He is an excellent artisan and is known far and near. His brother, Butler, and son Arthur are assisting him.
    A Mr. Sherril, from Washington, is holding a series of meetings. He represents a sect that keeps the sabbath on Saturday, but still is of a different denomination in some ways from the Rev. Mr. Morrison, who has been preaching here all winter.
    We came very near having to record a lawsuit, but after the summons and subpoenas were served the defendant came to the justice and compromised by paying the original bill, the justice assuming the costs of suit. The constable is my informant of the above item.
    H. Kinney, a former resident, is here visiting his numerous friends. He has traveled from Victoria, B.C., to San Diego and back since leaving here. He is now located at Riddle, the town that has the great nickel mine situated near it. He thinks of visiting the world's fair soon.
    Our road supervisor is out trying to mend our ways, which have been in a terrible condition all winter. Our position is like that of the Arkansas man: When it rains we can't fix our roads, and when it don't rain they are as good as anybody's road. That is the case now. It has not rained for three days, and the wind has dried the mud so hard that it is difficult to do any work.
    There was quite an excitement among the sheep herders during court week. Several were called to town as witnesses before the grand jury, and had to hire substitutes in their places to attend the gentle flocks. There are quite a number of sheep kept on the range east of Talent during the winter, and then are driven to the Siskiyous south of Talent in the summer.
    The county Alliance met here last Friday and Saturday, and there was a large attendance from all parts of the county. Your correspondent is an outsider, but judging from the well-filled baskets of provisions we saw carried to the hall they must have been enjoying a pretty good time. I expected to see the Mail editor on deck, but, owing to a misunderstanding, so I learn, as to the privacy of the session, he failed to appear. The evening session was for everybody--you ought to have been there. Mr. Kaiser of the Record was present.
    I suppose the readers of the Mail must have been muchly disappointed last week when, after searching all over your paper, they failed to find the usual "Talent Truths," but my excuse is I was so busy looking for my garden seeds I had planted a week or two ago. I guess they have grown down the other way. It has been so cold and stormy they don't show up on this side Although such bad weather, the owners of cattle complain that there is a kind of fly attacking the cattle that almost drives them crazy. It is what is known as the foot fly.
    The district clerk, as per order of the directors, has posted notices to hold a school meeting on April 29 to levy a tax to erect more commodious school buildings, which are very much needed. There will be some opposition by some of our wealthiest citizens, which fact is regretted, as public schools should be one of the first objects with patriotic Americans, and a good school will enhance the value of any town or village, but our capitalists say they do not want their real estate to raise in value. It is high enough now when the assessor comes around. But when a stranger from the East comes and wants to purchase a home the price is set at $100 per acre for land that they grumble to pay taxes at the rate of $10 per acre.
Medford Mail, April 21, 1893, page 6


    C. Oltman, the successful bee man of Tolo, was here on business.
    Williams & Cook are sinking a shaft on Bloody Point and think they are on a ledge--the assay is $10 in gold.
    Mrs. Dow, of Linn County, was here visiting acquaintances a few days. She expects to return to Lebanon shortly.
    H. Kinney, of Riddles, spent Sunday last with his numerous friends here. He thinks of visiting the great fair shortly.
    Edward Wyant, who has been sojourning among us, departed for his home at Bandon, in Coos County. The girlies will miss him here.
    Carlisle & Dunlap have had an assay on their ledge, the "Shortie," the result of which was $15.05 in gold and $1.82 in silver, total $16.87.
    Wm. Addison, who sold his place last week to Mathew Stewart, has purchased of H. Ammerman the Pennebaker place, for the sum of $2,600.
    Devol, our local shoemaker, is talking of soon going to Phoenix, Arizona. We are sorry to have him leave, as he is a good workman and a gentleman.
    Oscar L. Stearns, the mechanic, when he don't have employment in building houses, takes contracts to put up stovewood, which he does in the workmanlike manner that is usual with him.
    Parties were circulating a petition to have the P.M. changed to one more congenial to the present administration, but I have not learned with what success. The P.M. we now have fills the duties satisfactorily as far as I know.
    Mr. Strong, of Josephine County, is at his son-in-law's, James R. Reames', suffering from the effects of a chip of steel flying into his eye while pounding the metal. Dr. Geary is in attendance, but fears he will not be able to preserve the sight.
    E. K. Anderson has the largest collection of curios from Alaska, of anyone in the county. It consists of the handiwork of the natives, representing their implements of war and of the chase, their dress, and their canoes and ornaments. Edie Foss has a cabinet of ornithology specimens, about fifty varieties of eggs of the feathered denizens of our country. Mineralogy is represented in the cabinet of J. B. Dyer, our local assayist.
    Rainy, snowy, disagreeable weather still stays with us. Winter is a little too much like the fellow that came to see my neighbor's daughter the other night. It is lingering in the lap of spring a little too long to suit the old man, but for all, we ought not to growl and grumble, for the telegraph brings us word of a terrible blizzard and snow storm all over Iowa and Illinois, and rain and fog in the Willamette so thick that they are talking of floating a steamboat to the summit of Mount Hood.
    Capt. W. Rawlings, who spent a portion of last spring among us, and whose son, Grant Rawlings, is teaching the Brownsboro school, arrived here on Sunday with his family. He brought a carload of fine stock with him. They expect to locate somewhere in the valley. They are now at W. Beeson's, Mrs. Beeson being a niece of the captain's. By the way, the captain has a trophy of the late war, which is quite a curio to a great many. It is a battle-worn Confederate flag captured by him at the battle of Black River, Mississippi, on the 17th day of May, 1863, and has never been returned, as per order several years ago.
Medford Mail, April 28, 1893, page 1


    The news of the sudden death of Mr. Welborn Beeson, of Talent, was received with much regret by his many Medford friends last Saturday evening.
    The cause of Mr. Beeson's sudden demise was heart trouble. He had been affected with this trouble for some time, and an incident which may perhaps have hastened the end was that of unusual excitement brought about by an altercation had with a Mr. Duval, of Talent, about noon of the day of his death. The rumor of foul play worked so strong upon the minds of his relatives that Coroner Pickel was called and an inquest was held Sunday morning, resulting in clearing up the before-suspicious surroundings and exonerating, criminally, all parties about whom there might have lingered a suspicion. The evidence, as gathered at the inquest and from two eyewitnesses, was that while an altercation occurred no blows were administered upon the person of Mr. Beeson. The jury's verdict was that "deceased came to his death by heart failure brought on by excitement." Dr. Pryce was also called and made a thorough examination of the body but found no evidence of foul play.
    Funeral services were held at the residence Sunday afternoon and were very largely attended by friends from all parts of the county.
    Mr. Beeson was one of the pioneers of the Rogue River Valley, and by judicious, careful attention to business had acquired a considerable amount of wealth. He had a large circle of acquaintances both in Jackson and surrounding counties and all were counted as his friends. He was about sixty years of age.
Medford Mail, May 5, 1893, page 5


    We have the sad intelligence to communicate to your readers that your recent worthy reporter, who has written over the nom de plume "Vox," or properly, Mr. Welborn Beeson, is dead and buried. I would not presume to attempt to don his mantle as the Talent contributor to the press, neither to write a lengthy obituary of the deceased, as there are others chosen, and more competent to perform that duty, but will only remark that perhaps there was no citizen in Jackson County more extensively or more favorably known than was Welborn Beeson. We can say, after an intimate acquaintance of fifteen years, as a neighbor and business man, we have proven him upright, and as a philanthropist he led the column. In matters of public interest he was willing to make sacrifices, as all his acquaintances know, but as Prof. W. J. Dean has been selected to write the biography, I acquiesce.
Medford Mail, May 5, 1893, page 5


    At the earnest solicitation of Mr. W. T. York I have consented to attempt the task of supplying the vacancy caused by the death of our late lamented fellow citizen, Mr. Welborn Beeson, as your contributor, acknowledging at the outset our inability to attain his standard, yet we will promise to do our best.
    Elder A. J. Stevens and sons are our most extensive gardeners and E. K. Anderson and son are the "boss" fruit men of this precinct.
    Our corn planting is rather late, but there is a larger acreage being planted than ever. The Harveys have about 200 acres planted and many others are planting in proportion to the size of their farms.
    The "No Tax" men have held the new school house down to date, but the progressives do not propose to give it up so, but will take a different tack the next special meeting. The women must vote before we shall get a new school house.
    The season has been more favorable to placer mining and duck farming than ordinary, and yet we have not had a season since the writer's settlement in this valley--1877--when the prospects were better for heavy yields of cereals, fruits and vegetables than now.
    All public enterprises in this locality have lost their most prominent supporter in the death of friend Beeson. Prof. Dean has not overestimated his virtues in his eulogy, but our loss is Heaven's gain. Welborn Beeson did not make any hypocritical professions, but acted the Christian and philanthropist.
    Since our contribution of sample Southern Oregon timber has reached foreign eyes on their way to the world's fair, we are receiving orders for large quantities of manzanita and mahogany from furniture factories, and I wouldn't be surprised if we had a lucrative trade in this direction in the near future, shipping by the carload. We have 1,000 carloads of these valuable ornamental woods within 5 miles of Talent.
    As a consequence of a correspondence a representative of the Bell Telephone Company called on the writer lately and proposed to put up and keep in repair the outfit for a telephone line connecting Talent with Ashland, and if the franchise can be secured, extend the line to Jacksonville via Phoenix, Medford and Central Point. All of us should encourage the enterprise.
Medford Mail, May 19, 1893, page 4


    Visitors in this locality unanimously consent that we have got the handsomest location for picturesque scenery in the Rogue River Valley, and wonder why we are not prosperous and happy. It may be considered a humiliating acknowledgment, yet we think in justice to the climate, soil, water, mineral and numerous other natural advantages, the greatest drawback to the prosperity of this or any locality is the indolence and penuriousness on the part of the land owners. If, instead of such characters we had men of energy and enterprise who believe in living and allowing others to live, they would build some two-story brick blocks with store rooms below and halls and offices above, or induce capitalists to put up factories, by offering bonuses, lay out wide streets, build macadamized pavements with flagstone sidewalks and trees on the margins, but what can be expected of a town whose capitalists oppose building a good schoolhouse and laying out public roads through their lands? Such men would be more useful by their absence from any locality. We would wish their successors persons of the opposite character. Talent will not take her proper position according to her merit until there is a radical change in the administration of affairs. Within 5 miles of where our depot should be there is an inexhaustible supply of red and yellow fir, pine, oak, madrone, alder, manzanita, mahogany, yew and elderberry. The manzanita and mahogany are capable of receiving a polish equal to a mirror, and are very valuable for cabinet work. There are 1,000 acres of rich garden lands which need but little artificial irrigation, being sub-irrigated, and there is not an acre, except Bear Creek channel but that will produce from 25 to 75 bushels per acre of cereal crops under proper cultivation. All this locality needs is brains and energy to make it a second garden of Eden. We have some such characters viz: Prof. W. J. Dean, Julius Foss, W. H. Breese, Andy Weidner, Rev. A. J. Stevens, Charlie Harvey and L. Morris. There are hard-working men hereabouts who, by proper encouragement on the part of our land owners, might soon own the land they are working and deserve to own, but instead are dissatisfied and would leave the place if they could afford to, but are too poor. If men of brains, enterprise and with live-and-let-live principles would come to Talent and buy out these land owners who are acting the dishonorable part of dog in the manger character it would not be long until this locality might be a second edition of the garden of Eden.
    Our M.E. pastor--Doctor Kohler--is holding an interesting series of religious meetings in the Baptist church.
Medford Mail, May 26, 1893, page 6


    God favored us with a gentle shower Tuesday morning, for which all should be thankful, but I don't suppose those having alfalfa hay down will be. By the way, this first crop is enormous. If the next three crops are as heavy as the first, Wagner Creek alfalfa meadows will yield eight tons per acre during the season. Joe Robison & Sons have a 30-acre alfalfa meadow, by the liberal use of irrigation, of which they have all they want. I shouldn't be surprised if they clear $1000 this season.
    Ashland and Talent did themselves honor on Memorial Day at Ashland, by honoring the day in solemnity, while they formed in line all decked with bouquets in hats, hands and belts, and in bright uniforms and the regalia of the civic orders to which they belonged.
    The live farmers are hustling in their corn fields these days of growing weather--the same our gardeners, and no one worthy the name of American citizen would be idle at this season.
    Brother A. J. Wilcox's son Frank has been down with inflammatory rheumatism a few days, but under the skillful direction of Dr. Wait, he is now convalescing.
Medford Mail, June 2, 1893, page 2


    The Wilcox family are all convalescent after a siege of the grip.
    Crops of all kinds are booming this warm, pleasant weather. We never had such prospects.
    Tom Guyer left Talent by 5 p.m. train Tuesday, for a lengthy visit with his daughter's family at Corvallis.
    Jos. Robison is having a serious time again with his lame limb. Dr. Pryce was called Monday and concluded it was necessary to amputate the leg above the knee as soon as the condition of his blood would justify the operation.
    S. Sherman, wife and daughter Alice contemplate a visit to the beach at Crescent City. They go by team and hack and expect to be gone twelve or fifteen days and be back to celebrate the Fourth at Phoenix.
Medford Mail, June 9, 1893, page 2


Written for the Medford Mail.
    Leaving Talent on Friday morning, June 22nd, after the soaking rain the day before, we found the dust well laid and some puddles of water, but the weather was as clear and pleasant as we might ask. After procuring a 9x10-foot tent and complete supplies at Talent, Medford and Central Point while passing through these places, we lunched at the Central Point camp meeting grove, and camped and pitched our tent on the bank of Rogue River near the venerable Dr. Colvig's residence [in Rock Point]. The second night near Wilderville, the third near Waldo, the fourth, three miles beyond Patrick's Creek, and the fifth on the plaza in Crescent City. We found the Coast Range very hilly and but very little level land after crossing the Illinois River four miles beyond the mining town of Waldo, but the road is superb and an easy grade all the way, but the toll is $3 each way for a two-horse vehicle. We considered this cheap after learning the grading cost, at least $100,000. The toll gate is at Gasquet's ranch, 15 miles from Crescent City. We found the redwoods immense and the ocean more so. We found the citizens of the place and its suburbs clever--both whites and Indians. We camped five days on the bluff near Pebble Beach two miles southwest of the city. Leaving our goods in care of the Indians near by, we visited around daytimes and went home evenings. We visited the logging camps, saw mills and dairy ranches on Smith River to our heart's content and reached Talent on Thursday, July 6th. We had an enjoyable trip and cost, all told, $12.
Medford Mail, July 21, 1893, page 1


    The third crop of alfalfa is about ready to cut.
    The life insurance agent is around this week--doing well.
    We have cool nights, but warm and somewhat dusty and smoky days.
    Mr. B. C. Goddard, an honorable citizen of Wagner Creek, died and was buried last week.
    The Davison thresher is being run for all it is worth on the east side opposite Talent. Wheat yields 30 to 40 bushels to the acre.
    Our blacksmiths and wheelwrights are kept busy nowadays. Ben. Dyer furnishes employment for three blacksmiths and two wood workmen.
    Some people imagine we have hard times here in the Rogue River Valley. I imagine it is only sympathy with Colorado, Idaho and some other states where the surplus has flooded the demand. Here, with an abundance of produce held over, an abundant crop of everything to harvest, and auspicious weather, there is scarcely any cause to complain of hard times. Yet people will talk.
    After an absence of seventeen days the Klum and Addison outing party returned home, highly pleased with their visit to Eastern Oregon and intermediate scenery. There seems to be a greater number of pleasure seekers this season than common, some in their own conveyances, many inside of the cars, and more afoot and on the brakebeams of the cars. I would prefer they would take those risks than I. The trainmen are much annoyed here at Talent as it would subject them to expulsion, carrying deadbeats into Ashland.
Medford Mail, August 25, 1893, page 1


    Under the superior skill of Dr. Geary, Mrs. F. M. Jordan is now convalescing from a serious spell of sickness.
    Owing to a misunderstanding among the parties, the new steam thresher of Davison and Sleppy after a two weeks' run was run under the shed for the balance of the season.
    The Abbott saw mill has been moved one mile further up the canyon and is now ready for business again. If good work and fair dealing are virtues, then Wm. Abbott will deserve a large patronage.
    Congress has voted on the silver question, but I don't see that it has made any difference to us either way yet. We all hope it will be for the better for both producer and consumer, if that is a possibility.
    Our Wagner Creek butcher and meat peddler, John Veit, must be a son of a rustler by the way he gets around Talent and suburbs with choice beef and mutton, on Monday and Thursday mornings. He thinks of establishing a market here at Talent, soon.
    A traveling salesman for the house of J. K. Gill & Co., of Portland, Or., stopped at the Sherman restaurant to fill up the "tender" to his bicycle on Monday the 28th. Travel in this style is becoming popular, as it is cheaper and easier than by horseback.
Medford Mail, September 1, 1893, page 5


    Threshing is about all done, and people are now busy with fruit.
    The Dunkard brothers are holding a series of meetings to include Sundays 3rd and 10th. They are to have communion next Saturday eve.
    The Talent public school is to commence on Monday the 11th inst. with Prof. Oscar Holt at the ferrule and Miss Zella Cheney assistant. The school is an assured success on the part of the teachers, as far as the condition of the old school house will permit.
    Section Foreman Clint and his squad have replaced new and different "mail exchange" with stiles, instead of the clumsy old rock box. It is a slight improvement, but it lacks a considerable of being a long-needed depot and ticket office at this point.
    We Talent people were somewhat startled by loud reports of thunder down the valley last night and expected of course, to see the dust turned into mud this morning, but we learned it was the Medford people giving expression to their joyfulness by firing a salute after learning that they might keep the cannon till after the reunion. We are all glad of this privilege.
Medford Mail, September 15, 1893, page 5


From the News, October 15.
    Travis Lynch returned from California last week.
    Miss Anna Belle Briner, of Ashland, is visiting relatives in Talent.
    Andrew Briner has purchased and moved onto his father's place on Anderson Creek.
    W. J. Dean was going about with two canes last week, a result of a severe attack of lumbago.
    John Cabler, from the upper end of the valley, has rented John Holton's place near Wagner Creek.
    A religious revival is now under full headway at Talent, conducted by Revs. Wood, Butler, Smith, Black and Kahler.
    Mrs. Francis Glanden, of Seattle, is visiting her brother, John Moreland, of Talent, who has been in very poor health for several months.
    Miss Jessie Beeson, who has been slowly failing in health for a year or more, has gone to Ashland where she will spend several weeks under the care of Mrs. Dr. Webster. The many friends of the young lady have strong hopes that she will fully recover.
Medford Mail, October 20, 1893, page 2


    Some are contemplating cutting their fifth crop of alfalfa hay since the late rains. Hurrah for Jackson County.
    John D. Atwaters and wife have moved down from their Wagner Creek place and are now occupying the widow Harris' place in Talent.
    One can bet on Jackson County for raising more wheat, corn, hay, peaches, pears, prunes, and apples and prettier babies to the acre than any county in the state or United States.
    There are numerous latecomers settling around Talent and the foothills. Among others a family of four are occupying the Wilshire place. The man's name is A. E. Littlefield, and they are from Weiser, Idaho. They are farmers and wish to buy or rent a small tract of land. At present they are running two plows for the Conwell Bros. in their 60-acre corn stubble preparatory to seeding to wheat.
    Our Methodist minister Dr. Wood met with a serious mishap on Sunday morning early, the 15th inst., while driving toward Ashland to bring his wife down to the 11 a.m. meeting. His buggy came suddenly uncoupled, throwing him heavily forward on his head, arm and stomach, and being dragged about 80 rods. His horse was stopped by a tramp in time to save his life. Some devil in human shape had removed three nuts and the kingbolt during the night and tied it with a tow string. Some of our Talent hoodlums will be hung for murder before they will be satisfied.
    Dr. J. L. Wood, the new Ashland dentist, also Methodist preacher in charge of the Talent and Phoenix churches, is at present conducting a series of revival meetings at this place. Other Ashland preachers are present to preach and otherwise assist each evening. Dr. Wood expects to hold on, over the next quarterly meeting occasion, which Elder Jones informs us in the P.C. Advocate will be held at Talent the 29th and 30th inst.
    Dr. Wood's accident obliged him to close the revival meetings last night (Tuesday), as he has suffered from hemorrhage of the lungs and is constantly growing worse.
Medford Mail, October 20, 1893, page 2


    DEAR BRO. HARMAN: Our subscription to the LIGHT BEARER expired some time ago, and we enclose $2.00 to be applied for one year's subscription to one of the best papers which make their weekly visits to our house. We should have remitted long ago but are very busy attending from three to four meetings every week--Alliance and People's Party meetings. The masses can be induced to attend those meetings, and a true reformer will always drop a word for the cause LUCIFER champions so bravely.
    It is true, only free mothers will produce a harmonious and well-balanced offspring, but it is also true as long as children are born by accident that mothers and fathers who suffer and are crushed through our unjust social and economic system--that they will impress a hatred for the present existing conditions on their unborn offspring, which will make the flame of liberty mount sky-high and will illuminate the whole world and make every tyrant tremble.
    Political, social and religious equality is a farce, a sham, as long as we have economic dependence on a few men who now control money, land, transportation and the tools of production. Solve the economic question, loosen the grip of the bandits who control the physical necessities, and then we will see the true individual develop as never before in human history. Not before that time comes will noble, grand men and women go hand in hand to the land of freedom.
    Yes, Bro. Harman, the space occupied in LUCIFER's columns for the ventilation cf financial problems is not wasted. Go on with your work of education; humanity is hungry for radical food; the thinkers are multiplying and their thoughts receive respectful attention from those who only delighted to vilify and scorn them a few years ago. This is true in both physical and psychic investigation.
    The paper now opened in LUCIFER on "Sex Ethics," by S. C. Campbell, is in the right direction. The altitude held up to man is high. But in that direction we find the "Coming Man." The coming man will be strongly magnetic, strong in passion, but reason will control all. Yours for progress,
Talent, Ore., 11-30-'93.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, December 8, 1893, page 3


    There was a lively and quite serious shooting affray up at the Harvey ranch, near Talent, last Sunday morning. Mr. Harvey has had in his employ for some time a young man about twenty-two years old named Will Wilcox, who during his service with Mr. H. has been occupying a room at a tenement house owned by Mr. H. and leased by a Mr. Conwell. Saturday night of last week, during Mr. Conwell's absence, Wilcox, who, by the way, is said to be somewhat light fingered, was about to enter Mrs. Conwell's room and when remonstrated with by the lady, and by her was told to keep in his own part of the house, applied insulting epithets to the lady and was very abusive. Upon the return of her husband he was told of Wilcox's actions and the following (Sunday) morning Conwell walked over to Mr. H's. residence, about three hundred yards distance, to protest against such conduct, and was standing on the porch in conversation with Mr. H. when Wilcox and a companion came around the house to near where the gentlemen were conversing. Upon being asked by Mr. H. as to why he did not stay in his part of the house, he (Wilcox) denied the report made by Mrs. C., calling the lady a liar. This remark brought out a worded discussion which resulted in Conwell striking at Wilcox with his fist, whereupon the latter produced a revolver from his pocket and fired two shots at Conwell, neither of which took effect as intended, one passing through his hat brim and the other entering the side of the house. Conwell's retreat from danger's way was utterly impossible as he was standing on the porch with his back against the side of the house, and as a target was to him not the one thing most desired, he reached for his revolver and fired two shots at his assailant, one of which took effect in the abdomen. The bullet entered the abdomen a little below the ribs, passed through the abdomen and lodged near the spinal column, from which place it was removed by Drs. Wait and Geary.
    Conwell was arrested and Monday had an examination before Justice Foudray, District Attorney Benson appearing for the state and attorneys Fitch & Cardwell for the defense. The testimony of five eyewitnesses was taken, from which it appeared that the shooting, so far as defendant was concerned, was wholly in self-defense, and he was accordingly discharged. The defendant is spoken of as a very peaceful, law-abiding citizen, and the sympathy of nearly the entire community is with him.
    Wilcox is reported in a very critical condition and in all probability will die. A later report says he is improving and may recover.
Medford Mail, January 5, 1894, page 3


    The Talent school closed a week ago last Monday on account of scarlatina.
    Joseph Robison and wife and daughter and Jas. Helms and wife left for San Francisco today. Mr. Robison goes to get him a leg, and his wife will go on to Southern California to visit her brother.
    In sadness do we chronicle the death of Mrs. J. W. Beatty, which took place in Oakland, California, last Sunday morning. She had gone there to have a cancer removed from her side, but the operation proved too severe for her failing strength. The remains were interred in the Phoenix cemetery yesterday. Mrs. Beatty was an estimable lady whose loss will be felt by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Medford Mail, February 9, 1894, page 2


    What was news to report last fall, viz, rains, has got to be an old story, so I don't suppose you care to have it repeated that we have had a shower or even a soaking rain.
    The health of our people has been generally good. The family of Mrs. Beeson have suffered slightly with scarlatina, but all have now recovered; so has Master Harry Lowe and all others.
    The wedding of James Garvin and Jessie Beeson, which took place at the home of the bride's mother last Sunday. the 18th inst., has been about all that has transpired of consequence since the wet season set in.
    There have been about 30 carloads of wheat and fruit shipped from Talent so far, and about 10 yet to ship, but if the railroad company was gracious of business as they might be, and give us proper and convenient shipping facilities, their trade might be 200 carloads instead of 30 or 40 from Talent. As it is, we are tributary to Medford and Ashland, and our place is dying out. Our enterprising citizens are leaving the place, and soon there will none remain but old fogies.
Medford Mail, February 23, 1894, page 2


    We have no excess of enterprise to report but, yet, it might be "drier" and less eventful.
    Everybody is waiting for better weather so that something may be done besides loafing.
    No one sick that we hear of in this locality. All have a supply of the necessaries if not the luxuries of life.
    Mr. Klum, having sold his store and traded his property here for property in Ashland, he stepped out of the store last Monday and Ted Barclay stepped in. We understand the Barclays are Baptists in religion and Populists in politics, so in those two points there is quite a difference in the sentiments of the outgoers and incomers. Mr. K. is shipping his household goods by cars to Ashland today, Tuesday.
    The populist pot has been simmering here in this neck of the woods, and almost, at times, it came near the boiling point. All is now quiet and harmonious, and it is hoped will continue. If only everybody would vote as they pray the result might be all right, but, to the shame of many, they vote as they curse, and curse as they vote. For the good of the county, it is hoped that a set of competent as well as honest officers will be chosen to fill our county offices hereafter, be they of what party they may.
Medford Mail, March 9, 1894, page 2


    Mr Z. P. Webster, who has been seriously ill, is happily convalescing, through the skill of Doctor Brower, of Ashland.
    The mud is drying up around in spots, but yet is necessary to have flags on the mules' ears--bells don't do any good.
    Andrew Briner, an experienced mechanic, is soon to have charge of Ben. Dyer's shop, while Dyer and Long go out prospecting for mineral.
    Several of our Talent young men and girls have gone to work out in California, and several more expect to go as soon as the logging camps and mills start up business.
    Talent's new merchants, the Barclay Bros., are deserving what they are getting--lots of trade. If "live and let live" margins are successful anywhere, Ted Barclay is bound to win, and don't you forget it.
    Our fruit merchant, Geo. W. Edwards, is preparing to close up the season's apple packing and shipping next week. He has had a long siege of it and has given constant employment to about a dozen men and several teams.
    Since the unemployed have all started for Washington times are briskening up, the mills have commenced to start up steam, and the miners are preparing to work their placer mines while the ground is soft and every gulch has a stream of wash water.
    A three-year-of child of Jo. Kerby met with a distressing mishap Saturday evening, the 17th inst. It was standing in front of the fireplace, and in the absence of its mother its clothes caught fire and before rescue came the clothes were all burned off except the waistband. We have not learned whether it has died or not. Dr. Brower was called, and it is hoped he may save the unfortunate sufferer. This is not the first time the child has suffered from burning.
Medford Mail, March 23, 1894, page 2


Published by Request.
    The following resolutions, introduced by W. J. Dean, were adopted by the Talent People's Party club at its last meeting:
    WHEREAS:--At the late People's Party county convention held in Medford on March 10th, it was moved and carried that any candidate having a clear majority of the preferential vote over all others for the same office should be declared the nominee of the convention, and
    WHEREAS:--J. W. Miller, of Medford, having received 147 preferential votes as against 141l of all others for the office of county recorder; and, whereas, Grant Rawlings, who received only 109 preferential votes, was declared by the convention as the nominee for said office; and
    WHEREAS:--S. M. Nealon. Sam'l. Danielson and T. E. Hills, having received 445 preferential votes against 259 of all others; and
    WHEREAS:--Sam'l. Danielson and T. E. Hills were thrust aside and J. W. Marksbury and J. A. Jeffrey (the latter having received but 16 preferential votes) were nominated instead; and
    WHEREAS:---Ignoring the candidates above mentioned was an error--intentional or otherwise--therefore be it
    RESOLVED:--That it is the sense of this club that said Sam'l. Danielson and T. E. Hills are, and of right ought to be, the nominees of the People's Party of Jackson County for representatives to the next legislature, and that J. W. Miller is the rightful nominee for recorder. And
    WHEREAS:--S. H. Dunlap, having received 111 preferential votes, or a plurality of 23 over S. Patterson, the next highest, and whereas, at the convention the said Dunlap received but 12 delegate votes and Patterson 28; therefore be it
    RESOLVED:--That this club can find no compensating circumstances to justify so flagrant a deviation from the choice of the People's Party of Jackson County as expressed in the preferential vote on March 10th, and that it does not endorse the action of the convention in this case.
Medford Mail, March 30, 1894, page 1


    No doubt the many intelligent readers of the liveliest paper in Jackson County, the Mail, have noticed the change in the weather during the last ten days from that of the weeks and months of stormy and wet, so it is not necessary for me to note the change, but I will try and give some information that is not so stale, if possible.
    We think times are brightening up gradually as the warm weather progresses.
    F. A. Creed is around lecturing in the interest of populist party in our county politics.
    Abbott's sawmill is busy, and numerous orders are two months in advance of the capacity of the mill.
    We have several mechanic shops where all kinds of wood and iron repairing may be done on short notice and in good style.
    The transient custom is constantly increasing at the Sherman House, and Edwards with his apple packers are yet "in it" and may be for several days to come.
    John Viet is circulating a petition to build a new and handsome school house in the South Wagner Creek district. It is to be finished on or before August 15th, proximo.
    S. Sherman has a contract to ship per railroad 100 cords of red fir body engine wood for the Central Point steam power roller mills. He exchanges the products of the mills for wood.
    Our new and wide-awake merchants, Barclay & Sons, are exchanging merchandise for all kinds of produce, fruit and timber. They purpose to stop all the trade that fair dealing and obliging manners will justify.
    Joseph Robison and wife have sold James Helms a sixteen-foot right-of-way across their alfalfa field, from Wagner Creek Street to Mr. Helms' garden land, consideration $200.00; also, to S. Sherman three-fifths of an acre for a wood and lumber yard, consideration $50.00.
    The railroad fence builders are building about one mile each day, on both sides. There are about twenty-five of them, and they have boarding and lodging cars with them. They build a very substantial fence with yellow cedar posts, one sixteen-foot board and four barbed wires.
    A young gentleman from Plymouth County, Indiana, named W. R. Yackey, arrived a week ago and is stopping with his uncle, Mr. Russell, on the George Rockfellow place, by the Golden Fleece mine. Mr. Y. is a miller by trade and can exhibit the most satisfactory testimonials.
    The latest is the birth of an eleven-pound boy to Mr. and Mrs. Dan Conwell on the 2nd inst.; also on the 26th ult. an eleven-pound girl to Mr. and Mrs. George Lowe, at their home on Wagner Creek. It beats everything--the productiveness of this locality. Verily, this must be the Italy of America.
Medford Mail, April 6, 1894, page 2


    The five-stamp mill now being erected on the "Shorty" mine on Wagner Creek will be in operation in about two weeks.
    The three-year-old child of Joe Kerby, who was badly burned about two weeks ago, is improving and will probably recover. It suffers terribly, however.
    J. J. Miller, who formerly lived on Wagner Creek, is now in Salubria, Idaho. He writes to the News that there has been 8 feet of snow there and three feet at date of letter--March 15th. He is suffering from a cancer on his right hand and will soon go to Portland or San Francisco to have it cut out.
    Mr. Horton, a young man who has been cutting wood for Mr. Lynch for several months, met with a singular and painful accident a few days ago. Cutting off a small limb that was under tension, the end flew up striking him under the jaw, penetrated to the mouth and tore out two or three teeth.
Medford Mail, April 13, 1894, page 4


    The Barclay store is being repainted and is beginning to look like a different place entirely.
    The Dyers and Long, our Klamath County prospectors for mineral, arrived home on Monday. They are mum.
    Mr. N. G. Netherland has received his commission as P.M. of Talent, and he has appointed his son, Leo, as first assistant.
    We have been too busy to scribble anything for the press during the past  two weeks, but will now make up for lost time.
    Farmers, gardeners, wood haulers, and even professional tramps are all busy nowadays at their chosen occupations for a livelihood.
    The weather is propitious, and although a little belated, we may yet count on heavy and bounteous crops--especially fruit and berries.
    The upper Wagner Creek literary club is to have a lawsuit on Monday evening, May 7th, Luther Allen plaintiff vs. Charles Phelps defendant. Complaint--a civil action to recover damages.
    Rev. Dr. Buckner, of Ashland, is to preside at the M.E. quarterly meeting at Talent next Saturday and Sunday, 25th and 29th inst. Public preaching by the doctor Sunday 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
    Jo Bowers, with his bridge crew, is now building a new R.R. bridge across Wagner Creek--a thing badly needed since the washout of the abutments during the rainy season. The six men make the Talent hotel their home while engaged at work nearby.
    We did not intentionally slight the young populist who arrived at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Abbott, on the 4th inst.--neither the fact of the birth of a young lady at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan. Conwell on the 2nd inst., but the leading paragraph explains.
    We are authorized to mention that the Talent Restaurant, having changed landlords about the 15th inst., Master Ralph McCumber, a four-year-old, being at the head as runner, customers may be waited upon in the blandest style at the usual rates. Especial dinners when ordered.
    Prof. Crowhurst organized Monitor Lodge of I.O.G.T. on the evening of the 9th inst. with 35 charter members. We expect to have the "Banner Lodge" of the state within one year. Now, let Medford look to her laurels. Whatever Talent undertakes she generally accomplishes.
    Mrs. Lloyd McCurdy and three children came up on the O.&C. accommodation on Monday evening, to spend a quiet outing with her Klamath County neighbor, Mrs. Alice Sherman McCumber, and to enjoy the pure atmosphere of this suburban village and away from the dusty, noisy, crowded city of Medford.
    The Little Shorty mining company's mill started up today and with many tons of rich ore in the dump and millions more "in sight." It may be imagined what the feelings of the lucky miners are. Perhaps the pursuit may give more pleasure than the possession (of the wealth), but most men would be glad to take the risks.
    We are sorry to say the health of this locality is not so gratifying as we wish. Mr. John Garvin, the honest laborer and old prospector, has been suffering with inflammatory rheumatism for the past two weeks, and he is not much better yet. Dr. Brower is doing his best for the sufferer. Also Ted Barclay is down with the same complaint, but being younger he may soon recover.
Medford Mail, April 27, 1894, page 2


    James Purves is suffering with neuralgia of the bowels, and he is in a critical condition. He sent for Dr. Parson of Ashland.
    Well, we have had a much needed, old-fashioned, soaking rain. This ought to stop the chronic grumblers on this point anyhow.
    Dr. J. L. Wood, our M.E. pastor, will preach at Talent next Sunday, morning and evening. His subject for the evening is the choice of one of his admirers. Everybody invited.
    The congregation in the grove meeting on Anderson Creek was rather unceremoniously scattered last Sunday at 2:30 p.m., but we could well afford to dismiss and let it rain.
    The soaking rains of Sunday night have been enough to encourage the most downcast. Even the footpads think it will be better for their business. These times beat all for peddlers.
    Some say the fruit is all killed, but the cool-headed and warm-hearted people say there will be plenty fruit and better prices, so the better price will compensate for the lack of quantity.
    Ormistons have moved out of the Cox house to camp awhile, and the elder Atwater's folks have moved in the "big'' house. The old gent is afraid he will lose himself in the house some night.
    Jack Garvin is likely to outlive many others yet, although one doctor thinks he can never entirely get well. He might say that of many of us. There are nine-tenths of the human family complaining of one complaint or another.
    I learn by a notice posted on the post office that Father Brower, pastor of the Dunkard church here, that there are to be special services in his church, commencing Friday evening of this week and continuing over the Sabbath. Everybody invited.
    The Good Templar lodge at the school house hall is a flourishing institution. Rev. A. J. Wilcox is chief templar, Prof. W. J. Dean, P.C.T., Mrs. Mabel Briner, V.T., D. P. Brittain, chaplain, S. Sherman, secretary, Ernest Purves, financial secretary, Ed. Foss, treasurer, and S. H. Dunlap, L.D.
Medford Mail, May 18, 1894, page 2


    There is to be a memorial sermon preached on Sabbath, the 27th, at the Baptist church, at 4 o'clock p.m. by Rev. Dr. Wood, the pastor of the M.E. church, Father Brower, pastor of the Dunkard church, and other local ministers will assist in the services.
    The G.A.R. members and citizens propose to celebrate Decoration Day, the 30th, with a program suitable to the occasion, with music by the "49" band, singing by the octet club, an oration by Dr. Buckner, and the solemn and impressive decoration ceremony of the G.A.R., at the Stearns cemetery near Talent. The people are to collect and form column at the U.M.L. hall, about 2 p.m., led by the martial band, the procession will march to the grove that will be prepared near the cemetery for the occasion. The schools of the precinct are invited and expected to march in the procession, also all the citizens are expected to take an active part in these decoration exercises in memory of our friends who have passed on before us. We have a handsome location, naturally, and the citizens are expected to meet on the grounds on Saturday afternoon (the 26th) and clean up all rubbish that may have collected, plant flowers and shrubbery and otherwise ornament the graves of their friends as they feel like.
Medford Mail, May 25, 1894, page 2


    The Talent News has suspended publication. After living two years and six months its publisher has decided there was too much of glory and not enough of cash in the business. The News was a bright little sheet and Editor Dean a brilliant, pithy and good hard-sense writer.
Medford Mail, July 20, 1894, page 2


    In company with Mr. Mentz Stene (a visiting friend from Sioux Falls, South Dakota) I left Talent Wednesday, August 1st, bent on seeing the country and scenery of Southern Oregon. We had a horse and buggy, and supplies and outfit for camping.
    We went eastward as far as Yainax Indian agency--going via the Rogue River route, we took in the grand scenery of the falls of Mill Creek, 175 feet perpendicular and Rogue River rapids, which fall 300 feet in one-quarter of a mile, and if utilized would furnish power sufficient to run all the machinery of the country.
    At Prospect we found a fine property of a sawmill, a large hotel building nearly completed, a store of assorted merchandise, a good school house, a post office, several dwelling houses and as beautiful a site for a town or city as one could wish to see. Mr. Stan. Aiken aims to keep a hotel and supplies of all kinds for sojourners to that health resort and enchanting locality. I take Mr. A. to be a business man and a gentleman.
    For the next twelve miles we pass through as fine a body of sugar pine and fir as the world affords. For miles one can scarcely see the sun in midday, for heavy timber. The soil is rich and the surface gently rolling. Beyond Union Creek we find an undulating valley more or less timbered for seventeen miles, when we commence to rise steeper until we come to a guideboard which directs to the left two and one-half miles to Crater Lake. We followed an old road and a fresh buggy track, until we concluded to leave our horse to rest while we went up afoot to view the lake. My companion gave out before reaching the lake, and he was satisfied to take my word for the balance. We, however, had a magnificent view of mountain scenery, and Klamath marsh, which, at present, is an immense lake. Leaving an altitude of 7000 feet we drove twenty miles, gently down 4000 feet, to old Fort Klamath. There remains nothing of the wonted grandeur of ten years agone, except two of those large "officers' quarters" and the magnificent grounds and spring of Coldwater. In a five-mile drive, on a road fit for a city park, we reached Klamath agency. All of a sudden off to our right we noticed several new three-story buildings, then the lake about one mile off; but close to our right we suddenly came in view of a spring of water from which flows a stream of cold, clear water with volume and fall sufficient to run almost any amount of machinery or supply a city of 100,000. It all runs to waste except running a small sawmill occasionally. There is a fine school-house and two boarding houses, with 110 Indian students--fifty-five of each sex--in attendance. We attended chapel service at 11 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 5th. Rev. Father Starnes and wife, the missionaries, are well liked and doing much good. It did me good to hear the Indian choir of twenty voices singing of their Redeemer. We concluded that Jesus had conquered those one-time savages, and the "mission" is a success. Prof. Paine as superintendent, and Mrs. Paine as matron, are the right people in the right place.
    We camped Sunday night on the bank of the Williamson River, near the bridge on the Yainax agency road. The place is famous for fishing, but my friend soon lost our hook in the vain attempt to "land" a rock. Reaching Yainax agency Monday evening we were hospitably entertained by Prof. Terry, acting superintendent in the absence of Superintendent L. F. Willetts, who is visiting in Jackson County during vacation. We learned that the school is making satisfactory progress, with ninety students in attendance. These teachers govern by kindness and teach etiquette by example. All orders are indicated by taps of the bell, and the students and laborers act in uniformity--words being superfluous. The impressions left with strangers are that those Indians are nearer civilized now than the average white citizens' hoodlum children around our country schools. The Indian police patrol at all public meetings and keep perfect order throughout the reservation.
    Wednesday we visited with my brother, in the Alkali Valley, where he has a fine ranch, well improved for the time (three years) since settlement. He has twenty acres of the heaviest rye I ever saw. It grows on a dark, sandy soil--is seven feet tall and will make fully four tons of hay per acre.
    My friend liked the Sprague River Valley, and he stopped at the Shook ranch to work and take time to select a claim on the surplus of the Indian reservation, while I reached Talent Saturday, Aug. 11th.
Medford Mail, August 17, 1894, page 4


    The weather having moderated down to its normal temperature, everybody is taking it cooler.
    C. P. Good, our local Methodist pastor, has purchased two acres of land from H. Colver and is going to make this place his permanent residence.
    Mr. Ed. Clemens and Miss Dulce Netherland were married last week by Rev. White. The bride is the daughter of our highly esteemed postmaster.
    Jake Casebeer has this week shipped 41 tons of hay to Grants Pass, presumably to feed the old vets on during the anticipated reunion this week.
    Still they come! This week Enoch Conger, a brother-in-law to Jessie Adams, with his family has arrived from Centerville, Iowa. They are moving in the Packard house for a temporary residence.
    A Mr. Becket, of La Grande, this state, has purchased twenty-one acres of the Colver estate, at $50 per acre. The gentleman already has buildings up and in readiness to occupy.
    Ira Wakefield has recently built a new barn, 40x60 feet in size. The gentleman has only thirty acres of land but it is wondrous productive--so much so that the old buildings are very inadequate to shelter that which he reaps and he must tear down and build bigger.
    A certain local pastor, of Ashland, thought to perpetrate a joke on the innocent people of our village last Sunday. He sent a colored missionary [Cal M. Williams] here (to get rid of him there, presumably), with a letter of introduction all right enough, with the good intent of strengthening the Baptist brethren here, no doubt, but the good people here did not take it that way. They rather thought the Ashland divine meant a joke, and the joke has turned in favor of the colored brother, for he came within one of organizing a church here out of ourselves. If some of the local shepherds had equal talents with him, they might not only hold their audiences, but also ''win souls to Christ."
Medford Mail, September 14, 1894, page 4


    The third annual encampment of the Old Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Southern Oregon was held at Tuff's grove, near Grants Pass, last week.
    The weather was warm when our happy thoroughly festooned car glided down the Bear Creek Valley, then crossing Rogue River at Gold Hill speedily passed Woodville and reached Grants Pass ''on time." Our numbers were joined by five at Talent, four at Phoenix, many more at Medford and some at each of the other stations below. We were not expected at Grants Pass until Tuesday morning and so did not receive any demonstrative reception. We were not even met by the reception committee to escort us to the camp, but the old veterans who chanced to be at the station cordially greeted those with whom they were formerly acquainted. The artillery squad from Ashland had taken position in camp, which is but a short distance from the depot, and "Old Abe" soon indicated to us the direction of the camp. The committee on preparation had done their duty, and the camp was handsomely prepared for a military encampment.
    There were 40 tents arranged in two rows (military style) with an aisle between and occupied by the vets and their friends. There were ten or twelve other tents occupied by Co. D., O.N.G., and other officers. The encampment and reunion was conducted by skilled officers, and a noble and patriotic program was carried out. The camp was a furor of fun and hilarity from first to last.
    The foot, bicycle and horse racing took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Mr. Cass's park.
    The officers elected for the ensuing year were: Commander, Abe Axtell, of Grants Pass; senior vice com., Goodman Noble, of Medford; junior vice com., T. E. Hills, of Ashland; quartermaster, Destin High, of Ashland; chaplain, Roy Coleman, of Grants Pass.
    The most difficult thing for us old ''vets,"' and the rest of the crowd, to do since our return is to straighten our faces down to their normal condition. Mr. Editor, you will never know how much of a good thing you missed by not attending. It was fun from first to last and at every turn of the road between. Our next Re-Union takes place at Ashland about the 4th of July, 1895, for those who survive. The doors are open to all old soldiers and sailors, who are able to exhibit an honorable discharge from the United States, from any war, and their sons and daughters. Members of the W.R.C. are also entitled to membership, and all who pay the sum of 25 cents annually may vote and hold office in the association.
    The following preamble and resolutions were offered and now lie on the table for future consideration:
    WHEREAS, This association is designed to be perpetual from veteran to son, grandson, and on down and is already numerically a strong body; therefore, be it
    RESOLVED, First, that it should assume an independence of its own supported by fees or dues per capita of its members, collected annually in a sum equivalent to cover all necessary expenses. Second, that a committee be appointed to select a suitable location with the object in view of making permanent quurters for the annual reunions of the association and other uses at the option of a board of trustees. Third, that a historian be chosen to prepare and preserve the records of this association.
Medford Mail, September 21, 1894, page 2


    The death of Mrs. Catherine Beeson occurred at Talent last Tuesday evening, September 20, 1894, of cancer of the stomach. Mrs. Beeson was forty-five years of age and was the wife of the late Welborn Beeson.
    Mrs. Beeson's death, says the Tidings, has not been unexpected by the family and friends since the character of the disease which had attacked her had become definitely known a few weeks ago. From that time to this it has been a mere extenuation of life, the ravages of the fearful disease being satisfied only when the spiritual had been released from the physical--when the death call came. The funeral occurred on Friday evening at 4 o'clock. Remarks at the grave were made by W. J. Dean, who gave a short sketch of her life. Mrs. Beeson was formerly Miss Catherine Brophy, and was well known and highly respected by all the older residents of this end of the valley. Nearly thirty years ago she was married to Welborn Beeson in this county. Mr. Beeson died about a year and a half ago. Eight children were born to them, the youngest being five years old now, two of the older children being married.
Medford Mail, September 28, 1894, page 3


    Mrs. James Helms has had another fainting spell, but she has again recovered under the medical skill of Dr. Wait, of Medford.
    Our Talent lodge of I.O.G.T. is flourishing. The principal topic of discussion is, ''How may we best accomplish the suppression of the liquor traffic?"
    Our orchardists are harvesting their winter apples, and in the absence of a local buyer they are hauling them to Medford this season, with the exception of Albert Helms, who has four carloads of his own to ship, and he may buy and pack more.
    This is the season of the year during which we think it healthier after it begins to rain. It is also the time of year that provident people provide against wet and cold. The valley is now swarming with Klamath and Lake County settlers--laying in supplies for a long winter in a country far from markets and railroads.
    William Neal was still alive this morning (the 17th), but very low with complicated diseases. His brother, Robert, arrived from Josephine County, to stay by and assist the poor children, as they are in indigent circumstances--the mother having died three or four years ago, leaving eight children, and the father an invalid.
    There is no need of people suffering from hunger in this locality if they really want to work. Many families came here poor a year ago and by industry they are now decently clothed and their formerly poor teams are now fat and sleek. Medford being our wood market has helped many a poor family, in the Wagner Creek foothills, to independence.
Medford Mail, October 19, 1894, page 2


    We notice that Brother Howlett has become a "regular" contributor to the Mail, and everybody likes to read his letters. It strikes us that it is a pity we can't have an interesting correspondent at Talent. We are not willing to admit the superiority of Bro. H.'s locality over this section, for we believe if to be an axiom that Wagner Creek beats the balance of the world for bigger and better vegetables, redder apples, fatter babies, handsomer iris, and everything better and more of them in a hill than they have at Eagle Point, or any other point within a radius of five miles, and if we don't tell a bigger story than Bro. H. does, it is not his fault; so here goes for news.
    The hog market seems to be livelier than any other--price, 3 to 3½ cents.
    There are some improvements in and near Talent--commenced and proposed.
    There were several horses and cattle killed by night trains on the Harvey ranch lately, for which the owners are putting in bills for damage.
    R. S. Barclay is one of those who has gone into the sidewalk business--intending to build on both sides of the street in front of his property.
    S. Sherman has built two additions to his Central Point flour and feed store, to accommodate his growing trade. He has also extended the sidewalk in front of his premises 200 feet.
    R. T. Henderson and his better half are getting a cozy home fixed up for their declining years. They have been renting here for a year or two. They were formerly from Fleming County, Kentucky.
    I learned this morning that Charlie Nininger has sold his Talent property to Reuben Rhoades--consideration about $3000. There are in the neighborhood of forty-three acres of land, and it was a bargain for Mr. R.
    A stranger named Harvison, and his wife, late from Socorro County, New Mexico, have rented the dwelling of the late T. W. Barclay. Mr. Harvison is an experienced miner, with his eyes open for business in that line.
    Apple harvest is now at the zenith. There is no foreign fruit buyer here this season, but A. M. Helms is expecting to ship his own--and perhaps some for others. He has of his own about four carloads. E. K. Anderson and son will have about twenty carloads. They have pickers sufficient to pick from 500 to 600 boxes per day.
    A number of Wagner Creek's former citizens have returned to the best place on the coast. Among others, Elmer R. Oatman, a son-in-law of A. P. Talent, has returned to his ranch on "Yankee Gulch." Also, Mr. Herman Stock, a fine cabinet workman, has returned, and holds himself in readiness for any kind of a job that may turn up.
    F. B. Inlow's family have moved back to their property at Talent, from Eagle Point. Our healthy climate and excellent schools may have had something to do with the change. Freddie and Harvey Inlow and Arthur Morrison attend our school, with Prof. Griffin principal, and Miss Zella Cheney assistant. These celebrated instructors are making a grand success with our school this term.
    Enos Conger's folks are living in the Rufus Cox house--the large one that Mr. Talent built for a hotel. He has the use of the house, barn, a three-acre orchard and garden--all covered by the irrigation ditch--for $72 a year. Mr. Conger ts one of our former citizens, but for the last fifteen years he has lived at Centerville, Iowa. The family returned here a month ago for their health.
Medford Mail, October 26, 1894, page 2


    The weather is delightful, and our rustlers are improving the occasion.
    John Briner will be in readiness after this week to do the barber act, in all its variations.
    Our road supervisor has finally concluded to "get a move on himself" and earn his salary. Perhaps it's better late than never. He has notified delinquents to come out.
    Mr. Herman Stock is putting some finishing touches on S. Sherman's new block. If anybody wishes a fine house built, Mr. Stock should be consulted, as he does good work.
    Our young M.E. pastor, Rev. Good, and his wife are making many friends in this locality. Brother Good occupies the Baptist church pulpit the first and third Sabbaths in each month morning and evening.
    S. Sherman's is the place to get the best flour and feed in town. He is preparing to handle meat, fish, butter, eggs and poultry, and lumber and firewood, having a cold storage apartment and a lumber and wood yard.
    Still they come. This week Mr. Chas. W. Graham, wife and four children, arrived in Talent. These people are lately from Michigan. They are occupying the house lately vacated by Captain Dunlap, whose family has moved back to the Patton ranch.
Medford Mail, November 16, 1894, page 4


    We find our telephone line a great convenience these slippery times.
    Presiding Elder Jones will hold a quarterly meeting at Phoenix, next Saturday and Sunday, December 15th and 16th.
    On account of the illness of Rev. C. P. Good, his Talent appointment for next Sunday, December 16th, is canceled.
    Julius E. Foss has been allowed a pension of six dollars per month, to commence from date of application--about September, 1892.
    Misses Belle and Myrtle Stearns are in charge of the Sherman restaurant at present. Meals at all hours and styles to suit customers.
    E. K. Anderson has entered into a preliminary contract with a San Francisco syndicate, to sell the Golden Fleece mine for a handsome sum.
    Born, to Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Goddard, near Talent, December 8th, an eleven-pound son. So the populist list increaseth, both in weight and numbers.
    Doctor Leon, a French-Indian physician, has rooms at the Sherman House, and seems to have good success as a specialist. He has under treatment several chronic cases of catarrh and liver complaint--and is an herb doctor.
    The new grocery store of Harvison & Netherland, in the Sherman block, has opened with a complete line of groceries, including flour and feed. If fair dealing, with "live and let live" prices and gentlemanly treatment, count for anything these young men will be rushed with business.
Medford Mail, December 14, 1894, page 2


    BRO. HARMAN:--Enclosed find order of one dollar which apply on subscription account. Your struggle is hard enough and I ought to help more, but times are very close, and just now I subscribed and paid for the Arena, 20th Century, Coming Nation, The Road, People's Party Post, Firebrand, Progressive Thinker, Light of Truth and more to follow. We all have our trials. "Whom the lord loveth he chastenth" is true. Soul growth comes only through pain, sorrow and suffering. To live in ease and only for bodily self-gratification is death to soul growth. The great I and me--all stomach and brain behind the ears--must be evoluted into the heart region and top brain. To make the condition for such growth constitutes the true reformer. Economic reform is the keynote; it will open the doors of liberty to both men and women.
Ever yours,    WM. H. BREESE.
    Talent, Ore., 2-22-95.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, March 15, 1895, page 3


    The following letter from an old-time friend and faithful helper is typical of much of the advice and counsel sent me, with most of which counsel I most heartily agree:
    "I am glad that you are free from the clutches of the bigots. I do not know if it will pay to give such tyrants another chance to incarcerate you again. I think you can do more good by keeping 'within the laws,' even if they are unjust.
    "Conditions under which we live today are the natural result of the past, and we are laying the foundation for higher conditions for tomorrow. Such is evolution. Let us do the best we can; be true to ourselves; have toleration and charity for all; for such only constitute the true reformer.
    ""Enclosed find order for two dollars for Lucifer.
Lucifer the Light Bearer, Valley Falls, Kansas, April 17, 1896, page 2


    Last Thursday the first spiritual wedding in Sacramento took place at the Corson residence, 909 Tenth Street.
    The contracting parties were Fred G. Merrick, a well-to-do mining man from Utah, and Miss Rosetta Waters, a school teacher from Oregon.
    The marriage was conducted by Dr. Alice Tobias, an ordained minister of the Independent Free Thought Bible Spiritualistic Society of San Francisco.
    The bride wore lilac-colored silk, with pearls and white roses. The groom was attired in a suit of black broadcloth, with white satin vest.
    The attire worn on the eventful occasion was intended to typify the purity and spiritual exaltation of the relation upon which the parties had entered.
    Dr. Tobias was very impressive in the marriage ceremony, and after pronouncing them husband and wife, said, in part: "Life itself is the tribute that love brings. The royal gift.of this bride is her name to the prince of her choice. It is the tribute of love and literary attainments placed in the hand of genius, and with it she brings a heart of devotion."
    She pledged them not "to obey," but to be faithful to each other.
    The young couple left by the evening train for San Francisco, where they will spend a day or two before leaving tor their home at Park City, Utah.--Sacramento Bee.
Salt Lake Tribune, June 23, 1896, page 3


    S. G. Netherland, who has been on the sick list for some time, is improving.
    Born--In Talent, Dec. 28, 1899, to Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Garvin, an eight-pound daughter.
    Jas. Helms and W. R. and Jos. Lamb have gone to Dry Creek for the purpose of putting up a fence for Mr. Helms.
    Miss Bertha Wilcox came home from Ashland the first of this week, where she was visiting her sister, Mrs. Watterman.
    Quite a number of the young people of Talent went to the ball at Jacksonville Monday evening and report having had a good time.
    The people of Talent came very near having to sit up with W. W. Estes New Year's night because of his having received the Mail's Mitchell wagon.
Medford Mail, January 5, 1900, page 3


    Mrs. Lizzie Darrell is quite ill with pneumonia.
    Mrs. Clark is quite ill with asthma at this writing.
    Chas. Phelps, of Montague, is visiting friends on Wagner Creek.
    Misses Fannie and Katie Beeson returned Tuesday from a few days' visit with Ashland friends.
    Miss Bertha Dunlap closed a three months' term of school in the Bell district on December 24th.
    Mrs. Inman and daughter Velma returned Monday evening from Ashland, where they spent Christmas.
    George Pellett left on the excursion train for San Jose, where he expects to enter a business college.
    Mrs. B. Mount, of Dunsmuir, who has been visiting her parents on Wagner Creek, left for her home on Tuesday's train.
    Mr. and Mrs. John Copeland, of Montague, returned Sunday to their home after visiting a few days with their parents at this place.
Medford Mail, January 2, 1903, page 3


    Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Anderson, of Ashland, were visiting relatives in Talent Sunday.
    Jas. Riley returned to Ashland last week after spending several months in C. W. Wolters' store.
    Dan Hanscom, who has been suffering from a case of threatened blood poison, is rapidly improving.
    Miss Anna Beeson has charge of the primary department of the public schools now. She succeeded Miss Marie Gray.
    R. E. Robison and wife, of Wagner Creek, are the proud possessors of a baby girl, who arrived in the early part of the week.
    J. J. Lane has rented his place on Wagner Creek to O. B. Turner, recently from the East. Mr. Lane expects to travel a while.
    Misses Lizzie Netherland and Minnie Robison attended the St. Patrick's Day box social at Phoenix. They report a good time.
    Mrs. J. Harvey and daughter, Mrs. Lacy, left on Tuesday's train, the former for Cottonwood and the latter for her home at Chico, Calif.
    Jas. Harvey has purchased the Ninegar property, heretofore occupied by Mrs. Crosby, and will move in this week. Mrs. Crosby will move to Mrs. Alford's house on Water Street, which the latter recently purchased of Mr. Duff.
    A Medford timber land locator is somewhere in the hills to the southwest looking for claims. He has a crowbar with him, and if he can find a fulcrum may overturn one of the mountains and locate a few easterners on the other side.
Medford Mail, March 20, 1903, page 3