Iowa Old Press
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 1, 1898
Harry Burmeister and bride arrived in Paullina Monday from the
west after a short wedding tour, and will make their future home
here where Harry used to wear knee pants and play truant. We are
glad to bid him and his good wife welcome. The following account
of his marriage is from the Rolfe paper: Married - Wednesday
evening, November 23, 1898, at the home of the bride's parents in
Rolfe, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Coiner, Miss Grace Coiner and Harry F.
Burmeister, Rev. Glass of the M. E. church officiating. Mr. and
Mrs. Burmeister left for the east on the evening flier at 8:55.
The bride has lived in Rolfe for a number of years, in fact since
young girlhood, and the groom has been assistant agent at the
Northwestern depot here for something like two years. They have
many friends amongst Rolfe's young people who will wish them bon
voyage and good luck. They will be at home after December 5 at
Paullina, where Harry will be assistant operator. The
Reveille joins the rest of their well-wishers in
congratulations.
John Tjossem has returned from his visit to the east with his
corn-husking machine. He is now awaiting results. He says he met
with a great deal of encouragement, but is not fully decided
whether to dispose of the patent to some manufacturing company,
or to place the machine up on the market without their
assistance. If the latter course is adopted the corn in this
vicinity will all be in the crib before the first day of November
next year. Fifteen or twenty of these machines would do the work.
Resolution of Sympathy
Whereas, The Master of the Universe has called the wife
of our esteemed brother, Past Master Geo. P. Buell, from her
earthly house to her home beyond: Therefore be it resolved by the
members of Fulton Lodge, A. F. & A. M. No. 499 that we
express our high appreciation of her excellent qualities of head
and heart and recognized in her a constant friend to the Order,
encouraging her husband and son to advance in Masonry. In the
breaking of these home times, a noble wife and mother has passed
to her reward and we express our profound sympathy for the
bereaved family in this hour of sore trial. And that we request
the publishing of these resolutions in the Paullina Times, and a
copy be filed with the secretary of the lodge, and that a copy be
sent to the bereaved husband.
By the Committee, A. Williamson, Stephen Harris, F. J. McCaffree
Geo. P. Buell returned Tuesday from his sad mission at DeWitt,
Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Buell accompanied him to this place.
Mrs. Charlotte Doonan arrived last week from Garner, Iowa, where
she has been visiting her brother, Matt Andresen. The lady was
formerly Miss Lottie Andresen and was known to all the early
guests at the Hotel Mickley. She has been made a wife and widow
since her days in our village, and lived for some time at
Davenport, Iowa. She will spend two or three months with her
mother and other relatives near Paullina.
John Fox who married his divorced wife about a month ago now
alleges in a petition filed in court that his wife is insane and
was so when he last married her and he wants a divorce. This is
the second marriage where the ceremony was performed by David
Algyer this fall and neither of them seems to have been binding.
It may be that David realized that he was losing his grip when he
gave up the Justice practice.
[transcribed by A.N., September 2014]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 2, 1898
p 4
John Fox who married his divorced wife about a month ago now
alleges in a petition filed in court that his wife is insane and
was so when he last married her and he wants a divorce. This is
the second marriage where the ceremony was performed by David
Algyer this fall and neither of them seems to have been binding.
It may be that David realized that he was losing his grip when he
gave up the justice practice.
Harry Burmeister was married on last week Wednesday evening, Nov.
23d, to Miss Grace Coiner of Rolfe, Iowa, at that place. They
arrived here on Monday evening and will make this their future
home. We understand Mr. Burmeister will work at the depot.
p 5 col 1
The Sheldon Sun says that Rush Streeter and his
notorious wife are living at Ripley in this state.
It is rumored about town that Archie Campbell of Waterloo and
Miss Grace Kroesen of Cedar Falls are married. Both were well
known here and if the report is true we wish them much joy.
p 5 col 2
Elmer G. Lane and Miss Julia E. Batcheler were married at Sunny
Hill Nov. 24th by Rev. G. W. Elliott.
p 5 col 3
Mrs. A. E. Hayes returned last week from Sioux Falls where she
had been caring for her daughter, Mrs. Prink, and child. The
child died Thursday and the mother is very ill with lung trouble.
Bidwell - Briggs
Tuesday evening at five o'clock, at the home of the bride's
parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Briggs, Rev. W. H. Montgomery
pronounced the solemn words that united for better or worse, so
long as they both shall live, Oscar Bidwell and Miss Dora Briggs.
But in a union like theirs it would seem that there can be no
"worse." Young, strong, intelligent, and gifted beyond
the average in various ways, there can be little doubt of there
being a happy life before them. They start out in their new
relationship with bright prospects of financial prosperity also.
They have a fine new house of their own three miles west of
Sutherland, with an interested in the management of the large
stock farm belonging to Oscar's father, R.L. Bidwell.
Most of the life of this couple has been passed in this community
and their friends are many. We need not say anything further by
way of introduction or praise.
The guests were limited almost entirely to relatives of the bride
and groom. Miss Lizzie Schultz acted as bridesmaid and Delbert
Bidwell as groomsman. Supper was served after the ceremony and
the wedded pair took possession of their new home the same
evening.
p 5 col 4
Chas. A Smith who has been a corporal in the 51st Iowa Volunteers
concluded that as the war is over, so far as any fighting is
concerned, he did not care to go to the Philippines to do
garrison duty, so he managed to get discharged before the
regiment left San Francisco.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 8, 1898
We hear that Rev. and Mrs. A. W. Hakes at Seney are the parents
of a new son which arrived about two weeks ago.
Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ewoldt of Hartley will be interested
in the following item from the Hartley Herald: "We
are pleased to report that little Lily, daughter of Ed Ewoldt, is
expected home from Chicago, where she has taken a three month's
treatment. The parents expect her to return fully cured.
Jess Manley of Dale was the victim of an unfortunate circumstance
on Friday of last week. While adjusting the gearing on a corn
sheller in motion his hand slipped and passed between two cog
wheels. The extent of his injuries is not known, but he has lost
one of his fingers and the hand may be permanently crippled.
Words of Sympathy
Mrs. Geo. P. Buell, the estimable wife of the late
Democratic candidate for County Recorder who was Paullina's
postmaster awhile ago, died of heart trouble Tuesday after a long
illness. Mr. Buell's friends tender him the poor consolation of
human sympathy in his bereavement. - Sheldon Mail.
John Waldron is running the F. M. Slagle lumber yard at Paullina
this week. The manager, Geo. P. Buell's home, was saddened by the
death of his wife last Tuesday afternoon. The remains will be
taken to Clinton for burial. Paul Buell and wife of Mapleton
passed through the city Wednesday morning on their way to
Paullina to attend the funeral of his mother. Mr. Buell's friends
all along the line sympathize with him in his deep sorrow. - Alton
Democrat
At Paullina, Iowa, Tuesday afternoon, November 22d, of dropsy,
after a lengthened illness, Mrs. Jennie Campbell Buell, aged 42.
Her mother, Mrs. Center, was with her during the last few weeks.
The remains arrived here Thursday morning, and the funeral was
held at the residence of Mr. W. E. Buell yesterday forenoon, with
services by Rev. C. W. Tyler. Besides the husband and mother,
Mrs. Buell left one son, Paul, of Mapleton, and a sister, Mrs.
Butterfield, to mourn her early death. They all came on to the
funeral, and have the warmest sympathies of all the relatives and
friends in this city and vicinity. - Clinton Mirror,
Nov. 26
Naturalization papers have been issued at this term of court to
James Conn and Hendericks Heimensen.
At a meeting of the county insane commission last Friday they
again examined the case of Henry Boneskonsker of Carroll
township. This man was before the commission some weeks ago, and
while the commission were satisfied of his insanity they thought
it would not be necessary to send him to the asylum at that time
and that he would be quiet enough here. At the second hearing
they found that he was a fit subject for the asylum and ordered
him taken to Clarinda. Deputy Sheriff Morgan assisted by Lew
Wilson took him Friday night, going over the C. St. P. M. &
O. via Sheldon. They arrived safely at Clarinda Saturday night.
The patient gave the officers some trouble at Council Bluffs but
they did not find it necessary to use the insane harness that was
used the first time he was examined. Deputy Morgan speaks in the
highest terms of the assistance rendered by Mr. Wilson and he is
a good man for the position.
Bruno Saupe has been appointed guardian of the property of Henry
Boneskonsker, an insane man, and has also been appointed guardian
of his minor children.
An order was entered in District Court probating the will of Lucy
M. Potter, and the executor nominated in the will was appointed.
In the matter of the application of Stella Harris, guardian, to
sell property at Archer belonging to some minor children the
court ordered the sale and H. H. Parrish, John Tiemans and D. H.
Smith were appointed appraisers.
Tuesday afternoon the divorce features of the District Court was
in full blaze and inside of an hour four divorces were granted.
Haagen Johnson proved that his wife had been untrue to him. J. H.
Ober's wife had deserted him and not been heard of for four
years. Lida Oliver had not seen her husband, E. J. Oliver, for
four years, and Hieke Quam had been abused and cruelly treated by
a drunken husband. All were granted their divorces and are now
free to try another whirl of the lottery. Hieke Quam has had
three husbands, and was married to her last one on the 10th of
October - only a few days after she had secured a divorce from
her second husband and now in less than two months she finds
herself free again.
The bastardy proceeding against Wm. Mealman was dismissed by the
county attorney.
GAMBLING IN DAWSON (from our Special
Correspondent)
Dawson, June 1
We are in the greatest mining camp in the world. Individuals may
have given false colors to the picture - too bright or too somber
- but the yellow metal is everywhere. It is practically in every
medium of exchange, and it is the cheapest thing in town. More
dust bags are in evidence than pocket handkerchiefs and nothing
sells for less than 50 cents (four bits). These observations are
the first to strike the visiting stranger and the next is the - I
was about to say the domination - of whisky and gambling. The
banks, the newspaper offices, the post office and the churches
are mostly standing upon side streets and it is sometimes
puzzling for a newcomer to find them. But the whisky bar, the
dance hall and the gambling room are in the forefront of the
business center. They are in the most substantial as well as the
most showy buildings in town, and there are so many of them that
the "chichalker" (Indian for newcomer) marvels. There
are some half dozen or more gambling places where faro, roulette,
poker, keno, etc., are being played night and day, openly and
rather prominently. The miner comes in, sits down at the game and
passes over his plethoric dust bag to the gold weigher to pay for
chips, not deigning to watch the weighing process to note the
accuracy of the transaction. If he be lucky, he may open a few
bottles of champagne at $40 per bottle before morning. If
unlucky, he takes it philosophically. Attempt to convince him of
the error of his ways and he tells you a miner must have some
recreation.
A City of Tents
There are about 2,500 people in Dawson when we arrive, and these
are mostly housed in log cabins. But day by day, newcomers float
down the river and pitch their tents wherever they can find a
favorable spot. In ten days the ice has left the lakes and there
come boat and scow in swarms, until every available tent site is
occupied. There are soon more than 10.00 souls in town, and a
city of tents has arisen like magic.
Disappointed and dejected the newcomers are, too, as a rule. Some
admit it openly. "A greatly overestimated country
this," they say, "and I wish I had never come
here." From 1,000 to 2,000 people throng the water front
street at all times, and many will return to the States at the
first opportunity, where their opinions will be heard later. And
I have noticed that those who were apparently the most courageous
away back on the trail - those that worked hardest and struggled
most to get in quickly - are now the most anxious to get out.
Many make no effort whatever to get work, nor do they visit the
mines. Some go up the creek as far as the discovery on Bonanza
and return with a story of disappointment for listening ears. Nor
are the newcomers the only ones anxious to get out. Old miners
who have done fairly well out here withstood the winter's fright
of cold and the summers' outpour of heat and mosquitoes are
looking forward anxiously to an escape from thralldom. There is
no need whatever of paying too much for a gold mine. Old miners
will sell at fair prices and in some cases for less than value.
An Epidemic of Disease
Dawson is now dangerously unhealthy. With no drainage and no
sewerage, it reeks with filth and pollution. If an epidemic of
disease and death does not sweep over the camp before cold
weather, it will be solely due to a special dispensation of
Providence. There are between 60 and 70 cases at all times in the
hospital, and the other day three little funeral corteges passed
by our tent to the cemetery back on the hill. In one case good
Father Judge, the Jesuit priest and superintendent of the
hospital was the only person to follow the four pallbearers. Most
of the present illness arises from something resembling scurvy,
but malaria is prevalent, and there are occasional cases of
typhoid fever.
The present market prices here are high, with the single
exception of those of a few staples like flour and bacon, the
former being worth $6 per sack of 50 pounds and the latter 50
cents per pound. Lemons sell for $6 per dozen; oranges $1 each;
condensed milk $1.50 per can; tobacco $4 to $6 per pound; cigars
$300 per 1,000; and whisky $75 per gallon. If the river continues
to get lower and the up river steamers thus fail to arrive with
provisions, Dawson will experience a food famine such as was
never dreamed last year. The price of meals at restaurants is
$2.50 each, while up at the mines it is $3.50, and that for food
which would be served for 15 or 20 cents in most of the States.
Nothing is sold over the bar in Dawson for less than 50 cents,
and just now there is nothing in stock but whisky and
"hootch," a vile concoction distilled from rice and
sour dough or almost anything else that chances to be available.
I have paid $1 up at t eh mines for glass of so called root beer
served in a little cracked tea cup.
Pure Water a Luxury
In this land of snow and ice and glacier pure water is a luxury
that sells for 50 cents per pail delivered in town. The one
spring on the outskirts of Dawson is surrounded day and night by
water bearers. At this season day is practically continuous.
Practically the sun does not set for months, and weariness is the
only guide to sleep, it being light enough at midnight to read
small newspaper print. Contrary to all reports, vegetation is
neither luxuriant nor of extensive variety. A species of rhubarb
is the only thing of the kind worth cooking. Neither water cress,
dandelion nor cowslips grow, so green salads are out of the
question. In truth about the only attractions of Alaska are its
mountains, its glaciers and its gold. Of game there is little and
of fish far less than is found in streams and lakes of similar
volume elsewhere. I understand that in his report Captain Ray of
the United States army speaks encouragingly of the agricultural
prospects of the country. But here are two elements lacking for
success in this direction - soil and climate. Broadly speaking,
Alaska lacks both.
The Omnipotent Mosquito
Of course it is a big country, and there are tillable spots and
fine days here and there. So there are in the great Saharan
desert. But the only thing that can be grown here successfully is
the mosquito. And right here let me say that if I have said aught
in a former letter to condone the mosquito pest, either as to
number, size or tormenting capacity, I desire to take every word
of it back, for I have "naught to extenuate and naught to
set down in malice." I am afraid this pesky little devil is
about as black as he can be painted. He is omnipresent and in the
woods and swamps omnipotent. Neither heat nor cold seems to
disturb him much, and woe, woe to the man who encounters him in
the swamps if his face and hands be unprotected. I have seen the
little pests drive my shaggy dog into the creek for protection.
Next to the mosquito pest in Dawson there is the dog pest. In
winter they take goods up to the mines on sleds, and in summer
they are loaded with packs, each carrying from 20 to 50 pounds.
But there is not much food to carry up to the mines just now, so
the dogs are roaming the town, howling, fighting and stealing
anything they can get from an old boot to a side of bacon. A good
draft dog is easily worth $100 here, and the best bring $1.000.
They are worth it, too, for a strong draft animal can earn $25 a
day for his master in winter, and a frozen salmon is all the
Siwash variety asks for a day's rations.
...A. A. Hill
[transcribed by A.N., June 2014]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 9, 1898
p 4
The bastardy proceeding against Wm. Mealman was dismissed by the
county attorney.
Naturalization papers have been issued at this term of court to
James Conn and Hendericks Heimenson.
Bruno Saupe has been appointed guardian of the property of Henry
Boneskonsker, the insane man, and has also been appointed
guardian of his minor children.
In the case of the state against Geo. Williams whom a jury found
guilty of incest at the last term of court, the defendant amended
his motion for a new trial and the motion was submitted to the
court Monday. It is said by attorneys acquainted with the facts
that the defendant has a good chance of getting a new trial.
Tuesday afternoon the divorce feature of the district court were
in full blast and inside of an hour four divorces were granted.
Haagan Johnson proved that his wife had been untrue to him, J. H.
Ober's wife had deserted him and not been heard of for two years,
Lida Oliver had not seen her .... [continued on last page - and
microfilm was shipped back before I was able to type the
remainder]
p 5 col 1
We hear that Chas. S. Kelsey of Delmont, S. D. died the latter
part of last week. H. B. Lake and wife of Gaza went to the
funeral. Mr. Kelsey was well known to many of our readers as he
used to live in this vicinity. [Note - article was corrected in
16 Dec 1898 Courier, p. 5]
p 5 col 5
Linn Grove Independent: G. W. Louthan and Miss Hannah
Lloyd drove to Storm Lake yesterday and before they returned the
ceremony was performed which made them husband and wife. The
bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lloyd and is a
bright, intelligent young lady. The groom is our popular and
enterprising creamery-man and in his short business career (about
six or eight months) in this locality has proved himself worthy
of the good name which he bears. We are not informed as to their
intentions but presume they will begin keeping house in Linn
Grove ere long. The Independent joins with the many friends of
these estimable young people in wishing them a pleasant and
profitable journey through life.
We are sorry to hear that F. C. Wheaton, our county auditor
elect, has lost one of his twin babies.
It is reported at this writing that F. C. Wheaton has lost the
other twin baby.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 15, 1898
A telegram was received this morning from Carroll, by Marv Temple
saying that his niece, Marion Dunn, littlest child of Mr. and
Mrs. George Dunn, was dying. The child was about two years old
and unusually bright and healthy.
M. S. Marsh, of Renwick, Iowa, a member of the Starbuck party of
Alaska gold seekers, visited with Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Hasselman on
Wednesday of this week. Mr. Marsh says that Jack Starbuck and A.
L. Bronslow returned with him from Alaska, and that the last he
saw of Starbuck was in Seattle. The report sent out that Starbuck
is sick at St. Michaels, is a falsehood. His pretended Davis
letter was a forgery and steps will probably be taken to indict
him for obtaining money under false pretenses, when he returns to
Cherokee. Marsh says Chas. Walsh, Mel Boyd, Steward, Felton and
others are at Dawson City and have an interest in some mining
claims. - Alton Democrat
[transcribed by A.N., September 2014]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 16, 1898
p 1 col 1
The report given last week in reference to F. C. Wheaton's family
having lost the second of their twin babies proves to be
unfounded.
Ole Peterson and Martha Rolfs were united in holy matrimony last
Thursday. Our very best wishes go with them through life's long
journey.
p 4
John Fox vs. Ada Fox is a divorce case and the defendant wants
some temporary alimony. The court set the matter for hearing
Thursday of this week.
Streeter vs. Carter and Pond vs. Carter are relics of the
escapades of the celebrated Mrs. Streeter and have finally been
disposed of. Pond gets the horse and judgment was entered against
Mrs. Streeter. In the same cases where The First National Bank of
Peterson and Mrs. Colby of Hartley were claiming money realized
from the sale of Mrs. Streeter's effects, the parties agreed on a
division of the money, and each takes a chare and all costs are
paid and the matter settled.
p 5 col 1
John Peck's little girl died last Friday and was buried Saturday,
the funeral being held from the Methodist church here.
p 5 col 2
Our item last week in reference to the death of Chas. Kelsey was
incorrect. Theodore Kelsey (Dode) was very ill and Mr. and Mrs.
Lake went to Delmont to see him. From this the report started
that we heard.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank most heartily the friends who so kindly aided us
in the recent bereavement we have had, and to acknowledge our
appreciation of the fit of flowers made by Mrs. J. C. Briggs at
the time of the funeral.
Mrs. Benj. Bidwell and Family
Sutherland people were shocked to hear of Harvey Bunce's sudden
death. He was well known here and liked by everybody. He was a
bright boy and seemed certain to develop into a fine man. He was
fond of athletic sports and was captain of the football team of
the Spencer high school. A rumor started that he was injured in a
game and that was the cause of his death. The same report was
circulated in Spencer to some extent. We wrote to the editor of
the Spencer Reporter asking him about the matter and he
replied that the best information he could get was to the effect
that there was no foundation for the report.
p 5 col 3
Friday morning last the news was passed that the evening before a
telephone message had called W. M. Bunce and his son Eben of
Calumet to Spencer where Mr. Bunce's second son, Harvey, was
dangerously ill. They left here at nine o'clock in the evening
and when they arrived at Spencer they found Harvey suffering from
brain fever. The course of the disease was short but violent, and
at 8:30 Saturday morning Harvey died. He was taken ill on
Wednesday at the home of C. H. Leach where he had boarded for
about a year and a half while attending the Spencer High School.
Every possible care was taken for he was well liked, and
everything was done that medical skill could do, but to no avail.
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Spencer M. E. church,
Rev. Robert Smylie conducting the services. The remains were
brought home and on Monday at one o'clock services were held at
the Methodist church at Calumet, Rev. H. B. Green of Aurelia, the
former pastor here and at Calumet, preached the sermon. Rev.
Montgomery of Sutherland and Rev. Smylie of Spencer assisted in
the exercises. Harvey was buried in the Sutherland cemetery. The
pall bearers were Erick Horner, Lorne Smylie, Lon Wright, Charlie
VanAlstine, Clinton Greene and Adrian McOmber. The last named is
a young friend of Harvey's from Calumet, the others are Spencer
school boys. John Corl, Bert Hirleman and Harry Allbee of Spencer
were also present at the funeral.
Harvey was born in Texas Nov. 20, 1878, and had lived at Calumet
since 1881. His mother died about three years ago. His father,
three brothers and two sisters are living.
p 5 col 4
Benjamin Bidwell was born Nov. 21, 1825, in Chautauqua county, N.
Y., and died in Liberty township, O'Brien county, Iowa, Dec. 9,
1898. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Minerva Barton.
Seven years later they moved to Houston county, Minnesota, where
they lived until they came to this county, about four years ago.
Seven children were born to them, of whom three, Irvin, Genie,
and Elva are dead. Those living are Mrs. Effie Swinside who lives
in Minnesota, Guy, Fletcher and Elma.
Mr. Bidwell's life was that of an honest, hard working man. He
was engaged in lumbering for many years, and there are few
classes of men who are more exposed to hardships than they who
follow this business. But the grand part of his record was
written in the 60's, when with the heroic First Regiment of
Minnesota Volunteers helped to save the Union he loved. The fame
of his regiment was inscribed in never fading characters on the
field of Gettysburg as one of the most gallant bands that ever
wore the American uniform. In his army record his wife and
children have a most precious legacy.
He was a true husband, a faithful father and an affectionate
brother. To others he was always "Uncle Ben." He was
fond of little children and one of his regrets at the coming of
death was that he could no longer play with his little
grandchildren. But withal he was reconciled to go.
Mr. Bidwell had had the rheumatism ever since he came out of the
army, and about two years ago he fell and broke his right thigh
bone close to the hip joint. He had been badly crippled since,
and it is possible that his injury was the indirect cause of the
senile gangrene that attacked his right foot last fall. The
gangrene began at the end of one of his toes, and gradually
spread upward nearly to his knee, the lower part of his leg
finally being almost totally destroyed.
He has one sister, Mrs. Baker of Grant county, Wisconsin, and of
his four brothers Frank L. of Liberty township is the only one
living. The funeral was held from the house at eleven o'clock,
Saturday, Rev. W. H. Montgomery officiating. The remains were
laid away in the Sutherland cemetery.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 22, 1898
Benjamin Bidwell, a brother of F. Bidwell, the well known farmer
in Liberty township, died at the home of the latter on December
9th.
The marriage of Charles F. Reifsteck of Gaza to Miss Florence
Henderson, south of Paullina, occurred on [Friday?] evening last
at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Henderson. Rev. Herron performed the ceremony and only a few
intimate friends of the parties besides the near relatives were
present. The bride has been for some time one of O'Brien county's
prominent school teachers and is a lady of excellent character.
Mr. Reifsteck has charge of the only store in Gaza and is also
postmaster at that place and enjoys the confidence and esteem of
all who are glad that he has chosen so wisely in the selection of
a life partner. The couple are spending the honeymoon at New
Orleans and other points in the south.
Mrs. Sam Braskamp and baby came down from Alton yesterday to
spend Christmas with her mother, Mrs. Waterman.
Dr. H. C. West, one of the pioneers of Paullina and O'Brien
county, has been visiting his daughter, Mrs. L. Wollenberg, for
some time.
Mr. and Mrs. George Hutchins of Moville called at H. H. Benner's
on Sunday evening. They were on their way to Sibley to attend the
wedding of their niece, Miss Nellie Stores to Mr. William Winney.
The wedding occurred last evening at 7 o'clock. Mr. and Mrs. H.
H. Benner also received an invitation to the wedding.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 23, 1898
p 1
Miss Florence Henderson of this place and Chas. Riefsteck of Gaza
were married at the home of the bride's parents south of town
last Monday by Rev. Herron of this place.
p 5 col 1
The three months old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Guyott of Clay
county was buried Monday. Mrs. Guyott will be remembered in
Sutherland as Miss Rose Burger.
Will Gallagher has returned from Reinbeck where he went for a
visit after being mustered out. Will now weights 165 pounds -more
than twice as much as when he first got back from Chickamauga.
p 5 col 2
Napoleon Reinville's mother died Tuesday and was buried in the
cemetery at Trimello.
p 5 col 4
Schierholz - Schuld
Wednesday, Dec. 21st, at the Lutheran church in Cherokee county
occurred the wedding of Eldo Schierholz and Miss Anna Schuld. The
groom is well known here as he has lived in Waterman township for
a number of years. he is an industrious young man and is sure to
succeed in life. The bride has lived in Buena Vista county, and
is said to be an estimable young lady.
Card of Thanks
We wish to tender our sincere thanks to the many friends who so
kindly assisted us during our recent bereavement, also for the
many expressions of sympathy and words of consolation tendered on
account of the sudden death and burial of our son and brother,
Harvey S. Bunce; and we would especially thank the German people
of our community for their attendance together with their pastor
at the funeral services, thereby demonstrating the fact that
human sympathy is not barred by the dialect of the tongue.
W. M. Bunce and Family
p 5
An Unequalled Record
Miss Louie Beam who has been ill in Chicago with appendicitis is
at her duties again as nurse at the Baptist hospital. She has
been assigned to duty as night nurse and has been promised the
position of head nurse as soon as she has become familiar with
the routine of the work with which she is not yet familiar. This
will take but a short time longer. She will graduate in March in
the regular course of the institution. We believe this is the
first time in the history of the hospital that a nurse who has
not yet graduated has been promoted to the position of head nurse
- in fact it is likely that never before has any student there
even held the position she now holds, that of assistant head
nurse. She has assisted in 1067 surgical operations since
recovering from her illness. Sutherland and O'Brien county may
well feel proud of this record of one of the noblest young women
that ever lived in northwest Iowa.
p 5 col 5
Found Dead - Killed by a Train
Lying on his back in the snow, with his arms spread outward and
hands upward lay the mortal remains of Michael Panther this
morning when Lew Litzel found him. Lew was "walking the
track" to the west of town, being employed as a section man,
and found Panther's body at the second crossing west of town. The
body lay near the west cattle guard, the head three or four feet
from the track and the feet farther away and toward the eastward.
There were marks in the snow that seemed to show that he had been
struck by a train and dragged or shoved from the wagon crossing
to where he lay.
At the time of writing this the coroner, Dr. Daily of Sheldon,
has not yet arrived and no careful examination of the remains has
been made. But the top of Panther's head is nearly half torn off
and the brains seem to be all gone. The upper part of the face is
twisted to the right but not cut up any.
Panther was in town last evening until at least after eleven
o'clock. He had been drinking but was able to walk fairly steady.
It is said by some that drink seemed always to benumb his mind
and make him stupid. He was entirely out of the way he would
naturally take to go home to his brother's, as to go there he
would turn north from the railroad at the road just west of town.
It will be remembered that on the night of September 24th he was
struck by a train in the yards here, and had the second and third
fingers of his left hand taken off. At that time he had no clear
remembrance of how he got hurt.
It seems that he was probably wandering west on the track last
night and was too stupefied to hear the train. It may be the
inquest will develop more.
p 8
Mr. Hall, a brother of E. E. Hall, who has been to Milford to
attend the funeral of his father at that place was here last week
and went to Minnesota to visit a sister before returning to his
home in Montana.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]
-----
Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 29, 1898
Killed at Manila
(Sheldon Mail)
The American volunteer who was killed in the battle near Manila,
in the Philippine Islands, July 31 last, proves to have been an
Iowa boy. He was the nephew of Mrs. Erwin Morfitt, of Carroll
township, and of Enoch Philby, of Baker township. The name of
this hero was Eli Dawson. He was a hired hand some eight years
ago on the farm now owned by F. M. Perkins in Carroll township.
The killed volunteer was a very excellent young man, a Christian,
and a dutiful and devoted son of a widow who is just now a
sufferer at Adel, Iowa, in the last stages of consumption. His
aunt and uncle in this vicinity and other relatives only recently
learned of his sad fate. A comrade, in writing to a Des Moines
paper, gives this brief account of the battle in which Dawson
alone met death.
"You have all heard of the fight we had the night of July 31
and during the early morning hours of August 1. You have all read
accounts given by the papers, so I will not tire you with another
description of it. Suffice it to say that Battery K went to the
front, through a regular rain of bullets, and that it had been a
wonder ever since then that there was not more of us killed than
there was. The road along which we went was lined on either side
with a bamboo hedge. After the battle it looked as if a huge
mowing machine had come along and mowed it down, so evenly was it
cut.
The only man we lost was Mr. Eli Dawson, of DeSoto, Iowa, who
came to Des Moines and enlisted and came through to the battery
with me. He was shot through the head and instantly killed. I
helped carry him to one side of the road and then went on, while
the doctor did his best to revive him, not being sure whether he
was dead or not, for it was so dark he could not see where he was
shot."
--
It is thought the death of Harvey Bunce, son of Wm. Bunce of
Calumet, was caused by injuries received at Spencer in a football
game. The young man was attending school at that place.
Jess Manley, the young man who came near losing his hand in the
gearing of a corn sheller two weeks ago, is improving, and only
one finger will be lost. He has been remaining in town under the
treatment of Dr. Dudley.
Michael Panther of Sutherland was killed by the cars while
walking the railway track a short distance west of that place
last Thursday night.
Ed Andresen spent Christmas with his mother, Mrs. Andresen, in
the east part of town. It will be remembered that Ed was
pronounced dead some time ago, and the account of his being
killed in New Mexico was printed in this paper at the time. Ed
appears to be quite lively for a dead man, and his friends and
relatives were glad to greet him on this occasion. He came here
from South Dakota to attend to the settlement of his father's
estate, a portion of which he received.
Marriage licenses were issued to Ernest Boldt and Annie Holst, H.
C. Rogers and Hattie B. Pollard, W. J. Frazee and Blanche Quinn.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2016]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 30, 1898
p 4
Marriage licenses have been issued to Ernest Boldt and Annie
Holts; H. C. Rogers and Hattie B. Pollard; W. J. Frazee and
Blanche Quinn.
p 5 col 1
Mrs. W. H. Bloom started Tuesday evening for Chicago. After a day
or two there she will go to Morrison, Ill, to attend a wedding
reception in honor of her brother who was married Tuesday. The
date set for the reception is next Tuesday.
p 5 col 2
John Woolston's brother George of New York city died Thursday of
last week. He was a prominent business man, largely interested in
the electric light business.
Card of Thanks
We wish in this way to thank those who kindly helped us in the
recent trouble we have had in the illness and death of our
husband and father.
Mrs. Henry Jaacks and Family
p 5 col 4
Frazee - Quinn
At the residence of S. J. Jordan, north of Sutherland, at ten
o'clock Saturday forenoon, Rev. W. H. Montgomery performed the
ceremony that joined for life W. J. Frazee and Miss Blanche
Quinn. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Baker, and Mr.
Frazee's daughter were present in addition to S. J. Jordan's
family.
Mr. Frazee is well known in this part of the country and needs no
introduction from us. Miss Quinn has many friends who will
heartily wish her abundant happiness. The couple drove to Laurens
the same day. Some of the young folks at Mr. Jordan's' tied white
ribbons at the breasts of the horses and fastened an old shoe at
the back of the carriage, unknown to the wedded people, and they
drove away with these emblems attached.
p 5 col 4
Obituary
Henry Jaacks was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 20, 1838, died
near Gaza, Iowa, Dec. 23, 1898. He came to Clinton county, Iowa,
in 1869. From there he went to Grundy county where in 1876 he
married Mrs. Caroline Reusch. In 1884 the family moved to O'Brien
county.
There are ten children in the family, two of them, Mrs. Peter
Seeman and Richard E. Reusch of Sutherland being step-children of
Mr. Jaacks. Of the others there are seven girls and one boy. The
latter is the youngest and is three years old.
Mr. Jaacks was ill only a week, dying of obstruction in the
intestines. He was a man of very strong constitution, and though
60 years old was as vigorous as many men who are younger. In
Germany he worked at well digging.
He was a good neighbor and a kind husband and father, and the
respect his acquaintances had for him was shown by the large
number who attended the funeral on Monday. He was buried at
Sutherland. Mrs. Jaacks will probably sell the equity he had in
the farm he occupied and move to Sutherland in the spring.
p 5, 6
Accidentally Killed - Such is the Verdict of the
Coroner's Jury In the Case of William Panther
The death of William Panther Thursday night of last week is still
one of the main topics of conversation in Sutherland. Though the
deceased was commonly called "Mike" it seems his name
was really William. The place where the body was found was at the
crossing of the east and west road just beyond where John
Swanberg lives. In writing of the affair last week we understood
that the body was found at the crossing nearly south of
Swanberg's place.
Coroner Daily reached here from Sheldon about noon, and after
viewing the remains impaneled a jury consisting of J. L. Warden,
S. B. Crosser and W. L. Butler. The Coroner left the duty of
taking evidence to the jury and returned to Sheldon. The jury met
at nine o'clock in the evening and took evidence until nearly
midnight when they adjourned until morning and then heard one
more witness. They deliberated over the matter until Monday and
then rendered the verdict found below.
The evidence brought out the following points: Panther left his
brother's home north of town with the children when they came to
school Friday morning. He told one of his nieces that he was
going back soon to help his brother husk corn. Before he started
away he told his brother that he wanted to get some small
articles of clothing and his brother gave him $3. He ate dinner
at Gus Hanson's and was about town the rest of the day. He was in
Schultz's billiard hall a number times and nearly every time when
he would start to go away he would open the door and say that he
would be back again. At about 5:30 he came into the Courier
office and said he thought he would see the machine. The first
run was then being made on the Courier. He stayed until six
o'clock, watching the engine and press. As he left he said
"Good-bye." He went to the railroad station with Gus
Hanson at about eight in the evening to ask Agent Gyger something
about a letter he had received from the company with which he had
an accident policy when he was hurt in September. He and Hanson
drank two or three glasses of beer together, being at both
saloons. At nine o'clock Mr. Schultz started home and stopped at
Jenner's saloon. Panther was there but was not drinking. As
Schultz was about to leave Panther held out his had and said
"Good-bye." This was an unusual thing for him to do.
Panther was afterward at Tiffany & Cobb's billiard hall, and
when he left soon after eleven o'clock he said
"Good-bye" to Mr. Cobb as he went out the door, and
then as though he had not heard Cobb's answer he opened the door
and again said "Good-bye." He was at the opera house
some little time after this, and after that was not seen again,
so far as known, until found dead the next morning.
The testimony of those who saw him in the evening was to the
effect that he was not drunk, though he had been drinking some.
One of the witnesses testified that he had known Panther for
three or four years and in that time had seen him drunk only
once. At the time he was in the Courier office the smell of
liquor was evident on his breath, and he seemed a trifle unsteady
in his movements. The general tendency of the evidence however
was to the effect that he was not drunk.
Panther had a few days before received a blank form from the
accident insurance company, to be filled out with reference to
his accident in September. He did not understand just what was
wanted and had said to some of his acquaintances that he didn't
know whether he would get his money or not. To one of the
witnesses he said that if he didn't get it he would kill himself.
But as the blank was filled up and he was told that he would
likely get his money he had no reason to feel depressed and there
was nothing he said or did that would seem to show that he was.
His brother testified that he at times seemed not right in his
head but that he always did his work all right. How he came to be
where he was found is hard to understand, though his brother said
after adjournment of the jury that William had told some friends
a few days before that he would visit them at Paullina as soon as
he had his insurance papers fixed out.
The testimony of those who went out to the place where the body
was found showed that some blood stains and bits of flesh were
found at intervals up to about 135 feet east of where the body
lay. About in the middle of the track directly opposite his head
was a pool of blood that looked at though a gallon or more had
run out there. No traces of any kind were found west of the body.
Two pieces of the skull, with all the skin torn off were found
after the body was removed. The pieces were [...] three or four
inches across. One [...] where the head had been and the other at
one side and nearer the feet. There was some blood where the head
was lying, but not so much as between the rails. These facts make
it hard to form any theory as to just how the accident happened.
The train men on No. 24, which went east in the night somewhat
behind time, said at Bradgate the next morning that their train
had struck something near Sutherland, but they did not know what
it was. The pilot of the engine had upon it spots of blood, some
hair and pieces of skin. It would seem that this train was the
one that killed the man. There were a few bruises on the back of
the body, but the clothing was not torn.
Panther was thirty-eight years old, single, an honest,
hard-working man, and had no enemies. He was expecting about $190
soon from the company in which he was insured, and expected to be
able to go to work soon. He was buried Tuesday, the remains being
taken to Granville for interment.
We have given the details of the affair so fully for the reason
that everybody was interested. Below is the:
VERDICT OF THE CORONER'S JURY:
SUTHERLAND, IOWA, Dec. 26, 1898
STATE OF IOWA, O'BRIEN CO.
An inquisition holden at Sutherland, in O'Brien county, on the
23d day of December, A. D. 1898, before Milton Daily, Coroner of
said county, upon the body of William Panther there lying dead,
by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed:
The said jurors upon their oath do say that some time between the
hours of 12 o'clock at midnight on Dec. 22, 1898, and 8 o'clock
a.m. of Dec. 23, 1898, William Panther came to his death by means
of accident, by being struck by train near place known as
Swanberg's crossing, on C. & N. W. Ry., about one and
one-half miles west of Sutherland, Iowa.
In testimony whereof, the said jurors have hereunto set their
hands, the day and year aforesaid.
J. L. Warden
S. B. Crosser
W. L. Butler
p 8
Henry Jaacks, one of our near neighbors near Gaza, died on Dec.
23d. He had lived about fifteen or sixteen years in O'Brien
county. He was a good citizen and a good neighbor. He had
suffered terribly for about one week with inflammation of the
bowels until death relieved him. He leaves a wife and ten
children and two brothers and one sister to mourn his loss. The
funeral was held on Dec. 26th from the house, at ten o'clock
a.m., Rev. E. Rall from Calumet officiating. The remains were
laid away in the Sutherland cemetery.
[transcribed by A.N., March 2012]