Iowa Old Press

Iowa News from across the Country
- 1892 -

San Francisco Call
San Francisco, California
January 2, 1892

A List of Those Who Graduated From Heald's Last Year.
Following are the names of the students who graduated from Heald's Business College during the year which closed on Thursday last. *Graduates so marked have positions.

Business Department
Charles E. Helson, Milton, Iowa*
Mary Hoserud, Forest City, Iowa*

[note: these are only the Iowa graduates; transcribed by S.F., July 2014]

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Chillicothe Constitution - Evening edition
Chillicothe, Missouri
January 22, 1892

Romantic. The Difficulties Experienced by a Runaway Couple From Chillicothe.
Trenton (Mo.) Tribune - Trenton was treated to a real live romance, yesterday, which had all the features of one you would read from a nineteenth century novel. The hardships and worry of a couple of fair lovers and their subsequent joy and happiness were things to be seen and not read. The story is true and not the dreaming of some love-sick author. The facts are as follows:
Night before last a young gentleman accompanied by a young lady arrived in town and put up for the night at the Hotel Peery. Yesterday morning th eyoung gentleman went to the recorder's office and applied for a marriage license for Fred. D. Boomer, of Boston, and Miss Stella Seeley, of Chillicothe. Recorder Carnes questioned him regarding the age of the young lady but could not find sufficient proof of her being over 18 years old to warrant him in granting the license. The young lady stoutly affirmed that she was past 18 but this would not satisfy the officer so he asked for further proof. The young couple looked around but finding no one to identify them at length concluded to telegraph the lady's father, Rev. Seeley, of Chillicothe, for his consent to the marriage. This was done and in a few hours an answer saying that the young lady was past 18 years old, arrived. With the assurance of the legality of the proceeding Recorder Carnes granted license to wed. The couple repaired at once to the parsonage of the M.E. church, where in the presence of a large number of the traveling companions of the groom they were made one. Congratulations were then in order and the blissful happy young couple were surrounded by their friends, who wished them a long and happy life. One can imagine the relief of the contracting parties after having spent almost a day in the effort to secure a marriage license to at last come off victorious. The groom is Mr. Fred D. Boomer, of Boston, Mo., who is engaged as traveling salesman, fur and cloak house. The bride is the daughter of Rev. H.B. Seeley, a retired Methodist preacher, who resides at Chillicothe. The couple entertained a number of their friends at 6 o'clock dinner at the Peery, last evening, and departed this morning for Chillicothe.

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of this 'romance' and how it relates to Iowa, read articles from 1/25/1892, 1/27/1892, 2/4/1892, 2/27/1892 & 3/16/1892 below - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Chillicothe Constitution - Evening edition
Chillicothe, Missouri
January 25, 1892

Boomer on a Boom - A Chillicothean Boards a Freight Train With Disastrous Results.
Special to the St. Louis Republic. Burlington, Io., Jan. 23 -- "I'll kill him, I'll kill him!" were the words that startled Press Operator Morlock of the Western Union Telegraph Company's office early this morning, as a tall well dressed man, literally covered with blood, which streamed from an ugly looking gash in his forehead, staggered into the room. The fellow was quickly placed in a chair and a doctor sent for to dress his wounds. He was half intoxicated and told a story of a fight to the death he had with a brakeman on a freight train. The police investigated the matter and found that the man, who proves to be F.O. Boomer of Chillicothe, Mo., and a traveling man, in company with a fellow traveller named Gehegan, from Denver, Colo., had attempted to board a fast freight going west this morning. The rear brakeman ordered them off, and Boomer, being drunk, struck the brakeman a blow that knocked him down. Springing up, the brakeman grabbed an axe and struck Boomer over the head with it, inflicting a severe gash, but fortunately not seriously injuring him. Both men then left the train and went to the telegraph office, Gahegen half carrying Boomer. Both men were arrested and placed in jail, but released on bail to appear his morning for trial. Boomer jumped his bail and disappeared. Gahegen was fined $5 and costs. Boomer claims to be the son of a millionaire living in some Iowa city, the name of which he would not disclose. He is a powerful fellow, and claims to be something of a pugilist. He appeared to be well educated and used to plenty of money, and it is suspected that he is a prominent person who is on a quiet "tear" under an assumed name. (Ed. Constitution - Mr. Boomer is the man who recently married Miss Stella Seeley, of this city, at Trenton, Mo., an account of which appeared in this paper last Friday.)

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of this 'romance' read articles from 1/22/1892, 1/27/1892, 2/4/1892, 2/27/1892 & 3/16/1892 - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Chillicothe Morning Constitution
Chillicothe, Missouri
January 27, 1892

The Boomer Case - Chapter III
A letter from Benj. Boomer, the father of F.O. Boomer, of Waukon, Ia., states that he has induced Fred to quit the road and to settle down to business. Also that Mrs. Fred Boomer shall be dealt with as a wife should. A letter from Mr. F.O. Boomer to his wife denies the statement that he was in Burlington after leaving here. He says he went from here to Cedar Rapids and from there to Dubuque, where he is at present. Mr. Boomer's father is a banker at Waukon, Iowa, and is a reliable and wealthy man, and thinks that everything will come to an agreeable focus soon.

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of this 'romance' read articles from 1/22/1892, 1/25/1892, 2/4/1892, 2/27/1892 & 3/16/1892 - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Morning World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
January 30, 1892

Rev. F. W. Parsons of Glenwood [Mills Co. IA] spent last week at Nebraska City, assisting in a series of revival meetings held at that place.

[transcribed A.B.R., Sept. 2003]

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Chillicothe Constitution - Evening Edition
Chillicothe, Missouri
February 4, 1892

Booming Boomer - The Prodigal's Return Followed by Scandalous Denouments.
From the Waukon (Ia) Democrat, Feb. 3 - Fred Boomer returned last week from his single handed wedding tour, but there was no brass band at the depot to welcome him as he no doubt anticipated there would be, judging from his lordly and pompous boering since his return. Fred's trip took in the city of Burlington where some of the railroad boys gave him a warm reception and some of the city officials also entertained him for a short time; but owing to circumstances of a pressing character he could not remain with them a great while and was obliged to take an informal leave of them, after having his name duly registered on their official record.

Later.
Since the above was put in type we are reliably informed that Chillicothe, Mo., papers have been received here giving an account of the elopement and marriage some days ago of one F.D. Boomer, representing himself to be a traveling man from Boston, Mass., and a Miss Stella Seeley, the young daughter of a retired Methodist minister of Chillicothe. The eloping parties, it is stated, went to Trenton, Mo., and after some difficulty succeeded in obtaining a license and they were married there, and the groom is said to have given quite a supper to a number of new made friends. Can it be possible that the above named is our own highly moral and intellectual Fred? Putting this, that and the other together it would seem so.

Still Later - The Plot Thickens.
Boomer seems to have started "hell bent for destruction" by the shortest and most expeditious route. Last Monday Rev. W.C. Macurdy, pastor of the Methodist church in this city, received the following from the father of the girl:
"Chillicothe, Mo., Jan. 27, 1892.
Pastor M.E. Church, Waukon Iowa
Dear Sir and Brother,
I am a superanuated member of the Missouri Annual Conference, M.E. Church. Please as such do me the favor to give me such information of Mr. Fred O. Boomer, whom with his father, Mr. Benjamin Boomer, as we understand, are residents of your town. The young Fred., after a comparative short acquaintance, married my daughter. We were quietly making such investigations of his character as we though proper, when the young people, (both of age,) took snap judgment and came home married. Please, therefore, quietly and confidentially tell us all you know of Fred., the old gentleman, family, business, etc. I enclose paper as indicating not only my standing in conference, but that I have such endorsement by the general public that you can trust me fully. I have written to the Waukon bank, but get no answer.
H.B. Seeley."

The paper Mr. Seeley referes to is a copy of a lecture bureau publication under which the gentleman filled numerous engagments through out Iowa and he is mentioned by the press in very flattering terms. His picture represents him as a large, fine looking gentleman. He is an old soldier and prominent G.A.R. comrade, having served as a captain in a New York regiment, was wounded, captured by the enemy and spent several months in southern prison pens. It is almost beyond explanation why a young lady brought up as the daughter of so prominent a man and having the advantage she possessed should take up with any one on so short an acquaintance and be so basely deceived by a wily and unpreposessing looking stranger, only to be deserted immediately after marriage. And then to see the gall displayed by young Boomer in coming right back into this community where a few weeks ago, on the very hour the marriage ceremony was to be performed, he basely and cowardly deserts the expectant bride, flees to Missouri and slimily wins the affections of another respectable young lady, marries and deserts her, and has the audacity to try to mingle again in the society of young ladies who were thoughtless enough to permit his attentions before the disgraceful escapades of the past several weeks.

Note -- Rev. Mr. Seeley is a minister of the M.E. Church, on the retired list, and is an old and reputable citizen of Chillicothe. His family are well known here and are very respectable people; and the daughter who has been so deeply wronged, is a young lady who stands high in the community and has many friends. (Ed. Constitution)

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of this 'romance' read articles from 1/22/1892, 1/25/1892, 1/27/1892, 2/27/1892 & 3/16/1892 - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Maysville Bulletin
Maysville, Kentucky
February 4, 1892

Our Neighbors:
Rectorville
Died, at Burlington, Iowa, Evan Evans, at the age of eighty-six years. He resided in Maysville in 1833, and in that year married Miss Susan David, of this city. In 1838 he moved to Burlington, and at the time of his death was one of its oldest citizens.

[transcribed by J.G., Sept. 2003]

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Woodland Daily Democrat
Woodland, California
February 6, 1892

Winters Waifs
Peter Johnson, of Iowa, is visiting his sister, Mrs. A.F. Anderson. He is thinking of purchasing a farm, near Winters, and making this his home.

[transcribed by S.F., February 2007]

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Morning World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
February 8, 1892

C. H. Dickinson, a Glenwood [Mills Co. IA] printer, was arrested last evening in a state of hilarious intoxication.

[transcribed A.B.R., Sept. 2003]

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Morning World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
February 10, 1892

William Ferguson, an old soldier in Glenwood [Mills Co. IA] , who has been in needy circumstances, recieved notice on Monday that he has been granted a pension of $12 a month and $200 back pay.

Died
Gulliford C., aged 78 years, Feb 8 1892, at residence, 1412 North Seventeenth street. Remains forwarded to Glenwood, Ia, for interment.

[transcribed A.B.R., Sept. 2003]

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Morning World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
February 16 1892
R.S. Cheney of Glenwood [Mills Co. IA] brought over a car of hogs from Glenwood, Ia.

[transcribed A.B.R., Sept. 2003]

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Mitchell Daily Republican
Mitchell, South Dakota
February 21, 1892

Council Bluffs, Ia. Feb. 19 -- Frank Coolles and Frank Kingsbury, each aged 6 years, were drowned in Indian creek. They were skating on the ice and broke through.

Cedar Rapids, Ia. Feb. 20 -- E.R. Crowell, manager of the big oatmeal mill at this place, in an interview said there was no truth in the story that the oatmeal trust was compelled to sell its products for less than cost and that it was in danger of going to pieces. He said that while competition was very stong and prices low their products had not been sold at a loss and even though the trust should raise the price it would not come out of the consumer but out of the retailer, who is making big profits just now. Mr. Crowell said the company held it meeting at Akron, O., a few days ago, and the reports submitted at that time indicated that it was in a prosperous condition, financially and otherwise.

Washington, Feb. 17 -- The president has sent to the senate the name of S.H. Byers, of Iowa, to be consul general of the United States at St. Gall.

[transcribed by S.F. Nov. 2004]

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Chillicothe Constitution - Evening Edition
Chillicothe, Missouri
February 27, 1892

"In Reference to Boomer"
Mr. F.O. Boomer arrived here yesterday afternoon, from an extended business trip. He will spend a few days here, during which time Mr. and Mrs. Boomer (nee Seeley) will be "at home" to their friends at 421 Wise St. Mr. Boomer laughs heartily at the "canards" that have so freely been circulated in reference to him; and admits that, as the boys say, it looks like "a horse on him." But now that the joke is played out, if they'll all "smile" once with him, he'll say no more about it.

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of this interesting story/romance & how it relates to Iowa, read articles from 1/22/1892, 1/25/1892, 1/27/1892, 2/4/1892 & 3/16/1892 - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Chillicothe Constitution - Evening Edition
Chillicothe, Missouri
March 16, 1892

The Brookfield Gazette says: "Mr. and Mrs. Fred Boomer and Edith Seely came down from Chillicothe on a short visit to relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Boomer are on their way to Waukon, Ia., their future home, where he goes into the banking business with his father.

[transcriber notes: for the full saga of the Boomer's read articles from 1/22/1892, 1/25/1892, 1/27/1892, 2/4/1892 & 2/27/1892, above on this page - transcribed by S.F., March 2007]

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Davis County Clipper
Bountiful, Davis County, Utah
March 25, 1892

Death of Iowa's Oldest Veteran
DUBUQUE, Ia., March 23.- Colonel John R. West, the oldest veteran in Iowa of the late war, was found dead in bed. He was the lieutenant colonel of the famous Gray Beard regiment and was 83 years old.

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

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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, California
April 3, 1892

Licensed to Wed. Marriage licenses were issued at the County Clerk's office yesterday to the following persons:
John C. Webb, a native of Wisconsin, 46 years of age, of Lompoc, to Bertha L. Lyman, a native of Iowa, 24 years of age, of Marshalltown, Iowa.

[transcribed by S.F., April 2007]

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Decatur Weekly Republican
Decatur, Illinois
Thursday, June 9, 1892

Burglar and Jail-Breaker in the Decatur Bastile
From Friday's Daily - Last fall Marshal Mason received a letter from E.F. Crnise, city marshal of Manchester, Iowa, making diligent inquiry for one George E. Lang, who was wanted for burglary and jail-breaking. It was then learned that Lang had been at work as a stone-cutter on the new court house, and had conferred with Attorney J.M. Clokey about making application for a pension; but the fellow had gone away, no one knew where. All efforts to locate him were fruitless. The other day Marshal Mason got a pointer that a man answering Lang's description was working for a farmer 2 1/2 miles from Casner Station; that he was something of a bully and always carried a revolver, and that he was never seen in the town although constantly writing about pension matters. The Casner constable, who saw Mason in Decatur on Wednesday, was given a photograph and full description of Lang, and yesterday he compared the man with the same. He was Lang withot doubt, and the marshal being notified, tod-day he sent Offcer Leech and Deputy Sheriff Midkiff to Casner to take Lang into custody. He was promptly arrested, and now he is behind the bars in the county jail awaiting the arrival of the Manchester marshal. Lang is a powerful man, aged 55 years, six feet tall and weights 225 pounds. He is a smooth talker. Over six years ago he was sent to the Iowa penitentary for a crime, but was pardoned on condition that he would behave himself. Soon after his release he stole a horse and was caught in Wisconsin. he was put in the jail at Manchester, but while there he made a wooden key which he used in gaining his liberty. Ever since his escape the Manchester officers have been trying to locate Lang, but failed until the knowledge that the ex-convict was wanted came to Marshal Mason, who is widely known as being remarkably successful in running down criminals, even on the slightest clue. It is probable that the Manchester officer will arrive to-morrow. He has been notified by wire that Lang is in custody.
--
From Saturday's Daily
The arrest and incarceration of George E. Lang, the Iowa convict, was stated last evening in these columns. Deputy Sheriff Midkiff and Officer Leech, who were sent to Casner after Lang, made a quick and neat job of it. They rode from the station to Farmer Roby's house, 1 1/2 miles away, in a hurry, arriving here while Lang was seated at the dinner table. Both went straight into the house without knocking, and Midkiff, placing a revolver at Lang's head, made him throw up his hands while Leech put on the handcuffs. Lang made no protest and quietly submitted to the arrest. He did not finish his dinner. There was lack of time to catch the retuning train. It was common talk in the neighborhood of Casner that Lang never went into the field without a revolver in his pocket, and therefore the officers were warned to be on the lookout for danger. Lang, eight years ago, was sent to the Iowa penitentiary for forgery. He was pardoned on promise of good behavior. He then stole a horse and was caught, to go into the Manchester, Iowa, jail, from which he escaped, taking a partner along. For a long time there was a reward of $600 for the capture of the two men. It may stand good yet. An officer from Iowa will come after Lang.

[transcribed by S.F., Sept. 2005]

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Davis County Clipper
Bountiful, Davis County, Utah
August 9, 1892

DAVID STOKER - Extracts from a Letter to His Family
Dear wife and children: I received yours yesterday and was pleased to hear from home and to hear you were as you stated. I am learning to have a great deal of charity for the human family as I find there are many honest people on the earth but they are blinded by the hireling priests and have been traditionated by their parents to believe in false doctrine.
We had a meeting to day, and there was about attended, we had a good order, and an attentive congregation. I spoke on faith and repentance and Brother Walker on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. One person made the remark that it was the word of God, that they had been fed on shucks long enough. Every-thing is smooth so far but may not remain so long. It is a terrible task for me to speak to an audience and confine myself to a subject, as I have had various subjects to think of at home but I am trying to be humble and do the best I can.
I have been invited to attend a meeting of Christ Church this evening and I think I will go as to be sociable, as they turned out to our meetings. We have a good many friends here or they appear to be.
I would like to take a peep over home, and see how all of you look and say how do you do. But will have to wait until the servants of God say it is enough. I can see the necessity of our elders improving their time at home as we have to come to it when we get here. I feel middling well but the weather is so very hot it seems as though it would smother me sometimes. I have not received the News yet, and but one or two CLIPPERS. I would like for you to write once a week as it is a satisfaction to hear from home and know how you are getting along. Good bye.
Yours Affectionately,
DAVID STOKER.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 24, 1892.

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

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The Lake Review
Osakis, Douglas County, Minnesota
Thursday, August 18, 1892
Page 3, Col. 4.

Killed by Lightning.
During the heavy thunder storm which prevailed in this region Sunday morning, lightning struck the house in which C. P. Hubbard was sleeping, in the town of Moran, and instantly killed him. He was at his son’s house and sometime about six o’clock his daughter-in-law called him, but as he had been up several nights he wanted to sleep later that morning. It was not long before Mrs. Hubbard heard a deafening slap of thunder which shocked her, but she did not think the house had been struck. Something less than an hour later the discovery was made that Mr. Hubbard was dead. The bolt had struck the southeast corner of the house, tearing the porch somewhat, and tore up the floor in one place. The only mark visible on the body was on the breast, where it was slightly burned.

Monday his brother, T. A. Hubbard, started with the remains for Charles City, Floyd county, Ia., where the dead man’s wife was buried some years ago. Deceased has been a resident of this county fourteen or fifteen years and was upwards of sixty years old. Abut ten days ago he was heard to remark in Frank Bassett’s store at Browerville that when he died he wanted lightning to strike him so his death would be sudden and painless, but he little thought then how near he was to death.—Todd County Argus

[transcribed by J.W., December 2005]

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Democrat & Chronicle
Rochester, Monroe co., NY
September 14, 1892

Wayne.
Mr. and Mrs. FANEL, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are guests of Dr. Harry OSTROM at Alton, between whom there is a small sort of romance. Four weeks ago, Mr. FLANEL a wealthy farmer near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went to Little Falls, N.Y., to visit relatives, and while on the cars nearing his destination he met a lady going to Dolgeville, N. Y., in whom he became greatly interested. After three weeks courtship they were married at Dolgeville, Herkimer county. They are now on their return to their way at Alton to visit Dr. OSTROM, whose sister was Mr. FLANEL'S first wife. The bridegroom is 70 years of age, and the bride was fifty year old.

[transcribed by G.S., Oct. 2003]

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Omaha Daily Bee
Omaha, Nebraska
September 20, 1892

Western Pensions.
Washington, D.C., Sept 19. - (Special Telegram to The Bee) - The following list of pensions granted is reported by THE BEE and Examiner Bureau of Claims: Iowa: Original - Samuel J. Haney, William H. Hart, Elias R. Zellar, John Clippenger, Ebenezer W. Ridlen, Augustus Thomas, David T. Jayne, Oscar B. Smith, George P. Morris, Henry Myers, Willard Butterfield. Additional - Charles B. Mitchell, Martin Johnson, Conrad Strickler, Thomas A. Renfro, David Pickering. Reissue - Michael Baker. Original widows, etc. - Mary Corey, Angeline J. Pearson, Sallie M. Swigart (special act), Sarah A. Noble, mother (special act).