Well, I'd never heard of a Randolph Header either, but perhaps we all should have since it was manufactured in Grinnell and very much an Iowa innovation. Horses (or mules) propelled the harvester forward from behind and cut grain was deposited on an accompanying wagon.
Whatever the case, a Header and other farm equipment marketed by Eli Manning led the Independence Day parade in Chariton on July 4, 1889, a highlight of what The Democrat of July 11 characterized as, "A Very Creditable Celebration." Here is that report:
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Chariton never spreads itself for an immense celebration, but it never fails to have something to commemorate the glorious work so gloriously begun on July 4, 1776. The occasion this year was at least equal to any of former years. The day was as delightful as if specially made for the occasion. Late rains had laid the dust and the usual dog-day heat was conspicuously absent.
The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon that woke the slumbering citizens at an early hour. By seven o'clock the boys and girls from the country were coming in, and two hours later the streets were well filled with patriotic citizens well filled with patriotic impulses.
The parade in the forenoon was good, led by the Chariton Band discoursing its loveliest music and followed by the Chariton Fire Department.
Eli Manning looked every inch an accomplished cowboy as he gracefully handled the lines of four stalwart mules pushing along a Randolph Header and drawing the Walter A. Wood binder, Dane Stacker, several mowing machines and wagons.
William Schreiber had a good team drawing wagons, buggies and sulkies of his own make and carried a live forge and anvil from which he plied his usual vocation.
Johnson & Bower put their furnishing store on wheels and made a most tasty and elegant display.
The McCormick Harvester works hauled around a number of their machines.
W.J. Mooney, of the Hudson Brothers Commission Company, hauled around the employees of their great Butter Home.
The new men who are making fan mills here (their names we don't know because they haven't advertised) made a fine exhibition of their goods.
Law & Niefing, the cigar manufacturers, had an elegant wagon tastefully painted and decorated, illustrating their business.
H.S. Glenn, who is always there, had out a long line of the celebrated Glenn wagons, buggies and carts.
H.H. Day, the presiding officer, called the multitude to order and delivered an appropriate opening address. J.A. Campbell, of The Democrat, read the Declaration of Independence, Rev. D.M. Stuart, of Russell, delivered the oration very acceptably. W.S. Dungan spoke briefly on, "From the past what of the future of American citizenship?" and J.C. Mitchell gave us some practical thoughts on "Our foreign population." The glee club and the band interspersed the performance with inspiring music.
The afternoon was devoted to all sorts of fun, not the least of which was a grand dance given in the Opera Hall which was attended by hundreds of the youngsters. A fine display of fireworks closed the happy day and sent the large crowd home well pleased with the events of a pleasant day.
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Brief reports elsewhere in The Democrat covered other celebrations in the vicinity, including the information that "T. C. Terrell was taking in the Fourth in Marion county. From him we learn that Hon. H. B. Cloud had an immense celebration at his place in the new and beautiful city of Cloud, closing with a big display of fireworks. John McKinnen, at Columbia, was badly hurt at that place by fireworks and is reported dead from the effects of his injuries."
If you've never heard of Cloud, here's more information for you. John McKinnen actually was John McKinnon and it wasn't exactly the fireworks that killed him. Here's more about his death.
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At Oakley: "A little about the celebration. There was a tolerable large crowd, but not as large as we have seen in Chariton. The speakers were Sanders of Lucas and J.A. Campbell of Chariton. Sanders spoke in the morning and Campbell in the afternoon. They both did well. Next came the Oakley Modocs ---- they burnt Captain Jack to a stake. The free lemonade was not very good but it seemed to go well because it was cheap. The balloon accession took place at 5 o'clock. Next came the fireworks. They were good. Lit Baker got his hand badly burned while firing a sky rocket."
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In Liberty Township: "The fireworks were seen at No. 9 from Russell, Chariton and Oakley, and Oakley had the best.
"Minty Davidson took his girl to Chariton to see the fireworks on the 4th. He put his team in the livery stable, and when he went to hitch up his new harness was cut to pieces and the rings taken off. This is the second time. It is risky for a farmer to go to Chariton."
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And Derby: "A number of young men in and around Warren township are rapidly going to ruin by way of the whiskey bottle, and it is believed all the vile stuff is purchased in Chariton. Boys, look out or you will become slaves to a habit that you can't get rid of.
"Nearly all of our people went to Humeston on the 4th."
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