Iowa Old Press

AGED PIONEER IS GONE

NICHOLAS HOFFMAN HAD LIVED HERE FORTY YEARS

WAS WELL KNOWN IN THIS COUNTY

Nicholas Hoffmann, one of the pioneer residents of Plymouth county,
passed away on Friday morning at his home on north Court street. His end
came peacefully although suddenly. Mr. Hoffmann had been in enfeebled health
owing to the increasing weight of years and infirmities, and was subject to
sudden attacks of the heart. Recently he had been feeling better, and the
night before his death told his son-in-law, Antone Thoma, that he was feeling
well and fine. Since the death of his wife Mr. Hoffmann made his home with
the Thoma family.

About half past six on Friday morning he rang a bell, which was within
reach at his bedside, and his daughter, Mrs. Thoma, went to his room and
assisted him to rise and dress. He asked for a drink of water after getting
settled in his easy chair and Mrs. Thoma went to get it. On her return his
head had fallen to one side. Thinking he was in a faint she bathed his face
and put some water to his lips, but he gave no signs of animation and she
discovered he was dead.

Mr. Hoffmann was a familiar figure in the community, having been for
many years a resident of this city, and had lived in the county forty years.
He was a native of the grand duchy of Luxembourg, Europe, and was born
in Hovelinger on June 22, 1830, and was upwards of eighty-two years of age.

He grew to manhood in his native land and in 1853 came to America. Shortly
after his arrival he settled in Jackson county, where he was united in
marriage at St. Donatus on November 14, 1855, with Susanna (sic Johanna)
Hoffmann, who, although bearing the same name was no relation. Mr. and Mrs.
Hoffmann were the parents of ten children, four of whom are living. They are
Mrs. G. M. Hazel and Mrs. A. Thoma, of this city; Mrs. Peter Mich of
Granville, and (sic Mrs.) J. P. Beck of Remsen. The deceased also leaves a
number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann lived to celebrate their golden wedding in
November, 1905. His brother, Charles Hoffmann, who still survives him, lives
at St. Donatus and was married on the same day as his brother, and also
celebrated his golden wedding anniversary on November 14, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hoffmann came to Plymouth county in 1871, and
engaged in farming until 1882, when they took up their residence in LeMars.

Mr. Hoffmann owned a fine farm just north of the city limits for many years.
He was well known by the older residents and enjoyed the respect to the
community. He was a good upright citizen, a loving husband and father. In
his last years when broken in health he was tenderly cared for by his
daughters. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's church and its societies
and the requiem mass for his soul was celebrated in that church yesterday
morning, Rev. F. X. Feuerstein and other priests officiating. The funeral
was largely attended by old friends and neighbors.

A PECULIAR ACCIDENT
Dynamite Cap Explodes in Boy's Pocket

Remsen Bell-Enterprise:  E. Jorgensen received the news of a peculiar
accident which happened in the family of his son, Fred, who recently
moved to Dell Rapids, S.D.  Two days after their family's arrival at
Dell Rapids, which Mrs. Jorgensen was busily cleaning and arranging the
new residence, she brushed a dynamite cap from a shelf in the pantry,
not knowing what it was.  The cap fell to the floor and was soon picked
up by the boy Warren, 8 years old, who placed it in his pocket with a
jack knife.  The cap exploded and badly wounded the boy's left hand and
leg, and the mother's right leg.  The knife in Warren's pocket was
shattered into bits.  The unfortunates were taken to the hospital in
Dell Rapids where, says a letter, they will be for some time, but are
getting along nicely.

HAVE YOU HEARD HIM?

Rev. C. W. Stamp at the Free Methodist church is a plain, clear,
forceful, logical preacher.  Thos who hear him must admit he is one of
the ablest Gospel preachers that ever graced the pulpits of our land.
Services every night this week beginning at 7:30.  Hear him for yourself
and be convinced.

FOR SALE

Good surrey with pole and shafts, single driving harness---J.C. Huebsch,
1123 Court St.

GREBNER-BURRILL WEDDING
Members of Well Known Families United in Marriage

     Walter G. Grebner and Pearl Irene Burrill were united in the bonds
of matrimony at Adaville by Rev. F. M. Boyd, pastor of the U. B. church
on Wednesday, March 27, 1912, the ceremony taking place in the
parsonage.
     The bride wore a becoming gown of white French lawn trimmed with
Valenciennes lace, insertion and overlace.  The wedding flowers were
white roses.
     After the ceremony the bridal party proceeded to the Grebner home,
where a splendid dinner was served.
     The bride is the eldest daughter of G. H. Burrill, of O'Leary, and
is one of Plymouth county's successful teachers and very popular among a
large circle of friends.  Her chosen life's companion is the second son
of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Grebner, of Johnson township.  He is a young man
of splendid and sterling qualities.  The young people grew up on
adjoining sections in Johnson, the brides' parents moving to Union two
years ago. [actually in 1908 per a family researcher]
     May all their fondest hopes be realized is the wish of their large
circle of friends.  They will make their home on the Grebner farm in
Johnson township.
     The elder Grebners will move to Merrill to make their home.

C. J. Rohlf, of Sioux Rapids, has moved his family to LeMars and will
work for Koenig & Shuenk.  He lived in LeMars a number of years ago and
worked in the same store when it was owned by Hans & Huebsch.

WENT UP IN FLAMES
Depot at Dalton Reduced to Ashes in a Few Minutes

The depot building at Dalton, three miles west of here, on the Great
Northern Railroad, was destroyed by fired shortly after nine o'clock on
Sunday evening.  The fire was discovered briskly burning on the singles
of the roof.  The residents of Dalton turned out and formed a bucket
brigade, but were handicapped by lack of water and having no hose.  The
southbound train pulled in just as the fire was starting and Thos.
Flaherty, of Wilmar, Minn, an employee of the Northern company, who was
on the train and John Hickson, the local depot agent, got out the books,
money and other valuables.  Mr. Hickson and his wife occupied rooms
upstairs in the building, but most of their furniture and belongings
were saved and their loss will not be very heavy.  The building will
cost about $1000 to replace.

The roof is supposed to have caught fire either from the chimney or
sparks from a passing train.  The local passenger train goes north at
8:33 p.m.

The fire was quite a spectacular one and lit up the sky and was seen for
miles around, and a number of people gathered on the spot from LeMars,
Merrill, and Brunsville.

The section crew at Dalton worked hard to confine the flames to the
burning building as the fire spread to the ties on the track at several
points, setting them on fire.  Fortunately the night was still or the
lumber yard and elevator nearby would have caught fire.

DEATH OF MRS. THOS. GRAHAM

Mrs. Margaret Graham, wife of Thomas Graham, of Hinton, died suddenly on
Thursday from an abscess on the brain. Besides her husband, she leaves two
children, George aged six, and Helen, aged two and a half years. Mrs.
Graham was thirty-nine years of age. The funeral was held on Saturday at the
Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. The Hinton Gazette says of her:

“The news of the sudden death of Mrs. Tom Graham yesterday caused surprise
as she appeared to be in good health a day or two previous. The disease that
caused the death was an abscess of the brain. Her spirit left its tenant of
clay yesterday and today’s sun shines upon the shrouded form of one who
lived the life of a Christian as near a finite being could; was a devoted
wife and mother, charitable not only to others failures, but always ready to
aid the needy and do all the good she could to those needing sympathy. She
will be missed not only by a devoted husband and children and by her
sisters, and other relatives, but by the community.”

DIED VERY SUDDENLY
Had Just Returned from Funeral of a Brother

T. M. Stahl died at his home near Hurley, South Dakota, on Sunday shortly
after returning from the funeral of a brother at Cherokee. Mr. Stahl was
apparently in fine health when stricken down. Mrs. Stahl had remained over
at Cherokee with the brother’s family. Mrs. Walter Carnes and Miss Eva
Stahl, of this city, were notified by telegrams of their father’s death and
left yesterday at noon to attend the funeral.

Mr. Stahl lived in LeMars for several years being employed by the Standard
Oil Company at this place. A year ago he went to Hurley and was a tenant on
a farm belong to A. C. Colledge, of this place.

MARRIED AT COURT HOUSE.

G. L. Bryan and Lydia Ann Attrill, of Adaville, were united in marriage on
Saturday morning. The ceremony was performed by Rev. E. E. Gilbert, pastor
of the First Methodist church, and took place in the office of the Clerk of
Courts. The young people are well known and popular in the west part of the
county. They will make their home in Adaville, where the groom conducts a
blacksmith shop.

LeMars Sentinel, April 5, 1912

ADAVILLE:

Lester Bryan and Miss Lydia Attrill were married in LeMars, Saturday, March 30th. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Attrill and is well known, having lived here all her life. The groom came here a year ago, having bought the Adaville blacksmith shop. They will live for a time with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Attrill

At the Adaville U.B. parsonage on Wednesday, March 27th, occurred the marriage of Walter Grebner and Miss Pearl Burrill, Rev. F.M. Boyd officiating. They were attended by Miss Eva Burrill, a sister of the bride, and Mr. Clark. May all their fondest hopes be realized is the wish of their many friends. They will make their home on the Grebner farm.

MILLNERVILLE (Special Correspondence)

Ed Feauto was a Sioux City visitor Thursday.
Ed Harbeck marketed pork at Jefferson Tuesday.
L. L. Prather was an Elk Point visitor the first of the week.
Will Wilson and Len Stevens were callers at Elk Point Monday.
Will Lawrence and brother, Ray, were Westfield callers Friday.
John Lawrence and son, Will, transacted business at Sioux Tuesday.
Louis Beaulier purchased some hogs and cattle of Lee May the past week.
Mr. Mulhern is hauling from Sioux City some baled hay that he purchased by the car load.
Mrs. W. B. Millner and little daughter, Mary, departed Saturday for Monticello for a short visit.
Elmer Campbell came up from Sioux City the past week and was a caller at the Lon Fursee home.
This part of the county was visited by a small shower of rain, then another snow storm Saturday night.
Dr. Brunner was a caller at the Will Bronwell home again Monday to attend their infant daughter, who is very ill.
Dr. Brunner, of Westfield, was called to the J. Skoberg home the last of the week to attend to two small children who were ill.

HINTON (Special Correspondence)

Joe Richards is quite sick with pneumonia.
Mrs. J. C. Costello was a Sioux City visitor on Tuesday.
Martin Rosburg returned from a week’s visit at Denison, Iowa.

SENEY (Special Correspondence)

The board of trustees held their regular meeting Monday.
Ed Detloff shipped a bunch of stock cattle to Dakota Saturday.
Miss Given Rees is spending several days with relatives here.
Earl Morrissey moved into the house formerly owned by A. Porter.
Penning boys sold and delivered their stallion to a party at Ashton last week.
Frank March, of Akron, visited over Sunday with his mother, Mrs. E. March.
Robt. Moir, of Mitchell, South Dakota, was a business caller here one day last week.
Roads and fields are bared of snow once more and are rapidly drying. Farmers will soon be seeding.
Mrs. Fannie Heien returned to her home at LeMars Saturday after spending the week with Mrs. A. McArthur.
Mrs. Krudwig, of Sioux City, visited with her mother and brothers a few days the last of the week.
W. L. March, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, visited with his mother and sisters Saturday and Sunday, returning home Monday accompanied by his niece, Erlyne Kennedy.
Next Sunday is Easter and the Sunday School is preparing a nice program for the occasion which will be delivered in the morning at the regular service hour.
Irene Cook met with a painful accident Sunday, which is causing much suffering and worry. While trying to get a box of playthings, which was up overhead in the summer kitchen, she fell and a box of irons fell on her and inflicted internal injuries to her left side. Dr. Fettes, of LeMars, is in attendance.
We miss the two trains which have been taken off this road on account of shortage of coal, which were due here at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A great many who used to drive this far from the country and leave their team and go to LeMars on the train for the day will miss their service as well as the town folks. We sincerely hope the company will soon see fit to replace the two trains.

Le Mars Sentinel, April 12, 1912

DEATH OF A PIONEER
OLD AND RESPECTED CITIZEN PASSES TO HIS REWARD
L. S. EASTMAN’S ILLNESS FATAL
He Was a Native of Canada and Came to America When a Youth—Spent a Number of
Years with Gold Hunters in West

L. S. Eastman, one of the pioneer settles of Plymouth county and a well
known resident of Le Mars for many years, passed away at his home on
Plymouth street at a few minutes after eight on Wednesday evening, following
a brief illness. He was stricken with an attack of heart failure on Friday,
from which he never rallied. It was seen from the first that his case was
hopeless. Mr. Eastman had been subject to attacks of this nature for some
time past, although of a strong and rugged constitution.

Levi S. Eastman was a native of Canada, where he was born on February 7,
1832, at a place called Napin, and had attained the allotted four score
years of a man’s life. He lived in his native place until the age of
sixteen, when he went to Grant county, Wisconsin, and engaged in farm work.

In 1852, fired by the tales of the gold seekers in the early rush to the
California gold fields, Mr. Eastman made his way across the desert to the
far West and spent five years of adventurous life in the sunny clime. In
1857 he returned to Wisconsin and the following year was united in marriage
to Miss Catherine Larkin on February 9, 1858, and for fifty-four years they
traveled life’s journey together. In 1874 Mr. and Mrs. Eastman moved to
Hazel Green, Wis., where they lived one year. Mr. Eastman in 1875 drove
across the country from Hazel Green until he struck the unbroken prairies of
northwestern Iowa, and with foresight and business instinct which were a
part of his nature judged that he had struck a garden spot which would
provide a living for a family and in years to come proven wealthy and
prosperous. He purchased land in Grant township where he settled, thrived
and prospered, becoming by hard toil and judicious farming one of the
wealthy landowners of this section.

In 1893 with his wife he came to Le Mars, which has been their home since.
To them four children were born, one boy dying in infancy. Those left with
the mother to mourn are: E. E. Eastman, of Le Mars; L. O. Eastman, of
Decorah, Iowa, and Mrs. Geo. J. Richards, of Le Mars.

Mr. Eastman was active and strong until a short time ago. Despite his
weight of years he was as straight as an Indian, tall and lithe, and his
familiar figure taking his daily walks will be missed from the life of the
city.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church and the funeral will be held from
the local church at two o’clock on Sunday, Rev. C. G. Butler officiating.

WINTER AND AUTUMN WED
Bridegroom is Seventy and Bride is Fifty-Two

Wilbur W. Preston and Mrs. Mary Jane Boyd came to Le Mars on Wednesday and
obtained a marriage license at the court house and then proceeded to the
office of Justice M. B. Tritz, who performed the ceremony which made them
one. The bridegroom is seventy years of age and fifty-two summers have
passed over the head of his bride. It is the second matrimonial venture for
both. They will live on Mr. Preston’s farm in Plymouth township, where
their friends hope they will continue to enjoy many years of happiness in
the autumn of their lives.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, April 26, 1912

WAS A HOMESTEADER
PIONEER OF STANTON IS TAKEN BY DEATH ANGEL
WAS A VETERAN OF THE CIVIL WAR

John T. Gosting, a Well Known and
Familiar Figure in the Community
for More Than Forty Years, Succumbs
to Long Illness

John T. Gosting, one of the pioneers of Plymouth county, died on Wednesday
at the state institution in Cherokee, where he was taken for treatment for
cerebral trouble about two months ago. Mr. Gosting had been in poor health
for a long time and, was tenderly cared for by his devoted wife and family
until by the advice of physicians be was taken to the hospital. The remains
were brought to LeMars on Wednesday and taken to the home in Stanton
township, where at 12:30 today a brief service will be held. The funeral
will be held at the First Presbyterian church in this city at 2:30 this
afternoon, Rev. C. G. Butler officiating.

With the death of John Gosting another familiar figure drops out of the
ranks of the hardy pioneers who by self-sacrifice and hard toil did their
share in opening up the lands in northwestern Iowa and were the forerunners,
of those who today enjoy luxury and ease in one of the most fertile spots in
the richest agricultural state in the union.

John Gosting toiled early and late. It was his ambition to be thorough, to
have fine stock and to garner the fruits of the earth in proper season. To
his honor be it said he was of a host of gallant youth who scarcely emerged
from boyhood, offered their services to their country when the cry was for
more men to put down the rebellion. John Gosting in company with four
brothers, volunteered in the war, and although not out of his teens, saw
hard service for two years, being a member of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and
received an honorable discharge. He suffered hardships which undoubtedly
affected his health in later years and with constant hard labor brought on
the illness which clouded his last days.

He was born of hardy English stock, his father being a yeoman in the
Lincolnshire fens. When John was a boy of five or six the family came to
America, setting in Ohio, and later came to Iowa, locating at Hopkinton,
Delaware county. After the war John Gosting followed the work of a farmer
and in 1869 came to Plymouth county, homesteading in Stanton township, where
he has since lived.

In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Martin, of Hopkinton, who
for more than forty years has been his faithful and loving spouse, lavishing
the sweet care and affection which truly graces pure womanhood.

To them four children were born, grown to useful and honorable manhood and
womanhood, assisting their parents in he work of the farm and taking a
foremost place for good, in the community where they have lived so long.
William lives at Kildare, Oklahoma, and Alice, Ralph and Roy are still under
the parental roof.

Mr. Gosting leaves four brothers, who are: George, of Westfield; Edward, of
Manchester; William, of The Dalles, Oregon; and Fred, of Hopkinton.

Mr. Gosting was 67 years of age, his birthday falling two days before the
date of his demise.

ACCIDENT COSTS LIFE
FREDRICH BECKMAN SUCCUMBS TO HIS INJURIES
WHEEL PASSED OVER HIS BODY
Old Resident of Marion Township is Thrown from Seat of His Wagon While
Returning to His Home from Town.

Consequential of an accident which befell him last Friday, Fredrich Beckman,
for thirty-four years a resident of Plymouth County, died at the city
hospital at seven o’clock on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Beckman lived on section fourteen in Marion township, and on Friday last
with a number of neighbors hauled hogs to market at Remsen. He left Remsen
a little before noon after unloading his hogs and was proceeding homewards.
Mr. Beckman related before he died how the accident occurred. He was
driving at a moderate speed when one of the wagon wheels struck a deep rut
in the road and Mr. Beckman was thrown from the high seat, falling between
the wheels, a rear wheel passing over his abdomen. Although badly shaken by
the fall, Mr. Beckman retained his presence of mind, and shouted to the
horses to stop. The animals obeyed their master’s voice and Mr. Beckman
clambered up onto the wagon and drove home, although suffering from internal
injuries. He had previously been ruptured and suffered from strangulated
hernia. The accident caused a fresh rupture and the old wounds were
aggravated and his case was deemed serious from the first. Dr. Fettes, of
this city, was called in consultation in the case and he and Dr. Jastram,
the physician in charge, decided it best for the patient to be brought to
LeMars to the hospital as an operation was imperative, and the injured man
was brought to this city on Sunday. The nature of his injuries and his age
precluded chances for recovery and he succumbed early on Wednesday morning.

The deceased was a native of Germany and was nearly seventy years of age.
He came to Plymouth County thirty-four years ago and bought a piece of land
when the price was low and followed the occupation of farmer with industry
and application and attained comfortable circumstances as a fruit of his
toil and industry. He was a man with many friends, well liked in his home
community, a good citizen and neighbor. He leaves to mourn his death a
wife, one son Will Beckman, and a daughter, Mrs. Ferdinand Bohlke, of Oyens.
The funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s church in Remsen this
morning at ten o’clock, Rev. F. X. Schulte officiating.

A CASE OF DROMIOS
Similarity of Names Liable to Cause Confusion

The name MILLER is not uncommon, there being about as many Millers as Smiths
in this part of the country. Two Millers of the gentler sex got in trouble
this week and so excited with their susceptibilities and so deep their wrath
that a halt in the quarrel was not called until after the principals had
landed in police court with their grievances, resulting in a laceration of
feelings and muleting from a pocketbook of not too plethoric bulk, and all
about a handkerchief, one of those things, eight inches square and most of
illuminated border.

Mrs. Fred Miller and Mrs. Ed Miller were the principals in the little drama.
They live in two cottages on Eagle street, directly east of the big mill.
They are sisters-in-law. They have been known to use the same clothesline
and to exchange confidences over the rear fence, but the question of the
ownership of a dainty kerchief with lace trimming caused a rupture, and
according to testimony in police court terms far from endearing and relating
to pedigree were freely interchanged.

Mrs. Fred Miller, after being reduced to tears by a superior flow of
language fled to Marshal Sudmeyer, to whom she confided her woes, and swore
out a warrant against Mrs. Ed Miller. His honor, the Mayor, was in a worse
fix than Solomon of old with the babies when confronted with the Miller
proposition, but after getting sidelights on the morning séance, decided
that Mrs. Ed was in the wrong and fined her one dollar and costs.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, April 30, 1912

LODGED IN WINDPIPE
EARL McCARTNEY IS VICTIM OF A RIFLE ACCIDENT
PULLS WEAPON THROUGH HAY RACK

Earl McCartney, a young man about twenty years of age, employed on the farm of Harry Hall, nine miles southeast of town, had a bad accident on Friday which nearly cost him his life and which may yet prove serious. In company with his employer he was starting out in a hay rack to haul corn fodder. The men were in the rack and young McCartney had a 22 caliber rifle in his hand. Just as they were about to start off, they noticed a fat pig under a wheel and young McCartney took the rifle with the muzzle towards him and leaning through the bars of the rack poked the hog with the butt end. The trigger of the weapon caught in some of the boards and the gun was discharged. The bullet pierced through three or four thicknesses of his duck coats and lodged in the neck close to the jugular vein and injuring the wind pipe. Dr. Mammen was called out to attend the young man, who has been in a serious condition since, being delirious most of the time, although yesterday showed signs of improvement. The bullet is lodged within some muscles and has not been taken out.