Iowa Old Press
Sioux County Herald, Orange City, IA, February 1, 1899
Next Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Christian Endeavor society of
the First Reformed church of this place will render a Mission program in
the Academy chapel. All are cordially invited to attend, and to bring a
small contribution for the purpose of enlarging the Mission library so
that all members may be supplied with good reading matter.
Sioux City Journal: Dr. J.M. Henry, of this city, who returned to Sioux
City last July after a visit to the Klondike region, is in receipt of a
letter from Hans Anderson, a member of the party with which he traveled.
A party of thirty left here last spring, and of that number twelve
returned. Eleven of the original party are now traveling together, and
another party of seven became separated while crossing the glaciers in
the western part of Alaska, and have not yet been heard from. The
missing ones are believed to be in the interior of the country. Anderson
writes that they met a miner who had thirty pounds of the yellow metal,
and was also the owner of nine claims. He made them a proposition to
transfer a part ownership in his claims, which was accepted. They are
now on their way to the headwaters of the White river, where they expect
to make a good find. The members of the party now traveling are: H.P.
Peterson, Thos. Broderick and P.J.H. Peterson, of Sioux City; Ed. N.
Adair, of South Sioux City; J.A. Pfeffer, John Wiggers, Jerome Fisher,
and Albert Greven, of Alton; Charles Iverson, Adolph Carlson and Gus
Lolid of Sloan. The missing party consists of the following: Ed. Haley,
of Leeds; Andy Ward and Lindmark, of Sioux City; John and Ralph
Robinson, of Sloan; Chas. Brocke, of Alton; Herman Wagner, of Sioux
Center. It is not known where the missing party can be, but no special
harm for them is feared.
Yesterday afternoon the fire bell rang, the bosom bespangled fire boys
trotted out the hose cart and ladder truck - and the fire went out. Over
in the ward school house an over heated chimney had set the roof ablaze
which Jurian Raak extinguished in short order. Miss De Booy and Mr.
Muilenberg dismissed their rooms in an orderly way and the incident
ended happily because of the slight damage done. This is narrow escape
number two. For last Monday night one of the stoves in the court house,
feloniously and maliciously aided and abetted by a high wind that then
prevailed, ran away and when Janitor Vos got around in the morning the
wood work was badly scorched and almost ablaze. It is an extremely
fortunate circumstance that nothing worse occurred for a fire that
night, fanned by the high wind, would have been impossible to subdue.
The Herald had the pleasure of listening to recitations in two of the
rooms at the Academy on Monday, those of Principal Kolyn and Prof.
Soulen. In the former the recitation by the pupils of the class was
supplemented by a running discourse on the topic of the lesson by the
president, adding largely to the interest of the subject. Prof. Soulen's
class was studying Ceasar, and by way of diversion they were asked to
translate into Latin a brief narrative of one of the campaignes of Gen.
Miles. About sixty students are now in attendance and appear to be
making good progress. The instruction is, of course, in English and is
designed to prepare for any college in the country. Prof. W.H. Gleysteen
and Miss Zwemer complete the list of instructors who are certainly doing
most efficient work. Thirty years ago a great many colleges issued
diplomas with a course no more elaborate than that offered by the
Academy.
Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Melrose are this week moving into their new home purchased recently from T. J. Deck. As might naturally be expected, during the pendency of such proceedings, Miss Goddard has been having her own way in the clerk's office.
Miss Jennie Nyland of Tecumseh, Mich., has been selected to fill the position in our public schools made vacant by the resignation of A. Leard. Miss Nyland taught here some years ago but was obliged to give up on account of her health at that time. She is an efficient teacher.
An informal gathering of some twenty-five young people congregated at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. J. Bolks last Saturday evening, and spent an hour or two in progressive caroms. The party was a sort of farewell to Miss Mathel Bolks and A. W. Leard, who left last Monday for Des Moines, Iowa, to take a course in osteopathy.
Marriage licenses have been issued at the clerk's office as follows: J.M. Noeth 31, Angelina Lucas 24; John H. Jantzen 25, Kate M. Lutjens 19; J.S. Curtis 36, Mrs. Anna Quinn 28; Wm. F. Schultz 29, Lena Drenkow 23; John Den Beste 24, Hattie Den Hartog 23; Peter Stapenhorst 32, Alice Ganzevoort 25.
Hull Index
Sioux County, Iowa
Friday, February 10, 1899
Court convenes at Orange City next Monday. The topic of interest this
term is the trial of Mrs. Blood for killing her husband. Unusual
interest is manifested in the outcome by citizens of this community
because they are acquainted with all the circumstances leading up to the
tragedy.
The plea of the defense will undoubtedly be insanity, as that is
naturally the only one that could be made. The attorneys for the defense
will endeavor to have the trial come off during the second week of the
term. The Index will endeavor to give you as full an account of the
trial as our time and space will permit. The main witness for the
defense will probably be the attending physician, Dr. Owens, who not
only waited upon the accused previous to the crime, but whose attentions
have been necessary ever since. From what we can learn of the family
connections of the accused, it is not at all surprising that she has
suffered from mind failure and it is not to be wondered at that her
troubles developed it until she lost control of it entirely.
Roy Lang and Manus Steinberg were in the vicinity of Hudson, S.D. this
week engaged in dehorning cattle.
Jim Walters received another letter from Geo. Worster at Manila the
other day. George, since the letter was written has had a chance to know
what the Filipinos do when it comes to fighting.
The following was handed The Herald for publication and thoroughly
explains itself, hence we refrain from comment:
This is to certify that I hereby acknowledge that I have done you, John
J. Dykstra, of the general store of Perkins, a wrong, and wish to
apologize for what I have said and done. Viz: For sending a bogus
telephone message and for the other accusation I have made against you
in regard to selling liquor.
Feb. 8th. 1899. G.W. Hannon.
Dr. Galman of Detroit visited our town in company with his
brother-in-law, C. Hospers, of Orange City. The former has decided to
locate here and practice his profession. Hospers and its neighborhood
are certainly far enough from Sheldon and Alton to make the position of
doctor a paying one.
HOSPERS: Nick Perrott bought Dr. French's barn and lot and expects to
move his shop on the lot in the spring.
ALTON: Mrs. Brenton, who has been visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln,
left Monday for her home in Dallas, Iowa.
_______
The suit of G.W. Froelich against E.M. Norman and others was begun
before the court and is now on trial. The petit jury was not called
until 2 p.m. this afternoon and the balance of the week will be consumed
in preliminary matters and routine proceedings.
_______
Clerk Melrose has issued marriage licenses to the following parties
during the past week: Henry Van der Wall to Henrietta Oly; Wm.
Hong?chagen to Johanna Kruit; Johannes Amussen to Agnes C. Moeller; Jas.
?chaap to Rieka Vedders; Henry J. Van Veldhuizen to Jennie Top; W. Mason
to Mrs. M.A. White; Adriaans Verhoef to Lydia Grooters; Wm. Grooters to
Cornelia Versteeg; Harry ?. Helton to Annie Mitchell; Otto Huizenga to
Ymkje De Jager.
_______
HULL. B.T. Hawkins and J. Tobin shipped two car loads of cattle to
Chicago last Saturday. Mr. Tobin returned home Monday, but Mr. Hawkins
stopped a few days in the windy city to take in the sights.
Lew Stutzman and Harry Tuttle drove over to Boyden Friday. Harry
attended the dance.
Manus Steinberg, James Hogan, Paul De Celle, Will and Roy Lang
attended the dance at Rock Valley given by the Foresters. A very
pleasant time was reported.
SIOUX CENTER. John Heideman, Jerry Winter and his brother Henry visited
the county seat last Thursday.
Word was received from Wisconsin that Wm. Brasser, father
of Mrs. Hyink, is recovering.
Sioux County Herald, Orange City, IA, February 22, 1899
ROCK VALLEY. Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Parkinson are enjoying a visit with Mr.
and Mrs. E.J. Fetch.
DISTRICT COURT.
Last Saturday the Mosher case was pushed over to Monday and the jury was
not impaneled until 3:30 p.m. of Feb. 20th. It was made up as follows:
C. Tillema, J. Moeller, J. Klein, W.J. Meyer, W.B. Swafford, ?.H.
Schilmoeller, John Hoefler, Wm. Vandschneider, J.C. Eulberg, John Brink,
Joe Hoevers and J.C. Reed. Anna Gertes of Ireton charged Dr. A.I. Mosher
of that place with attempting to produce an abortion. The case was once
before the grand jury, dismissed, a civil suit was then brought by the
Doctor against some half a dozen Iretonians including Rev. Jesse Cole,
and then the criminal case was re-habilitated. Much of the testimony was
unprintable. After two day's trial the cause was given to the jury about
2 p.m. today and ten minutes after a verdict of not guilty was rendered.
R.W. Olmstead for the state, Hatley and Irwin for the defense.
During short breathing spells Judge Hutchinson has made U.S. citizens of
the following named gentlemen:
Arie Maris.
Wyte Van der Wal.
G.J. te Slaa.
Henry Wyhof.
Aarte Wyhof.
Johannes Den Ouden.
J.S. Bakker
Jansen Van der Brink.
Weindelt Van der Brink.
Gerben D. de Kok.
Joe Van der Velde.
Henry Van der Velde.
ROCK VALLEY. A number of our people are at the county seat this week
among whom are: A. McArthur, N.A. Fink, Jonas Klein and P.J. Hanlan.
PERKINS. Mrs. Hannon and daughter, Miss Grace took afternoon tea with
Mrs. Cable on Friday.
HAWARDEN. Mrs. Deo will move into the house vacated by Mr. Elmick.
HULL. Wm. Losey left for Minnesota Saturday to visit a brother who is
going out west for the health of his family. Rob't Raines has the depot
in charge during William's absence.
PERKINS: Mr. Vernon, the new tenant on the farm recently vacated by Dr.
Grey, took possession of his new home on Thursday. He comes from near
Sioux Center.
MIDDLEBURG: Jno. Nieuwenhof has given up his position at R. De Young's
and moved to Perkins, where he will clerk for J.J. Dykstra, his
brother-in-law. John is a good worker and a great talker, and we wish
him success.
HAWARDEN: Dr. Quigley the new post master took possession of the post
office Saturday and removed it to the building lately vacated by W.
King. Charles Rowley is deputy. Ex-postmaster Sulser of Ireton is
assisting for the present. The doctor will make a number one postmaster
as soon as he has learned the duties pertaining to the office.
Hull Index
Sioux County, Iowa
Friday, February 24, 1899
The Blood Murder Case
Last Saturday Mrs. Blood and children went to Orange City to be present
at the trial of Mrs. Blood for the shooting and killing her husband last
November. The details of the crime were so fully explained in our issue
of the 18th November that it is unnecessary to repeat them. It was
expected that the trial would begin last Monday, but the Dr. Mosher case
dragged until it had occupied Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, going to
the jury on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Mosher was acquitted, the jury
being out but 12 minutes. Yesterday morning the attorneys began
selecting a jury.
John Orr is assisting County Attorney Van Oosterhout in the prosecution,
and Hatley & Irwin are defending Mrs. Blood. Up to this afternoon, there
had been 34 extra jurymen summoned and there still remains to each side
four peremptory challenges. It is extremely doubtful if a jury will be
secured before tomorrow, if then. The Index will endeavor to give its
readers a full account of the trial as it proceeds next week. The court
room is crowded to its utmost capacity. Mrs. Blood appeared in the court
room on her couch and appears to be anxious to have the trial begin and
end. The trial will occupy all the next week, if not more. The testimony
of physicians and members of the family will occupy nearly all the
attention of the attorneys.
From private sources we learn that Mrs. Blood's health is very feeble
and in such a condition that her demise would be no surprise.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A phone message from Orange City just as we go to press, stated that at
2:30 o'clock, the following men were accepted as jurymen:
Peter Schnee.
Peter Austin.
W.J. Meyer.
John Carter.
W.N. Wiersma.
John Hoefler.
John Brink.
M. Johnson.
L. Noethe.
C. Gillima.
J.H. Schillnoeller.
J. Klein.
The court house and court yard are crowded with people, all of which
shows the unusual interest taken in the case.
The court room was so crowded that court was adjourned to meet at the
town hall at 5 p.m.
The school election is a couple of weeks off. There are two directors to
be chosen this year. The term of F.E. May expires and one will have to
be elected to fill vacancy caused by the death of F.C. Beckman.
Harold Odle and Grant Vickers are to be mustered into Co. E at Des
Moines. Both of the boys are attending school at the capitol city and
need not come home to be admitted into the service.
Misses Greer and Barton and Messrs. Schoneman and Raak, all of Sioux
Center, spent Sabbath at the Robt. Schoneman home.
Alton Democrat
February 25, 1899
WAS TIRED OF LIFE.
Mense Ommen Ends His Existence by Means of a Shotgun.
From the LeMars Sentinel.
Mense Ommen, who resided on the farm of his son-in-law, Geo. Dohring, in
Grant township, about six miles northwest of LeMars, shot and killed himself
about nine o’clock Tuesday morning. The circumstances as told at the
coroner’s inquest which was held there are briefly as follows: Mr. Ommen,
who was of an erratic and high strung temperament, has often threatened to
take his life. He rose at his usual time Tuesday morning and about nine
o’clock changed his clothes, putting on his best. When asked where he was
going, he said he was going away. Geo. Dohring followed him a short
distance, but was afraid to bother the old man much as he said he was afraid
he might shoot him. He went towards the house and presently heard a shot
and turning round saw Ommen lying in the road near a clump of willows and
saw smoke rising. He ran to the body and found the clothes were on fire and
the blood was oozing out of a wound in the breast. The dead man was picked
up and taken to the house, and word sent to LeMars to notify the coroner,
Dr. Mammen, who went out immediately and held an inquest. He impaneled as a
jury: J. H. Hagel, O. H. Dohring and Chas. Schultze, who after hearing the
evidence returned a verdict to the effect that the man had come to his death
by his own hands.
The deceased was the father of Henry Ommen and Mrs. Geo. Dohring, of this
city. He was at one time employed as hostler at the Western Hotel in this
city. He has a wife living in Germany.
Mr. Geo. Dohring was in town this afternoon and in talking to a Sentinel
reporter said that Ommen had been working for him and on Monday asked for
his time. Mr. Dohring gave him a check and thought the old man would come
back again as he had one on former occasions when he got ready.
The old man was going to start for town on Monday evening and then said he
would wait till morning. When Mr. Dohring followed him down the road, after
seeing him take the gun and asked him what he was going to do, the deceased
asked him if it were any of his d---d business, so he left him and went back
to the house. When he heard the shot fired he thought the old man was just
firing for a bluff, but went down the road to see and found Ommen had killed
himself.