Items of
Interest From The Fayette County Union
December 3rd and December 10, 1896 Issues
(Use the search feature on the index page to look for names, or your browser's find feature.)
"J. J. McNamara, head brakeman on a C. G. W. fast freight train, was instantly killed in the yards at Oelwein, Last Wednesday about 7 o'clock while waiting for some changes to be made in the make-up of the train. The engine was being put in the round and McNamara attempted to ride down on the pilot to open the switches. While doing so he either fell or stepped off so close to the engine that the pilot struck him and threw him directly under the engine, his head being almost severed from the body. The deceased leaves a wife and children in St. Paul, where the remains were sent that afternoon. He has been employed on the road for a number of years, running between Dubuque and Elma, as baggageman one way and brakeman the other way." (03 Dec 1896; pg 4, col 2)
"Quite a number of the Order of Eastern Star met by agreement at the home of Joe Pember and wife Tuesday evening for a last visit with these excellent folks before they left for their new home in Arkansas. The evening was spent in various games and social conversation. About 11 o'clock refreshments consisting of grapes, bananas, apples and persimmon(s) after which the guests departed for their several homes wishing for Joe and his wife abundant prosperity in their new home. - Maynard News." (03 Dec 1896; pg 4, col 3)
"Green Tea Sociable - The M. E. Sociable will be held at Mrs. T. L. Green's on next Friday evening, Dec. 4. Supper from five until all are served. The following ladies have charge: Mesdames John Crowe, Sidney Carter, J. J. Berkey, Delia Doolittle, F. H. Bloodgood, Wm Messer and T. L. Green. All are invited. A short program by the children after supper." (03 Dec 1896; pg 4, col 3)
"Obituary of David Bell - David Bell was born in Hartford county, Maryland, May 1, 1808 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mark Phillips, West Union, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1896. He was therefore 88 years, 6 months, and 28 days old. He was engaged in farming until he was about 20 years and then removed to York, Penn., where he learned the tanner's trade. About the year 1830 he removed to Carrol Co Ohio, and there engaged in the cooperage business, supplying manufacturers of white lead. While living in Ohio he also taught school and was a success- (sic) teacher. About the year 1853 he moved from Ohio to Wisconsin and after remaining there a year he returned to Ohio and married Mrs. Elizabeth McAllister. To them was born one child, Mrs. Mark Phillips, who to-day mourns the loss of her father. Mrs. Bell died nearly ten years since. Two sisters, Mrs. Eleanor Shaw and Miss Lavica J. Bell, of this city, and James Bell, of Vilas, Wis., also survive him. In 1858, Mr. Bell, with his family, moved to Fayette county, Iowa, and settled on his farm - Oakland - a few miles north of this city. He has lived among you thirty-eight years and his life has been open and honest. Mr. Bell was an accumulator of wealth but he was not an oppressor of the poor. He was always most hospitable in his home, where friends and visitors were always accorded hearty greeting and welcome. In 1871, when the Presbyterian church was first built, David Bell was one of the promoters of the enterprise and one of the most liberal contributors to its erection. The records also show that, at its rebuilding in 1893, Mr. Bell again liberally responded with a solid contribution. You have lost, this day, an old, old neighbor, and many of you a good friend. God permitted your kind father and grandfather, sorrowing friends, to attain a 'good old age.' He was spared many years to watch the development of his child, to amply provide for her future, and then to allow her the privilege, through long, long months of nursing and caring for him. That has been a sacred privilege and well performed, of caring for one who entered a second childhood, and now he will be missed for his seat will be vacant. The funeral service was held in the Presbyterian church, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. H. Noel, assisted by Rev. J. Gammon of the M. E. church, and Rev. D. W. Proffitt of the U. B. church. Very appropriate music was furnished by the chior under direction of Mr. Fred Hanna." (03 Dec 1896; pg 4, col 3)
"Church Dedication at Arlington - Editor Union: Please announce through your paper that the new church of Christ at Arlington, will be formally opened to the public, Dec. 6, 1896. A. M. Haggard of Oskaloosa will conduct the services. Governor Drake, President Aylesworth and a number of ministers of various denominations are expected to be present and take part. Services as follows: Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. All churches of the town unite with us in these meetings. Our elegant and commodius church building will evidently be crowded. All will want to enjoy these meetings. Come and enjoy Arlington's hospitality as well. President Aylesworth will deliver popular lectures in the new church the evenings of the 7th and 8th of Dec. - W. M. Hoollett, Pastor." (03 Dec 1896; pg 4, col 3)
"News Around Town - What Has Been Transpiring in West Union and Vicinity During the Past Week. (Thursday, 03 Dec 1896; pg 5)
| We want wood. | S. B. Irvine, of Decorah, has signed with the West Union Orchestra for this season. |
| Christmas goods at Baker's. | "Dell" Chandler went to Cedar Rapids on last Saturday evening to receive treatment for his eyes. |
| Cliff Lisher Sundayed in the city. | The Arlington Hotel is closed for the present. The late proprietor W. H. Spong leaving on Tuesday. |
| Congress will convene on Monday next. | Milo Kreamer and family, of Ossian, spent Thanksgiving day in the city at the home of Mr. K.'s parents. |
| T. J. Capper, of Elgin, was a Friday caller. | Miss Letta Haines, who has been visiting for some time with Rock Valley friends, returned home on Friday. |
| Dr. Wm. Jones, of Wadena, was in the city on Tuesday. | Miss Bessie Hodge and mother left on Tuesday evening for Sedalia, Mo., from which place they go to South Carolina. |
| H. Phillips, of Volga City, was in town on Tuesday. | Just think of it! A cloth bound book with good paper and clear type for 20c. at Raymond & Brooks. It is the wonder of the world. |
| G. H. Barrett was up from Oelwein on last Saturday. | The celebrated Mystic flours are sold at the New Flour and Feed Store. Try it and get nice white and light bread. Free delivery. |
| Mrs. Henry Woolf has returned from her Omaha visit. | R. R. Pember, of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, was a Wednesday caller last week. He is much pleased with his new southern home. |
| Bert Frisby has returned from his Chicago and St. Paul trip. | Jas. Harper, the deaf mute, starts for the Deaf and Dumb Asylum this evening, where he will continue the studies that he commenced once before. |
| 75 c. for a nickle alarm clock at J. P. Parrott & Co., the Jewelers. | If you subscribe for the UNION you are sure of getting all the news fifty-two weeks in the year. Let us put your name on our list. |
| Hon. D. W. Clements went to Cedar Rapids on Saturday evening. | That little amount you owe at this office would be thankfully received. It takes some money to keep business going and of late very little has dropped into our till. |
| Jas. Bryant, of Manchester, was in the city last week buying horses. | Rev. Noel's subject at the Presbyterian church next Sabbath evening will be: 'Predestination and Election' - The general public invited. - Services will begin at 7:30 as usual. |
| Bro. Woodrnff (sic), of the Oelwein Register, was in the city last Saturday. | Meals at all hours. Board and lodging by day or week. Oysters in bulk and served in any style at the Bank Block Bakery and Restaurant. Give us a call. |
| Mrs. W. H. Garber, of Turkey River, was among the Tuesday visitors to the city. | Will J. Roberts makes suits from $12 up; pants ~ $4.50 up. Does cleaning, pressing, repairing and dying and guarantees all work. Give him a trial. One door south of Star Barber Shop. |
| Bran 40c., ground feed 50c. per cwt, at the Eldorado Mills, Flour and Feed Store. | Found - On the Fair Grounds, probably lost during the Fair, a solid gold W.R.C. pin - dated 1883. Owner can get the same by calling at this office and paying for this notice. |
| Oscar Heiserman, the Jeweler, has a handsome new advertisement to today's UNION. | Jno. Schencks and wife, of Des Moines, arrived in the city on Saturday. Mrs. S., to spend the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Lisher, of the Commerical. Jno. went out with his grips on Monday. |
| Married - At the Commercial hotel in this city on Tuesday Dec. 1st, Will H. Payne, of Maynard to Miss Amy Shepard, of Fayette, Rev. J. E. Snowden, of the latter place officiating. Willis Johnson, of Maynard and Mary Wilber, of Fayette, were members of the wedding party. | C. H. Cummings, of the Union House of Oelwein was in town on Tuesday, looking over the Arlington with the intention, we learn of renting the same. Mr. C. is one of the popular and progressive hotel men of the the state and would be welcomed to our city. |
| We are now prepared to do dressmaking in all the latest styles, at very reasonable prices, work guaranteed. Enquire at the milliner store on south west corner vine street. Mrs. Wilson and Campbell | Chas. Lathrop, Teller at the Fayette County National Bank, was laid up at home a couple of days this week with a throat trouble. |
| D. W. Clements of West Union is attending court here this term. Mr. Clements is well known here and highly respected for his many good qualities beside that of being a good attorney. - New Hampton Courier. | Gus A. Stoehr was at Oelwein over Thursday night of this week. He was there looking after the welfare of Mrs. E. L. Bucher who has had the misfortune to be a sufferer from Diptheria for the past month. He reports that all are doing as well as possible and that quarantine will be lifted from the Bucher home in a few days. Mrs. Stoehr, who has been with her sister during her sickness will return to her Elgin home some time this week. (Elgin Echo) |
| The United States secret service has discovered a new counterfeit $5 national bank note, on the National Bank of Commerce, New York, series of 1882, check letter G, charter No. 733, bank number 78763; portrait of Garfield, photograph production. | In the Chicago Chronicle's account of the big foot ball game in that city on Thanksgiving day, Rich Robinson, of our city who is attending Rush Medical College, was given especial mention. |
| Thanksgiving day was a very disagreeable one. The rain and the wind drove everyone from our streets, and in the afternoon our business houses were generally closed, and our citizens spent their time with their families in their homes. | The annual fireman's ball on last Thursday evening was largely attended but was not as much of a success as it would have been had it not been for the inclemency of the weather. The receipts were about $35.00. |
| Miss Lulu Hidlnger, of West Union, who has been in the employ of the millinery establishment of Mrs. Ida Wolgamot's, returned to her home Tuesday morning. Miss Lulu is to be complimented very highly as a trimmer. She will be missed by her many friends who wish her the best of happiness. ~ Fairbank View. | Jno. Berkey, the produce dealer quotes the following prices this morning: Butter 12 1/2 c @ 15c, Eggs 16c, Chickens 4c, Turkeys 6 1/2c @ 7c, Ducks 6c, Geese 4c |
| Governor Drake on Thanksgiving day pardoned out the notorious whisky searcher of Des Moines, Frank Pierce, who was sentenced to four years imprisonment for the murder of E. H. Wishard. He had yet two years to serve and should have done so. | Judge Fellows will occupy the bench of our next term of court which convenes next Monday. County Clerk Palmer informs us that the term will be about three weeks duration. |
| Fred White has bought the J. H. Lakin house, on the north hill, paying $2300 for it. Supt. Bloodgood, who has been a renter of the place, has moved into the Sturgis house; and Louis Bigler, who has bought Mr. White's old place, will occupy it at once. |
Lima News |
| A lecture in the interest of Freedmen will be delivered in the Presbyterian church this evening, Dec. 3. Mrs. Swift, a noted lecturer on this subject, will deliver the talk. The public is cordially invited to come and hear this great subject discussed. A silver collection will be taken. Doors open at 7:30. | C. H. Wilson boarded the train at this place on last Saturday en-rout for the county seat. |
| On Saturday last at the meeting of the Tourist Club, Mrs. Weed gave a parliamentary drill; Mrs. Colgrove read an interesting paper upon 'Hypnotism;' and Miss Anna Lacy and Mrs. Frank Hobson discussed entertainingly the 'Children of Japan' and 'Women and Girls of Japan.' | J. R. Peters has moved with his family to our city, and is snugly domiciled in the Oelberg Bros. tenement house. |
| Mr. George T. Bowes, of Hartley, and Miss Emma L. Hill of Fayette, were united in marriage at the Baptist parsonage in this city on Wednesday, Nov. 25th. They will be found at home in the growing town of Hartly after a few days. When (sic) Mr. Bowers has a good business. | Thanksgiving has passed and that wedding has not as yet materialized, but the bells will soon ring unless all signs fail. |
| J. W. Bopp, the Real Estate Man, made quite an important sale this week between Frank Downs and an Ottumwa man whereby the latter became possessed of the 139 acre farm of the latter (sic) in Auburn township. The farm was then resold to R. M. Hoyt of this city for $2,500. Mr. Downs has the Missouri fever and will remove to Southwest Missouri in the spring. | Simon Nefzgar has bills out proclaiming an auction sale of his goods regardless of cost. |
| Mrs. E. L. Bucher is now so far improved as to be able to sit up awhile each day. The disease with which she was afflicted has entirely departed and all that is necessary now is for her to regain strength. Mr. Bucher will doubtless be out in a few days as the attending physician says there is positively no necessity now for quarantine. (Oelwein Record) | Our lumber dealers have just received a new invoice of all kinds of lumber, and they say that they are now ready to make prices that will defy competition when grades is considered. Give them a call, when in need of lumber and get prices. |
| Owens & Cook paid out $6,000 for hogs yesterday @ $3.00 per hundred. | J. H. Stearns, our reliable milk hauler for
the past two years has resigned his job in favor of Cyrus
Thorp. Jay has been a good and faithful milk hauler, but we
believe Cyrus will fill his place if any one can. (End of Lima News) |
| Judge Hobson is holding court in Winnesheik county at Decorah this week. | C. B. Minchen went to Chicago on Tuesday evening; from their (sic) he goes to southern points and will be absent for some time. |
| Five tramps enjoyed the hospitality of Sheriff Hocking's hotel on Tuesday night. | The time is close at hand for the marriage of one of West Union's estimable young ladies, to a prominent business man of a neighboring town. |
| The annual tax sale occurs next Monday morning. You have time yet to save your bacon if you get a move on yourselves. | Mr. and Mrs. Macomber, of Maynard, participated in the festivities at the Parrott home in this city on Thanksgiving day. |
"He Bagged Them - No little excitement
was occasioned Tuesday morning over the report of the arrest of
two Oelwein young men, Lew Stansbarry and Will Farley, on a
charge of attempted highway robbery, during the night of Ralph
Hardy. There were many sensational stories afloat, but the facts
appear to be as follows: The event occurred about 11:30 in the
alley between Main and Frederick streets. As Hardy was passing
through the alley he was suddenly confronted by Farley with the
order 'throw yp your hands,' while at the same time a revoler <sic>
was shoved dangerously close to the face. Instead of doing as he
was told Hardy grabbed Farley by the arm and reaching around
into a pocket for his revolver, and, while in that position,
before he could draw the weapon, Stansbarry dealt him a blow on
the side of the face which sent him reeling to the ground.
Regaining his feet as quickly as possible and drawing his
revolver he sent a shot after the running forms who were making
for the south end of the alley as fast as they could go. Sheriff
Hockings who was in the city, happened to be near, and hearing
the shot he ran toward the end of the alley, arriving there
about the time the young men did, and promptly arrested them. As
soon as Hardy came up they were marched down on the street,
'Squire Irvine was routed out of bed and information was filed
against them, the charge being assault with intent to do great
bodily injury. 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon was the hour set for
the preliminary examination, at which time they waived trial and
were bound over to the grand jury the bonds being fixed at $200.
each, which they secured. County Attorney Hancock and Attorney
Jamison appeared for the prosecution and attorneys Phillips and
Ingersoll for the defense. The young men claim that the whole
thing was done as a practical joke, with no thought of robbery,
and for this, and other reasons, we reserve comment until after
trial, at which time the true facts will no doubt come to the
surface." (Oelwein Register)
(The Fayette County Union ~ Thursday, Dec. 3, 1896)
"The Argo says that in a letter to her mother from Los Angeles, Anna Robinson announces the marriage of Mrs. Jennie Armstrong to Mr. Loring Gale Nesmith, a prominent banker of San Jose. The wedding occurred at the home of the bride in Los Angeles on the morning of Nov., 24. Rev. Mr. Howard, pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian church officiating. The wedding was a very quite one, less than a half dozen guests being present, among them Miss Robinson and General Greeley, the noted Arctic explorer. General Greeley and Mrs. Nesmith are brother-in-laws. After the ceremony an elaborate wedding breakfast was served. The many friends of Mrs. Armstrong in this city will rejoice in her good fortune and hope that she may be happy." (10 Dec 1896; pg 1, col 2)
"West Union Still All Right - Last summer, a cur in human form, protected by the cloth of the clergy, came to West Union, and held a series of tent meetings. While here he denounced the town as the literal crater to hell and her residents emisarys thereof. But this gold dollar-in-hand prohibition soul saver seems to have struck another town in the Hawkeye State even worse than ours, at least so it seems to his halucinated mind, and that town is the beautiful city of Anamosa in Jones county. Their misfortune is however West Union's gain, and our reputation is restored. The Anamosaites however are protesting vigerously against the denunciations made by the Garden City capperer after coin in such a way. Special correspondence from the place to the Iowa State Advertiser, at Clinton says: (10 Dec 1896; pg 1, col 2)
CORDNER, THE EVANGELIST
Says The Midland Town Is A Corrupt One
Anamosa, Dec. 4. - (Special Correspondence) - Rev. Cordner, who has been holding protracted meetings here for the past three weeks, has been indulging in some strong language in regard to the morals of the people of Anamosa. Among other things he said that it was the most corrupt town he ever visited, and that a number of our citizens were on the direct route to "a land where they don't shovel snow or run ice houses." There is not a saloon, gambling house or sporting institution of any kind in town, and the citizens gave him the 'marble heart.' The converts made by the reverend gentlemen here were exceedingly few in number." (10 Dec 1896; pg 1, col 2)
"Obituary - Minnie Anna Dye was born in
Blackhawk Co., Iowa, March 2nd, 1871 and departed this life Dec.
4, 1896, at the age of 25 years, 9 months, and 2 days. The most
of her life was spent at West Union and in that vicinity. Oct.
24, 1895 she was united in marriage to John B. Clark, of
Goodell, Iowa.
She was a good christian woman and a worthy member of the
church of the United Brethren in Christ. Of her it may be said
as of a woman of old "She hath done what she could."
The funeral services were held from the U. B. church Sunday
P.M.; and were very largely attended. Rev. Proffitt's discourse
from John 9:4 was very excellent. Very seldom do we hear such a
discourse on a funeral occasion. The bereaved friends have the
full sympathy of the entire community." (10 Dec 1896; pg 1,
col 2)
Died - SMITH - Joseph G. Smith died at his residence in Center township, Fayette county, Iowa, November 19, 1896, aged 77 years, 7 months and 18 days. Joseph G. Smith was born on the lst day of April, 1819, in Center county, Pennsylvania. He there married Rebecca Wantz in 1840. In 1844 they emigrated to Jo Davis county, Ill., and in the spring of 1855 they moved to Windsor township, Fayette county, Iowa, in which county he has since resided. He leaves a widow with whom he has lived more than 56 years, also 8 sons, 2 daughters, 27 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Six of his sons and two daughters are residents of this county, and with one exception were at his bedside during his illness. His death was caused by a cancerous tumor on his neck." (10 Dec 1896; pg 1, col 2)