Iowa Old Press

Iowa State Bystander
Des Moines, Polk county, Iowa
Friday, March 20, 1896

CITY NEWS
-Mrs. Firman Brown is reported quite sick.
-Rev. Dr. Gaides will preach his farewell sermon at the East Side Baptist church next Sunday evening.
-Mrs. Jones and son and daughter have removed to the corner of Twelfth and Crocker streets.
-Mrs. Deliah Ramey of Webster City is in the city visiting her son-in-law Mr. Louis Washington.
-Edward Moseley has written and composed an excellent piece of music which wil be placed on the market next week.
-Perry Richmond, nephew of William Coalsson, is in the city visiting. He contemplates remaining in the city indefinitely.
-Miss Alice and Master Timothy Reeves entertained a company of eight little friends at their home Monday afternoon to celebrate respectively their ninth and seventh anniversary.
-Uncle Richard Stewart has lost one child and he has others very sick and in need of help. Mr. Stewart was an old soldier and is a member of one of the Grand Army posts of the city.
-Miss Zella Davis has resigned her position as clerk in the office of secretary of state. She started to a business college on Monday last and will remain until secures a through business education. She was the first young lady of color to be employed as clerk in any of the state offices, and has held the places about a year with entire satisfaction to the department.

Died.
Alfred Otto Stewart died with typhoid pneumonia at the family residence 1414 Buchanan street, March 16, 1896 and was buried frm East Side Baptist church Wednesday afternoon. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

BOONE NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mr. Pinkard has left the city for his home in Clinton.
-Charles Anthony took a short trip to Cedar Rapids last week.
-Rev. P.F. Strange of Lehigh has been getting acquainted with the church people.

CLINTON NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mrs. Anna Carter returned from Pekay Saturday.
-Mr. C.W. Carter has returned home from Keosauqua, but it is expected he will soon go back.
-Born to Mr. and Mrs. R. Richmond the fourteenth day of March, a baby boy.

SIOUX CITY NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mr. William E. Gipson the barber is very ill in his room in the Iowa Savings Banks block.
-Mrs. Shaw, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, departed for Yankton last week.
-Charles and Henry Watkins have returned from Sioux Rapids where they were attending the funeral of their sister, Mrs. N. Young.
-Mr. J. Watkins of Pipe Stone, Minn., spent several days in the city with his siter, Mrs. R.H. Early.
-Mrs. R.H. Early and little daughter, Sybil, leaves Thursday for Sioux Rapids, Iowa.
-Little Zeno Washington was taken sick Sunday, but at this writing is much improved.

BURLINGTON BUDGET - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mrs. Alice Early who has been ill all the winter was very low at the last report.
-Mrs. Julia Alden was taken to St. Francis hospital this week.
-The young people of the A.M.E. church have organized a literary society which meets ever Tuesday night. The officers are: Pres. S.L. Tigg; Vice-president Miss I. Palmer; Secretary Miss E. Brooks; Assistant secretary S. Ramsey; Treasurer W. Hunt; Critic Paris Pratt and Chaplain Rev. Hunt.
-Mr. and Mrs. Ervin are now at home t their friends on Elm street.
-Mrs. B. Brown who was ill last week is out again.

OTTUMWA NEWS - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Last Sunday was quarterly meeting at the A.M.E. church, Rev. A.A. Burleigh was present and conducted the services.
-Mr. F. Martin of Hedrick was a visitor in the city over Sunday.
-Little Elmer Young who has not been expected to live is much better.
-Mr. Clyde Bailey was married to Miss Lilly Elliott at the home of the brides parents Monday evening.
-A surprise party was given to Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Lee on Monday evening by their many friends.
-Mrs. Anna Lee was presented with a handsome silver thimble on the event of her wedding anniversary.

CEDAR RAPIDS NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mr. W.H. Brown and Miss Alice Williams were married at the parsonage by Rev. Wade on the 6th inst. They are at home to their friends at 115 First street. We wish them success.
-Mr. John Green and wife have removed to the city to reside permanantly.

NEWTON NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Thomas Watron's family are rejoicing over the arrival of a little daughter.
-Mrs. K. Weston returned to her home in New Sharon Friday afternoon.
-Rev. Searcey's two little ones and Emma Lewis have been very ill, but are much improved.
-Mrs. Clem Miller entertained a large number of her lady friends at dinner Tuesday in honor of Mrs. Ourley.
-Mr. Ole Cunningham is now employed at Jason Green's barber shop.

THE NEWS IN IOWA

Marshalltown, March 18 - Samuel Olson pitched headloong into a fifteen-foot fly wheel at the glucose factory and was whirled to instant and frightful death. Olson was a boiler maker. He went into the engine room to get some oil. The room is rather dimly lighted. The oil can stood near the big fly wheel. One of the factory employes noticed that Olson staggered a little as he crossed the room, probably caused by dizziness or confusion on account of the darkness. A moment later he stooped to pick up the oil can and stumbled bodily into the wheel. The machinery was stopped as quickly as possible, but when the unfortunate man was taken out, life was extinct. His skull was crushed, neck and legs broken and the body otherwise mangeled. Deceased was a widower, 40 years of age, and leaves one child, a daughter 4 years old.

Ottumwa, March 16 - There was a tragic killing in the east end of the city. "Buck" Stiles, a boy of 11 years, was the victim. He and his brother, who are employed at the packing house, had just returned from their day's work, when Charles, aged 16, while fooling with a shotgun, discharge it, filling "Buck's" side full of shot. Neighbors, hearing the report, rushed in and found the boy in the throes of death. He breathed for about 30 minutes and died. The parents of the children were away from home.

Ottumwa, March 17 - While returning from the funeral of Andrew Styles, a boy who was accidentally shot by his brother, a team attached to one of the carriages ran away. Charles Morrison, the driver, was thrown from his seat, his limbs caught in the wheels and he was dragged a mile. He was dead when taken from the wreck. Two young ladies and a 5-year-old child were horribly cut by the barb wire fence into which the horses ran. One cannot live.

Anamosa, March 19 - The famous Matt Watson case is on trial at Maquoketa. The case is a romantic one. George Niles Watson claims to be the illegitimate son of Matt Watson, who died at Maquoketa leaving an estate worth $300.000. The story is that Matt Watson while a young man met a beautiful waitress at a hotel in Maquoketa and fell in love with her. The result was that after a while a baby boy was born to the young woman; that Watson afterwards recognized him as his son and made provision for him in writing, which writing was afterwards destroyed by the legitimate sons. The young man sues for a portion of the estate.

Marshalltown, March 15 - Isaac Stout, a farmer, was instantly killed while at work sawing wood three miles northwest of Marshalltown. The accident occurred on the farm of Sam Ewry. Mr. Stout had left his team standing near his work, when they suddenly became frightened and started to run. Mr. Stout picked up a heavy piece of wood and attempted to stop the saw. The sudden stoppage caused the balance wheel to fly to pieces, a piece of which struck him squarely in the head. The blow killed him instantly. Mr. Stout was about 40 years of age and leaves a wife and three children.

Sioux City, March 18 - Miss Allie Douglas, of Akron, Plymouth county, was outraged by an unknown tramp. She was waylaid while going horseback to give music lessons in the country. She was held prisoner all day and repeatedly ravished. She was then bound to her horse and released. The horse came back to Akron, dragging the unconscious girl, as she had slipped off. Large posses are scouring the country for the ravisher.

Cedar Rapids, March 19 - Frank Sheftlis, a switchman in the Chicago & Northwestern yards, was run over by a switch engine and had his right leg cut off above the knee. He can not recover.

Council Bluffs, March 18 - Charles Altsmansperger, the self-confessed Minden forger and embezzler, was sentenced to seven years improsonment. He was only sentenced on two counts. The other five were dismissed.

BREVITIES.

Des Moines - The governor has made the following appointments: Fish commissioner, E.E. Delevan of Emmettsburg; state dairy commissioner, W.K. Boardman of Nevada; state veterinarian, Dr. J.I. Gibson, of Denison; librarian, Mrs. Lena Hison Cope, of Marshalltown and labor commissioner, W.E. O'Bleness, of Des Moines.

Fairfield dispatch - Jacob Shutz, an old farmer who lived eight miles east of Fairfield, and who led a hermit life for nearly thirty years, died two years ago. He was supposed then to be wealthy, but his administrator was unable to find any money after his death. In time the place was sold and the new purchaser wishing to dig a well began tearing away a portion of a porch, when he came across an old baking powder can fastened inside of another can in which was found $1,500 in gold, silver and greenbacks. It is now thought that the hermit-like farmer had more money concealed about the premises and a search will be instituted at once. The money found will be turned over to the heirs, who now reside in Burlington.

The grand jury of O'Brien county refused to indict A.A. Bull for the murder of Maud Strawn.

[transcribed by S.F., November 2013

Iowa State Bystander
Des Moines, Polk county, Iowa
March 27, 1896

CITY NEWS
-Wilson Hughes lost his horse. It died Monday.
-Mrs. Henry Tolliver, who has been quite sick is much improved.
-Dr. Dulin is now able to be up and around the house.
-J.L. Thompson contemplates organizing an interstate literary league. Success.
-The family of Mr. Daniel Roy has moved to a pleasant home on Twelfth and Pleasant.
-Mrs. W.H. Gordon is very sick at her home on East Sixteenth and Des Moines streets.
-Rev. Rhinehart, of Albia, was a pleasant caller at this office Friday.
-Miss A. Tim of No. 911 Ninth and Scott streets, who has been down with inflammatory rheumatism for six weeks is much improved.
-Thomas McDaniels has taken a lay off from his arduous duties as chef in the Savery house. He is a very steady worker and is seldom seen upon the streets, consequently he is quite a stranger.
-The First African Christian church, corner of School and B streets, is preparing to build the foundation for their new church. Lords day services, Rev. F. Lomack, pastor.

Died.
Margaret Rose died on March 23 at 4:10 p.m. at her residence, Seventh and Elm streets, aged 70 years. She was born in Charlotteville, Va., and lived there until 1878, when she came to Des Moines. She has belonged to the Baptist church fifty years and died in the full triumph of faith. She was a member of the East Side Baptist church, but has not attended for about a year on account of old age and feebleness. The funeral occurred from the East Side Baptist church, Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Died.
Henrietta Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stewart, died Saturday, March 21 of typhoid pneumonia. The funeral occurred from the East Side Baptist church. Her brother died last week. She was 11 years old and was born in this city. The family has the sympathy of the community in their sad affliction.

Correction.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stewart wish to state to the public that the Grand Army posts and comrades have provided such necessaries as the family needed during the sickness and death of our beloved children, notwithstanding an error which appeared in last week's paper.

DAVENPORT NEWS - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Master Frankie and Clemmie Brown of Muchakinock are in the city visiting their mother, Mrs. J.R. Busy.
-Miss T. Adams, who has been quite ill at Mercy hospital is much improved.
-The Junior league will give an Easter concert Friday the 27th, under the direction of Mrs. S.V. Bean and leader, Mrs. C.H. Marshall.

OTTUMWA NEWS - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Miss Carrie Berry of Hiteman is the guest of our city.
-Rev. P.P. Taylor made a business trip to Muchakinock this week.
-The social given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton last Thursday was a grand affair.
-Rev. Hampton of Oskaloosa visited our city the first of the week.
-Jess Thomas has opened a new barber shop on Main and Court streets.
-Mrs. Wyatt Smith has opened her new millinery store.
-A Young Reapers' society has been organized here with the following officers: Misses May Robinson, president; Lottie Lee, vice president; and Nellie Foster.
-Maggie Horn is amoung the sick this week.
-Ernest Pleasant, of Lincoln, Neb., is now cooking at the restaurant of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey.

NEWTON NOTES - Special correspondent to the Bystander:
-Mrs. G.A. Brown is visiting at the pleasant home of Mrs. James Kelly of Colfax.
-After a two month's visit with relatives and friends, Mrs. Charlotte Ousley departed Tuesday for Des Moines to visit before returning to her home in Marysville, Mo.
-Paul Waldon is receiving compliments for the able manner in which he rendered a solo at the men's meeting Sunday afternoon.
-Miss Eldora Green was a member of the premium committee in fancy work for Jasper county fair.
-Rev. Searcey has been transferred to Cedar Rapids. We regret his departure, as his work was very satisfactory. Rev. Waldon of Colon will succeed him

THE NEWS IN IOWA

Burlington, March 25 - Christian Eckstrom met death at the hands of Riley Whitten and Fred Schoeltkoff in a fight with guns for the possession of Eckstrom's third wife. The woman, after being abused by Eckstrom, who had come home drunk, took her infant and fled to the house of her sister, Mrs. Whitten. Eckstrom bought a revolver at the store of Mrs. John Larson and went to Whitten's house with the intention of getting his wife or satisfaction. Unknown to Eckstrom, Mrs. Larson, who had a suspicion of impending trouble, sold him rim fire cartridges with a center fire revolver. When he made his attack on the Whitten residence his revolver would not discharge, but he forced his way into the house, where he fought Whitten and Schoeltkoff, the latter shooting twice with a shot gun and the former emptying five chambers of a revolver. Eckstrom fell dead at the door of the room in which his wife had taken refuge. The coroner's jury exonerated his executioners, and they were discharged.

Davenport, March 24 - Fire gutted the Washburn-Halligan wholesale coffee and spice house here, entailing a loss on the stock of $120,000; on the building, $15,000. The fire also damaged the plant of the Daily Leader, next door.

Shenandoah, March 26 - Lester Fletcher, a mulatto orphan attending the missionary training school, caught his toe in the sidewalk while playing at recess, and fell, dislocating his neck. He died instantly. Fletcher was 12 years old and was expected to become a missionary.

Iowa City, March 26 - Harry Mauer, aged 18, while hunting ducks in Pleasant Valley, was accidentally shot by a 12-year-old comrade and died from the effects of the wound a few hours later. The boys were creeping up closer to the ducks in a swamp and young Mauer, who was in the lead, received the contents of his companion's weapon in his abdomen.

Anamosa, March 25 - Two little children of Robert Gratke, living near Strawberry Point, were left alone while the mother went to milk. The clothing of the 3-year-old girl took fire and she was burned so badly that she died.

Des Moines, March 25 - In the case of Mrs. Betsy Collins, charged with murdering her one-day-old baby with carbollic acid, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Des Moines, March 25 - The coroner's jury has rendered a verdict holding Charles F. and Henry W. Wilcox to answer to the death of O.E. Pearson. They went to [Pearson's] photograph gallery and got into a dispute with the proprietor about a bill they owed him. In the altercation which ensued, Pearson was pushed down a flight of stairs, when his skull was crushed, resulting in death a few hours later.

Wesley, March 25 - Fire broke out in S.E. Grove's livery barn, cremating seven head of horses and burning 4,000 bushels of grain, twelve carriages and all the harness in the building, which was a large structure, 50X60 feet. J.S. Gallagher's barn, near by, was burned, together with all his machinery. The flames spread to a barn owned by G.S. McPherson, thence to a paint shop owned by D.B. Bacon, and finally to a granary owned by S.C. Gailer, containing 4,000 bushels of oats, all of which were totally destroyed.

Anamosa, March 23 - The town is stirred up over the sudden disappearance of Frank Rinard, and the parents are at a loss to know what has become of him. He is in his 14th year, has blue eyes, light hair, his weight is about 90 pounds and he wore a black coat, plush cap, overalls and shoes, and a blue striped shirt.

Boone, March 26 - In a saloon row, William Gillman was shot in the face by Lafayette Wagner. The ball came out of the back of his neck. He will recover.

BREVITIES
Indictments have been found against the Cohens, of La Porte and Waterloo. They are charged with incendiarism and an attempt to defraud the insurance companies.

The grand jury of Poweshiek county has returned an indictment chargine Richard Rowe with being an accessory to the embezzlement of the county funds.

At Jefferson Judge Elwood sentenced John Fleck, the father, and George, the son, for the terrific attack on the Brown family at Patton, January 28 - to five years and two and one-half years respectively in the penitentiary. Evidence developed that young Fleck, after the melee and after he had been shot in the back and pounded with a stick of cord wood, passed through the pasture and knowcked over Brown's daughter with her milking stool.

[transcribed by S.F., November 2013]

Iowa Old Press
Polk County