Iowa
Old Press
The Renwick Times
Humboldt County, Iowa
Friday, January 3, 1896
Will L. Clark, Editor and Publisher
After Thirteen Years. The
Richardson-Parr Wedding Surprise Party. '83-'96.
New Years day 1883, A. B. Richardson was united in marriage to
Miss Candee Parr. This was 13 years ago and Wednesday evening at
about 9 oc'l 35 persons—15 men and 20 ladies—met at the
Richardson home, while they were away at church, and proceeded to
proceed, with the aid of Miss Mabel Richardson. Great was the
surprise upon returning from church to find the house well filled
with their friends. A fine supper was served by the intruders.
The evening hours were passed pleasantly even to the 'wee small
hours of January 2nd. Several beautiful, as well as useful, gifts
were bestowed upon the worthy couple, including two fine chairs,
silverware, picture frames etc. The party was mostly persons from
the town, aside from members of the Woods and Ketman families.
Also Mrs. Kinney an aunt of Mrs. Richardson and her daughter, of
Eagle Grove. Among the impressive parts of the program was the
re-marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, which ceremony was
performed by ex-Justice H. S. Rice who made a first class
clergyman with no lack of dignity. Miss Mabel Richardson presided
at the piano, rendering the Wedding March, which brought the man
and wife to be reunited, into the parlor. The ceremony having
closed by "I now prenounce you man and wife" the young
folks struck up with "What shall the harvest be"? At
the same instant M. A. Ketman unobserved by all, suddenly pushed
the two little sons—Mureil and Carroll—out in front of
their parents. Thus ended a pleasant surprise. A man and wife
were re-united at the marriage altar, by their own bright
fireside. The wish of the Times is that love, friendship
and family ties may grow stronger with the passing years, until
Mr. and Mrs. Richardson attain their 3- score-10 years.
Personal Mention.
Those who kindly give us items for this department (or this page)
will confer a favor.
-Mrs. Emma Dean is spending holidays at Humboldt with her
parents.
-Mrs. Hezzelwood—Mrs. Kitts' mother—left Monday for her
home in Canada. She will make two short visits enroute.
-Alex Kitts goes to Chicago tomorrow night.
-Miss Mamie McDonald, of Bart, has been visiting at W. T.
Drennens the past week.
-O. J. McCollough and family spent Xmas among friends at Webster
City.
-Harvey Goff and family have moved over Richardson's store for
the winter.
-Mrs. Robert McKaig, of Tuscola, Ill., is visiting her sons
hereabouts.
-Clause Block is quite seriously ill.
-Mrs. Huitt Ross is expected home within a few days and then the
o. m. will be himself again.
-Miss Byrd Brown, of Clarion, came over Tuesday for a visit with
her uncles folks at the hotel.
-Mrs. Dr. Bliss and children spent the holidays at her
parents,-M. Harvey and wife.
-J. E. Stauffacher and family have returned from Wisconsin and
located in Renwick.
-O. J. McCollough auctioneered at Corwith two days last week.
-Miss Hattie McCollough of Webster City is visiting at her
uncles, O. J. McCollough of this place.
-J. F. Miller, who has been working at Fred Zentners the past
season and at Henry Kublys of late, left for Monroe, Green
county, Wis., Wednesday.
-Mr. John Young, of Traer, has been visiting friends in this
vicinity and left yesterday for a visit at Goldfield. New Year's
eve a party was given at Mr. James McGowans in honor of him.
-Miss Mabel Richardson leaves today for her home in Webster City,
we understand to remain. Since her having gained a residence here
several years ago, she has made a legion of friends and admirers,
who will miss the place she has filled in social circles. We
believe she will return to us when the swallows nest again.
-Uncle Ross was not seen in town this year until Wednesday
afternoon. He was seen the latter part of last year roaming off
through the brush, near the Plumly farm, in Wright county and
some of the natives up there believed Slatterlee, the God-man of
the West, had come to heal them; others thought "Father
Time" had come to mow down the dead year. Ross is home again
and seems just as he has for forty years.
Christmas Re-union.
One of the happiest Xmas gatherings in this section was out at
Fred Klassi's place, where a reunion was held. The twelve
children and twelve grand children, were all present and a royal
Christmas was enjoyed. Fred had raised a Christmas tree and had
it well loaded with fine and valuable gifts for each member
present. In the evening they sent for atrist [sic] Wiley, of
Hardy, who took a family group of the parents and children—a
real genuine "happy family." It is the wish of the
writer that Mr. and Mrs. Klassi may live to enjoy many Christmas
times, surrounded by their children and grand-children in the
land of corn and plenty.
The Silverware Deal.
C. W. Olden who has been giving a ten per cent silverware coupon
on all cash purchases, wishes to have parties holding the same
bring them in by January 15 and have them redeemed. This discount
deal closed Dec. 31.
Masonic Lodge Officers.
Last Tuesday night, Viona Lodge of A. F. & A. M. elected
officers as follows:
P. K. McMurtary, W. M.; H. B. Bjornson, S. W.; E. V. Keeney, J.
W.; C. W. Olden, Treas.; W. H. Bell, Secy.
Appointive officers; J. T. Bradshaw, S. D.; A. O. Bjornson, J.
D.; J. E. Moran, S. S.; A. S. Cunningham, J. S.; N. J. Bolster,
Tyler; O. P. Brimmer, Marshal.
Still It Comes!
There seems to be no end to the country produce coming into
Renwick's market. We have all we can do to handle it. We work
until way late at night taking care of the days income of corn,
oats and stock. We have three firms dealing, and for the past two
weeks, from 90 to 100 loads have been received daily. This is no
dream, but facts. Our long corn cribs and overrunning grain
ware-house and cars are monuments to our statements. The firm of
Southwick & Co., alone on last Saturday took in 60 loads and
on Tuesday of this week they received 71 loads, while the other
dealers get nearly as much more. Talk about corn and
oats—come over to our depot grounds and see! Other towns are
doing well, but we ship as much out as any of them and still have
tens of thousands of bushels in warehouse and cribs. If anyone
should ask you how much we take in here, tell them twice as much
as any town near here and the record will back you up. Don't stop
at the footing of the railroad books, but go to dealers check
books and scale books.
FROM THE CROSS-ROADS.
[Too late for last week]
-Fred McCall, of Algona, is canvassing for a grocery firm.
-Henry Hanson is staying at Fred Holks for a short time.
-The Aid Society met with Mrs. John Winter last week.
-Frank Stoddard is threshing this week.
-The little son of Mr. and Mrs. John Winter is on the sick list.
-This fine weather reminds one of March 1.
-The sale of Becker and Saxton passed off pleasantly but stock
sold very low.
-Miss Matie Van Tassel spent Christmas with her sister, Mrs.
Frank Selders of Woolstock.
-Miss Hattie McCombs closed her school on Christmas day.
-Little Conrod Elmer returned from Wisconsin recently to stay
with his uncle, C. Elmer.
-Mr. Becker took his departure for Atlantic City last Friday.
Mrs. Becker and children will remain after Christmas.
EXECUTORS NOTICE.
In the district court of the state of Iowa, in and for Humboldt
county January term, A.D. 1896:
In probate—In the matter of the estate of Rebecca Gillespie
late deceased of Humboldt county, Iowa:
Notice of filing final report: To W. C. Gillespie, S. I.
Gillespie, Martha J. Reynolds, John Gillespie, W. H. Gillespie,
Fred Gillespie, Emma Simpson, Harry G. Fitch, Harry Gillespie,
Caroline McDowell, D. H. A. McDowell, John B. Kelly, Alice
Gilbreth, Nancy A. Gilbreth, Joseph M. Christy, James A.
Gillespie, Pearl Gillespie, James M. Alexander, Annie Alexander,
Alice R. Powley, Clarissa Spencer, Malissa J. Sargent, Harry M.
Sargent, Robert Christy, Thomas A. Christy, William Christy, Jane
Sweney, Clara I. Kitts, and William H. Kitts, you, and each of
you are hereby notified that the undersigned executor, of the
estate of Rebecca Gillespie, late deceased of Humboldt county, in
the state of Iowa will present to the court, at the January 1896
term of said court, his final report as executor, in said estate,
and will ask therein that the same be approved as his final
report, and that he be discharged as executor, and that his
bondsmen be exonerated from farther liability in the premises,
and unless you appear thereto and make defense on or before noon
of the second day of January A.D. 1896, term of the district
court, of the state of Iowa, for Humboldt county, to be begun and
held at the court house, in Dakota City, Iowa, on the 28th day of
January A.D. 1896, said report will be approved as therein
prayed.
S. I. GILLESPIE, Executor of the estate of Rebecca Gillespie,
late deceased.
Ketman And Wife Surprised.
Last Friday night at about farmers bed time—9
o'clock—the charming home of Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Ketman was
invaded by a large number of young and old people, from town, and
country, to have a good time, and they had that very same thing!
The family were about to retire for the night, when in came the
throng. They took possession and held the fort until way past
midnight. They partook of a fine supper and came home with a fond
memory of a pleasant evening.
--
It was kind and thoughtful upon the part of Mrs. B. H. Thompson
to invite Uncle Huitt Ross to Christmas dinner. His wife is down
in Delaware and he would have been quite lonely that day, had it
not been for the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, who
entertained him royally.
Last Sunday at the M. E. church, the following Sunday School
officers were elected: W. H. Bell, Superintendent; W. T. Drennen,
secretary; Herman Green, treas.; Jennie Christianson, Organist.
When first class Sunday School Superintendent timber is found the
two term rule don't apply—that's why W. H. Bell is still
retained.
W. H. Smith, who has been the renter on Mr. Weston's farm over in
Wright county has removed from the county and it is commonly
talked that he will not return to these parts. He left many good
sized bill unpaid, here and at Mikesville, in all amounting to
several hundred dollars. He disposed of all his crop etc., and
had no excuse for not paying his debts. It is believed that he
has gone to look for a new location in New Mexico. The merchants
at Mikesville, C. W. Olden, Martin Christianson and others of
Renwick are in the hole for good sized sums, if our informant is
correct. We hope it may turn out that Smith is not an absconder,
but it looks bad.
DEAD.
Dr. W. M. Van Velsor, formerly of this place, died Christmas eve
at Tracy, Minn. of heart disease. Obituary next week.
[transcribed by P.E., February 2007]
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The Renwick Times
Renwick, Humboldt County, Iowa
Friday, January 10, 1896
Will L. Clark, Editor and Publisher
W. C. SMITH RETURNS.
He Went to a Family Re-union.
Last week, from various sources, we learned that W. C. Smith and
family, renters on the Weston farm over in the edge of Wright
county, had gone away and that his neighbors believed not to
return on account of too many debts.
We made an item to this effect as we aim to give up-to-date news.
It now turns out that Smith and family return last week from
attending a family re-union in Illinois and that they had no evil
design in going away. The surmise on the part of neighbors was
not well grounded. Because he owes lots of debts it was no sign a
family reunion could not be attended—when all of the
expenses were paid!
Mr. and Mrs. Smith naturally feel much hurt over the false
report, and severely condemn the persons who first set the story
afloat. We assure them the Times had no intent, aside
from chronicling a current news item. We cheerfully make the
above explanation, unsolicited by the family.
In giving neighborhood news-gossip, too great care and prudence
can not be exercised in that innocent people may not be placed in
the wrong light.
As to Smiths financial matters, we will refrain from saying
anything at this time—He and the men he owes for that part
of the story! We said last week that Smith had gone away—we
now tell why he went and that he is home. That's all now!
Dr. Van Velsor's Death.
Independent: William McDermand Van Velsor was born near
Bienheim in the province of Ontario, on the 8th of April 1840. He
was for two years a student in the collegiate department of the
State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, then entered the
medical department of that institution from which he graduated in
1861. Soon after graduation he commenced the practice of his
profession at Annawan in Henry county Illinois where in 1865, was
married to Mary C. Stillwell who survives him. About a year after
his marriage he came to Iowa, locating at first, at Luni in
Wright county, from which place he moved to Humboldt in 1869. He
died near Tracy, Minnesota on board the cars while enroute from
Pierre, South Dakota, to Minneapolis, where his family now reside
and where his oldest daughter H. J. Cora is a teacher in the city
schools and where his youngest daughter, Mary, is taking studies
preparatory for teaching. Their first child, a son named Pierce,
died of diphtheria in Humboldt when an exceptionally bright and
promising boy, 12 years old. The doctor was one of five brothers,
all able practitioners in the medical profession, and of the
immediate relatives twelve are doctors. His funeral was held from
Unity Church on the 26th inst. The services being conducted by
Mr. G. S. Garfield an intimate friend of the family. The
interment was in Union Cemetery under the auspices of the Bethel
Lodge A.O.U.W. of which the deceased was a member.
A Correction.
W. H. Bell handed in the list of officers elected for the M. E.
Sunday School for 1896 and we published the same. We are not
prepared to say who made the mistake—it might have been the
printers—it might not have been. However, this pure
oversight or omission is here cheerfully corrected. The name of
A. A. Packard should have appeared in the list, as assistant
Sunday School Superintendent.
Marriage Of Barbara Luchsinger.
We are in receipt of wedding cards, announcing the marriage of
Miss B. Ella Luchsinger to Mr. E. Stone Butler, at San Francisco
California, New Years day, 1896. The bride will be remembered by
many in this community, where she was reared and grew to
womanhood. She made many friends, per force of her truly kind
nature and winning ways. For the past few years her home has been
on the Pacific coast. She visited Renwick about a year ago. Her
large circle of friends hereabouts will join the Times
in wishing her a successful sail over the sea of married life. Of
the husband she has chosen, we know but little, save that he is
an excellent mechanic and a temperate man—no doubt worthy
the fair hand he has taken to lead through lifes winding trails.
Their card says "At Home at the Windsor, San
Francisco."
Fred Bacon Injured.
Last Friday, Fred Bacon of Wesley—son of E. F. Bacon of this
place—had a narrow escape from a fatal accident. He, with
his wife and child were all in the kitchen at the time when a
steam heater attachment to the stove exploded with great
violence. The stove was broken to pieces and a hole punctured
through the ceiling. The baby was only a yard from the stove, the
wife a little distance and Mr. Bacon had his face within six
inches of the stove. As a result, he received several very ugly
wounds about he face.
Moral: Look well to your steam-fittings.
Personal Mention.
-Prof. A. S. Fulton was down to Des Moines last week in
attendance at the State teachers convention.
-F. I. Stoddard had the misfortune to slip and hang himself on a
hay-hook. It caught him in the right hand.
-Mrs. Z. M. Williams returned from her Lehigh trip yesterday ;
her little niece accompanied her.
-Uncle Ross is in bad shape with prolonged lagrippe.
-So far, Aug. Urion's family like Oregon pretty well.
-Mrs. Julius DeLosh has been quite seriously ill of late, but is
reported some better now.
-Mr. Maxwell of Haviland has been visiting friends here the past
week.
-Gus Vohs returned from Rolfe early this week. He reports his
brother is doing well as the operator at that place. George
Stayner is now in Cedar Rapids.
-Rev. H. L. Case is having great success holding revival services
in his church at Lake Mills' so says the Graphic.
-Independent: C. H. Packard, of Renwick, assistant
inspector G. A. R. duly inspected Albert Rowley Post No. 193 last
Saturday and enjoyed a good visit with the old boys.
-W. F. Bacon has returned from his holiday trip. He had a good
visit with the family and reports the boys—Montie and Willie
as doing finely. Montie is in school and Willie is in pants!
-During Sunday and Monday, landlord Frane Brown was away from
town and Guy Sherman presided as clerk—he fills the bill all
right.
-Spencer Babbitt is stopping out at Mr. Starrs, for the time
being.
-William Eibel the irrepressible S. W. Life Insurance hustler,
Sundayed here, enroute to Winnebago City, where he went to pay a
death loss.
ERECTED IN 1895.
The following is a partial list of the buildings erected in 1895,
by contractor and builder W. B. Persons of Renwick:
-Charles Campbell, a farm house, 16 x 24 feet 16 feet high, with
barn and granary, costing $750.
-O. E. Frenen, residence in town, 28 x 34 feet and 18 feet high,
cost $2,000.
-W. M. McCurry, a barn, 32 x 40 feet, 18 feet high, cost $1,000.
-M. A. Ketman, farm residence, 28 x 36 feet, 18 feet high, cost
$2,500.
-Southwick & Co., repairs on grain elevator amounting to
$700.
-Hardy Building and Improvement Co., store building and hall,
cost $3500 size 24 x 80 and 22 feet high.
-C. M. McKaig, barn, 36 x 40 18 feet high, cost $1,000.
-Matt Speich, home, 15 x 26 feet and 14 x 16 feet 18 feet high,
cost $1,000.
Besides these jobs, Contractor Persons has found time to do many
other smaller jobs. We hear many praises along the line as to his
good workmanship. Let other Builders bring in their figures.
Bertha Montgomery's Death.
The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. John Montgomery has been broken
by the death of their eight year old daughter, Bertha Grace, who
passed from the scenes of this earth Friday, January 7, 1896. The
funeral services were held at the house, Wednesday at 11 a.m. and
the remains were buried in the Goldfield cemetery, Rev. I. Green
of this place conducted the services. This is a sad event in the
life of friend Montgomery and wife, in which they have the
sympathy of everyone hereabouts. At such a time words, written or
spoken, are but hollow and meaningless.
--
On Tuesday, W. H. Montgomery received the sad news that his
brother, 15 years his senior, was not expected to live from hour
to hour. His home is in Stark county, Ohio. Owing to the sickness
in his own family W. H. could not go to the bedside.
Eagle Grove Times: Supt. H. M. Hughes was taken quite
ill last evening, and continued in the same condition until
morning, when symptoms of improvement were manifest, and today he
is much better. The cause of the illness is attributed to the
fact that Mr. Hughes received word yesterday from Wales that his
youngest sister was dead, and having recently recovered from a
severe illness, the shock was more than he could stand.
BOONE ITEMS.
-Several attempts have been made to start a literary so far
unsuccessful.
-Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Brimmer and daughter spent Newyears at E. F.
Skaft.
-Lucy and Frank Pinder spent a few days at Milo Plumleys last
week.
-Mrs. Edgar Schoolcraft is quite ill.
-Mrs. Gus Plumley is on the sick list.
-Mr. Weston of Webster City is here looking after his farm.
-Rev. Eldridge will preach at the Luni schoolhouse Sunday
afternoon. Turn out everybody and hear him.
-It is reported that Ed Loobey has sold his farm.
FROM THE CROSS-ROADS.
[Too late for last week.]
-Julius Vohs spent part of last week with his sister, Mrs. Fred
Holck.
-Mrs. Madison and son, Martin, of Bancroft, are visiting Hans
Madison this week.
-Ona Howland spent Christmas with his brother at West Bend.
-Mr. and Mrs. O. K. Toft spent Christmas at Eagle Grove, Ft.
Dodge and other points.
-Henry Hanson went to Spirit Lake last week.
-Officers were elected for the ensuing year at the Center Sunday
School as follows: Supt., F. W. Beckwith; Asst. Supt., G. L.
Trask; Sec. Alta Potter; Treas., James Smith; Librarian, Susie
Luchsinger.
-Matt Marti arrived from Lyndon, Kansas on a visit with his
sister.
-John Loobey is erecting a new windmill this week. Pete Thiel is
doing the work.
-Mrs. Hans Madison will entertain the ladies Aid Society on
Wednesday of this week.
-A goodly number of people are on the sick list this week.
-Dave Thorpe spent last week with his sister at Wesley.
-Will Bray is visiting his uncle, Mr. Beckwith and family.
-Miss Hannah Buxton, of Waterloo, Iowa, is visiting her sister,
Mrs. F. W. Beckwith.
Hardy + Division! Local News.
-John Rhiner shipped three cars of stock to Chicago Saturday
night.
-Nate Carr, Mrs. Maxson and daughter, Anah, drove to the county
seat Monday.
-Miss Rose Saxton returned to Mt. Vernon Saturday where she will
finish the winter and spring term of school.
-W. F. Allyn returned from California and reports the country
very desirable. His parents and brothers very nicely situated,
and his mother very much improved in health.
-Mrs. Chas. Meyers entertained her S. S. class New Years day, of
which the following were present, Tena Attig, Arbie and Maud
Harvey, Luella O'Connell, Anah Maxson, Clyde Olden and Earnest
Hughes. It was one of the happy days of childhood.
-Chris Helmke's brother shipped several cars of hay to Davenport
last week and still there is more to follow. Our elevators run
day and night. Let the produce come. We are getting as much as
any other town near us. The hundreds of cars shipped out and the
50,000 bushels in store bear witness to the statement.
-E. J. Davis returned from his Clarksville visit and will ship
his goods there on Thursday morning, where he has the position as
manager of a large clothing house. Mr. D. was formerly employed
in the same place about five years ago. Hardys loss will be
Clarksville's gain.
[transcribed by P.E., February 2007]