Hallett - Phely
Source: Weekly Argus News Jan 9, 1897 p 4
Phely Hallett, the compounder of fancy drinks for the social four hundred in the Bluff Mills vicinity was in the city Saturday and he had a tale of woe. On Christmas Day, Phely locked up the quart shop and went out to spend the day with friends. During his absence a party of young men called and finding the joint closed they cooly forced an entrance and proceeded to make themselves very much at home. Now as a matter of fact, Mr. Hallett does not carry a very heavy stock and it did not take those 15 callers, each possessing a burning Christmas thirst, very long to dispose of the bottled goods. Then they started in on the long filler "Stinkadora" cigars for which the joint is famous and when the host returned the place gave evidence of having played an active engagement with a Kansas cyclone. There wasn't enough liquor left to spike the lemonade at a Sunday School picnic and your Uncle Phely was very warn about the collar. He has the names of the festive gang that made merry the Christmas Day at his expense and unless they make due haste and settle all damages the matter will break into court. - transcribed by kbz
Note: I believe this is Elijah P. Hallett born 10 Feb 1847 in Fountain County, son of Elijah and Lucinda (Wineland) Hallett died 27 February 1909 Montgomery County. He was married to Rebecca Newkirk; however, they were divorced for many years (including when the above happened). However, they must have remained good friends as she gave the information for his death record - saying, Rebecca, wife but he is listed in the marital status line as divorced! I find that odd but quaint :) - kbz