Iowa Old Press

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello co. Iowa
September 1, 1903

An Iowan in Chicago
Harlan Republican -- Another of those "Iowa Boys" holding good positions is Superintendent E.G. Cooley now at the head of the Chicago schools, of which he has been superintendent for about four years. He is a university of Iowa man, having attended college at Iowa City in the early '80's. He was a poor boy and helped to make his way through the university by sawing wood, and by doing other jobs of work. He draws a salary of $10,000. Mr. Cooley was born and reared in Clayton county.

[transcribed by S.F., Sept. 2004]

Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello co., Iowa
September 2, 1903

Salem.
Salem [Henry co.], Sept. 1
-O.A. Garetson, Ed Dille, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ozbun and Mrs. Kate Carlisle attended the state fair at Des Moines.
-Miss Carrie Saint returned from Kansas City Saturday.
-Mrs. I.C. Reeves, of Keokuk, accompanied by her daughters, Mrs. Walter Fisher of Omaha, Neb. and Mrs. Frank Price, of Mt. Pleasant, passed through Salem Saturday en route for Mt. Pleasant.
-Mrs. Jerry Hoggatt and Mrs. C.I. DeLashmutt returned Wednesday from a visit with relatives at Mt. Pleasant.
-At the election Monday there was a large majority of votes cast in favor of the gasoline light for lighting Salem.
-Brinton Brown and family will move to Kansas in the near future.
-Rev. and Mrs. Sharpless are now at home in the Conard building, southeast of the park. James Box and family will occupy the J.T. Ingrim house vacated by Rev. Sharpless and wife.
-Basil Crampton of Chicago, was greeting Salem friends last week. He left Thursday for the western part of the state where he will visit his parents.
-Mrs. Charles Thompson and son, Mack, are visiting relatives at Redding.
-Miss Margaret Bliss departed Wednesday for Elmwood, Ill, where she will teach in the public schools.
-Lemuel Whittaker, of Mt. Union, has purchased George Hodson's farm north of town, for $4,800 and will take possession in February.
-Miss Emma Conway, of Glenwood, will be one of the instructors in the common branches and L.J. McCracken of Woolson in the commercial department at Whittier college.
-Mrs. Roberta Stanfard and children after a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Carlisle, left for her home at Ottumwa.
-Mr. and Mrs. George Tomlinson and daughter, Marie, of Mt. Pleasant, are at the home of his brother, Alfred Tomlinson and family.
-One of the great attractions of Old Settlers' day will be "The Iron Mask" by Earl Doty and troupe at the opera house Wednesday evening.
-Mrs. Nellie Dilts, who has been very ill the past week, is reported to be somewhat better.
-A number of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. David Grim very pleasantly surprised them Saturday evening by gathering at their home, where the evening was enjoyed in social conversation. Excellent refreshments were served from the filled baskets. Mr. and Mrs. Grim will depart Thursday for their new home at Marshalltown.

[transcribed by C.J.L., March 2004]

Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
Wednesday, September 16, 1903

Keosauqua [Van Buren Co.]
Keosauqua, Sept. 15- The republicans of Van Buren county met in delegate convention in this place yesterday for the nomination of county officers. S.E. Irish, of this place, was chairman of the convention. The following persons were nominated to the following offices, to-wit:
Dr. L.F. Summers, of Milton, for representative to legislature.
Amos L. Heminger, of Henry township, for county superintendent.
H.L. McGrew for county treasurer to succeed himself and Dr. L. Morris, for coroner, to succeed himself.
Everything moved off nicely and everybody seemed to be well pleased with the ticket nominated and harmony prevailed throughout the entire convention. There were only two offices that were contested for, county superintendent and representative. For county superintendent there were two candidates, Amos L. Heminger, the successful one, and G.E. Whitmore. Mr. Heminger received the nomination by a majority of four votes. The candidates for representative were Dr. L.F. Summers of Milton, who received the nomination on the third formal ballot; Geo. C. Duffield of Pittsburg; Gilbert McGill, of Doud's Station; R.N. Cresap, of Bonaparte, and Isaiah Harlan, of Cedar township.

County Auditor C.C. Rambo returned to his home in this place yesterday evening from Greenville, Missouri, where he had been called by the death of a sister-in-law, Mrs. Rambo, of that place.

Mrs. Jennie Brooks is visiting in Ottumwa with her brother, V.L. Wilson, and wife.

Salem. [Henry Co.]
Salem, Sept. 14
-Thursday Miss Mildred Foreman returned from a visit at the home of her father at Sciota.
-Last Wednesday, at Denova, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hallowell, occurred the marriage of their daughter, Miss Anna, and Clyde Moon. Rev. J.A. Sinclair, pastor of the United Methodist Episcopal church, performed the ceremony.
-The marriage of Samuel Comer, of Kansas, and Mrs. Maria Cooper, of Salem, was solemnized at Mt. Pleasant last Friday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Ingrim accompanied the couple to Mt. Pleasant and witnessed the marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Comer will soon depart for their home in Kansas.
-The death of Mrs. Berry's sister, Mrs. Wright, which occurred at New London, Sunday evening, was extremely sad. Funeral services were held Tuesday. Saturday Mrs. Berry was again called to New London by the serious illness of her mother, Mrs. Raines.
-Thursday O.E. Pickard and J.E. Pickard, with their families, left for their new home at Floodwood, Minn. Miss Mabel Brown, sister of Mrs. O.E. Pickard, accompanied them to Mt. Pleasant.
-D.A. Hartley, J.W. Foss, L. Parkins, K. Spray, G.B. Lester, W.C. Conors, W.H. Collins, and C.A. Stevens were chosen from Salem township to attend the republican convention held at Mt. Pleasant.
-Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Corsbie have gone to Woolson to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Mary Mendenhall.
-Amos Logan received word last week that his son, Samuel Logan, living near Winterset, while hitching his team of horses Tuesday was struck by lightning and that his recovery was somewhat doubtful.
-Mrs. Tomes came from Mediapolis Tuesday and is a guest of her daughter, Mrs. O.H. Tyner.
-Tuesday, Miss Jennie Ingrim went to Belle Plaine where she will visit her aunt, Mrs. Tamar Slack.
-Mrs. Isaac Garretson is visiting her son, Fred Garretson, and wife at Keokuk.
-Miss Belle Cammack is teaching school near Rome.
-John McVey, an aged gentleman, is very ill at his home east of town.
-Ralph, little son of Mr. and Mrs. O.H. Tyner, has been quite ill the past week.
-Mrs. Evelyn Hubbard and little daughter, who have spent several months with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Turner, departed Thursday for her home at DeSmet, S.D.
-Mrs. Phoebe Johnson and son, Ernest, arrived from Rhode Island Friday and are with Mrs. Johnson's sister, Mrs. Adelia Sharpless, who is quite ill.
-The funeral services on the body of the late Mrs. Ella Collins, wife of E. Collins, were held Sunday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the family residence, three miles north of town. Rev. J.A. Sinclair conducted the services. The remains were laid to rest in the Cedar cemetery.

[transcribed by C.J.L., March 2004]

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, September 17, 1903

Knoxville Couple Elope
Bloodhounds Placed on Trail and They Are Captured at Moravia, Ill.
Knokville[sic], Sept. 17.--Attica has been shaken up by an elopement the past week. The parties were of very tender ages, the young man, Clarence Mart being 19 years old, and the girl, Edith Howry, daughter of Rev. Howry, is only 14. They disappeared from Attica Friday night. The bloodhounds from this city were procured and tracked the buggy in which they had driven to Albia. From that place it was ascertained that they had gone to Moravia, Ill. Telegrams were sent to the authorities there and the young couple apprehended. George Huffmire has gone to bring the girl back. Mart is in custody, and will be extradited on a charge of enticing a female of tender years.

Fairfield. [Jefferson Co.] Fairfield, Sept. 17- (Special)
- Judge M. A. Roberts adjourned court this afternoon until next Monday afternoon when it will reconvene again. At this time memorial services will be held in the court room in memory of the deaths of Hon. Moses A. McCoid and Henry Clay Raney. Appropriate exercises will be held of which the Jefferson County Bar association will have charge and the public in general are invited.
-The grand jury, consisting of James M. Fry, of this city; Joshua Cox, Woolson; Henry Diers, Germanville; Jesse P. Chezum, of Salem. No. 2; Gust Hollander, Lockridge, and Peter I. Labaugh, of this city, with Charles R. Conlee, as their clerk, are in session but it is not thought that they will have very much business before them at this term.
-The following wills were probated and executors appointed: Eleazer Stewart, deceased, Rebecca A. Stewart appointed without bond; Robert Hicks, deceased, Elethe Hicks, bond at $100; John B. Foote, deceased, Amos W. and James W. Foote, without bonds; Jonathan Longerbone, deceased, George W. White, at $400 bond; G.W. Hewitt, deceased, Rocena Hewitt, without bond; Lorenzo Barnes, deceased, Ben C. Barnes, at $100 bond.
-Rev. J.E. Corley, who has had charge of the First M.E. church in this city and who is now visiting relatives and friends in Illinois will take a much needed vacation for the next two years by making a visit to the Philippines Island where he has two sons who are in the United States army now located there. Rev. Corley has been in active service as a minister for the past thirty-one years and his many friends will trust that he will enjoy his contemplated visit to those far away islands.

Eddyville. [ Wapello Co.] Eddyville, Sept. 16
- Mrs. James Wilcox at No. 9, east of town, was quite sick Monday night.
-Mrs. Margaret Newell, of Fudge Creek, has been a sufferer from stomach trouble.
-George Steele, who was struck by an Iowa Central train Saturday night and lost an arm and part of a leg, is getting along first rate so far.
-Born, Sunday, September 13, 1903, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hohl, corner of South Fifth and Cedar streets, a son.
-Wm. Allison, Sr., of this place, accompanied by his brothers, Samuel and Charles Allison, of near Cedar, left Friday morning for Hopeville, Clarke county, called by a telegram apprising them that their sister, Mrs. Mary A. Lant, had died Thursday morning, September 10, 1903, of heart failure following a stroke of paralysis. The funeral was held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock and Messrs. Allison returned home Saturday noon.
-Wm. Kavanaugh, of Jewell Junction, arrived Friday to spend a few days with his sister, Mrs. A.M. Lafferty, corner Fourth and Vance streets.
-Miss Eva Tharp commenced the fall term of school at the Bluff Creek school.
-Miss Jeanette True left Monday and Arthur Epperson left Tuesday for Grinnell to enter Iowa college. The former was accompanied by her sister, Miss Helen True.
-Guy S. Nair returned Tuesday from a visit of two weeks with his relatives near Kirksville, Missouri.
-Mrs. J.M. Crosson and children departed Tuesday for Kansas to spend two or three weeks with Mrs. Crosson's mother.
-R.D. Hall visited from Friday till Tuesday at Boone with his son, R.J. Hall, who is train dispatcher on the C. & N.W. railway.
-C.W. Johnson west of town, left Monday morning for Burlington to spend the week with his uncle and aunt there.
-F.J. Packer of Oskaloosa, was in town the first of the week visiting his mother, Mrs. M.L. Packer, corner Seventh and Strawberry streets, and looking after business matters.
-Mrs. F.M. Butts, after a six weeks' visit with her sister, Mrs. Frank Oldham, departed Tuesday for her home at Plummer ville, Arkansas.

Bonaparte. [Van Buren Co.] Bonaparte, Sept. 16
- The funeral services of the late C.C. Steadman were held from his late residence Monday afternoon with the Rev. J.L. Ayrault of the Baptist church in charge, and interment was made in the Bonaparte cemetery.
-Brick masons are now busily engaged in the construction of the new Baptist church here.
-J. Hall Whiteley, who has just graduated in pharmacy at the Drake University, is visiting his parents here.
-The foundation for the new dye house for the woolen mill is completed.
-Work on the fine new residence of D. Cresap is progressing rapidly.
- Miss Grace Doty left last week for Kirksville, Missouri, to resume her studies in music.
-Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Davis took possession of their recently purchased property of Mrs. L. Gardner, Saturday.
-It is reported that the Rollins Pickle Co. of Des Moines will erect a large pickling and bottling works here next season.
-Miss Ada Eldridge of Luray, Mo., is visiting here with relatives.

Chillicothe. [Wapello Co.] Chillicothe, Sept. 16
- Harve Stout, of Douds, enroute home from an extended visit in California, visited at the home of his uncle, Dr. D.T. Rambo, last week.
-Chas. Harris, of Ottumwa, and Miss Nellie Ball, of this place, were married September 9, at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Mary Ball, in the presence of a few intimate friends. Rev. John Brown of Batavia, performed the ceremony.

Batavia. [Jefferson Co.] Batavia, Sept. 16
- When returning from the fair last Friday Lennie Ellmaker and Curt Sheets' team became unmanageable and ran away, throwing both the young men out. Mr. Sheets was bruised up considerably, but no bones were broken. Mr. Ellmaker had two ribs broken and was otherwise injured, and received bad bruises. He is recovering now and hopes to be around in a few days.
-At the conference at Muscatine, Rev. J.E. Sinclair was appointed pastor at Batavia for the coming year. Rev. Erskine was sent to Bonaparte.
-F.T. Campbell begun school at Cross Lanes Monday and Miss Lottie Copeland begun school at Centennial.
-The following persons from the Methodist Sunday school attended the convention at Brookville Saturday: Mr.and Mrs. Shirk and little grandson, Roy Blosser, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Copeland, F.T. Campbell, E.F. Peterson, J.B. McNiel, Misses Lovilia Copeland, Emma Nebre, Myrtle Campbell, and Hester McNeil.

Leon. [Decatur Co.] Leon, Sept. 16
- Mrs. Emma Davenport was adjudged insane Tuesday by the commissioners of insanity. She was taken to the department for the insane at the county poor farm.

Lebanon. [Van Buren Co.] Lebanon, Sept. 16
- Harry Steffle, of Basco, Ill. is visiting his sister, Mrs. Eugene Harrison.
-G.B. Humphrey and wife returned home Monday after visiting in South Ottumwa a few days last week with their daughter, Mrs. Isaac Prather.
-School commenced at North Lebanon with Miss Achsa Pettit as teacher.
-John McCullough and wife of Chequest, visited with their daughter, Mrs. Clarence Van Fleet, over Sunday.

Pleasant Plain. [Jefferson Co.] Pleasant Plain, Sept. 16
- The academy opened with a good enrollment. Prof. Williams is working hard for the interest of the school and is having the support of the patrons.
-The people of the village who attended the county fair at Fairfield were lucky in not drinking any cider which was so fatal to many there.
-D.H. Mealy is home from Beloit, Wis., where he spent several days with his children.
-John P. Statts, one of the oldest citizens of this county, died Saturday and was buried Sunday at Howard Grove. Mr. Statts was nearly 90 years old and was one of the pioneers of the county. His children are scattered far and wide, but came home occasionally to see their aged parents.

[transcribed by C.J.L.; Feb. 2004]

Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
September 18, 1903

SISTER FIRED SHOT - Interrupted Wedding of Former Ottumwan at Kenosha, Wisconsin
Report that Indignant Brother Attempted to Stop Wedding of Nellie Marshall and John Roberts Denied-
Eva Marshall Now Accused.

The shot that interrupted the marriage of Miss Nellie Marshall and John Roberts while the minister was pronouncing the words that made them one at Kenosha, Wis., September 1, was fired by Miss Eva Marshall, a sister of the bride according to the statement made in a letter to the Courier from Miss Berry Marshall. It will be remembered that the Courier published a telegraphic communication on the day following the wedding to the effect that while the marriage was in progress Earl Marshall, a brother of the bride, attempted to kill the groom, because he was opposed to the marriage. It now develops that this information was given out by the bride's mother to shield her daughter, who fired the shot, from arrest. A portion of the letter from Miss Marshall is as follows:

The Explanatory Letter.
"Courier, Ottumwa, Ia.
"The shooting that happened at our house in Kenosha, September 1, was given out to the papers wrong. Eva Marshall, my sister, fired the shot and Ma told the reporter that it was a fellow by the name of Earl Marshall, to shield he so they wouldn't arrest her. "She let the city and maybe she went to Ottumwa. Would you please let us know if you hear she is there? She didn't have any intention of harming my sister, Nellie, or Mr. Roberts, and said she fired to scare them as Nellie was angry at her and never asked her to the wedding. Eva fired at the ceiling and couldn't have hit them as they were all standing together and feels bad that they put a false report in the paper.
"Berry Marshall."

Formerly Lived Here.
The Marshall family formerly lived on South College street in this city. Nellie, whose marriage ceremony was interrupted by her sister, and Berry worked at the C.V. Clark restaurant and at the union depot hotel and waitresses. Mrs. C.V. Clark when seen this morning, stated that Eva, who is accused by her sister of firing the shot at the bridal party, was for some time an inmate of the Mt. Pleasant asylum. She stated that there are no boys in the family and that when she saw the report in the Courier she at once surmised that Eva had donned male attire as she had often done while here, and was the guilty party. The father of the girl worked for the Rideout poultry establishment while in this city and it will be remembered that he mysteriously disappeared a few years ago while on a purchasing trip for that concern. He turned up again in this city
and could give no account of his actions. John Roberts, the groom, formerly resided at Dudley, where his father still resides

SHAFT TO OLD SOLDIER
Charles Shepherd of Revolution, Honored at Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 18- The ceremonies in connection with the unveiling of the monument erected here in honor of the revolutionary soldier, Charles Shepherd, were held here yesterday. On account of the extremely unfavorable weather of the last few days it was decided to postpone the old settlers' meeting until next month, but the soldiers' program was given as at first planned. The soldiers and members of the G.A.R. and the Daughters of the Revolution went to Forest Home cemetery yesterday forenoon where the handsome monument in honor of Charles Sheperd [sic] was unveiled. Mr. Shepherd was born at Baltimore, Md., in 1765 and served under Washington in several engagements the most notable of which were Brandywine and Germantown. He was with Washington at Valley Forge and served until the end of the war, the surrender of Cornwallis in 1781. He died near Rome in 1845, and recently an effort was made by the local G.A.R. to find the grave, which had been lost sight of for many years, but it was finally done and through the efforts of Representative Carden in the house and Senator Young in the senate the last Iowa legislature appropriated $500 to erect a monument to his memory and the same was done under the supervision of the local G.A.R. post. Senator Young of Washington made the principal address at the unveiling ceremonies. A letter was read from the state regent of the D.A.R., Mrs. Richardson who is now in Berne, Switzerland. The letter was read by C.M. Snyder who made a short address as did George Van Beek. Hon. William Carren of Winfield was to have made an address but his train was late out of Burlington and he did not get to come in time, much to the regret of his many friends here. The afternoon program was held at the Baptist church. Geo. Van Beek was chairman of the meeting and the principal address was made by Judge A. R.Dewey of Washington and Comrade Hiram Heaton of Glendale gave a short historical sketch of Charles Sheperd. Rev. Jonathan Lee of Salem gave a short address. There were special song services at both forenoon and afternoon programs. There was a large crowd in town to attend the ceremonies. An original poem on Charles Sheperd was read by Prof. W.P. Howe.
[transcribed by C.J.L., Feb.& Mar. 2004]

Marion County Veterans Society Chose Rev. A. R. Adams for Speaker at September Meeting
Knoxville, Sept. 18. -- The committee appointed by the Marion County Veterans' association have selected Rev. A. R. Adams of this city to deliver the address at their annual meeting to be held in this city the latter part of September. [transcribed by G.T., August 2004]

Ottumwa Weekly Democrat, September 18, 1903 [see link, includes photos - transcribed by LZ, May 2020]

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello co. Iowa
Saturday, September 19, 1903

Early Wapello County Days
J.A. Israel Writes to Old Settlers Recalling Life in the Pioneer Days.

The graves of General Joseph Street and Chief Wapello, this county's most historic landmarks, lie about a half mile east of Agency, but a short distance from the grove where the Wapello county old settlers have gathered for many years past for their annual reunion and picnic. The graves of these two men are endeared to the hearts of the pioneers, many of whom were personally acquainted with the beloved Indian agent and the venerable chieftain. At the reunions for years past the last resting place of the man who looked after the welfare of the Indians in the early day before this section was opened for settlement and the chief, who was a power among his people, have been visited by the old settlers and reminiscences of the days gone by have been indulged in by the pioneers who resided in the county before the advance of civilization.

Monuments For Graves.
The Pioneer Lawmakers' association of Iowa petitioned the Twenty-ninth general assembly to appropriate a sufficient sum to mark the two graves, which are in a dilapidated state of repair, owing to the ravages of the weather. They are now marked with masonry built up to the height of two feet. The stone caps are badly shattered and the inscription on them are almost illegible. They read as follows:

In memory of
GENERAL JOSEPH M. STREET
Son of Anthony and Mollie Street
Born Oct. 18, 1872, in Virginia
Died at the Sac and Fox Agency,
May 5, 1840.
__________

In memory of
WA-PEL-LO
Born at Prairie du Chien, 1787
Died near the Forks of the Skunk
March 15, 1842 -- Sac-Fox Nation

General Street and Black-Hawk.
General Street was apointed agent of the Winnebago Indians by President John Quincy Adams and was assigned to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where in 1832 Black-Hawk, after being defeated in the battle of Bad Axe River, was taken prisoner by the Winnebagoes and delivered to General Street, who took the chief to St. Louis and turned him over to the government authorities.

Agency House Still Stands.
The treaty of 1837, which had been signed in Washington, where General Street went with a large party of chiefs and head men of the tribe, narrowed the confines of the red man's territory in Iowa down to still smaller limits and resulted in the establishment of the agency at what is now known as the town of Agency, and near which the graves are situated. The old agency house, built sixty years ago, is still standing, and although slightly remodeled preserves much of its former outline.

Death of General Street.
General Street was taken ill in November, 1839, and did not live to see the realization of his cherished hopes regarding the prosperity of the tribes. He died in the spring of the following year. When the Indians heard of his death they came to the agency and requested the family to bury the dead soldier on Indian land, saying that they would give his widow a section to include the grave and a half section to each of the children. The government opposed this plan, and although the children got none, the Indians were determined not to sell the land on which the grave was located, and that section was reserved for Mrs. Street by the treaty of 1842.

Chief Wapello's Demise.
Wapello was born at Prairie du Chien and later removed to Rock Island, where he set up his lodge, not far from that of Black Hawk. He died less than two years after General Street, his intimate friend and adviser. During his last illness he requested that his body be interred alongside that of General Street and his body was brought thirty miles to be interred according to his wishes.

No Reunion This Year.
This year there was no gathering of the Wapello County Old Settlers' association in the vicinity of General Street's and Chief Wapello's graves. Twice was a date set and all arrangements made for the event when rain interposed and the plans of the direcotrs of the association were for naught. J.A. Israel, a former resident of Agency, now tax agent for the Colorado & Southern railway at Denver, Colo., was assigned as a speaker on the excellent program arranged for this year's reunion, but he was unable to attend. He wrote a letter to Elijah Johnson of Agency, one of the directors of the association, however, that it might be read to the pioneers as a greeting from one who was formerly of their number. Mr. Israel's letter is replete with reminiscences of the early life of the county and it will no doubt recall to the nimds of many pioneers remembrances of their childhood days. Mr. Israel's letter is as follows:
"Denver, Colo., Aug. 21, 1903
"Elijah Johnson, Esq., Agency, Iowa
"My dear Sir:
"I beg to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 13th inst. advising me of the date of the old settlers' meeting and that my name was on the proram for a short address.
"I regret exceedingly that it will not be possible for me to be with you on the occasion, as nothing could afford me more pleasure than to meet with the few remaining pioneers of Wapello county and grasp them by the hand and look into their faces as they relate their experiences of long ago.

Owe Much to the Pioneers.
"I have a respect for the pioneers in that part of Iowa that borders close to reverence. My childhood, school and early manhood days were spent among the, and whatever success I have made in life is to be attributed to the lessions learned from the early settlers in the southeastern portion of Wapello county. And although they have nearly all joined the silent majority and are reaping their reward; in memory they still live and their works and traits of character have left such an imprint on the present and will in turn upon future generations, that while time lasts their influence will continue to be felt.
"I know something of the hardships and privations endured by these people having come among them with my parents fifty years ago, when -- there were no railroads, telegraph, telephones, bicycles, automobiles, street cars, carriages, riding plows, cultivators, corn planters, reapers, hay rakes, trashing machines, pumps, pianos or organs in the country and when the farmer's stock in trace consisted of a wagon with a wooden skein and linch pin, a span of hoses, (oftener a yoke of oxen), harness of a kind that the young men of today would not be able to recognize if they saw it, a crude breaking plow; a diamond plow, a hoe, possibly a wooden fork, a home made rake, an axe, scythe and grain cradle, which he stocke dhimself, and a knot maul and iron wedge, and in nearly every neighborhood there was someone who had a froe and a hand saw.

Residences of Logs
"The country residences and many in the towns were of round logs and covered with clapboards, and weighted down with logs to hold them in place. There were few stoves in the country and the cooking utensils limited; furniture, also was meager, consisting generally of a home made bedstead, with either slats or cord for a bottom, a trundle bed, a very few split bottom chairs, spinning wheel, a few knoves and forks with bone handles, and never more than two tines (they did not eat their pie with forks in those days.) In fact, they did not have much pie; they required a stronger kind of diet.
"The literature of the day was extremely limited, but there was one book that could be found in every household and was read more than any other -- the Bible -- and it was indeed a "guide to their feet and a lamp to their pathway," and when they gathered at the fireside or in the grove or the school house for worship, they would sing the good old songs with the "spirit and the understanding," until the country round would resound with the echo.

Organs Not Fashionable.
"Churches, organs, and choirs were not fashionable in those days, as you will remember; and schools -- wouldn't you like to step into one of the old log school houses and see the faces of the boys and girls, as they used to be, arranged on their separate sides, with the big girls and boys nearest the teacher, and ranging down to the little ones around the stove -- all seated on sawed or split slabs with wooden pins for legs, and a board fastened to the wall for a writing desk, and a good supply of black haw or iron wood 'persuaders' in easy access to the teacher.

"Three Cornered Cat."
"And then at noontime, get out and play 'town ball,' 'three cornered cat' or 'bull pen' or a little later, after they got so they would allow the boys and girls to play together, to play 'King William.' And, oh, what a pleasure ti would be to go to one of those old fashioned spelling schools at Elm Grove, Shaws, Union, Old Ashland, or Tick Ridge. It makes me homesick to think of it, but I realize that they are all gone, never to return, and they, like our friends, live only in memory.
"I place a higher emphasis on the energies of a people than on their positions or their resources. The position and natural resources of Wapello county were the same centuries agoas now. But it is the energy of the pioneers and their offspring that has given them so great and rapid an advance in the present, and hopes of still greater glory in the future.
"In vain would have been the natural resources and position for commercial men and women of intelligence and resolution to wrest from obstacle and every kind of disadvantage victory, where to an inferior class would have been defeat.

Were Mistaken.
"The tide of immigration in southern Iowa seemed to be westward along the Des Moines river. Consequently, immediately after the 'New Purchase,' that portion of Wapello county was first settled. Wood and water were considered essential and the prairie land that did not have a piece of timber with it was considered worthless. In this, it has been proven they were mistaken, for today some of the richest parts of the county are what were then boundless prairie, but they did not dream of wire fences and stock laws.
"The revolution in the past fifty years seems to be complete and I doubt if the people living in any other period of the same length will see so many changes and improvements as have the pioneers now living in Wapello county.
"As I look back over this period I am dazed as in a dream, and as I think of the heads of the families who inhabited the cabins fifty years ago, I am reminded that they nearly all are dead, and their children who were your playmates and schoolmates, and mine also, (when we had the time to play or go to school) have, many of them, passed away also. Many of them gave their lives as a sacrifice on the altar of their country, and many of those who blazed the way to the advanced civilization of today may be slumbering in unknown graves without a monument to mark the spot or a page in the history to record their deeds, living only in the memory of those who knew them. Let us cherish and keep it green while we live and teach our children to do likewise.

The Weary Pilgrim.
"The weary pilgrim slumbers,
His resting place unknown/
His hands were crossed, his lids were closed.
The dust owas o'er him strown;
The drifting soil, the mouldering leaf,
Along the sod were blown;
His mound has melted into earth,
His memory lives alone."

"So, let it live unfading,
The memory of the dead,
Long as the pale anenome,
Springs where their tears were shed,
Or raining in the summer's wind,
In flakes of burning red,
The wild rose sprinkles with its leaves,
The turf where once they bled."

" 'Yea, when the frowning bulwarks,
That guard this holy strand,
Have sunk beneath the trampling surge.
In beds of sparkling sand.
While in the waste of ocean,
One hoary rock shall stand,
Be this its latest legend --
Here was the Pilgrim's land.'

"Hoping that conditions will be favorable and that all will have a pleasant and enjoyable time. I am very truly, the friend of the pioneers,
"J.A. Israel"

[transcribed by S.F., December 2005]

Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
September 24, 1903

ASYLUM EXPENSIVE - Mt. Pleasant Institution Costs State Large Sum
INCREASE IN STATE'S CHARGES - Bulletin of Iowa State Institutions Gives Statistics Concerning Iowa Hospitals - Majority of Insane Patients Come From the Farms

The asylum for the insane at Mt. Pleasant, next to the institution for feeble minded children at Glenwood, was for the quarter ending June 30, 1903, the most expensive institution under the supervision of the state board of control. The total increase of 643 in the population of the state institutions under the direction of the board exclusive of the penitentiaries, within two years, is shown by the Bulletin of Iowa State institutions, a quarterly
publication issued by the state board of control, which is just off the press. There has been a decrease of 32 in the population of the penitentiaries, making the net increase of 611 for all state institutions.

Increase in Population.
The increase in the population of the different state institutions is as follows:
In the state hospitals......452
In the school for deaf..... 32
In the Soldier's Home... 31
In the Soldiers' Orphans' Home...48
In the institution for Feeble Minded Children.....38
In the Industrial School for Boys...................... 22
In the Industrial School for Girls....................... 30
Total.........................643

The total figure would have been greater were it not for the fact that the girls' dormitory at the institution for feeble minded children was injured by a storm, necessitating the return of many to their homes.

Operating Expenses.
The total expense of operating the state institutions during the quarter ending June 30, 1903, was $287,458.34, divided among the different institutions, as follows:
Anamosa...................$ 21,913.16
Cherokee.................. 23,784.49
Clarinda.................... 29,509.73
Council Bluffs........... 13,635.08
Davenport................. 14,893.00
Eldora...................... 13,801.49
Fort Madison........... 21,510.18
Glenwood............... 35,000.35
Independence......... 34,089.06
Marshalltown............ 28,631.86
Mitchelville................ 7,309.61
Mount Pleasant......... 34,886.53
Vinton...................... 7,043.00
Total.................. 287,458.34

The figures are taken from statistics tabulated by Frank I. Herriott, Ph. D. professor of economics and political science at Drake university, who has had charge of this work during the summer months.

The Insane Patients.
Professor Herriott also contributes an article to the Bulletin on the subject, "Occupations, Physical Health and Diseases in Insanity," in which he makes public researches along a line hitherto never taken up in the state. It relates to the occupation of those going insane, to their physical health, to the assigned or supposed causes of their insanity and to the causes of their death by those dying while insane, as given by returns from the Clarinda hospital. The table showing the occupation of insane patients prior to their admission
to the state hospital at Clarinda from 1893 to 1903, shows that out of a total of 3416 admitted, 1382 of whom 989 were men and 393 women, were engaged in agricultural pursuits; 1056 in domestic and personal service and 148 in professional work. These are the three largest classes. Of those admitted during the biennial period 742 were in good or fairly good health, and 765 suffering from some form of disease, diseases of the nervous system being the most prevalent. A classification of the causes of insanity from 1893 to 1903 shows that among others emotional and moral causes were responsible for 812 commitments, diseases 835 and congenital causes 456.

Salem. [Henry Co.]
Salem, Sept. 21
- Allen Briggs came from Allen, Neb., last week and sold his property in the east part of town to Joseph Hockett, consideration $700.
- A very enjoyable party was given Wednesday at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage. It was a surprise and was planned by the members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Tuesday evening Rev. and Mrs. Sinclair returned from attending conference at Muscatine. Wednesday morning Mr. Sinclair not suspecting a new
program for the day, boarded the train for the county seat. The church flock arrived with laden baskets, and themselves were surprised to learn that their pastor was spending the day at Mt. Pleasant. They and the minister's family partook of a lunch. The afternoon hours were sociably spent and were soon numbered with those of the past. At 4 o'clock an elaborate dinner was served. Rev. and Mrs. Sinclair were the guests of honor and were the recipients of useful and beautiful presents, tokens of the high esteem felt for Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair and their good and faithful work during the past three years. Rev. Sinclair and family will move to his appointment at Batavia this week.
- Wednesday Mrs. Adelia Sharpless was taken to Chicago with the hope that a surgical operation and medical treatment might restore her health. Her sister, Mrs. Phoebe Johnson and son, Ernest, who had been called to Salem from Rhode Island, and Dr. Dilts accompanied her to the city. Dr. Dilts returned Saturday with an unfavorable report.
- Rev. Sharpless left Saturday evening for Chicago.
- Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Comer will depart this week for southern Kansas. Salem has always been the home of Mrs. Comer and her many friends wish her happiness and pleasure in the new home which Mr. Comer has prepared for his bride.

Bonaparte. [ Van Buren Co.]
Bonaparte, Sept. 21
- A football team is being organized here.
- A social dance was held at the Whiteley opera house Saturday evening. Several young people from Keosauqua were in attendance.
- A surprise party was given Miss Etta Young Friday evening by a number of her young friends.
- Charles Hopkins, of Butte, Montana, is visiting in the city with relatives.
- Miss Lizzie Rogers and baby departed Saturday for their new home in Topeka Kansas.
- A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Cornell last Friday.
- The new pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. Irskine, will arrive here this week.

Milton. [Van Buren Co. or Jefferson Co?]
Milton, Sept. 21
- The following were the delegates from Milton to the recent republican convention: George Welney, H.G. Poe, J.A. Campbell, W.E. Sheyll, W.E. Tateman, W.S. Campbell and J.H. Hellwig.
- Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Runnels have moved to Ottumwa.
- Born, to Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Bales, a daughter and to Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Edmondson, a son.
- William Miller and wife have left for Dover, Oklahoma, where he has an interest in a flouring mill.
- Dr. L.F. Summers of this place, was nominated for representative at the recent republican convention at Keosauqua. He is a citizen of much influence and has been an important factor in the growth of Milton.
- Miss Florence Willets left last week for Mt. Vernon, to enter Cornell college.
- J.F. Paxson is piping his residence for gas lights.
- Dr. W.W. Atkins has located at Thomas, Oklahoma.

Milton, Sept. 24
- George Pennington died Saturday morning. The funeral was conducted on Monday at 11 o'clock by Rev. John Barnett, of the Methodist Episcopal church assisted by others. The deceased was for over forty years a
justice of the peace here and also for many years the town assessor. He was 81 years old and was one of the oldest settlers of Milton. He is survived by his wife and five children, three of them, Dr. Sherman Pennington, Charley Pennington and Mrs. Mary McCombs, being residents of Milton. Interment was made
in the new cemetery.

West Van Buren. [Van Buren Co. ]
West Van Buren, Sept. 22
- Mrs. B.S. Ream is very low with typhoid fever.

Osceola, Sept. 24
- (Special) Matt Love, a railroad laborer who was employed on an extra gang working on the Burlington tracks near this city, was run over and killed by a train in this city Tuesday night. It is said that the dead man was a brother of the superintendent of the Pennsylvania system and efforts are being made thus far without success, to communicate with this man. Meanwhile the body is being held at Osceola. It is said that Love was intoxicated at the time of the accident, which occurred one block west of the northwest corner of the square. It is supposed that he fell in front of the train and was unable to get up in time to escape the engine. The body was badly mangled and both legs were cut completely off. No one witnessed the accident.

WOUNDS NOT FATAL.
Ed Doan, Shot by Neighbor in Lucas County, Recovers.
Chariton, Sept. 24- Ed Doan of Lucas was in the city yesterday. Mr. Doan is the man that was shot by Jesse Caviness a few weeks ago. At the time of the shooting it was feared that Mr. Doan would die, but he has improved steadily.
--
- Mrs. C.L. Carey of Whitebreast township contemplates a trip to Seattle, Washington, in the near future for a visit with her sons, John and Mark.
- John Doe the man arrested during the past summer for stealing a team of horses from William Wyatt at Derby, plead guilty yesterday to three years in the penitentiary by Judge Eichelberger.
- Miss Nettie Goltry came up from Russell yesterday for a visit with her mother, Mrs. Sarah Goltry.
- At high noon yesterday the marriage of Charles Lewis and Miss Anna Clayton was solemnized at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clayton in Chariton. After the ceremony a wedding dinner was served. Both of the young people have resided in Lucas county nearly all their lives. Mr. Lewis is the son
of Mr. and Mrs. S.G. Lewis, and is well known throughout the county. Mr and Mrs Lewis will make their future home in Chariton.
- The fire department was called to the home of H.D. Copeland, just east of this city yesterday afternoon, but the blaze had been extinguished by the time of their arrival. However, if it had not been for the timely assistance of two men who were passing, the building would have certainly burned to the ground. The fire caught from the flue and the rafters were all aflame and enough sparks had dropped to the basement to start a blaze there.

Rural Route No. 1, Batavia. [Jefferson Co.]
Rural Route No. 1, Batavia, Sept. 24
- Mrs. M.E. Parker and family moved to South Ottumwa Tuesday.
- Mrs. Chas. Hamaker of Des Moines is visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm Spurlock.
- W.E. Bean and family have moved in the Nehre property at Batavia.
- C.A. Goff and son, Roy, are building a home for Will Thorn.
- School has begun at Christian Corner with Miss Josie Murray as teacher.

Irish Bend, [Van Buren Co, Iowa], Sept. 22
- Miss Millie Whitten and Ellis Sanford were united in marriage September 3. Rev. Rollingson officiated. The happy couple will make their future home on the Sanford homestead, near Douds.
- Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Rambo were called to Chillicothe by the illness of their son, Dr. D.T. Rambo, also visiting their other son, Dr. John Rambo, of Glenwood, Mo.
- Harvey Stout, who has been in the west this summer, returned to his home here last week.
- S. W. Roush had the misfortune to burn his self feeder up while moving to Mr. Keller's last week. The wind and rain saved the separator.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Feb. 2004 & Oct. 2005]

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
September 25, 1903

Chariton. [Lucas Co.] Chariton, Sept. 25
- About thirty of the young people of the Swedish church met at the office of Dr. Davidson last evening and proceeded to the home of the good doctor and took his wife by surprise, it being her birthday. She was the recipient of many presents as tokens of their esteem and friendship. The evening was spent in playing games of various kinds, when after refreshments were served the self invited guests departed at a late hour.
-Mrs. C.W. Graratt will leave tomorrow for an extended visit with relatives in Clinton, Missouri.
-John Mart, of Woodburn, visited in the city yesterday with his sister, Miss Ella Mart.
-Dexter McDougall, of North Argyle, New York, came yesterday for a visit with his brother, J.W. McDougall and family.
-Mrs. Anna Swanson moved her household effects here today from Lucas and will make this place her future home.
-Mrs. J.H. McDowell will leave Saturday for a visit with relatives at Kirksville, Missouri.

Richland. [Keokuk Co] Richland, Sept. 25
- J.R. Grimes, Mrs. Lyman Hatfield and little daughter, Vera, are in Albia, called there by the illness of a relative.
-Emmet Johnson is home after several weeks' visit in Colorado with a sister.
-L.R. Anderson is expected home for a visit at the parental Anderson home in this city.
-John Wagner, of Muscatine, is the guest of his sister, Mrs. J.C. Stockman, in this city.
-Born to Mr. and Mrs. William Mills, a daughter, Sunday, Sept. 20.

Munterville. [Wapello Co] Munterville, Sept. 25
- W.R. Smith is improving his residence by building two fine porches, and changing some other portions of the building so that when finished it will hardly look the same building.
-Born to Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Smith a son, Friday, September 18.
-Gust Peterson and the Lock brothers will commence hulling clover the first of next week.
-Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gustavison, from Ottumwa, visited with relatives here last week.
-The pony sale conducted at No. 6 mines Wednesday was attended by a very large crowd. Some came for the purpose of buying and some for the amusement of seeing the ponies lassoed after being bought. About twenty head of ponies were bought by the young men of this vicinity for the purposes of making saddlers out of them.

Williamsburg. [Iowa Co.] Williamsburg, Sept. 24
- The marriage of Miss Irma Threldkeld and Carl Diedrich, of Avoca, took place Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes, Jr. The prevailing colors were yellow and white and a profusion of autumn leaves were used to decorate. The guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, assisted by Miss Irma and Mr. Diedrich. Miss Faith Rowland played the wedding march and continued playing softly during the ceremony, the sweet strains of "O, Promise Me," sung by Mrs. Harry E. Hull. The ceremony took place in the front parlor, a corner of which was converted into a wedding bower. A white silk umbrella draped with feathery greens formed a canopy overhead, and at 4 o'clock sharp, Rev. T.C. McFarland led the bridal party from the library to the bower. The attendants were Mr. Shillings, of Avoca, and the groom's sister, Miss Diedrich, Miss Margaret Hughes and little Miss Margaret Billau, of Cedar Rapids, as flower girl. The bride wore silk mull made over silk and carried white astors. After congratulations a supper of two courses was served. Four cousins of the bride, John, Ralph, Ed and Roy Evans, assisted in the serving. The presents were numerous and beautiful and engaged the attention of the guests after supper. Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich left at 8 o'clock for Chicago for a week's visit with friends. The past year the bride taught music in the Avoca schools where she met Mr. Diedrich. She formerly lived in this little city where she has many friends who wish her success and happiness. She is the daughter of John Hughes, representative. Mr. Diedrich is successful business man of Avoca, where the young couple will make their future home. About thirty guests were present. The out of town guests were Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Rowland, Mrs.E.D. Brown and Miss Faith Rowland, of Marengo; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. F. Billau and little daughter, Margaret, and Mr. and Mrs. John Fletcher, of Cedar Rapids, and Mr. Shilling and Miss Diedrich of Avoca.

Batavia. [Jefferson Co.] Batavia, Sept. 24
- Miss Emma Nehre left for Fairfield Monday where she will attend Parson's college.
-Rev. Sinclair filled his first appointment as pastor here Sunday evening.
-Donald, the 8-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lawson, had quite a painful accident Saturday. While playing with a little wagon he was caught in the barb wire fence and cut a large place on this throat. Dr. Baldridge was called and sewed up the wound and at present Donald is getting along nicely.
-Mrs. Jennie Wright has accepted a position as night watch at the county farm. She left Tuesday morning to begin her work. Will Walker and family will occupy the house vacated by Mrs. Wright.
- Mr. and Mrs. Burr left last week for their future home in Seymour. Mrs. Burr, formerly Miss Una Moss, is one of Batavia's best young women and will be missed by her many friends.

Agency. [Wapello Co.] Agency, Sept. 24
- Dr. Campbell, of Missouri, has returned home after visiting his sister, Mrs. Wm. Marsh.
- W.E. Irvin has bought a seventy-acre farm in Davis county.

Libertyville. [Jefferson Co.] Libertyville, Sept. 24
- At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Greenfield, near Libertyville, Sept. 22, Tull Suir, of St. Joseph, Missouri and Miss Della B. Greenfield, were married, Rev. G.W. Barber, of Libertyville, officiating. The bride has resided in Van Buren county most of her life. She is a graduate in music from the school at Mt. Pleasant and numbers her friends by the score. The groom was a former Van Buren county boy and is now in the employ of the United States government as inspector at St. Joseph Missouri where they will make their future home.

North English. [Keokuk Co.] North English, Sept. 24
- Married Tuesday evening at the home of the bride's uncle, R.R. Markwell, George Gilchrist to Miss Josie Seward. They will begin housekeeping in a short time.
-Mrs. Leighton Row, of Parnell, spent Wednesday here at the home of her mother, Mrs. Dole.
-Rev. R. Breeden left yesterday for Sonora. Mrs. Breeden and the children expect to leave here today. These people have made many friends during the two years they have lived here who regret their departure. Their address will be Gilman.

OLD RESIDENT DEAD.
Martin Hayes Passes Away at His Home Ten Miles South of City.
Martin Hayes, an old resident of Wapello county, died yesterday morning at his home ten miles south of Ottumwa on the Bloomfield road, aged 53 years. He is survived by a wife and five children. The funeral services will be held Sunday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Patrick's Catholic church, Rev. Father John O'Farrell officiating. The interment will take place in Calvary cemetery.

[transcribed by C.J.L.; Feb. 2004]

Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa
September 30, 1903

ESCAPED FROM INSANE ASYLUM. - Identity of Aged Man Found Near Highland Recently, Learned.

Sheriff Cremer was notified today that John Wilcox, the aged man who was found wandering around aimlessly near Highland recently, escaped from the asylum at Mt. Pleasant some time ago. The man was sent to the asylum from Marion county. When he was found here Sheriff Cremer notified the board of control and upon investigation it was found he had escaped from Mt. Pleasant. He was taken to the asylum this afternoon on Burlington No. 6 by Deputy Sheriff J.D. Stephens.

[transcribed by C.J.L., Feb. 2004]

Iowa Old Press
Wapello County