February 7, 1921

E. E. Correll:
   In compliance with your request to assist in the celebration of the fiftieth or golden anniversary of the founding of The Hebron Journal, I herewith submit a few reminiscences of the early years of its existence. No doubt there will be others writing of things transpiring that will antedate my advent in Hebron in March, 1878, hence I will briefly state a few of the most important things that came under my observation in connection with "The Great Family Comforter."

   I at once became acquainted with your father, editor and publisher of The Hebron Journal, and our friendship increased as time sped on. In the fall of 1880 he was elected representative to the state legislature and selected and employed me as associate editor and business manager of the Journal, with J. Lex Peltier, forman, Fred Hohensie and Charley Bunker doing the mechanical work.

   Your father at once became a leader in the legislature on account of his natural gift or oratory and congeniality. He framed and introduced the woman's suffrage bill in the house during the session of 1880-81, and for two years published a woman suffrage paper in Lincoln, traveling and delivering lectures in behalf of his suffrage bill, pending. A number of the articles published in his Lincoln paper was copied and published in the Hebron Journal.

   What a glorious tribute to his efforts on behalf of motherhood forty years ago is the culmination of the long and bitter fight between right and wrong - right, of course, prevailing.

   I can only imagine what your father's feelings would be if he were living today to enjoy the fruits of his labor forty years ago.

   Later, the Hon. E. M. Correll was elected state senator from this senatorial district, was elected president of the senate, and at one time was acting governor of the state during the prolonged absence of Governor Crounce.

   What a thrill it gave us Hebronites! "Governor Correll of Hebron, Nebraska."

   Ernest, it just occurred to me that of the Journal force of 1880 and 1881, I and only I, am living to relate these incidents connected with the history of the Hebron Journal and its founder, Erasmus M. Correll.

   In closing, I will say I doubt if he could have attained the prominence he did without the aid and encouragement of his efficient and faithful helpmate, your mother.

   I could relate a story on your father made up and told by that wit and humorist, Jack Boyle, but I desist.

   Here's wishing the the Journal will live to celebrate its centennial anniversary, and that you will be here to conduct the ceremonies.

Faithfully yours,
F. A. POWELL

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