Iowa
Old Press
Iowa City Press Citizen
Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa
March 17, 1921
TODAY - St. Patrick's Day - Patron Saint of The Emerald
Isle Made it Christian
Sad Celebration of His Land Today. Core of the News.
By Dale E. Carrell.
Today is known to the world as St. Patrick's Day, the birthday of
the patron saint of Ireland, and to those of Celtic blood in
every quarter of the globe it is a day of tender sentiment.
Saint Patrick's biography is part legendary and part fact. There
is a disagreement as to the year of his birth, where he was born
and where he died, but his own memoirs and his works contribute
sufficient evidence to show how great was this beloved man who
did so much for Ireland.
Some commentators say he was born about 373, others in 389. Some
say he was born in Scotland, some in England and some in France.
Some aver he died in France but most contend that he went to the
great beyond in the land of his adoption, Ireland. Even the day
of March on which he was born is a matter of contention. Some
held for years that he was born on the night of the 8th of March,
while others contend he first saw the light of day on the 9th of
March, and history tells us that the two factions agreed to a
compromise which resulted in the adding of 8 and 9 thus the 17th
of March has become known as Saint Patrick's birthday.
But wherever he was born and when, his name has been forever
associated with Ireland. When he was but 16, it is said he was
carried away by a band of marauders and was sold into slavery in
Ireland. For over six years he is said to have tended the herds
of Celtic chieftains. At the age of 22 he escaped from Ireland
and wandered far even into a monastery near the Mediterranean
Sea, where he studied hard and fitted himself for the carrying
out of his dream, the Christianizing of Ireland. He returned to
Ireland but this time not as a slave but as a missionary and thru
his preaching, paganism, as taught by the Druids, was driven from
the Emerald Isle. He is said to have founded over 360 churches
and baptized thousands with his own hands. He also introduced the
Latin language into Ireland and brought the then isolated isle
into close touch with the civilization of western Europe. He
brought enlightenment and civilization to Ireland and it is
little wonder that the generations that have followed have held
him in such reverence.
Saint Patrick has left behind him, besides the history of his
great achievements in Ireland, three important documents. One is
known as his "Confession", which gives some account of
his life. An other is addressed to a British or Welsh chief
rebuking the murder of Christians,and the last is the "Hymn
of St. Patrick" which is a cherished song of praise.
Saint Patrick was not only a man of deep spiritual nature but he
was also a leader, a man of action, who was able to overcome
obstacles and obtain the end in view. His leadership and life has
ever been an inspiration to Irishmen, and when his birthday is
observed hearts have beaten faster, eyes have brightened and the
dreams of liberty have been renewed. He gave liberty and freedom
to the Irish from paganism and ignorance, and he has inspired in
later generations a hope of freedom and independence for the
Irish as a nation whereby self-government is realized. Today is
perhaps one of the saddest of all Saint Patrick's days for the
Irish. The land of shamrocks, of beautiful lakes, of bog and fen,
does not resound with the happy laughter of children, with
prayers of thanksgiving of its people, but instead there are
cries of anguish, agonizing groans of the dying, and blood is
flowing on every hand coloring crimson the sacred soil where
Saint Patrick lived and dyeing red the blue waters of the lakes
and rivers. Yet after all, there doubtless is a ray of hope, a
gleam of sunshine peeping thru which is brought by Saint Patrick,
counselling courage and pointing out that as he overcame all
obstacles, that even not far distant is the consummation of the
dream of all Irishmen, freedom for their race. The fight has been
long, the way strewn with death and sacrifice, but when victory
comes with the solving of the Irish problem, it should be all the
more revered and gratifying.
[submitted by C.J.L., March 2004]
-----
Iowa City Press Citizen
Iowa City, Johnson co. Iowa
March 23, 1921
Manchester is Stirred by Killing
Manchester, Ia., March 23 -- A country wide search is being made
for Lloyd Schuler, 21 years old who on Sunday night according to
information given to the authorities today shot and killed
William Matusch, 30 years old on the latter's farm near here.
Although the murder was committed Sunday night, officials were
not advised until today then the wife of the slain man told the
sheriff. Mrs. Matusch knew that her husband had been killed a few
minutes after the crime had been committed but out of fear of
being killed herself she kept it secret. The story told by Mrs.
Matusch was to the effect that after Schuler killed his
brother-in-law who employed him as a farm hand, he went back into
the house and told his wife and mrs. Matusch and her daughter
that he had killed William and that he would kill them if they
breathed a word about it. He then compelled them to prepare to
leave the home. The four got into the dead man's auto and they
left for West Union. From there they were traced to Postville and
then to Valley Junction where it was believed Schuler would give
himself up. However, the Schulers abandoned the car at Edgewood
but the Matuschs returned to Manchester. Schuler wrote a letter
to the sheriff of Delaware county in which he confessed to the
murder saying that he killed him in self defense.
Her Brother Called Hence
Miss Clara Stanton received a sad message today from West
Liberty, telling of the death of her brother, Harold, who passed
away before 10 o'clock, at the home of her parents, in that town,
their old home. Miss Stanton has gone thither, to be with her
bereaved parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stanton. The father is a
pioneer railroadman. The sorrowing sister is an efficient member
of the Northwestern Bell Telephone company staff in Iowa City.
The friends of the excellent young man, who answered the summons
after a prolonged illness of a year or so, will tender sympathy
to the family.
Good Woman Dies at 87
Another Iowa City pioneer octogenarian is gone. Mrs. Anna
Lafrentz passed away at her home in Davenport, after an extended
illness, Saturday night. She was 87 years of age, on Oct. 7, and
was a native of Elmshorn, Holstein, Germany, having come to
America and Iowa City in 1856. She married John Lafrentz here
three years later, and removed with him to Scott county, in 1896.
Since then the family resided at Davenport.
Surviving are her aged husband and four children -- Mesdames Dora
Huss and Clara M. Graf; and Fred and John M. Lafrentz, all of
Davenport. there also mourn 23 [or 28] children [sic
grandchildren], 14 great-grand-children, and one great-great
grandchild. Iowa City friends of the good women will grieve, and
will offer consolation to the sorrowing family.
--
A license to wed was issued today to Bert L. Lewis (aged 28) and
Miss Mildred may Wadding (aged 20).
--
Adam Schmitt's remains have been taken to Nichols for burial. He
died, as reported herein, in a local hospital, after losing a leg
by amputation, made necessary by injuries inflicted in a runaway
accident. His horses bolted, while he was plowing; hurled him
under a plow, and dragged him some distance. Gangrene followed.
Julia Hogan Dies at 35
Miss Julia Hogan, aged 35, passed away at 10 this morning, in an
Iowa City hospital, where she had received treatment nearly nine
months. The remains will be taken to her old home near Fertile,
Iowa, in Worth county, where her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Toleb
Hogan are farmers. Her brother, Lars Hogan, is here to take the
body thither. She was a young woman of exemplary character and
will be much mourned in her home community.
West Branch News
-Friends here are interested in the news of the marriage of Miss
Irene Hawley to Mr. Thomas Roland Murrary, which occurred
February 24th at Tofield, Alberta, Canada. The bride was a former
West Branch girl and is a graduate of the school here. she is the
only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Hawley, a capable and popular
lady who has been for several years, engaged in school teaching.
Her friends wish her all joy and prosperity for the future.
Solon News
-Mrs. Everett Bowman entertained at Guild at the M.E. church
parlors Thursday afternoon.
-Mrs. John Kessler visited at the parental John Worrell, Sr.,
home the latter part of last week.
-Mrs. Mary Kessler is somewhat indosposed at this writing.
-Mr. and Mrs. Wes Mattas and son, Frank, were Saturday and Sunday
guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Wears, near Mt.
Vernon.
-Banns for the approaching marriage of Giolbert Worrell and
Evelyn Sailor, both of St. Mary's church were announced Sunday.
-The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cambridge was baptized
by Father Michalek Saturday, Marjorie Olga.
-Father Michalek baptized the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Meyers, recently, as Ruth Margaret.
-Mrs. Adolph Kucera is recuperating from a siege of measles
-The community was saddened at the sudden death of Edw. Stahle
which occurred in Colorado. Bronchial pneumonia was the cause of
his death. The remains were brought here Thursday and on Friday
afternoon funeral was held from the Bert RAndall residence, Rev.
Skinner conducted the services. Burial took place in Oak Hill
cemetery. Mr. Stahle was a long-time resident of this vicinity
and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded
in death by his wife, formerly Miss Emma Brogan, one daughter who
died in infancy and another daughter, Mrs. Winifred Stahle Brosh,
and leaves to mourn two daughters, Iona and Edna and six brothers
and four sisters and a wide circle of friends who will tender
sympathy to the bereaved family.
Morse News
-Pat Peters and sister and niece, Mrs. E. O'Neill were in Iowa
City Thursday. Miss Celia Walsh returned home with them.
-Mr. and Mrs. Henry Apitz of Solon were callers in the J.F.
Beranek home Thursday evening.
-Mr. and Mrs. Everett of Rock Island are moving on the J.S.
Peters farm northeast of town.
-Herbert Wonick is able to be out again after a siege of
rheumatism.
-A.J. Walsh and F.A. Beranek are owners of new Ford cars.
Monroe twp. News
-Joseph Hala of Kansas City, Mo., visited friends and relatives
here the past week. He is working at the C.M. & St. Paul
freight house.
-Mr. and Mrs. Antone Votrobek visited in Cedar Rapids Thursday at
the Frey Fryerabend home. Mr. Fryerbend has been stricken with
cancers on his lower lip. Five have been removed which caused his
much suffering but at present he is convalescing nicely.
-Mrs. Erick Rosdail was taken to a Cedar Rapids hospital for an
operation for appendicitis. She is much improved at this writing.
-Chas. Beyer of Cedar Rapids is papering and painting the new
home of Frank Jandiks, Sr. They will move in as soon as it is
completed.
-Mrs. Joe Kulhavy and son Joe of Mason City came to attend the
funeral of Mrs. Sophia Hosek. They will remain for an indefinite
visit.
-Mrs. Sophia Hosek died Saturday at her home at Swisher,
pneumonia being the cause of her death. The funeral was held
Monday from her son's, Frank Hosek, home and also from the
Walford Catholic church. She leaves to mourn her untimely death
one son, three brothers and one sister and three grandchildren,
her husband and daughter preceding her in death about eleven
years ago. Mrs. Hosek was of a kind and loving disposition and
will be missed by all who knew her.
Sharon Center News
-Henry Yoder of Maxwell, Iowa, was here to attend the funerals of
his relatives, Miss Emma Miller and Mr. David Yoder of Kalona,
which were held last Sunday and Monday. He remained several days
visiting relatives and old time friends. This was his first visit
for 23 years.
Williamsburg News [Iowa county]
-David O. Jones and Howell Williams left Monday for a sojourn at
Excelsior Springs, where they will rest and recuperate.
-Russell Hughes, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hughes, fell
on the cement sidewalk Thursday and fractured his skull. Two
physicians were called to the case and treatment given which it
is hoped will affect a speedy recovery.
-Mrs. Henry Querl died Tuesday March 15, at her home in the north
part of town after a long period of illness. She was born in
Germany in 1848. She and her husband came to America in 1867 and
settled in Iowa county, which continued to be their home. To this
union fourteen children were born, eleven of whom survive. The
funeral services were held Friday afternoon from the Lutheran
church and burial in the family burying ground near Homestead.
-The three year old daughter of Mr. Camile Vercanda died
Wednesday afternoon after two weeks of illness, ending in an
acute attack of pneumonia. The child was buried Thursday
afternoon in Pilot cemetery.
-Born to Mr. and Mrs. Thos. R. Williams Sunday March 20, a
daughter Margaret Roberts Williams.
-Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Boyd of the east neighboring Williamsburg
district have the sympathy of everyone in the death of their
little three year old daughter who passed away Friday afternoon
at the hospital. The child met its death in a peculiar manner. It
was playing in the yard apparently as well as usual. It fell from
a barrel while playing. No injury could be found but it was soon
in the agony of convulsions. It was hurried to the hospital but
died very shortly after. It was buried Sunday afternoon.
[transcribed by S.F., March 2006]