Iowa Old Press
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 5, 1918
p 1 col 2
Death of a Pioneer
J. S. Woolston died at his home in the east addition of
Sutherland at 7:30 o'clock this morning, Thursday. He was
stricken with apoplexy from which he was not able to rally and
overcome, his death now bringing relief after six weeks of
suffering. Mr. Woolston was one of our honored pioneers of the
community, having moved here with his wife and locating on the
old home place, 5 miles northeast of Sutherland in the spring of
1881. His funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock
at the home.
p 1 col 4
Another Brave Boy Gone
Word was received yesterday by Dick Horstmann and wife of the
death of their son, Henry, in France. Some weeks ago they
received a letter written by the nurse, saying he was in the
hospital, ill of pneumonia. Young Horstmann died October 15. The
deepest sympathy is felt by all for the sorrowing parents and
other relatives. -Primghar Bell
p 1 col 5
Death of Carl Reimers
Herman Reimers, who lives near Calumet, received word last week
of the death in France of his son, Carl, resulting from
influenza. The young man left in July for Camp Dodge, going from
there to France in September. He leaves his father, one brother
in service, three other brothers and three sisters to mourn his
passing. The following poem was written in honor of the young
soldier: In memory of Carl H. Reimers, who died somewhere in
France, Oct. 19, 1918.
He gave his life for me and you,
Away over in France so far.
For him we'll change the star of blue
To a shining golden star
And when our flag floats in the breeze
Wind tossed to and fro,
We'll think how he died across the seas
When we see the gold star glow.
For Calumet is, Oh! so proud
Of its start of gorgeous blue.
But prouder now, she is of the one,
The lone star, of golden hue.
For bravely he answered his country's call
Left home, and loved ones dear,
And bravely he gave his life, his all,
For we people - over here.
Here's to the loved ones left at home
A Father, sisters and brothers too,
We'd say, our hearts beat as one
In sympathy for you.
We're sad, so dad, it had to be
That Carl should lie in a distant grave,
But glad and proud he proved that he
Was a soldier, true and brave.
-composed by Mrs. S. W. Melott, Calumet, Iowa
--
The heirs of Angeline McBath have settled their three lawsuits
against Jesse Harris, and the suit to set aside the probate of
the will and suit to recover the real estate deeded to Harris
have been dismissed. In addition to this Mr. Harris has secured
bill of sale and deed for the entire estate of Angeline McBath.
The heirs originally claimed that he had secured the execution of
the will and deed to the land by undue influence and while
Angeline McBath was incompetent to transact business.
p 1 col 6
Geo. N. Klock has filed suit against his divorced wife, Josephine
Klock, Sheriff Geister and C. A. Babcock. He claims that his wife
was divorced from him by decree of court and judgment for alimony
entered, that later his wife relented and abandoned her rights
under the decree and resumed marriage relations, that her
attorney assisting, she then attempted to enforce the alimony,
levying on his real estate and selling same at sheriff's sale. He
asks that the sheriff sale and judgment for alimony be set aside
and cancelled and that he have judgment for $2,000 damages. He
claims his property is exempt as proceeds of pension money. The
petition is quite entertaining and artistic. In charging Mrs.
Klock's attorney with malice, he says that "C. A. Babcock,
speaking for himself with grimace, gargle, grotesque and
garrulous declaration said, 'I have got old man Klock just where
I want him now." A side issue to the material troubles of
George N. Klock, of Sheldon, his daughter has brought suit for
$2500 which she asks for her support.
A marriage license was issued to Arthur Bonsall, legal, and
Harriet Woods, legal.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 12, 1918
p 1 col 1
Grim Reaper Claims Two Men - Death Takes J. S. Woolston
With Apoplexy and Zenas Sheldon With Pneumonia During Week
J. S. Woolston, 1852 - 1918
John S. Woolston was born at Somonauk, Ill., Jan. 28, 1852. Three
years later he moved with his parents to Marshall county, Iowa,
where he grew to manhood and was married to Phoebe J. Jaroleman
in the year 1872, on the 11th day of September. To this union was
born seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Mrs.
Mary A. Martin, Mrs. Nellie M. Batchelor, Charles, who died in
infancy, Simon P., John S. Jr., Ralph B., and William W., who
died ten years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Woolston lived on the farm in
Marshall county until the year 1881, when they moved to their
farm which has become known as the Woolston homestead, located
five miles east of Sutherland. There they made their home for
about twenty-eight years, turning the virgin soil into well
cultivated and productive farm land. About nine years ago this
splendid couple left the farm home and settled in Sutherland,
where they have since lived.
Mr. Woolston departed this life Thursday morning, December 5th,
at the advanced age of 66 years, 10 months and 7 days. He was a
devoted husband, a loving father and kind, sympathetic neighbor.
On the 1st day of October 1916, he consecrated his life to the
Lord and on the same day united with the Church of God at Maple
Grove. His was a life of helpfulness and devotion to the best
things in the world, taking a deep interested in the church and
the Christian life.
He leaves to mourn his departure his devoted companion, and
children, grandchildren, one brother and a large circle of
friends and neighbors. The funeral services were held on the lawn
at the home at 2:30 o'clock last Saturday afternoon, Rev.Hamlin,
pastor of the Maple Grove church, officiating and paying a
beautiful tribute to the memory of the deceased. Rev. Frost,
pastor of the local Church of Christ, also assisted in the
service. Interment was made in Waterman cemetery. Relatives from
a distance who were present at the funeral were: A P. Woolston,
of Webster City, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Neff, of Rhodes, Iowa.
Zenas Blair Sheldon, 1891 - 1918
The sad news of the sudden death of Zenas Sheldon, son of Mr. and
Mrs. F. M. Sheldon, which occurred at his home 4-1/2 miles
southwest of Sutherland Monday morning cast a shadow over the
whole community and every heart was touched with deep sympathy
for the bereaved relatives, the cause being pneumonia following
an attack of influenza. His sickness was of but brief duration,
just a few days. Seemingly with us today, active in life's round
of duty and love, but gone tomorrow. While he is gone from the
scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of this life, he
will still live in the hearts of those who knew him best.
Zenas Blair Sheldon was born in Cherokee county May 15, 1891, and
departed this life at his home near Sutherland Dec. 9, 1918, at
4:30 a.m., aged 27 years, 6 months and 21 days. He was preceded
in death by three brothers and two sisters, all of whom died in
infancy. He was united in marriage Oct. 8, 1912, to Miss Eleanor
Carmichael. One son, Willard Reginald, was born to bless their
home.
He was a faithful member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, and will be greatly missed in church
as well as social circles. He is survived by a wife, one son,
parents, grandparents, and many other relatives. He was loved and
respected by all who knew him and his untimely demise is
regretted by all. The funeral was held Wednesday Dec. 11, at
Cherokee. Interment in Oak Hill cemetery.
p 5 col3
Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Cobb attended the funeral of the former's
cousin, Faye Putnam, which was held at Hartley Sunday afternoon.
p 5 col 4
Mrs. A. K. Hardenbrook and daughter, Miss Sylvia, attended the
funeral of Mrs. Thad. Saunders, of Loveland, Colo., whose body
was shipped back to Peterson for burial Tuesday. The deceased was
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Story.
p7 col 1
Calumet, Special Correspondent
The people of this community were beginning to feel quite
fortunate in not having any deaths due to the influenza epidemic,
but on Monday morning the sad news was brought that two men had
been claimed as victims of the disease, Henry St. John and Zenas
Sheldon; both passed away after several days of suffering, the
first named at about 4:00 a.m. and Zenas Sheldon a little later.
Both have been victims of the influenza, but other complications
set in which caused their deaths. Several others have been
visited by the epidemic, among whom are Clarence Phillips and
Frand Rhodes and family. Most of these are improving at this
writing according to latest report. Ed Heind [?] and family have
been down with it but are getting better. We are sorry to hear of
the deaths in these families and we offer our heartfelt sympathy
of the sorrowing ones. Mr. St. John is to be buried Wednesday
afternoon, Rev. Lonsdale will have charge. Mr. Sheldon's body was
taken to Cherokee Tuesday morning and will await burial there.
Two new cases of "flu" are reported here in town
Tuesday evening. At a meeting of the board of health held last
night it was decided to place under quarantine those homes where
there are any members afflicted with the disease.
[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]
-----
Sheldon Mail
Sheldon, O'Brien co. Iowa
Wednesday, December 18, 1918
Section 2, Page 1, Column 3
Aged Resident Passes Away
Robert Potter, one of Sheldon's oldest residents, passed away at
the home of his daughter [in law], Mrs. James. Potter, last
Thursday morning, December 12. Mr. Potter had reached his 88th
year and the past five years of his life has been spent in feeble
health. Death was the result of the infirmities of old age. Mr.
Potter was born at Marden, Kent Co., England, Sept. 8, 1830. He
grew to manhood on a farm in that country with the meager
opportunities that were common to the children of that age. In
1851 he was married at Marden to Sarah Daw, to which union three
children were born, James Potter and Mrs. Lucy Reeves, who are
now both deceased. One little son passed away in infancy.
In 1856 [Sarah's obit says 1857] Mr. and Mrs. Potter and their
children came to America, first settling in Wisconsin, and later
moving to Kane Co., Ill., where they lived until the fall of 1869
[Sarah's obit says 1868]. During their residence there a son and
two daughters came to gladden their home. They are Mrs. Mary
Porter, of Council Bluffs, Mrs. Carry Sattizan, of Wagner, S. D.,
and Thomas Potter of Fayette, Ia. All were present to attend
their father's funeral. Another little daughter, Nellie, passed
away at the age of 3 1/2 years [error-- 2 1/2]. In the fall of
1889 [error--1869)], Mr. Potter and family moved with a team of
horses from Kane Co., Ill. to near LeMars, where Mr. Potter took
up a homestead. They made this their home until 1876 [Sarah's
obit says 1877], when in the fall of that year, they moved to
O'Brien township [error--county]. Mr. Potter purchased a farm
near here which is still in possession of a member of the Potter
family, his grandson, Thomas Potter, Jr. In 1893 the family moved
from their farm to this city, purchasing the residence, now known
as the Mrs. James Potter residence on Washington avenue. A few
years later they returned to their farm where his wife died Aug.
12, 1900. After the death of Mrs. Potter, he made his home with
his son, James until his death some eight years ago. Since that
time he has spent his time with Mrs. James Potter, whose
unceasing care and devotion has brightened the old gentleman's
declining years. Besides the three living children, he is
survived by 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one
great, great-grandchild.
Mr. Potter was a hard working man, and possessed of a splendid
physique, he continued his industries late in life. He was
possessed of a strong will and even temper and was not easily
moved to anger. His life was a model moral life, at no time being
addicted to the use of liquor, tobacco or profanity. His mild and
kind disposition had endeared him, not only to his immediate
family, but to hosts of friends. He became a member of the
Methodist church while residing in Plymouth Co., later his
membership was transferred under the ministry of Rev. Artman, to
the M. E. church of this city. His life was lived according to
the teachings of his church, and might be termed a model
Christian life. Funeral services were held by Dr. J. J. Bushnell
at the M. E. church in this city, Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Afterwards the body was taken to Seney and laid to rest beside
that of his wife, whose death preceded his over 18 years. The
greatest sympathy is extended the relatives surviving in their
loss.
[transcribed by V.R., January 2006]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 19, 1918
p 1 col 6
The will of Henrietta Steuck has been admitted to probate.
The final report of R. P. Jones as administrator of estate of
Emily P. Jones, was approved and administrator discharged.
A marriage license was issued to Ralph M. DeGraff, legal, and
Linnie Stabenow, legal.
p 8 col 1
Memorial services were held in the Gaza church Sunday for Claus
Steffens and Dick Horstmann, who died in France in October.
p 8 col 2
Several from this vicinity attended the funeral of the late Mrs.
Thad Saunders of Loveland, Colo., which was held at the Mide
Triplett home in Old O'Brien last Tuesday.
p 12 col 1
Obituary
Henry St. John was born January 25th, 1879, at Drage,
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. In 1886 he came to America with his
parents and settled at Tama Co., Iowa. When about 18 years of age
he came to northwest Iowa, and lived here to the time of his
death. He was married August 30th, 1900, to Miss Dora Reicker. To
this union were born four children, three of whom died in
infancy. He passed to his reward December 9th, 1918 aged 39
years, 10 months, 16 days, and leaves to mourn his demise five
sisters and one brother, besides his wife and one daughter Irene.
Interment was made at Liberty Township Cemetery, December 11th,
1918. For many years he was a member of the German Evangelical
Lutheran church of Calumet, Iowa. The funeral of Mr. St. John was
held from the house southwest of Calumet on Wednesday afternoon
at 2:00 o'clock. There were many and beautiful floral offerings.
The service was held on the lawn and was conducted by Rev. F.
Lonsdale. Many friends and neighbors gathered to pay their last
respects to the deceased. Among those from a distance were Mr.
and Mrs. H. Rogers, of Spencer, S. Dak., Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Ehlers, Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Meier,
Garretson, S. Dak., Mr. C. F. Eggers, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our many friends and neighbors for their
kindness and sympathy during the sickness of our beloved husband
and father, and for the beautiful floral offerings.
Mrs. H. S. St. John
Miss Irene St. John
Calumet, Iowa
p 12 col 2
Ed Hilker and C. W. Locke were up from Paullina Friday. Two sons
of Mr. Hilker died overseas - Ed in England and Alvin in France,
and he is endeavoring to get permission from the War Department
to go abroad and bring back the bodies for interment here. Both
were victims of pneumonia and the parents are heartbroken over
their death. Mr. Hilker will leave as soon as he obtains the
necessary permission. -Primghar Bell
[transcribed by A.N., April 2012]
-----
Sutherland Courier
Sutherland, O'Brien co. Iowa
December 26, 1918
Cooper - Cunningham
Ira Cooper and Miss Gladys Cunningham slipped away quietly and
were married in Primghar at the Congregational parsonage by Rev.
Swan, Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. The groom is the oldest
son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Cooper of this place, and the bride is
a daughter of Mrs. Rolland Story of Peterson. A dinner attended
by thirty guests was given in their honor at the Cooper home on
Christmas day. The young couple expect to make their home with
the groom's parents for the coming year. The Courier extends
congratulations.
William Roeder, by his attorneys, Parsons & Mills of Des
Moines, has dismissed in court his suit asking an injunction
against the Sutherland Home Defense League. Roeder claimed he was
being coerced and has been attached in his home and injured by
revolver shots in the hands of members of the League who were
trying to compel him to got to Sutherland to answer charges of
talking German language in public. By this dismissal he now
abandons his suit and the matter will no doubt be dropped.
Marriage licenses were issued to the following:
J. E. Britton 55
Margaret C. Reisser 43
Ira Cooper 19
Gladys Cunningham 18
Leo Struve 27
Madelena Westphal 18
Clifford K. Rost 20
Irene H. Jacobs 20
Mrs. Emil Jungjohan Dead
Mrs. Emil Jungjohan passed away at her home four miles north of
Sutherland Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. She had been in
failing condition of health since last spring and confined to her
bed for the past six weeks, her death resulting from a
complication of diseases. The funeral services will be held from
the home Sunday afternoon. The obituary will be published next
week.
Corp. Earl Conoway Killed in Action - The following are
the last letters received from Corp. Earl Conaway.
Oct 8, 1918
Master Claire Conoway
Dear Boy I was real glad to get your letter. I am sure proud of
my two boys and it makes me feel awfully good to get letters from
you.
I have been living in a little tent for quite a while. Would you
like to live in a tent? It is alright only when it rains hard.
When it rains I pack my tent and bed on my back, put on my
cartridge belt and side arms and my rifle over my shoulder and I
am ready to go.The Huns are on the run and I think we will soon
drive them across the Rhine river. When we do I will come back to
my boys.In the meantime be a good boy and go to school and learn
all you can and some day you will be a big, strong, smart man. I
am going to bring you some souvenirs when I come home.
Well, goodbye, with lots of love from your papa.
Corp. Earl Conoway
Hdq Co 168 Inf
Oct 9, 1918
Dear Charley This is to let you know that I am still well and
haven't been wounded yet, which I think is pretty lucky, don't
you? How are you getting along at school with your music lessons?
You must practice lots and beat Claire if you can. I wish I could
be with you for a while. It would sure be great. Then I should
take you for a ride on Ivan's bicycle. But I guess I will have to
wait until we get the Huns licked, which will be soon.
Your loving Papa,
Corp. Earl Conaway
Hdq co. 168 Inf
Oct 8 1918
Miss Blanche Arnold
Dear Sister,
The Y man came around with some writing paper this morning so I
will write you and the boys a few lines. We have been having lots
of rainy weather and it is rather uncomfortable sleeping in our
little pup tents but we expect to get where there are some
billets before long. I had to stop writing just now to catch a
cootie that was chewing away under my arm. They certainly set one
wild but it is impossible to stay rid of them in this country
– every body has them. Uncle Sam is sure cutting some ice in
this was now and the Huns can stand up and face the American
soldiers so of course they have to run or say Kamarad. I suppose
the folks at home are beginning to feel the effects of the war by
this time. They sure are sacrificing nobly for the cause of
Liberty. The German people think that America is in the War for
sport but they will find out different. I suppose the fruit crop
in Oregon is all harvested by this time. It must be great to be
where you can get all the fruit you want. You can get very little
of such things here now. There are so many American soldiers here
they buy up everything of that kind. I have a few souvenirs of
the Boches but I guess I will keep them until I get back. I
don’t think the war will last much longer anyway. I guess
mess is about ready as I hear mess kits rattling and it is
starting to rain, so I suppose I will have a pleasant dinner. I
get awfully hungry sometimes for good things to eat. I mean
things we don't get in the army. We got some mail last night. I
got a letter from Grath Arnold. He has tried to enlist six times
but the folks stop him every time. Well I must close and write a
line to the boys. I am as well as usual and hope you folks are
all the same. Give my love to all the folks and write as often as
you can as letters from home help a fellow along.
Your brother-in-law
Corp Earl Conaway
Hdq Co 168 Inf
Corporal Conaway was mortally wounded, having both legs shot off,
on October 15th, exactly one week after he wrote the above
letters. He was serving a trench mortar when hit and died from
loss of blood in a hospital soon after. A Sanborn boy named Magee
carried him to the hospital. The news of his death came in a
message to his brother, Rev. Fred Conaway, in California. This is
very sad. Mrs. Conaway was burned to death several years ago in
Sanborn and thus the two little boys, Claire and Charley, are
left orphans in their tender years but are fortunate in having a
good home with grandfather and grandmother Arnold in Oregon. Earl
was a good soldier, brave fearless, daring at times to
recklessness, like many of the Rainbow Division, Gen. Pershing
said of them, "With such men I could storm the gates of
hell." -Primghar Bell
[transcribed by A.N., April 2012 & C.H., July 2012]