Daniel -- not happy in 1876

 College Corner/ Corner Stone, Aug, 9, 1876

FAIRFIELD ITEMS

Mr. Editor -- It is evident that this place has a little life, yet it is rapidly dying. Some think that we will ultimately be engulfed in a vortex made by the toiling hand of the sturdy Granger. We are in great despair. The humming wheels of industry seems to stand still, while indolence and the cry of "hard times," pervade the ranks of our community. 

Once we had the opportunity of having a railroad up our beautiful valley, if we would give a few thousand dollars. But no one made a move toward it; and we now sleep in silent bliss, without a rattling car to disturb our slumbers.

Unless some change overcomes the demented minds of a few of our citizens, we will never have any improvements. Melancholy as it may seem, we have those in our minds, who own property and yet they oppose railroads as a great detriment to our welfare. Such men are fit subjects for the Insane Asylum, and should be prohibited from the right to suffrage.

Months have elapsed since we have had half enough hitching posts to accommodate those who come to town. Recently a few new posts have been erected; and the enterprising merchants who engaged in this work deserve the highest encomiums the Grangers can pronounce upon them. 

Our millers, Brown and Best, deserve much credit for the enterprising spirit they have manifested in rebuilding their mill dam which has been so often removed by high water within the past year.

Ferguson and Barton will teach the schools here for the coming year.

Our young and efficient physician, Dr. Homsher, is gaining a reputation in his profession that time can only efface.. Success to you George, is our wish. Debates on the Grange question can occasionally be heard here on the street corners.

This place has long been noted for its pretty girls. They are so fascinating that they have induced a young man who lives near Liberty to come and drink no more at the sparkling fountain of intemperance. That young and officious attorney, Davis, of Liberty, paid Fairfield a visit last week. Matrimony in view.

Our barber drinks blood. He is to be feared, lest he may become blood-thirsty. 

The Centennial is ceasing to be the topic of conversation. But few from here anticipate visiting the Exposition. Why do so many spend more money and time indiscreetly every year than would pay their expenses to the Centennial? Yet they so do and remain at home in ignorance of those grand sights which can be seen with but little cost.

Civilized and uncivilized, go and extend to foreigners the hand of amity and your mingling together will do much to enlighten and ameliorate all mankind.

Respectfully, 

Daniel 

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Notes: In 1871, Fairfield voted on whether to have a railroad that began in Dearborn County and was to cut north on its way to Richmond. No idea if the plan was legitimate or half-baked. The vote failed the first time and evidently failed a second time as well. Pffffffffffft. 

Grangers were men of agriculture and connected with the workings of Milton Trusler, who lived in the Bentley area. No idea what these comments refer to otherwise.

The Centennial was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. No idea where the Exposition was being held. Presumably, not on the railroad line that didn't come through Fairfield in 1876. 

Dr. George Homsher was a prominent Fairfield doctor. LINK HERE