Iowa Old Press

Ruthven Free Press
Ruthven, Palo Alto, Iowa
Jan 7, 1920

Mrs. Kate Walsh
    On New Year's morning at 2??, Mrs. Kate Walsh breathed her last at the hospital at Spencer. Her death was due to dropsy. She had been in the hospital taking treatment for fourteen weeks but to no avail. The remains were brought to Ruthven, where on Saturday morning they were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery, funeral services being conducted by Rev. P.J. Connolly from the Sacred Heart church. Mrs. Walsh was born in Ireland in August, 1856. When six years old she came to America with her parents and in the year 1871 she came to Iowa, settling in Clay County. Mr. Walsh died in February 1914 since when Mrs. Walsh had successfully managed the home farm until a little over a year ago, when her health began to fail, and she moved to Ruthven. She was of a cheerful disposition, a woman who lived with ??? for her children, showing them every attention and always having them uppermost in her thoughts. She had a large circle of friends in the locality in which she resided for so many years. She leaves to mourn her loss two sons, Joe and Will, both of Ruthven, and two daughters, Katie of Ruthven and Mrs. Joe Reardon of Dickens. The Free Press extends to them sincere sympathy.

STILL KEEPING UP OUR REPUTATION.
    Ruthven still keeps up her reputation for one robbery every week or ten days. The two latest victims have been the Archer Garage and Implement Shop and the Berg & Brennan Store. On Saturday night, December 27 the Archer building was entered through a rear window which was broken out, and some casings, spark plugs, and other automobile accessories taken, the exact amount of which Mr. Archer was unable to estimate. On last Saturday night January third, the Berg and Brennan store was entered by way of the coal chute after which the cellar way door on the inside was forced. The shoe stock, and the men's ties were given particular attention by the thieves but they did pause at the register long enough to relieve it of what cash it contained. We can't make any comment on the above facts that will be forceful enough to fit the occasion, so we will not try, and anyway we would just have to do it over again next week as someone is sure to be cupped next Saturday night.

OUR NEW DEPOT
    It begins to look as if Ruthven were to have a new depot in the spring, without fail. Due to numerous inquiries made of him, and also from a natural personal, Agent C.E. Powers wrote to headquarters at Mason City to see if he could get something definite in the shape of information. The following excerpt from the reply which he received will interest Ruthven readers:
    "For your information I will say that the General Manager has approved of the plan that a depot like Postville be furnished at Ruthven with a larger office. The intention is, if things go as they do at the present time, to commence building about March 1st."
    The depot at Postville is of brick and stucco, modern in every way, with furnace, two waiting rooms, and everything that makes a modern up-to-date depot. R.H. Jones, assistant superintendent, informed Mr. Powers that the blue prints for our new depot were all prepared at the present time, and were now in the office at Mason City, awaiting the time of action.

ANOTHER BUSINESS CHANGE
    Another business change took place in Ruthven Monday when the Harold Blugg Meat Market became the property of Mr. Homer K. Drenner of Spencer. Mr. Drenner with his family will move to Ruthven in the near future and will take possession of the Market on January 13. Mr. Drenner has been associated with the Spencer News-Herald for about two years. We understand that Mr. Blugg contemplates remaining in the butcher business but will look for another location.

SPENCER MAN BUYS UNDERTAKING BUSINESS.
    A business change was made last week whereby Roy L. Cobb of the Cobb Undertaking Parlors of Spencer purchased the Thos Logan Undertaking business at Ruthven.
    Mr. Cobb announces that he will operate the business with the same personal attention and efficiency which has prevailed in the past by Mr. Logan.
    The Cobb Undertaking Parlors are widely known because of the high standards of services rendered which include full motor equipment and Ruthven and vicinity are fortunate in having this extended to them.
    The stock of funeral goods has been moved to the Kennedy Bldg. and a complete line will be carried at all times in Ruthven.
    Mr. Logan is among the pioneer business men of Ruthven and gives the Cobb Undertaking Parlors his unqualified endorsement.
    Ruthven Phone No. 16.
    Spencer Phone No. 186.

TAKES A PARTNER.
    S.A. Wigdahl has taken a partner in business in the person of his brother, Carl, who has recently returned from Iowa City where he has been attending the university. The partnership has already been effected and Carl has taken up his work. The firm will hereafter be known as the Wigdahl Bros. Hardware. Selmar has done exceptionally well since entering the hardware business and now with Carl on the job to assist him, will be able to give even better serviced than before in this line.

MARRIED IN DES MOINES.
    On New Year's day in Des Moines occurred the marriage of Mr. Dwight Kooker, a son of Mr. L.W. Kooker of Des Moines and Miss Emma Toreson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.K. Toreson of Lost Island Township. The young couple will soon return to this locality and will make their future home here, the groom is as sturdy young farmer having worked with his brothers in Lost Island township for many years. The bride is one of the charming young ladies of Lost Island township and has a large circle of friends who will join us in wishing her a happy wedded life.

LOCAL AND PERSONAL.
    Mrs. G.W. McDonald is in Columbus, Ohio, where she went to attend the funeral of her nephew.
    Miss Margaret Grady and Neil Foley returned the last of the week to Sioux Falls where they teach school.
    Mr. and Mrs. Homer K. Drenner of Spencer were over Sunday visitors at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. King of this city.
    Miss Etta Holmgren returned to Ida Grove the last of the week after a few days visit at her home near Ruthven.
    Tom Archer returned to Cedar Rapids the last of the week. He had been spending a few days Christmas vacation at the home of his mother.
    Mr. and Mrs. T.E. McDevitt, of Sioux City, were New Year's visitors at the home of her mother, Mrs. Susan Currans.
    Magnus Nelson has purchased the J.P. Johnson residence in the north part of town. He will take possession March first.
    A letter from Rudyard, Mont., in which C.B. Jackson sends regards to all his Ruthven friends, states that the weather there is exceptionally good for this time of year. They have no snow at all. Mr. Jackson is at present engaged in putting up ice.
    F.B. Sterce returned to Scotland, S.D., the last of the week to resume his school duties. Mrs. Sterce returned to Chicago a few days before where she is also engaged in teaching. They spent the Holidays visiting relatives in Ruthven.
    Dave Modiset went to Iowa City Monday evening where he will attend the bankers short course on the Income Tax Law. He will return the last of the week and will be chock full of knowledge concerning the Income Tax.
    Mrs. Marinus Anderson of Clarison was in Ruthven the first of the week visiting at the home of her aunt Mrs. Andrew Hermansen. Mr. Anderson has recently purchased the creamery at Clarion.
    A letter from August Anderson states they are enjoying ideal summer weather at their ranch in Palmdale, Flo. We are glad to know that someone is enjoying the weather at this time of year.
    Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Christiansen and family left last week for their new home in Cumberland, Wis. Mr. Christiansen has rented a farm near that city.
    Mrs. J.B. Willis had the misfortune to fall on a cement sidewalk Saturday evening, receiving a bad bump on the head. No serious injuries will result.
    Howard Tripp went to Algona on Tuesday of last week and drove back a new Mitchell Light Six, which car he has the agency for. It certainly is a beauty.
    Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hanna of Presbo, S.D. are in this city visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.M. Hanna.
    A.M. Smith will leave the first of next week for Gentry, Ark., where he will spend the remainder of the winter.
    Mr. Arthur Simonson and Mr. Arthur Christensen, both of Lost Island township, have gone to Kansas City where they have entered the Rahs Auto and Tractor School. They expect to take complete courses in Automobile Mechanics and Tractor Engineering.
    For Sale - A number of Plymouth Rock cockerels, $2.00 each. Inquire of Mrs. W.F. Currans. Phone B-2.
    Miss Dolly Holland returned to her home at Laurens Monday after visiting for several days at the home of her friend, Miss Emma Rosacker.
    Mr. Shonig and Miss Anderson of Hampton, Iowa, who had been visiting for several days at the home of his aunt, Mrs. D. Rossaker in this city returned home Saturday.
    H.F. Cain left for Iowa City Monday morning to represent the First National Bank at the bankers short course on the Income Tax Law. Both of the local banks are sending representatives to this short course at their own expense that they may clearly explain the complications of this law to their customers.
    Mrs. and Mrs. Mike Carrigan and children with the exception of one son William left the first of last week for their new home at Pipestone, Minn. Mr. Carrigan has purchased a forty acre farm near that city. We wish them success in their new home. William will remain in Ruthven until the close of the present school year.
    The Stork was quite busy in this locality last week, and several homes were made happy. The births that occurred last week as reported by Dr. Baldwin were: Mr. and Mrs. Jorgen Knutson, a girl; Mr. and Mrs. Frank O. Clair, a girl; Mr. and Mrs. Olin Watt, a boy; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Olson, a girl; Mr. and Mrs. Barney Sampson, a boy; and Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Carlson, a boy.
    One of the most pleasant social events of the season was the party given in honor of Raymond DePue on Friday evening, January 2nd, at the W.H. DePue home. Raymond, who is home spending a two weeks' vacation from Cedar Rapids Business College.  The evening was spent in Music and games after which light refreshments were served. About forty were present.
    Mr. Lars Larson suffered a severe stroke of paralysis Friday. He had been doing some work in the new Thatcher residence and Mr. Thatcher discovered what had happened to him when he went to the house to replenish the fires shortly before noon. He was taken to his home at once, and though he was in a critical condition for some time, he seems to be gaining now, and every hope is entertained for his recovery.

ELK LAKE.
    Mrs. Kate Walsh passed away at the Spencer hospital Jan. 1st. She was fifty-seven years old and leaves four  children to mourn a loving mother. Two daughters Mrs. Mamie Reardon who lives on a farm southwest of Ruthven and Mrs. Katie Joseph and William Walsh lived with their mother in Ruthven. Mrs. Walsh was for many years a resident in this vicinity. The funeral was held from the Catholic church in Ruthven and was attended by many old neighbors and friends. The remains were laid to rest in the family lot beside her husband in the Catholic cemetery at Ruthven.
    Mr. and Mrs. Alex Monk motored to Spencer Friday to accompany the remains of Mrs. Walsh to her home in Ruthven.

NOTICE - No hunting or trespassing will be allowed on the southeast quarter of Section 17, Highland township. C.W. Hansen.

FOR SALE - My residence property known as the Keeper property in the northwest part of Ruthven. 7 room house, city waster and cistern. Barn or garage. Inquire of Mrs. P. Ostrum, Spencer, Iowa.
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HANLEY MEEK
Barber Shop
Expert work and excellent
treatment. For nice clean
shave or a neat hair cut
call and see us.
---
RUTHVEN DRAY LINE
Baggage, Dray and
Transfer Line.
 Prompt and Efficient
Service Guaranteed.
G.W. OSTERSON.
---
DRAYING
All kinds of draying
and hauling done
Work left in my care
Will receive prompt
attention.
Albert Hermansen.
Phone 175.

Ruthven Free Press
Ruthven, Palo Alto, Iowa
Wednesday, Jan 14, 1920

FARM SALE DATES

January 21...........LeGrand Goff
January 22...........E.A. Calkins
January 27...........F.J. Carpenter
January 28...........H.C. Butterbaugh
February 5..........P.G. Hansen

LeGrand Goff.
    On January 21 Mr. Goff will hold a closing out farm sale on the Wilmer Goff farm two miles north of Ruthven. He has an exceptionally good line of stuff, and everything will be sold as he is moving to Ruthven.

E.A. Calkins.
    On January 22, Mr. E.A. Calkins will hold a closing out farm sale on the old Stokes place just west of the race track in Ruthven. Mr. Calkins has purchased a farm in Wisconsin and will move there shortly after his sale. He is offering some very good stock including 20 head of his pure bred Duroc-Jersey hogs.

F.J. Carpenter.
    Mr. F.J. Carpenter will hold a closing out farm sale on his farm six miles southwest of Ruthven on Tuesday January 27. He has rented his farm and will quit farming. Mr. Carpenter has a good list of stock and machinery.

H.C. Butterbaugh
    The H.C. Butterbaugh sale will be held on January 28 on his farm 3 miles east and 2 miles south of Ruthven. He is contemplating leaving the state and his list of stock and machinery, which is a good one, will be closed out to the highest bidder.

P.G. Hansen
    On February 5, Mr. P.G. Hansen will hold a closing out sale at his place 4 miles west and 2 miles south of Ruthven and 2 miles east and 2 miles south of Dickens. He will leave the farm in the spring and his large list of stock and machinery will be closed out.

A SURPRISE PARTY
    About twenty of the old-timers of Ruthven drove out to the home of Frank Bradley on Monday evening and gave them a delightful surprise. All enjoyed the evening playing games until a late hour when the well-filled baskets were brought forth and supper was served; after which all bid Mr. and Mrs. Bradley goodnight, declaring Brad's the place to go for a good time. Those present were Mr.and Mrs. E. Goff, Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Calkins, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Willis, Mr. and Mrs. W. Willis, Mr. and Mrs. S.S. Burditt, Mr. and Mrs. C. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. P. Simington, Mr. and Mrs. F. Mason and Mr. and Mrs. G.S. Estabrook.

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    The installation of the new officers of Highland Lodge 487 A.F. & A.M. of Ruthven, Iowa, was held Tuesday evening, January 6th, 1920, at the Masonic Hall. The following officers were installed:
    Donald C. Logan, Worshipful Master.
    Dr. J.L. Minor, Senior Warden.
    R.L. Logan, Junior Warden.
    J.A. Berg, Treasurer.
    J.H. Thatcher, Secretary.
    D.L. Modisette, Senior Deacon.
    P.H. Groezkruger, Junior Deacon.
    D.A. Gates, Senior Steward.
    J. Ward Sanford, Junior Steward.
    Jas. Ruthven, Tiler.
    Dr. G. Baldwin, Jno. F. Petree and D.L. Modisette, trustees.
    C.A. Reeley, M. Nelson, O.B. Sampson, Finance Committee.
    Dr. Baldwin, installing officer.

LOCAL AND PERSONAL.
    Ole Gargo was transacting business in Spencer Thursday.
    E.P. Barringer was on the sick list several days last week.
    J.H. Thatcher went to West Bend Friday for a brief visit at the home of his father.
    J.J. Brown and Wm. Brennan went to Emmetsburg Saturday to transact business.
    Grant Rice went to Cherokee Thursday to attend the funeral of Mrs. J.N. Rice who died recently.
    A baby girl arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Butterbaugh Thursday. We congratulate them.
    John Moan arrived in this city from LeMars Wednesday. He will run his father's farm, the Wm. Moan place, a few miles southeast of Ruthven.
    Miss Ella Thomas, cook in the Rex Cafe, is enjoying a vacation and is spending it visiting relatives in Farley, Iowa.
    Miss Luella Riley went to Havelock Sunday for an over-Sunday visit at the home of her parents.
    T.J. Brennan went to Des Moines Tuesday for several days business visit.
    Joe Hastings and R.A. Walteds are making daily trips to Emmetsburg this week, as they are members of the jury.
    Mr. L.H. Sporan is confined to his home and has been quite ill for some time. We hope to see him out again soon.
    Mrs. J.H. Anderson is about again after being confined to her home for several weeks.
    Ed Broekrem has moved onto the new farm which he purchased several miles northwest of Ruthven.
    An interesting news item consists of the fact that there was no robbery in Ruthven Saturday night. At least none that has been reported.
    Mrs. J.E. Petree underwent an operation in the hospital at Iowa the last of the week. The operation was more serious than was at first expected, but we are glad to report that it is considered successful.
    The W.H.M.S. of the M.E. Church will hold their regular January meeting at the home of Mrs. T.M. Hanna. A full attendance is desired. The hostesses are Mrs. R. L. Logan and Mrs. T.M. Hanna. By order of the Secretary.
   Mr. and Mrs. Homer Eaton are the proud parents of a baby boy. He arrived on Monday and weighed ten pounds. Congratulations.
    William Washington came home from Iowa City Sunday evening where he had been attending school. He had been vaccinated and was so sick afterward that he was compelled to come home to rest up for a time.
    Leonard Spaulding suffered a broken arm one day last week when he was thrown from his sled. He was crossing the Milwaukee tracks in Ruthven, when, in some way one of  his runners caught in the rail, tipping it, and throwing Mr. Spaulding out.
    Mrs. H.K. Drenner and little baby of Spencer are visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. King. The Drenner family will move to Ruthven in the near future, as Mr. Drenner has purchased the Blagg meat market and will take possession January 17.
    Mr. Brechwaldt went to Ft. Dodge Monday to transact business. He will go to Cherokee from there to visit relatives. Mrs. Brechwaldt has been in Cherokee visiting for some time.
    On January 1, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R.S. Stoneman, in Hastings, Minn., occurred the death of Mrs. W.H. McCune, who will be remembered by many of the older people here as being one of the pioneer residents of this vicinity. Her husband and four daughters survive her.
    Chas. Winn, who has been working at the ice hauling met with a painful accident Friday. A cake of ice fell on his foot, crushing it quite badly.
    John Bruch was transacting business in Waterloo several days last week. We understand that the Bruck family may decide to move to Waterloo.
    Fred Smith went to Des Moines Wednesday to accompany Mrs. Smith home. Mrs. Smith had been there for several days seeking medical advice.
    Mr. and Mrs. Joe Weaver of near Cass Lake, Minn., came to Ruthven Saturday evening in response to a telegram announcing the serious illness of their son, George. He is much better at present.
    A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Nurse of Estherville last Sunday. Mrs. Nurse is a sister of Mrs. Ray Barringer, and will be remembered in Ruthven as Miss Emery, a former employee of the Free Press office.
    The ice harvest has been on in Ruthven for the past ten days under the leadership of T.L. Jackson. Most of the ice houses have been filled and some has been shipped out. The ice this year is of a very good quality and average about twenty-two inches thick.
   

ELK LAKE.
    Miss Margaret Waldron and Miss Mary Waldron exchanged schools for a couple of weeks. Miss Mary taking the Parker school and Miss Margaret the Wichman school. The children are doing very nicely with their school work in both schools.
    Vera Marie is the name given to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Nisson, born Jan. 9, 1920. Congratulations.
    The Vanderhoff family is the possessor of a new Victrola of which they are quite proud.
    The Thelman family expect to move south of Dickens on the farm now occupied by Mr. Fred Anderson.
   
Ruthven Free Press
Ruthven, Palo Alto, Iowa
Jan 28, 1920

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
    Notice of the appointment of Thos. K. Rierson as administrator with the will annexed of the estate of Kalon Rierson.
    STATE OF IOWA, Palo Alto County, ss.
    Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been duly appointed and qualified as administrator of the estate of Kalon Rierson, late of Palo Alto county, deceased. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and those having claims against said estate will file them with the clerk of the District Court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance.
    THOS. K. RIERSON.
    Administrator of said Estate
    Dated Jan. 20, 1920
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    C.W. Simmons went to Spencer Tuesday morning. He was summoned there by the department of War Risk Insurance to undergo an examination. He had spinal meningitis while in the service from which he has never fully recovered.
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    Laurens Lady in Wreck.
    A Great Western passenger train was wrecked near St. Joseph, Missouri, recently when several people were killed and over eighty seriously injured. Among those seriously injured was Mrs. E.V. Toomey, better known as Miss Ethel Saum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Saum of this place. She was injured about the head and at last reports was still in a very serious condition but it was thought that she would recover.-- Sun.
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POWERS - JOHNSON
    Mrs. Barbara Powers of this city and J.P. Johnson of Ruthven, Iowa, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony at high noon today at the parish home of the Catholic church, Rev. G.P. Murphy officiating. The bride was attired in a beautiful slate gray gown of silk tricolette and was attended by her niece, Miss Bernetta Huey, who wore blue messaline. Leo Huey, nephew of the bride, acted as best man. Following the ceremony the bridal party went to the home of Mrs. Carl Huey, 616 Fourth St. N.W. where a four course wedding dinner was served. A program of piano selections was played during the dinner by Miss Viola Huey. There were twenty-six guests present. The rooms of the Huey home were artistically decorated with carnations and ferns. William Johnson of Sway City, Iowa was among the out of town guests. After a wedding trip which will include the cities of Milwaukee, Chicago, and other points they will be at home to their many friends in Ruthven, Ia. Mrs. Powers is well known in this vicinity. Mr. Johnson is a prominent business man of Ruthven and both have the best wishes of a host of friends-- Rochester Minn. Bulletin.

LOCAL AND PERSONAL.
    H.F. Cain has been having a siege of the flu. He is much better however at this writing.
    Mr. DeFrance, the meat cutter in the Drenner Market, went to Spencer Friday to finish moving his effects to Ruthven.
    John Collins of Emmetsburg is the new helper of the Milwaukee depot. He has had several years experience.
    Howard Tripp has been sick with the influenza and confined to his home for the past ten days. He is much improved at the present.
    We understand that Mr. Robert Earl has purchased the Albert Hermansen Dray Line and will take possession in March.
    Miss Frances Babcock of Dubuque arrived in this city Wednesday for a short visit at the home of her aunt, Miss Cora Babcock.
    Ernest McClelland has been operating his sawing outfit in the Ruthven vicinity for the past few weeks. He sawed 9,000 feet of lumber for MR. Rosewall, 8,000 feet for Carl Hanson, and 7,000 feet for Peter Iverson. He still has considerable sawing to do.
    Dr. ?. A. Ruthven arrived in this city Monday morning for a few days visit at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Ruthven. He is one of the faculty at Ann Arbor University, at Ann Arbor, Mich. He had been in Chicago attending an educational meeting. He will return to Ann Arbor Wednesday.
    Mrs. J.F. Hastings entertained at a one o'clock luncheon on Saturday in honor of her daughter, Miss Mary and Miss Fannie Nielson Ten guests were present. The luncheon was served in four courses. The young ladies enjoyed themselves during the afternoon with music, games, and a guessing contest. Mrs. J.H. Anderson assisted Mrs. Hastings in entertaining.
    Martin Simonson purchased a new Ford Motor truck last week. J.E. Osterhus made the sale. We predict that in a few years very few farms or farmers will be without Motor Trucks.
    Orlando Olson, eleven year old boy of Wallingford was instantly killed last week while coasting. He tumbled from his sled and was struck in the head by another sled, killing him instantly.
    Joe Nolan & Co. have installed a new counter and fixtures in their meat market. This improvement will greatly facilitate the work in their market.
    Ed Brand has purchased a new Traffic Truck of two ton capacity to use in his oil business. E.L. Archer made the sale.
   
   

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