Iowa Old Press


Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
October 5, 1899

-A bright bouncing baby boy arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fr. Stoeckmann last week.

Lodge Resolutions
Whereas, Almighty God in his wisdom has permitted death to enter our midst and take from us a dear brother and friend, and in keeping with the teachings of our order, we most humbly bow our heads in submission to the mandates of our Most Worshipful Grand Master on high, and trust into his keeping our esteemed brother Stephen Harris; and it is hereby
Resolved, That in the death of our brother Stephen Harris we lose an earnest worker and believer in our institution and its tenets; Paullina a loyal and upright citizen, his widow a loving and devoted husband and his children a kind and indulgent parent; and further
Resolved, That Fulton Lodge No. 499, A. F. & A. M. hereby extend to his family its heartfelt sympathy, and with them mourn the loss of one who was loved and esteemed by all who knew him, for his own true worth and manhood; and further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be handed to the press for publication, and to his family; and spread upon the records of Fulton Lodge; and further
Resolved, That the chair of the Senior Deacon and the Lodge room stand draped in mourning for thirty days, in token of respect.
Alex Williamson
David Algyer
J. V. Adkins, Committee

Whereas, God, the Creator of all things, in His sovereignty has chosen to remove from our lodge one whose counsels were ever heeded, taken from our fraternal precincts one whose social fellowship we always cherished and one whose qualities of heart stand as living examples of moral worth, therefore be it
Resolved, that Paullina Homestead N. 36 has, in the death of Brother Stephen Harris, lost an obedient and conscientious member, the town a good and faithful citizen and servant; the family a devoted and loving husband and father; and be it
Resolved, that this lodge extend to the family of deceased its heartfelt sympathy and condolence in this, their sad hour of affliction; that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this lodge; that our charter be draped in mourning for 60 days, an that a copy of these resolutions be handed to the sorrowing widow and to The Paullina Times for publication.
Robert Curran, Foreman
John Cowan, Correspondent

Whereas, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe has called to his reward our estimable Neighbor Stephen Harris from this Camp; and
Whereas, this camp sees fit and proper to give due expression to its sorrow at the loss of one whose labors have been of such benefit and upon whose wise and beneficent advice we always looked with assurance and sanguine expectation, therefore be it
Resolved, that we, members of Mill Creek Camp No. 580, Modern Woodmen of America, have lost a neighbor of estimable character and great moral worth; and
Resolved, that in his departure to the Great Beyond this camp has suffered an irreparable loss; and
Resolved, that to his afflicted family we express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences in this sad hour, and
Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the lodge records, a copy be presented to the bereaved family and a copy be handed to our newspapers for publication
F. V. D. Bogert
J. E. Bloodgood
F. M. Bethel

A Klondike Strike
John Watter's people at Cherokee have received word form him that is very encouraging. He is now in the Cape Nome district in Alaska, which, according to reports, is proving very rich. This is the gentleman who was aided by our townsman, John Metcalf, in making the trip to the Klondike, and of course the latter will share in the profits of the undertaking. The Cherokee Democrat relates that Mr. Watters is very enthusiastic over the prospects and write that he will not come home until next fall. He says that Jack Starbuck, who returned to Alaska last spring, is there and has struck some good luck. When the letter was written, Watters says, Starbuck had in a short time cleared $3,000. Starbuck expected to come out this fall, and return in the spring again. According to the Seattle papers passengers returning from St. Michael tell wonderful stories of the richness of the Cape Nome district. These stories may or may not be true, but we hope that our Cherokeans who have stuck to it so well will some day be able to come home with trunks full of the yellow metal.

Born - To Mr. and Mrs. David Bell, October 5, 1899, a daughter. To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Scott, September 22, a son.

Mrs. Strider and Mrs. Borne of Cedar county, mother and sister of Mrs. John Shrope, are visiting at the latter's home.

Mrs. L. Thorson, in company with her son, is here from Morris, Illinois, on a visit to her cousins, the Meltvedt boys and Mrs. Medhus, and her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. K. Meltvedt.

A young son of Archie Henderson, east of town, was kicked in the forehead by a colt this afternoon and it is thought his injury may prove fatal.

Over The River - Stephen Harris Passes Away at 8:00 O'clock Friday Morning
On Friday morning, October 6th, the spirit of Stephen Harris fled from earth, after an illness of several weeks. Death came not as a shocking surprise but more in the form of a sweet angel of relief. After weeks of intense suffering the family had lost all confidence in the restoration of health and their hopes faded forever on Friday morning when Mr. Harris calmly resigned to the inevitable, surrounded by his kindred who had watched for the end for several hours.

The funeral rites were conducted on Saturday at 2:00 o'clock from the residence, Rev. McCaffree, pastor of the M. E. church, delivering the funeral sermon and the Masonic lodge, assisted by the Modern Woodmen attending to the burial rites, all of which were impressive. A large concourse of friends gathered about the home during the ceremony, and the funeral procession was over a half mile in length. The interment took place in the new Prairie View cemetery.

Stephen Harris was born at Brunswick, Maine, on December 6, 1842. He moved with his parents to Massachusetts in 1845, passing his boyhood in the city of Boston. At the breaking out of the civil war he was one of the first navy volunteers. Later he quit the navy and enlisted in a New York volunteer cavalry force and served two years with this troop. He came to Iowa in 1869 and entered a homestead in Grant township. To one whose tastes were formed for business pursuits the farm offered meagre pleasure and Mr. Harris moved to the old town of Primghar where he held the office of county superintendent in 1870. The same year he was married to Lydia A. Gault who passed away about nine years later. Two sons were born of this union - Charles S. and George W. - the former now living at Belden, Nebraska, and the latter residing here. In 1876 he was elected to the office of county treasurer, serving two years. He also held the office of deputy treasurer for some time. In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Rerick and four children came to bless their home, three of which, with the widow, constitute the nearest surviving mourners. He moved to Paullina in the fall of 1882 and experimented for a time with the restaurant business. Later he, in company with his father-in-law, I. L. Rerick, entered the real estate business, and did a thriving business until 1883. In 1885 he formed a partnership with George Hakeman and then began the banking firm of Hakeman & Harris, he taking the position of cashier. This institution was later merged into the Farmers State Bank, Mr. Harris retaining the cashiership till the time of his death. He was admirably adapted to this class of work and bore the clerical and executive burdens with a painstaking care and pleasantness that never failed to elicit the admiration and respect of all patrons of the bank. Mr. Harris held the office of city recorder and clerk of the school board for many years, showing always that acute business sagacity that characterized his other work.

Mr. Harris was always liberal toward charitable institutions of the town and community. A needy person was never turned away and there were many kind and charitable deeds performed by him that will never be recorded because of the fact that he was never boastful of duties done.

A sister, Miss S. Louisa Harris, resides at Fryeburg, Maine. A brother, Charles, is in business at Boston, Massachusetts. Deceased was a member of Fulton Lodge No. 499 A. F. & A. M., Mill Creek Camp No. 580 M. W. A., and Paullina Homestead No. 36 B. A. Y., in all of which he was held in high official and social esteem, as resolutions passed attest. [see p. 4 for resolutions]

-E. W. Parker vs. Mary Parker was tried to the court and plaintiff given a decree of divorce. Plaintiff offered $200 alimony and court ordered him to pay $1,000 in 60 days and $1,000 one year hereafter.

-Rev. James Parsons performed the ceremony, marrying Dr. F. W. Cram of Sheldon and Mrs. Hattie Lanning last Monday evening. The ceremony occurred at the residence of the bride's sister, Mrs. C. F. Albright, and the couple left on the evening passenger train for Chicago.

[transcribed by A.N., August 2015]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
October 12, 1899

The divorce case of Sarah E. Myers vs. L. G. Myers was submitted to the court, but the judge intimated that he would deny the application.

Mrs. A. Graefelman was authorized to sell the interest of her insane husband in some land near Waneta.

Born - To Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Proctor, October 9, 1899, a daughter.

The Henderson child which was kicked by a horse last week, is recovering.

Eight of the Masonic fraternity go to Cherokee this afternoon to attend a gathering of the order. They will also attend the funeral of Dr. Sherman which occurs tomorrow.

Chas. Bloker and wife and Miss Ora Culp of Benton county are visiting with their relatives, the Culps, south of town.

Miss Myrtle Durham of Sioux City is here on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Chas. Adkins, and renewing acquaintances with old Paullina friends.

Mrs. Lasher of Odebolt and Mrs. Wilcox of Early, the former a sister and the latter an aunt of J. R. Gruver, were guests at his home last week.

[transcribed by A.N., August 2015]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
October 19, 1899

Bart Shea, living near Gaza, was brought before the insane commission for examination Sunday and is being held pending an investigation as to his condition. Since his wife's death he has been acting queerly, and Saturday night jumped through the glass door of the Primghar Drug Co.'s store. Later while confined in Justice North's office he jumped through a window and before he was captured had smashed into the glass front of the Commercial hotel. It is hoped that his trouble is merely temporary and that he will soon recover.

On the application of Geo. Hudson, Joseph Shinski was appointed guardian for James Beastie [correct spelling may be Beasty] who was declared insane.

Amanda Cota secured a divorce from her husband Clay Cota.

Altho the court at first refused to grant a divorce to Sarah E. Myers he afterwards relented and gave her a relinquishment from the claims of L. G. Myers.

Ida M. Vogt got a divorce from her husband George Vogt who is in the Klondike.

Pearl A. Wade has commenced suit against her husband, Frank D. Wade, for divorce.

Word was received by Mrs. C. A. Watts and Mrs. Ralph Dodge of the death of their brother, Donald Fraser, at Centerville, S. D., yesterday and the former left today to attend the funeral, Mrs. Dodge being unable to go. Mr. Fraser had been an invalid for a long time.

P. O. Kallstrom of Dale township attempted suicide Saturday night by cutting his throat. He was found in a field in the rear of his house very weak from loss of blood. He is still very weak but hopes are entertained of his ultimate recovery. He has recently been greatly worried over a lawsuit pending between his son-in-law and his son and brooded over his troubles thinking that they reflected on his character. He has always been a thoroughly honest, upright citizen, well thought of by his friends, and they are greatly surprised over his action. [may be Kellstrom]

Hugh Worden, son of Wm. Worden and brother of Dutch and Elmer, arrived Sunday from Minneapolis where he arrived on the 12th inst. with his regiment, the 13th Minnesota volunteers. This regiment saw some great service in the Philippines and Hugh has found out some facts about a soldier's life that are worth remembering. His regiment was mustered into the service of Uncle Sam on the 7th of May, 1897, and the regiment left San Francisco on the transport City of Para on the 27th of the same month bound for the Philippines, landing at Manila on August 7th. Following this the regiment did police duty in that city for seven months, and Hugh has had considerable chance to study the real character of the natives of that far off clime. He was in nine engagements and skirmishes, the principal of which were the fights on Marquina road and Calumpit, both of which are already familiar to our readers. In the latter fight his regiment lost six wounded and two killed, one of whom was Major Diggles. The regiment was on the island of Luzon one year and three days and lost in round numbers 54 in killed, wounded and disease. He is of the opinion that the natives are capable of self government but does not see how the United States can give up the fight at this time. The island is rich in resources and he thinks he would be willing to go there as a civilian, but not again as a soldier. He will visit friends here a short time and then go to Minneapolis.

Death Of Kid Piper - Instantly Killed in a Wreck Near Granite Falls, Minn.
The following startling telegram was received from the superintendent of the Great Northern railway by Cannon Bros. & Haase at Granville last Monday about nine o'clock:

Willmar, Oct. 16
"Please notify relatives of Kid Piper that he was killed in wreck near Granite Falls last night. His remains at Granite Falls."

Mrs. Piper was visiting at the home of the editor of The Times when the sad news came and was about to take the train to Granville within a half hour in order to meet her husband, who was expected there that day with a shipment of cattle for his employers, Messrs. Cannon Bros. and Haase. In one short moment the wife's glad expectancy was turned to tears of bitter sorrow upon being notified of the substance of the telegram.

In a short space of time the report had spread about town and was discussed by groups of friends here and there, all anxious for the particulars, which were hard to obtain.

Relatives at Lyons, Nebraska, were reached by wire and arrangements made for the remains to be brought to Paullina where a short service was to be had on the following day and then to have them taken to Lyons, Nebraska, for burial.

Particulars of the Wreck
Mr. Piper had purchased a bunch of cattle near Towner, North Dakota, and was on the way home with them on a special train on the Great Northern railway. On nearing the town of Granite Falls, Minnesota, sometime during Sunday night the train slowed up for the Milwaukee crossing and was running at the rate of about four miles an hour. In the way car were Mr. Piper, Mr. D. L. Batterton, a stockman of Raymondville, Missouri, and a brakeman. On crossing a small bridge about two miles from the town the trucks of a coal car just ahead of the caboose left the track and were caught by the caboose which careened and in an instant went tumbling over the trestle a distance of twenty-five or thirty feet. The brakeman and Mr. Batter ton managed to crawl through the window of the cupalo and immediately began a search for Mr. Piper who was found to be still in the car which had caught fire. He was rescued and taken from the car by the brakeman by means of a side window. It is thought death occurred instantly, although it may be possible that Mr. Piper did make an effort at one time to help himself. Some of the town people were upon the scene in a short time and Mr. Batterton and the body of Mr. Piper were taken to Granite Falls where the wounds were dressed. A terrible gash was found back of Mr. Piper's left ear and he was found to have received a severe blow in the left side and some minor bruises and scratches. The body of Mr. Piper was prepared for shipment and Mr. Batterton was kindly taken care of by citizens. The superintendent was given notice of the wreck and he in turn notified owners of the cattle and Mr. Piper's employers as stated before.

Through the efforts of employers and friends it was made possible to get the remains to Paullina on Monday night, by way of Maurice and they arrived here on No. 24 that evening, being taken to the home of Mr. C. C. Cannon where the funeral was held the following day, being attended by father and mother of deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Piper of Lyons, Nebraska, a brother, John F. Piper of Tekamah, Nebraska, and a cousin, Miss Ida Piper. A large number of friends were also present. Rev. McCaffree, pastor of the M. E. church delivered a brief but impressive sermon and the remains were taken on the evening train to Lyons, the former home of the deceased, and were laid to rest yesterday.

Ira Charles Piper was born in the town of Orville, Ohio, May 11, 1868. He moved to Nebraska in the month of February, 1880, making his home at Lyons, Coleridge and Laurel. He was marshal at Coleridge for some time. His first appearance in Paullina was in 1894 when he accompanied the ball club from Coleridge to this place in September. In 1895 he was persuaded by the base ball management to come here and accept a position with J. P. Bossert. Later he entered the employ of Strampe & Meyer in the butcher shop. He was married to Miss Julia Stennis October 12, 1897. He entered the employ of Cannon Bros. & Haase at Granville last spring to look after their live stock business.

The near relatives are father and mother, brother above named, a sister, Mrs. Bert Everett, at Lyons, Nebraska, wife and baby boy four months of age.

The depth of sorrow realized in this vicinity on account of the accident cannot be adequately portrayed by words. Kid Piper was a popular man just attaining the meridian of life. His good nature and pleasant disposition caused him to be universally admired. His death is mourned alike by old and young. The little children who were wont to enjoy his jollity on every occasion felt at once a sense of deep regret. Also with his business associates and social acquaintances the name of Kid Piper was always remembered in connection with some happy incident. He was honest and faithful and never shirked a duty - one of those happy, contented kind so seldom met and one whom the world pleases to hail as a good and faithful fellow. His associates in Paullina, each and all, feel that they have lost a brother, and his untimely taking away will be a sad memory for long years go come.

Deceased was a member of Paullina Homestead N. 36, Brotherhood of American Yeomen
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Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Phelps of Plymouth, Illinois, have been visiting with their nephew, J. V. Adkins, and family the past week.

[transcribed by A.N., August 2015]

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Paullina Times
Paullina, O'Brien co. Iowa
October 26, 1899

Sheriff Coleman went to the insane asylum with Bart Shea last Friday night. The commissioners of insanity found that he was suffering from alcoholism as well as grief over the death of his wife and it is hoped that he will regain his reason in a short time.

R. W. Williams of Hartley has finally taken advantage of the bankrupt law in an effort to free himself of his debts. During the past year he has brought in a good many claims against himself at ten cents on the dollar but he still has some $36,000 in liabilities and no assets. His failure at Hartley in December 1894 was one of the most sensational that has ever occurred in the county. Practically his entire property valued at from $30,000 to $35,000 was transferred to relatives and the creditors never succeeded in getting a cent, exception such few as have recently received a 10 per cent compromise.

Married

McCracken - Carfield
A quiet home wedding occurred at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Carfield on Tuesday at noon when Miss Evah Carfield of Paullina was united in marriage to Mr. Edward McCracken of Baker township, Rev. McCaffree officiating. Only relatives and a few intimate friends of the young couple were present to witness the ceremony and enjoy the wedding feast. After a short visit to friends Mr. and Mrs. McCracken will make their residence upon the McCracken farm in Baker township. These excellent young people seem to have chosen wisely for the future. They belong to the ambitious class of the rising generation which is constantly infusing new life and vigor into the present every day routine. Both have grown from infancy in this vicinity and are known here as the embodiment of all that is good. Social circles will miss the presence of the bride for a long time. The Times, with all other friends, joins in wishing the couple long life and happiness. [newspaper published wrong date, see note, 2 Nov 1899, p. 5]

Temple-Brace -- In Sioux City, Io., October 24, 1899, Marvin Temple, of Paullina, Io., and Miss Nellie Brace of LeMars, Io., at the home of B. F. Bryson, 519 Water street, Rev. S. J. Winegar, pastor of Immanuel Baptist church, officiating.
The above came as an unusually surprising piece of information, and was contained in the Sioux City Journal of yesterday. Both the contracting parties are in reality residents of Paullina although not so reported in the above paragraph. The bride has been for a year or more somewhat identified with social affairs and enjoyed a liberal acquaintance in Paullina. Among acquaintances the young lady was always accorded the respect and admiration due one of her loving and cheerful disposition. "Marv," as he has been known in Paullina for the past thirteen years, is the happy groom. He is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Temple, now of Carroll, Iowa, and for a number of years residents of this place. Their present address is Hawarden, Iowa, and their Paullina friends will join The Times in extending bon voyage to the pair during life's tempestuous journey.

Mrs. O. B. Lane of Havelock was in Paullina a short time Monday, having been at Primghar to visit her brother, Bart Shea, whose ill fortune was reported last week in The Times.

A. G. Warren, who has been helping in The Times office for several weeks, received intelligence of the death of his mother on Saturday and left at once for Peterson where the funeral occurred the next day.

[transcribed by A.N., August 2015]

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