Notes taken by Mary Althaver

1st issue, a live local newspaper, $1.50 a year, published every Wednesday

by J.H. Wickwire & Co., office over J.W. Ott's grocery

1-10-1872 Vol. 1 No. 1

M- Jan 3 at res. of bride's father, by Rev. Bela Fancher, Walter Marsh of Iowa to Miss Elizabeth Cook, dau. of Sylvenus Cook, of this village.

Fire- res. of Samuel Webster, in Clarendon, entirely consumed by fire. Bldg. was owned by Albert Andrews.

Young Men's Literary Soc. of Homer began Nov. 27, 1871, Benjamin F. Wetherbee, Pres.

Mr. W Wilber of Pulaski bought the Homer Hotel of Mrs. Hill. Name to be changed to Wilber House. Has a livery stable and free hack to the cars.

1-17-1872

Business notes-

Alex. Arthur- Boots & Shoes,

Allen Bros., Carriage Shop,

Osborn House- new and popular, prop. A.M.Osborn, free hack to & from cars, livery stable.

Homer Steam Planing Mill- Wm. Raby

Geo. McCartney bought interest of his former partner, Wm. O Wells- Groceries- opposite Westcott's brick store.

M- Jan. 4, Thurs. eve. by Rev. JW Reid at bride's father's res- Willard L. Cotton of Homer to Miss Hattie J. Gridley, eldest dau. of Abram Gridley, Esq. of Albion.

M- Jan. 18 at ME parsonage- Homer by Rev JW Reid- John W Banks, of Baltimore, Md. to Miss Amelia McCutcheon of Albion.

1-24-1872

First sleighing party of note on Monday at house of Peter Mitchell in Clarendon.

D- in Homer, Jan. 15, of consumption, Hettie J., wife of F.D. Hoffman, at age 32 yr.

1-31-1872

A dollar store is to be opened in bldg. formerly occupied by IK Henshaw, this week.

Hiram Vick, barber-ad.

D- at res. in S Albion, Jan 26, Rev. Wm. Farley, age 65 y., ME Church. His wife died only 7 weeks ago.

D- Jan. 31 Rev. Elijah Cook, age 79, funeral at res. of son, IL Cook.

Following the advent of Northern Central RR comes the New York Novelty Store, in Eslow's bldg. average price - $1 each, fine chromos, watches, etc.

Homer Index is the 6th paper JH Wickwire has established since spring 1866 - all are alive still.

2-14-1872

For Sale- small 2 story house and 2 lots, pleasantly located- enquire of HL Hopkins.

M- at Wilber House, Feb. 14, by Rev. JW Reid, Frank H. Smith of Pulaski, to Miss Elisabeth C. Champion of Homer.

CD Burt - Harness, saddles.

WH Eggleston - new dentist

Hiram Snider - boots and shoes.

2-21-1872

Doctors: Dr. EA Collins, HI Holmes, MD, Jas. M Bigby, MD, Geo. Barnum, MD

M- in Litchfield Jan 30 by Rev. WH Ware- Henry K. White of St Joseph and Miss Mattie J. Stillwell of Litchfield.

M- in Litchfield Feb. 15 by Rev. Ware - Geo. W Dobson & Miss Mary J. Allen, both of Litchfield.

Election notice - village election - signed by Geo. J. French, Village Recorder.

Photograph Gallery in Lyon's Block - Wm. Peppet

EP Potter - Hardware.

Young Men's Literary Soc. - Wm. J Gregg, Pres.

D- George Lewis, youngest son of Dea. Arza Lewis of this place, Sunday last at Sedgewick, Kansas, in 28th year. Body will be brought here. He was born in this village and lived here the greater portion of his life, until the latter part of the great Rebellion, when he joined 13th Mich. Inf. and went with Sherman in his March to the Sea. After the war he returned to Homer and farmed and clerked in a store. In spring 1870 he went west, bought 160 acres at Augusta, Butler

Co. Kansas, later moved to Sedgewick Co. Worked on farm and on Santa Fe RR. Leaves parents, brothers and sisters.

Council News - Pres. to talk with Wickwire on the cost of publishing Council Proceedings.

Village Financial Statement - for yr. ending Mar.4, 1872 General Fund budget $396.20. Street Fund $771.02

3-20-1872

M-in Butler at bride's father's res. - Mar 13 by Rev. John Gerrish, Wm. L. Mahany, of Homer & Miss Catharine Dickinson, of Butler

M- in Eckford, Mar. 16 by Rev. Gerrish, Theodore Cook to Miss Julia Hafer

Soon to be new passenger coaches on Mich. Central RR

M- in Homer, Mar 21 by Rev. Albert Marshall, Charles Adams of Litchfield to Miss Pearlie Busley of Homer

Business ads- GH French- Dry Goods & Clothing, Murray & Mahany- Dry Goods & Groceries, JN Westcott- General Merchandise, Brooks & Mumbrue- Clothes, Boots, Shoes,

Prior & Thorn- Ready Made Clothes.

4-3-1872

Twp. election results- Stephen F Snyder, Repub., Sup., Geo. Seymour, Repub., Clerk, Daniel Dorsey, Dem. Treas.

Closing exercises of Homer Union School, principal HA Bunnell.

4-10-1872

Auction store to open in Eslow's bldg. opposite the Wilber House- for 3 days. GW Howe and JL Howe will offer great bankrupt stock of gold, silver, watches, rings, etc.

Article on Homer and Manchester RR

4-17-1872

Council discussed bldg. 2 cisterns- one near public square, other near Lyon's Block- hold 200 bbls. each- estimated cost $100 each.

M- in Litchfield, Mar 13 by Rev. WH Ware- Orel C. Warriner to Mrs. Mahala J. Bennett, both of Litchfield.

M- in Litchfield, Apr 3 by Rev. Ware- Allen Anderson to Miss Julia E Stoddard, dau. of Hon. Wm. Stoddard. Both of Litchfield.

4-24-1872

D- Monday last, Henry Juckett, age 16 or 18 y., son of Wm. Juckett, who lives in southeast part of this twp.- had fatal accident while felling a tree.

M- in Homer, at res. of Joseph Daniels, Apr 21, by Rev. Thos. Lyon, Mellville Stiles of Eckford & Miss Ruby Ammerman of Homer.

D- in Homer, Mar 31, of congestive chills, Mrs. Lucinda Eastman, age 65. She was born in New Hampshire in 1807, member Baptist Ch. 40 years.

Ordinance on planting trees- to be planted in parallel rows to street, etc.

Ad- Mrs. E Woodbury, millinery, Stone & Walker- Dentistry & Artificial Teeth.

5-1-1872

Article on Homer, saying population is 1000, expect to have 1500 in another year.

Fire at house of EL Hopkins on Adams St. - from sparks of apassing engine on the NCMRR - no serious damage.

D- in Homer Apr 15 - Mrs. Fidelia Parks, relict of the late Dr Vernon Parks, age 63y. She came here with husband about 35 years ago, had long illness.

5-8-1872

M- at res. of bride's father, John R Oakes, in Albion, May 7 by Rev. JW Reid, Wm. E Cobley of Marengo & Miss Caroline Libb Oakes of Albion.

M- at res. of bride's mother in Jonesville, on May 1, by Rev HP Henderson, Hon. WH Brockway, of Albion, & Miss Nettie Baxter of Jonesville.

Homer Silver Coronet Bank thanks those who were generous- they now have a set of instruments second to none in the state- WA Lane, Secretary.

Northern Central RR making a new grade from near Mr French's res. to the Air Line crossing. Also put in a side track opposite EL Hopkins' res.

D- in Homer, at res. of his son, Warren L. Deming, on May 13 of old age, Elisha Deming- age 89

B- Paper is late due to arrival of a new assistant editor, born Friday last, weighing over 9 lbs.

D- Funeral of Mrs. David Watson will be held in S Albion May 24 at the house.

M- at Union City- May 18, 1872- James Hartson to Melissa Fisk, both of Tekonsha.

M- in Tekonsha- May 16- Lucius Stray of Girard to Mrs. Rachel Knapp, of Tekonsha.

M- in Jackson May 16 Dr FA Warren of Tekonsha to Maria Dake, of Parma

M- in Jackson May 16, Bradley B Anderson of Tekonsha, to Miss May Town of Jackson.

D- in this vil., May 22 of consumption, Robert Hoffman, age 46y

D- in Clarendon May 20, Deacon J. Humeston, age 89y

D- in Buffalo, NY, May 16, Florence L, wife of Clifford A Baker of Buffalo and dau. of late Philander Cook of Homer, age 25y

Mrs. Lydia Miller, age 75, left to visit her dau in Portland, Oregon, and her son at Leavenworth, Kansas, and her sister, Mrs. Barney, at Sacramento, Cal.

Geo. A Aldrich sold his grocery stock to EW Blair.

Homer now has 2 RR in successful operation - the LS & MSRR (Lake Shore & Michigan Southern) having taken possession of the NCMRR between Jonesville and Albion.

Michael Gregg is building a new dwelling on Everett St, east of res. of Wm. J Gregg.

David Foley- put up dwelling on his lot on corner of Depot & Hillsdale St.

CJ Murray building new brick store.

List of Homer teachers for all districts

Article on the Michigan Air Line RR Stockholder's meeting

Ads - Cyrus Smith, Furniture. Ice Cream at Blair's. Geo. D. Cleveland - Lumber, etc.

M- in Butler, June 6 by Geo. Russell, Esq., Abraham Vreeland to Miss Electa A Hann, all of Butler.

D- Drowned in mill pond near this village, on July 4, an adopted son of Hance McIlwain, who lives in South part of town. He was about 17 y old.

M- in Homer July 3 by Rev. Thos. Lyon, at res. of bride's father, Rev. FN Janes to Miss Delia Macumber, all of Homer.

B- to EW Blair, son

B- to SM Leroy, son

B- to Henry C Hopkins, son

All above births within the past week in this village.

Jas. M Palmer bought 1/2 interest in Grocery of JW Ott, Now called Ott & Palmer.

Wool prices - 50 to 55 cents per lb.

Wm. L Mahany is erecting a nice res. on Webster St, 22 'by 28', 2 stories.

7-31-1872

Wilber House has been completely overhauled, 2 balconies built, new blinds, walks, etc.

Ott & Palmer have a first class delivery wagon and will deliver within the village free.

D- Mary Elisabeth Sabin, dau. of Willet & Maria Hopkins, died of consumption at her res. in Homer July 28. She was born in Cicero, Onondago Co, NY on Aug. 23, 1835 and came with her parents to Mich. as an infant. They settled near Homer and she's been here since. 21 years member of Presbyterian Ch. On Oct 29, 1856 she mar. Abner C. Sabin, only son of Rev. Benjamin Sabin. They had 3 children, who survive, along with husband.

8-7-1872

It is rumored that when all the doctors who have decided to locate here arrive, we will have 11.

Shell Smith says he is going to build a new hearse.

8-14-1872

Baseball news

More baseball news, Council news

8-28-1872

D- Hiram Snider, an old and much respected citizen, died suddenly on Monday the 26th, after an attack of bilious colic. He lived in this village and vicinity for 20 years and was 55 years old. Member Methodist Ch. Leaves a wife, no children.

Tornado passed south of the village Monday, some crops and orchards damaged.

Fall term of Union School starts Sept. 3, JN Westcott, Director.

S Chapin, MD, graduate of U of M, has taken rooms in the Osborn House.

9-4-1872

D- in Homer, Sept 2, Willie, youngest son of Luke M & Mary Thayer, age 2y,1m.

More baseball news.

Homer Dramatic Company performing at Lyon's Hall.

HP Norton leased the E front of EW Blair's store and resumed watch, clock, jewelry and sewing machine repairs.

9-18-1872

Council news - Report of Prof. A Winchell, State Geologist, his opinion is favorable to success in an experiment to obtain an artesian well in the village. Committee named to work on this.

HR Daniels has frame up for new house on corner Byron & Everett.

Mr. S. Allen erecting large res. on corner Adams & Hillsdale- uprights are 18' by 26' with 18 ft. studding.

9-25-1872

Information on artesian well

Dr. Collins asks all those indebted to him to call and settle. He also offers his house for sale.

10-2-1872

Long article on Mr. Hazael Juckett, who was born in 1800 in Rhode Island. Article from a NY paper.

Edward Parrons bought boot & shoe stock from the Hiram Snider estate.

Geo. H French moved his store back about 10 ft, making the street that much wider and giving Main St a broader appearance.

Accident- Joseph Perry fell into an open cellar on the lot of B & ER Smith

Cyrus Smith is moving his furniture store back 10' to widen the street.

PT Barnum's Great Show is at Marshall.

M- at res. of bride's father, Mr John Matheson, at Elkhorn, Wisc. Sept 26 by Rev. PS VanNess, Charles A Westcott of Homer to Miss M. Jessie Matheson.

Cyrenus Walker leased the rooms over Mahany's store and will open a restaurant - no liquor.

M- at res. of bride's father, Oct 9 by Rev Thos. Lyon, Mr JB Green of Oxford, Mich. and Miss Lottie E. Palmer of Homer.

Mortgage sale- default in mortgage dated 12-23-1869, executed by Harrison Hopkins to Samuel N. Osborn, recorded April 27, 1870, liber T, page 22. Later assigned to Albert Collins, balance due $119.16, part of lot 129 in village of Homer.

Jas. M Palmer bought interest of JW Ott in grocery firm and will run it alone.

Council - contract with Dean & Dunakin to bore artesian well 6" bore, about 100'.

MW Hatch's Drug Store is being moved back to widen Main St

Thos Lyon has moved his old bank bldg. north to the alley.

Election returns - Grant carried every Northern State and most of Southern.

Accident- Benj. Powers' team ran away and he was thrown and hit a stone fence, tearing off one of his ears, etc.

D- in Jackson, Mich. on Nov. 5, at res of her son, HT Wickwire, Mrs. Lucretia Wickwire, age 84 y

WW Wells bought building formerly occupied by LS & MS RR – as a passenger house and moved the upright to his lot and added it to his residence. He sold the wing of the bldg. to Mr. Emmons, who has moved it to his lot as an addition to his house.

Son of AJ McArdle - age about 10, broke his arm in a fall from a fence.

Homer Advertiser, an ad sheet, issued by the Homer Cornet Band, appeared this week - 4 pages - with home news, etc. It is to be published monthly for gratuitous distribution.

D- Benjamin Powers, a farmer, residing 2 miles South of village, died on the 11th, after injuries received last week. He was 54 and lived in this township 12 years, removing to this place from Ontario Co., NY. He had held township office. He leaves a wife, 2 sons and a dau. He was in comfortable circumstances as to property.

M- at ME Church in this village Nov. 10 by Rev Thos. Lyon, Mr George Peppet to Miss Sarah F. Henderson, all of Homer.

M- in Burlington Nov. 10 by Rev. AH Gillett, Louis H. DeBow to Miss Alice McDonald, both of this village.

M- in township of Albion, at res. of Mrs. Lovina J. Murray, Nov. 12, by Rev. I Taylor, Mr Ira Hughes to Miss Ellis Murray

M- at res. of bride's father in Clarendon Twp. on the 7^th inst. by Rev. I Taylor, Hiram T. Letts and Miss Hattie C. Bailey.

Thanksgiving Hop at the Wilber House.

M- in this village Nov. 20 at res. of Mrs LE Hill, by Rev. Bela Fancher, James M. Palmer to Miss Minerva A Doan, all of this village.

11-27-1872

Geo. Davis is building a nice barn on his lots on the corner of Everett and Webster. He intends to build a nice res. in the spring.

M- at house of bride's father in Homer Nov 21(note date says 1871, but I assume this is an error) by Rev. LH Corson of Jonesville, William H. Miller of Chicago to Miss Bessie Westcott, fourth dau. of JN Westcott, Esq. of Homer.

Partnership dissolved between Ira K. Henshaw & Jerome B Henshaw - under firm name of IK & JB Henshaw. The grocery will now be run by IK Henshaw.

12-4-1872

On the Index books are between 50 & 100 subscribers who are in arrears.

D- in Homer, Nov. 28 of consumption, Aurelia D., wife of John Snider, age 39y,1m,10d

Dr. HI Holmes, of Homer, was taken sick while visiting relatives in Huron Co., near Bay City.

New office of MCRR & Co. is for their agent - Mr Gregg.

Northern Central popular - iron is now laid to Lansing.

Fine new passenger house built at Condit, Albion Twp.

M- on the 5th inst. at res. of Abram Gridley, Esq. of Albion Twp., by Rev. GW Tuthill, of Union City, CO Ball to Miss Fidelia Gridley, both of Albion.

12-18-1872

Miss Lucy Gerrish will leave for her position of Preceptress of a seminary in Rock Island, Ill.

D- at res. in Homer, Nov. 28 of consumption, Mrs. Aurelia D. Snider, age 39. She was a native of E Bennington, Vt. She married John Snider in Virgil, NY, Dec. 14, 1852. Some years since they came to Homer. Methodist Ch. 3 dau, 1 son.

IK Henshaw opened a news depot in connection with his grocery.

"Aunt Lydia" Miller returned from her Western trip safely.

D-RR accident - Valentine Smith, a brakeman, coming East last Wed. slipped from top of cars soon after they passed Homer and was not missed until the train pulled into the station. His body was terribly mangled, found near the Hillsdale St crossing. He leaves a wife and 2 children who live 4 miles south of Lawton.

Penmanship School- Prof. JM Baldwin will open a writing school in Homer.