Iowa
Old Press
Fredericksburg News
Fredericksburg, Chickasaw co. Iowa
April 28, 1898
The News in Iowa
Marshalltown, April 23 - Charles Beverly, editor of the Statesman-Press
and head of the company publishing that paper, committed suicide
by shooting himself behind the ear with a revolver. He had been
ill for some time and this and the fact that he was worried over
business troubles weighed heavily on his mind. Mr. Beverly twice
atempted suicide by turning on the gas in his room at the Hotel
St. George in Des Moines several weeks ago, but each time he was
found before the deadly stuff had effected its work. Before going
to the office, where he fired the fatal shot, he tried to
chlorofom himself in the bathroom at his home, but was
interrupted by his wife.
Des Moines, April 23 - The lifeless body of a new-born infant was
discovered floating in the river just above Sixth avenue bridge.
When it was first seen it was some six or eight feet from shore,
with a small portion of the body above water. There was not a
stitch of clothing on it and not an identifying mark of any kind.
It had evidently been in the water six or eight hours. As yet
there is no clue which is likely to lead to the discovery of the
murderers. the right side of the skull gives evidence of being
crushed as if by a blow, and there is no doubt that the baby was
killed before it was placed in the river.
Marshalltown, April 21 - What is probably the largest mortgage
ever given on property in Marshall county has just been recorded.
The mortage is given by Emily C. and William J. Fort in favor of
John S. Thompson, of Lacon, Ilinois, and is for $63,000. The
mortgage covers 2,892 acres, the most of which is in Marshall
county, although 640 acres are located in Wright county and 340
acres in Marshall county, Illinois. All the real estate belongs
to the estate of the late Phineas Stevens.
Odebolt, April 25 - J.P. Gosk, a farmer living five miles
southeast of town, lost his barn, five horses, some hogs, two
buggies and about 4,000 bushels of corn in cribs by fire. the
origin of the fire is not known. the barn, cribs and horses were
insured in the Sac county Mutual. Loss, about $4,000.
Iowa Condensed.
A forty-foot steel flag staff has been placed on the capitol dome
and from it now floats a splendid specimen of "Old
Glory."
Des Moines: Mayor MacVicar filed with Adjutant General Byers an
application for a position among Iowa's volunteers in case of war
between the United States and Spain. He did not ask for a
commission, as the majority of applicants have done. He simply
tendered his services in any capacity which might be desired. It
is not unlikely that if Mayor MacVicar goes to the front,
however, he will be given a commission. He held one in the
Pennsylvania national guards for many years.
Burglars made a big haul at Cedar Falls a few nights ago. The
jewelry store of H.L. Chase & Co., of which F.N. Chase,
secretary of the Iowa commission to the Omaha Exposition, is one
of the members, was entered and the safe blown open with
dynamite. A large number of diamonds were taken, together with
watches and other jewelry. The loss is estimated at $3,000.
Entrance was effected through a sky light and the burglars worked
behind a screen which separated the sales room from the work
room. A reward of $300 is offered by the firm for the arrest of
thieves and the recovery of the stolen property.
A sensation was created in the Burlington College Institute a few
days ago by the suicide on the campus in full view of all the
rooms, of Martin Sowden, a machinist, who discharged a shot gun
into his breast, instantly killing himself and setting fire to
his clothing.
William Christoph, the alleged murderer of Minnie Boos, was taken
before Squire Sheakley at New Hampton. through his attorneys he
waived all preliminaries and demanded to be admitted to bail. His
request was denied, and he was sent to jail to await the action
of the grand jury.
[transcribed by S.F., April 2007]