Iowa Old Press

Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
March 2, 1921

Vincent Claer, son of Chris Claer, who was in the naval radio service, was
mustered out a few days ago.
He arrived home the first of the week. He enlisted in September. He reports
that 1700 other men were given their discharge papers.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Aug 2004]

-----

Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Wednesday, March 9, 1921

MRS. WILLIAM SHEA CALLED TO REWARD
She Was One of the Pioneer Teachers of Palo Alto County

Mrs. William Shea passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.C. Egan,
Monday evening after a rather brief illness, although she had been declining
in health for several years. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9
o'clock. Services will be conducted at the Assumption church. Rev. L.J.
Savage will officiate. The burial will be in St. John's cemetery.
Mary Ann Martin was born in the county of Dublin, Ireland, July 28, 1844.
Her age was 76. When she was three years old her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Martin, came to the United States and located at New Jersey where
they remained for three more years. In 1850 they moved west and settled in
the vicinity of Shullsburgh, Wisconsin. It was in that locality that Miss
Martin grew to womanhood. She received a good education and taught in her
home community for several years. In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Martin and their
daughter came to Palo Alto county and settled on a farm in Great Oak
township. Miss Martin taught school in this county a number of years. She
was one of the pioneer workers in the school rooms of this section. She was
capable, pleasing and successful and throughout her life her pupils were her
fast friends. June 6, 1874, Miss Martin was united in marriage to William
Shea. They lived in Nevada township for many years finally selling out and
building a home in this city. Mr. Shea passed away a number of years ago.
Mrs. Shea spent some time with her son Leo at Deer Lodge, Montana, but, her
health failing, she returned to Emmetsburg and subsequently lived with her
daughter, Mrs. C.C. Egan. She is survived by three sons and one daughter.
The sons are attorney T.F. Shea of Billings, Montana, Joseph of the Twin
Cities and Leo of Emmetsburg. The only daughter, Mrs. C.C. Egan of Great Oak
township, is well known to our many local readers. A brother, J.S. Martin,
resides in Emmetsburg and a brother, James Martin, and a sister, Mrs. Thomas
Shea, live at Ayrshire.
Mrs. Shea was a humble, amiable, warm hearted Christian woman. She was
widely known for her cheery manner, her good nature, and her genuine,
unaffected hospitality. She was always glad to speak well of her associates
and neighbors and to be of substantial service to them when they needed her
assistance. Her early experience in school work enabled her to take a
special interest in many matters that were not of particular concern to some
with whom she mingled. She was a practical, devoted member of her church.
She always gave to religion the high place it should hold in the motives and
the lives of a people. She was eager to make her home happy and life
agreeable to those about her. For fifty years she contributed liberally and
willingly, by her sunny nature and her hopeful anticipations, to the
elevating, strengthening social and Christian sentiment that has had such
influence for good in the activities of the people of our community. All
that is mortal of this worthy, honored Christian lady will soon be consigned
to a quiet resting place in St. John's cemetery but her edifying example,
her earnest admonitions and her kind, helpful deeds will long survive in the
hearts of those who knew her well and who respected her for her womanly
virtues. The sincere sympathy of all is extended to the three sons, the
daughter, and the brothers and sister in their bereavement.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Aug 2004]

-----

Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Wednesday, March 16, 1921

JOHN DRUMMY DIES IN HOSPITAL
The Funeral Was Held in This City on Tuesday Forenoon

    John Drummy, who was ill for some time, passed away at Rochester, Minnesota, last Saturday. The remains were brought to this city on Sunday. The funeral was held on Tuesday. Services were conducted at St. Thomas church, Rev. William Drummy of Rantoul, Illinois, a nephew of Mr. Drummy, celebrating a requiem high mass. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. The Knights of Columbus and the members of the Catholic Order of Foresters attended in a body. Mr. Drummy belonged to both organizations. The pall bearers were M.F. Kerwick, Ed McNally, Dan Burns, John O'Brien, P.C. Jackman and Charles Nolan.
    Mr. Drummy was born in the state of New York June 29, 1885 [Note: this date is incorrect and should probably be June 29, 1857 as per 1900 census]. His age was 65. His parents came to Dubuque county when he was a child. Afterwards they moved to Delaware county. They lived in the vicinity of Castle Grove for many years. Mr. Drummy was united in marriage to Mary E. McLaughlin, April 2, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Drummy came to Emmetsburg over thirty years ago. They subsequently made their home in this city. Mr. Drummy is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters. The son is John Drummy, well known to our many local readers. The daughters are Mrs. O.W. Lans of Chicago, Mrs. W.P. McNally and Mrs. F.A. McCarty of Emmetsburg and Mrs. Frank Stookey of Kirksville, Missouri.
    Mr. Drummy was a traveling salesman for a number of years and he also served as a city marshal for quite a long time. Several years ago he opened a grocery store. He enjoyed a substantial patronage and built up a profitable business, which is still conducted on North Broadway.
    Mr. Drummy was deservedly esteemed as a business man, a citizen and a Christian gentleman. He was a far seeing, provident husband, a kind, considerate, loving father and a patriotic member of our community. Though his physical constitution would not permit him to perform laborious duty, he  ????? best to give to the members of his family all of the advantages in life that his means could provide and he contributed creditably to every worthy local enterprise. He was painstaking and careful in his business dealings and his numerous patrons always felt that he had tried to treat them justly. He was courteous and obliging and he would go to the limit to accommodate a friend. He practiced moderation in his habits and he was a faithful and loyal member of his church. He read current literature closely and he kept well posted on home and general affairs. We prized Mr. Drummy's friendship and on many occasions, we felt deeply indebted to him for his loyal support and his hearty good will. he will be missed as a business man and as a useful member of our community. Mrs. Drummy and the other surviving members of his family have the sincere sympathy of our numerous readers in their bereavement.
    Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral of Mr. Drummy were Rev. William Drummy of Rantoul, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. A. Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. T.H. McLaughlin, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dakens, Joseph and Charles McLaughlin and Miss Page, all of Fonda, Mr. and Mrs. McEnimy of Minneapolis, Mrs. Ed Burns and son of DeSmet, S.D., Miss Agnes McLaughlin of Minneapolis, Vincent Drummy of Ryan, Iowa, Mrs. Sam Drummy of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stookey of Kirksville, Missouri.

THE LATE JOHN BRANAGAN
The Burial Was At Lawler Last Sunday Forenoon.

    The funeral of John Branagan, brother of W.I. Branagan, who died at Libby, Montana, on Tuesday of last week, was held at Lawler on Sunday, Father O'Brien, the pastor, officiating. He celebrated a requiem high mass. The burial was in the parochial cemetery. There was a large attendance of relatives and old neighbors. The previous Thursday morning the services were conducted in the Catholic church at Libby, the pastor Father L.J. McRory, officiating.
    John Branagan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Branagan, who located at Clermont, Iowa, in 1856, was born at that place on August 4, 1859. His age was 61. he was the third son of a family of six sons and three daughters. In 1875 the family moved to Lawler. After attending the Breckenridge Business College at Decorah for some time, John went west in 1881. He engaged in gold mining. Some years later he located a very promising property some distance from Libby. A company was organized and a stamp mill was built and operated successfully for a number of years. The latter part of his life was spent in the development and improvement of his property. His health failed last summer but he was reluctant to leave the scenes where he had spent so many active and interesting years. He is survived by four brothers and one sister. The brothers are Patrick and James A., of Lawler, W.I. of Emmetsburg, and E.A. of Colman, South Dakota. The only sister, Miss Maria Branagan, resides at Lawler.
     Mr. Branagan was a quiet, unpretentious man. He was observing, careful and prudent and his judgment backed by forty years of experience, was considered valuable in the line in which he applied himself. He as economical and conservative and his integrity never questioned. His habits were above reproach. His associates respected him for his motives and he had many loyal friends among those who engaged in mining, as well as among business people, who had large dealings with him. His affectionate regard of his parents, brothers and sister never grew cold. [rest of article missing.]

MISS LITTLETON FOUND NOT GUILTY
She Was Indicted for Burning Her Stock of Millinery at Ruthven

    The case of the State vs. Miss Lulu Littleton, who was indicted for burning her stock of millinery goods at Ruthven on the night of October 21, was tried yesterday. The case, after the evidence of  the state was presented, was taken from the jury by Judge Lee and a verdict for the plaintiff was directed. Miss Littleton occupied the Harold Barringer building on the north Main street, at Ruthven. She had her stock insured for $1,000 and later increased the amount to $6,000. The evening of the fire she accompanied H.A. Wagner to Emmetsburg on an auto trip. They attended the movies and drove home, she going to her room in a residence in town. Later she learned that her stock of goods had been damaged by fire. The insurance company adjusted her loss at $2,000 and paid her that amount. Some time later she left Ruthven. She spent some time in Kentucky. After she was indicted by the Palo Alto grand jury for arson, Sheriff Jackson located her and brought her back at an expense of $350.
    No evidence was introduced showing that the building or the goods had been deliberately burned or that Miss Littleton was in any way responsible for the fire. Among the witnesses who testified for the state were H.A. Wagner, Mrs. Mabel Duree, Mrs. Spencer Hanson, Paul Barringer, G.W. Osterson, R.W. Osterson, and H. W. Rasmussen. The deputy state fire marshal also testified. Attorney Nefstead prosecuted and Attorney George Heald of Spencer defended.
    During the term the appeal case of Geo. B. McCarty against an excessive assessment in Drainage District No. 41 was tried. Judge Lee has not yet given his decision.
    Mrs. John Brook was granted a divorce.

Ft. Dodge Merchant Murdered.
    Saturday night Berthold Halfpap was shot in his store at Fort Dodge by two robbers. They held him up and he refused to comply with their demands. He was engaged in business in that city for sixteen years. A man named Peterson, a floater, has been arrested for the crime.

Emmetsburg School Election.
    At the school election held in Emmetsburg on Monday, 260 votes were cast. Dr. Theile received 213, C.J. Berger, 176 and Mrs. Frank Fordyce 50. Dr. Theile and Mr. Berger were declared elected.

Mr. Linderman and Miss Hazel drove to Des Moines a week or 10 days ago. They found good roads on the way down but they were not so good when they were coming back.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Aug 2004]

-----

Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Wednesday, March 23, 1921

ST PATRICK'S DAY EXERCISES FINE
Stirring Address at the K.C. Hall by Mr. Tuohy of Bloomington, Ill.

The St. Patrick's day exercises held in Emmetsburg this year were, from
every standpoint, very creditable. The day was bright and pleasant and was
almost as warm as a May morning.
At 9:30 high mass was celebrated at the Assumption church, Father Savage
officiating. Many of the members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians attended
in a body and the church was fairly filled with other members of the
congregation.
A splendid dinner was served by the Ladies' Aid Society of the Assumption
parish in the basement of St. Thomas' church. They were liberally
patronized. The net receipts were something over $285. Many strangers who
were in the city enjoyed the feast and they pronounced it better than meals
they had often paid from $1 to $1.50 in the cities. We need not say that the
ladies feel grateful to the many who patronized them.
The evening exercises were held in the K.C. hall. There did not begin to be
standing room for the large number who attended. The room was tastily
decorated with American and Irish colors. P.H. Donlon presided. A number of
young ladies from St. Mary's academy rendered a lengthy medley of splendid
Irish songs. They acquitted themselves with great credit and were warmly
applauded for their efforts. A few young ladies from St. Ellen's academy
followed, giving a patriotic production with delsarte effect. It was a high
class number and was well suited for the occasion. William Coonan, Jr. sang
the beautiful song composed by Russel Hennessey of this city some time ago.
It more than pleased the large audience. Mr. Coonan, as usual, was the
favorite with his hearers.
The address by Attorney  J.M. Tuohy of Bloomington, Ill. was one of genuine
merit. In his preliminary remarks, he referred at some length to the eight
years of struggle of the American people for the right of
self-determination. Every individual who truly prizes liberty, naturally
sympathizes with those of other lands who are battling for the privilege for
which we struggled from 1775 to 1885. The people of Ireland have for
centuries fought for the right to govern themselves. The same power, which
by force tried to crush our republic in 1776, and during subsequent decades,
is now resorting to the most disreputable and oppressive of methods to hold
the people of the Emerald Isle in economic slavery and to deprive them of
the blessings of free government. The people of struggling Ireland do not
want the United States to go to war to assist them. All they ask is
recognition by our government the same as we have recognized fourteen other
republics in our past history. Why should we not sympathize with any people
who are earnestly striving to organize our form of government? There are two
kinds of authority in Ireland today. One is based on the will of 80 per cent
of the people of our country-a large majority than was ever given to an
American president. The other government rests exclusively on brute force
exercised by a foreign monarchy. Which government shall we, as champions of
free government, recognize? If we favor rule by force, by the sword, we must
cease boasting of our undying zeal for the cause of human rights. Mr. Tuohy
referred to the timely aid the people of Ireland had given to the Allies
during the world war and the great assistance they had rendered at other
times and in other lands,  to those who were fighting for liberty and
justice. He also called attention to the long and heroic struggle which
Ireland has made for home rule-a compromise measure-from 1886, when William
E Gladstone, championed their cause, until a local self government measure
was passed in 1914 and was signed by the king. But the British government,
true to its record, broke faith with John E Redmond as the official
spokesman for the Irish people. Public sentiment in every land where liberty
is prized is with the people of Ireland, and they are bound to win.  Mr
Tuohy is a gentleman of pleasing personality, is clear headed, logical and
convincing, is earnest and forceful in his delivery and made a splendid
impression on his large audience. He was at all times on the best of terms
with his attentive hearers and he was applauded again and again for the
admirable manner in which he handled his subject. The people of Emmetsburg
hope to have the pleasure of hearing him again on some future occasion.

Marriage licenses have been issued to the following named parties since last
Wednesday: Harry Barkve and Selma Jacobsen of Cylinder, Ulrich Juhl and
Agnes Nordby of Cylinder, Vernon A Smith of Terril and Mildred May
Crookshank of Ruthven.

AT THE IOWA TONIGHT
A Rousing Meeting. You Cannot Afford to Miss It

There will be a rousing meeting at The Iowa Opera House this evening. It
will be held under the auspices of the American Association for the
Recognition of the Republic of Ireland. One of the noted speakers of the
United States will be present. Every lover of liberty and justice in our
community who can come out should make it a point to hear him. There will be
no admission charge. Let the opera house be jammed.

For Benefit of Irish Sufferers
A dancing party will be given at the K.C. hall next Wednesday evening under
the auspices of the American Association of the Recognition of the Irish
Republic. A splendid orchestra has been secured for the occasion. The
proceeds will be given to the fund for the assistance of the suffering
people of Ireland.

Are You Prepared for This Tax?
Yesterday the Olson bill passed the Iowa senate by a vote of 40 to 8. It
provides for a head tax of $3 for every resident of the state over
twenty-one years of age, the amount to be placed in the school fund. All
employers are to act as tax collectors, deduct $3 from their workers' wages
and remit the fund collected to the county treasurer. The plan is to raise
$1,000,000 in this way. This bill is now before the house.

Died At Tucson Arizona
James, Son of Mr and Mrs Peter Cullen who lived near Graettinger for many
years, died at Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday of last week. The remains were
brought to Cedar Rapids, the home of Mrs. Cullen, where they were interred
on Saturday. Edward Keane of this place, a cousin of Mr Cullen, attended the
funeral. Mr. Cullen was 25 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Mrs.
Elizabeth Cullen, and his sister, Miss Zita Cullen, who live at Cedar
Rapids. A brother Thomas resides at Waterloo and a second brother, Peter, at
Cheyenne, Wyoming. Mr. Cullen was a hotel clerk in Chicago. He went to
Tucson five weeks ago hoping that the change of climate would benefit him.
The many friends of the family in this county will learn with profound
regret of his death.

BIG DAMAGE CASE ON TRIAL ALL WEEK
C.J. Stillman Wants $7,500 From C.R.I.P. for Failure to Deliver Cattle

The case of C.J. Stillman vs. the Rock Island company for $7,500 damages for
failure to carry promptly 199 head of fat cattle to market last April, was
commenced in the district court last Friday. It is still in progress,
Morling & Morling are appearing for Mr. Stillman and Mr. Howland of Des
Moines for the Rock Island company. A large number of witnesses have
appeared for both sides. The company sent representatives from Osgood,
Estherville, Des Moines, Kansas City, and other places to give testimony.
It seems that the cattle were loaded at Osgood April 3, 1920. A short time
late the company notified Mr. Stillman that there was a strike in the
Chicago terminals and the cattle could not be shipped to that place. Mr.
Stillman refused, we believe, to take back the cattle and the cars were
brought to this city where they were sidetracked. later the cars were
returned to Osgood and finally the agent at that place induced Mr. Stillman
to ship to Kansas City. He consented to do so but for some reason a freight
which came along took four of the loaded cars and left the other four at the
station. The cattle that were left behind were unloaded and placed in Mr.
Pentico's field where they remained over Sunday. Monday morning they were
loaded again and the train left at 9:30 but did not reach Kansas City before
3:30 on Thursday. While on the way they were unloaded at Des Moines where
they were kept for a day.
Mr. Stillman claims he lost $7,500 on the shipment because of shrinkage in
weights, on account of the unnecessary delays, and the decline in prices. It
will probably take two or three days to finish the case.

The case of the estate of the late Katharine Driscoll vs. Peter McMahon was
tried in court last week. It seems that a few days before her death Miss
Driscoll drew quite a sum of money out of the Farmers Savings Bank. Daniel
Burns, the administrator and Miss Driscoll's brother, Attorney J. Driscoll
of Madison, S.D., tried to prove that the amount was loaned by her to Mr.
McMahon, for whom she kept house for many years. Mr. McMahon claims he had a
note made out for the money but did not deliver the note to Miss Driscoll.
Dan Kelly and Mr. Driscoll appeared for the administrator of the estate and
W.J. Fisher for Mr. McMahon. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the
defendant.

Edward Riley Sundayed with relatives at Whittemore.

Mrs. W.T. McNally spent Sunday with her brother, James Collins, who has been
in the hospital at Algona for a couple of weeks. He is, we are pleased to
report, getting along nicely and will be able to come home the latter part
of the week.

J.N. Brisbois, who has been busy for a month representing the Kelly Sales
Company in Missouri, writes us that he will be in Emmetsburg for Easter.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Aug 2004]

Iowa Old Press
Palo Alto County