Iowa Old Press
Paullina Times,
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 6, 1897
Mrs. Perry Nichols of Kingsley visited her sister, Mrs. Schee,
the first of the week.
Marriage licenses have been issued to Chas. L. Bryant and Nora P.
Wilson, Frank Haas and Christina Betz, G. P. Buell and Minnie
Cook.
Mr. G. P. Buell of Paullina and Miss Minnie Cook of Primghar were
married at the home of the latter's grandparents in Primghar
Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Andrew Herron of Paullina officiating.
The ceremony was performed in the presence of a few invited
friends and relatives. An elaborate reception was given at the
home of the groom's parents in Paullina the same evening.
Buell-Cook Nuptials - Wedding of Geo. P. Buell, Jr., and
Miss Minnie Cook
The wedding of George P. Buell, Jr. of Paullina to Miss
Minnie B. Cook of Primghar was celebrated at the home of the
bride's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Cook, at the latter
place at two o'clock yesterday afternoon, Rev. Andrew Herron of
Paullina officiating. As it was a home wedding, only the
immediate relatives and friends of the young people were invited,
but these made quite a company when they had all assembled at the
artistically decorated home which beamed with the radiance of
handsome furnishings. Odors of flowers and plants filled the air
with a fragrance that lent cheerfulness to the occasion. The
bride, a beautiful lady, looked exquisitely handsome in a costume
of green silk.
Mr. and Mrs. George P. Buell, Sr., parents of the groom, had
issued neatly engraved invitations to a reception in the evening
from eight until eleven o'clock, and their pretty home during
those hours was the scene of loveliness and good cheer. Mrs.
Buell, Sr., assisted by Muse Pratt, received and introduced the
guests who soon filled the home from parlor to garret. A
two-course supper was served, after which the guests were
pleasantly entertained with music. A large number of presents of
rich quality were seen and admired by the company present. During
the evening the newly wedded couple received the congratulatory
greeting and good wishes of all present. The bride wore an
evening costume of gray silk trimmed with velvet.
Of Mr. and Mrs. Buell the junior there is left little for The
Times to add which would serve to place them in a better
light to our readers. Those who know Paul, as he is familiarly
known, recognize in him a young man of promising future and a
worthy past. He is employed as salesman in the lumber firm of
Buell & Cannon Bros. of this place. The bride is a young lady
of excellent reputation, and is held in high esteem both at
Primghar, her past home, and in Paullina where she is widely
known.
They will soon start housekeeping in the north addition.
Some of the guests from abroad were Mrs. S. A. Cook of Montana,
mother of the bride; Mrs. C. A. Hobein and daughters of
Estherville, aunt and cousins of the groom; Miss Eaton of Lyons,
and Miss Fairchild of Clinton, George and Wm. Flinders and Mr.
Sterling, with their wives, relatives of the bride, and James
Hakeman of Sutherland, George and Charles Slocum, Scott Martin,
Nate and Henry Williams, J. F. Boyer and wives, Ralph Hinman,
Harry Nye and Amy McCroskey, all from Primghar.
--
We glean from the Sanborn Pioneer the following report
of the nuptial ceremonies of Miss Marie Hakeman, a former
Paullina, girl, at Sanborn on April 28: "In response to the
invitations printed at this office, a large number of guests
assembled at the Hakeman mansion last night to witness the
marriage of Miss Marie, one of Sanborn's loveliest daughters, to
W. G. Wagner of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The home was
beautifully decorated for the occasion. "Beauty unadorned is
adorned the most" and the handsome bride needed no artifice
to make her a bride of more than ordinary loveliness. Her rich,
white brocaded satin gown made in Chicago, and embellished with
appropriate trimming conceived by unrivaled French taste did not
detract form the bride's natural beauty. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. Williams of the Presbyterian church, after
which the company sat down to a feast that was in keeping with
the whole souled generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Hakeman. Miss Mae
Belle Shepard of Sioux Falls, was bridesmaid, and Mr. Frank Palm
of the same place, was groomsman. Those present from abroad were
Charles and Oscar Wagner of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Miss Grace
Aldred, James Hakeman, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Hakeman, of Sutherland;
Oliver Wilson of Okoboji, Mae Belle Shepard and Frank Palm, of
Sioux Falls. The wedding march was played by Messrs. Chas. and
Oscar Wagner on guitar and mandolin. The happy bride and groom,
with their Sioux Falls friends, took the train west today for
their homes in that place. A large number of friends were at the
depot to see them off. Many rich and useful presents were left at
the residence for the bride. This worthy couple carries the
Pioneer's best wishes with them to their new home in Sioux Falls.
May their lives, now joined under such happy, beautiful and
favorable surroundings, ever flow peacefully, happily and
usefully together down life's stream - may every joy and blessing
be theirs."
--
A young son of Mr. and Mrs. James Leavy suffered a fracture of
the arm on Monday afternoon of this week, caused by falling from
a swing. The attending surgeon reports also that the bones are
somewhat crushed in the region of the elbow and that the chances
are in favor of a stiffened limb. Mr. and Mrs. Leavy have been
very unfortunate of late, having lost by death their little
daughter not long since. The other children have been sick.
The marriage of Ed. Glover to Miss Bertie Idso occurred at the
home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Larsen, on
Saturday evening of last week. Rev. Mattson of Sioux Rapids was
the officiating clergyman. This event was one of the scheduled
arrangements of the gossips several weeks ago, but the real
occurrence took place at an unexpected time and the wise ones
missed their guess, just as they often do. The bride is one of
Paullina's bright and handsome girls, such as the town always
keeps in abundance. Her well-chosen life partner is none other
than the favorite "Shorty" Glover, one of the most
popular conductors of the C. & N. W. railway. Besides he is a
popular favorite in Paullina and Eagle Grove on account of his
amiable disposition and genial manner. We congratulate.
The District Court
James Farquhar vs. Alex. Farquhar, to foreclose a
landlord's lien for rent, $240.
Alvina Orthmann has sued Wm. Orthmann for a divorce, on the
ground of desertion and cruel and inhuman treatment.
C. Brandt sues to enforce his claim against the estate of Annie
W. Kaynor. The administratrix and sureties on her bond are made
defendants.
Maggie Boyce sues her husband William Boyce for a divorce and
wants $1000 alimony and for maintenance of her child. The parties
are from Hartley.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 7, 1897
p 4 col 1
Marriage licenses have been issued to Chas. L.
Bryant and Nora P. Wilson; Frank Haas and Christina Betz; G. P.
Buell and Minnie Cook.
p 4 col 3
Cases for the coming May term of court are being rapidly filed
with the Clerk. Court commences May 17th. Following is a synopsis
of the new suits filed:
James Farquhar vs. Alex Farquhar to foreclose a landlord's lien
for rent, $240.
Maggie Boyce sues her husband William Boyce for a divorce and
wants $1,000 alimony and for maintenance of her child. The
parties are from Hartley.
Alvena Orthman has sued Wm. Orthman for a divorce on the ground
of desertion and cruel and inhuman treatment.
C. Brandt sues to enforce his claim against the estate of Annie
W. Kaynor. The administratrix and sureties on her bond are made
defendants.
Mr. G. P. Buell of Paullina and Miss Minnie Cook of Primghar were
married at the home of the latter's grandparents in Primghar
Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Andrew Herron of Paullina officiated.
The ceremony was performed in the presence of a few invited
friends and relatives. An elaborate reception was given at the
home of the grooms' parents in Paullina the same evening.
p 5 col 1
Alex Farquhar is the busiest man in Grant township. This is no
reflection on the others but none of them have 12,000 strawberry
plants to set out and that is the number of plants Alex took home
from the express office Wednesday.
p 5 col 2
Frank Hass and Miss Christina Betz of Grant township were married
Wednesday. We are informed that a large number of guests were
present.
Geo. Flinders and A. W. Sterling and their wives drove to
Primghar Wednesday to attend the wedding of Paul Buell and Miss
Minnie Cook. Miss Cook is a niece of Mr. Flinders and Mrs.
Sterling.
Miss Marie Hakeman of Sanborn, who is well known to many people n
this vicinity was married at the home of her parents on Wednesday
evening, April 28th. The fortunate man is W. G. Wagner of Sioux
Falls, S. D. Jim and Clint Hakeman and wife and Miss Laura Aldred
attended the wedding from this vicinity.
p 5 col 4
Bryant - Wilson
Tuesday, May 4th, at the home of the bride's father, Mr. H. C.
Wilson, in Grant township, was celebrated the marriage of Miss
Nora P. Wilson and Mr. Chas. L. Bryant. The ceremony was
performed at four o'clock p.m. These young people will receive
the good wishes of a large circle of friends.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 13, 1897
The invitations have been issued for the graduating exercises of
the Primghar High School to be held at the opera house May 21.
The graduates are Lucy Doyle, Meda Robbins, James Carmichael,
Lilian Fox, Shirley Bysom, Mertie Rogers, Josie Nye, Lilly
Rollins and Arvilla C. Fox.
At Peterson last Friday afternoon the three-year-old son of Dr.
Wm. Esser accidentally hung himself while playing about the
children's play house. The little fellow has been left by the
other children, and had climbed upon a stone by the side of the
play house in Banker Allison's back yard, to look in and see if
the other children were there, when he slipped and fell, his head
catching between two boards of the roof of the play house, and
there he hanged. The body was cold and lifeless when found by
Mrs. Allison, who had run out to see where the children were.
This is a great shock to the parents of the bright little fellow,
and is the most appalling accident ever occurring in that town.
Yesterday D. Bryson received a telegram from Sanborn stating that
his daughter, Mrs. Walter McCroskey, was dangerously ill. He left
this morning for that place.
We learn that Bert Crosby was severely injured Monday while
working about a clover huller near Gaza. One of his fingers was
crushed so that he will lose a part of it. He was taken to
Primghar for medical treatment.
The District Court
Theresa E. McKenna has brought bastardy proceedings for
the maintenance of her unborn child of which John Kennedy is
alleged to be the father. Judge Hutchinson has issued an
attachment in the sum of $1200 against the property of the
defendant.
Nancy Mewhirter has sued her husband, Harry Mewhirter, for a
divorce on the grounds of his habitual drunkenness, which she
claims has broken up their home.
L. J. Uriell has sued his wife, Elsie Uriell, for a divorce. He
alleges her infidelity as the grounds.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 14, 1897
p 4 col 2
L. J. Uriell has sued his wife, Elsie Uriell for a divorce. He
alleges her infidelity as the grounds.
E. R. Streeter has sued the sheriff and wants damages for a levy
on a horse which he claims is exempt from execution.
Nancy McWhirter has sued her husband Harry McWhirter for a
divorce on the grounds of his habitual drunkenness, which she
claims has broken up their home.
Theresa E. McKenna has brought bastardy proceedings for the
maintenance of her unborn child of which John Kennedy is alleged
to be the father. Judge Hutchinson has issued an attachment in
the sum of $1,200 against the property of the defendant.
Charles Peaker caused a search warrant to be issued last week and
unearthed some property belonging to Mrs. Streeter late of Grant
township. A trunk full of wearing apparel including goods for a
new silk dress; a harness and other property was levied on. The
property was at Sanborn.
The invitations have been issued for the graduating exercises of
the Primghar High School to be held at the Opera House May 21st.
The graduates are Lucy Doyle, Meda Robbins, James Carmichael,
Lilian Fox, Shirley Bysom, Mertie Rogers, Josie Nye, Lilly
Rollins and Arvilla C. Fox.
p 5 col 2
Claude Charles and L. A. VanGalder of Hartley on Wednesday and
Thursday evenings gave an exhibition of their Magniscope at the
opera house. The machine is truly a wonderful one. It shows the
actual movements of living beings and machinery. You can see an
express train whirl by, horses run a hurdle race, a bucking
bronco, doves flying and other scenes. The only reasonable
criticism is that the calcium light is not strong enough to show
the pictures of full size quite as distinctly as one would like,
But Wednesday night's exhibition was thoroughly enjoyed by most
of the audience, and last night's entertainment was to have
several specialties by Messrs. Lucas and Lambert.
p 5 col 4
Distressing Accident
Last Friday afternoon the town of Peterson was horrified to learn
that the little son of Dr. Wm. Esser had accidentally hanged
himself. Harold, who was between three and four years old, had
been playing with several other children, in and about a
play-house in G. C. Allison's yard. Becoming separated from the
others, it is presumed he tried to see if they were in the
playhouse. He stepped on a stone back of the building and put his
head through an opening where a board was off. According to the
Patriot the opening was so narrow that the boy had to turn his
head sidewise to get it through the place. Then his feet
evidently slipped off the stone and the board below the opening
pressed on his throat, choking him to death, the board above
preventing his head from getting out. In this position he was
found by Mrs. Allison about six o'clock. The funeral was held
Sunday.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 20, 1897
Hoppergrass Days - Recollections of an Incident During
the Great Hopper Raid
Frank Kelley in Woonsocket News [South Dakota]:
The year 1876 is famous in northwestern Iowa as the year of the
great grasshopper raid. In that year I was teaching school in the
Little Sioux valley, about twenty miles below the city of
Cherokee. The grasshoppers had not appeared in the city in the
early part of the year and a bountiful crop of small grain was
harvested. School had closed for two months to give the scholars
and teachers a chance to help in the harvest fields, and in
company with a brother I had spent two weeks blading on a Marsh
harvester, a machine now entirely out of use, but which at that
day was thought to be the perfection of inventive genius in the
harvesting line.
We had heard from the settlers marvelous stories of invading
armies of grasshoppers which had come in former years, and never
having witnessed such a sight were both anxious to see them. As
the harvest closed in southern Cherokee county, a report came
that a great army of grasshoppers was about forty or fifty miles
northwest of us in O'Brien county, and settlers were every day
expecting to see them come down, should the wind blow from the
northwest. But day after day passed and no grasshoppers were
seen, and finally, my brother having a team and wagon, we hitched
up and started for the land of grasshoppers.
In the afternoon of the second day we drove onto a great prairie
in O'Brien county and still failed to see any grasshoppers, and
began to almost think the stories about them fictitious, when
suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of millions of them.
They flew up in front of the horses in clouds, and the wind
blowing them into the faces of those faithful animals annoyed
them greatly. Nor was it at all pleasant for us to be struck in
the faces by those insects thrown against us by the wind.
There were grasshoppers everywhere. For miles and miles as we
traveled along over the prairie, these insects covered the ground
and would fly up in swarms as we passed, making a peculiar noise
with their wings against their thighs. In one or a dozen hoppers
this noise is not annoying, but when there are millions of these
insects covering miles and miles of prairie you get very tired of
it. These insects do not hurt the prairie grass much, but corn,
garden vegetables, trees, and even turnips, beets and potatoes,
fell a prey to their voracious appetites.
Occasionally some particular incident so impresses itself upon
one's mind as never to be forgotten. On this trip, in the middle
of a great prairie, several miles from any other habitation, a
solitary settler had built a neat little cabin and had a garden
of about an acre of plowed land around the house. All around this
little garden spot for miles in every direction was raw, unbroken
prairie. The man had a beautiful and productive little garden,
with rows of vegetables and flowers laid out in regular order,
and scarcely a weed to be seen. But the remorseless grasshoppers
had lit onto this little patch by millions and were rapidly
denuding it of every green thing. The poor man was evidently a
bachelor and entirely alone in the world, for there was not a
woman or child, not even a dog or a chicken on the place - only
himself and his garden. Driven to despair he had seized a broom
and walking up and down in his little garden he swung the broom
from right to left, brushing the hoppers from his precious
plants, and the winged insects rose in a cloud about his head
only to settle upon vines and plants in his rear and resume the
everlasting work of their jaws as they blackened everything and
kept up an incessant eating, night and day, consuming every green
plant above ground, and where beets and turnips had been leaving
only holes in the earth.
Surrounded by untold millions of these voracious insects, this
lone man continued his walk up and down his little garden,
incessantly swinging his broom, while myriads of grasshoppers
swarmed about his head, and as they were scared up in front only
to light again in the rear. The story of the old lady trying to
sweep back the Atlantic ocean with her broom did not present to
my mind a more hopeless case than this single man in his little
garden patch in the midst of a great prairie trying to fight with
the same weapon an army of untold millions of grasshoppers.
That night we had our first experience in camping out on the
prairie. I did not enjoy it to any great extent. The mosquitoes
made life a burden, and their everlasting buzzing was worse than
their biting. Then the flying hoppers and the noise of their jaws
as they kept them incessantly going was disheartening. The horses
tramped about where they were picketed, and all the strangeness
of the vast solitude where the multitudinous small noises of the
myriads of insects combined to make a low and deep roaring sound
which cannot be described but when once heard will never be
forgotten.
The next day we drove into Primghar, the county seat of O'Brien
county. Here we found small trees and shrubs in the door yards
covered with sheets to save them from hoppers. People were
looking blue and hopeless, for the hoppers were destroying the
corn crop. We had seen enough of the hoppers, and drove back to
Cherokee, finding that the army had moved southeast only a few
rods.
It seems that an army of locusts or grasshoppers start with a
well defined purpose to move in a certain direction and this plan
they do not vary. Starting, it is thought, from certain sections
of the Rocky mountains, they travel to the southward. Flying high
in the air, they are borne along by a northwest wind, often in
such great numbers as to darken the rays of the sun like a cloud.
But as soon as the winds changes, hoppers light and remain,
eating whatever can be found until the wind comes again from the
northwest, when they fly into the air and resume their journey,
but under no conditions will they rise in the air until the wind
blows in the direction they wish to go.
It was about a week after our trip when, one bright Sunday
morning, the wind changed from the southeast, where it had been
for many days, to the northwest. In the city of Cherokee the
people were just going to church when the sun was darkened as if
by a light cloud, and the grasshoppers began to fall like great
drops of rain. The great army, some perhaps half a mile high,
passed on to the southeast, but there was a continued rain of
hoppers for twenty-four hours, until the wind changed, and there
was not a foot of ground in Cherokee county that did not have
from one to a dozen or twenty hoppers; not a tree that was loaded
black with them, and not a stalk of corn that was not covered
with them.
While they had done great damage further northwest, where they
came earlier in the season, destroying all small grain in many
places, corn in southern Cherokee county was too far advanced,
and, except in shortening the ears a trifle and destroying all
the garden vegetables, they did little damage, though they
remained the rest of the season and laid their eggs in great
quantities.
I was living with an old pioneer stockman, and his drove of hogs
and flocks of chickens fattened on these hoppers, which they ate
in great numbers as the insects were depositing their eggs in the
knolls.
Sanborn county [South Dakota] has never had a visit from the
dreaded hoppers since its settlement, but the southeastern part
of our state was scourged with them for three or four years in
succession about seventeen to twenty years ago, and their
destruction of crops was so complete that many settlers there
gave up and returned to their former homes in the east.
Few of our younger readers have ever seen a grasshopper raid, and
it is sincerely hoped they never will, for I know of nothing more
disheartening than to see bountiful crops and the fruit of much
toil and expense swept away in a few hours by winged insects
filling the air, falling like rain and destroying like a great
fire.
Court News
The first trial was that in the case of Alvina Orthmann
vs. William Orthmann. Action was by the wife for a divorce from
her husband on the grounds of desertion and cruel and inhuman
treatment. She also asks alimony and attorney's fees. The decree
was granted, no alimony. Crow & Hunter were attorneys for the
plaintiff and P. R. Bailey defended.
Judge Hutchinson tried and decided four divorce cases in the
District Court Tuesday. Nancy Mewhirter was released from the
bonds of matrimony and given a divorce from her husband, Harry
Mewhirter, for cruel and inhuman treatment and drunkenness.
Maggie Boyce was divorced from William Boyce. L. J. Uriell
received a decree releasing him from his wife, Elsie Uriell. In
the case of Alvina Orthmann vs. William Orthmann a truce was
declared, the defendant consented to the divorce and the
plaintiff dismissed her claim for alimony.
In the matter of construction of the will of Rev. P. Corbett late
of Sanborn the court holds all of section 5 after the word
"soul" to be void for uncertainty. This is a victory
for the heirs who opposed the expenditure of the whole estate as
the will provided.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 21, 1897
p 1 col 3
Sioux City Journal, May 18: The body of W. W. Lewis, the
sheep breeder, who was lost in the terrible storm of last
Thanksgiving, with a large number of his sheep, has been found
within a half mile of his ranch. The sheep lost at the time have
been found in scattered bunches in different draws and gulches
since the snow has disappeared from them. The loss of Lewis and
so many sheep was considerable of a mystery at the time, but can
be accounted for on the theory that Lewis did not keep with the
sheep for any great length of time, and that they scattered and
were lost in small bunches, making a large herd in total, but not
many in one place.
p 4 col 2
Word was received here Wednesday morning of the destruction of
the business portion of Calumet by fire. The cause in unknown.
Six business buildings, including the bank, hardware store,
billiard hall, and Field's general merchandise store were
destroyed. The stock in Field's store was saved but considerably
damaged.
Judge Hutchinson tried and decided four divorce cases in District
court Tuesday. Nancy McWhirter was released from the bonds of
matrimony and given a divorce from her husband, Harry McWhirter,
for cruel and inhuman treatment and drunkenness. Maggie Boyce was
divorced from William Boyce. L. J. Uriell received a decree
releasing him from his wife, Elsie Uriell. In the case of Alvina
Orthmann vs. Wm. Orthmann a truce was declared, the defendant
consented to the divorce and the plaintiff dismissed her claim
for alimony.
p 4 col 3
Friday's [court] assignment includes Needham vs. Sidell, which is
an action for $6,000 damages for breach of promise to marry. The
defendant offers a peculiar defense. He admits the engagement but
says that at the time set for the wedding he was suffering from a
disease and was unable to carry out his part of the contract.
That since the date set for the marriage he has recovered and he
now wants to marry the plaintiff but she is unwilling.
p 4 col 4
In the matter of the construction of the will of Rev. P. Corbett,
late of Sanborn, the court holds all of section 5, after the word
"soul" to be void for uncertainty. This is a victory
for the heirs who opposed the expenditure of the whole estate for
the heathen Chinese children as provided in the will.
The case of State of Iowa vs. Jens Conradsen was dismissed by the
court in pursuance of an agreement made with the county attorney
a year ago. Conradsen was convicted of incest and sentenced to
the penitentiary. It was agreed that another charge against him
would not be pressed if her served his sentence and did not
appeal to the supreme court.
p 5 col 3
E. F. Aldred is at this writing, Thursday afternoon, very low and
it is feared the end is near, though it is possible that if he is
kept quiet he may last several days. Mrs. Aldred's sister, Miss
Nora Hakeman, has been present for the past two days and their
father, George Hakeman, is expected this evening. E. F.'s brother
Will came down from Ocheyedan Tuesday and has been here since.
p 5 col 4
CALUMET CONSUMED
Five Buildings Go Up In Smoke - Goods Saved, $1,500 In Cash
Cremated - Insurance Light, Loss Heavy - Origin of Fire a Mystery
Wednesday morning at about 5:40 fire was found to be burning in
the two buildings in Calumet, belonging to E. Pape. The hardware
store and implement shed were perhaps six feet apart and the
location of the fire when first seen would seem to indicate that
the fire may have started in this space.
George Butler, the hotel keeper, was the first to see the fire,
which showed through the glass front of the hardware store. He
started to run across the street and had gone about half way when
there came a tremendous explosion, blowing out almost the entire
front of the store. Not knowing but other explosions might follow
George ran back. The explosion was caused by the fire reaching
two twenty-five pound kegs of powder which were in the store at
the west side.
The force of the explosion also tore a great hole upward through
the second floor and roof of the building, and shattered several
windows in the building directly across the street. Mr. Pape's
two younger sons and his daughter were sleeping in the rooms
above the store. They had been awakened by the smoke and heat
from the fire and had just got out of the way when the explosion
occurred. Had they not left just as they did they might have been
killed.
As the boys started out of the building one of them caught up a
tin box in which valuables were kept and carried it with him, but
in his haste forgot another box containing $1,500 in cash. As
this money was all in paper it was a total loss.
The fire quickly spread eastward from the store to the Bank of
Calumet, catching first in the second story. J. W. Nield, the
banker, had arrived by this time and by going into the burning
building twice he got his books, paper and money out of the safe.
He intended to go in a third time to get out some of the
furniture and stationery but several protested that there was too
much danger so he gave up the attempt.
Dr. Mueller who lived over the bank had no time to get any of his
household goods, instruments, or medicines out, and his loss was
total.
The crowd that quickly gathered saw at once that there was little
chance of saving any of the buildings in the row and immediately
began carrying out the goods from D. C. Field's general
merchandise store, next east of the bank. By rapid work they
succeeded in getting out nearly everything except some lamps,
heavy crockery and some syrup, molasses and vinegar, which were
in the cellar. It was while at this work that Tom Faust had a
rather narrow escape. He was in an addition at the back of the
store throwing out sacks of flour when a gust of wind suddenly
blew the door shut and a spring lock caught and held the door
fast. Tom tried to open it and break it down but failed to do
either. But those outside got a beam and using it as a battering
ram burst the door open. As the roof was just about to give way
no one can blame Tom for feeling scared for a few moments.
From the machinery shed of E. Pape the fire spread west to a
small building occupied as a photograph gallery, and then on to
the building formerly used as a billiard room but which has been
vacant for some time.
A short distance north of Field's store stood the Lutheran
parsonage. The wind being from the south drove the heat strongly
toward this building and it caught fire several times but prompt
and liberal use of water put out the blaze each time. The heat on
the south side of the street was so great as to crack window
glass and start the rosin from the boards of the buildings.
In a little more than an hour from the time the fire was first
seen the five buildings were only a heap of smoking ruins and
there was a chance to sum up the losses. D. C. Fields' s store
was 20x51, one story high, with an addition 14x16. He estimates
its value at $1,200, and that of the goods that were burned at
$200 more. He had no insurance. J. W. Nield's two story building
was 20x30. He puts the value of this building, furniture, etc.,
at $1,200 on which he had $400 insurance. Dr. Mueller's loss is
given at $500. Mr. Pape's store was 20x30 and the implement shed
26x100, and back of this was a stable. The stable with two
horses, harnesses and a buggy were all consumed. One of the boys
had one hand considerably cut and burned - we believe while
trying to save the team. The boys think their loss will be about
$8,000, including the money that was lost. They had just got in
half a car load of nails and barbed wire and had a big lot of
farm machinery on hand. There was $1,400 insurance on the
building, none on the stock. The loss of the photographers was
perhaps from $100 to $200. They were fortunate enough to have
their camera at the hotel. The billiard room, 16x24, could
perhaps be replaced for from $200 to $300. The total loss would
thus sum up about $11,000 with $1,800 insurance.
In an interview Wednesday evening Mr. Fields said he could not
say yet whether he would re-build. He thinks that for the summer
at least and probably until spring he will stay in the Queal
& Co. building on the south side of the street where his
goods have been moved. Mr. Nield expects to occupy for a time a
part of the Bunce building on the south side of the street, with
the chances in favor of putting up a new building. Mr. Pape and
his oldest son are in Arkansas at present and of course until he
returns it will not be known what he will do.
Nothing definite is known as to the origin of the fire. Mrs.
Reager thought she heard people walking about the streets several
times in the night but it is not likely there could have been any
motive of revenge on the part of any tramp for no trouble has
ever been had there with any of hem. As stated before it seems as
though it probably started outside as the two buildings began
burning at about the same time.
The loss is a heavy one for the town and the unfortunate owners
are receiving abundant sympathy from many friends.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 27, 1897
We understand that Chris. Fife and family, formerly of this
community [?] for some years past residents of O'Brien county,
contemplate [?] the farm and moving back to here next fall. Mrs.
Fife is a daughter of Mrs. Betsy Philip, of [?]gham. - Traer
Star Clipper.
E. F. Aldred, at one time a resident of this place, died last
Friday at his home in Sutherland where he had been a sufferer
with consumption for a long time. The funeral was held Sunday,
and the burial took place in the Primghar cemetery. Mr. Aldred
was born at Lexington, N. C., August 26, 1857. He came to this
county in '78, and was married to Margaret E. Hakeman in 1880.
His wife and five children survive him. Mr. Aldred was one of the
members of the livery firm Collet & Aldred here about eight
years ago, and was a quiet unassuming man with many good
qualities of habit.
Born - To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Culp, Wednesday, May 26, 1897, a
daughter.
The sheriff went to the state penitentiary at Anamosa Monday
night to bring home the witnesses King and McDonald who turned
states evidence and implicated Chas. Magee, the Sutherland
marshal, in the robbery of Peaker's store. Magee will be tried
Wednesday and the convicts King and McDonald will give their
testimony in the case.
Mrs. Storing got a verdict against her father, Gustave Wackerle
for $375, being money loaned by her to him prior to her marriage.
She was a school teacher and loaned her wages to her father. When
she wanted them back he wanted to charger her for board, hence
the lawsuit.
In the divorce case of William Pooch vs. Bertha Pooch both
parties wanted a divorce as it appeared that their married life
was proving a continual row. Each party alleged cruel and inhuman
treatment, and the judge granted the wife a divorce from her
husband.
Annie Hoyt of Sutherland was granted a divorce from her husband
on the ground of cruel and inhuman treatment.
A Bad Affair - Claus Gotch Shot While Attacking His Hired
Man With a Knife
The home of Claus Gotch, a farmer living a few miles
southwest of here, was the scene of a bloody battle Tuesday
afternoon. Knives and guns figured prominently in the affray and
as a result Claus Gotch is nursing a very serious gunshot wound
in his left forearm. The charge came from a ten bore shotgun and
at a distance of four to six feet, the greater part of it passing
into a chair bottom which was used by Gotch, either as a weapon
or defense or attack. C. F. Koch, the hired man who fired the
gun, is suffering some dangerous cuts and severe bruises of the
face and body. There are two stories of the affair, widely
different in all responses. It is known, however, that the two
men came to town together in the forenoon Tuesday and were soon
in their cups. Koch and wife are employed by Gotch on the place,
and recently came from Remsen. When Koch thought he had been in
town long enough he untied the team and drove home, leaving Gotch
in town. The latter was not at all pleased when he learned what
had been done, and endeavored to swear out a warrant for the
fellow's arrest. Failing to make the officers see things in that
light, proceeded home. Koch relates his side of the story from
this point, and says that Gotch attacked him with a knife,
evidence of which is shown by numerous cuts about the hands and
arms. He says Gotch forced him into his own bedroom and that
afterwards he retreated to the bedroom occupied by Gotch,
fighting in the meantime. In the latter room Koch picked up a
loaded shotgun and warned his assailant to stand off. The warning
was not heeded and he shot the first barrel into the bottom of
the chair which his pursuer held in uplifted hand. This it was
thought would be sufficient to scare Gotch and end the fracas.
Not daunted, however, by receiving a part of the load, Gotch
proceeded as the aggressor when the hired man leveled the gun
straight at the man who was thirsting for gore, when the latter,
with death staring him in the face, ceased hostilities. Gotch
declares that he simply reprimanded his helper for leaving him in
town, where upon the man proceeded to annihilate him with a
shotgun. The cutting part of the program he failed to account
for, and his story lacks in details. Koch immediately came to
town and had his wounds dressed. A physician was dispatched to
the home of Gotch where he found a badly lacerated arm. About
fifteen shot were extracted from the member. No arrests have been
made, and by this time the two men have no doubt repented.
What might have been a terrible tragedy occurred east of town
last Saturday afternoon. While the two sons of R. R. Wells were
sorting corn in a corn crib the fifteen year old son of H. O.
Smith shot the oldest Wells boy in the head with a target rifle.
The first explanation of the affair was that the Smith boy had
taken the other for a tramp and shot him as a trespasser or
possible thief. H. O. Smith was in town Tuesday and he now claims
that the shooting of the boy was accidental. That the Smith boy
was shooting rats and went to the crib not knowing that the Wells
boy was there and that in shooting at a rat, the Wells boy
suddenly raised up in the line of fire and received the bullet.
The missile was from a 22 calibre cartridge and cutting off the
lobe of the left ear entered the head, ranging forward and became
imbedded in the bone of the nose. It is thought that no permanent
injury will result but the Wells boy is in a serious condition
and the full extent of his injury cannot yet be told.
--
Isaac Clow of Winthrop, Iowa, is visiting his sister, Mrs. W. J.
Ullman, east of town.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
May 28, 1897
p 4 col 2
Annie W. Hoyt of Sutherland was granted a divorce from her
husband [N. E. Hoyt] on the ground of cruel and inhuman
treatment.
E. F. Aldred was buried here Sunday. The services were in charge
of the Sutherland lodge of Masons, assisted by members from
Sanborn, Primghar and Paullina.
In the divorce case of William Pooch vs. Bertha Pooch, both
parties wanted a divorce as it appeared that their married life
was proving a continual row. Each party alleged cruel and inhuman
treatment and the judge granted the wife a divorce from her
husband.
Mrs. Storing got a verdict against her father, Gustave Wackerle
for $375, being money loaned by her to him prior to her marriage.
She was a school teacher and loaned her wages to her father. When
she wanted them back he wanted to charge her for her board, hence
the lawsuit.
p 5 col 2
Last Monday Mark Pettit of Cherokee and a farm hand from this
vicinity imbibed so freely that they were unable to take care of
themselves so Marshal Rowland furnished them a bed in the bastile
until morning. Pettit has been quite prominent as a trainer and
driver of trotters and pacers but has been going a gait for some
time that unfits him for responsible work.
p 5 col 4
Death of E. F. Aldred
E. F. Aldred has passed into the shadow of death. He breathed his
last on Friday afternoon, May 21st. The Courier said last week
that the end seemed close at hand. It proved to be nearer than
his friends and family really believed. But on Friday it was soon
plain that he would last only a few hours. He became weaker and
weaker, and about the middle of the afternoon he suddenly became
blind. He lived only about an hour longer but was conscious until
the last minute or two.
A brief outline of his life is as follows: Erasmus Fillmore
Aldred was born at Lexington, North Carolina, August 26, 1857.
That fall his parents moved to Rock Castle county, Kentucky,
where they lived until 1861, moving then to Washington county,
Indiana. He came to O'Brien county in September, 1878. December
16, 1880 he married Margaret Elizabeth Hakeman. In October, 1888,
he moved from the farm to Paullina, going into the livery
business with his uncle, C. C. Collet, now of Harley. In January,
1893, he moved to Sutherland and with his brother-in-law, Jas. O.
Hakeman, went into the hardware business. His wife and five
children survive him. One daughter is dead. His mother, now Mrs.
Wm. Bradrick, is also living, and also his brother William of
Ocheyedan.
The funeral was held at ten o'clock, Sunday, at the M. D. church,
the exercises being under the charge of Abiff Lodge, No. 347, A.
F. & A. M., of which he was a member. Rev. Hathaway of
Paullina offered prayer and preached a short sermon. The
interment took place at Primghar, to which place his remains were
accompanied by a procession of about forty vehicles. At Primghar
the Masonic lodge of that place with nearly a dozen members of
the Sanborn lodge joined the procession and marched to the
cemetery. Several more carriages also joined the procession. The
impressive Masonic ceremony was performed and all that was mortal
of "Ras" Aldred was left resting in the grave, beside
his deceased daughter.
E. F. Aldred was a man who was liked and respected by all who
knew him. He was pleasant, cheery and kindly in his manner and
always ready to accommodate and help a friend when at all
possible. For several years he had suffered with deafness,
sometimes accompanied by severe pain but he was always
uncomplaining and patient. His last illness - bronchitis -
attacked him early last winter and he gradually grew worse until
the last.
He formerly belonged to the Modern Woodmen and carried insurance
in the order, but this he allowed to lapse about a year ago, but
in November he took out a policy for $2,000 in the New York Life.
The old adage that nothing but good should be said of the dead
was almost entirely unnecessary in his case for his faults were
too few to receive serious censure even in life. The common
feeling in Sutherland is that the community has lost a good man,
and the profoundest sympathy of all goes out to his sorrowing
family.
Card of Thanks
Not being able to see all personally, we take this method of
expressing our heartfelt thanks to all the many friends who so
kindly helped us in the illness and after the death of E. F.
Aldred, and especially to the order of Free Masons for their
brotherly sympathy and help in everything a fraternity could do.
Mrs. E. F. Aldred
Mrs. Wm. Bradrick
Jas. O. Hakeman
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]