Iowa Old Press


Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 3, 1898

Born - Tom Mr. and Mrs. John Hill, Sunday, January 29, 1898, a son.

A telegram from Hammond, Indiana, last Thursday announced to relatives here that Herman Papke, formerly of Paullina, was dying. His sister, Mrs. Holk, and brother, Charles Papke, left immediately for Hammond. Herman was employed in some machine shops there and was doing night work in one of the boiler rooms, but whether he was the victim of accident or had been sick is not yet known and nothing further than what the telegram contained has been learned.

Obituary
John C. White was born at Spencer, Tioga county, New York on February 29, 1824; died January 25, 1898, in Paullina, Iowa. He was united in marriage on August 31, 1852, at La Porte, Indiana, to Mary A. Brown. He was united with the Methodist church at an early age, afterwards identifying himself with the Church of Christ. The age of twenty-one found him actively at work as a minister of the gospel, which he followed as a calling until failing health compelled him to resign ten years ago. He came to Iowa with his family in 1856, preaching in various places in the eastern portion of the state, among the charges being Iowa City, Mt. Ayr, Mt. Pleasant, Prairie City, Adel, etc. When Mr. White's health failed he and his wife moved to Paullina to be near their daughter, Mrs. J. V. Adkins, she being their only living child, the other, a son, having died some years since.

In health, Mr. White was naturally of a jovial, social disposition, but Paullina people never recognized in him any such qualities. He made few acquaintances after coming here' was seldom seen in public places or upon the street, and there are many of the town's people who cannot now recall to memory the face of Mr. White. There was something strange in the fact that one whose life had been given for the good of his fellow man should in the last days appear to lose all concern of earthly things; but who knew the thoughts of this good man! Though his tongue was silent he still treasured in his mind those principles of justice and equality so often dwelt upon in the pulpit. He died as he had lived, a noble christian.

Died, at the home of his parents, on Sunday, January 29th, Emil Bobzin, son of Charles Bobzin. The boy was in good health up to about ten or twelve days before his death. An operation failed to save the boy's life. He was about 18 years of age. The remains were interred in the cemetery at Germantown on Tuesday afternoon.

Mrs. M. Bilderbeck of Hampton, Iowa, a relative of Mrs. J. C. White, attended the funeral of Mr. White here last week. Mrs. White accompanied the lady home.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2014]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 10, 1898

Mr. and Mrs. Montzheimer went to Webster City Tuesday night where they attended the wedding of Mrs. Montzheimer's sister. The happy event took place Wednesday evening.

The clerk issued marriage licenses last week to W. M. Olhausen and Mattie E. Hill; Theo. Baumann and Emma Warnke.

We copy the following from the Traer Star Clipper, found in the Gladbrook items: "Gladbrook, Feb. 2 - Married on February 1st, at the residence of C. Arp in Gladbrook by the mayor, Julius Steffen and Miss Alvena Block. These young people are highly respected, and the good wishes of hosts of friends are with them in their married relation."

Herman Papke, who was recently injured at Hammond, Indiana, may recover. Both of his arms were broken, one of them in several places, and it took some time to get him from among the wheels of the shops where he had in some strange manner been drawn while oiling the machinery. Herman's friends here hope that the worst reports may yet prove unfounded.

The marriage of Miss Emma Warnke to Mr. Theo. Bauman occurred on Sunday afternoon at the residence of Wm. Strampe, Rev. Nuoffer performing the quiet ceremony. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Warnke, of this township, and Mr. Bauman has been in the employ of Mr. Warnke on the farm for some time. Both parties are prominent young people of the township and their friends will join The Times in wishing the young couple a large portion of this world's prosperity. They will reside on the Stroman place in Caledonia.

Born - to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cooley, on Friday, February 4, 1898, a son.

On Friday of last week Will Spence, the young man who recently assisted in conducting the last shooting contest at this place, lost his left arm by the accidental discharge of a shotgun which he was taking from the wagon. The accident occurred at his home north of Sutherland and seems to have been due to carelessly handling a gun with the muzzle in the wrong direction.

The Times was pleased this week to receive a remittance and a few words of encouragement from Mrs. D. Collins, (Miss Jennie Schneider) who is living at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We extract the following lines from the lady's letter: "You will find enclosed $5.00 to be paid on my subscription for your valuable paper, The Times. I have taken great pleasure in reading it from week to week, as it is seldom I have a letter direct from there. I notice that you have but little Klondike excitement in your town. This place is full of it, as this is the last outfitting point on the Edmonton route, we are expecting people through here by the thousand this spring; then we expect to make our fortune and go back home."

[transcribed by A.N., April 2014]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 11, 1898

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The clerk issued marriage licenses last week to W. M. Olhausen and Mattie E. Hill; Theo. Baumann and Emma Warnke.

Mr. and Mrs. Montzheimer went to Webster City Tuesday night were they will attend the wedding of Mrs. Montzheimer's sister. The happy event took place Wednesday evening.

The report of the receiver in the Elizabeth Streeter matter has been filed with Clerk Martin and it is expected to get a settlement of all these cases at the coming March term of court. The receiver's report shows some $580 on hand and the sheriff has some $800 in his hands to be distributed among the creditors.

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The Starbuck company, consisting of thirty-seven people, left St. Paul last Sunday morning for [Klondike] Alaska.

J. H. Frush, formerly a resident of Sutherland, died Wednesday at the Soldier's Home at Marshalltown. Mrs. Frush received a telegram to that effect and left for Marshalltown on the evening train. We have not learned where the funeral will be held.

Card of Thanks
Not being able to see and thank personally the kind friends who helped us by their sympathy and in other ways during the illness and death of our little boy Willie, we take this way of assuring them of our appreciation and thanks.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stabelfeldt

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Sam Wilson has the Klondike fever.

Married - At the home of the bride's mother near Waterman Siding, Feb. 9th, Mr. Wm. Olehausen and Miss Mattie E. Hill, Rev. A. M. Leichliter officiating.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 17, 1898

The records in the clerk's office at the court house testify to the power of cupid on Valentine's day. Marriage licenses were issued Monday to Peter Muhs and Bertha Leth; Geo. Wells and Hilda H. Hedin; Martin Geister and Annie Jurgens.

Wm. Schultz, who lives in the Papke house in Metcalf's addition, is reported dangerously sick with heart trouble and cannot recover.

John Ralfs this week received information as to the whereabouts of two brothers for whom he had been inquiring a long time. Will Ralfs is at Hot Springs for his health which has been poorly for some time. Herman the other brother, John traced to Alaska. John has had no word from him for eighteen years. A letter from parties in Oregon informed John of his brother's removal to the gold fields last fall.

From Far Off Alaska
A Letter from "Captain" Ed West at Skaguay, Alaska - Fine Scenery and Excellent Climate - Wages from $5 to $8 per day for Mechanics

Mrs. L. Wollenberg was made glad by the receipt of a letter from her brother Ed who is now at Skaguay, Alaska. Ed was a resident of Paullina when the editor was a small boy, but he is remembered by many of the older residents of this place. He left Seattle at the first news of the great gold discovery in Alaska on August 4th. By permission we extract the following information for the edification of those who are nursing an attack of Klondike fever.

"You will notice by the heading of this letter that I am on the way to the Klondike, and have been since the 4th of last August, and still believe we'll get there in the early spring. We did not get very far into the interior, although we worked hard for two months, when cold weather set in and our mules gave out, so we built cabins and went into winter quarters. I left the cabin on December 20th and came down to the coast and have been in Skaguay ever since and have been working at the trade (carpenter). We work by the hour and make $5 to $8 per day, working about four days per week - depends on the weather. There is from two to five feet of snow now between here and the summit; beyond that there from five to fifteen feet, but there are so many coming in and others moving on that the White Pass by the way of Skaguay has a well broken trail to the lakes, where most of them will wait till the lakes break up in May and go down on open water. Oh! What a rush there'll be. Is there much excitement there? If you could see some of the sacks of nuggets that come through here, you could help but get the fever. Some people had it very badly, but recovered somewhat for about seven out of every ten who started last fall went back home. There are about five thousand coming between this point and Dyea, and they are coming in now at the rate of a thousand a week, and the reports are to the effect that this will be trebled within the next three weeks. I am working and waiting. I expect that Maud (Mrs. West) will start with the children and her mother about the sixth of February to meet me here. I am sorry I didn't bring them with me last fall; we could have lots of money ahead now, for I learned soon after we began to move over the trail that a good woman would be worth two men such as some who were in may party. My cabin is 35 miles over the summit and my outfit is in it. This is a good place for an energetic family to make money on the trail - that's what we expect to do - so that we can have money as well as provisions when we get through. There is quite a boom in real estate here at present. I have a lot and am building a cottage so as to avoid hotel expenses which are very high here. Well, I think you will now have quite a chase when you come on a visit, but it would be a splendid trip. There is no other trip on the face of the globe that can beat this for natural scenery. We won't leave here before the first of April - perhaps later. We don't expect to be in more than one winter at the most. The climate here is very healthful The coldest weather was 28 degrees below. That was over at the cabin. I met a Mr. Berry, from Sheldon, Iowa. He has a cabin near mine. I had a good talk with him. He left Sheldon in 1890, and was well acquainted all over O'Brien county. You had better address all your letters thus: Captain E. M. West Skaguay Alaska, for I am known for 150 miles down the river by that address."

[transcribed by A.N., September 2014]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 18, 1898

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Married, Monday, February 14, 1989, Miss Anna Johannsen and Asmus Rodgers. We are in hopes they will have a happy and prosperous life.

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Marriage licenses were issued Monday to Peter Muhs and Bertha Leth; Geo. Wells and Hilda H. Hedin; Martin Geister and Anna Jurgens.

Elizabeth Dausch as administrator of the estate of John Hors has brought suit in the District Court against the Bank of Paullina for the sum of $1,935 due on a certificate of deposit issued to deceased. The bank is willing to pay the money to whomever is entitled to receive it but an administrator of the estate has been appointed in Illinois and the foreign administrator holds the certificate and is also wanting the money. The matter will resolve itself into a contest between the two administrators as to who is entitled to the money

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Frankie Dodge of Paullina is talking of going to the Klondike.

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Will Adams returned to Havelock Wednesday after attending his brother's wedding here.

Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hanson's little boy died Saturday morning and was buried in the Sutherland cemetery.

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A. E. Hayes learned Tuesday of the death of a niece, Mrs. Dr. Oliver of Indianapolis. Mrs. Oliver before her marriage was Miss Edith Rowe and was considered on of the most beautiful women of Cincinnati.

Miss Anna Johannsen and Asmus Rogders went to Cherokee Monday and were married. The marriage was a surprise to all, or nearly all, their friends and relatives. The couple are staying in Calumet at present.

Warren Armstrong got back Tuesday from Fort Riley, Kansas, where he has been serving in a cavalry regiment. His three years term of service expired Saturday. He thinks he will enlist again before long as army life suits him very well.

Adams - Pickering
Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock Lincoln Adams of Florence Station, Ill., and Miss Bettie Pickering of Sutherland pledged their faith to each other so long as they both shall live. The marriage took place at the home of the bride's parents, in the presence of a number of relatives and invited guests. A wedding dinner was served and at about six o'clock the happy couple left for Calumet to take the evening train for Illinois.

Mr. Adams owns the southeast quarter of section six, just north of town, and though now living on his father's farm may yet decide to make his home here. There is no reason to believe but that the married life of these young people will be as happy and prosperous as their best friends wish.

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One of those rare events in human experience - a golden wedding anniversary - was celebrated last Thursday evening, February 10th. Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Short were married on Feb. 10, 1848, and their three sons, William, Thomas and Joseph, and their daughter, Mrs. Wm. Fairley, arranged to celebrate the event, and at an early hour Thursday evening about fifty friends gathered at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Short, four miles north of town.

The early part of the evening was passed in pleasant conversation and then the company sat down to a supper that was completely suitable to the occasion. The lamps and many of the dishes were appropriately trimmed and garlanded with the color of the evening - gold. The plenitude and variety of the eatables and the perfection of the cookery left nothing to be desires. After fairly sampling the food prepared by the daughters and granddaughters of the guests of honor it was no longer a wonder that Mr. and Mrs. Short should have lived fifty years after they were married. They couldn't afford to do otherwise.

After the supper the honored couple were presented a handsome bedroom suit from their children, a set consisting of a fine wash bowl and pitcher, etc., from a number of the guests and a gold ornamented water pitcher and glasses from others. One of the grandchildren gave them a toy coffee mill and two tiny cups and saucers. A silver pickle caster was also among the gifts.

Hearty congratulations followed and the remainder of the evening until past midnight was passed in conversation, signing and playing games. The guests on leaving wished many more happy anniversaries to Mr. and Mrs. Short, and from the apparent health and heartiness of the couple there is reason to believe they may yet enjoy many years of life.

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Hicks - Haye
Wednesday at half past two o'clock at the home of the bride's parents in Grant township, Rev. H. B. Greene pronounced the words that bound together for life E. G. Hicks and Miss Birdie Haye. It was a quiet wedding only John Peck and wife being present besides the family. Dean, as he is commonly called, is well known to all Sutherland people as a steady, hard-working young man. Miss Haye is also well known and has many friends who wish her happiness. The young people will soon begin housekeeping on the northwest quarter of section 10 of Liberty township, which the groom has rented.

In Memoriam
John Henry Frush was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1836. He came to Jefferson Co., Iowa, with his parents in 1853, and enlisted in Co., K., 7th Iowa Infantry, July 24, 1861. He served three years and six months, and then offered his services as a veteran but was rejected by the examining board because of physical disabilities incurred during his former service. Jan. 29, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Beard, daughter of Ira C. Steele. Six children were born to them, five daughters and one son, who with his wife survive him.

The last three months of his life were spent at the Soldiers' Hospital at Marshalltown, where he went for medical treatment.

He was a pioneer settler of Boone Co., Iowa, living there for nine years after his marriage. He then came to O'Brien Co., and lived near Sutherland until 1883, moving then to Fairfield.

He was a faithful, loving husband and father, always ready to sacrifice for the welfare of his family and friends. At the funeral, which was held here on Friday last, the pall bearers were members of the G. A. R. Post here. A military salute was fired over his grave and he was left to await the last reveille.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 24, 1898

We glean from an item in the Sioux City Journal of Tuesday that Bert Griggs and John Schneider of Baker township will depart for the gold fields of Alaska on March 7th, with the Sioux City company. Mr. Griggs has been employed as meat inspector at Sioux City for the past five years. Mr. Schneider is well known in this portion of the county.

We understand Will Glazier is contemplating a visit to the Klondike this spring. He will make a portion, and perhaps all, of the trip with Tjossem and Sutherland who leave next week.

The remains of Mrs. Adkins, mother of C. E. Adkins, were removed from the old Primghar cemetery this week and placed in the Union cemetery. This old cemetery of the county seat was plotted by Warren Walker in the early history of the county, but in many cases he failed to issue deeds to the lots which were bought, and now the burying ground may be turned into a pasture, and those with friends interred there must remove them to other quarters. The opinion is expressed that Walker will be held to account for his part in the affair.

A topic of general conversation about town this week was the wrecking of two trains and killing of two young men well known here, Thursday evening of last week. Two double-headed freight trains ran into each other at Hubbard, Iowa on the Northwestern road. The east bound train was at a standstill. Fireman W. E. Osborne was crowded against the boiler and burned to death. Engineer Lewis Hollander suffered the same fate and lived but a few minutes after being taken from the wreck. Brakeman Cross was severely injured but will live. A signal light mistaken for a switch light was the cause.

As will be seen elsewhere in this issue The Times has secured the services of John Tjossem, who leaves on March 1st for the Klondike gold fields, to furnish this paper with a serious of articles describing the long and tedious journey and also articles concerning the land of gold. He will have the companionship during the trip and also while prospecting of Wells Sutherland, who this week resigned his position with Metcalf & Cannon to try his luck among the great army of Klondikers.

They will go with a party of twenty-five from Cherokee as far as Seattle. There they will be joined by a cousin of Mr. Tjossem and together the three will watch their opportunity to get from Seattle to Skagway where thousands of people will commence the arduous task of reaching the gold fields by way of the Chilcoot [sic] pass and down the Yukon river to some point near Dawson. Mr. Tjossem's cousin is said to be a typical westerner and accustomed to "roughing it" and his services and experience will be a valuable help to the boys, who are still young and in the prime of healthy manhood.

The Times has equipped Mr. Tjossem for the trip in order that its readers might be able to learn the facts concerning the great and absorbing topic during the year 1898. Mr. Tjossem's natural ability as a writer with his keen observation will make his articles of great interest. Maps of the country, showing the route taken will be printed with each article, and the exact location of the travelers may be seen at a glance. The first letter will be published some time next month and will describe the trip to Seattle with a detailed write-up of the sights at Seattle which is at present in a condition of excitement and turmoil on account of being filled with prospectors from every walk of life.
[transcriber's note: this same page of the Paullina Times has an "ad" at the far right, titled "Klondike News, The Paullina Times Will Send to the Gold Regions a Representative whose Mission Will be to Describe His Journey for the Times Readers". There is more text, in addition to a sketch of John Tjossem in profile]

Uncle Dave Fanning is lying at the point of death at the home of Hugo Ewoldt.

Peter Steele and wife, of Plymouth county, came last Friday to make a two weeks' visit with their many relatives in this locality. Mrs. Steel is a sister of Mrs. Armond and Mrs. Fish.

Mr. Fred Wendt, the aged father of Wm. Wendt and Mrs. Eggert, in Caledonia township, died at the home of Mr. Eggert yesterday evening, February 23. Deceased was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, about 75 years ago. He and his wife came to America in 1881 and have lived with their children, Mrs. Wendt having preceded him to the eternal home a number of years ago. He was in good health generally but last week contracted a cold, and was severely ill for a few days with the result of death. The remains will be interred in the cemetery at Germantown.

The following births are reported: February 12th, son, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Traver; February 18th, to Mr. and Mrs. C. Meltvedt, daughter; February 21st, daughter, to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Meyer; February 23, daughter, to Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Awe.

S. E. Carmichael is still very low and not expected to live much longer.

George Lampert has closed out his business interest here and expects to leave for Missouri the last of the week, there to make his permanent home.

The last will and testament of Ellenora Reynolds has been filed with the clerk of court for probate. All her estate is left to her two children, Nettie May Leininger and Etta H. Reynolds.

[transcribed by A.N., November 2015]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
February 25, 1898

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S. E. Carmichael is still very low and is not expected to live much longer.

Capt. Tifft still continues low and is gradually getting weaker and weaker.

The last will and testament of Ellenora Reynolds has been filed with the Clerk of the Court for probate. All her estate is left to her two children, Nettie May Leininger and Etta H. Reynolds.

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Memorial services will be held at the Methodist church next Sunday morning in memory of Miss Frances Willard.

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Mrs. L. D. Cobb's mother is very ill, and there is but little hope of her recovery.

D. H. Lemburg of Highland township received word yesterday that his mother had died, and he and Mrs. Lemburg left for Gladbrook last evening.

Still Another Wedding
Emil Jungjohan and Miss Alvena Dau went to Squire Warden's office Tuesday forenoon and were married. In the afternoon and evening a large number of invited guests made merry at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dau, in Highland township. The young people will live on the northeast quarter of the section upon which Mr. Dau resides, the groom having rented the farm of Mr. John Riechers.

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Fred Clarksean returned yesterday from Lockwood, Missouri, where he has been spending the winter with his brother Elmer. He says Elmer is doing fairly well there. Peter Paulsen is not doing so well and intends to move to another part of the state this spring, and will offer his farm for sale. Fred says that some early potatoes have been planted and that plowing has been kept up most of the winter.

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A Frightful Railroad Accident

Last Friday morning Sutherland people were shocked to hear that an accident had occurred on the Northwestern railroad at Hubbard, resulting in the death of Engineer Lewis Hollander and Fireman Will E. Osborne, and the probable fatal injury of a brakeman.

The report proved to be correct. Two freight trains had met in a "head end" collision. Both trains were running as "double headers". Both had orders to meet at Hubbard. Accounts differ as to exactly how the collision happened. Once account is that the west bound train, instead of running in on the side track, was going past the station with the intention of backing in. Another account is that one of the engines was taking water at the tank, east of the depot when the east bound train struck the other. At any rate the east bound train struck the other while both were on the main track. The men on the west bound train saw the danger and got off in time. The engineer and fireman of the first engine of the other train jumped before the collision and escaped.

But the men on the second engine could not see the danger ahead and were caught in the wreck. The engineer was not killed outright but was pinioned in such a way that he was so badly scalded by the escaping steam that he lived only a few hours. Osborne was crushed out of all semblance of a human being. It is said that portions of his lungs were forced out of his mouth, and when he was picked up his head dropped from his body. The head brakeman, W. Cross, was badly hurt but it is now thought he will recover.

There is a serious question as to who is at fault. One newspaper report has it that the train going east was running at the rate of thirty miles an hour. Another report is that the rate was about ten miles an hour when the collision occurred.

The train could not have been under control, that is sure. Going east there is a down grade for some distance before reaching Hubbard, followed by an up grade into the town. One rumor has it that the head engineer saw the station light, which was turned, showing red, and he thought it was the switch light with the switch turned to run his train in on the side track; that he had, some distance back, put on the brakes and slowed down, and then had whistled off brakes and put on steam. Naturally the railroad men are not inclined to talk and the train men do not tell much of what they know or suspect, so it is likely the general public will never know the details nor exactly how the blame should be laid, but there is one thing sure - had there been no double header trains there would have been no loss of life in this case.

This accident comes home very forcibly to Sutherland people because Will Osborne with his parents and brothers and sisters formerly lived here and were well known to most of our people. It is hard to realize that the young, vigorous man whom all knew is but a crushed and shapeless mass.

A report is current that on the Wednesday before the accident Will handed his wife a life insurance policy for $1,500, with the remark that she would better take care of it for she might need it some day.

Will's father, mother and brother went through here Saturday evening on their way to Eagle Grove. They came from Ocheyedan via Sibley and Alton. Jim returned Monday and Mr. and Mrs. Osborne Tuesday. They did not get to Eagle Grove until after the burial.

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Wm. Merrill goes to Des Moines this Thursday to get an artificial limb to replace the one he lost in Mexico. We are glad to see him succeed as it must be very hard to get around on one leg.

Married - February 22d, 1898, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Dau, Mr. Emil Jungjohan and Miss Alvena Dau. About noon their German friends began to gather from far and near to witness the consummation of this long expected and happy event. Many costly and useful presents were left as a token of the high esteem in which these young people are held. We join their many friends in wishing them a prosperous and happy life.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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