Flora Journal-Record

              12 PAGES
The Flora Journal-Record
PARTONE       't
YOU SHOULD READ THE JOURNALJIECORD ^THE NEWSIEST NEWSPAPER IN CLAY COUNTY
VOLUME IX IMB SOVKttSh, Vol. SJ.     No,   IB
FLORA. ILLINOIS, THURSDAY. APRIL 14. 1921
nvmbMM
mimx FUIIERAL
OF HENRY PRATHER
World War Hero, Heid at Flora M. E. Chnrch Wc^lnesday Afternoon
CHARGB  OF  AMERICAN   LEGION
If any doubt had ever existed as to the loyalty and patriotism and generous sympatliy ot the citlsens of Flora and vicinity, that doubt ¦was dispelled in the ceremonies at¬ tending tlie obsequies of Henry Prd- ther, who was killed in action in France Nov. 6, 1918
Word of the arriTal of the remains In New York was received by his parents last week and immediately preparations were made to do honor to the memory of his heroic sacrifice in a manner worthy of the respect and love of the entire community for the dead soldier and his aged parents and other relatives.
From the members of Clay County Post No. 14, from the Grand Army Post, from business and professional men, from city officials, from the teachers and pupils of the Citjt and High schools, from the railroad boys «nd tanners, from the churches and Sunday Schools and from Civic bod¬ ies; from citizens in every walk of life came the most generous expres¬ sions of sympathy with the stricken parents, brothers and sisters and the most marked evidences of lloyalty and patrlotiam and honor for our heroic dead.
The remains reached Flora on Tuesday morning and were at once escorted by a guard of honor to the bon^ei of his Jparents. They were escorted by a detachment of the American Legion to the City Hall on Wednesday at 11:30, where they lay in state tor two hours undei a guard of honor. Hundreds of persons passed through .the Hall merbly to get a view ot the casket wrapped in Old Glory.
At 1:30 tbe faneral cortege was formed and the remains conveyed to the Methodist Kplscopal church. Ev¬ ery inch of space In this edifice was crowded to capacity hours before the ceremony began, only sufflcieut Beats being reserved tor the immed¬ iate relatives and the members of the Legion. Hundreds were unabie to gain admittance but Joined the throng which later marched to the cemetery. A brilliant address, ex¬ tolling the heroism of the deceased soldier and exhorting to the loftlust patriotism was delivered by Rev. W I. Terbune, pastor. He was assist¬ ed by Rer. O. W. ZInk, of the First Cbrlatfan icburch and Rev. E. K. Pietson, of the United Breihron ehurcb.
The funeral was tbe largust sathering ot its kind ever held iu Flora. All business and professional men aud Industries were closed from 12:80 to S:SO, and the grade and bigh schools were dismissed tor the atternoon. The crowd at Elmwood cemetery numbered  probably  2,000.
Tbe pallbearers were: Three navy toaa—L. E. Pixley, Ralph Meyer and Wnr. Dunnigan; and three army men—Ben F. Logan, Wm Emery and W. M: DIffenderter.
Ten of the 14 veterans ot Jthe Civil War, living in Flora and vicin¬ ity were present at the services and at the cemetery, as follows: S W. JHall, R. B Weller, Dr. J. M. Boylei, Kobert Oray, H, S. Weir, C. S. Mitch¬ ell, H. B. Judd, Chas. Sullivan, C. Rogers and W. R. Durland.
The floral tributes were many and beautiful, among the contributors beiiiS pretty pieces from the FaMlly, Clay County Pdst Americun Legion, Employees B. & O. R. K., Flora Commercial Club, Sexton Mlg. Co., War Comrades, First Methodist church. Flora Greenhouse, J. pow- man, Mrs. Ida Compton, Mr. and Mre. Lloyd Thomas and Mrs. Jack Cunningham and Mr. and Mrs. ChuS. Bechman.
Tbe ceremonies at tl>« cemetery were in direct charge ot the Amer- can Legion, the Legion funeral rit¬ ual being followed. Lieut. Carl Montgomery, who was in charge of tbe ex-service men, read, a sbort passage, being followed by Todd W. Snyder, who acted as chaplain and pronounced the last benediction over tbe remains of his comrade wbo fell bravely fighting in Flanders' fields. A tiring squad composed of Merrill. Cbarleeon, corporal; Jolin Laudoi*-- back. "Harry Olll, Jack McKnigbt, Thornton Bowen. Ed Venable, Mar¬ lon 'Petty, Percy Hoeran and Tom McKlnney fired a salute of tbree volleys after which "taps" was sounded by bugler Everette Colcla¬ sure. Rev. Ztnk, pastor of the CbriBtian church offered a short prayer in closing.
The detail in charge ot the Fobl flag were; Color Sergeant Qlenn Lents, armed guards Andrew Gahan and Maurice Workman.
There were over a hundred hue- ky ex-service men in the company, which was commanded by Lieut Carl Montgomery. They made a most im¬ posing spectacle as they marched to and from the cemetery.. It was a tine display in honor of .the\r "buddy" who had gone before.
wounded while in action and a little later, on Nov. 6th, he met his deatn on the fleld"dt battle iU the Muson operation.
Henry was among the very first to answer bia country's call and also among the first to make the supremo sacrifice.
He united with the Methodist Episcopal church of this city and was baptized June 1st, 1902. by the pastor, Dr. J. O. Harmon. Received into /ull membership Dec. 7, 1902.
His was tbe first gold star on the M.  E. service  flag.
BIOGRAFHICAI.
Henry Ciayson Prather. son ot James T. and Mary C. Prather, was bom in Clay City, III., March lltb, 1891. departed tbis lite Nov. 6tb. 1918.
Tbere were eight cbildren in the Prather bome. six boys and two girla ot wbom, witb tbe fatber and moth¬ er tbree brothers and two sisters sur- Tive.
May 8, 1917 Henry enlisted in Co. A l»th Infantry Volunteers, A. B. F., and atter a comparatively sbort time, was sent to France, witb Pershing's araiy.
July 19tb, 1918, be was seriously
CARD OF 'THANKS
To those kind friend s and neigh- bort, to the members of Clay county Post No. 14, American Legion, to the teachers and pupils ot the Public and High schools, to all the citizens ot Floru and vicinity who manifested such marked evidences of respect, friendship, love and affection, and lo thoae who contributed so generously and so profusely in the floial offer¬ ings, and In the ceremonies attend¬ ing the funeral rites of our dear son and brother, who died in defense of his country's honor and tlag in a tor- Ign country, we desire to retum our sinceVe' and   iMOuttelt  tbanks.
And when in tbe wisdom ot an All wise Providence it shall tail to the lot of you all to walk through the tire of affliction, it vrill ever be our prayer that you may each ot you find as true and loyal triends to minister unto you even as you have ministered unto us.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T.  Prather Mr. and Mrs. Fred Prather Mr. and Mrs. John McOrew Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Prather Mr and Mrs. Claude Prather Mr. and Mre. Jotm Chiidrese
CALLED TO ^ER REWARD
Mrs. E. W. Andlerson Passed Away
Monday  Evening, at Her  Home
After   Lingering   niness
On Monday of this week occurred the death ot Mrs, Mollle Anderson at her home In thts city. Tbe .de¬ ceased was a native of Xenia aUd had lived in this county all her life She had been an invalid for several years and her death was uot alto¬ gether ,unexpected. The deceased was the widow of the late Ernest W. Anderson, who lost his lite iu a railroad accident in this city, some six years ago.
Fnneral services were conducted from the family residence, on East North Avenue, Wednesday aftemoon by Rev. W. I. Terbtrae, pastor ot the Methodist Epiacopal church, with which church tbe deceased had been an honored memi>er for many years.
Hrs. Anderson is survived by four children: Mrs. O. H. Reed. Mrs. P. E. Croughan, Mlss Daisy Anderson, all of Flora and Ralph Anderson, of Woodriver,  Illinois.
C.  L.  HARWOOD DIES
WBDNBSDAY  NIGHT
Another one ot the older residents of Flora hab t>een calle^ by dc^th. The grim reaper bas taken C. L. Harwood living on Second aud S>ca- more streets, after an illness of five years. •
Mr Harwood wae highly reapect¬ ed. He had lived in Flor^ull bis life and was weil known.
He is survived by his wife, one son, Vivian, of Sprlngtleld, and two daughters. Misses Thelma and Cora Edith, of this city.
Funeral services will be held trom the First Ebptisi: churcb Friday af¬ ternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Jones Earl Corwin, pastor. Interment  iu  Elmwcd  cemetery.
HENRY PRATHER
(Written by T. B. Greenlaw).
We welcome you, 0 soldier brave!
To homeland hearts and homeland grave;
We honor thee. 0 fearless knight!
The world applauds thy valiant fight.
Amid the shriek of shot and shell, Where stricken comrades 'round thee fell. Not gun alone but soul and thought Dismayed the foe with whom you fought.
'Tis not the man behind the hoe. Nor yet the gun that conquers foe, But soul of him whom Right directs. Whose spirit knows that God protects.
L
Within thy form that crossed the sea Was God's design this world to free From thrones and kings and greed and Your mission was a world's free state.
0 Hero! well you served your land. Supreme thy sacrifice, and grand; Thou art not dead for Heav'ns not far. For thee the gate was left ajar.
And while we weep above thy bier. Our souls elate know thou art here; Promoted thou, on duty still. High mission yet thou shalt fulfill.
hate;
GREAT NIDLAND TRAIL
NASSNEEnNG
Held at  Salom  LnSt  Friday  In Con-
niH-tlon With Route Honrlnft by
State Highway CommlsHion
RI.XGINO RE80LITTI0.\8 AIK>I»TED
CONNERCIAL CLUB
ANNUAL BANQUET
Held Last Friday Night, Was a Fine Oatbering and a Big S.uccess
GORDON ADDRESS PROFITABLE
The annual banquet and election of Dfficera of tbe Flora Commeicial Club was beld Friday night in the M. E. church basement at 6:30 o'clock.
Orchestral music was played while the guests were arriving and during tbe banquet and was much enjoyed.
Rev. Q. W. Ztnk, pastor of the Christian church, invoked the divine blessing, after which the ladles' aid ot the church served a most appetiz¬ ing banquet.
A O. QaddlB had charge ot the program. Fine solos were rendered by Miss Helen Morris. Sam Hemphill, Mrs. Carl Montgomery and Mlas Mil¬ dred Hemmick. Meadames Terhune and Tonney and Misses Taylor and Russell sang a quartet. All these numbers were liberally applauded and vastly pleased the big audience.
Tbe aid served 160 plates and tbe basement was filled with guests
At the conclusion of the banquet. Vice Preeident F. L. Medley presid¬ ed in the absence of President E B. Allen, who was out of the city. Mr. Medley made a very good address, after which reports ot the secretary and treasurer were read, 'showing about $2000 bandied during the year and a little over $300 balance in tbe treasury.
Chairman J. C. Scudamore, of the nominating committee, reported the following selections tor 1921 officers which  report was adopted.
President—Col.   Randolph   Smith.
Vice President— B. B. Allen.
Secretary—L. M. Wood.
Asst. Secretary—Chas. C. Snyder.
Treasurer—R.   H.   Orant.
A short talk was made by the new ly elected president, after which talks were made by Senator Dun¬ lap  and  W.   D.   Scudamore.
The address ot Dr. A. T. Gordon, secretary of the Danville Chamber of Commerce, on Commnnity Problems, was one ot tbe best that has been delivered at any of the Club ban¬ quets and waa a most up-to-date, convincing talk on live community quiestlons. Dr. Gordon was given a unanimous vote ot thanks by those present.
"Illinois" was sung by the audi¬ ence, led by Rev. W. I. Terhune, pastor ot the M. E. churcb, atter which Rev. Terhune pronounced the benediction.
CLASS MEETING
OIL DRILLING S'TOPPED
Ater reaching a ;deiptb ofl over 2400 feet, and wtth no oil prospects, the officers ot the Amber 0>1 and Oas Co. have stopped the drill on tne Jesse Curry tarm and abandoned the well as a dry hole. Tbe rig will be moved to about a mile tlortbwcat and another well drilled.
PRESBTTERIANS   TAKB   NOTICE
Rev. Frank P. MUler, of Pekin, III., candidate for tbe pastorate at this church, will preach both morn¬ ing and evening, Sunday, April 17th. Tour presence is greatly desired. Everybody invited.
The Berean class of the Christian church held a business meeting in interest of ciass work at tbe home of Mrs. Geo. Young, twenty mem¬ bers were present. E. P. Kinnaman is teacber. WThe class intends to meet once a month.
P. A. MEYER'S BIO 8AI