Iowa Old Press

Palo Alto Reporter
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Friday, March 10, 1899

Friday Club.
    The Friday Club met with Mrs. George Baker on last Friday afternoon and devoted the time to the profitable consideration of their various topics. Parliamentary drill was conducted by Mrs. Geo. B. McCarty, in a skillful manner. These drills assume a practical character. Mrs. H.M. Case had an able article on the Polish struggle for national existence. Mrs. Belle Mayne had an article on the Armenian question, in which she portrayed the intense suffering of that people, because they would not forsake the Christian religion. The lesson in civics was conducted by Mrs. E.S. Ormsby, in a manner that showed a knowledge of the constitution and laws of the general government. Current events were discussed by the entire club in such a manner as to demonstrate that the ladies were conversant with the momentous events of the times. Mrs. E.J. Hartshorn read an article on Music, which was an acceptable number on the program.

Womans' Club.
    The Womans' Club met with Mrs. M.L. Brown on Monday afternoon, and held an instructive session. The lesson in English history, was conducted by Mrs. H.W. Beebe, in an acceptable manner. Parliamentary drill was conducted by Mrs. D.R. Alexander in a very practical and instructive manner. Mrs. W.T. Jackson had a paper on Queen Elizabeth, which was very finely written, and showed a knowledge of the history of that period. The Reformation of Scotland, was the subject of an article by Mrs. W.E.G. Saunders, in which she showed the impress of that period on the civilization of the world. Mrs. John Menzies' article on Mary Stuart, was also very instructive and was among the good things of the afternoon. The Reign of Queen Mary, was the subject of an article by Mrs. A.S. Ormsby. Her article was well written and demonstrated that she was conversant with the history of that period. Mrs. H.W. Beebe has a very strong article on religious persecution of that period of English history and Mrs. H.H. Jacobs as equally a good one on Lady Jane Grey. Mrs. O.W. Hodgkinson, had a biographical sketch of some historical character that added to the instructiveness of the session.

Hats for Easter Airing.
    The spring hats show that divided opinions possess the designers, as the new designs show styles, some of which may be worn on and some off the brow, the latter requiring a young and round face, while the former apparently hides some of the ravages of time. Flowers, plain and fancy ribbons, taffeta, tulle, net, quills, ostrich tips and feathers, buckles and fancy braid effects are prominent on the new hats.-- March Ladies' Home Journal.

A Fatal Epidemic.
An epidemic of measles followed by pneumonia, is prevalent among the children of Fairfield and Independence townships. It is of a very malignant type, and is proving fatal in many cases. The children first have a run of the measles, and after their constitutions have been weakened by this disease, pneumonia sets in and does its fatal work. A Mr. Silkey who resides north of John Higley's has lost two girls by the disease and at last reports another child was not expected to live. Alfred Matson's nine-year-old girl died from the same disease on March second, and was buried in the Fairville cemetery, a couple of days later, Mr. and Mrs. C. Betsche's little seven year old daughter died on last Saturday afternoon from the same disease. Her funeral took place on Monday and her remains were also interred in the Fairfield cemetery. We also understand that several of John Higley's children have the measles , and it is hoped that the pneumonia will not set in. The children of Charles Bleckwen have the whooping cough, and some of the symptoms have strong tendencies toward pneumonia.

Happily Wedded.
    The marriage of Vincent Higley and Martha Gohr took place in this city on Monday, March 6th, at 2:00 o'clock. The ceremony which united the happy couple was performed by Mayor Stuehmer, and was witnessed by a few friends of the bride and groom.
    The groom, Vincent Higley, is the son of John Higley, one of the well known and prosperous farmers of Fairfield township. He is a young man of sterling manhood, and is highly respected by all who know him.
    His bride, Miss Martha Gohr, now Mrs. Higley, is the daughter of Herman Gohr, a respected and well-to-do farmer of Fairfield. She is a young lady admired by all for her true womanly qualities. The Reporter joins the many friends of the young couple in wishing that their journey through life may be a happy and prosperous one. The young people will go to house-keeping on a farm in Independence township.

Obituary.
    The death of Mrs. Mary McNally occurred at her home in this city, on Friday morning, March 3, 1899, after an illness of less than a week's duration. The cause of Mrs. McNally's death was la grippe.
    Deceased was born in county Down, Ireland, over seventy-three years ago, but when a girl of twelve years she emigrated to America and settled in Wisconsin. In 1843, she was married to Myles McNally Sr., and in 1872 the family moved to Palo Alto county. Eight years ago her husband died, and now Mrs. McNally has been called to join him in the other world. She leaves a family of six children, namely, Mrs. John Joynt, Mrs. J.J. Kane, J. McNally, Patrick McNally, and Ed McNally, of this county and C.J. McNally of Austin, Minn.
     Mrs. McNally was a devoted member of the Catholic church, and was a faithful communicant of all its ministrations.
    The funeral took place from Assumption church, on Sunday morning, at 11:30 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. M.J. Costello. The remains were interred in St. John's cemetery.

[Note: My gg grandmother. Her maiden name was McDonel]

Entertainment at Cylinder.
There will be a literary and musical entertainment at the M.E. church in Cylinder, on Wednesday evening, March 15. Following is the program:
Chorus...................Selected.
Cylinder Glee Club
Dialogue.................Plenty of Proof.
Five Characters.
Recitation...............A Bad Case.
Gladys Yearous.
Organ solo with violin accompaniment The Misses Toole.
Recitation....................Where They Don't Feel any Cold.
Frank Satter.
Recitation....................Sunday on the Farm.
Otto Satter.
Quartette....................The Old Camping Ground.
Drill............................Mrs. Cantwell's School
Recitation.................. Them's my Sentiments Too.
Henry Wright.
Solo...........................The Church Across the Way.
Mrs. Hollineagle.
Recitation..................Mrs. Bingaum's Victory.
Amy Towle and N. Wright.
Recitation................The Organ Builder.
Adolph Jonnson
Organ solo with violin accompaniment Selected The Misses Toole.

Hero of Wicklow.
    On the Afternoon and evening of March 17th, the popular Irish play, John Driscoll, or the Hero of Wicklow, will be presented in Music Hall by home talent. The play will be given under the auspices of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The following is the cast of characters:
Captain Edward Gordon...........W.I. Branagan.
Squire Shannon.........................J.F. Neary.
John Driscoll.............................E.J. Doyle.
Barney Donovan.......................Joe Joyce.
Teddy Burke............................Will Conlon.
Tim Burns.................................James Brennan
Lieut. Rogers............................Clarke Meade.
Ileen Driscoll.............................Miss Anna Duffy.
Nellie Shannon..........................Miss Josie Dealy
Kate Kelly................................Miss Kittie Jackman
Mary........................................Miss Nora Joynt.
     The play is interesting and full of wit and humor, and is sure to be entertaining and pleasing. Those who take part in it are working hard, and it is safe to say that it will be rendered in an acceptable manner. General admission twenty-five cents reserved seats, thirty-five cents. No seats will be reserved for the afternoon.

THE SUNBEAM GALLERY.
CUT PRICES.
To introduce my work I will make Photographs at the following prices:
TWO WEEKS ONLY
Cabinets, per dozen...........................$2.50
Platinos, per dozen............................   3.50
Gem Cabinets, per dozen.................    1.50
All others in proportion.
    I guarantee my work to be first-class and to give satisfaction to the purchaser.
    Come in and give me a trial while these prices last.
    Yours Respectfully,
    A.E. FORSYTHE.

Palo Alto Reporter
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Friday, March 24, 1899

The Hero of Wicklow

    The Hero of Wicklow was presented in Music Hall on last Friday afternoon and evening [Friday, Mar 17! ] by local talent in a very acceptable manner. On each occasion the company was greeted by a large and appreciative audience. The play in itself, is not as good as some of those presented on similar occasions, but it is always a difficult task to select plays that combine real dramatic worth with simplicity of presentation so essential in a home talent company without adequate scenery.
    The scene of the play is laid in Wicklow, Ireland, in the latter part of the last century, made memorable by the heroic struggle which was put forth by the many sons of Erin, for liberty. The play portrayed the last smouldering embers of this struggle as presented in the real life of one of the last of these heroic leaders to yield to the inevitable and surrender to the English rule.
    W.I. Branagan took the part of Captain Edward Gordon, of her Majesty's forces, who when arriving in Ireland, and seeing the true state of things, and falling in love with a pretty Irish girl, he resigned his commission and left the army, and finally secured a pardon for the rebel leader, who was a former college chum, and a brother to his sweetheart. He rendered his part in a very acceptable manner.
    J.F. Neary took the part of Squire Shannon, in a creditable manner. His part was not a popular one as he was the heavy villain of the play, but it must have been well rendered for strangers in the audience repeatedly hissed his vehement denunciation of the Irish rebels, and their cause, taking it for his real sentiment.
    E.J. Doyle had the part of John Dricsoll, the young leader of the rebels. His part was one of the best in the play, and he performed it in an excellent manner.
    Joe Joyce was in his native element, as Barney Donovan, a sprig of the old sod, and gave a very good rendition of the Irish brogue in his part. He made love like a connoisseur, rather than an amateur.
    Will Conlon had an unpopular part, as Teddy Burke, the spy, but performed it in a popular manner. A villain or a spy in any play never receives the mead due to the merit of the performance.
    Miss Ann Duffy, as Helen Driscoll, the sister of the young rebel leader, had a very nice part, and performed it in her usual excellent manner. It was she won the heart of Captain Gordon, the English commander, who eventually secured a pardon for her brother.
    Miss Josie Dealy, as Nellie Shannon, the daughter of Squire Shannon, had a delicate and difficult part to perform, yet rendered it in a highly creditable manner. Her life had been saved by the young rebel and unconsciously she had given him her heart, and in common with Barney Donevan, planned to release Driscoll from prison. This was actually accomplished by Barney, who was fertile in schemes.
    Miss Kittie Jackman, as Kate Kelly, a servant in the Wicklow household, performed her part in an admirable manner. It was she and Barny Donovan that furnished the pleasantries and humorous parts of the play.
    James Brennan, as Tim Burns, a servant to Squire Shannon, and Miss Nora Joynt, as Mary, who acted in the same capacity, performed the duties assigned them, very nicely.
    Clark Meade, as a lieutenant, in her Majesty's service performed the duties of the commander of the British soldiers, after the resignation of Captain Gordon, in a loyal manner. He made a very good soldier, whose duty is to obey and not to think.
    Among the pleasant features of the evening were the songs by Miss Josie Dealey and Mr. Joe Joyce, which were rendered in an admirable manner.

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