Iowa Old Press
Emmetsburg Democratic, Palo Alto Co, IA; Wednesday, May 6,
1885
Iowa Condensed
-- Louis Westphal, an inmate of the Mercy Hospital at Davenport,
has just died of cancer in the throat after suffering 14 months.
Dr. Middleton, the physician in charge, states the case to be
exactly similar to the published accounts of General Grant's
affliction.
-- Martin Herbergerber was killed at the Iowa Iron Works in
Dubuque, April 22. He was walking down a narrow gangway between
8-bit and a whole day by a mould which someone had neglected to
fill, when he accidentally stepped into the hole. The plank
tipped in a kettle of melted iron fell off of it and onto Mr.
Herbergerber, striking him on the shoulder and running down one
arm, the back and one foot. He is 63 years old.
-- Eddie Abernethy, son of President Abernethy, of the Des Moines
University and formerly state superintendent, was drowned in
Cedar River near Osage, April 24. The boy was only 13 years old.
He and two boys with him went out fishing, driving to the river
in a buggy. They drove to the river to find a better place in
which to fish, and when ready to go home, of course attempted to
go back as they crossed over. When near the middle of the stream,
by some means the buggy was upset and the three boys thrown into
the water. Eddie Abernethy was drowned but the other two boys
escaped. This is a terrible blow to Colonel Abernethy and his
family, and will be sad news as it goes over the state to their
many friends. The Colonel is well known all over the state,
having been for four years state superintendent of public
instruction. He has also been connected with several educational
enterprises in the state, is now at the head of a large private
school in Osage and as stated above is also president of the Des
Moines University.
-- David Seeley, the driver of a stage between Bellevue and
Maquoketa, April 26, entered a saloon and tavern kept by Mrs.
Anna Schuedler at Bellevue. He had some words with a fellow named
Billy Horrin, growing out of an old feud. While the men were
eating supper they continued to talk in a threatening manner.
Seeley went out, and was closely followed by Horrin. Scarcely had
the men stepped from the front door when they became engaged in a
rough and tumble fist fight during the course of which Seeley
drew a revolver and fired a shot which penetrated Horrin’s
heart, going completely through his body and lodging in his
clothing. He fell to the ground and died instantly. Seeley
escaped in the woods, followed by large number of citizens home
he succeeded in eluding.
-- Religion made a maniac of a servant girl named Emma Berry, in
the employ of Charles Alford of Fayette county. Emma became
possessed with a mania that she must convert the world and
started on her crusade. She was arrested while attempting to
convert a neighbor's family with a carving knife.
-- Albert Mitchell, recently sent to the Anamosa penitentiary
under a life sentence for the murder of ex-convict Thum, in Cedar
Rapids, in March, 1884, proves to have been spent a good portion
of his time in criminal confinement, this being the fifth term in
prison.
-- Foul play is hinted at the cause of the death of William
Keeline, who died some two weeks ago at Council Bluffs. Of an
estate estimated at $40,000, but $16,000 can be accounted for.
-- George Hughes, a farmer near Des Moines, was run over by the
cars on the night of April 22, and was killed. His remains were
found next morning or a bleak mangled.
-- The majority of ex-saloonists of Lansing will change base,
engaging in more legitimate business.
-- Thomas Jones, of Angus, aged 18, is reported to have died
April 23d of trichinae.
-- Rock Rapids, Lyon county, is now an incorporated town,
articles of incorporation having been filed in the office of
secretary of state.
LOCAL NEWS
-- West Bend has a new bank at last. Mr. A. F. Lacey of that town
and Mr. Morris of Grundy Center are the proprietors. This is what
West Bend has badly needed for some time and it will be a great
accommodation to her merchants. We wish the new institution
success.
-- E. P. McEvoy of Walnut Township returned from Council Bluffs
on Saturday morning. He was attending the funeral of his cousin,
Mrs. Edmund McEvoy, in Harrison county.
West Bend
-- A. B. Carter furnishes the people of this village and
surrounding country with honey.
DIED
In Booth township Thursday, April 30, 1885, infant son of Mr. and
Mrs. P. Fitzpatrick, aged one year and six months.
At her home in Harrison county, Iowa, on April 27, 1885, of heart
disease, Mrs. Edmund McEvoy, aged 51 years. Deceased was a first
cousin of E. P. McEvoy of Walnut township.
At the home of her father in Great Oak township, on Friday, May
1st, 1885, of consumption, Miss Margaret Greehey, aged about 21
years. The funeral services were held in the Catholic church on
last Sunday, and the remains were followed to their last resting
place by a large procession.
Emmetsburg Democrat, Palo Alto Co, IA; Wednesday, May 13,
1885
IOWA CONDENSED
-- W. R. Parker, of Harlan, has been convicted of selling
intoxicating liquors contrary to law, although holding a permit
to sell.
--An ungrateful nephew, a mere youth, named James S. Johnson, rob
his aunt at Council Bluffs of $500 and left for parts unknown.
-- Bentley F. Osborne, an old resident of Altoona, Polk county,
committed suicide May 1st by cutting his throat with a razor. He
had been in poor health for more than a year. His long illness,
with its necessary expenses, proved a severe drain upon his means
so much so that a short time since he was compelled to sell his
team with which he was accustomed to gain a livelihood. These
troubles preyed upon his mind until it became unsettled, and in
his brooding melancholy he indulged in all manner of fancy.
LOCAL NEWS
-- James Tobin of Ruthven is a candidate for postmaster of that
town and should he received the appointment would make a good
officer.
-- H. P. Christenson formerly of West Bend has bought out the
photograph gallery of J. M. Harris and will be pleased to have
all needing work in his line of business to call on him. Mr.
Christenson had a very good trade in West Bend but concluded he
would rather live in Emmetsburg where he would have a larger
field to work in. We understand he is a splendid workman. His
card appears in another column. Read it and when you want
anything in his line, call on him.
-- The Star Barber Shop has been removed to rooms over the drug
store of Cady & Shea and the situation is a very pleasant
one. Mr. Metz the proprietor has fitted up the new shop in a
manner that would be a credit to any town and to say that
everything is in tip top style, is putting it very mildly. Mr.
Metz being a splendid workman has naturally built up a large
practice and it is with pleasure we note his improvements in his
line of trade.
-- Mr. A. W. Utter of this place, has purchased one half interest
in the Reporter and will soon abandon his position as postal
clerk on the Milwaukee Road, and devote his entire time in the
future to journalism. Mr. Utter has resided in Emmetsburg for a
number of years. He is a gentleman in every respect and the
possessor of fine abilities. He was, in times gone by, the editor
of the Reporter, and during that time the paper was respected by
everyone in the county. For some times past, the Reporter through
ignorance, stupidity and dudeism, has almost sunk into oblivion,
being discarded as entirely worthless by a vast number of our
citizens. Mr. Utter, when he takes possession, will act as a
balance wheel as it were, and will then proceed to resurrect that
paper from the gutter where it has fallen, and place it once more
in a position that the brethren of the press will not be ashamed
to recognize it.
-- D. W. Burlingame will take A. W. Uttter’s position as
postal clerk on the Milwaukee road when the latter gentleman
resigns.
-- C. E. Cohoon's dwelling in the southwest part of town was
destroyed by fire on last Thursday night. The building was
formally occupied by C. R. Graham, and since Mr. Graham's absence
from Emmetsburg has been wholly unoccupied. The deed was
perpetrated, in all probability, by some heartless fiend who had
a personal grudge against Mr. Cohoon, although it was supposed
that Mr. Cohoon had few if any enemies in Emmetsburg. A person
who will set fire to your neighbor's property, poison his dog and
maim his domestic animals in order that he may "get
even," is a person that would commit murder if he had an
opportunity. We sincerely trust and hope that the party who
committed this heinous crime may be caught and full justice meted
out to him.
West Bend
-- M. L. Brown is building another house to rent in the north
part of town is the depot. He has several now, and keeps building
as fast as homes are required.
-- J. T. Lacey is talking of moving the skating rink down on his
farm.
DIED
At the home of her parents in Emmetsburg, Iowa, on Friday, May
8th, 1885, of consumption, Miss Anna Patton, aged 17 years.
SUPERVISORS PROCEEDINGS
Adjourned Session of the County Board
Board of Supervisors convened at Auditor’s office in
Emmetsburg, on the fourth day of May 1885, as per adjournment.
Members all present.
Minutes of February and April sessions of Board were read and
approved.
Widow A. Dunnegan appeared before the Board requesting them to
assist her support, and on motion she was allowed $5.00 per month
for the months of May, June, July and August, and the auditor
instructed to issue warrants on the relief fund monthly.
On motion of adjourned until 1 p.m.
Afternoon: Board met pursuant to adjournment. All present.
The hour having arrived for the final hearing on the application
of Benjamin Franklin for a permit to sell intoxicating liquors,
and there being no objection, it is hereby ordered by the board
of supervisors of Palo Alto county, that Benjamin Franklin be,
and he is hereby permitted to sell intoxicating liquors in
accordance with law, in the building occupied by him, situated on
lot No 9, of block No 7, in the village of West Bend, in Palo
Alto county, State of Iowa.
Board granted petition of citizens of Fern Valley township asking
the county to build a bridge over Prairie creek, near J. B.
Martin’s Farm and appointed W. M. Amos, committee to accept
the same when completed -- provided said bridge does not cost the
county more than $100, warrant to be drawn on the bridge fund, on
the order of Mr. Amos, when completed.
On motion of adjourned sine die.
Attest:
W H H Booth, Auditor.
Charles Gibson, Chairman.
Emmetsburg Democrat, Palo Alto Co, IA; Wednesday, May 20,
1885
IOWA CONDENSED
-- S. W. Hobbs has been appointed postmaster at storm Lake, vice
W. L. Vestal, suspended.
-- Ike Morrell, of Pomeroy, has purchased the Arlington hotel,
Fort Dodge; consideration, $15,000.
-- In a row between two saloon keepers of Princeton, Scott
County, John Stevenson seized a gun and perforated E. D. Smith
with shot. Thus far the doctors have taken one hundred and
sixty-eight shot from the body of Smith, who, at last count, was
still alive, but in a critical condition. Sixty-eight of the
shots were found in Smith's head, and an even hundred in his
back.
-- Little Daisy Hammitt, was killed in Des Moines by an accident
that was peculiarly distressing. Two little girls were out
playing, when Daisy was accidentally struck on the head with
something in the hands of the other little girl, the blow cutting
through the hair and scalp. She lingered a couple of days when
death came to her relief. She was only three years old.
-- The case of Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper against Mills county is now
occupying the attention of the Avoca court. Mrs. Cooper sues the
county for $60,000 damages, caused by the breaking down of a
bridge over which she was driving, sustaining injuries that have
crippled her for life.
-- Loren Walte was instantly killed by the cars at Des Moines on
the evening of the 11th. He was only 12 years old.
-- Michael Laughlin, a farmer near Ackley, dropped dead from
heart disease while at work in his cornfield.
LOCAL NEWS
-- We understand that John Hammond has leased the livery and feed
stable owned by John Beggs and will take possession of the same
about June 1st. This barn is in a fine location and Mr. Hammond
should receive a liberal patronage from our people.
-- Fred Brown who resided with his parents on Jack creek, Vernon
township, died Saturday morning of lung affection. About one week
ago his team ran away with him and in his efforts to stop them
was precipitated to the ground. He received some internal
injuries, in all probability, which caused his death. The funeral
was attended here from the Congregational church last Sabbath,
the Reverend O. P. Champlin officiating.
DIED
In Vernon township, on Saturday, May 16, 1885, Fred Brown, aged
18 years.
In West Bend on Monday, May 18, 1885, George Baker, aged 60
years.
Obituary.
Miss Anna Patton died at the home of her parents at Emmetsburg,
May 8th. Miss Anna was a bright and intelligent girl, a smart
scholar and a true christian. She left a fond father, loving
mother, three brothers and four sisters, besides a host of
friends and acquaintances to mourn her death. She was one of
Emmetsburg's fairest daughters. She had lived a virtuous, mild
and gentle life, and died a happy death. She was a model young
lady and it would be well if all would follow her example through
life. She had been respected by all who knew her. Her remains
were born to the cemetery by a very large procession. The funeral
service was conducted by Rev J. J. Smith. May her soul rest in
peace.
Subscriber.
West Bend
-- Ben McFarland has traded for the property owned by Frank
McGinnis. Frank contemplates going to Dakota.
Emmetsburg Democrat, Palo Alto Co, IA; Wednesday, May 27,
1885
IOWA CONDENSED
-- Twp sons of J. C. Scott, who with his family were removing
from Marshall county, Iowa, to Nebraska, were drowned in a deep
creek near Kearney, Neb., a few evenings ago. The accident was
caused by water breaking through the fence. Hard work saved the
rest of the family, consisting of husband and wife and a boy. The
ages of the victims were 10 and 12 years. Both bodies were found
less than a mile from the scene of the calamity. The persons were
moving to a point west of Plum Creek. All their personal effects,
including $300, are lost. Ample means were received to defray the
necessary expenses.
-- An insane man named Landreth entered the office of W.T.
Wright, loan agent, in Dubuque and picking up a chair commenced a
murderous assault on Wright, who was knocked down and severely
beaten. The latter's cries attracted help and after a hard
struggle Landreth was secured and taken to jail. Mr. Wright
sustained a number of severe cuts and was covered with blood. But
for the timely assistance he would undoubtedly have been killed.
-- Dr. E. D. Cross, under sentence of death for murder, but now
in jail at Glenwood, is reported as slowly but surely dying. He
is failing rapidly, and it is stated that unless he is removed
from his present confinement, he cannot survive the remainder of
the month. As yet, the court has issued no order for his removal
to the penitentiary.
-- The town of Walcott is in a state of excitement over the
suicide of Robert Franzer, a well-to-do young German, who hung
himself in his barn. The act was caused by disappointment in a
love affair.
-- A. L. Thornton, county recorder of Pocahontas County, died of
paralysis and Fonda on the 18th
LOCAL NEWS
-- P.C. Hart will soon occupy the DeShields house on the south
side of the track.
-- At the last meeting of the Northwestern Medical Association,
Dr. J. C. Davies was chosen president. The next meeting will be
held at Spirit Lake, July 14th.
-- A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Terwilliger, of
Fairfield township, on the 19th inst.
-- It is rumored that Capt. Wildrick, formerly of Emmetsburg, is
now in jail at Pierre, Dakota, charged with bigamy.
-- One evening last week as Mr. Frost's little boy was trying to
climb on a heavily loaded wagon, he slipped and fell, one of the
wheels of the wagon passing over him. At first it was thought he
had been killed, after a while he showed signs of life and Dr.
Powers was sent for, under whose care of the little fellow is now
getting along nicely.
[transcribed by C.J.L., May, 2007]