Articles From
MONTROSE, IOWA JOURNAL

Transcribed by Connie (Dobson) Putthoff

09 January 1908

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank DAVIS Thursday , a 10 pound boy at Joplin, Mo. where Mrs. DAVIS is visiting.

Orvil STEVENSON, son of J.V.STEVENSON of Ft. Madison the well known ex-clothier of that place was married at Mt .Pleasant 2 January to Miss Nell Hope STALL of that place.

Mr. and Mrs. W.J.CRESSWELL are the proud parents of an 11 pound girl born Jan. 3.

16 January 1908

C.S.ABELL Sr., of Keokuk, died early Tues. at Mt .Pleasant, where he was taken for treatment several months ago. Mr. ABELL went to Keokuk in 1887 and conducted the Hotel Keokuk until 1904.

Peter VANAUSDOLL died last night at his home in Keokuk. He was born in Dayton, Oh. 15 December 1838 and came to Keokuk with his parents 53 years ago. Farmed near Belmont, Iowa. When retired, made Keokuk his home with a sister, Miss Lydia VANAUSDOLL. Survived by brothers and sisters: Harvey and Martin of this city: Isaac of Granite, Ok. Mrs. Rachel SMITH and Lydia of this city: Mrs. Mary HAWKINS of Kokomo, In. Mrs Marie CARRICK of Summitville, Iowa, Mrs. Hattie BROWN of Lake Charles, La. Mrs. William KERR of Warsaw. ( Constitution Democrat)

One of the most remarkable series of typhoid fever cases that one family has probably ever had to contend with in this vicinity is that of the family of Mr. and Mrs. John ANTHONY of Argyle, Iowa. Two sons died within the past two months and three more of their children are down at the present time with this dread malady, one of whom is hardly expected to survive the ravages of the decease. Two months ago Ed.ANTHONY died of typhoid at age 22. Last Sat. Ora ANTHONY died at age 20. His funeral was held Mon. burial in Meek cemetery. Geo. ANTHONY, 25 has been down four weeks. Now one of the little girls, age 13 has been sick.

Twins, Rapheal and Ruth, were born to Mr. and Mrs. C.R.CLINGMAN last Wed. Ruth died on the day of her birth while Rapheal lingered until Thurs. Buried in same casket in Montrose Cemetery.

Miss Clara YEOCUM, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. YEOCUM of this city was married to Otto KINKEAD of Dumus, Mo. Tues. 7 Jan. at Ft. Madison. Will live in Dumus.

23 January 1908

The body of Dr. G.W.JONES was found in the snow three miles north of Burlington Fri. It was a clear case of suicide. He was one of the most brilliant physicians in Keokuk. He was 31. Body was placed in the vault at Oakland Cemetery.

Charles R.COLLINS died at his home in Sandusky, Mon. Born in Keokuk forty years ago last April. The 19 Feb. 1881, he married at Sandusky to Miss Emily GROVEHAM, who with two children, Mildred and Harold, survive. Also one sister Mrs. Frank CARPENTER of Salem, Mo. and three brothers, Dr .Samuel L.COLLINS of Montrose, James H. of St.Louis an Herbert W. of Sandusky. Buried Sandusky cemetery.

Hubert A. BUCK of Keokuk, died at the State Hospital last Thursday.

Chas VANOSDOLL attended the funeral of Mrs. John DEROSEAR which took place at Big Mound Mon.

Mrs. E.J.RUDD of R.R.3, received word of the death of her sister, Mrs. Emily JENNINGS at Youngstown, Il. on Sat.

Douglas EVENGER, died at the county home last Fri. He was 26 years old.

06 February 1908

John HARDWICK’S residence was destroyed by fire, Fri.

A fine baby joined the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. BEATY, at Argyle, last week.

13 February 1908

B.R. LOFTON died at his home in Keokuk yesterday. Lived there since 1871. Was a veteran of the Civil War.

J.W.DELEPLAINE, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Keokuk, died yeaterday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J.N.D. DICKINSON. Lived in Keokuk for over 50 years.

Mrs. Margaret DICK died at her home near Cottonwood 5 February . She was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas MCDONALD, pioneers who came to Iowa in its territorial stage, and while the Indians were still roaming over its prairies. She is survived by four sons and two daughters.

Ed HEMINGWAY of Galland, has been wearing broad smiles of late on account of the arrival of a baby boy at his home.

20 February 1908

Mrs. R.R.BULLARD died at her home in Green Bay Twp. Lee County, Sat. at age 48. She was formerly Ella SHAY, born in Jefferson Twp and the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Patrick SHAY. She married to R.R.BULLARD 20 February 1877. Survived by husband and an adopted child, Marie, a sister, Mrs. Chas NEWBERRY of Quincy, Il. Buried Oakland Cemetery.

The body of Chris FRAISE was found this morning in the pasture of John REUTER, three miles south of West Point. He was a bachelor and was 46 years old.

27 February 1908

Sandusky: At the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.ATTERBURG occurred the marriage of their daughter, Ellen Charlotte to Mr. Luman H. VANAUSDOLL, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. VANAUSDOLL of this place.

Mrs. Lizzie Reeves HOWELL who lived here a few yrs., Ago, died at her home in Chicago 25 February 1908.

05 March 1908

Mrs. Sarah E.SPENCER (PILCHER), daughter of John and Laura Warren PILCHER, died 4 Mar. 1908. She was born in Athens County, Oh. 25 July 1840. When 12, came with her brothers to Iowa, settling Vincennes and from there to Mo. near Eldarado, where on 11 October 1856, she married Joel SPENCER. In the Fall of 1861, they moved to Montrose where they lived since. She was the youngest of five children. Parents and brothers preceded her. To them were born six children, two of whom, Willie and Florence died in infancy in 1859 and 1861, before moving to this place and a third child, Edward E. lived to be 31 and died 11 April 1893. Besides there are Frank and Elmer of Montrose and Elma C. twin sister of Elmer of Summitville who with father SPENCER survives.

James DICKIE died Sun. He was born 3 December 1843 in Peterhead, Scotland, and with his parents in 1844 to Montreal and later to Kingston Ontario, Canada. Soon after the civil war, he and his brother John removed to Burlington, Iowa . In Burlington 31 December 1868, he married Celina I. GILBERT, whose death occurred in April 1898. They had two daughters, Eleanor C. now deceased and Emily E., wife of P.G.HITCH Jr. He leaves his daughter, four grandchildren: three sisters in Canada: Mrs. Mary WRIGHT, Mrs. Catherine HUNTER and Mrs. Maggie CHESTNUT. For some time he made his home in Montrose. Buried in Marshalltown. (Ft. Madison Gem City)

Sandusky: Word was received here of the death of Mrs. Jessie FOWLER of Rapid City.

12 March 1908

Mr. and Mrs. C.H. CURTIS celebrate 40th. Big article but no mention of children or other family members, nor where married or her maiden name.

19 March 1908

Mr. Ernest W. WYRICK and Miss Kate M. WESTFALL were married at St. Joseph’s Cath. Church in Dallas, Tx. 25 February 1908. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L.W. WYRICK of RT. 2.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. WESTFALL of Dallas, Tx. She was a former Jefferson Twp. girl and with her parents moved to Tx. a few years ago. Mr. L.W. WYRICK attended the wedding.

At the home of the brides brother, P.W.BOWEN, occurred the marriage of Mrs. Emma MAGOWEN to Ferdinand ARMENTROUT. Both well known in Montrose.

Mrs. E. Ross BAKER died at her home on Orleans St. in Keokuk, Sat. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.W.UPHAM and was married seven yrs ago.

Mr. and Mrs. George CURTIS of Revere, Mo. are rejoicing over the arrival of a boy baby at their home on last Fri.

26 March 1908

Mr. and Mrs. John BOYD, Mr. and Mrs. Frank DAVIS, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert GRIMES attended the wedding of Miss Flossie COLVIN at Denmark, Wed. Miss COLVIN is a niece of the ladies, and daughter of Green COLVIN, who was raised in the Twp.

02 April 1908

The storm Fri. evening that visited Montrose, did no particular damage in town, but it played in New Boston and at other points. In New Boston several Santa Fe freight cars were blown from the tracks, great trees were torn from the roots. Buildings were scattered here and there. The Methodist and Baptist Churches are a mass of debris and kindling wood. They are complete wreck, not a post is left standing , their organs and furniture are torn into pieces and scattered among the rest of the wreckage. Grant Slaters residence is a complete wreck. Several barns were torn to pieces and the hay and feed scattered. Nearly every building in the village was damaged. The shingles were torn from Mary BALL’S store as nicely as though a carpenter had removed them. A large orchard of old trees was destroyed. Most of the buildings were so completely wrecked that nothing but the rubbish is left for the sight seers. Mr. and Mrs. SLATER were in their home when it was blown across the street and it is a miracle that they were not killed, but good luck was with them and they were only slightly hurt. Br. DEADREY was carried about forty rods without being hurt. A pump at Turp SLATERS place was lifted straight out of the well. A 2x4 was driven through Mose JORDAN’S house about two feet. Several others had an experience that they did not relish, as there were but few about what was in the storm in town of New Boston, and all you can hear is how did they escape with their .lives. While the damage will run up into the thousands, all feel thankful that no lives were lost.

THE CYCLONE ON ROUTE 2

The storm last Fri. evening did quite a lot of damage to some of the patrons on Rt. 2 out of Montrose. Taking the route as it runs the damage was something like the following: There was no wind to amount to much until we get to the BREWSTER place, occupied by L. W. WYRICK. There was a few sheds and telephone poles blown over before we get there, but that don’t amount to anything. Mr. WYRICK suffered quite a loss. All the chicken houses and other small buildings were completely demolished. The dwelling which is a large square building had quite a number of window lights broken and other slight damage was done to it. Several trees were blown down, fences and walks were riddled. The roof was taken entirely off, the east and west side of the barn was damaged to considerable extent. There is large corn crib with a drive way through the center. One half of this was badly wrecked and the other half seems to be left in good shape. The loss on this place will run pretty well up to $1,000.

Then comes George AUWATER. His windmill was blown down and completely ruined, and about all the building on the place were demolished except the large new barn and dwelling. The barn was not harmed much but the house was used pretty roughly. Nearly all window lights were knocked out and it looked very much the worse for wear. Just after crossing the A.T.&S.F.R.R. we find such a tangle of telephone poles and wires it almost impossible to drive along the road, but this debris was speedily cleared up by the telephone companies.

On the left of the road lives Mr. J.L.BRATON. He fared badly in the cyclone. Last year, Mr. BRAYTON built a new barn, and this was pounced on by the wind and destroyed with a large amount of grain and hay. The whole thing fell on the horses, killing one and crippling another so it will probably have to be killed. The horses were worth $200.a piece which makes Mr. BRAYTON a heavy loser. A peculiar thing is that the wind mill stood near the barn and was not damaged at all.

Next on the line is John AUWATER. His wind mill was torn down and several other buildings were damaged more or less.

On the right of the road is the old SHEA farm. The large barn on this place was made into kindling wood. The roof of the house was damaged and some other buildings were blown down.

From here we go clear around to Willard GRISWOLD;S before we see any more damage. But Mr. GRISWOLD got a good, strong blast. His barn and other buildings were completely wrecked. Several ever green and other trees were blown over. Almost the entire roof was taken off the house which is built of brick. It was reported that a part of the walls were blown down, but this was a mistake. Mr. GRISWOLD is a very heavy loser also.

Oberly GRISWOLD had a corn crib and some other small buildings demolished.

Mr. Jacob AUWATER has probably the heaviest loss of any one in this vicinity. As every body knows Mr. AUWATER had a fine place and took pride in having good, large barns, and keeping things in fine shape. It certainly looked like a shame to see the place after the cyclone. Of the three fine barns, only one remained. The other two were total wrecks. They were full of hay and grain, which will be almost an entire loss. All other building’s except the dwelling were wrecked also. The windmill fell across the back part of the house and possibly answered as an anchor to hold the house to the ground. Willie AUWATER was in the loft throwing down hay to the cows. When the roof went off Willie jumped: landing astride a cow, and was carried out of the barn before it fell. Mr. AUWATER’S loss will be something like $3,000.

That is about all that amounts to much on Route 2 and it is surely a wonder that some persons were not injured or killed.

Frank HOPP of Charleston and Miss Lessie SMITH of Montrose were married at the home of the bride’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. FOWLER, on 25 March. Groom is son of Mr. and Mrs. John HOPP. Bride is a daughter of Mrs. Luella SMITH of Montrose.

Galland: Joe DOBSON made a trip to Montrose on Sun. ( I believe this to be grandfather)

Mr. and Mrs. F.P. BARBER have adopted a girl baby, 5 months old, which they call Stella. The little ones mother is dead and the father abandoned the child. It is undoubtedly fortunate in getting such a good home.

Mrs. Lucetta ANDREWS died at her little home in Montrose. She was born near Springfield, Oh. 9 November 1831. Here she spent her childhood days and emigrated to Iowa with her parents in 1851. Married Peter VANOSDOLL 17 October 1852. Had 12 children, eight of whom survive her. Mr. VANOSDOLL died 1 September 1876. In the year of 1888, she married William ANDREWS and they lived on the ANDREWS farm above Montrose until he died 3 April 1893. She then moved to Montrose. Buried Montrose Cemetery. Surviving children: Mrs. James SNODERLY of Florence, Ne. Mrs. A.W.SAILOR Arlington, Ill. Mrs. F.HIRAM, Ottumwa, Ia. S. VANOSDOLL, Spurgeon, Mo., Chas VANOSDOLL, Eunclaw, Qa. Mrs. CASPER, Chicago,Il. George VANOSDOLL, Nowatta, Ok. And Mrs. Monte HANCOCK of this place.

Button factories are running again.

Catherine JOHNSON wife of Emil JOHNSON, residing on the Middle Rd., died Sat. Leaves husband and daughter. Buried Sandusky cemetery. Mr. PHILPS, a brother, arrived form Milwaukee in time to attend the funeral.

Miss Mamie HARDWICK and little sister Ida, arrived here last evening from Winnipeg, Canada, where they have been making their home.

16 April 1908

The Burlington Gazette of Thurs. contained the following notice of the marriage of Dr. Gustavus E. RIZER to Miss Nellie BONAR. Took place at bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Austin BONAR, near Middletown. Article lists family who attended.

The body of Peter VANAUSDALL was taken from the vault in Keokuk and buried at Sandusky.

Sandusky: Miss Minnie ATTERBURG, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. ATTERBERG, and Wm. BAILEY of Belmont were married Wed. at the home of bride’s sister, Mrs. Carl CONRADT in Keokuk. Will live in Rock Island.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. COOPER are the proud parents of a pair of twin girl babies, born Thurs.

A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank WILCOX on last Thurs. at Columbus Junction.

23 April 1908

Mrs. Hester Kinsey SKINNER died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dr. H. CARNES at this place, Wed. She was 72. Hester KINSEY LONG was born at Whitely, Greene County, Pa. 8 July 1836 and spent her girlhood days at that place, where at the age of 23, she married Park SKINNER. They had eight children, four of whom are living: Mrs. Josephine LEWIS, Mrs. Susan CARNES and Mrs. Lucy REEVES, and Jesse SKINNER Ryan, Wa. She got sick at Mt. Ayr, where she was visiting and brought here so her daughters could care for her. She had made Montrose her home of f and on for several years. Buried at Maloy, Iowa beside her husband, who died several yrs. ago.

30 April 1908

Nauvoo Rustler: The marriage engagement of Miss Emma HAAS and Mr. James OGDEN Jr., was made public from the Catholic pulpit Sun. morning. The marriage will be solemnized some time the coming week. It will be the first Catholic wedding in Nauvoo to be solemnized under the new laws of the church governing the sacrament of Matrimony, and it will be one of the prettiest social events of the city.

14 May 1908

Adam C. WAGNER, a brother of Joe WAGNER, the barber, of this place, drowned in the bay at Quincy, Il. He was born in Franklin, Lee County, Iowa about 41 years ago. Married 18 years ago and moved to Quincy. Survived by parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad WAGNER and five brothers: George, Henry, Louis, and Clarence of Donnellson, and Ed and Joe of Montrose. Two sisters: Mrs. Mollie HAFFNER of Donnellson and Mrs. Clara BEST of Cantril, Iowa. Remains taken to Donnellson for funeral from family home.

Captain Robert FARRIS died yesterday at the home of his son, Captain Charles FARRIS at this place, at the advanced age of 84. He was born in Zanesville,Oh. 4 May 1824. He was married to Mrs. Elizabeth CHEW, 23 October 1846. They had seven children, three of whom are still living. In 1853, he came with his family and settled in Farmington, Iowa where he lived until three years ago. His wife died in 1905. At the age of 18, he began steam boating and continued in that business for a good many years. He was one of the old steamboat pilots and gained considerable notoriety and historical fame. He is mentioned in Hugh T. REED’S book on the “Early Pioneers of Lee County” in connection with Captain PATTEN in an incident which happened on the Des Moines River when coming down the river with the steamer “ Ad Hines,” they were confronted with the problem of getting over the “Croton” dam and by backing up the river for a little distance the brave man at the wheel took her over in safety. He was considered one of the best rapids pilots in his day. He is survived by three son” Capt. Chas FARRIS of this place, Robert of the Middle Lock and Will of Cambria, Iowa: three brothers: J.T.FARRIS of Ft. Madison, George of SanFrancisco, Ca. and James of Leon, Iowa, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Will be buried in Farmington beside his wife.

Ida Stuart EDGAR married M.M. COOK, M.D. at residence of Mrs. J.B.MCCONIGA in San Jose, Ca. Miss Ida STUART was raised in Montrose.

A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. S.L. THOMPSON of St. Louis Wed. 6 May, at the home of Mrs. THOMPSON’S parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wash DAVIS.

21 May 1908

It will perhaps be interesting at this time to know who were the leading spirits in the organization of the town of Montrose.

A special election was held May 29, 1857 for the adoption of a charter and the election of a Mayor, recorder, and four councilmen. It resulted in the election of the following officers: Mayor: J.M. ANDERSON, recorder: W.GALLAND E.J. HAMLET councilmen: B.F.ANDERSON, Gowan HAMILTON, Geo. PURCELL. Tells where each lived and what they done for a living.

Letter from an old citizen: If you will allow me the space I will write a letter for your paper. In 1843, I landed at Montrose on the 20th day of May, I came from Tennessee with my parents. The first house we lived in was made of logs and stood close to Elmer REED’S the loft was linn bark, and the floors was puncheon, the chimney was built of sticks and clay. A few years afterwards it was called the DOTY house. Where Mr. BINDEWALD lives was a row of soldiers barracks reaching half way to the river. Close to Mr. CLINGMAN’S house stands. On the OWENS farm there were two thousand Indians that were still unmolested. George HAMILTON’S store was built in 1855. Well I am afraid I will weary your patience so I will close. Thomas J. SIMPSON

John DEDMAN, 85, the oldest resident of Alexandria, Mo. was struck by a train Thursday and killed.

A fine baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred MARVIN Sun.

28 May 1908

At the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. R.A.GRIMES on Rt. 4, yesterday at high noon, occurred the marriage of Miss Ethel GRIMES and Mr. Fred C.RICKE of Blairstown, Iowa Bride taught at the Ashland school. Left this morning for their new home, which I assume is Blairstown.

Chas GREGG has sold his famous and well known Blurr Park properties to Mr. Wm. STEWART.

Route 3: Will PECKHAM of St Louis, was called to Revere, Mo. by the death of a brother and returned via Montrose with his son Leonard. They are the guests of relatives for a short time. Leonard will return to Revere and farm.

A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ad BUNKER last week.

04 June 1908

Mrs. Sarah HASKINS, of the Middle Lock, died 28 May. Married S.T.HASKINS 24 years ago. He survives as does a son and three sisters, and one brother. Buried Oakland Cemetery.

Another bad storm hit the area, doing lots of damage.

Hundreds of homes along the Mississippi have been abandoned. It is estimated 500 persons have been compelled to abandon the homes and seek shelter on the table lands. The Alexandria bottoms, the richest cucumber and tomato country in the world, are under two feet of water. The damage is estimated at a million dollars. Ten thousand acres of corn and wheat has been destroyed by high water.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren LYONS of Sandusky are parents of a girl, this week.

11 June 1908

At the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin VANAUSDALL, in Belmont School district, on Wed., occurred the marriage of Wm. PEEVLER to Miss Francis VANAUSDOLL. Father of the groom is Thomas PEEVLER, where they will make their home for the present. (note difference in spelling of VanAusdall)

Miss Helen FRENCH, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.A.FRENCH of Keokuk, shot and killed herself.

Frank BOLTE, a well known man of Ft. Madison, drowned in the Mississippi last Fri. He was 25.

Miss Mable HILLER of New Boston married J.W.HOPP last Sun. at Charleston. Will live in Waterloo.

18 June 1908

Zack ANDREWS shot and killed Ad BUNKER. A very lengthy article.

Bluff Park sold again. Mr. STEWART sold to J.E. WHITTAKER of Oskaloosa.

Joseph J. CONENBURG, 26, and Wm.D.JOHNSON 28, two popular young business men of Burlington, drowned near that place, Sun.

A fine ten pound boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. E.J.ESSIG at Keokuk, Fri. Mrs. ESSIG was former Miss Cora BISHOP of this place.

25 June 1908

George W. JASTER died Fri. He lived at the top of the hill on Middle Road about a mile from Main St. He was born at Lacrosse, Wi. 9 August 1865 and when six weeks old was brought to Montrose by his parents. He married Miss Emma BLAKESLEE 24 March 1892. Had seven children: five and wife survive: Howard, John, Lewis, Madeline, and Glen. Two sisters, Eliza and Fannie Linn of Montrose and one brother John of near Ft. Madison. His father died in 1891 and his mother in 1890. Buried Montrose Cemetery.

The friends of Jay WYCKOFF, will be interested to hear that he was married Sun. to a Shenandoah girl at her home. Will live in Omaha.

Mrs. Gula NETHEWAY of Redlands, Ca., died there the 14 of June. She was the former Gula BRADDOCK and a former Montrose citizen. Leaves husband, one son, Dean, and one daughter, Lucile, brother Joseph of Redlands, Ca. sister, Mrs. Ella SMITH of Independence, Mo.

Miss Maymie HARDWICK went to Illinois to make her home with Mr. and Mrs. Alex MARSHALL near Niota, sister of Mrs. Frank SPENCER. Remember, this is a daughter of Perry HARDWICK

02 July 1908

Ezra PARMETER and little daughter drowned near Ft. Madison. His wife and little son made it to shore as did Mr. RHOADES. Bodies had not yet been found.

Miss Elizabeth Lea DAVIS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.C.DAVIS of Ft. Madison was married last Thurs. to Daniel SECHTIG, a promising young business man of that city.

09 July 1908

Mrs. Eliza OWEN died yesterday at the home of her son, Zack. Born Eliza A. PECK in North Adams, Ma. 9 April 1835 and came to Montrose in the year 1838. On 9 October 1856 she married Captain Robert Sciplo OWEN. They had one son, Zack, who survives. She was the oldest surviving settler in Montrose. Buried beside her husband, who died 13 yrs ago.

Mrs. George W. JUDY died at her home in Jefferson Twp. Sun., She was 59. Born Lucinda Ann HART in Jefferson Twp. in March 1842. Married George W..JUDY in the year of 1872 and had ten children, nine of whom, with their father , are left to mourn the loss. Thomas of Chicago, Frank and Joseph of South Dakota, Mrs. Sarah ARTHUR of Hull, Iowa. Mrs. Laura GRISWOLD of Ft. Madison, Mrs. Cora BROWN of Summitville, John, Charlie and Ray at home. One brother, Henry HART of near Carthage, Illinois one half brother, Will EMIT of Hannibal, Mo. and half sister, Mrs. Ella KERAN in Ft. Madison. Buried Oakland Cemetery at Ft. Madison.

T.J. SMOUT, a brother of Mrs. Wm. SPAIN died at Wood River, Ne. last Fri. Survived by wife and daughter. Wife was formerly Josie BECKLEY of Montrose.

16 July 1908

More on SMOUT. Thomas Jefferson SMOUT was born in Jersey County, Illinois 13 May 1843. Moved to Mo. and later to Montrose, in 1861 to Burlington, he enlisted in Co. H. 6th Ia. Inf. And served three years. In 1870, he married Josephine BECKLEY and had one daughter, Clara.

23 July 1908

John A. UTLEY died at his home Tues. He was born in Mercer County Ky. 11 Mar. 1830 and came to Lee Co. in 1855. He married Elizabeth VANAUSDOLL 13 Nov. 1873 and had seven children, five of whom, with the wife, are left to mourn. John A.Galland, Mrs. Geo. HILLER of Keokuk, Mrs. Merrit VANAUSDOLL, Irvin, and James of this place. Two brothers and three sisters. ( this is some relation to me, my great grandmother was Lucy UTLEY)

W.W.MINER, father of carrier C.E.MINER of this place, died at his home in Kampsville, Illinois. He was born 19 May 1845 at Aurora, Illinois and at 17 , enlisted in the Army in 1861. Served four years. He went with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, was wounded and then taken prisoner at the battle of Shilo. In 1867, he married Miss Malissa JAMES. Had five children, two of whom died in infancy. C.E.MINOR of Montrose, Mrs. Lou MCKENNA of St. Louis, Mo. and Mrs. Fred SEIBERMAN of Kampsville, Illinois. After the death of his first wife, he married Sadie C. MILLER. Two children were born to them, Gaylord, and Mildred who with their mother survive and are living at Kampsville.

Mr. and Mrs. Lem JOHNSON, at the Middle Lock, have a new baby girl born Fri. They are former Montrose people. ( sure would like to know where Middle Lock is)

Zack OWEN has bought in town, says he has had enough of farming.

30 July 1908

Mrs. Edith CROUSE GILMER, wife of W.S.GILMER, age 44, died at Fruitdale, Al. She was born at Mt. Carroll, Illinois 28 September 1863. Married 12 Nov., 1884 to W.S.GILMER at Montrose. They had six children, all survive. She was the former Edith CROUSE, daughter of Henry CROUSE of this place.

06 August 1908

W.B. ALLISON died at his home in Dubuque, Iowa. Born in Perry, Oh. He was elected Senator from Iowa in 1873.

13 August 1908

Dr. William Wilson HAMILTON died at his home at East Liverpool, Oh. He had practiced medicine in Donnellson for several years.

Last Sun. at Hampton Roads, Va. Occurred the death of Mr. David N. WISHERD. He was a popular business man of Quincy, and the father of Walter WISHERD after whom the excursion boat W.W. was named. The news of his death is learned with sincere regret by his Montrose acquaintances.

Dr. Austin F. PHILPOTT and Miss Cheryl THORNBER, were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. J.M.THORNBER on Tues. A Ft. Madison couple.

20 August 1908

Realff OTTESEN and Miss Bess AMIDON, were married in Rock Island on Wed. Will live in Davenport. Miss AMIDON is formerly of Montrose, but has been in Davenport the past five years. Groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P.L. OTTESEN, who are among Davenport’s best known and most esteemed residents. Miss AMIDON was born and raised in Montrose, didn’t say who her parents were.

Chas. HARRISON and Miss Mayme COOKSIE of St. Joseph, Mo. were married last Thurs. at Troy, Ks. Groom is former Montrose boy. Bride is a comparative stranger in Montrose. She spent a few days here this Summer visiting with Mr. HARRISON’S sister, Mrs. E.SPENCER. Chas is in the bakery business in St.Joseph and they will make their home there.

A fine boy was born to Mr. and Mrs., Clarence REED on Wed.

27 August 1908

Lawrence RACY, better known in Montrose as “Buz”, died Sun. at St .Joseph’s Hospital in Keokuk. AHe has no close relatives living here, his father, Samuel RACY lives in Ottumwa, a brother, James of Ne. and a sister somewhere in Ia.

Mr. George BERNHARDT and Miss Ella WAREHIME were married at Franklin, Sat. Bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David WAREHIME of Jefferson Twp., groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John BERNHARDT of Franklin. Make their home on the old BERNHARDT place near Viele.

Joseph DROUT, a farmer of Nauvoo, Il., 80 yrs old, went to St. Louis last Wed. by appointment, to marry Mrs. Francois PIERROT, 68. She was delayed and the prospective bridegroom waited more than an hour at the union station for her. Fearing that he might be kept waiting sometime longer, he asked assistance of the train caller. “Is Mrs. Francois PIERROT, who is looking for Joseph DROUT, who came here to marry her, in the room? Brown yelled. The prospective bride immediately came forth and they proceeded to the city hall where they were married. They went to the brides’s home where a wedding feast was served, and then they started for the DROUT farm.

03 September 1908

Clarence E. Kite and Miss Ressie E. WHARTON were married at the bride’s parents home on Rt. 4. Groom is the son of John KITE of New Boston and the bride is the daughter of Benjamin F. WHARTON. Will live in New Boston, on groom’s farm.

James LATTA died at his home in Donnellson, Tues. He is a brother of R.S.LATTA of this place.

10 September 1908

J.C.ARMSTRONG of Zortman, Mt. Married Miss Marva LEIBOLD of Ft. Madison on Tues. Will live in Zortman, Mt.

Willard Young died Sat. in the State Hospital. The remains were brought her for burial.

17 September 1908

Ft. Madison will celebrate it’s centennial from 26 September to 1 October/ A very lengthy article, if any one is interested in it, it can be seen on the film at the library.

17 September 1908

Fort.Madison to have Centennial

Less than a generation ago this republic celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. Only twelve years since, the state of Iowa passed its semi-centennial mile-stone, and it has just been three score and ten yrs. since the Territory of Iowa was created. In view of the above facts, it may seem a little strange to persons who have not kept in close touch with the details or the settlement of the state to learn that a city in the southeastern part thereof can lay substantial claims to having been settled or occupied a century ago and is now arranging to celebrate its Centennial anniversary during the latter part of this month. The city referred to is Fort. Madison, in Lee County. Two other localities in the state lay a claim, no doubt justly, to having been settled a few years prior to the establishment of old Fort. Madison, but these prior settlements were, in the first instance at Dubuque, the settling or rather in grafting of a white trader and miner into the good graces of an Indian tribe in such manner as to possess and operate, with Indian labor, the lead mines of that locality. The other settlement was at Montrose, on the river ten miles below Fort. Madison, by Honore TESSON, also a French trader, who obtained a land grant of one mile square from the Spanish government, for which he was to teach the Indians the art of agriculture and the principles of the Christian religion, for neither of which important missions he seem to have been in the least fitted, as he left nothing to show for his occupancy and teachings, except an apple orchard, some of whose trees were standing less than fifty years ago to mark the site. Both of the last two mentioned settlements, if such they might be called, were only temporary, and were abandoned after the death of the first mentioned settler and the removal of the latter.

Old Fort Madison was erected under the direction of the United States Government, by Lieut. Alpha KINGSLEY, who with a company of United States troops, landed at that point on the Mississippi River on the 26 day of September 1808, and proceeded at once to erect temporary quarters and a stockade fort. The fort, however, was not completed until Spring. This was the first occupancy by the United States government, in any manner, or what is now known as the great state of Iowa. It was always maintained by the Sac chief, Black Hawk, that the building of this fort was in violation of the treaty entered into a few years previous, between the Indian tribes and the government, and was one of the causes that led to the Black Hawk War. ( I have a copy of my great grandfathers discharge from the Black Hawk War serving under Abe Lincoln) It was a regular stockade fort, with block houses on the corners from which any side and angle could be protected by fire arms. A couple of trading houses, at that time called factories, were built in connection with the fort but not within the stockade. These trading houses or factories were conducted by a factory of Indian post trader who exchanged sugar, molasses, whisky, blankets, beads, trinkets, and such other commodities as the Indians might want for fur pelts, deer skins, bees wax and dried venison. Quite an extensive business was carried on in this manner, the value of the pelts so secured alone amounting to thousands of dollars annually. The soldiers cultivated the soil around the fort, raising corn, beans, potatoes, etc, more than was necessary to supply the garrison’s needs. A blacksmith shop and two or three buildings in addition were constructed within gun shot of the fort. Besides the troops and attaches of the factories, there were a few guides, trappers, frontiersmen and half-breeds, not all in the services of the government, some being merely hangers-on or camp followers.

Here the garrison and little settlement lived for five years, far removed from civilization, tilling the soil, hunting, fishing, fighting mosquitoes and Indians. Several unsuccessful attacks were made on the garrison by the savages, but not without losses of troops and post habitués. The last attack, or siege, was begun during the last of August, 1813, and continued for several days, when the garrison, running short of provisions and ammunition, resolved to abandon the fort, which they did by digging a trench to the river during the night and , without being detected in their operations all left the fort under cover of the trench and darkness and boarded boats which had been kept moored at the landing, protected by the guns in the block houses. When the last soldier left the stockade, he applied the torch to the barracks and the entire structure was soon ablaze and the surrounding wooded hills flooded with a weird light. The fleet of boats was in midstream and out of gunshot reach before the besiegers were aware of the well planned maneuver.

The fort was never rebuilt. Again that country became a wilderness for a full decade, with its burned ruins of the post and stone chimneys of the quarters that remained standing for that period and longer, overlooking the great river, occasionally sighted and hailed by a passing keel boat. One of these chimneys, taller than the other, remained for over twenty- five years after the fire, a lone sentinel, standing guard over an historic site, a convenient landmark for the Indians trappers, traders and early settlers. The government forbade the settling of this part of the Louisiana Purchase by the whites., but a few of the more daring squatted in the vicinity of Potowonok the Indian name for the site of the fort. They were attacked by the resentful savages and some of them killed and the remainder driven out of the country. Returning, they were again molested and driven to the Illinois side, this time by government troops, and it was not until the year 1834 that the land on the West side of the river was thrown open for settlement. From that time on the country was rapidly settled by a more substantial citizenship. And now, where the frontier fort stood and around the site, is a thriving manufacturing city, with a population of over 10,000 inhabitants, who are making elaborate preparations for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the building of the old fort.

Edgar HAMBURGER and Miss Clara SCHMIDT, both of Warsaw, Illinois were married Sun. Groom formerly lived in Montrose.

24 September 1908

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. P.G.HITCH 17 September at their home in Ft. Madison. Mrs. HITCH is the former Miss DICKIE of Montrose.

A fine baby girl arrived Mon. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph YOUNKIN.

Sandusky: Mr. and Mrs. W.M. FOWLER are parents of a baby boy. Ivor James.

01 October 1908

Russel REEVES and Miss Kathryn KRAKEL were married at the home of the bride’s parents in New London on 30 September. Bride is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip KRAKEL of New London and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James REEVES of this place. He was born and reared here. Will live in Burlington, Iowa.

Mrs. Noble RUNNER received word of the marriage of her sister Miss Josephine CASHMAN to Roscoe FRAKES, both of the Powder Works. The wedding took place Sat. at Kahoka, Mo. where another sister lives.

A girl was born to John WILKINS and wife, Wed. of last week.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. CALE of Rt. 2 on Tues.

08 October 1908

Glenn Edwin JASTER, 2 yr old son of Mrs. Emma JASTER, died at his home on the Middle Road, Mon. It seemed that he had either been stepped on or kicked by a horse. His father died 19 June 1908 of a heart attack.

Robert VANAUSDALL and Miss Nellie BAILEY, both of Sandusky, were married at home of grooms brother, Merrit VANAUSDALL on Rt. 2 Groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith VANAUSDALL of Sandusky, Bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam BAILEY of Sandusky. Will live at the Middle Lock.

15 October 1908

Nicholas CAMPBELL, formerly of this place, died Mon. Buried Masonic cemetery, beside his wife who died here about seven yrs. ago. He was a native of Pa. And came to this state from Iowa about twelve yrs ago. He was nearly 75. He had no relatives in this place, but a daughter, Mrs. HORTON, resides in Spokane, and one in Iowa. Never did say where he was when he died. Odd article.

22 October 1908

John WOLF and Miss Mable B. GALLENTINE, two popular young people of Nauvoo were married Tues. at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H> GALLENTINE. The bride is well known in Montrose, as she lived here several yrs. before moving to Nauvoo.

Arthur LARSON and Miss Minnie PETERSON were married at Belmont school district, Tues. Groom is of Sugar Creek while the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John PETERSON>

Invitations are out announcing the approaching wedding of Miss Adgia WYRICK and Christ CHRISTENSEN.

29 October 1908

Wm. BEST, 55 of Omaha, Ne. died at his home last Sun. Remains brought to Donnellson, his old home town for burial.

Galland: Mr. and Mrs. August BOSTRUM are parents of a boy.

05 November 1908

Christensen and Wyrick wedding took place 4 November 1908 at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.W.WYRICK Rt. 2. Groom is a native of Montrose being born and reared here. Will live in the Chas JOHNSON property at this place.

12 November 1908

Miss Golda WADE died at Ft. Madison, aged 23, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Scott SAMPSELL. She was born in Montrose 14 Jan. 1885 and lived here until two yrs. ago She was an orphan, her mother having died about sixteen yrs. ago and the father about five yrs ago. A sister Lizzie WADE of Ottumwa, two brothers, Percy and Fred of this place and a step-mother, Mrs. Sallie WADE also of Montrose are left to grieve. The remains were brought here and taken to the Episcopal Church.

Mr. R.O.BOYD and Miss Nellie COULTER were married Wed. at the home of the bride’s father, Dr. COULTER of Summitville Iowa. The groom is one of Sandusky’s citizens and is one of the best farmers and gardeners in Lee county.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. REED are rejoicing over the arrival of a son born Tues.

J.C.SCOTT received word of the death of his nephew, Raymond SCOTT, 20, at San Lorenzo, Ca. He is the brother of Willie SCOTT who is making his home here.

19 November 1908

Zeila PHILPS and Robert HEDRICK were married at the home of bride’s parents 11 November 1908. Bride is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm.PHILPS and grew to womanhood in our midst. Groom is from Hoxie, Ark. Will live in Hoxie.

Jessie H. GILMAN, age 9 died at her home last Fri.l Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William GILMAN, a sister Lucinda, and brother, Harry are left to mourn.

26 November 1908

James Edward BRICKER, 76, died at the home of his daughter in Jefferson Twp. Sat. Funeral services were held from the home of W.T.HAYS. He was born 25 July 1832 in Johnson county, Tn. The son of Ira BRICKER and Sarah RIDDLE BRICKER. Started West in 1837, got as far as In., where they spent the winter and in the Spring arrived in Ft. Madison where the deceased resided until 26 July this year when the daughter moved both he and his wife in with her. James Edward BRICKER and Rebecca Jane FOSTER were married at Ft. Madison 1 November 1857. He is survived by wife, two daughter, Mrs. W.T.HAYES of Jefferson twp. and Mrs. W,M.COONEY, Kahoka, Mo., two sisters and several granddaughters.

10 December 1908

A son arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Liman VANUSDOLL last week, out on Rt. 2.

Rev. A.D.RICHARDS of this city and pastor of the Christain Church at Sugar Creek and Mrs. Rosetta DANFORD, were married 3 Dec. Will live in Sugar Creek. ( Constitution Democrat.)

17 December 1908

James McBRIDE, who lived on a farm on Rt. 2, above Montrose, for over forty yrs. and had recently moved to Keokuk,. Died there. Born 25 December 49 yrs ago. He married Miss Mary WALZE at Keokuk, on the 24 February 17 yrs ago. She survives, as do his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard MCBRIDE, brothers, Felix and John, sisters Mrs. Mary O’BRIEN, of Keokuk, Mrs. Ella CASEY of Ft. Madison, and Sarah, Margaret and Emma, living with their parents.

24 December 1908

Mr. I.C.STEPHENS received the news of the death of his sister Mrs. Samuel STATTLER, at her home in Nevada,I owa. She was 77

31 December 1908

Former Montrose woman died at her home in Springfield, Mo. Mrs. Josephine A.BECKLEY, aged 75, died 24 December. She married C.A.BECKLEY in Montrose in the year of 1856 and lived for thirty yrs. on the farm on Rt. 3, now owned by Wm REED. Survived by Henry, and Mrs. Laura KILGORE of Springfield, Mo. and Mrs. David KENNEDY of Rt. 3 Montrose.

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