Iowa
Old Press
DeWitt Observer
DeWitt, Clinton, Iowa
Wednesday, October 15, 1884
STATE NEWS
An Indian Cemetery Discovered
An Indian burial place was recently discovered within the
corporate limits of Algona, Kossuth County. Curiosity led to
investigation, the outcome of which was the discovery, up to the
present time, of the skeletons of ten bodies. In all probability
they were placed there upward of fifty years ago, since the
bones, in being taken out, broke very easily, and, in fact, none
were found intact. The skulls on being disturbed fell apart in
sections, while some were already broken by heavy pressure of the
earth. No bones were found in regular order, but the bodies
seemed to have been indiscriminately thrown in and without regard
to any systematic burial. One skull had every appearance of
having been struck on the top with a blunt instrument as it was,
when found, shattered into an innumerable number of fragments. It
was supposed that the spot had been the scene of an Indian
battle-ground, the dead being buried on the field.
Governor Sherman has appointed the following delegates to
represent Iowa at the National Conference of Charities and
Reforms to be held at St. Louis on the 13th inst.: Mr. and Mrs.
L.D. Lewelling, of Mitchelville; Mrs. Mary Wright, of Des Moines;
Mr. R.J. Miles, of Hardin County; Dr. Jennie McCowan, of
Davenport; Mrs. Louise Hall, of Burlington; Rev. Asa Sleeth, of
Des Moines, and Rev. F.L. Kenyon, of Iowa City.
Hon. Michael Donahue died at Davenport a few nights ago, aged
sixty-eight years. He was one of the foremost citizens of
Davenport, having filled the office of Mayor several terms. He
was the builder of the
water-works there, costing over half a million dollars. The
deceased had resided in Davenport since 1855.
Ignatz Seeger, the veteran brewer of Dubuque, died a few days
ago, aged seventy-eight years.
J.O. Conrick, dealer in agricultural implements at Dubuque, made
an assignment recently for the benefit of his creditors. His
liabilities were small. The failure was caused by his inability
to realize on outstanding paper held against farmers, who were
holding their crops for higher figures.
Hon. Joseph W. Churchill died at Davenport a few days ago, aged
eighty-three years. He founded the city of Batavia, Kane County,
Ill. In 1838, continuing the law practice there for sixteen
years. He was prominent in Illinois politics, serving several
terms in the legislature.
Two unsuccessful attempts to burn Sheriff Littleton's house at
Des Moines were made the other night, it was supposed on account
of his fight against saloons.
Patrick Cassidy got into a quarrel with P. Seidel, foreman in a
lumber-yard at Dubuque the other morning, and was struck with a
piece of board by Seidel. Cassidy's skull was fractured and he
was thought to be
fatally hurt.
Jacob Daffling was drowned near Exira, Audobon County, a few days
ago, while crossing a swollen stream. His horse perished also.
The fifteenth annual session of the Grand Lodge of Knights of
Pythias of Iowa met at Sioux City recently. The election of
officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Grand
Chancellor, W.A. Park, of Des Moines; Grand Vice-Chancellor, T.O.
Walker, of Bloomfield; Grand Prelate, A.S.R. King, of Missouri
Valley; Grand Master of Exchequer, W.C. Meyer, of Burlington;
Grand Keeper of Records and Seals, P.D. Walker, of Fairfield;
Grand Master-at-Arms, B.J. Lander [or Lauder], of Lyons;
Trustees, A.J. Santee, O.M. Gillett, D.C. Bradley.
The report of a heinous crime perpetrated in Spring Valley, a
small settlement in Dubuque County, was received at Dubuque a few
days ago. A farmer named Treanor having occasion to leave home,
his wife requested a young lady, Miss Susan Trentz, living near
by, to stay over night. While getting ready for bed, a strange
man forced an entrance to the house and assaulted the young lady.
Mrs. Treanor jumped from a second story window and although
seriously hurt, ran for assistance, but the villain had escaped.
George Wood, a prominent farmer living near Sedan, Lee County,
was shot and instantly killed by an unknown assailant the other
morning.
[transcribed by C.J.L., October 2006]