Iowa Old Press
LeMars Globe-Post
January 1, 1923
PIONEERS ARE CALLED
DEATH ENTERS HOME OF SEVERAL
OLD SETTLER8
LEVI BIXBY
WAS CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Was One of the Early Homesteaders
of Plymouth County, Coming Here
Over
Fifty Years Ago.
Levi Bixby, one of the early residents of Plymouth county, and a pioneer
homesteader in Stanton township, died a t his home, 314 Second Avenue SE on
Saturday morning after
a long illness. He suffered a stroke nine years ago
from which he partly recovered but four years ago suffered another attack
and had been confined to the house for a long time. During
his long Illness
he was devotedly nursed by his faithful wife.
Levi Bixby was born in the state of New York on August 19, 1844, and, when 8
years of age moved with his parents to Kalamazoo, Mich., where, when a youth
of eighteen he enlisted
in the army to fight for the union. He joined
Company C, 74th Illinois Infantry, at Rockford, Ill on August 5, 1862, and
was discharged from service at Nashville, Tennessee, a year later on account
of continued ill health, he having contracted typhoid fever while on active
service.
Following his discharge from the army he returned to Illinois and worked at
the carpenter trade and then came to Iowa.
He was united in marriage on October 2, I860, at Waterloo, Iowa with Mary A.
Edgington. After their marriage they took up their residence on a homestead
in Stanton township, where they lived for many years until coming to Le Mars
to make their home.
Six children were born to them, two sons preceded him in death. He is
survived by his widow, two sons and two daughters. J.W. Bixby and M.J. Bixby
of this county, Mrs. H. L. Thurber, of Winnipeg, Canada, and Mrs. Harry Bell
of Sioux City. There are twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He also leaves a brother, C.E. Bixby of Hartington, Neb., and a sister, Mrs.
N.C. McCartney, of Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Bixby was a good citizen and was widely
known, having lived in the county over fifty years and had many friends. He
was a loving husband and father and a good neighbor and friend.
The funeral will be held this afternoon at the First Methodist church, Rev.
- C. H. Seward, the pastor, officiating. Services at the graveside will be
in charge of Mower Post, G.A.R. of which the deceased was an honored member.
REMSEN: (From the Bell-Enterprise)
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Duster and family of LeMars spent Christmas day with the A.
J. Duster and J. P. Mersch families in Remsen.
M. M. Milfs, head mechanic for the Groth Motor company is confined to his
home with illness.
Misses Margaret and Catherine Duster of LeMars were guests in the J. P.
Mersch and Henry Foxen homes several days this week.
Mrs. George Strohbeen, who was operated on at the Sacred Heart Hospital at
LeMars, recently, was able to return to her home last Saturday evening and
is greatly improved.
Miss Marie Kass of Rosary College, Mt. Forest, Ill., is home for the
holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kass.
Charles Mandelkow of Bridgewater, S.D., arrived here Saturday and spent a
few days in the home of his father-in-law, Claus Dorm.
Frank Mensen, of Comfrey, Minn., arrived in Remsen last Thursday to spend
the holidays with his father, Albert Mensen. Frank is farming near Comfrey
in company with his brothers Henry and Barney and states that the boys are
well satisfied with agricultural results in that vicinity during the past
few years. The 1922 crops were excellent, he states, and the Mensen boys
have a large number of cattle that are being fed on their place at present.
Ray Wentz, a state university student, is spending the holidays with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wentz.
Wm. Siefke, residing northeast of town, reports the theft of a brand new
gate from his pasture entrance. The theft occurred last Friday during the
night, according to Mr. Siefke. There were some cattle in the pasture but
fortunately none of them left the place before the absence of the gate was
discovered.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barnes and children and Miss Edna Parks of George, Iowa,
came to Remsen last Sunday and were guests of the Jos. B. Heinis and L. M.
Buck families. Miss Vivian Barnes and Miss Parks remained to spend the
entire week here, while the rest of the family returned to George, Sunday
evening.
Mike Kaiser, of Marshall, Minn., arrived here Tuesday for a visit with
relatives and friends. He returned home today.
Miss Wilma Falke, who attends the liberal arts department of the state
university at Iowa City, is home for the holidays.
The condition of Mrs. F. B. Diekmann, who has been dangerously ill with
pneumonia, shows considerable improvement over last week. Mrs. Diekmann’s
condition was considered very grave a week ago, but last Sunday there was a
slight change for the better and there has been a steady improvement ever
since. The attending physician states she is out of danger.
Miss Marguerite Wictor, who spent two weeks in the Rochester, Minn., Mayo
Hospital where she submitted to a serious operation, arrived home last
Saturday and has almost fully recovered from the effects of her ailment and
her operation. During her stay in Rochester, she was accompanied by her
sister, Miss Angeline Wictor, who returned home Saturday with her.
Lyle Jermann has a radio set of his own, which was installed in his home
recently. Lyle assembled the entire set himself, making some of the parts
and purchasing others, and spent several weeks at the work. First attempt
at receiving messages were unsuccessful, but refusing to become discouraged
the lad kept at it until evidently Santa Claus took a hand in the work last
Saturday evening. That evening about twenty broadcasting stations were heard
from among them being points far distant enough to show that the set is
capable of handling reports from the entire United States.
Dr. L. F. Waldmann departed last Friday for Omaha, where he is now visiting
relatives and where he will remain until Jan. 2, when he intends to go to
Chicago to enter upon a two-year special medical course. Dr. Waldmann spent
the last week here in rounding up his business affairs, and his former
office and practice are now fully in the hands of his successor, Dr. J. E.
McGovern.
Edward J. Brucher of Hudson, arrived in Remsen Sunday morning for a brief
visit in the home of his father, Councilman Mike Brucher. He departed
Monday evening for his home. Mr. Brucher is now in the banking field.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lancaster entertained on Christmas at dinner, the
following guests: Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Hawkins, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Lancaster
and children, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Lancaster and children, and Mr. and Mrs. E.
D. Buss and children.
Mrs. Grant Chapman and Miss Constance Chapman were Sioux City shoppers on
Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. J. F. March and sons of Akron were Sunday dinner guests of Mrs.
Elizabeth March. Emerson Kennedy accompanied them home for a weeks visit.
Mathew Ewin, Mrs. Iona Clark, sons Franklin and James, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Ewin and daughter, Ethel Elaine were Christmas dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs.
August Witt of LeMars.
Miss Constance Chapman of Wakapala, S.D., arrived on Sunday and is spending
her holiday vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Chapman.
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Hennrich entertained at dinner on Christmas day, Mr. and
Mrs. Jacob Riter, E. H. Riter and children, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Uthe and Mr.
and Mrs. H. C. Detloff and children.
Mrs. A. D. Jeffers returned Wednesday after visiting a few days in the home
of Grandma Jeffers at Akron.
Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Knowlton were Christmas day guests of Wallace Winslow and
daughter, Miss Josephine Winslow.
Jonathan Alderson, Miss Sadie and John Alderson were guests of Mr. and Mrs.
Elam Chapman on Christmas.
H. C. Detloff and Albert Lundgren had cattle on the Sioux City market
Tuesday.
Jack Laushan had a few days vacation the past week and spent Christmas with
his family in Elk Point, returning here on Tuesday. A. A. Sallen, of
Ashton, had charge of the depot during his absence.
O. C. Haviland is seriously ill at his home.
Mrs. Mary Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Chapman, son Robert, Mrs. Jessie
Kennedy and Miss Lucile March were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Grant
Chapman on Christmas.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lancaster are the proud parents of a son born, Dec. 22.
Mrs. Anna Rayburn and children were guests for dinner on Christmas day of
Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Wallace.
Mrs. J. M. Whitman is spending the week caring for her niece, Mrs. Bernard
Miller, of LeMars.
The Ladies Aid society will meet next Wednesday afternoon with Mrs. S. J.
Wallace.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cliff and sons were Christmas day guests of his parents
at O’Leary.
Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Rees entertained Mr. and Mrs. Alex McArthur and son
Melvin at dinner on Christmas day.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rees, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Rees and children, Mr. and Mrs.
Wm. Rees and children, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Rees and son Marshall were guests
of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rees of LeMars on Tuesday.
MERRILL: (From the Record)
Mr. and Mrs. John Harker spent Christmas at Moville with Mr. and Mrs. C. F.
Clark.
A ten-pound baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hoss Wednesday.
Dr. and Mrs. Naffziger and daughter, Marjory, spent Christmas at Marcus with
Mrs. Naffziger’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. C. Thompson.
Mrs. F. Fountain and son Deriell of Omaha, visited her sister, Mrs. Geo.
Simpson, the past week.
Mrs. Earl Piatt of Sioux City spent Tuesday at the home of her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. M. S. Denny.
Mrs. Frank Donlin was called to LeMars Saturday by the serious illness of
her mother.
Ben Steinburg returned Thursday from Cherokee where he spent several days on
business.
A nine-pound girl arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Luksan on
Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The Merrill schools closed Friday for a weeks Christmas vacation. They will
open again Wednesday, Jan. 3.
John Packard of Sioux City is spending the week at the Naffziger home.
Ruth Berner and Rose Schindel returned Wednesday from Iowa City to spend the
Christmas vacation at home.
Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Pavlik mourn the loss of their infant daughter which
passed away at a Sioux City hospital on Dec. 9. The little girl was only a
few days old. Death was due to a complication of ills.
P. P. Sullivan is enjoying a two weeks vacation from his duties as marshal
and street commissioner. He left Wednesday for Chicago where he will spend
some time visiting with relatives and friends.
Doris Williams visited several hours at the George Simpson home while
returning from Ames to spend Christmas at Wessington Springs.
A fire which might have proven disastrous occurred at the Lloyd Schneider
home early Wednesday morning. Mrs. Schneider was up early to prepare for
wash day and had built a fire in the kitchen range. She left the kitchen for
a time to do some work in another part of the house and on returning found
the room filled with smoke. The fire was discovered in a basket of cobbs
near the range and it is thought to have started by a cinder falling into
them. By hard work, Mr. and Mrs. Schneider succeeded in extinguishing the
blaze without the assistance of the fire department. Smoke and water did
some damage to the building.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 4, 1923
OLDEST PLYMOUTH COUNTY MAN DEAD
JOHN SCHNEIDER NEARLY 92 YEARS OLD
Came Here Early and Stayed Late—Owned Large Land Holdings
John Schneider, the oldest living pioneer of Plymouth County, as well as one
of the county’s most extensive land owners, died this week at his home near
Wren Junction at the age of over 91 years. Funeral services were held at
the Floyd Valley church and interment made in the Graceland Park Cemetery at
Sioux City.
John Schneider was born in Germany, but has been a resident of this country
since shortly after attaining his majority. He was born on Sept. 29, 1831,
son of Dietrich and Elizabeth (Reuter) Schneider, natives of Germany, the
former a son of Philip Schneider, a farmer and a veteran of the war with
Russia in 1813, and the latter a daughter of John Reuter.
Dietrich Schneider was born in 1800, died on May 2, 1840, leaving a widow
and six children. On May 8, 1853, the widow Schneider and her children left
their native land with a view to establishing themselves a new home in this
country, and landed at New York on Sept. 1, of that year. For a year or
two, thereafter, they were located near the city of Albany, the capital of
the state of New York, and then came west, locating in Ogle county,
Illinois, where they made their home on a farm. A year later John
Schneider, the eldest son, came to this state, locating at Dubuque, whence,
on March 16, 1856, he and three other young men of German birth started to
walk out to this part of the state, with a view to entering homesteads.
They arrived in this section without serious mishap and John Schneider
pre-empted a tract of 167 acres in what afterward became section 4 of
Hungerford township, Plymouth County, though neither the county nor the
township had been organized at that time. On July 3 of that same year, he
was joined there by his mother and the other children, Philip, Mary, Daniel,
Jacob and Henry and the family establishing its home out here on the
treeless plain, among the very first settlers in this part of the state.
The widow Schneider and the other members of the family drove through from
Ogle county, Illinois, and were five weeks in making the trip. Philip
Schneider, the only other one of the brothers at that time of age, also took
advantage of the pre-emption act and the other brothers, when they reached
their majority, took advantage of the homestead act and thus the family
presently became very well established as landowners.
John Schneider, as one of the real pioneers of the county, took an active
part in the work of organization when a civic order began to be established
hereabout and during the early years held various county and township
offices, including a service of four terms as county commissioner. During
the Civil War he was drafted for service from this state, but his affairs at
that time were in such a state that he found it more advantageous to send a
substitute in his stead. As the years passed, Mr. Schneider continued to
add to his land holdings until now he is the owner of 1172 acres in this
county. He was still living on the farm he pre-empted back in 1856. A
little more than a mile north of the village of Hinton, where he for many
years has had a very comfortable home, but for the past twenty-one years has
been living retired from the active labors of the farm, his son, Philip,
being the active manager of the place. In addition to his extensive land
interests, Mr. Schneider also fro many years took an active part in the
general commercial and industrial affairs of his home community and was one
of the organizers of the Farmers Insurance Company of Plymouth County. He
also owns stock in the Farmers Elevator company of Hinton and in other ways
has aided in developing the general interests of the county.
On July 15, 1859, John Schneider was united in marriage to Katherine Winter,
who was born in 1832, and who died on April 30, 1909. To that union four
children were born, namely, Philip, who married Virginia Koenig and for
years has been manager of his father’s old home place; Anna, deceased;
Frederick, who is unmarried; and Martha, who married George Koenig, also of
Hungerford township. Mr. Schneider was a life-long member of the
Evangelical Church and helped to organize the congregation of that
denomination in his neighborhood many years ago. His mother, the courageous
pioneer mother who came out here to a practically uninhabited region with
her children in the days of the beginning of settlement here about, and who
lived to be past 80 years of age, was one of the organizers of that church
and for many years one of the most influential workers in the same.
JOHN MALONEY DIES IN HIS HOME HERE
Came To Iowa in Youth and Lived in Plymouth County for Last Seventeen Years
John Maloney, living at 121 Third Avenue North West, died Wednesday morning
of arthritis, or defective circulation. He was 72 years old. The funeral
will be held Friday morning from St. James Catholic Church, and the body
interred in the Catholic cemetery.
Deceased was born in 1851 in Ohio. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick
Maloney came to this country from Ireland. After growing to manhood he came
west, farming in Jones and Delaware counties and finally in Plymouth County.
Of later years he has been living with his brother Maurice and sister
Bridget. Another brother, Pat, also lives in the west part of town, and Dan
Maloney lives at Cherokee.
Deceased was a LeMars resident for the past thirteen years and was a member
of the St. James Catholic church.
------
George Sitzman of Lincoln township will have a sale of Poland China hogs
Feb. 7th. Mr. Sitzman claims that his herd of hogs this year excel any he
ever had before and he certainly has had some very good ones.
-----
Everett Baxter had his tonsils removed at the Sacred Heart Hospital,
Tuesday.
-----
C. N. Hansen, 325 Central Avenue, submitted to an operation at the Community
hospital Wednesday.
-----
Jim Hoyt, stock buyer and accessor, is quite ill in his home in the south
part of town. Mr. Hoyt was in the stock yards on the Seney road and fainted
due to heart trouble. He was taken home but as he recovered quickly he
again went down. The second time the attack was very severe.
DEATHS.
The funeral of Oscar Clarke Haviland of Seney was held at the Seney church
Saturday and interment was made in the City Cemetery at LeMars.
-----
Raymond Van Heuveland, 4 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Richey Van
Heuveland, employed on one of the Detloff farms near here, died on Monday.
The funeral was held Tuesday.
-----
The body of Violet Winchester, age 10 years, 10 months, was buried this
afternoon in the Crathorne Cemetery, eight miles west of LeMars.
She was the daughter of W. J. Winchester, who lives in Ponca, Neb. Deceased
died in Sioux City Jan. 1, 1923, of intestinal diseases, and was brought to
LeMars for burial.
-----
F. M. Rollins, a well known farmer of Plymouth County, died at his home two
and a half miles southwest of town, on the old Shearon farm Dec. 28. He had
been in poor health for some time, suffering from lung trouble which
developed tuberculosis.
Francis Marion Rollins was born in Paulding county, Ohio, Aug. 8, 1861, and
received his early education in the public schools in his home state and
assisted in farm work which he followed all his life. He came to Iowa when
a young man and engaged in farming for himself near Battle Creek where he
remained nine years, after which he was at Ponca for a year. He then moved
to Woodbury county where he farmed for six years and then came to Plymouth
County where he purchased a stock farm in Perry township. A few years ago
he moved to the place near LeMars, where he lived until his death.
On Oct. 29, 1893, Francis M. Rollins was united in marriage with Margaret E.
Warnock and to this union four children were born, Mary L., Frank E., Ruby
and Alva.
Mr. Rollins led a useful and honorable life, and was a good citizen. He
worked at his avocation of farming all his life and took a just pride in
tilling the soil. He was broadminded and progressive and made a large
number of friends. He was a loving husband and father, and no sacrifice was
too great for him to make to advance the interests of his children.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Merrill on Sunday
afternoon, Rev. J. E. Hill officiating and the interment made at that place.
Mr. Rollins is survived by his widow and two sons, farming the home place
and two daughters, Mrs. Will Loradich, of Seney, and Mrs. Rupert Berner, of
Merrill.
OFFICER FRIGHTENS WOULD-BE BURGLAR
George Doty Fires on Man Who Had Broken Open Window in Back of American Café
While making his rounds at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, George Doty, night watchman,
noticed a man trying to get into a back window of the American café. He
already had the screen removed.
Officer Doty called to the man, who immediately bolted west up the alley for
parts unknown, dodging the bullets in the darkness. He turned south in back
of Kehrberg-Schneider’s store and disappeared along the tracks.
Nothing was missing from the café.
LeMars Sentinel, LeMars, (Plymouth), Iowa, Friday, January 5, 1923
Francis J. Stinton is plaintiff in a suit against Josiah Stinton, and
also appears in the case for his brother, Charles Stinton, a minor, against
Josiah Stinton, their father. The petition sets forth that Anton Durband
died in January, 1917, and left their mother, Frances Lean Stinton, a farm
in Section 6, Elgin township. Mrs. Stinton died in November of last year.
Under the terms of the will, Josiah Stinton was granted a life tenancy of
the farm, in case of the death of his wife, under conditions to keep up the
place and take care of the minor children. The plaintiffs state that he has
failed to comply with the conditions of the will and ask the court to
establish the property rights in them.
SURPRISED THEIR FRIENDS
FLORENCE TUCKER AND CLEMENT SINGER QUIETLY MARRIED
Miss Florence M. Tucker and Clement Singer were quietly married in Sioux
City on Wednesday morning at the parsonage of St. Paul's Lutheran church,
Rev. G. A. Matthaides officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Tucker, of this city, and was
born and brought up in this community. She is a graduate of Western Union
college of the class of 1921. For the past year and a half she has been
employed in the office of the Well's Dairy company. She is a popular member
of the young set. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Singer,
of Merrill, and is a progressive young farmer and well liked in his home
community.
After a wedding trip to Chicago, Galena, and other points in Illinois they
will be at home to their friends on a farm near Merrill.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 8, 1923
DEATHS.
Remsen Bell-Enterprise: News of the death of Math Kneip, a former Remsen
resident, which occurred at his home in Elkton, S.D., was received here
early Monday morning with profound regret on the part of the family’s many
warm friends. But little was generally known of Mr. Kneip’s serious
illness, although it was known that he had submitted to an operation at
Rochester, Minn., recently. Mr. Kneip passed away at his home Monday
morning, Jan. 1, at 6 o’clock. His death was due to cancer of the liver.
He was 49 years of age, and is survived by his widow and four children. The
body was brought to Remsen for burial, the funeral being held this morning.
Mr. Kneip was in Remsen, visiting with relatives last July, and at that time
was apparently in the best of health. Early in October he was taken sick
and his ailment seem to baffle physicians. His condition rapidly became
worse and about three weeks ago he went to Rochester, Minn., for
consultation with a specialist. It was then decided to operate on him, and
the specialists immediately found that his operation was in vain and that
there was no hope for his recovery. Explaining his serious condition only
to Mrs. Kneip, the patient was returned to his home in Elkton with hopes of
ultimate recovery.
Deceased was born in the village of Muenshausen, Luxemburg, Europe, in 1873,
and came to the United States in 1892, settling in Mitchell county, Iowa.
There he worked on a farm for an uncle and in 1900 he came to Remsen,
engaging in the shoe repairing trade, which he had learned in his native
home. On Aug. 17, 1901, he was united in marriage to Louise Klostermann, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Klostermann, the marriage taking place in
Remsen, and shortly thereafter the couple moved to a farm near Woodstock,
Minn., where they resided for a period of three years. They returned to
Remsen and spent several more years farming here, later moving to Hancock,
Minn., and again returning to make their home here. In the spring of 1919,
Mr. Kneip took his family to a farm near Elkton, S.D., the present home.
After farming there for three seasons, Mr. Kneip sold out and went back to
the shoe repairing trade in the town of Elkton, conducting a shoe store in
connection with his repair work. In this he was said to have made a decided
success.
MRS. J. WESTHOFF DIES AT AGE OF 75.
MARRIED IN THE OLD COUNTRY
Young Couple Came to Plymouth County and Settled in Grant.
Mrs. John G. Westhoff died Friday afternoon, Jan. 5, in her home on First avenue North West. She leaves to mourn, her husband, five children and many grandchildren. The children are the sons: John, Gerd and Dick, and the daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Ahrendt and Katherine Plueger. She also leaves one brother, J. H. Ricklefs, an old settler of this county.
Deceased, Maria Ricklefs, was born on Jan. 4, 1848, at Sandal, district Zevers in Oldenburg, Germany. There she grew up to womanhood and in 1873 she came to America, settling in Jones county. She was married there to John G. Westhoff. In the same year the young people came to Plymouth county and settle down in Grant township, where they lived until about six years ago, when they came to LeMars. She lived a useful and quiet life for her husband, family and church was universally honored. The funeral was held today. After services in St. John’s Lutheran Church, burial took place in the Lutheran cemetery in Grant township. Rev. J. J. Vollmar officiated.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, January 9, 1923
WAS AN OLD RESIDENT
MRS. WESTHOFF WAS AN EARLY SETTLER IN PRESTON
DECEASED WAS A NATIVE OF GERMANY
Came to Iowa Fifty Years Ago Located in Jones County Where She Married and Then Came with Husband to LeMars.
Mrs. Westhoff, wife of J. G. Westhoff, residing on First Avenue NW, died suddenly on Friday at her home at the age of 75 years. Death was due to embolism. Mrs. Westhoff was one of the pioneers of the northwestern part of Plymouth county and was well known especially among the older settlers.
Her maiden name was Maria Elizabeth Ricklefs, she was born at Sandel, near Zever in the duchy of Oldenburg, Germany on January 4, 1848, and grew up and was educated in her native place. In 1873, with relatives she came to America and they settled shortly afterwards in Jones county in this state where she was united in marriage with Jennsen Gerdes Westhoff. From Jones county they came to Plymouth county and were very early settlers in Preston township and then moved to Grant township where they farmed for many years happy in the rearing of their children, and their occupation of farming at which they attained success after surmounting the obstacles and disadvantages under which the early pioneers labored, before prosperity and affluence were gained.
To Mr. and Mrs. Westhoff were born six children. One daughter died young. Her death is mourned by her aged husband and her children who are Mrs. Carl Ahrendt, Mrs. Theo. Plueger, John Westhoff, George Westhoff and Dick Westhoff, all residents of this county. There are also twenty-two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mrs. Westhoff was related by ties of blood and marriage to many of the pioneer families and had a large circle of relatives who also mourn the loss of a good neighbor and old friend.
Early in life she affiliated with the Lutheran Church and was a member of Christ church in Grant township for many years and after residing in LeMars attended St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Eighteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Westhoff came to LeMars and lived here for a year and then returned to their farm. Eight years ago they returned from farm life and made their home here since.
Mrs. Westhoff was a good Christian woman and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all those who knew her.
Funeral services were held yesterday at one o’clock at St. John’s church. Rev. J. J. Vollmar officiating.
Services were held at Christ church Grant township, Rev. J. D. Meyer and J. J. Vollmar officiating, and the interment was made in the Grant township cemetery.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 11, 1923
STOEWER-MUECKE NUPTIALS JAN. 10
Prominent, Plymouth County Families Are United By Marriage
(By Special Correspondent)
A wedding of much interest took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Trinity
Lutheran Church in Lincoln township, when Miss Beatrice Stoewer became the
bride of Harvey Muecke.
The bridal party entered the church to the strains of Lohengrin’s bridal
chorus played by Miss Clara Ideker. The bride looked charming in a frock of
white crepe satin trimmed with Spanish lace and a girdle of seed pearls, a
veil worn in frill effect and surmounted by a band of orange blossoms
completed the costume. The bride carried an arm bouquet of tea roses and
lilies of the valley, tied with white tulle. The only ornament worn was a
string of pearls, a gift of the groom. The bridesmaid, Miss Bernice Stoewer
was dressed in yellow satin messaline and carried a bouquet of yellow and
white sweet peas, tied with yellow tulle. The groom was attended by his
cousin, Ralph Ideker, the groom and best man wearing the conventional dark
blue.
Just preceding the ceremony Miss Clara Ideker sang, “I Love You Truly.” The
impressive ring ceremony was performed by Rev. R. J. Torgler. Immediately
following the guests, numbering about seventy-five, drove to the bride’s
home where a reception was given. The happy couple received hearty
congratulations. The house was decorated in yellow and white, the bride’s
colors. Streamers of white and yellow crossed from corner to corner and in
the center a large bell was suspended. The table appointments were also
carried out in these colors. A large wedding cake made an appropriate and
attractive center piece. An elaborate course dinner was served by the
Misses Amanda Ideker, Irene Kohl, Clara Ideker, Irene Nugent, Vera Ideker
and Hattie Schultz, close friends of the bride, who wore assisted by Mrs.
Gus Schultz, Mrs. Ben Braband and Mrs. Hauschild, who were dining room
hostesses.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stoewer of Stanton township and
grew to womanhood in this community. By her excellent qualities and winning
disposition she numbers her friends by her acquaintances. She is a talented
and accomplished musician, having been a member of the church choir for
several years. She is well fitted to grace the home she will adorn. The
groom is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Muecke of Lincoln township
and has lived there all his life and is an upright and industrious young man
of sterling qualities and splendid character.
The young folks start their wedded life with brightest prospects and will go
to housekeeping on the groom’s farm four miles south of Neptune.
KINGSLEY JEWELER SUCCUMBS TO DEATH
E. E. BURRIS, WATCHMAKER, DIES AS RESULT OF PULMONARY CONGESTION AFTER SHORT
ILLNESS
Kingsley News-Times: Our people were greatly shocked last Saturday
afternoon when it became known that E. E. Burris, who for the past year had
been conducting a jewelry and watch repair shop in Kingsley, had died.
On Wednesday evening of last week Mr. Burris phone to the store from his
home, that he was not feeling well, and asked that Larson & Mahon look after
his jewelry, etc., as he would not be down that evening.
He was no better Thursday morning and a doctor was called, who found him
suffering from a slight congestion of the lungs, but it was not considered
dangerous.
On Friday he became rapidly worse and on Saturday a doctor was called from
LeMars, who, after examination informed the relatives and friends that there
was little hope for the recovery of the patient.
Mr. Burris’ parents, who reside in Cherokee, were notified and arrived at
the bedside of their son, and only a couple of hours before he passed away.
Mrs. Burris, also, was at the bedside of her husband when the end came.
A short service was conducted at the home Sunday by Rev. J. F. Hutchinson,
after which the remains were taken to Cherokee for interment.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 15, 1923
LeMars Citizens Have Been Married For Fifty Years
[Photos of each person published with this news story]
New Year’s Day was the occasion for the celebration of the golden wedding
anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Smith, who have been residents of LeMars
and vicinity since grasshopper days. All the living children and
grandchildren, to the number of twenty, gathered at the home on First Avenue
South East and enjoyed the bountiful wedding dinner, after which an
impressive program was rendered, including the following original lines by
H. L. Smith, the eldest son:
MARRIED FIFTY YEARS
On the thirty-first of December
Just fifty years today,
With rites they well remember
Our parents began their way.
This trip to the golden milestone
Began with hope and cheer,
Was at times a toilsome journey
With many a smile and a tear.
With keenest satisfaction
We took o’er the journey past
And see the lives united
Have stood each gale and blast.
They watched their children’s cradles,
As with faith they conquered fears;
They lived for those who loved them
For fifty long, long years.
They honored God who gave them
Their need of strength and health;
To Him they gave their service,
Their consecrated wealth.
Their work shall be rewarded,
The golden day appears—
“Well done” their Master’s tribute,
“Well done for fifty years.”
On Dec. 31, 1872, R. G. Smith and Emma L. Evarts drove to Wyocena, Wis., in
a sleigh instead of a chaise and were united in marriage, the Rev. Charles
Richards officiating. Seven years of their married life were spent in
Wisconsin and the remaining forty-three years in LeMars and vicinity, where
their influence has always been felt for good in home, church and community
life.
The gifts chosen by the immediate family and relatives to perpetuate the
spirit of the occasion were fittingly presented by a daughter, Mrs. H. G.
Melke, of Gordon, Neb. The responses by the recipients were very touching
and will long be remembered and cherished by the children and grandchildren.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
C. W. Reeves spent the week end in Sioux City.
Miss Constance Chapman returned to her school work at Wakpala, S. D., on
Friday after having spent her Christmas vacation with her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Grant Chapman.
Eldon Riter visited relatives in Sioux City on Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Reeves and family spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Bert Reeves.
Honor pupils from the primary department of the Seney school for the month
of December are: Vera Reeves, Eva Rees, Kenneth Rees, Donald Reeves,
Margaret Lancaster, Melvin Rees, Howard Wallace, Evan Anstine, George
Wallace, Orval Rees, Harold Rees.
Will and Bert Reeves left Monday in the latter’s car for Dakota. They
stopped at Monroe, Howard and Hazel. They returned Friday evening,
accompanied by their sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Chambers, of
Hazel.
Mrs. Roy McArthur and daughter Ruth returned Saturday from Gayville, S. D.,
where they spent the holidays in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Darville.
George Falk, of Centerville, S.D., visited relatives here on Sunday.
Irving McArthur returned home on Saturday after having visited the past few
weeks at Gayville, S. D.
Groetken Bros. shipped two cars of cattle to Sioux City on Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ewin and daughter, Ethel Elaine, visited in Hospers on
Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. G. Jansma.
John Alderson was a Sioux City visitor on Thursday.
Nic Thoma of LeMars was a caller here on Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. John Osborne and Miss Josie motored to Mission Hill, S. D., the
latter part of the week. Mrs. C. L. Britton and children, who have visited
here the past week returned to their home. Mr. Osborne returned home on
Tuesday.
Mrs. A. D. Jeffers was a week end visitor in Sioux City.
The children and families of Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Lancaster surprised Mrs.
Lancaster on Monday in honor of her birthday. A good time was enjoyed by
all present and Mrs. Lancaster received best wishes for many happy returns
of the day.
Mrs. A. N. Thoma and son Richard, who have been in LeMars the past few days
caring for Mr. Thoma’s mother, returned home on Wednesday.
Emerson Kennedy returned Friday from Akron where he spent the holidays in
the home of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. March.
The Samaritan class of the Sunday school gave a party in the hall on
Wednesday evening.
LeMars Sentinel
January 19, 1923
VICTIM OF PNEUMONIA
MRS. PHOEBE DEMPSTER SUCCUMBS TO A BRIEF ILLNESS
FOLLOWS HUSBAND WITHIN THREE WEEKS
Deceased Was a Native of England
and Came to Iowa When a Young Girl
and Was Among First Settlers in Stanton Township
Mrs. Phoebe Dempster, a pioneer resident of Plymouth county, died on
Wednesday night at her home, 221 Second Avenue, SE, following an attack
of pneumonia. Less than three weeks ago her husband, John Dempster,
succumbed to a long illness. The death of Mrs. Dempster entails a
double bereavement on the family. Her devoted attention to her husband
in his long illness, in which she faithfully nursed him, had resulted in
a run down condition of health, caused by worry and constant anxiety.
She contracted a cold which quickly developed into pneumonia and her
weakened stamina was unable to resist the inroads of the disease.
Phoebe Hodgson was a native of England, and was born in Durham
county on September 19, 1856. When a girl, in 1872, she came with
members of her family to the United States and shortly after their
arrival they located at Fort Dodge, Iowa. At that place she was united
in marriage with John Dempster on April 13, 1875. In 1878* Mr. and Mrs.
Dempster came to Plymouth county and were among the first settlers to
Stanton township where after surmounting the obstacles and combating the
trials, which confronted the pioneers, they farmed successfully for many
years. About nine years ago they retired from the active labors of the
farm and settled in LeMars to enjoy a well earned rest and pass the
autumn of their lives.
The death of Mrs. Dempster is mourned by a large family of sons and
daughters, many relatives and friends.
The children are James Dempster, of Neligh, Neb.; William Dempster
and Mrs. Robert Scott, of Plainview, Neb.; John Dempster, Buffalo Gap,
S. D.; Henry and Robert, Ellen, Marion, Bertha and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith,
of LeMars; Laura Dempster, Sisseton, S. D.; and Mrs. Mable (sic-Mabel)
Featherstone (sic-Featherston), of LeMars.
She also leaves her brothers, John Hodgson, of Boone, Robert Hodgson,
of LeMars; Stephen Hodgson, of Donnybrook, N. D.; Joseph Hodgson, Harvel
(sic-Karval), Colo. and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Fish and Mrs. James
Cross, of Palo Alto county, Iowa.
Mrs. Dempster was a devoted wife and mother, and a home maker in the
highest sense of the word. Her life was devoted to the interests of her
children and in doing good in the religious and social circles to which
she belonged. She was a loyal friend and neighbor always willing to
assist in time of trouble, and helped to make the world a better place
in which to live.
While residents of Stanton township, Mr. and Mrs. Dempster were
affiliated with the Free Methodist church. Of late years they attended
the United Evangelical church in LeMars and the funeral will be held at
the Hildreth Memorial church in this city, Rev. J. W. Davis officiating,
at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
All of her children were summoned home when it was seen that death
was imminent and were at her bedside when she passed away.
~~~~~
J. U. Sammis, of Sioux City, was in LeMars yesterday on business and
greeting many friends.
~~~~~
WAS ROAD SUPERVISOR
Carl Gilbert, Employee of Central Road Dies Suddenly
Carl Gilbert, who was formerly section foreman on the Illinois Central
road here for several years, was well known to many LeMars people, died
suddenly at his home in Cherokee on Monday. The Cherokee Times says:
C. W. Gilbert died at his home, 705 West Cherry street, at 9:25 this
morning at the age of 42 years. He is survived by Mrs. Gilbert and
three sons, Leslie, Rowland, and Gerald, all at home.
For twenty-five years deceased had been in the employment of the
Illinois Central, working at Cleghorn and LeMars before coming to
Cherokee to take the position of section foreman. In August 1916 he was
promoted to road supervisor, a position he had since held.
~~~~~
Ed Hoffman, a former well known
resident of Westfield township, died
at his home near Jefferson, S.D. Wed-
nesday morning, January 10, 1923.
He had been in poor health for some
time. Funeral services were held in
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
(Friday) the Catholic cemetery here.
~~~~~
M. Kennedy, of Remsen, was visiting LeMars friends on Tuesday.
~~~~~
C. J. Eyres will have a Poland China brood sow sale February 10th.
~~~~~
SIOUX: (Special Correspondence)
George Pavlik’s sale will be January 29.
C. K. James marketed a load of porkers Monday evening.
R. H. and R. F. Milner were business visitors to Sioux City early in the
week.
Helen Ballard, the daughter of the local blacksmith, has started school at
No. 4.
Miss Eva Ramesbotham is making an extended visit with the relatives in Sioux
City.
In a coasting accident Saturday, Marion Vermillion was cut around the head.
The main roads are drying nicely now and traffic without chains has once
more been resumed.
Aage E. Dybdahl was in the neighborhood one day last week gathering up some
of his property.
Mr. and Mrs. Kruger of Hinton are visiting Mrs. Kruger’s cousin, Mrs. George
Fursee.
Mr. Baxter, of Battle Creek, is spending some time in Sioux township looking
after a bunch of stock on the former Hoffmann farm.
Mr. Stauffer is planning to use the dramatic talent of the neighborhood in
some of the church work at an early date.
Mrs. Will Cowell has been staying in Sioux City with her parents since the
illness of her mother, Mrs. Chase.
W. B. Milner and his son, Richard, have been hauling some hay from the
Edwards farm over in South Dakota.
Richard Milner, who had been staying at the home of his brother during the
latter’s illness, was able to return home Tuesday.
The high school are preparing a play which Mr. Leavitt expects to have ready
for presentation early in February.
Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Briggs are spending some time in the home of Mr. C. A.
Briggs, before returning to North Dakota.
Ed Hoffman, who died at his home near Jefferson, and was buried from Akron
last week, was a former resident of this locality.
Leo Mansfield came over to attend the Goodrich sale in the Adaville
neighborhood. Prices were good at this sale.
Olin Lilly went to Akron Friday afternoon after school before returning home
for the week end. He attended the declamatory contest in Westfield that
evening.
W. C. Stauffer and Clyde Stauffer attended the Ladies Aid meeting Thursday
and were delegated to purchase the oysters, etc., for supper Thursday and
were delegated to purchase Friday night.
Mr. and Mrs. August Hauser, of Westfield, were callers at the farm Thursday
afternoon. Signur Hauser, from Sioux City, was also out and accompanied by
his brother, Hart.
The Ladies Aid of Bethel church met with Mrs. F. W. Knapp on Thursday last
and completed the plans for the entertainment Friday evening. The next
meeting will be held with Mrs. George Fursee.
Members of the Fry family were visitors at Frank Helm’s one evening
recently. Little Lorraine Helm has now entirely recovered from her recent
severe attack of illness.
The Sioux township assessor, T. F. Webber, was gathering the necessary data
in East Milnerville last week. Mr. Webber is very good, competent officer
and always prompt with his work.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Milner were Sioux City visitors Monday afternoon. Mr.
Milner took in a veal and Mrs. Milner made the rounds of the hospitals where
relatives or friends were ill.
Will Allen, well known throughout the county, writes to friends that he has
platted several acres of his orange grove into town lots and they sell
rapidly. It is called Allen’s addition to Anaheim, California.
W. C. Stauffer and his brother, Clyde, came out Thursday and conducted
prayer meetings. This week instead of the prayer meeting service, the young
people will gather for practice at the Mulheron home on Wednesday night.
Oscar and Orice Allard were calling on Milnerville friends Saturday evening,
enroute to Merrill. Orice has entirely recovered from his accident, which
resulted in the amputation of his index finger, and says he does not miss
it.
Mrs. Lyman Chase, a well known resident of this community many years ago,
underwent a major operation at the Samaritan hospital, Sioux City, last
Wednesday. While for a few days her condition was extremely serious, she is
now doing as nicely as could be expected and will undoubtedly make a
complete recovery.
A baby girl born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cassen a week ago, lived but a short
while. Mrs. Cassen, who has been seriously ill, is now greatly improved and
hopes to leave the hospital some time this week. She and her husband will
probably spent the balance of the winter in the T. B. Cassen home.
The oyster supper and bake sale held by the ladies of the community at
Sunnyside high school, Friday evening, was a financial and pleasurable
success. A good crowd was present to enjoy the evening and the usual
capable auctioneer, Waldon Fry, disposed of such eatables as he did not
sample too generously at a good price.
The older residents of Milnerville will be much interested to know that Mrs.
Jim Poplin came from Colorado to visit in the home of her brother, Lyman
Chase, at holiday time. Since Mrs. Chase is obliged to go to the hospital,
Mrs. Poplin has remained to assist in the care of her brother, who has
himself been an invalid for some time.
WESTFIELD: (Special Correspondence)
W. E. Schulz had a load of hogs on the Sioux City market on Saturday.
Lillian Dewolf, of Canton, S.D., spent a few days with friends here last
week.
Mrs. Bernard and Mrs. Chichoine, of Jefferson, were over on Monday visiting
in the Butler home.
Mr. Dean, of Winnebago, Neb., visited his son, Walter, here a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Schulz autoed to Rock Rapids on Monday to visit a few
days in the Carl Tower home.
The Westfield boys attending the Sioux City business college came up for a
weekend visit.
Frank Smith moved his engine to the Dean place on the river and is sawing
wood.
Laverne Teager is making a very fine recovery and will soon be able to come
home.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, of Sioux City, came up Thursday to attend the
funeral of their grandson.
Mr. and Mrs. Percy Harrington, of LeMars, were guests in the Albert
Harrington home last week.
Mrs. Ned Spaulding spent Tuesday in Sioux City, the guest of Vermillion
friends.
The Farm Bureau held a meeting and basket social at the hall which was well
attended and all had a good time.
The Tuesday club met with Mrs. Anderson in the Cassel home. Thirteen members
and three visitors were present. A very pleasant evening was spent with the
club papers and discussions by all members.
The members of the Catholic church are planning a social evening and have
invited friends from all other churches to meet with them.
Mrs. Conway was a Sioux City visitor on Tuesday.
The Declamatory contest held at Community hall on Friday evening was much
enjoyed, Winnie Krotsch winning first over all. Al contestants showed the
careful training given them by Mrs. Lyons, of Vermillion.
Jay Harrington, the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Harrington,
died of pneumonia on Tuesday. The funeral services were held at the home on
Thursday by Rev. Allison, of Akron, and burial made in the Akron cemetery.
Jay was the pride of his parents and greatly endeared himself to everyone.
Mr. and Mrs. Feltis, from near Burbank, were over on Saturday. While going
down cellar sometime ago, Mr. Feltis fell over a glass jar on the steps and
cut his wrist on the broken jar. He went to a doctor and had the broken
tendons tied and has had a very sore arm ever since, although it is slowly
healing.
Ed Hoffmann, a former Westfield resident, passed away on Wednesday at his
home near Jefferson, S. D. He leaves a wife and six children. The funeral
was held in the Akron Catholic church and burial made at Akron. Mr. Hoffman
was well known here, having run the butcher shop for quite awhile. A large
number was at the funeral.
Le Mars Globe-Post, January 22, 1923
Celebrate Their Golden Wedding
Mr. And Mrs. Nic Zeig Wed Fifty Years
Have Lived In Iowa All the Time And 48 Years In This County
On Jan. 22, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Zeig residing at 400 Fourth avenue South East, was the scene of a happy gathering of relatives, and friends when they celebrated the anniversary of their fiftieth wedding. Throughout the day they received congratulations, and best wishes of many of their friends who came to wish them many more happy anniversaries.
At noon a three course dinner was served to about thirty-five guests, the afternoon being spent with music, social conversation and cards.
Mary Anne Wagner and Nicholas Zeig were married fifty years ago Jan. 22, 1873, at Springbrook, Jackson county, Iowa.
Two years later coming to Plymouth county, first settling on the C. D. Hoffman farm, then on the P. Gehlen farm then farming the H. C. Curtis place in Marion township, where they made their home for twenty-three years, finally retiring and settling in Le Mars. Four of the nine children born to this union are living, they are, one daughter Mrs. Irwin Givens of Hinton, and three sons, John, Dan and Will of Le Mars.
They have four grandchildren: Helen, Harold, Arthur and Alice Mae Givens.
Other relatives who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. B. Wagner, Mrs. and Mrs. Peter Arens, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Galles, all of Remsen, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Galley of Verdi, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zeig and Mr. and Mrs. Nick Hentges of Le Mars.
[transcribed by MH, Jul 2020]