Iowa Old Press
Iowa Liberal
LeMars, Iowa
October 8, 1879
TO FIGHT FIRE.—Our friend N. Wood, of Stanton township, has discovered a new
instrument with which to fight prairie fires, and he affirms that it will
effectually do the business every time. This article of warfare is nothing
more than a long-handled mop, which must be dampened with water and
dexterously used by stout hands; and the most aggressive prairie fire can be
controlled in a short time. The discovery was made Sunday evening, a fire
having broken out on Wood’s place. He and his family were engaged in
fighting the flames with brooms and boards, and Mrs. Wood came upon the
scene of a mop. Her husband took possession of it, and in a short time the
fire was conquered, notwithstanding a heavy wind was blowing at the time.
We publish this for the benefit of others of our readers who may be
compelled to battle with prairie fires this fall.
ROBBERY.—Last Sunday morning while the Gehlen family (except one young lady)
were at church, the house was entered through a screen door by some unknown
thief, who mounted the stairs and “went through” one of the rooms, getting a
pocket book containing eighty-five dollars and several articles of value.
The thief was probably frightened before accomplishing all he intended, as
on the bureau where the pocket book was lying was a gold watch and chain,
other articles of jewelry and a purse containing sixteen dollars. This
latter was found on the floor after the family returned. The party who made
this raid was evidently well acquainted with the interior of the Gehlen
mansion and this fact may possibly lead to his discovery.
COMING BACK—The Liberal is glad to be able to announce that the Rev. H. W.
Jones, pastor of the Methodist church in this place for the past year, has
been returned, to remain with us yet another year. This will be good news
not only to the membership of the church, but to our citizens in general.
Rev. Jones has endeared himself to the people during the year just closed;
he has built up the congregation wonderfully, and the year upon which he now
enters promises to be one of unexampled prosperity. Just here we may add
that regular services will be held at the Methodist church next Sunday.
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The citizens of Stanton township are determined to have good roads, and
yesterday they met in mass convention, supplied with teams and scrapers, and
succeeded in making some fine pieces of road. This was done without much
expense to the township, and the example set might well be followed by other
townships in the county.
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The women’s foreign missionary society of the M. E. church will meet at the
residence of Mrs. J. M. Emery on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock, for the
transaction of important business. All members are urgently requested to be
present as the regular annual election will take place.
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Rev. T. R. Galbraith, the young Irish Methodist, who was converted in India
by a nigger missionary, leaves to-day for New York, at which point he will
ship for home. Recently brother Galbraith has been “starring it” in
Jerusalem, Elkhorn township, Plymouth county, Iowa.
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Rev. Wm. Parfitt, who has been preaching on the Plymouth circuit the past
year, is transferred to Seney, and Rev. M. B. Keister goes to the place
vacated by Rev. Parfitt. We are pleased to know that both gentlemen will
remain in this vicinity.
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Thomas S. White, an old resident of Washington township, died last Thursday,
aged about sixty-four years. A year ago, Mr. White met with an accident by
being thrown from a horse, from the effects of which he never recovered.
The Iowa Liberal
Wednesday, October 15, 1879
Le Mars, Iowa
Thomas S. White was born in London, England, October 20, 1811, and departed
this life October 3, 1879, being about 68 years of age at the time of his
death.
Brother White emigrated to the United States in 1827, since which time he
has resided in various States of the Union.
He nobly took up arms in the defense of his adopted country during the
Mexican War and also took an active part in putting down the rebellion in
later years. Brother White was a consistent member of the church of England
for many years.
About eleven months ago he met with a serious accident in falling out of his
wagon, which has finally culminated in death. During the time of his illness
Mr. White was more perfectly led to see himself as God sees us all, and led
to lay hold of the hope set before him in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He
often expressed himself thankful for his affliction, as it had been the
means employed by the Great Shepherd
for his Salvation.
Brother White died in the triumphs of living faith, saying to those around
him in the trying hour, "you need not pray for me, but pray for those around
you." He often said to me when living, "I feel that my feet are on the Rock
of Ages." Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. During a series of
meetings held at Mt Pleasant, near Bro. White's residence, in January last,
he united with the church of the United Brethren in Christ, since which time
we have Known him but to love him.
Many mourning friends gathered at his funeral, among whom were a number of
his old comrades who fought side by side with the departed, mid the clangor
of arms, battle-smoke and cries of death. But while he loved his country's
flag dearly, he died with the blood-stained banner of Jesus wrapped around
him, and has now gone up to be at the great re-union of the Soldiers for
Jesus.
Brother White is mourned by his family and many sympathizing friends. May
the Great Master comfort them as no other can and lead us till to the same
Heaven where the redeemed return and come to join with songs and everlasting
joy upon their heads where sorrow and sighing shall flee away. ~A. K.
CURTIS, Pastor. Broken Kettle, Oct. 8, 1879.
LeMars Sentinel
October 24, 1879
Thoughtful farmers are turning their attention to sheep.
A large number of hogs are being marketed this week. The price is $2.70
to $2.80.
There are a large number of buildings in progress at present and
carpenters and plasterers are in great demand.
Plymouth county polled 1598 votes this year against 1392 last year,
being a gain of 206 votes.
From now on the barber shops in LeMars are closed on Sundays.
The result of the sugar can crop in this county this year has been most
encouraging. We expect to see a large acreage of can planted next year.
Yesterday Ben Dean, of James Station, started for the Big Sioux, but he
didn't go far. While in the act of getting into his wagon, a loaded gun
he carried, was accidentally discharged and blew away a portion of his
lower jaw and cheek making a frightful wound. The trigger, it is
supposed, caught on the wagon box.
Married on October 15 by Justice B. F. Manahan, Thos. F. Sheeley and
Minnie Reeves, of Seney.
Our merchants are all doing an unprecedently large business this fall.
There is now such a supply of first and second class certificate
teachers that our county superintendent designs discontinuing the third
class after new year.
D. W. Held attended the German Methodist conference in St. Paul this
week.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Fairfax on Tuesday.
The grand jury returned nine indictments this week. One was against Dr.
W. B. Porter on a charge of rape.
C. E. Robison and James Biddlecome were elected justices of the peace
for Portland township at the election last week.