Oconto
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Flash
From The Past - 1878
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Jan. 12, 1878
**Snow.
That disease ails all our lumberman, which was
fast becoming chronic,
is slowly disappearing as the snow which is a sure cure, comes slowly
down.
The cold snap fixed the swamps, and on Wednesday it commenced snowing,
kept up all night and Thursday slow, but sure, all of which will help
the
slipping on the swamps, and consequently the jobbers are convalescing.
Only two inches have fallen, but barley bottom sleighs
slip passably.
** Accident.
Quiet a serious accident occurred at Big
Suamico on Tuesday night
last. A case of sickness occurred at that place, when a handcar
borrowed
from the Section men and a party started for Fort Howard for a
physician.
Dr. Bartan started back with them, and when nearing Suamico they
collided
with another hand car going south, coming together with a great crash,
seriously injuring Dr. Bartran, breaking his arm and otherwise bruising
him. We believe it is against the rules of the R. R company to allow a
handcar to go out of the hands of the Section men, or on the road
nights.
** Broke jail.
On Saturday night last, two men confined in the
County Jail for stealing,
made their escape by cutting a hole about twelve inches squarethrough
the
side of the building. The sides of the building were made substantial
by
heavy square timbers placed upright as close together as possible. The
hole was made by cutting a chunk out of one of these. The work was
evidently
done with a knife, though probably a slow process judging from
appearances.
This is rather an unpleasant episode for the jailer as he retires from
the position, but it shows very forcibly the need for better jail
building,
which is the real cause ofc the accident.
**Another Fire
About 12 o'clock Saturday night fire was
discovered breaking out
of the Wm. Brunquest's store building at the S-W. corner of Main and
Superior
streets, opposite Funke's Hotel from whence the alarm was first given.
The fire department responded promptly, but the flames had gained to
much
headway to admit of saving the building where the fire originated, or
the
building nest to it also owned by Mr. Brunquest, and occupied by Mrs.
S.
H. Waggoner as a store house for flour feed. The buildings were both
one-story
buildings, one comparatively new, and they were soon destroyed, when
the
flames were extinguished with out further damage. The building where
the
fire originated was occupied as a store of general merchandise by Mr.
Brunquest,
and was the only one that contained a stove. Mr. B. states that he left
but a little fire in the stove; but the fire started in that vicinity.
About $200 or $300 worth of his goods were saved. The buildings were
each
insured for $500, and the stock for $2,000. Total $3,000. Mrs. Waggoner
was uninsured, but considerable of the feed was saved after the fire.
Her
loss is about
$300.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Jan. 19, 1878
** Personals.
We understand the Dr. H. Allen recently of this
city, now of Milwaukee,
contentplates returning and resuming his practice here. His many
friends
will welcome him.
Mr. G. J. Flanders has been confined to his
house and bed for the
past few days with some form of fever. It is hoped it will prove of a
slight
matter, and that he will soon be out again.
** Pulling Through.
Dr. Beebe states that the cases of Small Pox that broke
out at McKillop's
camp, on Gravely Brool, Peshtigo, are all over the trouble, and at work
again as if nothing happened. The Dr. has had exceedingly good success
in the treatment of these cases considering that some of them were
quite
maligant; and with only camp accommodations. No new cases have occurred
there.
** Peshtigo Items.
We are sorry to say that Dr. Kelsey is not
improving in health. He
is confined to the house now most of the time, and fears are
entertaining
that he will never recover his health and strength.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Jan. 26, 1878
Killed in the Woods.-
A sad accident occurred at the camp of James
Conniff, on the Peshtigo
river, about 3 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in instant
death
to a young man about 21 years of age, named John Morrison whose parents
lived about 2 miles from West Depere, and a nephew of Wm. Morrison of
this
city. It appears the deceased was trying to roll a log that laid a
little
in the road, out of the way. It being on uneven ground, it was
necessary
to roll the log uphill, which he was trying to do with a can't hook,
standing
on the lower side. The hook slipped, and he commenced running backwards
down before the log, as it came toward him, his heel struck a stub, he
fell on his back, his head striking another log, and the first one
rolled
down over him from his feet to his head. The deathblow fractured the
skull,
which looked as if done in the fall, killing him instantly. He was
brought
to town, arriving Thursday afternoon, when W. B. Mitchell, as
undertaker
prepared the remains for burial. Wm. Morrison accompanied them by
freight
train Friday morning to the father's home near Depere.
** Caught at Last
The Stolen Property Recovered
Last Sunday morning, Martin Quaid, an Irishman
who has lived at Pensaukee
for the past 30 years, went to Menominee on the train and conveyed the
information to the bank officers that he had the man who robbed their
bank
a short time ago. Quaid who lives only a few rods from the depot,
states
that Jankowsky came to his house about four o'clock on the second
morning
after the robbery took place, being very tired, and soon after told him
he was the person that committed the robbery. Quaid says his wife has
been
sick ever since the hurricane, and would not consent to his going and
giving
the information before. He had been to this place several times to get
papers and medicine, and in this way had allied Jankowsky's suspicions
so that he could be gone all day, which would be necessary to go to
Menominee.
He even states he and the thief had discussed several plans of escape,
and also that the young man had kept his revolvers in trim with the
intention
of defending
himself to the last. Mr. Wooderd and some other
gentleman came down
on the evening train and with due caution entered the house, and the
room
designated and sprang upon their man, who did not have time to resist.
They obtained conveyance to this city, where they got a livery team to
take them to Menominee, where they arrived about midnight.
The Menominee Herald gives the following particulars obtained from
the robber himself in regard to his escape: He is 21 years of age and
was born in Germany where his father was an officer in the army. He
came to this country about 5 years ago, and has been at Menominee most
of the time since. He took the freight train, as was supposed, at
Marinette; and before he had got far, wished himself and the property
back. He left the train here hid his satchel in the underbrush, and
went to the Globe Hotel, in the West ward, and got his breakfast. Then
he took the street going west to the street running north along the
river bank to the Green Bay house, thence to the rail road track, and
started along the track intending to get his satchel again, but seeing
a man at work a short distance from it, he stuck into the underbrush,
and at a distance of about forty rods from the track, laid down and
remained quiet all day. He heard the special engine which brought his
pursuers, and so hid low till 4 o'clock next morning. He found his
valise with great difficulty, and followed the track right through town
going south, till daylight when a little this side of Pensaukee he went
into the woods and remained until a little after mid night the next
night. Then he passed Pensaukee, but feeling very tired he returned,
and went to the house of Quaid where he has since stayed, calculating
to remain until the search was abandoned, when he would go to New York
and thence to the Old Country. All of the property except about $60.00,
which he paid for some clothing and board, was recovered. The money
amounted to $1,800, aside from drafts, notes etc. The jewelry and
watches were but little injured. It seems his pursuers were on the
right track, but thought he would work south faster and thus missed
him. Quaid received a reward of $450; the other $50 being retained on
account of that much shortage.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Feb. 2, 1878
** Accident.-Capt. Cliff Hart, of the
tug Oconto, now carries his hand in a sling. While at Green Bay on
Wednesday, he was engaged in taking some measurements of the wheels of
the steamer Union, when he slipped and fell tearing a serious gash in
the palm of his left hand on a sharp bolt. The cut laid the flesh open
to the cords, extending across the palm of the hand, making a serious
injury, which will lay him up for some time.
A Detective Success
Private Detective W.A. Christy, of
this city (Chicago), arrived here yesterday after a stay in Michigan of
about three weeks. On the 26th of last December the Exchange bank, of
Menominee, Mich. which is the same building with an extensive jewelry
store owned and run by G. A. Woodford was robbed, and at the same time
the jewelry spoke of. The full amount taken was $8,000. Suspicion was
at once directed toward a young man named Adolph Yankowski, who had
been employed as a clerk in the store, and had easy access to the vault
of the bank. He was not seen after the robbery, and he was concluded to
be the thief. The local police force of that city, gave up finding the
man, and Mr., C. E. Aiken, of the bank, and Mr. Woodford of the store,
at once telegraphed to Chicago for Christy. He went to the scene of the
robbery, and obtained the particulars and succeeded in tracking the man
to Pensaukee, Wisc., where he arrested him about a week ago. Yankowski
is now in jail at Menominee, under indictment. Christy receives a
liberal reward for the successful job.
This above item we clip from Chicago
Post. It will be news for the people in this vicinity, who are familiar
with the circumstances of the capture of the Menominee bank robber.
That private detective mentioned, had about as much to do with his
capture as the editor of the Post, who is evidently daped in giving the
said detective a puff and credit which he never merited. His
(Private Detective W.A. Christy) success consists in palming off onto
the Post, a manufactured story of achievements in his profession which
had an existence only in his imagination. His reputation as a detective
must be a valuable one if it rests on such items as above, which have
no foundation in fact, so far as the success and reward is concerned.
The robber stayed in a house very near the Pensuakee depot and was
discovered only when the man with whom he stopped betrayed him, by
going to Menominee and informing the bank officials, who accompanied
him home and secured their man. The informer was an old resident of
Pensaukee, and he received the reward.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Feb. 9, 1878
** Robbed. A Norwegian, giving his
name as Andrew Steverson, who during Monday was considerably the worse
for liquor, we are informed, stated on Tuesday morning that he had,
during the night before, been robbed of some $900. It is certain that
he had quiet a roll of bills with him on Monday, which like most
persons in his condition, he was not at all slow absent exhibiting at
the different saloons he visited. He has been at work in the woods,
where he had the money.
** FIRE. About a quarter before three
o'clock Thursday morning fire broke out in what has been known as the
Oconto house, and occupied by Jas. McNulty. The alarm was given and the
engines were soon on the ground. Mr. McNulty being up in the woods, his
family have been only occupying the rear part - no fire having been
built in the saloon part for some time, being practically unoccupied.
The fire broke out in the saloon part, and all it's contents consisting
of Billiard and card tables, chairs, bar fixtures etc. were destroyed
most of the household furniture in the lower part was saved in a
damaged condition. The building was an old one, and worth probably
$500. Lost on furniture about $200. - No insurance.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
March 2, 1878
A Strange Coincidence
Last week we gave notice of the death
of Mrs. McRae, daughter of Thomas Huston, at her fathers house in this
city, which took place about 4 o'clock a.m., Friday of the last week.
Mr. H. telegraphed to her husband at Menominee, who was very ill, so
much so that his friends did not dare to tell him the contents of the
message. About 11 o'clock a.m., the same day the husband died also, and
his wife's family here were notified. This coincidence necessarily
changed the arrangements for the funeral, a notice of which we gave.
The remains of Mrs. M were taken to Menominee Sabbath morning, and a
double funeral held there. A funeral sermon in her memory will be
preached in the M. E. Church, tomorrow evening, March 3d.
** Lumbering Items.
Logging jobbers will do well to turn their cant hooks into plow shares.
** Peshtigo Items.
A sad accident is reported from
Boice's camp, of the Peshtigo Co. A man by the name of Art Redmon and
his mate returned to a camp a few days since. Redmon said he had cut
his foot bad, but had the liniment poured into the cut with his boot
pack on, for fear of bleeding to death. He moaned and made such a fuss
about the pain that he was taken to town and paid off. The next day he
was playing pool in the saloon, in fine boots, and cutting up dog
generally. That is one way of skulking and playing off. Crying wolf
when no wolf is near. Pass him round.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
March 9, 1878
A Notorious Character Gone
28 years ago, Wm. Nason kept a kind of stopping place for travelers on
the Bay Shore in the vicinity of the Gale place. He soon afterwards
embarked in the saloon business in town, and soon merged it into a
house of ill fame, which has made his name a by-word and a stench in
the nostrils of respectable people, here and along the Bay Shore, for
some twenty years. While he house has not been a positive refuge for
criminals, it has invariably been notorious as a resort for the worst
classes of the community, and a hot bed of vise. He has long been
considered as lost to all self-respect and during the last few years
the ideal of a perfect perfect wreck and a fair sample of immorality
and intemperance will bring a man to. He has had many ups and downs in
life, which finally settled him in the city poor house about two years
ago, where Monday night he "passed in his checks," or in other words
passed from time to eternity. Before death his conscience seemed to be
awakened and he desired the presence of a minister of the Gospel, and
Rev. Mr. Walker answered his request. His death is reported by those
present as horrible in the extreme, being in great distress of mind
about his future, and regret for the past. He was about 70 years of
age. Thus, with few regrets in this world, a soul has passed to the
other, with only the blackness of dispair ahead.
** Personals
Mr. F. H. Thurston, of Holt & Balcom's store, on Wednesday received
the sad intelligence of the death of his mother in Massachusetts. He
started immediately for the East to attend the funeral.
** Peshtigo Items
At Charley Bell's camp they have in about 1,100,000, and are doing well
considering their chance, as they are working up old choppings. An ox
died there on Friday, and the noble red-man claimed his remains, for
soup.
** Our Weekly Fire
On Sunday evening last, about 8 o'clock, a fire broke out in a dwelling
owned and occupied by Joseph Longren on State St., in the southwestern
part of the city. It was a two-story structure, with wing attached. The
fire broke out in the kitchen, and as quite a gale of wind was blowing,
the flames made rapid progress. The engines, though having some
distance to go, were on hand promptly. The building was destroyed with
nearly all it contained of household goods. The house and furniture
were fully insured there being &800 on the former and $300 on the
latter, in traders Insurance Co. of Chicago.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
March 16, 1878
** Lumbering Items
Men from up the river report that the streams have been all the week in
good condition for driving logs probably owing to the fall of rain
Sunday afternoon and evening. Most of the loggers, however, were not
ready to take advantage of this head of water owing to the fact that
they did not have the tools to work with, and thus a golden opportunity
for drivers has been partially lost.
** Personals
A man supposed to have crossed the bay from this side, was seen from
the other side to drop through the ice and disappear, out of the reach
of help.
** Accident.
David Penkowske, in Nat. Gilkey's camp on the Menominee, had a narrow
escape last Saturday. He started for the river with largest log that
they had put in this winter. In going down a steep hill he turned his
team a little to one side to aid them in holding the load, when the
roller broke throwing him to the ground, the log rolling of the sled
struck him, fracturing some of his ribs and holding his head in a
complete vice until taken from this position by his companions. He was
brought to town by the evening train and Dr. Beebe was called, who now
pronounces him out of danger.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
March 28, 1878
***Accident.
About noon of Friday of last week, as Leonard, son of Louis Pahl, was
lowering a barrel of malt in the upper part of his father's brewery,
from one floor to another by means of tackle operated by a crank, his
hand slipped from the crank, and the weight of the barrel being on
caused it to remove rapidly with great force. As it revolved, it struck
him in the side of the face, cutting a fearful gash about three
inches long, from his mouth up toward the eye. It was fortunate that it
did not strike the skull, as it would have been fatal. Dr. Beebe was
called and sewed up the cut, and aside from the pain and inconvenience,
the boy will soon be as good as new.
The danger of handling explosives carelessly was again demonstrated the
other day at Couillardville. A boy living with Mr. J. Comstock got hold
of some nitroglycerine cartridges which the latter had procured for
blowing up stumps. The boy had succeeded in leaving one so that it
found it's way into the stove when it exploded, blowing the stove to
pieces. He took another one to school with him where William Davis of
Couillardville, borrowed it and took it home. On Sunday last the said
William had some curiosity to look into it and see what it was made of.
He had his curiosity satisfied before he found out what it contained.
He commenced investigating by picking it with a fork, when suddenly he
became aware that something had happened. He missed a thumb and two
fingers from one hand and found on closer investigation that both hands
and all his fingers were somewhat shattered. Dr. Beebe has him under
his care, and thinks he can save his hands, one of them minus two
fingers and a thumb.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
March 30, 1878
***Remarkable Longevity and Activity.
It may not be generally known that northern Wisconsin possesses as a
citizen one of the oldest men now living. The "History of Brown county"
By Mrs. French, 1876, mentions Geo. Houle, a Frenchman, who we are
informed, settled in Green Bay about 1798. We have not this History
before us, and therefore cannot give what is said relating to this aged
character, but simple mention it as support for the statement for the
man's age.
In conversation with Mr. John Salachider, now of Little Suamico, a man
nearly 90 years old, who was an early resident of Green Bay, in the
"early times," and who was familiar with it's early settlers, we learn
of a little incident in the life of Houle, which will at least give
some idea of his toughness if not amuse.
The subject of this sketch is believed by those who know him to be 136
years of age, and that fact that he is the progenitor of a large family
of children, grandchildren and great great grandchildren, some of the
grandchildren being old men now, it would seem that the age as stated
is not far from correct. One day last week this man walked from his
home, between Wrightstown and Depere, to Green Bay; a distance of about
14 miles. This would be considered quite the feat for a common mortal
at half that age, and we doubt that history records a case of greater
activity at such a wonderful age. But the incident we started to relate
is but a further evidence in the same direction and occurred some 32
years ago. Mr. S was a witness to this incident. He states that some
thirty-two years ago, when wagon roads and wagons were not as plenty as
now, Geo. Houle being then 104 years old, started from Green Bay and
traveled to Shawano, which is a distance in a straight line some 36
miles, on which carrying with him the following articles: a one hundred
pound sack of flour, twenty-eight pounds of pork, some tea and coffee,
and carried a jug of whiskey in his hand. He went by way of an Indian
trail. As he was starting he was asked where he was going, and replyed,
"O only over to Shawano." This was about the time that the Menomiees
were placed on the Shawano reservation. There is more then one living
witness of this incident, to-day, and it may be regarded as practically
true. It would seem from this that the days of the Patriarches are all
not yet past. A man who can at the age of 136 years walk off a distance
of fourteen miles, we should say was not in danger of dying of old age
or laziness.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
April 6, 1878
** Pensukee. Dist. No. 6.
There was a real old fashion wild cat caught in West Pensaukee, by Mr.
S. Tuttle. A few linx have been caught this spring in this vicinity.
There are a number of families now in the district that came from
outside quite recently. They "springs demonish" to buy land. There's
two new comers of unknown tongue, and their coming is generally
celebrated "bawl" If it would not be out of place I should say they
came from Baby-lon. One took up its abode with the family of J Bundy,
the other at W P Richers.
ACCIDENT.
On Tuesday evening last, an 18 months old child of Peter Brabo, in the
West Ward, fell from a doorway and broke one of it's arms so near the
elbow that it is feared that a stiff joint will result. Dr. Paramore
dressed the fracture.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
April 20, 1878
Accident.
On Friday afternoon of last week, as John Addison, the man-of-all-work,
at the Beyer House, was splitting wood, holding a stick with one hand
and using the ax with the other, he made a mis-stroke and very nearly
severed the thumb from his left hand. Dr. Paramore replaced it, sewed
it on, and now his patient is getting along as well as could be
expected.
Convicted of Murder.
The person refered to below, will be remembered by residents of this
city and the vicinity who were living here some ten years ago. We clip
the following from the Green Bay Advocate, relating to the late
developments of the case, which we had occasion to mention at the time
of the first trial.
Dr. St. Louis, of Fremont, Nebraska, we believe to grow up to early
manhood at Little Chute, in this State. From there he went to Appleton
where he was employed as a clerk in a drug store. He then went to
Oconto where he resided for a time, and while living there his wife
died very suddenly, under suspicious circumstances. The suspicious
pointed strongly to her having been poisoned, but there was no evidence
sufficient to convict him of the crime. He afterwards moved to Nebraska
where he married again. A year or two since, his second wife died, with
symptoms resembling those caused by poisoning. The body was exhumed and
poison found in the stomach and the Dr. was arrested, charged with
murder. He made himself conspicuous by writing a letter to the Appleton
Crescent, claiming that he was being prosecuted by the other
physicians, on account of their jealousy of his large practice. He was
tried for murder, but for some cause that we do not now remember,
escaped conviction. He has had now had a second trial, at Wahoo,
Nebraska, by a change of venue, which terminated last Saturday, by this
conviction of murder in the first degree.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
May 4, 1878
***Peshtigo Items
Dr. Kelsey died on Wednesday of that dreaded disease consumption.
** Accident While engaged in effecting some repairs in his barn one day
this week, Ex-sheriff Gerkie fell from a ladder, and received a very
severe strain of the ankle. He is continued to his house, but is doing
favorably.
** Narrow Escape
A river driver whose name we have been unable to learn, while standing
immediately on the bank of Oconto Falls was caught by snag and carried
into the foaming gulf some 20 feet below. Strange to relate he was seen
a few moments there after making for the neighboring shore, which he
reached in safety and was soon at work as unconcerned as though nothing
happened.
** Short Dresses
Every sensible woman, and especially every business woman, is glad
short dresses are coming in style again. Of course if all women were
sensible, short dresses for walking would always be in style. But, and
to relate, they are not, and so they persist on making themselves
victims of style mongers, and martyrs to false ideas of propriety and
refinement. However, short dresses make neat and even handsome boots
necessity. With them, run-down heals shabby leather or ill-fitting
boots are an abomination, and should be impossible. Let a women dress
her feet tidily and step properly, and she will not be afraid of a
short dress. But few women know how to walk, and they are so few
because the silly idea has so long prevailed that they must wear boots
with thin and narrow soles, and as small as the contraction of the
flesh will allow. Gradually them notions are giving place to more
healthy ideas but not so fast as desirable. With soles as broad as the
feet, thick enough to protect them from the hardness and inequalities
of the earth, and long enough so that the joints shall not be crowded
out of shape, and with uppers durable and handsome, and fitting
perfectly, there is no reason women should not walk casually, and
consequently gracefully. Then they need not be afraid of short skirts,
and they will not readily give them up when it is generally confessed
that they are neat, comfortable and convenient.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
May 11, 1878
** Over. The Falls.
In speaking of the river driver who was carried over the falls, last
week we were in error in saying that he was caught by a snag. His name
is August Schwartz and was in the employ of Holt & Balcom. He was
standing on the immediate brink of the falls, in the water where the
current was very swift. In using the pevey, it gave way and lossing his
balance, the current forced him over the fall. He disappeared for a
short time in the boiling waters twenty feet below, but on coming to
the surface, struck boldly out and gained the shore without assistance
and was soon back at work as if nothing had happened. To those knowing
the place and circumstances, his escape from death seems miraculous.
This is the first case of a man going over the falls, and there are few
that would care to try the experiment.
** The Oshkosh Times states that a Miss Buelow, of that city, while
laughing very loud a few days since, completely dislocated her lower
jaw, causing her to make a very indecorous appearance. Her parents and
relatives thought that she had been seized by some terrible cramp. A
Dr. was summoned who put the jaw back again. This should be a warning
to all young ladies, to be careful when smiling or giggling.
** At Bremen, Ohio, a boy born was recently born to a young couple
having three perfectly formed eyes and but one ear. Two of the eyes are
in their natural position, and also one ear, but the place for the
second ear is smooth and solid as any other part of the head. The third
eye is about an inch around, at left of the left eye. The child is
healthy.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
May 18, 1878
** Peshtigo Items
A little four year old boy of Mr. Geo. McDonald's met with a severe and
painful accident last Monday, about noon. He was playing in the street,
when he was run over by a wagon loaded with hay. The little fellow's
right leg was broken near the hip, while his left leg was very badly
bruised. The bones were set and the little fellow is doing as well as
can be expected.
>From the Eagle
Conniff's logs are making good progress, and are expected down in about
fifty or sixty days. One of his dams was partially damaged by the high
water. His new dam has three eighteen foot gates. He has plenty of
water.
Charlie Boice and A. Moran got their whole drive, and what was left of
last year's logs, safely into main Beaver Creek Tuesday night. Some of
the men who came down have been up for six months.
The Last
The highway bridge crossing the river in the West Ward, was torn away
on Tuesday and Wednesday to let the tugs pass up the river with their
tows of logs or scows. This will leave the West Ward, of Frenchtown,
without a wagon bridge during the summer, as it will not be rebuilt
until next winter. The railroad bridge will be used as a foot bridge.
This makes it decidedly inconvenient for that part of town.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
May, 25, 1878
** Almost Drowned.
On Friday afternoon of last week, a boy named Samuel Pomroy, while
playing on the logs in the boom just above the Superior St. bridge,
accidentally slipped through between them, and narrowly escaped
drowning. That he was not drowned was not his own fault, as he went
down the necessary three times, but the son of Mr. Frank Fisher who
lives near by caught and held him until more help arrived. Boys seem to
have a peculiar weakness for any thing that savors of danger and
excitement, and of all things there is nothing quite so attractive as
running on logs afloat on the river. This practice seems to possess all
the elements necessary for fun for small boys. It is even better than
catching on to freight cars in motion. Parents should be careful how
they allow their children to indulge in this amusement, as the men
employed on the logs find it impossible to keep them away. Scarcely a
year passes but one or more boys become victims.
The remains of Geo. McConnell, which at his death this spring were
united in the Roman Catholic cemetery, were removed to the Protestant
cemetery a short time ago by order of the Catholic Bishop.
St. Nathans (now Chase)
Chase and Dickey's mill is running at full blast, sawing lumber and
shingles. The late copious rains have afforded them ample opportunity
to run down the remainder of their logs, which is sufficient to keep
their mill slashing the whole season.
We realize that we are pretty far back from the outer world, but we are
inclined to feel gloomy and melancholy, we could not, with Jap's
smiling countenance among us; but we have no such inclination. Like the
noble red man of the forest, the woods have an irresistible charm for
us. We live at present in close proximity to the forest but we feel
happy, for most of us were born in the most extensive wilderness of the
Eastern States. In childhood we listened to the ever sighing pines and
hemlocks in the east and now in manhood the oaks, the elms and maples
reach out their arms lovingly above us in the winds, so called Oconto
County. The trees are friends, and we would be homesick away from the
grand old wood. When we came here years ago, direct from our original
homes, we found nature pure and unadulterated, fresh from the hands of
the Creator. Here we gazed upon primitive forests and felt an
inexplicable thrill of delight. Here at the time the red deer wandered
undisturbed in the green wood, and the panther as absolute monarch of
the forest. A few years from that time brought the beginning of the
change. The woods re-echoed the sound of the woodsmen's ax, the forest
began to disappear and the farms to take it's place.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER June 1, 1878
** Accident
A young man named Vanderhyder, employed in hauling refuse from
Scofield's mill, was struck on the head by a spault coming down the
slide, Monday, and suffered a sever gash in the scalp. Dr. Beebe
rendered the necessary surgical aid.
** A Shooting Affair.
Early Monday evening, it is reported, a little disturbance occurred in
the family of Mr. Magry, on the South Side, from what cause exactly is
not stated, although there was a women in the case. In the melee Mr. M.
is reported to have shot at his son. A warrant having been issued for
his arrest an officer went in pursuit on Wednesday morning but failed
to find him, as he has disappeared.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
June 8, 1878
** Accident
On Tuesday, a carpenter named Constant Noel, employed on the planing
mill by the Oconto Company, while engaged in turning a pulley, met with
an accident by which he lost a portion of the three largest fingers on
his left hand. Dr. O'Keef performed the necessary surgery.
** Another Shooting Affair
On Saturday evening last, a row occurred in the saloon recently opened
by James Lacy, in the West Ward, called by somebody wanted to "put a
head on" Chub Elsey, who has something of a reputation as a pugilist,
or "Chub" wanting to put a head on somebody, or perhaps a little of
both. At any rate they got into a row without any particular pretext,
and as usual "Chub" was the object of the malice of the aforesaid
somebody, who, we believe, was a man named Gravel and his friends. But
"Chub," true to his reputation did not get up and run away, but stood
and contested their ability to thresh him. In the melee that followed,
one of the attacking party, which was getting the worst of the bargain,
drew a revolver and fired at "Chub" the bullet passing very close to
another man's head, hitting "Chub"just at one side of the right temple
parallel with the side of his head, following close to the skull which
flattened it, and leaving his head when nearly over the ear, plowing a
furrow, which came near being a fatal one. It proved, however, nearly
or quite harmless. A man named Gravel on complaint of City Marshal Don
Levy, was brought before Justice Hart on Tuesday. The case was
adjourned to the 11th inst., the accused being bound over to appear at
that time.
** Lumbering Notes
All the logs in the tributaries of the different rivers emptying into
Green Bay, are all down or coming down in splendid style, all of which
suits the lumbermen.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
June 15, 1878
** Shawano County
Seven funerals were celebrated last Sabbath at the M. E. Church, all in one service.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
June 22, 1878
** Setting up.
We learn that about 25 families have settled on the lands in the
vicinity of Jones creek town of Stiles within the past two weeks.
** Accident.
On Saturday last, Frank DonLevy, son of James DonLevy Esq., received
serious and painful injuries by a kick from a horse in Phillip's livery
stable. Both of the horse's feet struck him in the head, just to the
right of the nose, and so suddenly and with such force that he was
unconscious of what hit him, until told of it after he was restored to
consciousness. In fact did not know he had been hit. The right cheek
bone was broken, and several teeth knocked out, while the fleshy part
of his face was very badly cut and disfigured, marks which will follow
him through life. Dr. O'Keefe, who attended him, thinks he will soon be
around again. It was a narrow escape from death.
On Monday, an old man named Hooton, some 66 years of age, employed at
Eldred's mill, and received very serious if not fatal injuries. A car
load of slabs was being hauled up an inclined track, and Hooton was
behind it. Something about the tackle gave away and the car came back
upon him. He fell under the cars between the rails, but the framework
caught him in such a way as to bruise every part of his body. It seemed
a miracle that every bone was not broken, and he killed outright. Dr.
O'Keefe attended him, and on examining him found no bones broken, but
dangerous injuries that, in so aged a person, are not favorable to an
early recovery.
** Peshtigo Items From the Eagle:
A man named A. F. F. Hussay, stole a team of the company's horses from
their pasture, in the upper Sugar Bush, Thursday night of the last week
and struck out north. A man with two horses was seen crossing the
bridge at the village at the same night, and when the loss was
discovered the next day, it was at once suspected that the thief and
the man seen on the bridge was the same person and had make tracks for
the north. Officers up north were apprised of the theft and Monday a
dispatch was received here stating that a man with a team of horses
answering the description of those stolen, had been arrested at
Escanaba. Mr. W. J. Shepherd started for that place the same day and
identified the stolen property, and Tuesday night Hussey was brought
back, being met at Marinette by Sheriff O'Leary armed with a proper
warrant. He found quarters in jail preparatory to the trip to Waupun.
The man has worked here for some time past and was supposed to be
honest and straightforward, and on account of poor health had always
been given a good chance.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
July 6, 1878
A man named Cannon living in Brookside was last week presented with a
young cannon, eight pounder, by his wife. This was intended for a
fourth of July salute, but was a little premature.
** Personals
Mr. Hooton who was injured a couple of weeks ago by the slab car coming back onto him, at Eldred's mill is recovering slowly.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
July, 12, 1878
DROWNED.
On Sunday last at Oconto Falls, a young man named Amos Manning aged 22
years and a resident of the neighborhood was drowned in the Oconto
river. He was in bathing in company with 8 or 10 companions, and swam,
we understand, across the river and was about half way back when he
went down. One of his companions swam to his rescue, but was obliged to
leave him to face his fate after being dragged down twice.
Wanted - a lot of loafers to sit around and block up the entrance to stores in the vicinity of Music Hall and Davis' Blocks.
Peshtigo Items
Sam Newton has just finished shearing his sheep about 350.
Mrs. Sam Newton has recently had a cancer removed at Green Bay, and is better.
Mrs. W. J. Shepherd is slowly recovering from the effects of a fall some weeks ago. She is able to go out of doors.
A boy named Thos. Prew aged 14 years and living to in the North Ward,
was quite seriously injured at the Water Mill, on Wednesday of last
week, by being struck in the stomach by a board thrown from a saw. Dr.
Beebe has charge of the case and hopes to bring him through.
An anxious mother writes to us, asking how she can keep her son from
going out nights after the women. We suggested two different ways to
the anxious parent: First break his legs; second hire one, two or three
of these women to come and stay with him every night. If neither plan
is crowned with success, write to us again.
Many of our readers have doubtless heard of W. R. Patrick, a Marinette
man having invented a process of manufacturing pulp from pine slabs,
from which a good quality of paper of different kinds may be
manufactured. His business card printed on a sample of card board made
from the pulp is on our table. The pulp is made under a process
patented in Feb. and May last.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
July 19 1878
Peshtigo Items
A Sweede, known as Capt. Jack, was thrown off a scow on the bay, at the Harbor. He was unmarried.
A Belgian with a long name had one of his legs broken below the knee at the Harbor.
Accident.
A man named David LaMay, employed at the Oconto Company's saw mill, met
with a painful accident last week. He was employed on a cut off saw,
when, in some manner, his sleeve caught and drew his hand on the saw,
sawing two or three slits across the palm of the hand, about half way
between the thumb and fingers.
Rodney Gillett lost one of his best horses from the effects of the heat recently in his logging camp.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Aug. 17, 1878
DROWNED.
A sad case of drowning occurred on Sunday afternoon last, in the river,
in the vicinity of Comstock's mill, in which a young women named Jane
Morrisey, daughter of Mr. John Morrisey, of this city, and Charles
Cook, a young man, son of O. C. Cook, living near Comstock, lost their
lives. The circumstances of the case, as we learn them, and as given in
testimony of two persons present when the drowning occurred, at the
inquest held over the remains of the young women, by Justice Bentz,
Sunday evening where about as follows. It appears that both the
deceased, and another young women named Jennie McAllister, had been
gathering black berries in the neighborhood, and had crossed the river
in a large log canoe, which had been fastened to the boom in the river,
between which and the shore of the water was full of logs. According to
the evidence, the party, consisting of five, one Gen. Smith and his
little daughter, living in the vicinity, Jennie McAllsiter, Jane
Morrisey and Chas. Cook, left the house of the said Smith between three
and four o'clock, for the river, the three last named to cross the
river in the canoe. Miss Morrisey ran ahead on the logs, reached the
canoe and untied it, while Cook assisted Miss McAllister over the logs.
It appears the girls jumped into the canoe and pushed it away from the
boom, in play, before Cook could get in or catch hold of it, the
deceased girl saying, "We will leave you". She stepped to the stern of
the canoe, asked the other girl for the one paddle which the canoe
contained, which she handed to her, and sat down, probably on the side
of the canoe in such a manner as to lose her balance, and fell over
backwards into the river, taking the paddle with her. The canoe was
then about a rod from the boom, on which was young Cook and Mr. Smith
and his little daughter. The girl in the boat having no paddle failed
to get the boat to the boom very quick, and young Cook immediately
threw off his coat and dived into the water, coming up along side the
drowning girl. He was a good swimmer, but as it afterward appeared he
must have struck a snag in diving, which to some extent disabled him,
as a bad bruise was discovered over the nose when the body was
recovered, and he, going down, did not appear at the surface again, but
the girl came up twice, the last time as if supported, which led Smith
to suppose Cook was under her, keeping her up. She then disappeared and
no more was seen of them, until two hours afterward, when the bodies
were recovered attached to one another. It seems decidedly strange that
a young man and young women, one a good swimmer should drown in almost
still water, within a rod from the boom, on which a man stood, and
alongside of a large canoe with a person in it out of which one had
fallen. Yet such was the case in this instance, and two young persons,
in the full vigor of youth, and about the same age (17 years) together
met a gloomy fate. There is plenty of occasion here for the moral,
which, however, we will allow the readers to think out for themselves.
It is hardly necessary to add that this is a case where two lives were
lost in a most aggravating way without any palliating circumstances
with help so near and yet so far, and all brought about by the
thoughtlessness of one of the victims.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Aug. 24, 1878
** Accident
Nicholas Struck, a fifteen year old son of John Struck of the South
ward, allowed one of his legs to get in the way of the circular saw
carriage in Scofield's mill Monday morning, and suffered a fracture of
the same below the knee. The carriage got off without a scratch.
** A Home Invention.
Our townsman, Mr. Joseph Poirier, has but recently received his letters
patent on Axle Adjuster, which he invented. It is a convenient
arrangement for setting or straightening a sprung buggy axle, and so
constructed as to be used without removing a wheel or injuring the
finish. It appears to be a good thing and an improvement on anything
yet on the market for the same purpose. He has the first lot
manufactured and will place them on the market. He expects to
manufacture them here, He offers territory for the sale of them in
large or small quantify. His invention is known as J. P. Improved Axle
Adjuster.
** Another Nitro-Glycerine Disaster at Negunee
A second explosion of nitro- glycerine, a short notice of which we gave
last week, occurred at Negunee at eighteen minutes past nine o'clock,
on Wednesday morning of last week, sending four men to their long home,
making 11 since January, from the same cause, at the same place. The
names of the illfated men were, H. E. Huber, John Scanion, Dayton
L. Brown, Samuel Cooper, all unmarried. From the Ishpeming Iron Home,
we clip the following description of the scene, after the explosion.
Several others employed at the mill, who happened to be absent when the
explosion occurred escaped. What, but a few moments before, was a
series of fine buildings was now even a heap of smoldering ruins, there
hardly being enough of the buildings left to be properly called a heap.
For a distance of a quarter of a mile in all directions were evidences
of the terrible force of the murderous nitro-glcerine, small pieces of
boards, splintered and broken lay scattered about in every direction,
the surface of Mud lake (at whose edge the factory was located) being
fairly covered with debris, while the woods and fences, near where the
buildings had stood were on fire. Search was at once begun to find if
anything could be found of the four men known to have been employed
within the factory at the time of the explosion, Huber, Scanion, Brown
and Cooper. The body of Cooper was first found and that of Brown soon
after discovered almost buried in the earth, a small portion of his
breast only being visible. Huber and Scanion were undoubtedly blown to
atoms, as a dilligent search only revealed a part of a scalp, (which,
by color of the hair, was identified as Huber's, his being of light
brown color while Scanion's was quiet black,) the spinal column of a
human being, a foot, a finger, a nose, and a few other small pieces of
shapeless flesh. Several small pieces of clothing were picked up in
different directions about the scene of the disaster, among which was a
part of a pantaloons, in the pocket of which was found a memorandum
book belonging to Huber, together with a letter written to his mother,
and several other letters of a business character. A handkerchief,
readily recognized as belonging to Scanion, was also picked up. A shoe
belonging to one of the unfortunate men was also found. The remains (or
as much as could be found of them) of the victims of the explosion were
placed on a platform in the middle of the ruins and covered with
blankets. By this time hundreds of people from Ishpeming and Neganee
had assembled on the fatal spot, and after viewing the ghastly
spectacle turned from the scene with looks of horror, and hearts filled
with pity for the poor men thus hurled into eternity without a moments
warning, no time to prepare themselves for the dark here after. A horse
and wagon belonging to Walseth & Tisley, liverymen of this city,
were blown into a thousand fragments, the head of the horse being blown
entirely off, and his left side which was undoubtedly towards the
building, was blown almost entirely away. The wagon, a strong one, was
totally wrecked. The four men killed were single men and much thought
of by everybody knowing them. It is a singular fact that the explosion
occurred on the same day of the week and about the same hour in the
morning as the disastrous explosion of last January. The probable loss
to the company, with out reckoning the loss of life or detention of
operations is almost $9,000. Thus have 11 men been killed by
nitro-glycerine in this county since last January and the accursed
manslayer is still permitted to be manufactured.
Oconto County Reporter August 31, 1878
An alarm of fire was sounded on Wednesday night caused by the burning
of Hans Knudson's house on Second Street, south side. The home was a
small one built on the site of one burned about a year ago. The loss
was about $300.
The C&NW Railway will sell excursion tickets to Chicago during the Exposition at the rate of one-fifth fare.
Most of the old teachers of last year in the schools are employed again
for the ensuing year, but some changes have been made, some being
assigned to different schools from last year.
At a meeting of the Fire Department Wednesday evening, the following
delegates to the Chicago Firemen's tournament which commences Sept, 4,
were appointed: William J. McGee, John Casson and J. W. Hall.
F. W. Lee has been engaged as principal of Washington school and Mr. M. A. McGinnis as principal of Jefferson school.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Sept. 7, 1878
** Peshtigo Items
Wm. Shepherd lost a boy by death recently.
Mr. Frank Curtier who is operating a tram logging road on Beaver Creek,
lost his team by a pine falling across both, killing them. They were
working close to a tree that was half cut down. Suddenly it began to
fall and before the team could become unhitched it came upon them.
** Personals
Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Casson have been visited with another great
affliction in the loss of a little boy of some four years of age by
diphtheria. While away on a visit a few weeks ago, in Iowa their oldest
child, a bright little girl, and the pride of the household, was taken
from them by the same disease. In this their second irreparable loss
they have the heart felt sympathy of the entire community.
We learn that Wilbur Orr, recently of this city, now of the oil
districts of Pennsylvania, has lost, by death, his youngest boy, named
Hunter. Diphtheria was the disease.
Mr. L. B. Noyes informs that his son Frank, who has recently graduated
from State University, will soon enter the law office of Trudell and
Noyes of this city as a law student.
We regret to learn that Mrs. S. H. Waggoner who has been confined to
the house for several months past, is not in as favor able a condition
as for the past few weeks. The disease has taken a change for the
worse, which makes an early recovery very doubtful.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Sept. 14, 1878
** Correction
In noticing the death of Mr. Casson's children last week, the REPORTER
was led to make a most aggravating error, through being misinformed.
Their oldest child, a little girl, is alive and well, it being their
oldest boy that died while visiting in Iowa. See death notice elsewhere.
** Accident
On Tuesday, as a boy named Mike Cane was handling a revolver, and in
the act of removing the cartridge from one of the chambers, it was
accidentally discharged and the ball entered the palm of the hand,
followed up the arm and was removed by a physician who found it about
half way from the writs and elbow.
A Tragedy. On Monday, of last week, a man named Michael Sagstatter,
living in Menasha, shot his wife with a carbine killing her instantly.
He had suspected her of being unfaithful to him, having reason to
believe that a colored barber was on too intimate terms with her, who
furnished her washing as an excuse for his visits. He watched them one
day until convinced that his suspicions were well founded. The whole
affair ended as above stated. Sagstatter is in jail and the barber left
town just in time to escape the tar and feathers, or worse. The
sympathy of the community is with Sagstatter who was a hard working man.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Sept. 28, 1878
A Sad Event
Another sad event has occurred this week, in the sudden death of Mrs.
Crosby, which occurred on Tuesday after an illness of only three
or four days. Although in very robust health she had been able to
attend to the duties in the connection with a small retail business in
which she had engaged for the support of herself and four small
children, after the sudden death of her husband by drowning some two
years ago. Mrs. Crosby has had the warmest friendship of all who have
the pleasure of her acquaintance and her sudden demise has been a great
shock throughout a wide circle of friends in both town and country. It
is indeed a sad affair that leaves four small children without a father
or mother to guide and direct and but little of the world's means to
smooth the way. The funeral took place on Thursday morning, and was
conducted by the Masonic fraternity, of which her husband was a member,
Rev. Mr. Dafter officiating.
A Long Life
There arrived in this city, one day last week, Mr. Thomas Tourtillott
Sr., father of Abel, Henry and Thomas Tourtillott, of this place, who
has attained the somewhat remarkable age of more than 92 years, having
been born in Penobscot County, Maine, on the 22nd day of April, 1786.
Although most of his life, and especially the earlier half of it was
spent amid the hardships of the early days of the Republic in a wild
and undeveloped part of the country, yet he has not only lived to this
great age, but to all appearances is good for many years yet, he being
quiet strong and vigorous in both body and mind. His memory is still
good, his hearing but little impaired, while all the other faculties of
his mind are remarkably well preserved. His early life was spent along
the Pinobscot river, where he was engaged in the pursuits of the life
of a frontiersman of that day, such as lumbering, rafting on the
different streams, and was not a little engaged in hunting wild
animals, undergoing, at times, great hardships of both hunger and
exposure common, in that day. At one time, in company with two
companions, while on a trip into New Brunswick, traveled through the
wilderness for six days, with nothing to eat but a rabbit, which was
captured just as the party was about to give up from exhaustion. They
had lost their stock of provisions by being upset in their canoe on the
river. He was a young man of 26 years when the war of 1812 broke out
and was at one time in the employ of the Government in piloting an
expedition which was engaged in caring a cargo of dry goods, which had
been landed from England in spite of the blockaded coast and in spite
of the English who guarded every harbor, by a round about way to New
York, where they arrived safely. During the hardships of this early
life, which seemed but to give him the nerve and frame which has made
him equal to the battle of years, he had many adventures and narrow
escapes from violent death. He has been married twice and has raised 14
children (7 by each wife) all of whom lived to raise families of their
own. We believe the oldest (Able Tourtillot) is about 66 years old and
lives here. The old gentleman has had the pleasure of greeting two
great great grandchildren, the children of Mrs. Sam Orr his great grand
child. Thus five generations gathered under one roof. Truly a long
life, which began before Washington was President of the United States,
and indeed, before the United States existed as a government.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Oct. 5, 1878
** Accident
Mrs. W. T. Ullman met with a painful accident on Monday. In company
with a number of other ladies she went up the river a few miles to
gather ferns, Mrs. Ullman driving her own horse. When in the vicinity
of Comstack's mill on their return home, a number of Indians with their
ponies loaded with numerous traps met, one of which crossing the road
just in advance of Mrs. Ullman's horse frightened that animal, so that
it turned square around and ran, the buggy coming into contact with
something threw her and Lillie Reinhart who was riding with her, out.
Mrs. Ullman became entangled in the lines, and as the horse ran she was
dragged several rods along the rough road before getting free. She
suffered some severe contusions on the head and shoulders and narrowly
escaped a much more serious fate. Lillie Reinhart suffered a sprained
ankle. The horse ran back as far as Percy's farm about two miles where
it was stopped comparatively uninjured. The buggy was pretty well used
up. The Indians appeared to feel pretty bad, over the catastrophe which
they had unintentionally caused, and did all in their power to put
things rights, showing undisguised solitude for the welfare of the
injured persons. At this writing (Friday) Mrs. Ullman is reported as
recovering rapidly, and will, no doubt, soon be as good as new. There
might be a moral attached to this, for the benefit of ladies who drive
so far from home unattended. We'll let them guess what it is.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Oct. 12, 1878
** Peshtigo Items'
***A Sad Occurrence
Last Saturday morning the sympathies of the people of the town were
aroused by the startling intelligence that a father and two children
had been burned to death, at the Harbor, early in the morning. The
unfortunate ones were, Mr. Desotell, a son - a deaf mute - and the
baby. Between four and five o'clock in the morning, a teamster living
with the family, arose and lighted a lamp, which he left on a table in
the kitchen, while he went to attend to his horses. While he was
absent, in some unknown way, the fire was started, and was well under
way before it was discovered. The members of the family were aroused
and safely removed except these two children who were still upstairs.
The father rushed up to attempt their rescue, but, overcome by the heat
and smoke, fell a victim to the flames. The three having met a common
death were laid away in common grave Sunday afternoon. The house and
nearly all the furniture were destroyed. About two hundred dollars in
money are also supposed to have been burned. The bereft, a widow and
several children, have found warm hearts, ready hands and universal
sympathy.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Oct. 19, 1878
***Suicide We learn that a man named Joseph Lane, at one time a
resident of this city, but lately of Marinette, committed suicide at
that place on Tuesday night by taking arsenic. He had been drinking
very hard and took the poison in a fit of desperation. Several Drs. did
all in their power to save him, much against his will, but without
avail. After about seven hours of suffering, from spasms, he expired.
Just before he died he expressed a desire to live, but at first he
cursed the doctors without stint.
***Bear Killed We learn that a large black bear was killed near
Brookside last week by J. I. Bovee. He (the bear, not Bovee) had been
around trying to carry off hogs and other domestic animals of the
neighborhood, and at one place tried to catch a women who went out to
drive him away. She objected to being hugged by the bear and by the
timely arrival of a dog, succeeded in getting away. We are told that
Mr. B. put five balls from a repeating rifle, into the animals head
before he succumbed. It is related that the women struck at the bear
with an ax when the bear hit it a tap with his paw which sent it on an
excursion some distance away.
***Shocking Affair
The township of Nahma, Delta County, near Escanaba, was the scene of a
murder about the 25th of last month, according to the Iron Post. For
many years a named Philemon Thompson, had lived in the vicinity of
Garden Creek, where he has raised a family. An Indian had also been
raised in the family. One of his sons, D. H. Thompson, had a daughter
about 15 years old, with the 'old man', her grandfather, had been
having criminal intimacy for some time, until it became evident that
she could not keep her situation longer a secret. Papers were issued
for his arrest, but he had disappeared. It appeared from the evidence,
at the trial of the Indian, Thomas Conklin and D. H. Thompson, who were
arrested upon Conklin complaining against the Indian, that the party
including one other beside the murdered man went out on a hunting tour.
After pitching tent, the party divided, the Indian and the 'old man'
going together and one of the party staying to cook. Shortley after
they left camp, the cook, named Conklin, ran up the bank, and saw the
Indian shoot the elder Thompson. The Indian claimed that Conklin helped
hide the body, thus implicating him. The three mentioned are held for
further trail.
Indian Payment
Indian Agent Bridgman, paid the Onieda Indians their annual payment
Thursday last week. The amount paid was $1,000. Being 68 cents to each
individual. This payment is guaranteed to them by a treaty made in 1794
and is to continue as long as the tribe exists. There has been an
increase in their number from 1,405 of last year to 1,470 this year.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
NOVEMBER 2, 1878
A Bereavement
On Sunday morning last, about six o'clock, Capt. and Mrs. Henry W. Hart
met with a great affliction in the death of their youngest child, a
little girl of about 2 in a half years of age, at their residence in
Green Bay. The disease was scarlet fever, which it is thought was
communicated to the family by a friend visiting them from this city, as
it has appeared in no other family there. All four of their children
were taken about the same time, which has resulted in the death of the
youngest, and the next youngest is very seriously ill with scarcely a
hope of recovery. The others are convalescent. The death of the child
occurring on Sunday morning, the Captain went to the trouble and
expense of sending his boat the steamer Welcome to convey the members
of the family and friends here, who might, wish to go, to Green Bay to
attend the funeral, but through some aggravating misunderstanding
occasioned by passing the order through two or three persons, the
errand of those in command of the boat was not half performed,
and the family and friends remained in ignorance of the time and place
for the funeral, they being informed the remains would be brought
here for burial, the following day. The boat returned as it came,
empty, and the funeral took place Monday with none of the family or
friends from here present, save Mrs. Edwin Hart who had gone there as
soon as the disease commenced its fatal work. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have
the sympathy of a large of friends and relatives here in their
affliction, although they were debarred from giving evidence of it by
their presence when they were no doubt sorely needed and when common
etiquette would dictate their attendance.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Nov. 16, 1878
Brookside
The hand of Death has not yet been stayed in our midst. Last Saturday
Jake and Ida Lince buried their infant child, and on Sunday afternoon
occurred the death of our most estimable young men, Alfred Bellingham,
aged 16 years. From the fear of spreading the contagion (Scarlet Fever)
the burial was attended by but few. The funeral services have been
postponed until the family shall be able to attend them, there being
several other members in more or less critical condition. The bereaved
family have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in their
affliction.
Personals
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lynes had the misfortune to lose by death, on Tuesday
night, their oldest son, Edward, a lad of about 15 years. He had been
lying very low for some weeks. The disease at first was something like
scarlet fever. Upon apparently recovering from that he exposed himself
too soon, and a relapse succeeded which has terminated fatally. They
have the sympathy of their many friends in this affliction.
Miss Nora Newton until a few years since a resident of Oconto, and with
whom most of our people were intimately acquainted, was to have been
married at her home in Oshkosh, on Tuesday of this week, to a gentleman
named Edwin Hubbard. She is to move with her husband immediately to
Florida where his business, that of lumber manufacturer, is located.
Here many friends here will wish her much joy and happiness in her new
life.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Nov. 23, 1878
Personal
It is reported that H. O. Fairchild, of Marinette, has a new daughter.
We suppose his wife has one too; we hope so at least for the credit of
the family.
A Seducer Caught
Sheriff Conniff nabbed a man very neatly one day last week. He had
received a picture of a man wanted in Michigan, named Fredrick
Drilling. Happening to see a man at the depot who resembled the on in
the picture, the sheriff approached him with an offer to hire him for
the woods. On the way down town, he learned where he was from, and at
his office showed him the picture. The man seeing he was caught,
recognized it as his own and was jailed until the arrival of the
sheriff of Lake Co. Michigan, who departed with this man on Tuesday.
The charge, on which he was apprehended, was that of seduction, he
having left some three maidens behind, who wanted to be called by his
name.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Dec. 14, 1878
** A woman in the east ward is going to have printed and posted up in
her hen house a notice to it's (the hen house) inhabitants, to the
effect that every mother's daughter of them that don't lay, at least
one egg a day hereafter will loose their heads. She has to do this or
they will impose on her. They are too lazy to lay.
OCONTO COUNTY REPORTER
Dec. 21, 1878
***Personal
Mr. Roscoe W. Gilkey, while here learned the painful news of the death
of his youngest child at his home in Green Bay on Monday. It was
brought to this city by the afternoon freight Tuesday, for internment.
The scarlet fever claimed another victim last Sunday. Hiram Haines lost a six year old daughter.
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