Iowa Old Press
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 3, 1896
Clint Hakeman's five-year-old boy was running about the kitchen
last Friday evening when his head struck a frying pan which
someone was carrying. The frying pan was full of melted grease
which was emptied right into his face, burning him frightfully.
His eyesight does not seem to be injured, but other parts of his
face will probably be considerably disfigured. - Sutherland
Courier
Harry Mewhirter, the Larrabee druggist who was roughly used as a
gun target by Minister Benedict, on November 9th, has told his
first public story of the shooting. Harry declares he had no
intention of injuring the minister at any time and did not jump
on him at the time the shooting occurred. Harry admits that at
the previous difficulty he struck the minister while at the
Review office and that the blow was sufficient to break a
knuckle. The interview was given to a report for the Sioux
City Journal and was printed in that paper on last Sunday.
Harry was a Sioux City during the interview, and it is said he
has employed Attorney Argo to assist the county attorney of
Cherokee county in fighting the case should an indictment be
returned.
Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Daggett of Warsaw, N. Y., and Mrs. Dagget's
mother, Mrs. Cotton, were Thanksgiving guests of Mr. and Mrs. B.
L. Pratt, stopping here enroute to California.
C. C. Cannon was summoned by telegram yesterday to his father's
bedside near Philadelphia, Tennessee. The illness is supposed to
be very serious with little chance of the gentleman's recovery.
B. L. Pratt's Misfortune - An Old Friend Writes
Some Words of Sympathy
The LeMars Sentinel, whose editor is an old acquaintance
and firm friend of B. L. Pratt, last week contained the
following:
"Iowa traveling men are taking a great interest in the case
of Bentley L. Pratt, of Paullina. Pratt has been on the road for
over twenty years and knows more people in the north half of the
state and has more friends than most any man who has carried
grips. He has always been so pleasant, kind-hearted and
accommodating that he is a favorite with the boys as well as the
trade.
The generous-hearted fellow is almost totally blind. The
affliction has been coming on him for over three years. The best
medical advice was obtained and the verdict given that total
blindness would be only a question of time. With a mortgage on
his little home and a family to support, the poor fellow
struggled on against relentless fate and sold goods until the
twilight of life had deepened into the darkness so that he could
not tell his best friend by sight an arm's length away. Twenty
years of life on the road had so disciplined him that he could
almost travel without sight, but during the last year Pratt was
on the road, he always followed the crowd to the cars from the
depot waiting rooms and then felt around with the small grip in
his right hand to see where the car steps were.
He bravely kept up as long as it was possible, but a few months
ago he was obliged to take a lay-off, never to go out again for
business. His little home is mortgaged for about all it is worth,
his youngest daughter, a lovely young woman, died this summer, he
has become so blind that he cannot earn a salary on the road and
life looks very dreary to him now. But for all that, he is as
cheerful in talking with friends as if he had another lifetime
before him. He was in LeMars a few days ago and was the most
popular guest at the Union.
Pratt has been a member of the Iowa State Traveling Men's
Association for a great many years. If he had lost his sight
through an accident of any kind the association would have been
under obligations to pay him a heavy indemnity, but as it is from
natural cases, he cannot legally collect a cent. It is just as
bad for him to be blind from a defect of the optic nerve as from
a gunpowder explosion or a railway wreck.
The traveling men are the most generous class of men in the world
as a fraternity and they will not stop at a technicality in a
case so meritorious as this. An attempt will be made in some way
at the next annual meeting in December to lay the case before all
the members of the association for voluntary contributions. If
the members will each give a dollar, it will pay off the mortgage
and put the blind traveling man and his family beyond the danger
of want. The boys who know Bentley Pratt will give more than that
amount so as to make up for strangers who may neglect it, because
no man can tell when he may be himself stricken in a similar way,
and because all are ready and eager to help a friends in
trouble."
B. L. Pratt Dead
At twelve minutes to 2:00 this afternoon B. L. Pratt passed to
the great unknown. It would be hard to imagine a more startling
occurrence than this. The immediate cause of his death cannot be
announced at this writing, although it is probable that heart
failure might have caused his death.
Yesterday he was feeling badly and a soothing drug was
administered to allay the suffering caused by a severe headache.
He never fully rallied from its effects and has been unconscious
all day. Inquiry at the home developed the above facts but the
attending physician could not be consulted at the hour of
printing. Neither can announcements be made in regard to the
funeral. Mr. Pratt was a member of the Knights of Pythias and
Masonic orders, a citizen of unquestionable honesty, a man whom
it was a pleasure to meet, a kind husband and father, and withal
a companionable friend and affectionate helpmate.
Deceased had resided in Paullina about eleven years, being until
the past year employed as traveling salesman for a cigar firm.
The surviving near relatives are a wife and daughter.
--
The home of John Higgins, just over the line in Cherokee county,
was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. All the household goods
were saved. This is a bad loss to Mr. H. and he will feel it most
keenly.
A press dispatch of November 26th and dated at Boston speaks of
Mr. F. G. Frothingham's late bequest to Paullina as follows, the Journal
having made matters worse by referring to the late deceased
as "Famous Singer Frothingham." The dispatch reads:
"The will of the late Frederick Gray Frothingham, of Boston,
admitted to probate today, gives to the town of Paullina, Iowa,
$15,000 for a public library and $500 as a nucleus for a fund to
purchase books." Ciphers are plenty in the Journal
office. $1500 is the correct amount.
Marriage licenses have been issued to Christial Kruse and
Wilhelmina Boldenow; Wm. Brunson of Mason City and Agnes Geno of
Waukon.
Public sentiment is taking quite a turn against Rev. E. L.
Benedict, the Larrabee divine, since he has been submitting to
interviews, exploiting his bravery and having his pictures
published in the papers. He is showing very poor taste to say the
least.
[transcribed by A.N., October 2018]
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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 4, 1896
p 4 col 1
Marriage licenses have been issued to Christial
Kruse and Wilhelmina Boldenow; Wm. Brunson of Mason City and
Agnes Geno of Waukon.
One of our druggists has been threatened with prosecution for
illegal sales of liquor and the atmosphere is charged with
intimations of coming trouble.
Public sentiment is taking quite a turn against Rev. E. L.
Benedict, the Larrabee divine, since he has been submitted to
interviews, exploiting his bravery and having his pictures
published in the papers. He is showing very poor taste to say the
least.
p 5 col 1
Paullina is to be congratulated. A former resident of the town,
F. G. Frothingham, died recently in Boston and his will provided
that a goodly sum of money should be used to build a public
library in Paullina. Reports vary as to the amount, some stating
at $2,000 while one report is that the sum is $15,000 with $500
additional to buy books. At any rate it is a good thing for our
sister town and they will naturally make good use of it.
p 5 col 2
Mrs. L. W. Fairbanks of Sheldon died Monday from the effects of a
fall she received a few weeks ago. Old residents will remember
that Mr. Fairbanks was at one time in business here.
p 5 col 3
B. L. Pratt of Paullina, a well-known traveling salesman, has
become almost totally blind from diseased optic nerves, and will
soon be forever devoid of sight. The Iowa State Traveling Men's
Association of which he has long been a member, are planning to
give him assistance by voluntary contribution, at their annual
meeting this month. An effort will also be made to get for him
the appointment of postmaster at Paullina. His daughter is now an
employee of the office.
p 5 col 5
Reinbeck Standard: James Cooper, an old resident of this
vicinity till about two years ago when he moved to Sanborn died
in the insane asylum at Independence Saturday, and his remains
were brought here for interment Monday. The services were in the
Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Warner. Mr. Cooper died
from erysipelas in the head and it appears that the disease was
the cause of his insanity.
Spencer Reporter: The people of Spencer were shocked
last Saturday evening to learn that David Hilton, a carpenter and
joiner by trade, had committed suicide by hanging himself to a
bedstead in his room at the Commercial house, using a trunk strap
to accomplish his purpose. Hilton had been in the habit of
getting up at very irregular hours and when the hotel help could
get no response from him during the forenoon, nothing was thought
of it. But after supper landlord Cady went to his room and
finding the door still fast, and unable to get a response went
down town and had W. E. Zink and Joe Miller go to the room with
him when the door was forced partly back and the body discovered
hanging dead. Coroner John Andrew was at once notified and
assisted by the county physician, Dr. C. H. Robbins, took the
body down. The suicide was caused by despondency, Hilton being
out of work and money and had been drinking heavily for some time
previously.
[transcribed by A.N., December 2011]
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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 11, 1896
p 5 col 1
Larrabee Review: We understand that the ownership of the
drug store and stock changed hands yesterday, R. H. Gray buying
out H. D. McWhirter.
p 5 col 2
Miss Rose Elliott came home from Cedar Falls Saturday to attend
the wedding of her sister.
Bentley L. Pratt of Paullina whom we mentioned last week as being
afflicted with blindness, died very suddenly on Thursday
afternoon, Dec. 3d. At the time of issuing last week's Paullina
Times the physicians had not yet ascertained the cause of death.
p 5 col 3
"So Long as They Shall Live"
Tuesday evening, Dec. 8th, at the home of E. J. Elliott, just
outside the town, occurred the marriage of Miss Alice Elliott and
Herman Powell, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Powell. Only the
immediate relatives of the contracting parties were present. The
ceremony was performed by Rev. H. B. Green of the M. E. church.
These young people are well known to everybody in Sutherland and
vicinity. Anything we might say would not add to their popularity
and the respect in which both are held. It is enough to say that
they have the best wishes of very many friends. We are informed
that the young couple will make their home at Mr. Elliot's.
p 5 col 4
Mrs. Welch was down from Ireton to attend the wedding of her
sister, Miss Alice Elliott.
[transcribed by A.N., December 2011]
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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 17, 1896
Lodge Resolutions
At the regular meeting of Fulton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., last
evening the following resolutions were read and adopted:
Whereas, The great and almighty Preserver of all things has in
His infinite wisdom removed from among us, one of our worthy and
esteemed fellow laborers, Bentley L. Pratt, and whereas, the long
and intimate [?]tion held with him in the faithful discharge of
his duties in this society makes it eminently befitting that we
record our appreciation of him; therefore,
Resolved, That the wisdom and ability which he has exercised in
the aid of our organization by service, contributions, and
counsel, will be held in grateful remembrance;
Resolved, That the sudden removal of such a life from among our
midst leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized
by all the members and friends of this organization, and will
prove a serious loss to the community and the public;
Resolved, That with deep sympathy with the bereaved relatives of
the deceased we express our hope that even so great a loss to us
all may be overruled for good by Him who doeth all things well;
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the
records of this organization, a copy printed in the local paper
and a copy forwarded to the bereaved family.
Geo. P. Buell, W. M.
Geo. E. Veeder, J. W.
J. V. Adkins, S. W.
On Friday evening last week the Knights of Pythias Lodge
introduced and unanimously adopted the following resolutions:
Whereas: It has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to
remove from our midst by death our esteemed brother, Mr. B. L.
Pratt, who has occupied a prominent and honorable rank in our
order, maintaining under all circumstances a character
untarnished and a reputation above reproach, therefore be it,
Resolved: That in the death of Brother Pratt we has sustained the
loss of a friend whose fellowship it was a pleasure to enjoy,
that we bear willing testimony to his many virtues, to his
unquestioned probity and [?]less life.
That we offer to his bereaved family and mourning friends, over
whom Sorrow has flung her sable mantle, our heartfelt condolence
and prayer that Infinite Goodness may bring speedy relief to
their burdened hears and inspire them with the consolation that
hope in the future and faith in God give even in the Show of the
Tomb,
That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of
our deceased friend and another copy be delivered to The Paullina
Times for publication.
Frank M. Bethel
Hubert Sprague
Dr. E. Dudley
The news reaches us from Marcus that G. Edw. Jones, well known
here, is dangerously ill with little or no chance for recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Hulce, south of town, are the parents of a new
son that arrived on the 8th.
There is a possibility that the town of Sanborn will not get the
bequest granted it for an opera house by the will of William
Harker deceased. Mrs. Harker has filed with Clerk Armstrong an
application for the construction of the will by the court and
alleges that the provisions of the will are null and void for
uncertainty. Two of the executors of the will object to her
position and have asked for an order to appropriate the money and
sell the property of the estate. It is likely to be a long drawn
out contest, and it will probably be a number of years, if at
all, before the town gets the benefit it expects.
Two Years In The Pen
Warner, the Murderer of Maj. Inman, Goes to the Pen - A
Decision Against the Saloon Petition - Other Cases Tried
(special correspondence)
A procedendo was received Monday from the Clerk of the Supreme
Court in the case of State vs. Warner. Warner killed Maj. Inman
in a dispute over the boundary line between their farms some two
years ago and was subsequently convicted of manslaughter and
sentenced to two years and three months in the penitentiary. He
plead self defense and appealed to the supreme court for a
reversal, but it was refused and decision rendered last Saturday.
The sheriff accompanied Warner to Anamosa last Tuesday.
Nellie M. Hart, Winnie B. Brown, and Mary E. King each got
decrees of divorce from their husbands.
[transcribed by A.N., October 2018]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 18, 1896
p 4
Mary E. King got a decree of divorce from her husband.
A procedendo was received Monday from the Clerk of the Supreme
Court in the case of State vs. Warner. Warner killed Maj. Inman
in a dispute over the boundary line between their farms some two
years ago and was subsequently convicted of manslaughter and
sentenced to two years and three months in the penitentiary. He
plead self-defense and appealed to the supreme court for a
reversal but it was refused and decision rendered last Saturday.
The sheriff accompanied Warner to Anamosa last Wednesday.
p 5
A Frightful Accident - Martin Keup
Instantly Killed and Sam Boots Fearfully Wounded - A Flywheel
Bursts With Terrible Effects
Last Friday morning, soon after ten o'clock, J. H. Wiess drove
into town with his horses on a run and astounded the people by
saying that one man had just been killed and another was nearly
dead at the farm of S. J. Jordan north of town. He found Drs.
Parker and Louthan who started for the scene of disaster as
quickly as possible. The editor of the Courier soon
after heard the news and was soon driving northward, accompanied
by Fred O'Brien. Arriving at Jordan's place they found the news
to be only too true. Martin Keup lay dead and Sam Boots though
still alive was unconscious and in the care of the surgeons.
In one of the large sheds on the place was the instrument of
destruction - a corn crusher with a bursted fly-wheel. A number
of pieces of the broken wheel lay about the building. At least
two pieces had been driven through the building - one upward
through the roof and the other out through the west end of the
building. Near the south side of the east doorway a large spot of
ground was soaked and reddened with blood. This was where Martin
Keup lay when found. In a wagon west of the bursted wheel was
another crimson place, showing where the blood of Sam Boots had
flowed. The main features of the tragedy were clearly shown by
these mute witnesses and the positions in which the men were
found. There were no human eyes that saw the sudden calamity.
Boots had started the machine and Keup hearing the noise had gone
into the building to see the machine run. Almost immediately four
men who were near heard a sudden crash followed by a moment's
silence and then the noise of two teams of horses running away.
Two of the men saw a piece of iron fly high into the air above
the building and fall to the ground. From beyond a corn crib
north of the machine shed Ralph Jordan and J. H. Weiss ran to the
shed. From the roof of another shed where he had been shingling,
Fred Clarksean came and as soon as he had caught one of the
runaway teams Frank Gale joined the group. They found Martin Keup
lying on his back with the blood bubbling from his mouth.
Believing him to be still alive Weiss turned him over so that the
blood might not strangle him. Keup seemed to breathe once but it
was likely only the air rushing out as the lung cells collapsed.
Sam Boots hung over the end-gate of the wagon and for a moment it
was thought he too was dead but as it was found he still breathed
he was lifted down and laid on a blanket. Then a team was
hurriedly hitched to a buggy and Weiss started for town.
A great jagged hole in the back of Martin Keup's right shoulder
showed how his death had come. Sam Boots' right arm had been
completely torn off above the elbow. The main artery had in some
way closed and comparatively little blood had flowed from the
arm, else the doctors' presence would have been in vain. On their
arrival they first tied this artery and then had the young man
carried to the house. Here, assisted by Mr. S. J. Jordan and
others, they cut off a short piece of bone, trimmed off the
ragged ends of flesh and sewed a flap of skin over the end of the
stump of an arm. Keup's body was carried to the old farm house
nearby and laid upon a door to await the undertaker. His face
though bloodless showed no trace of pain. His death was doubtless
so instantaneous as to be without suffering. Boots too was
rendered unconscious so suddenly that there was no indication of
pain on his face, nor did he suffer during the dressing of the
wound.
It is likely that the piece of iron that killed Keup is still in
his body. We hear that all the pieces of the broken rim of the
wheel have been found except one. The piece that struck Boots is
probably the one that crashed through the west end of the
building, as he must have stood almost exactly in line with the
wheel and the hole in the building. The piece that was seen to go
so high had first torn a great hole through the tope of the roof.
This shows that the force of these flying pieces must have been
terrific, and indicates that the wheel was running at a very high
speed, though there is no proof that it was turning faster than
the rate it was designed for.
The Coroner was summoned and with the sheriff arrived near
evening. They empanelled a jury, and held the inquest next
morning. The verdict was that the death of Keup was purely
accidental. No other conclusion was possible.
The crusher was made by E. A. Porter & Bros. of Bowling
Green, Ky., and was run by a tread power. The power was equipped
with a regulator which seemed to be in good order. When the wheel
burst, the team on the power sprung backward, breaking the bar at
the back of the power and running away, and the team on the wagon
of uncrushed corn also ran but was soon stopped by Gale.
Boots did not fully regain consciousness until Monday and up to
Thursday noon his mind does not seem at all clear. Bodily he is
improving slowly but the physicians are still fearful that a clot
of blood may have formed somewhere in the brain and may yet do
harm. The patient is having the best of care and nursing however,
and his friends are hopeful of his recovery.
Martin Keup was buried Tuesday. The funeral was held at the
Christian church with a very large attendance. The sermon was
preached by a German minister from Caledonia. Herman and William
Keup of Kewaunee, Wis., brothers of Martin, and two of his
sisters, Mrs. Elmer Clarksean of Lockwood, Mo., and Mrs. Schibe
from West Point, Neb., and also Elmer Clarksean were present at
the funeral.
The father, mother and sister of the Clarksean's and Mrs. Keup
came on Thursday from Chicago. The parents will stay for a time
with their daughter. Martin Keup was perhaps a little more than
thirty years old and had lived in this county nearly eleven
years. It is no exaggeration to say that he had the utmost
confidence and respect of everyone who knew him. He had saved up
some money and the family intended to move back to Wisconsin in
the spring. Mrs. Keup [Anna Clarksean] with her one remaining
child will probably carry out this intention.
The sympathy of the whole community has been so abundant that the
relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Keup have asked us to thank their many
friends for the kindness shown and assistance given during this
affliction.
--
Last Friday morning at about 10:30 o'clock a fatal accident
happened at S. J. Jordan's by the fly wheel of his corn crusher
bursting, killing Martin Keup instantly and tore off Sam Boots'
right arm. Sam has been unconscious ever since. The doctors think
he is somewhat better at this writing (Tuesday). Sam Boots was
operating the machine at the time of the accident and Mr. Keup
just happened to drop in to see the machine work a very short
time before it bursted. Both families have the sympathy of the
entire community.
[transcribed by A.N., December 2011]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 24, 1896
Will Archer is seriously ill and he and his wife went to Des
Moines Saturday night to consult physicians there. He seems to be
thoroughly run down from close attention to business.
Lew Wilson went to the Keeley Institute at Sioux Falls Sunday
morning. P. R. Bailey accompanied him, and got him to take the
treatment. A subscription list was circulated and money enough
secured to pay for the treatment.
Mr. F. G. Frothingham, a short time previous to his death
expressed a desire that he might aid in making some of the
children of Paullina happy at the Christmas season. His wish has
been carried out by his sister, who forwarded to Mr. Ernest
Lustfeld a draft for $25 to be expended for this purpose. The
thanks of the children are due the friends of Mr. Frothingham who
have so faithfully and tenderly respected his wishes, and the
name of Mr. Frothingham will be held in sacred memory by the
little ones for years to come.
News of the suicide by shooting of Miss Winnie Traver at Spencer
on the night of the 18th was a shock to her acquaintances in this
neighborhood. Miss Traver was related to Mrs. C. S. Clark of
Highland township and the Travers near this place. She was deputy
treasurer of Clay county, and the deed which caused her tragic
death was committed in the office of the treasurer. The lady
taught school in the Young district in this township two years
ago. She was highly respected by all who knew her and who are now
so surprised and severely shocked at the rash act. The coroner's
investigation disclosed the fact that four shots were fired,
three of which took effect.
The Sutherland papers last week gave the sickening details of the
frightful disaster that caused the death of Martin Keup and the
terrible mangling of Sam Boots at the Sam Jordan place north of
Sutherland. The accident occurred on Friday, the 11th inst., and
was caused by the bursting flywheel of a corn crusher. Mr. Keup's
death was instantaneous and the man Boots is not yet out of
danger. A large hole was plowed in the right shoulder of the
former, and the last named suffered the loss of an arm which was
torn from the body in a twinkling. The funeral, conducted by Rev.
Horn of Germantown, was held on the 15th.
A special item in the Iowa State Register of yesterday
has the following, dated Lake View, Iowa: "The death of
Bentley Pratt at his home in Paullina, Iowa, recently took from
the road one of the best known, honest and most respected
salesmen in northwestern Iowa. He was one of the most genial and
kindhearted men. His kindness and genial disposition at all times
hundreds of traveling men will remember in connection with his
sudden removal from earthly scenes. He leaves a wife and daughter
to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and kind father.
Traveling men will learn with sadness the death of their brother
"knight of the grip," and will deeply sympathized with
the sorrowing wife and daughter."
A Large Windfall - Neff Parker, Once a Citizen of
Paullina, Threatened with Riches
All the older residents of Paullina remember the genial
Neff Parker who was numbered with the town's residents in days of
Bundyism. Neff is a cousin of the Bechtell's whom many of our
readers remember. Well, Neff has been notified of his probably
enrichment through the medium of a vast estate. Mr. Parker has
been for several years manager of the J. H. Queal & Co.
lumber yards at Des Moines, and we hope that the following report
of the matter from Tuesday's State Register may prove
well founded:
"Mr. Neff Parker, manager of the J. H. Queal & Company
lumber yard in this city, has always been considered by his
friends as one of the luckiest men who ever drew a breath. Now
they will be more than ever satisfied that their position is a
tenable one. He has just received a letter from his relatives in
the east stating the family has fallen heir to an estate in
Germany of $16,000,000.
"Personally, Mr. Parker is skeptical about the new riches.
He says he has not been able to put his hands on any of the money
yet, and he does not intend to place much credence in the story
until he does. But the information which comes to him from his
family at Somerset, Pa., seems to place the matter beyond doubt,
and one of the members of the family is already on his way to
Germany to look after the interests of the estate. "Of late
Mr. Neff has received information which was so authentic that he
decided to go to Germany at once for the purpose of looking it
up. Mr. Parker expects to receive more information concerning the
estate in a few weeks. The entire family have been cautious about
wandering off after a mythical estate in Germany, a custom which
has become so common as to cost the seekers after estates more
than comes into the county every year, and for that reason they
have never given it much attention until the past year. Now they
have received word which leads them to think there is no longer
any doubt about it, and that they will in fact fall heir to an
estate of many millions of dollars.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2015]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 25, 1896
p 5 col 3
Miss Winnie Traverse, a deputy in the County Treasurer's office
at Spencer, committed suicide last Friday night. She shot herself
four times. No cause except despondency is known.
Mrs. W. S. Hitchings, on Thursday of last week, received a
telegram announcing the death of her father, Russell M. McLain.
The news was received too late for Mrs. Hitchings to go to the
funeral as Mr. McLain's home was at Deer Lodge, Montana. Mr.
McLain has lived there for the past fifteen years. Before that
time he lived in this vicinity, having been one of the early
settlers here. Many of his friends will be sorry to learn of his
death and will sympathize with Mrs. Hitchings.
p 5 col 2
Herman and William Keup left last week Thursday night for their
home at Kewaunee, Wis. Mrs. Sauter and her little boy also left
at the same time for their home in Chicago.
Warren Armstrong arrived home from Kansas Monday. He has been in
the regular army nearly two years and now has a twenty-day
furlough. He has grown a little taller and stands a little
straighter than he used to be but all his friends readily
recognize him. He makes a fine looking soldier.
p 5 col 3
Keup - Thonnson
At the home of L. T. Aldinger, on Thursday, Dec. 24th, 1896,
occurred the marriage of Miss Minnie Keup and Henry Thonnson.
Miss Keup is a niece of Martin Keup. The young people will live
in the new house built a year or two ago by John O'Donnell. Mr.
Thonnson will next season farm a quarter section belonging to L.
T. Aldinger. This couple are will known among the farmers
hereabout and will undoubtedly be prosperous in the future as
they have been industrious in the past.
p 5 col 5
Married - Dec. 16, 1896, Mr. Chas. Otto and Miss
Alma Shierholz. A grand reception was given by the bride's
parents.
p 8 col 4
A. Summy who has been ill for several months, died Monday night.
[transcribed by A.N., December 2011]
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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 31, 1896
After a protracted session a majority of the county insane
commissioners decided to send Byron McDowell to the asylum at
Independence, and Sheriff Carter went with him the first of the
week. His insanity is of a temporary character it is hoped and it
is expected that he will soon be returned as cured.
Marriage licenses have been issued to J. C. Boyle and Sarah J.
Boyle; Aug. H. Westphal and Minnie Horstmann; G. P. Powers and
Evelyn E. Evans.
An effort is being made to have a change of janitors at the court
house next year. Capt. Tifft is still doing the work and is as
chipper and industrious as he was twenty years ago. He is upwards
of eighty years of age and insists he is good for many more years
as janitor.
More Trouble at Larrabee
Cherokee Times: Harry Mewhirter, the Larrabee
druggist, is not yet surfeited with trouble, it seems. Last
Thursday morning, Rev. C. Durant Jones, pastor of the Christian
church at Larrabee, stepped into Mr. Mewhirter's store looking
for a party whom he thought had entered the store. Glancing
around quickly and not seeing the party, Mr. Jones tuned to the
door to go out, when Mr. Mewhirter, whom he had not noticed
before, drew a revolver from his pocket, and flourishing it,
said: "Got out of here, you son of a gun." A. M.
Den[sher?] was standing near and succeeded in getting possession
of the gun, which he turned over to Mayor Ballou. Mewhirter was
drunk, or at least had been drinking, but there is a growing
feeling among the people of Larrabee that this excuse for lawless
conduct is becoming a trifle threadbare."
Wm. Warner, well known here, was sentenced to two years in the
penitentiary last week for the killing of a neighbor, a man by
the name of Inman, who lives in O'Brien county. Mr. Warner did
the deed in self defense. His many friends here sympathize with
him and his family in their misfortune. - Marcus News
On December 28th (Monday) an enjoyable family reunion was held at
the house of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Johnson in Dale township. The
gathering served a double purpose - celebrating Mrs. Johnson's
70th birthday and meeting in family reunion. Four sons and two
daughters with families, excepting Mrs. Alfred Johnson and a
daughter of Sherman county, Kansas, were present. Of thirty-four
grandchildren, twenty-three were present. Mrs. F. O. Winnerstrand
and daughter, Mrs. W. W. Beebe, and family, of Baker township,
Joseph L. Johnson, Mrs. Strandberg of Cherokee county and Joseph
E. Olson of Liberty township were the other guests, who with host
and hostess swelled the number present to forty-seven. A 32-pound
turkey with plenty of the other good things were served and the
company passed the hours in reminiscent conversation, turning the
talk to younger days of Mother and Father Johnson. The children
and friends of the aged couple discussed the pleasures and
hardships of day gone by and expressed their gratitude for the
pleasure of meeting and greeting at the family hearth. With good
wishes for the aged couple and expressing a desire to meet them
on a similar occasion next year, the company dispersed with happy
recollections of a pleasant meeting.
The marriage of Miss Jenny Cowan to Mr. W. F. Scott, both
prominent young people in this part of the county, will occur at
the bride's home in Dale township this evening.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2015]