Iowa Old Press

Akron Register Tribune
Plymouth County, Iowa
Volume 8, Number 27
Thursday, March 2, 1899

“THE WHEELS GO ROUND"

The New Mill Started – Capacity 125 Barrels Flour and 40 Tons Feed in 24 Hours

FIRST WHEAT GROUND SATURDAY
Finest Mill in Northwest Iowa -- Machinery the Best to Be Had – Total Cost
$10,000.00

Early in the morning of Sept. 28, 1898, the people of Akron [Iowa] were
startled by the shrill notes of the fire whistle, and in a few minutes were
rushing along the street, seeking to discover the location of the fire. It
proved to be at the mill. When discovered the fierce flames were entirely
uncontrollable and soon the mill, except a portion of the flour house, was a
mass of ruins.

The old mill was built in 1871 by E.W. Sargent * and was one of the first
mills in Northwest Iowa, and supplied a large territory during its
existence. It was owned by E.A. Fields, Wm Slaughter and J.W. Millner at
the time it burned. It had a capacity of 60 barrels of flour and 20 tons of
feed per 24 hours.

The very day the old mill became but a memory, the plucky owners of the new
mill began preparations for the erection of the mill, which is not justly
claimed to be the finest mill in Northwest Iowa. It seems to have risen
like Phoenix of the old from the ashes of the old mill. The new one is
three stories high with a cupola and basement and the main part is 36x54
feet with a one-story flour and feed room 36x36 feet on the north and
one-story office 10x14 feet on the south, making the entire length 100 feet,
and has a capacity of 125 barrels flour and 40 tons feed per 24 hours.
Boggess Bros. of Rock Valley, did the carpenter work with entire
satisfaction. The mill has a storage capacity of about 7,500 bushels as
follows: Two large wheat bins for 4,000 bushels; two smaller bins for
cleaned wheat; one bin for corn 2,500 bu.; one bin for oats 1,000 bu. These
bins are so arranged that the grain may be drawn to the rolls without any
handling. Let us state that the proprietors will make a specialty of
changing flour for wheat and generous treatment may be depended upon.
The railroad company had promised to move the side track up close to the
mill to afford better shipping facilities.

George W. Griffin, of Minneapolis, was the head millwright in charge of
putting in and arranging the machinery.

The cost of the mill and machinery alone is about $10,000. The proprietors
are E.A. Fields, Wm. Slaughter and A.H. Fields. Mrs. Slaughter has charge
of the mill, while Geo. Powell is head miller, and D.E. Wescott, assistant
miller.

To sum it all up Akron can justly boast the best mill in this part of the
country, and it is needless to say that the proprietors have a large and
abundant supply of vim and push peculiar to most western people. It is an
interesting coincidence that the first sack of flour made by the new mill,
was sold to Hanse Barr, who has the distinction of being the purchaser of
the first sack turned out by the old mill in 1871.

Jas. Pye of Minneapolis, was here this week starting the machinery and
stated to a ‘REGISTER’ reporter that we could not praise the mill too
highly. Note the following letter from him:

“Messrs. Akron Milling Co.,
Akron, Iowa

Gentlemen:

In regard to the new mill we have recently completed for you, we assure you
that it contains all the latest improved and up-to-date machinery; it is put
in according to the best known methods using our full line of standard
machines. It is the only mill in Iowa now using all the latest
improvements, and in our estimation, is the best and most complete mill in
the Northwest.

Trusting you will always find it a profitable investment, we are,

Yours very truly,

NORDYKE & MARMON CO.

Jas Pye, Mgr.”

The fine new mill stands on the high east bank of the Big Sioux River from
which the power is derived to run it. This power is at first generated by
two turbine water wheels, one of which drives the flour mill proper and the
other the feed, corn, buckwheat and rye machinery and the elevator. These
water wheels, although they scarcely ever sleep, are always in the bed of
the river, and to the uninitiated it seems wonderful that such inert
soulless looking masses of common iron, should be excited [??] never tiring
energy, by the cold and often muddy water of the Sioux, splashing and
pushing against it, as it surges through the penstock at the end of the dam,
in its mad rush to join the waters of the Missouri.

The turbines having thus been set in motion, the next problem is to transmit
the power they develop, to the mill, which stands some 40 feed higher, and
70 feet away. In olden times such a feat required no small amount of
engineering, but the inventive genius of Americans have made it
comparatively easy. The transmission is performed by a Manila hemp rope 1 ¼
inches in diameter and about 1300 feet long. It is all one single rope, but
runs silently and wriggling like a snake four or five times to the mill and
back to the wheels at a speed of nearly 4000 feet per minute -- just think
of it! … a snake traveling ¾ of a mile a minute -- but it does the work
without a murmur, without a sound, without even a hitch in the rope.

Stepping inside of the spacious structure, you hear the low rumbling murmur
of the mill, not unlike the music of the old mills of childhood's happy
days, but instead of seeing the dusty miller, standing with a peck measure
in his hand, taking in his lawful (?) toll from the farmers grain in the
hopper, you see a bright looking chap standing by a new-fangled roller
machine, with endless leather belts, flashing past and darting round
numerous pulleys, with so many different devices, adjustments, feeders and
rollers, that there is no wonder that the old dusty miller of yore had to
take a back seat for a man with more brains and more energy.

On the first floor in this mill stands five double sets of justly celebrated
Nordyke & Marmon Rolls their being four rolls in each set, 9 inches in
diameter and 18 inches long, each rolls weighing over 30 pounds; these roll
run at various velocities, the fast roll of each pair making 400 revolutions
per minute while the rolls engaging these fa[?] rolls run at slower speeds
according to the texture or nature of the different parts of the wheat they
are grinding. Recent experiments have determined just what these relative
speeds should be, so that the new mills are now receiving the benefit of
these experiments over the older ones. On this floor too is located a
double set of rolls for grinding rye, buckwheat and corn meal and a large 6
roll machine for grinding feed. This machine [??] tons, and is capable of
grinding two tons of oats and corn per hour.

On the second floor there art three new style Nordyke & Marmon Purifiers for
purifying the middlings from which the best patent flour is made, also some
of the wheat cleaning machines, and the bins for all the different grades
and kinds of flour, shorts, bran etc.

But when you reach the top floor then you see the newest and most improved
machines out; these are for what is known to millers as scalping, grading
and flouring; still there was not an Indian or a railroad man in sight, but
they say these new machines are wonders and enable the mills to produce
better flour, and more out of a bushel of wheat than the old way; they are
called swing sifters. They save much power and require little attention.

The Akron Milling Co. have the honor of having the first mill in Iowa using
a full line of these new machines. On this floor too are some Nordyke &
Marmon dust collectors, an ingenious device for catching the dust from the
different machines in the mill. As a result the term “dusty” miller will
soon be obsolete, as there is scarcely more dust in a mill than in a parlor.
The spouting and elevator legs are all dust proof, and are varnished up as
nicely as a piece of furniture. For convenience in handling the products of
the mill there is a railroad on one side and a wagon road with dump scales
on the other.

Taken altogether there is nothing lacking to produce the best of flour in an
economical way and the Akron Milling Co. are to be congratulated on having
the most up-to-date and complete milling plant in the State of Iowa. …”

[transcriber note: * Edgar Wesley Sargent, born about 1839, Vermont.]

THE DUELISTS DISMISSED.
Chas. Tillotson and John Hammond, who were bound over to the grand jury last
week upon the charge of intent to fight a duel with deadly weapons, were
discharged by that body. The grounds of dismissal were that the men were in
such a state of intoxication as to be not altogether responsible for their
actions. Both Hammond and Tillotson have returned to Akron, and there now
seems to be no “bad blood” between them.

LeMars Sentinel
March 6, 1899

STANTON:

Adam Clark moved from near O'Leary to the Cunningham farm on section 6,
Stanton township, on Thursday last.

Robt. Hodgson, of Washington township, was calling upon relatives here
on Thursday last.

Eva Alfred completed the winter term of school in sub-district No. 1 on
Friday last.  She has taught the full school year in that district and
has given good satisfaction.

Russel Kimmel and Lewis Bryant started overland for Garretson, S.D.,
where they will run a large farm during the coming summer.

James Croston will live on and cultivate the farm recently vacated by
Mrs. Glann.

Miss Bixby is at present suffering from a sore throat.

William Easton has moved from the farm owned by A.T. Alfred over to
Adaville where he will have a larger farm to work over.

Allen and Emmet Semple will move on to a farm near Adaville in a few
days where they will farm the coming year.

On Thursday afternoon last Jennie Dempster and Robert Scott were united
in marriage at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John
Dempster.  A large number of relatives and friends were present to
witness the ceremony.  Rev. J. Wilson, of the M.E. church, of Merrill,
officiated.  The bride and groom received a large number of presents,
many of which were selected with a view of use rather than ornament.
Both of these young people have spent their entire lives in this
locality and are noted for their habits of industry and thrift.  They
will be missed by the young people of the neighborhood.  They will start
housekeeping in a few days on the farm secured by the groom located a
short distance east of Neptune.  Their many friends unite in wishing
them a happy and prosperous voyage through life.

Joseph Hodgson had business in the district court during the latter part
of the last week.

Mrs. Wm. Kraul, Sr., is recovering slowly form her recent attack of
pneumonia.

CRATHORNE: (Special Correspondence)

Invitations are out announcing the marriage of Miss Josephine Johnson
and Chris Miller to take place at the bride's home in Johnson township
Wednesday, March 8.

Mrs. James Rowe has gone up to assist her daughter, Mrs. Geo. Ewers, as
they are moving to the farm formerly occupied by Mr. Miller, Pastor of
the Dunkard church.

Geo. Miller is moving to his farm just vacated by Noah Zimmerman.

I.S. Talbot has moved from the German M.E. church to Thos. Stinton's
farm near Adaville.

SENEY: (Special Correspondence)

Miss Jennie Daniels, of LeMars, was a guest at the Wm. Lancaster home
Sunday.

Otto and Emma Becker and Bessie Kennedy returned from Cedar Falls Saturday,
where they had been attending school.

Rev. A. W. Hakes came down from Paullina Saturday evening, returning Monday.

The regular monthly meeting of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary society will
meet at the home of Mrs. Morgan Coolbaugh Wednesday, March 8, at 2 o’clock.
After the program, refreshments will be served and an offering be taken for
the support of a Bible woman in China. A cordial invitation is extended to
all.

Milton and Morgan Coolbaugh returned from their southern trip Wednesday.

M. G. Mills is recovering from the second attack of la grippe.

A very pretty home wedding occurred on Wednesday, March 1, at the home of
Mr. A. Porter, of Fredonia township, when his youngest daughter, Mary, was
united in marriage to Harley Cook, of Seney. Rev. Hankes officiated in the
presence of a few relatives and friends. After the ceremony an elegant
dinner was served. The bride and groom were the recipients of many useful
presents. They moved into the Ben Devries house in Seney on Thursday.

H. S. Fowels arrived Thursday evening from Hawarden with a car of household
goods and will occupy Miles Kennedy’s house one mile east of town.

Mrs. Milton Coolbaugh resigned her position as president of the Ladies Mite
society last Wednesday afternoon at the regular meeting, on account of
moving away. Mrs. Arthur Reeves was appointed to fill the vacancy.

The Misses Ida Alderson and Ethel Nelson closed their winter term of school
last week and will spend their vacation at home.

Miss Mae Cutland is the possessor of a handsome new organ, a gift from her
mother.

Otto Pekelder moved onto a farm near Sheldon Thursday.

Mrs. Van Wichel and children visited her mother, of Sioux county, Wednesday
and Thursday.

Mat Ewin moved his household goods into the house recently vacated by Otto
Pekelder.

Mrs. John Hinde, of Carnes, visited her mother, of this place, Thursday.

Mrs. Wm. Jackson and Mrs. Henry Husted returned Wednesday from a ten days
visit with relatives near Valley Springs, S.D.

Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Cook will moved onto the Mose Kennedy farm near Struble
this week. They will be greatly missed and their many friends wish for them
unmeasured success.

MERRILL:  (Special Correspondence)

Elmer Bixby, of Charles Mix county, S.D., is visiting old-time friends
in Stanton township this week.

J.U. Sammis delivered an eloquent and timely address last evening on the
principles of Pythianism.  A large and appreciative audience greeted the
gifted speaker.

Phillip Cunningham and family moved to Omaha, Neb., last Thursday
evening where they will make their future home.

Joe Shoup came up from Farnhamville, Iowa, last Sunday.

Mrs. Louis Weinheimer left Monday for Fielding, Iowa, in response to a
letter informing her of the extreme illness of her mother, Mrs. Joseph
Shirbon.

Wm. Schnepf has decided to put in a branch implement house at Hinton.
His stock there will consist chiefly of Deering binders.

Lawrence VanCourt came up from Dixon, Neb., Friday to spend a few days
visiting his brother and renewing acquaintances.  Since leaving here
Lawrence has become on of the leading band musicians of the state of
Nebraska.

Our fellow townsman, F. K. Veal, has probably the best collection of
postage stamps in the state.  According to catalogue lists his
collection is valued at nearly $1600.

Thursday afternoon, February 26th, 1899, occurred the marriage of Miss
Nora Bettsworth and George Mann at the home of the bride's parents in
this city.  The nuptial ceremony was performed by Rev. Wilson, pastor of
the Methodist Episcopal church.  Only relatives of the bride and groom
were present to witness the interesting and happy event.  Miss Nora is
the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Betsworth.  The happy couple
will make their home in this burg for some time at least.

REMSEN:  (From the Bell)

John Meis and family, of Dyersville, arrived in Remsen Saturday and
intend to make this their future home.

August Boehmke, John Burns and Henry Hanno left Friday evening for
Grangeville, Idaho, where they contemplate making their future home.

Frank Ollendiek and family left Tuesday for Petersburg, Neb., where they
intend locating permanently.  Mr. Ollendiek will engage in farming.

Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Creglow entertained delightfully at their beautiful
home to a large number of their friends Friday evening.

John and Chas. Barthole last week sold their 80 acre farm four miles
south of Remsen to Geo. Rodesch for $48 per acre.  Messrs. Barthole
intend to become citizens of Remsen next fall.

A deal was consummated last week whereby Carl, Paul, and Louis Stabb
become the owners of the L.D. Smith homestead farm consisting of 320
acres which they purchased of Mr. Smith for $50 per acre.

LeMars Globe-Post, March 15, 1899

Fined for Raising Disturbance.
Fowler Gilchrist and his cousin, Frank Evans, were arrested and brought before Justice Jones on Monday.  Gilchrist being charged with threatening to commit an offense, and Evans for creating a disturbance, the complainant being Miss Gilchrist, guardian of the Gilchrist minor children of Joseph Gilchrist. 
It was shown that they were guilty as charged and Justice Jones fined young Evans $10 and costs, while Gilchrist was placed under $100 bonds, but failing to secure bonds, he was sent to jail for ten days.

[transcribed by LZ, Oct 2019]

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, March 16, 1899

For Creating a Disturbance.
Fowler Gilchrist and Frank Evans were arraigned before Justice Jones on Monday afternoon on the complaint of Miss Lizzie Gilchrist, who charged the former with threatening  to commit an offense and the latter with creating a disturbance.
The parties reside east of town and Miss Gilchrist is guardian of the minor Gilchrists. Evans is a cousin of young Gilchrist.
The two youths went home the other night and kicked up a rumpus and were going to fire the old lady out bodily and she sent for the sheriff and had them arrested.
This is another chapter in the Gilchrist family troubles which have been aired in justice court before.

[transcribed by LZ, Oct 2019]