Iowa
Old Press
Elgin Echo
Elgin, Fayette co. Iowa
January 23, 1908
Murder Near Postville
Postville had a murder Wednesday when one William Ballzell,
crazed by liquor and jealously, shot and killed his
sister-in-law, Mrs. J.G. Gebbes, and attempted to kill H.C.
Bowlman, by whom the woman was employed as housekeeper, and then
burned the barn and live stock of M.A. Bowlman. The woman died
instantly from a single bullet fired into her body at close range
and the man escaped death only by the poor aim of his assailant
who fired two shots which went wide of the mark.
Mrs. Gebbs, the murdered woman came to Postville some time ago
from Viola, Wis., where she left her husband. She kept house for
a time for her brother-in-law, Ballzell, who is a widower with
seven children. He became infatuated with her and when she left
him to go to the H.C. Bowlman home, he became intensly jealous
and yesterday's tragedy was the outcome.
Immediately after committing the crime Ballzell fled to the woods
and a posse of farmers followed. Ballzell was captured about
three miles north of Postville, while walking along the road. He
had his hat in hand and was headed toward town. He made no
resistance and was soon after lodged in the county jail at
Waukon. sheriff Hall brought several members of Co. "I"
of Waukon with him to ward off a possible lynching, but none was
attempted.
This happened in the country, a short distance from Postville and
all parties concerned resided on farms.
Surprised Friends
On December 24, 1907, Dr. L.S. Hutchinson, of Elgin, and Miss
Regina Kapinos, of Calmar, went to Elgin, Ill., where they
secured a marriage license and from there took the electric car
to Geneva, Ill., where the marriage ceremony was performed.
Returning the next day Mrs. Hutchinson returned to her home in
Calmar and the doctor came to Elgin. Since that time the young
people have guarded their secret well and until a few days ago,
when the doctor commenced to prepare the home for his bride, it
was not positively known that he was married. At this time it
would seem that congratulations would be in a little tardy, but
even though they stole a march on their friends, they are now
being congratulated just as heartily as they would have been on
the day the marriage was solemnized.
Miss Regina Kapinos is well and favorably known in Calmar where
she numbers her friends by her acquaintances. She is a young lady
of high attainments and charming disposition, well fitted to make
a fitting helpmate to the man whom she has chosen for her
husband. As she comes to Elgin, the bride of one of our esteemed
citizens the whole community extends to her a cordial and earnest
welcome.
Dr. Hutchinson is too well known to need any introduction to our
people. A few years ago he came here a stranger and by strict
attention to business and a progressive spirit he has gained an
enviable position in both the business and social circles of our
city. He is a young man of exemplary habits and one who readily
makes friends. May Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson live long, prosper and
be happy is the wish of the ECHO
Happily Married
Tuesday afternoon at West Union occured the marriage of Mr. Ezra
Dibble and Miss Helen Wander of this place, G.W. Van Atten
performing the ceremony. The happy couple left the county seat
city the same afternoon on a honeymoon trip to Minneapolis and
other points.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wander and is a
young lady of charming personalities and exemplary character. The
groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Dibble and is an honest,
straightforward young man, possessing a host of loyal friends.
The ENTERPRISE joins their many friends in wishing them unbounded
prosperity and happiness. - Clermont Enterprise
In Memoriam
Of Fred G. Spahr, who departed from life January 15, 1908, at the
age of 83 years, 11 months and 15 days. He was born at Mett
Canton Berne, Switzerland on February 1, 1844, and came to
America in 1864 being at that time a young man of 20 years. He
settled in Elgin and in 1868, four years later, he was married to
Mary Schori.
Four children, all girls, were born to them and they all grew to
womanhood. Anna, who was married to George Neuenswander, died
over eight years ago. Tille Hanson and Louise Kohler reside here
and the younger daughter, Elizabeth Hendershott, lives at
Farmersburg.
In the death of Mr. Spahr this community has lost a good citizen
and a man who has done the pioneer's share in building his home
and in developing the affairs of the community. When he came
here, during war time, money was scarce and prospects
discouraging, but by patient industry and frugality, he not only
provided well for those dependent on him, but also acquired a
competency for the time when the feebleness of age should
overtake him.
As we knew him in later life he was a man of strong individuality
and did not bend to environment; that which he willed he did and
his strongest characteristic was his love for his wife and
daughters which was almost his ruling passion.
To the bereaved wife and daughters naught that we can say can do
more than show our sympathy in this, their sad bereavement. It is
theirs to lean on the strong arm of Him "who tempers the
wind to the shorn lamb" and with the courage born of
immortality bow their heads as did the Savior in the garden and
say: "Thy will, not mine, be done."
Funeral services were held from his late home Sunday afternoon,
January 18th, conducted by Rev. Draewel and interment was made in
the Elgin cemetery.
A Card.
We use this method of conveying our thanks to the friends who
came to our assistance so willingly when we needed them most and
who did all that loving hearts could prompt and willing hands
could do during the sickness, death and burial of our loved one.
To the members of the choir and all who sent floral tributes, we
wish to say we are grateful. We appreciate the sympathy so kindly
and generously extended to us by all.
Mrs. F.G. Spahr and Daughters
Elgin Opera House Co.
The stock-holders held their meeting Tuesday evening and
re-elected the following officers for the coming year:
Dr. H.S. Hadsel, Pres.
C. Theo. Schmid, Vice-Pres.
Gus A Stoehr, Sec and Treas
Max Thoma, C. Lehman and Alfred Holzer, Directors.
The business of the company is in a very flourishing condition
and in another year will be paying big dividends on money
invested in stock.
[transcribed by S.F., September 2011]