Iowa Old Press
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 1, 1898
p 4 col 3
Miss Gertie Warner and Guy Waddell were married at Sanborn
Sunday.
The clerk issued a marriage license to Harvey Dowling and Olive
Martin.
J. E. Stott was called to Mason City Sunday to attend the funeral
of his brother-in-law.
The sheriff has received word from the missing Sam Wilson of
Grant township who eloped with his sister-in-law, Miss Mealman,
last week. They were seen to take the C. M. & St. P. train at
Everly and went to Mason City where they left for parts unknown.
The authorities at Mason City have been notified. Wilson left a
wife and two children.
p 4 col 5
Mr. Flanning, who was taken to the insane asylum about three
weeks ago, died there Monday and was buried at Primghar Wednesday
afternoon. He leaves considerable property which is in the care
of attorney Peck of Primghar.
p 5 col 1
On account of my health, I wish to sell my photograph studio.
Martha Powell
p 5 col 2
Ralph Meacham and Miss Florence Worden were married Wednesday at
the home of the bride's parents south of Calumet. We learn that
they will make their home in Grant township.
p 5 col 4
An Elopement
We learned last week that there had been an elopement in Grant
township. Sam Wilson who for quite a long time has been living
with this wife and two little children at the home of her father,
Wm. Mealman, ran away with a younger sister of his wife. Neither
Mrs. Wilson nor her parents seem to have had any suspicion of
anything wrong, though many of the neighbors have though for a
year or more that Wilson has been paying more attention to Miss
Mealman than his relationship would warrant.
Wilson has been talking for some time of going to the Klondike
region and one day last week had one of his brothers take him to
Hartley to take the train. But it seems he went only to Everly,
and the next day he drove out to Mr. Mealman's with a livery
team, explaining that he had got a job with the liveryman and had
brought a customer out to that neighborhood on business. After a
short stay he started back. His sister-in-law said she would go
with him to a neighbor's near by. Neither of the two have been
seen in the vicinity since.
When it dawned upon the relatives of the pair that they had gone
warrants were sworn out for their arrest and the sheriff set
after them. Our Primghar correspondence shows that they have been
traced as far as Mason City. We understand that Mrs. Wilson
intends to prosecute the case against her husband if he is
captured, as he probably will be.
The case in an unfortunate one and the wronged people have the
sympathy of their neighbors in their trouble.
p 5 col 5
Dowling - Martin
In response to invitations somewhere from 80 to 100 relatives and
friends gathered Wednesday afternoon, March 30th, at the
hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Martin in honor of the
marriage of their daughter, F. Olive, to Harvey Dowling. The
guests came from O'Brien, Clay and Cherokee counties, some from
as far as thirteen miles away.
At the appointed hour - half past two o'clock - with Fred Martin
and Miss Gussie Woolston acting g as groomsman and bridesmaid the
young couple took their position in front of the large bay window
of the parlor and Rev. Leichliter of Peterson pronounced the
words that joined them for life. After the many guests had
congratulated the happy pair a sumptuous dinner was served. Two
long tables had been placed side by side and plates for
twenty-eight had been provided, and though the first table full
of people seemed to have unlimited appetites - especially Mike
Sweeney and D. B. Harmon - the supply of eatables seemed
inexhaustible and nobody was allowed to go hungry.
The presents were numerous and with few exceptions there were no
duplicates, and nearly every article was of a useful kind,
ranging from a bedroom suite to a saw, square and hammer. There
were dishes, table cutlery, spoons, chairs, chinaware, table
cloths, lamps, clock, glassware, poultry, etc., etc. We counted
up between forty and fifty presents.
The bride is well known to almost everybody in Sutherland and
will receive the best wishes of as many friends as she has
acquaintances. The groom is farm manager for Geo. Towner and is
well liked by his acquaintances. The young people will at once
begin housekeeping on Mr. Towner's farm in Clay county.
[transcribed by A.N., January 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 7, 1898
Miss Florence Worden, who for several terms taught the Taylor
school, south of Paullina, was married on March 20th to a farmer
named Meacham, near Sutherland.
The work of invoicing the late Dr. Doughty's property began this
week by direction of the administrator, Stephen Harris. Dr.
Dudley and A. Hanson have been selected to do the work.
Two funerals were conducted by Rev. Hatheway on Sunday. Mr. and
Mrs. August Augustson of Dale, sorrowfully parted with their
little babe about three weeks old. The other was the baby of Mr.
and Mrs. Emery of this place and about the same age.
The marriage of Albert O. Bartlett of this place, to Miss Della
Smith of Ruthven, occurred at Sutherland on last Friday evening.
The couple returned to Paullina the same day. Some of the younger
people and a large number of the juvenile population gave the
couple a tin-can, fire cracker and bass drum reception on Tuesday
evening and were treated to cookies and a short speech by the
groom.
Words of Sympathy - Comment of Northwest Iowa Papers on
the Death of R. N. Cannon
Primghar Bell
Word was received here Tuesday from Paullina of the death of R.
N. Cannon who passed from this life at 10 o'clock Monday evening
at the home of his mother at Philadelphia, East Tennessee, after
an illness of one year and nine months, his life having been
slowly sapped away by consumption. Deceased was about 42 years of
age, and was a member of the firm of Metcalf & Cannon. Ever
kind and generous he was beloved by all, and his death takes from
our sister town one of her earliest and most honored citizens.
The people of Primghar send their sympathy to the bereaved
community.
Alton Democrat
Robert N. Cannon of Paullina, well and favorably known in this
county, died of consumption at the home of his mother in
Philadelphia, East Tenn., last Monday night. "Bob"
Cannon was one of the best fellows in the world and all his
friends will be shocked to learn of his death. He was associated
with Mr. Metcalf and his brother, Chas. Cannon, in the grain
business at Paullina and Granville.
Granville Leader
R. N. Cannon or "Bob" as he was familiarly known,
passed away at the home of his mother in Philadelphia, Tenn.,
last Monday night at 10 o'clock. He died of consumption which
dread disease he had been struggling against for the past three
years. "Bob" was well known at this place and Paullina
and all who were best acquainted with him will feel keen sorrow
at his untimely death. He was a noble character. He had that warm
side to his nature which made everyone like, him, and everyone
feel better for his presence among them. Everyone where he was
known was his friend. No one ever heard of "Bob" Cannon
taking an unfair advantage. The editor has known him for fifteen
years and does not recall one word by anyone, save of praise, for
him. Such men are indeed the exception and it is one of the sad
decrees of fate that they are so often stricken. These are men
whom it seems humanity most needs. But there is a power who knows
best and to whose inexorable will be all must bow, though plucked
from us are the warmest hearts and most admired characters. Many
an unseen heart will ache over the death of "Bob"
Cannon, which he in life, perhaps little dreamed of. Such is the
power of true nobility.
Sheldon Mail
R. N. Cannon of Paullina, member of the firm of Metcalf &
Cannon, and known throughout northwest Iowa, died at the home of
his mother in East Tennessee, on Monday evening last. Deceased
had large property interests in Paullina and Granville and was
connected with two of the largest grain and stock firms in this
portion of the state at these places. Paullina feels keenly the
effect of this sad blow to their business and social interests
and is in deep mourning over the loss of a firm friend of the
town and a benefactor of its people. Consumption was the cause of
death. The funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday.)
Resolution
Hall of Fulton Lodge, No. 499, A. F. & A. M.
Paullina, Iowa, April 6, 1898
Whereas: It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove our beloved
brother, Robert N. Cannon, from this lodge to that brighter lodge
on high, be it
Resolved, that by his death, we as a lodge have lost a good, wise
and able brother, a friendly counselor, an honorable,
public-spirited and upright citizen, a man whom it was ever
pleasant to meet, who always had a kind word of comfort and cheer
for all, liberal in his views, yet firm in his convictions of
right and justice; charitable towards all and generous to the
needy.
Resolve - That we hereby tender to his relatives and friends our
sympathy in their great bereavement, assuring them that, although
his life was cut short in early manhood, yet the impressions he
has left upon all who knew him are such as are calculated to
enable and uplift the human race.
Resolved - That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the
minutes of our lodge; a copy printed in The Paullina Times and
one sent to the bereaved family; that the lodge room be draped in
mourning for a term of thirty days.
Dr. E. Dudley
Alex Williamson
J. V. Adkins, Committee
--
As we go to press we learn that a Mr. Ashbash of this township
died yesterday at the home of his brother, south of town.
David F. Fanning, a pioneer settler of the county, died at the
Independence hospital, this state, on March 28th, and was buried
at Primghar. In speaking of his death the Primghar Bell
says: "Mr. Fanning came to O'Brien county in 1870, and hence
is one of the very earliest settlers. He entered a U. S.
homestead on section 18, in Highland township, three miles from
Primghar, and is well known in all this division of country. He
passed through all the various phases of pioneer life, known to
all the old settlers here. He has been a successful and honorable
farmer for now 28 years, with us. He was a man of few words but
his word was always the word of honor and so received by all who
knew him. Of late years he has had some vexations and groundless
troubles relating to a technical defect of his naturalization
papers, over his land. Results proved that he need not have
worried for a moment, but he could not easily brush aside such
matters. This with old age coming on with some through difficulty
brought on an attack upon the brain sufficient at least to cause
his removal three weeks ago to the hospital at Independence,
where he died."
Sheriff Coleman received a telegram Wednesday from the marshal at
Mechanicsville, Iowa, saying he had arrested Sam Wilson and Miss
Mealman who recently eloped from Grant township. Deputy Morgan,
who knows Wilson, was sent to bring the couple back. It is not
likely that any effort will be made to prosecute the girl but
Wilson will probably get the full limit of the law.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2015]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 8, 1898
p 4
Sheriff Coleman received a telegram Wednesday from the marshal at
Mechanicsville, Iowa, saying he had arrested Sam Wilson and Miss
Mealman who recently eloped from Grant township. Deputy Morgan
who knows Wilson was sent to bring the couple back. It is not
likely that any effort will be made to prosecute the girl but
Wilson will probably get the full limit of the law.
p 5 col 1
A little child of C. H. Gyger's brother-in-law died Saturday at
Eagle Grove. Mrs. Gyger went down to attend the funeral.
Wm. Mayes was suffocated by gas Monday of last week near Inwood.
He was digging a well and was down about 100 feet.
p 5 col 2
Alfred Elliott and Miss Evelyn Riles were married at the home of
the bride in Grant township Wednesday. We extend congratulations.
p 5 col 3
Announcements are out of the approaching marriage of Harry Pratt
to a Peoria, Ill., lady.
Albert Bartlett of Paullina and Miss Della Smith of Ruthven were
married last Friday evening at the Methodist parsonage by Rev. H.
B. Green.
The report of Mrs. Rhoad's serious illness was a mistake. It was
thought for a time that she would have to go back to the hospital
but the trouble was caused by a strain from which she is
recovering. We are very glad to be able to make such a
correction.
[transcribed by A.N., January 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 14, 1898
The news comes to The Times from Dickens, Clay county,
of the birth of a 10-pound son to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kock on the
9th. Mr. and Mrs. Kock are well known in Paullina.
We have been endeavoring for three weeks to gather enough
information for an item announcing the marriage of Edward Egy,
son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Egy, well known in this part of Iowa.
So far we know he took Miss Lola Sherman, one of Storm Lake's
prominent young ladies, for a life partner about three weeks ago.
Some of these good items of news are bound to get away from The
Times for awhile, but we must have them, even though they
become old and gray before being published.
The school board held an adjourned session of the meeting of
March 21st, on Friday evening. Some bills were allowed. Prof.
Washburn and S. Harris were appointed as committee to prepare a
program of annual graduating exercises and the procure diplomas
for graduates. Teachers were employed as follows: Haagen School,
Annie Gardner; East Side School, Miss Lulu Howard; Principal,
Prof. G. G. Washburn; Grammar department, Mrs. E. Dudley;
Intermediate department, Mrs. Washburn; First Primary department,
Miss Lizzie Gardner. The Second Primary department teacher was
not elected. Miss Dora Rerick, the present teacher, was not an
applicant on account of failing health, and her place will be
filled at the regular meeting in May. All the teachers elected
are now serving in the places named. Their salaries are $40 per
month with the exception of principal who will receive $85 per
month. It was ordered that nine months should constitute the next
school year.
Interest centered between the fate of our Klondikers in the great
catastrophe on Chilkoot pass [avalanche, 3 April 1898] and Mr.
McKinley's war message Monday morning. Relatives and friends of
Messrs. Tjossem, Sutherland and Glazier anxiously awaited the
news of the disaster and read the list of those found dead on the
pass with breathless interest. Some seventy-five or a hundred
were known to have been killed, but no names of Iowa people
appeared, much to the gratification of all. There are four in the
party now, the fourth member joining them at Seattle in the
person of a cousin of Mr. Tjossem. All were well and in good
spirits on the 24th and left the next day for the foot of the
pass, but it is not thought they had sufficient time to reach the
position where the great avalanche of snow buried nearly one
hundred gold-seekers by the 6th, when it occurred. The
publication of the letters received from our correspondent will
be withheld a week or more in the hope of getting some definite
information as to the safety of Paullina's representatives.
Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Culp returned Sunday from Crete, Nebraska,
where they were called by the illness and death of Mrs. Culp's
father.
A marriage license was issued Saturday to L. A. Upton and Sophia
Shinkle. The couple were married at the Congregational church
Sunday at the conclusion of the morning service. The clerk has
also issued a license to wed to Frank Lampert and Tressa Harn.
Death of John Ralfs
On Saturday, April 9, at 9:15 a.m. the spirit of John H.
Ralfs took its flight. The immediate cause of death was given as
heart failure. He was sick only a short time, but it was known
that he was nearing the end, which came as a gentle sleep.
In recording thus the loss of one of Paullina's citizens and
early residents, it is not out of place nor in any manner a
reflection upon the past life of the departed to say that death
was hastened, perhaps, by the use of stimulants. We say it was no
reflection because no wrong intentions governed his acts, and the
self-imposed cruelty was held as a sacred privilege.
Deceased was born at Busom, Schleswig, Holstein, Germany,
September 14, 1860. He came to America in 1871, living with his
parents in Tama county, Iowa. He came to Paullina in 1884,
following various pursuits until what is known as
"prohibition times" when he engaged in the operation of
the "Lime Kiln Club," which was recognized at that time
as a beer dispensary. He made a success of this enterprise and
has carried on the same line of business ever since. Last year,
soon after returning from a trip to Germany, he entered into a
partnership with Hans Pahl, with whom he was associated at the
time of his death. In October 1884 [last two numbers are
difficult to read] he was married to Miss Minnie Martens, and
their married life seems to have been a happy one. Besides the
wife, there are a mother who lives in Tama county, four surviving
brothers and two sisters. Of these the latter and two of the
brothers are residents of Tama county. One of the brothers is in
Alaska and the other is supposed to be at Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, at the
home, and was largely attended. Rev. Rall of Calumet, had charge
of the brief service which was in the German language. The burial
took place in Union cemetery.
Everyone recognized in John Ralfs a true friend. His failings and
his weaknesses were obscured by his geniality and whole-souled
treatment of his fellow man. Toward the town he exercised
patriotism at all times, and whatever the world may say of the
past the fact remains that the town has lost a good citizen in
many ways and one who will be remembered kindly by all.
[transcribed by A.N., June 2017]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 15, 1898
p 4 col 1
The sixteen-year-old son of Hiram Thayer left for parts unknown
last Saturday night and his father has had the sheriff issue
cards asking his arrest and return.
p 4 col 3
A marriage license was issued Saturday to L. A. Upton and Sophie
Shinkle. The couple were married at the Congregational church
Sunday morning at the conclusion of the morning services. The
Clerk has also issued a license to wed to Fred Lampert and Tressa
Harn.
Deputy Sheriff Morgan returned last Friday morning from
Mechanicsville, Iowa, where he arrested the eloping couple, Sam
Wilson and Miss Mealman. The latter is said to be in a delicate
condition and Wilson will put up a novel defense. He will claim
that another is responsible for her condition and claim that this
third party furnished the money to Wilson to take the girl away
until she was over her trouble. He will also claim that the state
has no evidence to convict him or the girl either of adultery in
this county. If the state fails to prove a criminal act in this
county it is not likely that any prosecution will be commenced in
another county. The only trouble with Wilson is that he has spent
most of the money he went astray with and is unable to get more
to put up a hard legal fight.
p 5 col 1
H. L. Chesley has solved a question in grammar. He says that with
six children in bed with the measles at once he knows that
measles is plural.
A. J. Innes received a telegram Saturday stating that his cousin,
Alex. Mitchell had died at Reinbeck. Sandy and his brother D. A.
left for that place Sunday morning.
Mrs. Frank Hulser was called by telegraph Saturday to go to the
bedside of her father at Bryan, Ohio. Her father is quite old and
she feared would not be alive when she got there. She left on the
evening train.
p 5 col 2
Many are probably not aware how really ill D. M. Sheldon has
been. Much of the time he has been almost absolutely helpless,
being unable to move his arms or legs, and all the time he has
suffered the acute pain of inflammatory rheumatism. He is slowly
improving but is far from being able to help himself much. The
warm weather that seems to have set in permanently will probably
aid is his recovery.
We have received a letter ago [sic] from A. F. Moyer who is again
in the employ of the C. & N. W. Ry. He is now at Beaman, near
Gladbrook, working as relief agent. He had a chance to clear up
his record by going back to work for the company and thought that
possibly at some time in the future he might want to take up
railroad work again. By the company employing him again his
former discharge will not stand against him. He expects however
to take up the practice of osteopathy again before long.
p 5 col 3
Cherokee Democrat -Chris Ashbash, who was in the saloon
business here for some time last year, died at the home of his
brother in O'Brien county one day last week of quick consumption.
Carl Harkness's oldest child, a little girl not yet two years
old, died Tuesday morning of inflammation of the lungs. The
funeral was held Wednesday. The father was at Laurens when the
child died. It was not thought the child was seriously ill until
it was too late to save it.
County Attorney Babcock and Sam Wilson's attorney agreed on a
change of venue in the Wilson-Mealman case from Justice Sutton in
Grant to Squire North's jurisdiction in Primghar. The case was
set for ten o'clock yesterday. Wm. Mealman, the girl's father has
retained George Colcord. Wilson and Miss Mealman accuse Mr.
Mealman of incest, so that he is drawn into the case more than as
a witness. The elopers, Sam Wilson and Miss Mealman were brought
back to Sutherland last Friday and taken from here to Justice
Sutton's in Grant township by team where they asked a continuance
until Wednesday which was granted, and the couple were sent tot
eh county jail. It is reported that Mr. Mealman offered to give
bail for his daughter's appearance but she refused to accept it
preferring to go to jail with Wilson. The presence of the
prisoners here attracted considerable attention. Wilson consulted
an attorney here as to his rights as to time of hearing.
p 5 col 4
The runaway son of Mr. Thayer, referred to by our Primghar
correspondent, is described by the sheriff as fifteen years old,
about 5 ft., 10 in. tall, weights 140 pounds. Is quite stout,
blue eyes, light hair cut short, small scar on cheek. Had a
reversible overcoat with ducking on one side and dog skin on the
other. Had two suits of clothes. Rode a bay mare, weighting about
900 pounds.
[transcribed by A.N., January 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 21, 1898
A great deal of space is given to our Klondike correspondence
this week. The letter is of intense interest, the party being eye
witnesses to the great snow slide which killed nearly one hundred
people on the Chilkoot Pass on April 3d, and which caused much
anxiety here when the news came.
News was received here Sunday morning of the serious injury of
John Ward, a brakeman on the C. & N. W. railway. A special
car passed through soon afterward carrying his sister from
Hawarden to Eagle Grove, near where the accident occurred. Mr.
Ward had been thrown from the cars by accident, the car wheels
passing over and severing his legs, and he expired in the
afternoon of the same day. The railway company kindly gave the
relatives and friends the use of a special coach in which to
convey the remains to Hawarden, where they were interred on
Tuesday. Deceased was well known in town, being popular and very
much admired by all. He was married only about four months ago to
Miss Ida Richardson, also well known here. The accident was one
of the saddest of the many that occur in railway life.
A young son came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Meltvedt on
last Sunday.
Mrs. Putman invited a few friends to her home last Saturday
evening in honor of her brother, John Lemel, and Miss Hill of
Alton.
It is expected that judge Wakefield will order Kate Mealman, the
wayward young woman, accused of adultery with Sam Wilson, removed
to the Cherokee county jail. The girl has refused to return to
her father, although he has offered bail for her if she will come
home. Confined in the Primghar jail with Wilson she is still
under his malign influences and it is thought that if she is
removed to another county that the poetry of the situation will
be removed and she will sooner come to her senses. In the trial
last Friday Esquire North bound both parities over to await the
action of the grand jury.
ON THE WAY TO THE LAND OF GOLD - Another Pen Picture of the Dark
Side of the Klondiker's Life in Seattle - Cheap Outfitting at
this Place
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY FROM SEATTLE TO DYEA - Skaguay and Dyea
Compared - All Kinds of Schemes to Fleece the Unwary Tenderfoot
ESCAPED A SNOW-SLIDE AND SEARCHED FOR THE DEAD - Camped Four
Miles from the Great Avalanche of April 3d - Provisions Were
Within One Hundred Feet
IN THE ABSENCE OF STATUTES TWO MEN ARE HUNG FOR STEALING - Snow
Storm on the Mountain - Sleeping Upon the "Beautiful" -
Horrors of Chilkoot Pass - A Dog Team
(Remark - The writer, Mr. John Tjossem, left Paullina for the
Klondike gold fields as the special representative of this paper,
on Monday, February 28, 1898, in company with Wells Sutherland
and Will Glazier, both of Paullina. They were joined at Seattle
by Tosten Strand, cousin of Tjossem, and William McCullough of
Nebraska. All are athletic young fellows and capable of enduring
much hardship. The will no doubt make the entire journey
together. To enable the new reader to follow the narrative we
will, from time tot time, describe the route already traversed by
the party.)
LETTER NO. 2 - Special Times Correspondence
Dyea, Alaska, March 24, 1898
As I had promised to write you more about Seattle I thought I
would wait until I had come to this place. Seattle is quite a
large city, claming now during this rush, a population of 75,000.
The climate is not the kind that just suited me while I was
there. It was rainy and rather cold and made us all shiver. What
the weather is during summer I cannot say, but they all claim
that it is beautiful. Flowers were in bloom, and the grass was
green and about four or five inches high. There is one thing I
must mention about outfitting for the Klondike at Seattle. At St.
Paul we were told that we could not get anything at all in the
way of clothing or even provisions at Seattle. Wells and I bought
our rifles at St. Paul and paid $13.60 for a 30-30 Marlin. At
Seattle we could get the same kind, exactly, for $12.00. Clothing
is just as cheap as in the east and there is one thing certain,
it is very much better grade. Blankets can be bought for $6.00 to
any price you wish to pay. Good meals are served for 15 to 35
cents. Seattle, like most large cities, has its tough districts,
and they are tough, too. Klondikers are continually being taken
in. The police force is very weak and seems to be in league with
some of the tough element. The following happened while we were
there. A cowboy from Montana was taking in the city and
incidentally dropped into a side ally to watch a shell game. And,
as often happens, made up his mind to try his luck and no doubt
thought he was going to "break the bank." His luck at
first was good, or, as the expression here is, "the diggins
were good." But it finally changed and he was minus a couple
hundred dollars. The cowboy raised a racket, the shell game men
skipped, and the sucker sought the police and told his tale of
woe. The police told him to go out and get the fakirs. Next day
he met two men of the three, and immediately pulled a gun on them
and marched them to the police station. The police told him to go
and get the other. I never heard how he came out. There were
robberies every night, and every few days a dead man floats up to
the docks when the tide come in. They are generally reported in
the papers as suicides and there seems to be no effort of the
police to ferret out crime.
We left Seattle the afternoon of March 16 and arrived at Tecoma
[sic] that same evening where considerable freight was loaded.
Next morning we headed for Victoria. The "Australia,"
the vessel on which we took passage, is the largest boat that
makes regular trips between Alaska points and the states. She is
397 feet long, is owned by the sugar king Spreckels, and the
Pacific Coast Steamship Co. pays for its use the sum of $800 per
day. The boat was built in the year 1876 and has since been doing
service between San Francisco and Honolulu carrying sugar as its
principal cargoes. The crew were Irish and English and wherever
you turned you heard the "bloddy" words.
Leaving Victoria we headed for the sea. So far I have seen
nothing that equals the grandeur of the sea. Mountain scenery
certainly is grand, but the sea to me is far more beautiful. I
had not pictured to myself the sea as we say it on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of last week. The wind rose considerably last
Friday and the waves became larger and larger as we plowed
through the foam. Wild, tossing waves, running, according to the
first mate, about 35 to 40 feet high. They would strike the stem
of the steamer and wash the deck to the stern. One of the forward
hatches was washed off and water rushed down the hatchway,
filling the steerage with about ten or twelve inches of water. As
the vessel rolled and tossed, the water would splash and many of
those who occupied the lower births were wet and many had their
baggage soaked through. One of the mates said that it was the
worst storm that he had been in for years. There were no wrecks
reported that I know of yet. During Sunday the storm subsided and
we entered Chatham Sound where the waters were very much quieter,
but we were prevented from going full speed on account of fog. As
we were nearing the main land the channel became narrower and on
each side of us rose high bluffs, the sides of which were covered
with timber, while the tops were white with snow. Chatham Sound
to Juneau the scenery is grand and at this point we saw our first
ice. What appeared at first to be small chuncks [sic] of ice in
the water were found on nearer approach to be real ice-bergs.
These come down from the Taku river where we were told there is a
very large glacier. Coming father north we saw our first glacier
and while sitting now in our room looking toward the west high up
the mountain side can be seen a glacier of no small proportion.
We cannot see the sun here until about 9 o'clock and when the
first rays strike that ponderous mass of ice, one has a grand
sight before him. I simply cannot describe it. We entered the
port of Juneau about 7 o'clock Monday evening. It was raining and
I suffered more from cold than I had done before.
They seldom have zero weather but there is so much dampness that
one suffers more than where it is colder and not so wet.
Juneau is situated at the foot of a high range of mountains. It
has a population of 3000, electric lights, good stores and large
warehouses at the wharves.
Indians here do nearly all the work loading and unloading the
steamers. They will work for 25 cents an hour while the whites
will not work for less than 40. But judging from the work they
were doing they were certainly paid too much. It is claimed that
any white man can do the work of three Indians. Personally they
appear to be an intelligent race, in stature a little shorter and
heavy set, have quite prominent cheek bones and thick lips. The
men wear the same kind of clothes as the white man and cannot be
distinguished from them while off at a distance. The women or
squaws wore blankets, shawls, and seem to fancy gaudy colors.
They do not look to be as careful of their appearance as the men.
About a mile back of Juneau, on Douglas Island is situated the
famous Treadwell mine. We did not get time to look through it.
But we could see from our boat where they had cut down the side
of the mountain about 800 feet and it is claimed that the whole
mountain is a solid low grade of gold bearing quartz. They are
working quartz that pays $2.50 to the ton - the stock of the
company is away out of sight. Judging from the size of the hole
they had cut into the side of the mountain and the time they had
been working, there will be no end to the supply a hundred years
from now.
Tuesday morning we again steamed out of the channel on our way to
Skaguay where we arrived late in the day. We did not get time to
go and see the city and what I know is only from hearsay. We
could see the city about a mile and a half back of the wharves.
Here we were busy unloading our freight to lighters which were to
take them to Dyea, and that same evening we were landed here.
Ever since, everything has been a hustle.
Skaguay has good wharves while Dyea has practically none. Some
are in course of construction but it will yet take some time,
probably a couple of months, as near as I can figure it out. The
Steamship Co. land all their passengers and freight on lighters
which are towed to Dyea and at high tide are run up as far as
they will go where they are left until the tide does out. Now is
when the work of all kind of fakes commences. There seems to be
an understanding between the men who tow these barges and the men
on the shore who have small boats, to leave the barge out as far
as they dare anchor it, for by so doing these men will row you
ashore for "four bits," "two bits" for each
piece of baggage. This is an out and out steal, for the
transportation companies at Seattle all agree to land their
passengers on the docks at Dyea, while in fact, at the present
time there are no docks on which passengers can be landed. The
whole thing through, as regards the promises of some of the
transportation companies, is a rank steal. They are in league
with warehouse owners here and at every turn you are met with a
charge of from "two bits" to five dollars. These can be
evaded to some extent. The only one we have submitted to so far
is a fifty cent charge on our baggage for storage something over
ten hours. The only way is to bluff them out and threaten to
clean out the whole gang, when they will let you off sometimes by
promising not to say anything about it. A meal can be had for 25
cents as good as any put up at Seattle at the same price. Lodging
and meals are the only things at all reasonable. Teaming is high,
according to my estimation. There is no snow now between this
point and Canyon city, or what is no city at all be merely a kind
of division established by packers.
We will be obliged to have our provisions hauled to this place by
teams which will cost us a cent a pound. From there to the summit
we propose to sled our goods. If there was any snow we would sled
it all the way. This no doubt is hard work but from Dyea to the
canyon is practically no elevation. The trail lies between two
quite high ranges of mountains in a valley which at Dyea is
about, I should judge, three miles in width and which gradually
narrows down to a canyon about 30 or 40 feet wide.
Tomorrow we are going to move up to the canyon and in my next
letter can tell you more about the rail. As I have not yet been
very far therefore will tell you nothing I do not know.
If I should tell you of all the stories that are afloat, the
strongest man who would believe them would turn back.
We went as far as what is known as Finnegan's Point today and
going up we met six poor fellows coming back disgusted.
The trail is practically a fair wagon road to Canyon City.
Teamsters draw from twenty-five to thirty hundred pounds. Several
bridges were put in by private parties on which a dollar toll is
charged for teams. Footmen are not charged; dog teams pay fifty
cents.
There is not the tough element here as might be supposed. You can
seldom hear of any lawlessness. Once in a while some man runs up
against a shell game and is sure to get fleeced, as is always the
rule.
A man just came in from Lake Bennett today. He says the rush is
now for Walsh Creek and people are leaving Lake Bennett faster
than they come in. I think from all reports the principal rush is
over.
You can see all kinds of combination teams. One of the most
comical I saw consisted of a dog, a goat and a man all hitched to
a sled and pulling for dear life across a bare stretch of ground.
I tried to get a picture of them but could not get around quick
enough and they were soon out of sight behind a bush.
The majority of men going over are men who are on the downward
grade of life; men who seem to have made a failure and have
resolved to make a last attempt. It is surprising to see so many
old men, some of them over sixty years old.
There is no sickness here and all reports to that effect are
untrue.
Well, our trial now commences and in about two weeks will write
you more. You may send my mail to Dyea where it will be forwarded
to me wherever I may be. Wells and Glazier are in spirits and are
anxious to hear from home.
--
Sheep Camp, Alaska, April 4, 1898
On Saturday, March 26th, we had all our freight together and
started for Canyon City, or what is not a city but only so in
name. It derives its name from its being at the lower mouth of
the canyon. The snow being all gone between Dyea and that place
we were compelled to have our good freighted which cost us
eight-tenths cents per pound, the usual price at the time was one
cent. The distance from Dyea to Canyon City is about nine miles;
the road follows a small river. In winter when it is frozen the
road follows the river bed or ice but when the snow is gone and
the ice is not safe the road winds along bluffs over long
stretches of gravel beach through heavily timbered points of
land, over shaky bridges that tremble and quiver as you pass over
corduroy roads. In spring time when the thaw commences I am told
that were it not for these corduroy roads that it would be
impossible to get over them. The ground is so uneven and cut up
by deep holes and the whole covered by thick moss, that one
unacquainted with the country would sometimes find himself up to
his arm pits in mire. I cannot vouch for the truthfulness of this
but judging from appearances it is not at all improbable.
--
Sunday, March 27
We were comfortably camped at Canyon City and had determined to
respect the Sabbath. In the afternoon we took a walk up the
Canyon to see how it looked. This more than equaled my
expectations. The Canyon is about two miles long and is a
continual rise from its mouth to its upper end. In these two
miles, I am told it rises 1100 feet and I can tell you that it is
steep enough when you have on your sled a hundred and fifty
pounds. On both sides rise high walls of solid stone from fifty
to two hundred feet and on the very top can be seen the timber of
spruce and hemlock while beneath you a rushing stream of water.
Last fall when the canyon was covered with snow and ice a man
went to work and built a corduroy road the whole length of it and
spent over $20,000 in its construction. He is sorry he did for he
is a long way from getting his money back and it is now only a
question of a few weeks when the spring thaw will carry out the
whole thing. In some places the canyon is only wide enough for a
team and sled to pass between the rocks while in others it widens
out to thirty or forty feet. It is a curious scene to one not
accustomed to the mountains and mountain scenery. We had our
goods hauled to Sheep Camp. We could not make anything by pulling
the goods on our own sleds and the snow was thawing so fast that
we were afraid the canyon would go out before we could get our
goods through for if we were at Canyon City we would be compelled
to pack our provisions over the mountain trail and imagine us
packing 7,000 pounds nine miles and all that one not accustomed
to packing can carry is fifty pounds. It cost us 36 cents per
hundred to have our goods taken to Sheep Camp, the regular price
at the time was fifty cents. So far it has cost us for freighting
$1.16 per hundred. The best that has ever been done this winter
is $1.25 and everyone with whom we talked that had goods
freighted said it cost them $1.50 per hundred.
Monday evening found us in camp here. The snow is very deep. We
dug down into the snow about three feet, staked our tent and
still had the length of a shovel and handle of snow under us. We
gathered some spruce boughs, laid them on the snow in our tent
and spread our blankets on this and went to sleep. Sheep Camp is
about two miles up from the upper end of the canyon in a narrow
valley less than half a mile wide. At present its dwellings
consist chiefly of tents although its main streets are quite well
built up of log huts. Saloons meet you at every turn and as you
pass them music and gayety is heard from within. There are quite
a number of hotels, if one can call them that, but properly
speaking they are bunk houses. There is estimated to be about
3000 people here, and when people saw us coming up the trail and
that we were strangers to the place their first question was,
"On which boat did you come?" and the next, "How
is the war with Spain?" The "Dyea Trail" which I
sent you has a full account of the war.
Tuesday morning we commenced moving our goods by hand sleds to a
place known as Stone House. The snow is quite soft and a hundred
pounds is a big load. The trail through the town is covered with
all kinds of rubbish that makes it a very heavy pull. About half
a mile from town the packer's trail turns off from the one taken
by horses and from this place on it is not so difficult. A
glacier loosened up and long before we could see it we heard it
far up the mountain side, crashing and breaking, sounding like
the roll of distant thunder - presently we could see a cloud of
snow moving down the side of the mountain, the noise becoming
more deafening. Immense pieces of ice came rolling down the
mountain over a steep precipice, crushing trees and brush before
it. Some of the pieces of ice landing not over eight rods from
where we stood.
There is a dance at Cavenaugh's tonight and it was very
conspicuously advertised. Judging from the noise during the night
they certainly had a high time.
The number of people said to have passed the custom officers is
about 60,000.
--
Wednesday, March 30
Snowing and storming. Stayed in camp all day except Mac, Glazier
and Strand who took up a few loads. Had beefsteak and bakery
bread for dinner. Bread costs 25 cents a loaf and steak 20 cents
a pound. Not many on the trail today on account of the storm.
Expect mail today from Seattle. The latest papers up to date are
March 19.
--
Tuesday [sic, Thursday], March 31
The weather has moderated and is quite warm. Wells, Mac, Will and
Strand are moving goods to the Stone House. I stayed in camp not
feeling like venturing out. One of neighbor camps had two sides
of bacon eaten by dogs and great indignation was expressed by all
at the manner in which dogs were allowed to run loose at night.
Quite a wrangle ensued and threats of gun play was the result.
Another glacier broke loose during the night but could not tell
where it was.
--
Friday, April 1
Snowing and melting on the tent. One man died yesterday of spinal
meningitis. This disease is not new with this country. I was told
by a doctor that in northern Wisconsin and Michigan it is quite a
common occurrence and that it is caused principally by men
working too hard, getting warm in one minute and cold in the
next. In the afternoon we went up to what is known as the Scales.
This place is at the foot of the last steep ascent or what is
known as the summit. It derives its name from the time when
packers stationed here, to help prospective miners over the
summit, had scales with which to weigh the goods before taking
them over.
The report came in last night that two men were hung at Lake
Linderman for stealing. The punishment met with general
satisfaction here.
--
Saturday, April 2
It is still snowing and storming so that nothing will be done
this day. Parties selling out near us and are going back. A party
just stepped to our tent and inquired for outfits that were for
sale. Bought a Seattle Times dated March 24th and paid 25 cents
for it.
--
Sunday, April 3
This day will long be remembered as a sad one in the history of
Chilkoot pass. Since last Wednesday it has been snowing and
drifting some at the scales. While here in camp the snow fell in
great sheets and was as heavy as water. I never saw it snow like
this before. There was no wind here, but you could not see
sometimes over three rods. It had been snowing all night and in
the morning one of our tents was down on account of the great
weight of snow upon it. Early in the morning there was a snow
slide to the right of us. It came roaring and crashing down the
mountain but we could not see anything on account of the snow.
People came rushing out of their tents but could see nothing.
About nine o'clock the report came in that eighteen men were
killed by the snow slide at the Scales. It was clearing up some
by this time but was still quite warm. We were all sitting in
camp and talking of the reports of the slide when without a
moment's warning we could see a cloud of snow coming down the
mountain and in a second more could hear it crash down the
mountain side. There was no damage done by this slide but it is a
sight long to be remembered. At noon the report came in that
fifteen men were buried in the snow slide at the Scales but none
were killed. A little later the news came in that the snow slide
was a more serious affair than was at first supposed. Wells, Mac
and I went up to see if we could be of some help. From the Scales
to Sheep Camp is a distance of about four and a half miles and
there was a solid string of people the whole distance packed as
close as they could walk, some carrying stimulants, others
pulling sleds while nearly all carried shovels. About half way up
we stopped to see if we could help at a place where the night
before was known to have been a tent. In a few minutes a tent was
found under about twelve feet of snow. By this time the crowd was
so great that people were in each other's way and the work became
slower. During the excitement one man would grab a shovel from
another who had in turn taken it only a few moments before. All
were eager to help the poor unfortunates buried beneath. Three
men were taken out at this place cold in death. One, an elderly
gentleman, the others, young men. Another tent was discovered
just as we left there from which one man was taken out. Before we
had arrived a man and woman were found a short distance from
their places. Excitement was by this time running high and fresh
crowds were coming from camp. Among them were many women. Some
were looking for friends, others for partners in camp. Strong men
were running about not knowing whither they were going. Men
moving around with sorrow depicted on every countenance and
thinking what might have happened to them. It snowed about four
feet of snow on the level and imagine that amount of snow on the
side of a mountain, slide into a narrow gulch to the depth of
over fifty feet. Many a body lies buried in this great depth
where they never will be found. Fourteen bodies were brought into
camp in the evening and sorrow reigned supreme. It started to
storm so hard that the work of relief had to be abandoned and
whoever were buried under the snow were left to their fates.
During the evening every one was anxious to write home well
knowing that as soon as the papers would get the news they would
swell the number of the dead and cause anxious ones to worry at
home. Special mail was sent out this evening so as to catch the
City of Seattle as she left Skaguay with mail.
--
Monday, April 4
The day dawned bright and clear, and early in the morning crowds
of people could be seen at each corner discussing the sad affair.
Some were running about inquiring for friends who had not turned
in during the night. Relief expeditions were continually going up
the trail. We started up the trail to see if there was anything
we could do, but were met by many coming back, saying that there
were too many now. Some of the residents of the place have
organized themselves into a committee of safety and during these
state of things will allow no one to move goods above Stone
House. While going up we saw five more bodies that were taken to
camp. The bodies that were being taken out were employees of the
Chilkoot Tramway. They were men who had been working on the
Tramway, which is not yet completed. There is some indignation
expressed at the manner of treatment these men received from this
company. They are principally men who are compelled to work who
have been stranded here and when they refused to go to work
during the storm, they were threatened with dismissal.
Afternoon - Relief goes bravely on and each new development
brings forth more appalling scenes. At 3:00 p.m. thirty-two
bodies have thus far been taken out and it is not improbable that
the number will reach fifty. 4:30 p.m. - Three more bodies have
now been recovered and the news comes in that on the other side
of the pass, seventy men were buried in the snow.
Masons have called a meeting for the purpose of arranging for the
burial of the dead bodies. Odd Fellows are doing the same and
will act in connection with the Masons.
The town is quiet tonight and as we pass up the street small
squads of people can be seen discussing the sad affair; no music
is heard in the saloons; no one shouting or singing. Sorrow seems
to have spread over everyone.
I took two pictures of the slide.
This catastrophe has put a damper to the ardor of many who had
intended going into the interior and already outfits that cost
$300 or $400 are offered for sale for enough to take the owners
back to the states. A great many outfits will be lost entirely,
being covered up in some places under fifty feet of snow.
A few days ago, two men in a secluded spot, were relating to each
other their woes and misfortunes. They wee overheard by Mac. One
of them was heard to say that if he only had an excuse he would
go home right away. But the poor fellow had no excuse. I'll bet
ten cents he is making tracks now.
You ought to see the women here on their way to the land of gold.
I saw one the other day and had to take a second look to make
sure she was not a man. She was dressed in a mackinaw coat and
pants, hip-boots and fur cap, and closer scrutiny revealed a
man's blue flannel shirt. I might add too, that her features were
that of a man. They all wear rubber boots and to describe all the
different costumes in this great drama would require a book as
large as Webster's Unabridged. I think there is a great field for
missionary work here. Not so much among the Indians as among the
white people. During the day, while on the trail, profanity is
heard at all times. Dog fights are a regular occurrence. I was
amused one day. Two men, each driving tandem seven great big
dogs, met in a narrow part of the trail and neither dog in the
lead would turn out. It was only a moment and there was a mass of
fourteen dogs in a pile barking, howling and chewing each other.
The drivers could not distinguish their dogs in the mess, and
each were pounding the dogs with al their strength. I tell you
this was a dogfight for "your whiskers."
Later reports are that the seventy men killed on the other side
in the snow-slide is untrue. Later report now is that there are
still five men unaccounted for.
You will notice in this letter the name of Mac. He is one of our
party, having joined us at Seattle, and continued with us so far
and will go over the pass with us. He hails from Nebraska. His
full name is Will McCullough - we call him Mac so as not to
confound him with Glazier.
While on the boat we met a party from Cedar Falls, one of whom
was Chas. Meyers, and says he knows Hanson well.
We are quite well, and enjoy camp life when the weather is not
too cold and not too rainy. We all have a month's growth of
whiskers on our faces and it is just a sight to see Wells and
Glazier. I weigh 200 pounds. Bacon, beans and corn bread
constitute our chief rations, with flapjacks and biscuits,
sandwiched between. We have been expecting The Times for some
time but so far have not received it. Send mail to Dyea where it
will be forwarded to us.
Yours truly,
John Tjossem
[transcribed by A.N., May 2014]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 22, 1898
p 4 col 2
It is expected that Judge Wakefield will order Kate Mealman, the
wayward young woman accused of adultery with Sam Wilson, confined
in the Cherokee county jail. The girl has refused to return to
her father, although he has offered bail for her if she would
come home. Confined in the Primghar jail with Wilson she is still
under his malign influence and it is thought that if she is
removed to another county that the poetry of the situation will
be removed and she will sooner come to her senses. In the trail
last Friday Esquire North bound both parties over to await the
action of the grand jury.
p 5 col 1
Card of Thanks
We sincerely thank the many friends who so kindly helped us in
the sickness and death of our darling Lillie.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Harkness
p 5 col 2
On Sunday the North-Western road ran a special train from
Hawarden to Eagle Grove, taking a sister of the wounded brakeman,
John W. Ward to his side. It is reported that the entire run was
made at the rate of over a mile a minute.
p 5 col 3
From the first time since September 1, 1893, when the present
editor took control of the this paper appears without a bank
advertisement. Under the circumstances this is a fact worth
noting.
Captain Weaver of Cherokee was in town Monday and Wednesday. He
went to Eagle Grove and Hawarden to attend the funeral of his
son-in-law who was killed Sunday on the railroad.
Mrs. Matie Hamilton of Rock Rapids has been visiting her uncle,
Clint Warwick, for the past week or two. Her husband is the man
who died so suddenly at Sheldon recently while working in one of
the wholesale houses of that city.
Last Saturday Warren Armstrong received from his first sergeant
at Fort Riley, Kansas, the following telegram: "The troop
will move soon. Come home. - Sage" Warren's regiment, the
1st cavalry, has been ordered to Chickamauga. Warren left for
Fort Riley on Tuesday.
p 5 col 4
A Fatal Accident
Last Sunday morning a long freight train was running between
Eagle Grove and Jewell. The conductor and a brakeman were
standing near the front end of a flat car just ahead of the
waycar. The engineer set the air brakes and the sudden checking
of the train threw the two men violently against the car ahead of
them. The conductor managed to get hold of the brake rod and
saved himself from falling but the brakeman fell between the cars
and the wheels went over one of his legs below the knee. He was
quickly picked up and taken to Eagle Grove. The surgeon who was
called was about to use chloroform when he found that the patient
was sinking. Stimulants were given and the doctor still thought
the patient would rally, but at about three o'clock in the
afternoon he died.
His name was John W. Ward. He was married and lived at Eagle
Grove. He was buried at Hawarden, the company running a special
funeral train to that place.
p 5 col 5
D. T. Moore, Sutherland's colored painter, did some fine work on
No. 5 the latter part of last week.
Word has been received from the Paullina Klondikers that they are
safe and were not caught in the snow slide.
[transcribed by A.N., January 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 28, 1898
We learned this week of the marriage of a former Paullina boy, J.
R. Gardner. The event was celebrated on April 1st and the bride
was Miss Carrie Pfeiffer, of St. Paul, a prominent lady of that
place.
William Ralfs and mother of Traer, Iowa, have been here
endeavoring to settle up the estate of their deceased brother and
son, John Ralfs, the past week, and we understand matters have
been satisfactorily adjusted. We understand Mrs. John Ralfs will
not remain in Paullina permanently. William Ralfs bought the
saloon property and leased it to Hans Pahl.
The Congregationalist of Boston, Mass., has the following
appreciative tribute to the Rev. Amos N. Dean, father of Mrs. L.
N. B. La Rue and Mrs. H. G. Culp, whose death occurred recently.
He was well known and highly esteemed by many in this community:
The death of Rev. Amos N. Dean at Crete, Nebraska, April 6,
removes another pioneer in home missionary work. Born at
Wadsworth, Ohio, on January 10, 1832. He removed to Iowa in 1855
and thence to Nebraska in 1880, settling near Wilcox. Deeply
moved by the religious destitution of the region be became
efficient in Sunday school work. His fitness for the work of the
ministry became so apparent that the local association soon
licensed him and he was ordained in 1881. The churches of Moline
and Freewater were gathered under his ministry. He was pastor of
the Cambridge church for five years, and at the end of his work
it reached self support. He was afterward pastor at Eagle,
Telmadge, and Douglass. His health failing, he removed to Crete
in 1893. His deep spiritual experience, his rare devotion to the
kingdom of Christ, made him a pastor beloved, and his picturesque
style made him a preacher to whom all loved to listen.
[transcribed by A.N., June 2017]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
April 29, 1898
p 5 col 1
We hear that Will Bethel has decided to join the army.
Paullina sent eight young men to join the militia company at
Cherokee.
Claus Hultz and Frank Frush have been getting thoroughly roused
by the warlike situation and when the news finally came that war
is a fact they promptly decided to act and Monday noon they left
for Des Moines to enlist in the regular army. Quite a number of
their friends were at the station to wish the boys good luck.
These two are Sutherland's first real offering in the present
crises. There will be others if they feel that they are needed.
p 5 col 2
Mrs. Frank Hulser returned Friday from Bryan, Ohio, leaving her
father considerably better than when she went there. The
physician in charge says that the patient's lease of life is very
uncertain; he may live for two years or he may die within two
weeks.
Claus Hultz and Frank Frush returned Wednesday from Des Moines
where they went to enlist in the regular army. Hultz failed to
pass the examination because of something being wrong with his
eyes, and Frush's heart was not in sufficiently good working
order.
[transcribed by A.N., January 2012]