Iowa Old Press


Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
August 1, 1918

p 1 col 6
Popular Young Folk United In Marriage - Miss Margaret Ellen Sweeney Becomes Bride of Serg. Harry Donovan Wednesday
A pretty wedding was celebrated Wednesday morning at six o'clock, at the Sacred Heart church, when Sergeant Harry B. Donovan and Miss Margaret Ellen Sweeney were united in marriage, Rev. Father Wendl officiating. The ceremony was witnessed by only the immediate relatives and a few intimate friends. The bridal couple were attended by Miss Mabel Sweeney, sister of the bride, and Mr. Ray E. Barnett, of Brookings, S. Dak. Just before the wedding party entered the church, Miss Opal Foust of Cherokee sang, "I Love You Truly", Miss Anna Donovan , also of Cherokee, presiding at the organ. The bride was attired in a dark blue satin and georgette dress and carried a bouquet of crimson roses. Following the ceremony a two-course wedding breakfast was served at the home of Mrs. M E. Sweeney, by Mrs. Theodore Powell and Miss Elvanor [sic?] Sweeney. The bride is the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Sweeney and has grown to womanhood in this community. She is a charming and most gracious young lady, possessed of many splendid attributes of character and a pleasing personality. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Donovan of 341 Roosevelt avenue, Cherokee. He was a resident of Sutherland for about four years, during which time he was engaged in automobile repairing and enjoyed a very prosperous business. He is widely known and, because of his sterling worth, no young man in the whole community is more highly honored than he. He enlisted for service in the early part of April and was sent to a mechanical school at Madison, Wis., and on the completion of his course there was transferred to Camp Jackson, Columbia, S. C. That his ability was soon recognized is evidenced by the fact that he has already been promoted to sergeant in the quartermaster's department. The happy couple departed immediately for Cherokee, leaving on the 8:30 train for Camp Jackson, where Mrs. Donovan will stay with him during the remainder of the time he is stationed there. The Courier joins with a host of Sutherland friends in wishing the young people all possible joy and success in their married life.

Train Hits Automobile: Kills Two Men
Frank Putnam, of Hartley, and John Brown, of Spencer, two horse buyers well known throughout northern Iowa, were both instantly killed late Monday afternoon of this week, when the car in which they were riding was struck by a Milwaukee passenger train at a crossing about five miles southeast of Spencer. A grove of trees about 75 yards from the crossing obstructs the view of an approaching train and doubtless, in this case, was the cause of the terrible accident. Putnam leaves a wife and two children, and Brown a wife and four children.

p 2 col 4
Gaza - Mrs. Paul Lago returned last week from South Dakota where she was called some time ago on account of the serious illness of her mother, who later passed away at the age of 88 years.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
August 8, 1918

p 1 col 4
George Moorehead Dead
George Moorehead, one of the old settlers of O'Brien County, and father of our fellow-townsman, R. J. Moorehead, died last Thursday, August 1st, at his home in Paullina. He had been ailing for years but was not bed fast until just a few days before his death. Mr. Moorehead was born in Ireland in 1840 and came to America in 1868, locating at Pittsburg, Pa. He moved to Benton County, Ia., in 1875 and then to a farm four miles southwest of Paullina in 1884 where he resided until 1909 when he moved into Paullina to spend his remaining days. A wife and four children are left to mourn his departure. The funeral service was conducted from the Presbyterian church in Paullina Sunday afternoon by the pastor, Rev. H. F. Williams, and was largely attended.

p 1 col 6
Marriage licenses have been issued to the following:
George Albert, legal & Neva B. McDonald, legal
Harry B. Donovan, 26 & Margaret Ellen Sweeney, 23
Herman Meyers, 25 & Sarah McDonald, 21
Wm. A. Beeks, 30 & Winifred Clough, 30
D. C. Snyder, 22 & Ella Helen Feldhahn [age not given]

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
August 15, 1918

p 1 col 1
Emil Wildermuth Died Suddenly - Was Victim of Brights Disease - Foreman in Courier Office 5 Years - Interment at Tripp, S. Dak.
Died, at the Ward hospital in Primghar, Sunday morning, August 11, at 11 o'clock, Emil Wildermuth, aged 25 years, 2 months and 11 days. He had been taken the evening before to the hospital with the hope that something might still be done, although it was hardly though that it was possible to do anything then, because of his weakened condition, the cause of his death being Brights disease.

Seldom has it been our duty to record so sudden a death. His future was full or promise, and it seems hard to be reconciled to the passing of one so young in life. It is with a keen sense of sorrow that the writer pens these lines because of our intimate associations with the departed for the past five years. During all this time he has been connected with The Courier, as foreman in our office, and we are proud to say that in our relations together, they were all very pleasant. He was always bright, happy and cheerful and carried sunshine with him wherever he went. He had a sacred regard for duty in every realm of life. Especially was this true in trying to show loyalty to his country, although he had been born of German parentage. He had been given deferred classification in the draft by just two weeks before his death, he made an effort to enlist in the Navy, and among his last utterances to the attending physician at the hospital were these words, "Get me well and out of this, 'Doc' and I'll be fighting for Uncle Sam."

Death is a hard master. He would take from us our brightest and best, but he cannot ever mar memory. It will serve as a balm to all wounded hearts.

Obituary
Emil Frederick Wildermuth was born at Tripp, S. Dak., June 1st, 1893, died August 11, 1918. On June 9, 1913, he was married to Miss Julia Lehr, of McCluskey, N. Dak. To this union were born two children, a little son who died in infancy, and a little daughter, Lavanne. The deceased was raised in the Lutheran faith but after coming to Sutherland he united with the local Church of Christ. Besides his wife and daughter, he leaves a father, mother, seven brothers and three sisters to mourn his untimely departure. Three of the brothers, Otto, Richard and William came to Sutherland and were present for the funeral services. Impressive funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Frost on the lawn at the E. A. McFarland home at 10:00 o'clock Tuesday morning, after which the remains were shipped back to the old home at Tripp, S. Dak., for burial.

Card of Thanks
We desire to express our sincere thanks to the people of Sutherland for their kind acts and expressions of sympathy during our hour of sorrow and bereavement.
Mrs. Emil Wildermuth
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wildermuth and family

Mahlon Andrews Dead
Word was received in Sutherland that Mahlon Andrews had passed away Tuesday morning in a hospital at Storm Lake as a result of an operation for appendicitis and that the remains would be brought to Sutherland for burial. Obituary next week.

p 1 col 5
A Shooting Affray Occurs Sunday - Pistol Duel Staged Between Wm. Roeder and Lee Brewer at Former's Home West of Town
Last Sunday morning, August 11th, about ten o'clock, William Roeder, a young farmer also a German Alien Enemy living about six miles west of Sutherland and Lee Brewer, a sailor boy who is here visiting his father on a two weeks furlough, engaged in a pistol duel at the home of the former in which both men were slightly wounded. Mr. Roeder had been ordered to appear before the Sutherland Home Defense League and refused to comply. Because of this fact a committee, composed of six members of the league, was sent out to his home to bring him to Sutherland before a special session of the league which had been called for Sunday morning, and it was while they were making their visit there that the shooting occurred.

At a hearing of the affair in the League rooms which was held before the Sheriff the following report was given:
When the committee arrived at the Roeder home and made their business known there, Mr. Roeder ordered them off the place. The committee was not leaving quickly enough to suit him, he drew a revolver and endeavored to hasten their departure. He fired at Mr. Brewer but the shot went wild. Brewer then returned the fire, striking Roeder in the hip. Roeder then ran to the house and the committee started to leave when he again opened up on them with a revolver but was unable to hit his mark so secured a shot gun and began to use that. Brewer received a few small shot from this in his face and neck which disfigured him slightly but did not injure him any.

The committee returned to town and gave a report to the other League members, who decided to send after Roeder again and get him without fail. However, Sheriff Geister came and appeared here on the scene just in time and managed to prevent a second party from being sent. The Sheriff promised to bring Roeder before the League as soon as he is able to come. The Courier is informed that he was taken to a hospital in Sioux City Sunday evening to have the bullet located and removed. It is stated the League is determined that Roeder shall appear before them as he was ordered, but it is doubtless a lucky thing that the sheriff arrived when he did, thus possibly avoiding a more serious affair at this time.

p 1 col 6
Court House and County-Seat News
-The will of C. S. Clark has been filed for probate. It gives his wife a life estate in his property with the remainder equally divided between his son Elmer L., his daughter Marvis L. Shinkle, and his daughter-in-law Ruby Clark. His widow, Sarah E. Clark, is appointed executrix. His son, L. W. Clark, is given the sum of one dollar.
-Judge Hutchinson has signed an order admitting to probate the foreign will of Mary Sayer Wilson which has been heretofore probated in New Jersey.

p 3 col 3
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Nelson were called to Storm Lake Monday morning because of the serious illness and subsequent death of their son-in-law Mahlon Andrews.

p 4 col 4
Friends here are pleased to learn of the marriage of Charles E. Warren to his former wife, Mrs. Hattie E. Warren, which occurred Tuesday August 6th, a the Presbyterian Manse in Larrabee, the minister Rev. Jones officiating. They have decided to make their home, at least for the present, in Sutherland. The Courier extends best wishes.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
August 22, 1918

p 1 col 4
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many friends who by their words of sympathy, acts of kindness and beautiful floral offerings, sought to soften the sting of our loss and bereavement.
Mrs. Mahlon Andrews
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Nelson

p 1 col 5
Mahlon Andrews Succumbs to Operation - Remains Brought to Sutherland - Funeral Thursday - Interment at Waterman Cemetery
Walter Mahlon Andrews died in Storm Lake Tuesday morning, August 13th. He took seriously ill Friday night, and from the first was in a precarious condition,. An operation for appendicitis was performed at the Swallum hospital, Monday, but it proved unavailing and resulted in his sudden passing away. The deceased was born November 30, 1888, in Sparta, North Carolina, and at the time of his death was 29 years, 8 months, and 14 days old. In 1908 he came to Sutherland where he resided and worked at the carpenter trade, until he moved to Strom lake in 1915, where he has since lived.

On January 3, 1912, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Nelson, of Sutherland. Two children, Esther and Lucille, were born to this union. He became a member of the Church of Christ at this place in 1913. Upon going to Storm Lake he transferred his membership to the church there and was active in the work, being Corresponding Secretary at the time of his death. His death in early manhood, at the very time when life means most, is one of those mysteries which eternity alone can solve. Nothing within mortal power can bridge the gap which has been left by the swift, cold call of death. He leaves to mourn his untimely departure, his wife and two children, his father and mother, three brothers and six sisters. His brother, W. P. Andrews and family, of Storm Lake, and another brother, L. Andrews from Nebraska, were the only relatives from a distance who were present at the funeral.

The remains were brought to Sutherland and the funeral was held from the home of Mrs. Andrew's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Nelson, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. C. V. Pence, of Webster City, a former pastor of the church here was called back to conduct the service, being assisted by Rev. Frost, the present minister. Interment was made in Waterman Cemetery.

p 1 col 6
Courthouse and County-Seat News
-A marriage license was issued to Otto Strampe, 27 and Martha Frederiche Lemke, 28.
-H. F. W. Hansen of Sutherland, a citizen of Denmark, and Carl Olaf Anderson of Moneta, a citizen of Sweden, have applied to the Clerk of Courts for citizenship with the United States.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
August 29, 1918

p 1 col 3
Doings at The County Seat
-Mary Etta VanSteenbergh has been appointed as guardian of Thomas VanSteenbergh, a minor.
-Ida M. Putnam has been appointed administratrix of estate of Frank L. Putnam, deceased. W. E. Clegg has been appointed administrator of estate of John F. Tasker.

p 2
Alton Democrat's Wild Story of Shooting Affair
Under the caption "Mob Violence at Sutherland" in a front page article, Editor Bowers in the Alton Democrat last week gave the following account of the Brewer-Roeder episode. It would be hard to image more mis-statements in an article of that length, for there is not a single thing in it that even resembles the facts in the case. The whole thing is so far out of season that we will not take time or even attempt to answer it. We merely reprint it here to let our readers see how the story grew away from home.

Three men were shot at Sutherland last week, one severely wounded. Sutherland has managed to keep the facts out of the papers, facts which reflect so seriously upon the so-called law and order league down there that the sheriff of O'Brien county threatened to place the town under martial law. It appears that an American citizen of German parentage incidentally spoke German over the telephone. The man in question has a wife whose father fought in the Civil war and whose grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The man is a good American through and through with one son in the army. But he forgot the rule made by the Sutherland League that German must not be used. The League notified him to come to town a certain night. He was busy in harvest, trying to save the grain, so badly needed and did not go. The League came to his house one night, one of the mob fired a gun and the bullet struck this defender of his home. He fired back and hit two men. The mob fled, as all cowards do. When the sheriff learned the facts he placed a guard in the house with orders to shoot and told the ringleaders of the mob that another occurrence of the kind would result in Sutherland being placed under martial law.

Good for that sheriff and good for the American who so stoutly defended his home. A man's home is his castle. You may not enter without due process of law save at the peril of your life. We have good authority for stating that the Sutherland American who inadvertently spoke German over the telephone is a man careful to obey the law. He does not use the German language ordinarily and his own son is fighting to remove the menace of the German soldier from civilization. There is no question of the loyalty of such a man and the Sutherland League knew as much. It was therefore a mob, pure and simple, without justification of any kind. Its leaders should be punished in accordance with the proclamation of President Wilson. They are not Americans, they need education in the fundamental principles of a democracy which teach obedience to the laws of the land.

The trouble arises from the hotheads over there who assume that every man who says a word of German is trying to help Germany. Possibly there are some hotheads who like to show authority, who perhaps are venting a private spite. At any rate the situation is grave enough to call for the serious consideration of the patriotic citizens of Sutherland. It has plenty of them, men of cool judgment, men of undoubted patriotism who will regret that the good name of Sutherland has been sorely injured by these acts of mob violence.

p 2 col 2
Haight - Dwarak [see also brief note p 4 col 6]
A very quiet home wedding was solemnized at Gaza, Iowa, Wednesday, August 21, when Clayton L. Haight and Mary Dwarak, were united in holy ties of matrimony. At 2:15 o'clock the contracting party took their places, when Rev. W. M. Kennedy, Pastor of the Gaza Congregational Church, spoke the word which made them husband and wife. Those who witnessed the ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Martin and Mr. Haight, uncle of the groom. The bride has made her home in Gaza for some time, and has many friends who wish her much happiness in her married life. The groom is a man of sterling qualities and well known and respected. They will leave in a few days for Alta, Iowa, and commence housekeeping on a farm, which the groom owns near that city.

p 3 col 4 [difficult to read]
D. C. Baker was called to Spencer, Wednesday, his brother, Joe Baker living there, being critically ill with [cannot read] and not expected to live.

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Mrs. Mary Dwarak and a Mr. Haight, a nephew of A. L. Haight, were united in marriage last Wednesday by Rev. W. M. Kennedy. They will move soon onto a farm near Peterson.

[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]

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