Iowa Old Press

Postville Review
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
May 4, 1900

Obituary
Abram V. Hart was born in Londen County, Va., Feb. 10th, 1816. He went to Morgan County, Ohio, in the winter of 1840 and married Mary Beal, Nov. 24th, 1845. He came to Post township in the fall of 1854, where he has resided ever since. He died April 30th, 1900, leaving a wife, two children, John B. and Mrs. Lydia A. Towns, and seven grandchildren to mourn his death.

This is the short record of the deceased which we have at hand. We have known him quite intimately for a quarter of a century and have known him as a kind, accommodating and honest man. He worked hard all his life until the weight of years compelled him to rest from his labors, and gathered together a comfortable fortune. He suffered a great deal for several months, bearing the pain with fortitude. The funeral was held from his late residence on Thursday afternoon, Revs. Pollard and Bockelman officiating. The further serveces were conducted by the Masonic fraternity, of which he has been a member for many years. Interment in the Postville cemetery. And thus we bid farewell to our neighbor and friend. May his sleep be peaceful and those who mourn be comforted by the hope of a reunion in the "sweet by-and-by."

Obituary
Willis Chester McMartin was born in Bloomfield Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, Jan. 10, 1868, and died at Manila, P.J., Feb. 10, 1900, aged 32 years and one month. At his country's call for volunteers he enlisted in the 45th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Sept. 7th, 1899. He was ordered to Ft. Snelling, Minn., and assigned to Co. G. He was promoted to corporal and left Ft. Snelling for Manilla, Oct. 22, 1899, going by way of San Francisco and Honolulu. they dropped anchor in Manila Bay, Dec. 21st, 1899. Soon after arriving at Manila, his company was ordered to the front, and after twenty days' pursuit, came upon and defeated the enemy after an engagement of three hours duration. Willis was stricken with malaria fever in a few days after this engagement and died in the army hospital at Manila on the above named date. Strange hands, directed by human sympathy, ministered to him in his last hours, closed his eyes in death, and started the body on its long journey of more than 8,000 miles to the home of his dear ones. The remains were received at Castalia, Tuesday, April 24th , and funeral services were held at the United Brethern church on Wednesday at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Barton, of Postville. The little town and surrounding country were not wanting in respect for the fallen soldier. The stores were closed; the liberty pole displayed its flag at half mast, and the church was profusely decorated with bunting and flowers. And a large number of people, many more than could gain entrance to the little chapel, attended the services. The "Modern Woodmen", of which fraternity the deceased was an honored member, sent delegations from Decorah, Ossian and Postville, while the local camp were all present. Rev. Dickinsheets offered prayer at the church, and at the grave the Woodmen rendered their impressive burial service. In the course of his remarks, Rev. Barton said: "It matters little what you and I may think as to the righteousness or unrighteousness of our present war in the Phillippine Islands, he was true to his country's call, and I say of him today as Gen. B.F. Butler said of our immortal Lincoln, "He died in the fullness ofhis fame." And, though it waas in the hospital, it was just as much in his country's cause as though he had gone down in the thickest of the fray. Soldier, rest, your battles have been fought. Your warfare is over. Yours is a most honorable discharge, and henceforth your name shall appear among those whose memory our country will hold most dear. No more weary days in camp, hospital or prison pen. No more weary marching, hunger, or fatigue. No more nights on picket duty, or sleeping on the damp ground with only the canopy of heaven for a covering. You will not drink again of the tepid water of the gray canteen, but may you drink freely of the great river of life, which, clear as crystal, flows out from the throne of God. You will not appear again in military review, but may you appear in the grand review of the heavenly soldier. It was not yours to return to dear ones to relate the thrilling incidents of army life, but may it be yours to welcome them to that better land where wars do not disturb, and no soldier has to die to defend the right. Sleep now and take your rest. You will not again respond to the first bugle call of the eternal morning. Enshrined in the flag you died to protect, we place your body in the tender bosom of Mother Earth, and commend your spirit to the God of battles."

[transcribers note: the U.S. was involved in the Philippine Insurrection, Philippine Islands, February 4, 1899 to July 4, 1902. It was also known as the Philippine-American War]

Card of Thanks
We kindly thank all friends who assisted to bury our son and brother, the U.B. Church of CAstalia, Rev. Barton for his able discourse, assisted by Rev. Dickensheets, and all who furnished flowers, wreathes and mottos, the choir for singing; the M.W.A. especially the camps from Castalia and Ossian in taking charge of the remains of one of their esteemed neighbors from a distant camp. Also friends, who assisted to decorate the church with flowers and the flag that he went to defend, in honor of our soldier boy.
D.A. McMartin and family

Bethel Correspondence [reported by E.R.A. Brainard]
-Mr. Ed Stillion's people have a son.
-John Ruckdaschal visited with C. Deering's family today
-Sampson and J.W. Harris' families are grievously tormented with the measles, from the Mrs. down to the smallest child.
-Captain Phelps, of the volunteers, was with Rev. Dickensheets last Sunday. He preached for him at Forest Mills, and gave us some very interesting facts for a short-time at the Y.P.C.U. at Bethel in the evening
-William Harris went over near West Union lately and bought a black poll cow and calf, the calf to head his herd of over 100 Black Polls. Will thinks the raising of that kind of cattle pays.
-As William Simpson and wife were going home from town the other day near Will Robb's, one of the horses kicked over the tongue of the buggy. The team became frightened and started to run away. Mr. S. headed them for one of McMaster's large trees which brought them to a standstill quick. The ending was very fortunate as no one was hurt. One wheel of the buggy was entirely broken to pieces.
-A dance down at Gustavus Gilson's last evening makes me remember the first verse of some home made poetry, much sung when I was a boy, I give the verse:

"The Yellow River flat boat
Sails without fear;
It's motto is dancing.
It's cargo is beer."

I wonder if any one living knows the rest of the poem. I would like it to read at the Young People's meeting some evening.

-Edgar Medary's "Event's Twenty Years Ago" helps me to remember that nearly thirty years ago, J.R. Laughlin and your reporter [E.R.A. Brainard] edited a school house paper called the Righteous Run Ventilator which used to have some startling news in it. Here is the first verse of some poetry composed by the editor:

"The night was dark, the moon was hid
Behind the clouds so gray,
As Dr. Elsey wandered forth,
About the break of day .....

This was Monday morning. I am told that young men are seen starting out after watching all night with some poor sick female even to this day and age. Another advertisement told us that Dr. Elsey had discovered a hair vigor or whisker seed that would grow hair on a stove pipe. He accidently spilled some on his sadle bags and lo, they were covered with a thick growth of soft, fine hair.

-Alfonzo Coon and mother were at church today.
-Mrs. Fred Miller has been afflicted with rheumatism quite severely.
-Rev. J.Q. Dickensheets preached one of those sermons today which hit everyone and hit us hard.
-Two weeks from today, the 13th of May, the new church at Forest Mills will be dedicated by P.E. Carlton. Rev. Dickensheets has worked hard helping them down there to build. At times he has taken off his coat and helped roll logs or any other work that needed doing.

The story of the lost child was told last Sunday evening. Here is is as near as I can remember:
Warren Beard, then living on the place now owned by T.J. Werhan, went into the field to cut grain with a cradle. About 10 o'clock a.m. his wife, carrying a little child less than three years old, went into the field east of the house to help Mr. B. with the harvest work. The baby fell asleep as she carried it along. She laid it in the shade to take its nap. After working as long as she thought best, she went to see about the little one. When she came to the palce where she had left the child, it was gone. She, thinking it might have gone to the house, some 80 rods away, went there, but no baby was there. Hurrying back to the field calling the little one every little ways, she came to her husband, told him the sad news. Together they made a hurried search, but the child was nowhere to be found. I would ask every parent to think of their consternation when they found their child was lost. At that time, 40 years ago [ca1860], the timber was full of wolves and wildcats.

Before nightfall, they had aroused enough neighbors so that there were quite a company of searchers. Many of them took no rest all night long. By early morning the woods were being searched in every direction, but mostly on the east side of the road. Mrs. B. by this time had become nearly frantic and never expected to see the baby alive again. About 10 o'clock the next day Con Hugh was crossing the north fork of the Yellow River in company with some other friends to join in the search. This crossing is near where Jacob Ewing lives now. they saw a small child cross the road some 40 rods ahead of them. Some one of the company ran and caught it. After calling so as to be sure the baby did not belong there, they took the child along. Think of the joy of Mr. and Mrs. Beard when this proved to be their little one. Guns were fired, which called the searchers home to see what they supposed would be the dead and mangled body of the child. But no, it was well and with but a few scratches to show for its night and day in the woods. Where the child was picked up was about two or three miles southwest of where it started. I am quite sure there are persons living near there that could tell this story better than this, for they must have joined in the search. Mr. Hughes lives in Nebraska at this time.

[transcribed by S.F., January 2005]

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Postville Review
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
May 11, 1900

Correspondence from Bethel
Editor Burdick's position on selfishness reminds me of once helping to debate the question: Resolved, that difference of opinion has caused more death and suffering than all other causes combined. One debater took all the time allotted to him trying to make the judges believe that when men quarreled or fought or when nations went to war it was sameness of opinion, not difference of opinion. Think of Christ coming into the world to die for fallen man to gratify selfish ambition. Mr. B. did not say this but this is th eultimatum reached.

David Smith's poor health continues so that his friends are becoming alarmed. His sister, Mrs. W.H. Carrithers has been very poorly all the spring. How truly that scripture that says "man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble." It being verified in the life and death of mankind. The time of year has come to plant your corn. The season will be all right, "sure".

Mrs. E. Swenson has been quite sick. I am pleased to say she is better now.

Miss Kate McLaughlin teaches the Minert summer school. Her home is at Dorchester.

Our incubator has hatched about 200 chickens and we have her set again, due the 15th. One of the roosters commenced crowing when six weeks old. Now the wonder is, has artificial hatching anything to do with that?

By reference to the secretary's book of the Hawkeye Literary Society, organized Nov. 17, 1873, I find that A.B. Cook was president; J.R. Laughlin, secretary. Some of the great men that have gone out into the world from this society are:
O.T. Patterson, now of Blooming, Neb. He served his county as county attorney one term and is one of the best lawyers of his part of the state.
E. Reed is one of the greatest advocates of free silver and McKinley hard times in this part of the country.
James Orr and Henry Webb have developed into two of the best business men in the township.
C.B. Martin, of Lyons county, and W.W. Eaton of Penora, Guthrie Co., are good and respected business men of their respective places.
C.A. Wood, a nephew of Mrs. Mary Eaton, was at one time county auditor of Custer Co., Dak. The last I knew of him he was an honest farmer.
M.W. Eaton, of Waukon, an honored member of our county board of supervisors, ex-mayor of Waukon and the first stock buyer of that city.
Miss M. Patterson, now Stiles, and Miss T. Dobson, now Deal, have families and wifely cares of their own.
A number of members have been called away from this world of pleasures and cares. Wherever they have located I am sure they are honored citizens there.
---
The Eastern Star.
The ladies of the O.E.S. are the leaders of the social entertainments this spring. A week ago last Monday evening a farewell was held in honor of Mrs. W.H. Thomas, who left on Wednesday evening for her home in North Dakota. It was a pleasant gathering, games and refreshments being the order of the evening, all wishing a long and prosperous life for Mrs. Thomas.

Last Monday evening a reception was held in honor of Mrs. Crosby, who had returned home from California. The reception was held at Mr. Moll's restaurant and was another pleasant gethering, games, charades and light refreshments being the order of the evening. It will long be remembered as one of the pleasantest gatherings of the season.

Decoration Day Meeting.
Postville, May 1, 1900 - Meeting called for the purpose of making arrangements for observance of Decoration Day. The following committees were selected:
President of the Day -- Mayor J.I. Shepherd
Marshall of the Day -- Capt. Jas. Perry
Com. on Arrangements -- W.I. Chase, J.M. Harris, Jno Pixler, W.W. Schroyer
Com. of Program -- John Waters and Jas. Perry
Com. on Finance -- John Moore and C. Holter
Com. on Flags and Decoration -- A.R. Prescott
Com. on Flowers -- A.R. Prescott, Mrs. Kerr and Mrs. Hecker
Com. on Music -- John Waters and Mrs. A.E. Cornell
Com. on Speaker and Chaplain -- J.M. Harris
Moved and seconded: That each teacher of the school take part, with their school, in the parade and also the lodges and Fire company. Motion carried.
Moved and seconded: That the mayor issue a proclamation to close business houses during the exercises. Motion carried.
On motion adjourned.
John Waters

Killed By A Train
Michael Tracy, an old and well known resident of Paint Creek township, was struck by the southbound passenger and Instantly killed on the mainline a half mile above the Junction yesterday afternoon. He had left Waukon on the morning train for Harper's Ferry and was walking to that place from the junction. The scene of the accident was on a sharp curve, and it is supposed he was walking with bowed head, as was his custom, and was unaware of the train's approach until too late to get off the track. His remains were brught to the Junction where an inquest was held Wednesday by the coroner. Deceased was upwards of 75 years of age and is survived by several children, one of whom, a daughter, resides with Mrs. J.E. Duffy, of this city. -Waukon Democrat

Real Estate Transfers
-Geo W. Metcalf et al to Herman Breeser, w 1/2 se and e 1/2 sw ne sec 7-100-4, 100 acres, $800.00
-Mary T. Morgan to Bridget Kelly, se nw and ne sw sec 30-100-4, 80 a, $400.00
-Barney J. Gerling to Leo Pottratz, sw ne sec 17-100-5, $1,100.00
-Leo Pottratz to Abe Meisers, n 1/2 ne and n 1/4 of sw ne 17-100-5, 90 acres, $1,750.00
-Eleanor Press to William F. Reynolds, Q C D to n 1/2 se and n 1/2 sw se sec 33; and nw sw (except 1 acre) 34-97-6, 139 a; subject to life lease and incumbrances, [amount is illegible]
-Frank F. Whaley to Jesse Strong, that part of vacated Genesee St. between blk 16 and 17, N. Capoli, $15.00
-Cary L. Cayton to A.B. Cayton, nw se 7-96-5, $950.00
-John C. Brophy to Martin P. Kulstad, lots 6 and n 1/2 of 5, in blk 4; and lots 6, 7 and 8, blk 5, S. Lansing, $700.00
-H.T. Engelhorn to John Burgess, w 1/2 sw 19/99/4, $440.00
-J.M. Barthell to same, same Q C D, $1.00
-Adella M. Britain et al to Ben O. Svebaken and Nels Thompson, E pt of lot 1 in blk 1, Scott Shattuck's 1st add to Waukon (24 ft front), $720.00
-Mahuldah Bollman et al to Ind Sch Dist of Highland, 11 X 7 rods and 5 ft in sw cor 5-96-6, $25.00
-M.C. Bollman to W.A. Bollman und 1-6 of nw nw sec 8; and the s 1/2 of sw sw 5-96-6, subject to school house site, $283.00
-James Thomson to Elsbeth Ashbecker, lot 4 in blk 3, orig Waukon, $1.00
-A.G. Stewart to Lottie E. Howe, und 1/2 lots 3 and 8, blk 16, delafield's addition to Waukon, $500.00
-Same, guardian of Lisle M. Stewart und 1/2 of same to L.A. Howe, $500.00
-Adda Bowman et al to L.D.B. Hawkins, lots 1, 2 and 3 in blk 26, Lawler's add to Postville, $200.00
-F.A. Fiete to C.O. Howard, lots 5 and 6 in blk 18, Del add Waukon, $550.00

Kister Bros. Proprietor of City Meat Market, first door east of the Commercial Hotel, New, Clean and first class. Fresh and salted meats of all kinds.

Married.
At the congregational Parsonage, in Sioux Falls, S.D., May 2nd, 1900 by Rev. Scott, Mr. S.A. Birdsell and Miss Mabel Havirland, formerly of Postville. We have no acquaintance with Mr. Birdsell, but we know the bride to be one of the best young ladies that ever went out from here, and we know she will do her part towards making a model, happy home. May much joy and happiness be the lot of the newly wedded couple. May sunshine predominate and the clouds be full of rifts.

Local Review.
-Dr. Flynn spent last Sunday at Clear Lake.
-Nora Riley was up from Monona last Sunday.
-Gov. L.M. Shaw is a delegate from the Des Moines lay electoral conference.
-Fred J. Babcock, Jr. of New Hampton, was a caller at the Methodist parsonage Tuesday.
-The Misses Edith Olson, Mary Shema and Anna Powers were down from Calmar Sunday.
-Loren Bellows has accepted a position with a Chicago firm and is now traveling on the road.
-Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Schuler, a 9-pound boy, Thursday morning.
-Mrs. John Crosby was wonderfully improved in health by her winter's sojourn in California, to the delight of her many friends.
-Mrs. C.L. Dupuis came down from North Dakota last week. She returns today accompanied by Miss Sadie Redhead, who will spend the summer there.
-Hon. J.H. Trewin has been secured to deliver the Memorial Day address in Postville. It goes without saying that the address will be a good one. Let all the people in the vicinity come to Postville May 30th.
-Fred Williams shipped a car of sheep on Tuesday.
-J.I. Shepherd and F.S. Burling are attending court at Decorah this week.
-Will Hoagland, of Iowa Falls, who was here last week to attend the Hart funeral, returned home Saturday.
-Rev. Barton delivered an address before the Winneshiek County Sunday School Association at Decorah Thursday.
-Prof. J.B. Knoeffler, of Lansing, has secured the new chair of German in the State Normal School. He has held down the Lansing school for some years.
-The 1st of May movers are settled in their new quarters, Dr. Coleman in the Lassey house, Hugh Shepherd in the Redhead extra cottage and Aug. Tangeman in his new purchase, vacated by Hugh Shepherd.
-Mrs. F.W. Tangeman is painting her house.

Card of Thanks
We wish hereby to express our most earnest and sincere thanks to the many friends and neighbors who so kindly and faithfully assisted us during the long illness and after the death of our beloved husband and father. Their kiindness will never be forgotten.
Mrs. A. Hart
J.B. Hart
Lydia M. Towns

Henry Poesch Suicides.
Our town was startled yesterday afternoon by a dispatch from Milwaukee stating that a man supposed to be Henry Poesch, of Postville had committed suicide there. Mr. Poesch left here the day before on a stock pass procured from Waters Bros. supposably to take treatment in the hospital at Milwaukee. He has been in poor health and spirits for some time and the end is no surprise to some of his friends. Last evening J.B. Hart went to Milwaukee to investigate and bring back the remains, which will probably arrive tomorrow morning. Of course we have no particulars.

[transcribed by S.F., December 2005]

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Postville Review
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
Friday, May 18, 1900

ICE.
Anyone desiring ice can have it delivered by leaving word. P.J. Beucher.

List of Letters Uncalled For.
April 29th, 1900. List of letters remaining uncalled for in the postoffice at Postville, April 25, 1900. Persons calling for them will please say advertised: W. R. Douse [or W. Rdouse], H.E. Turple & Tom Shane.
by W.N. Burdick, P.M., Postville, Iowa

Real Estate Transfers.
Ludwig Fritz to Frank Brennan, lots 149, 150, 151, 152 and 153, in town of New Albin, $800.
Frank Brennan to John Bacon, lots 152 and 153, New Albin, $280
Louis Narum et al to Edwin, Berth R. Ross .....[remainder cut off photocopy]

OBITUARY
Henry Poesch was born Sept. 23, 1866, and died Thursday, May 10th, 1900. In 1891 he was married to Miss Louisa Thoma, who, with two children survives him. The funeral was held from the house last Sunday, under the auspices of the A.O.U.W., Rev. Kunst, of Ludlow, officiating. A large concourse of neighbors and friends from the surrounding country and towns were present.

Card of Thanks.
We wish hereby to express our thanks to the many friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us in our late bereavement. To the Degree of HOnor, the A.O.U.W. and the Turn Verein for the beautiful flowers; to the choir for the singing, and to Rev. Kunst of Ludlow. Your kindness and words of sympathy will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Louisa Poesch.

A Former Postville Boy passes Away.
HUGHES - from the Boscobel Dial-Enterprise.
After an illness of five days Evart J. Hughes died of typhoid fever in the city of Boscobel, Saturday, May 12, 1900, at 9 o'clock in the forenoon, aged 22 years and 9 months. The funeral took place from the home of his parents, James E. and Amanda Hughes, Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.J.C. Bond conducting the services and was under the supervision of Boscosbel (sic) Hook and Ladder Fire company No. 1, of which deceased was a valued member. Mr. Hughes experienced a severe illness some weeks ago from which he never fully recovered. He had recently hired out to work on the farm of Druggist Geo. Dyer and had worked one week. During that week he was in high fever most of the time, and coming home one week ago Saturday he at once manifested typhoid delirum. Peritonitis set in and death occurred in one week as above stated. Evart J. Hughes was born at Palmira, Wis., Aug. 12, 1877. He came to Boscobel from Postville, Iowa, in Nov. 1898. Two months after coming here, he went to Decorah, Iowa, where he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Schuette and they came to Boscobel to reside. He worked one year for Mr. F.E. Bock, the soda water manufacturer. A wife and one child, 10 months old, survive him.

Postville and vicinity extend their sympathy to the bereaved family.

[transcribers notes: Ezra (age 27) & Amanda (age 21) Hughes, along with sons Everett (age 3 ) & George (age 6 mo.) were enumerated in the 1880 US census, Post twp. Allamakee co. Iowa. The father, James E. in the obit; and the father, Ezra in the census; are likely one and the same person. Enumerated on the 1900 US census, Boscobel, Grant co. WI are James E. & Amanda Hughes, with children George, Chalmer P. and Zeuita. The widow, Ida M. Hughes is enumerated in the household of John & Frederika Schuette, along with her son Otto E. Hughes (age 11 mo.) in Bloomfield twp. Winneshiek co. Iowa]
[transcribed by S.F., January 2006]

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