Oconto
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Flash
From The Past - 1893
Oconto
County Reporter
January 13, 1893
On the evening of the 5th, a party of young people surprised Miss Cora
Clark at her home in the south ward, the date being her birthday.
Oconto
County Reporter
January 20, 1893
Robert Burke left Monday for Madison, where he has been appointed
doorkeeper in the senate chamber.
Otto Weidner, who has suffered more or less for some months past from
some ailment in one of his legs, was brought down Monday from a lumber
camp where he had been at work, and is now at the home of his parents
in the south ward. We understand that it will be necessary to amputate
the leg.
Louis Rundeau, an old veteran living near Lena, met with a serious
accident last week. While in the hay mow in his barn he became dizzy
and fell from the mow to the floor, a distance of fourteen feet,
sustaining a fracture of the right arm, which was also thrown out of
joint, and receiving several severe cuts. Dr. Stoelting, of this city
attended the patient, who is doing as well as could be expected under
the circumstances. Oconto County Repoter January 27, 1893 researched
and contributed by Richard La Brosse
This has been one of the best winters on record for farmers.
Eggs, butter, wood, and in fact everything they have for sale are
bringing high prices.
A large number of the members of Company M, under the command of their
officers, Capt. Lee and Lieutenants Links and Bond, attended service at
St. Marks church last Sunday night.
Henry Biron has moved his barber shop outfit to the room lately vacated
by Smith & May, plumbers, one door east of H.U. Coles drug store
Oconto
County Reporter
February 3, 1893
Master Willie Smith entertained a large number of his young friends at
the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Smith, Tuesday evening,
the occasion being the 17th anniversary of his birthday.
Wm. Hirton’s saw mill at Pound was destroyed by fire one day
last week.
DESPITE A STERN PAPA
D. H. Harris Weds Allie Jackson
Like a thunderbolt falling from a clear sky will come the announcement
to Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Smith, 3015 Vincennes Ave., that their niece,
Miss Allie Jackson, who has been visiting with them for some weeks, was
married at Kenosha, Jan 12 to D. H. Harris, trader for A. C. Buell
& Co., of the board of trade. Since that time the fond uncle
and aunt have been unwittingly entertaining the bride. If, however, the
news causes a flutter of excitement on Vincennes avenue it is nothing
to the effect that it will have in the little town of Oconto, where the
parents of Miss Allie, or rather Mrs. D. H. Harris, reside, for the
young lady is an only daughter, and her father, Andrew Jackson, a
wealthy lumberman, holds her as the apple of his eye and firmly
resolved that no man should tear her away from the parental roof. The
young lady however, was of a different opinion, and as she attained the
age of 21, there was no valid reason why she should not have her own
way.
Mrs. G. Bosard and children are the guests of Mrs. B's sister, Mrs.
Decker, at Embarrass, during the week.
Not Guilty of Abduction,
The State of Wisconsin vs. James Sullivan and wife is the title of the
case tried before Justice H. F. Jones last Monday. The charge of
abduction was preferred against the defendants by Dr. Wilkie, of
Oshkosh, agent of the Humane society. A week ago last Friday, Dr.
Wilkie came up her and had Sheriff Quirt arrest Annie Unmuth, a rather
incorrigible Oshkosh girl who had arrived the day before with Mrs.,
Sullivan and had taken up quarters at the resort kept by Jas, Sullivan
on the Pensaukee road. The girl was conveyed by the sheriff to
Milwaukee and placed in the House of Good Sheppard, and Dr. Wilkie
swore out warrants charging Sullivan and his wife with abduction. At
the trial the girl, Annie Unmuth, who had been brought from Milwaukee
as a witness, testified that she had been in houses of prostitution
previous to coming here, and that she asked Mrs. Sullivan to buy her a
ticket to Oconto and came here of her own free will. Under the
circumstances there was nothing Justice Jones to do but dismiss the
case, which he did. A further questioning of the girl revealed the fact
that she had been led into evil ways by a married man named Dagget, of
Oshkosh, who after tiring of her, had induced her to enter houses of
evil repute. We understand it is Dr. Wilkie's intention to swear out a
warrant on him.
Oconto
County Reporter
February 10, 1893
At a recent meeting of the stockholders of Oconto Brewing Co., the
following officers were elected: President and general
manager, George Dagen; secretary and treasurer, H.U. Cole; directors,
Geo. Dagen, H.U. Cole, J. Spies, Chas. Krueger and John Strack.
Two new post offices—Farrell, in the town of Armstrong, and
Amanda, in the town of Maple Valley—have recently been
established in Oconto County.
Mrs. Jas. Heath, who has been quiet sick is now improving, and will
visit her daughter and other relatives at Milwaukee, making an extended
visit.
Mr. Blaine left a will bestowing all his property upon Mrs. Blaine and
making her sole executrix without bonds. The total value of the estate
is estimated at $800,000.
Oconto
Company's Camp No. 3
Editor Reporter;
As some of our readers might like to hear from the boys in the lumber
camps, I thought I would write you a few lines.
We are comfortably located in the town of How this winter. Charles
Gegay presides over the kitchen and dining room and makes it a point to
furnish the table with everything wholesome and good, and his efforts
are heartily appreciated by the boys. Adolph Nichols hauled a load to
the landing on the 28th ult. that we thought, considering the condition
of the road and the distance was a capper. It consisted of 43 logs,
which scaled 8,563 feet, Wm. McKever and Wm. Grade put up the load.
George Baldwin is our foreman, and he is a first-class man in the
position. He keeps the road in excellent condition, for he believes
that the snowplow and sprinkler are of the greatest help to put in
logs. Ed Baldwin is our scaler, and handles the rule and pencil like a
veteran. Ed Breckenbidge does duty at the landing, and he is just the
man for the place. He keeps matters in good shape at the end of the
route.
Oconto
County Reporter
Feb. 17, 1893
Martin W. Allen, the U.S. senator recently elected by the Populist
legislature of Kansas was formerly a resident of Oconto and was at one
time a law partner of Atty W. H. Webster of this city. Death of Willie
Riley.
A telegram was received in this city about 11 o'clock yesterday morning
by Mr. Thomas Riley announcing that the body of his son Willie; who had
been missing for more then a week past, had been found under the snow
about a mile from Devereux and Small's logging camp. The particulars of
this sad case are as follows. Willie Riley had been employed in Deverux
and Small's camp, about 12 miles west of Wausaukee, as cookee, his
older brother George being the cook. On Tuesday of last week, the 7th
inst., Willie was sent to Wausaukee, the nearest post office, to get
the mail for the camp and to purchase postage stamps and medicine, the
lad arrived all right and executed the commission given him, and
started back for the camp, since which time until yesterday morning,
nothing was heard of him. Failing to make his appearance at the camp
his brother became alarmed, and this feeling soon took possession of
all the men in the camp. Searching parties were organized, which were
augmented by a number of expert cruisers from this city, and since the
time of the boys disappearance the search for him has been kept up
incessantly, and yesterday morning his body was found about one mile
from camp where he had evidently fallen in weariness and frozen to
death. The failure to discover him sooner is due to the high wind which
prevailed on the 7th and 8th, and which drifted the snow over him.
Various rumors reached his parents that he had been seen in other
places alive and well, conveying the impression that he had run away,
but when followed up they were discovered to be unfounded.
Willie Riley was nearly 17 years of age, and was a remarkably good and
obedient boy, and his sad ending is the cause of the most distressing
and poignant grief to his parents and other relatives, but in their
deep sorrow and irreparable loss they are assured of the heartfelt
sympathy of the entire community.
John Spies left the first of the week for Milwaukee, and will make that
city his future home.
Roy Solway, who is now employed in a drug store at Neenah, spent Sunday
with his parents here.
Mrs. Runkel is visiting her daughter in Janesville.
Oconto
County Reporter
Feb. 24, 1893
Willie Riley's Funeral
The body of the late Willie Riley, whose death by freezing we spoke of
last week, arrived in this city Thursday night, the 10th and was taken
to the home of his grief stricken parents on Superior street, whence it
was removed for burial on the following Saturday morning. The funeral
services were held at St. Joseph's church, the Rev. Fr. Lochman
officiating, and the large edifice was filled with friends and
sympathizers of the bereaved family, During the services in the church
but little of the casket containing the remains was visible owing to
the abundance of flowers which were heaped upon and arraigned about.
Among these beautiful tributes of love and esteem were an Anchor from
the grammar school, a Gates Ajar from the Young Ladies' Sodality of St.
Joseph's church and others, a Harp from the High school, a Pillow,
Wreath and Cross from relatives and friends. At the conclusion of High
Mass the remains were borne to the Catholic cemetery and laid
reverentially away to await the last great summons. The pallbearers
were David Dillion, E. J. Delaney, Geo. Davis, Berney Brophy, D. G.
Classon and Geo, Runkle.
H. M. Engler, one of the oldest residents and a prominent lumberman of
Marinette county, dropped dead at Peshtigo Monday morning of last week.
Heart trouble is supposed to have been the cause of his death.
Sheriff Quirt made a successful trip to Milwaukee last week and was
accompanied home by a young man who had been too lavish in the matter
of affection and promises with a young lady of this place, and had left
here without making good his word. There being every prospect that his
deeds would bare fruit, the confiding lady aforesaid desired that her
whilholm lover should be present to help celebrate the interesting
event, and at the earnest invitation of Sheriff Quirt, who was so
pleasantly irresistible, the erstwhile faithless swain, smitten in
conscience and with a heart full of love and a wholesome fear of legal
consequences, yielded a ready acquiescence, and appearing before
Justice O. W. Bloch vowed eternal fidelity to her whom the justice
pronounced flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone - his wife. Thus the
romance ended by transforming a roving bachelor into a happy and
contented husband and good citizen.
Oconto
County Reporter
Mar. 3, 1893
Pendleton & Gilkey, lumber and cedar dealers of Janesville have
bought the Oconto Company’s stock of cedar posts, amounting
to 80,000 pieces.
A message from the governor announced his approval of the bill 248A to
incorporate the town of Underhill in Oconto County.
In our report of the death of Mrs. Honora Major last week, we stated
that she was survived by three children, when in fact we should have
said six. They are Mrs. Frank Trepanier and Mrs. Flan Cane, of this
city; John Major of the town of Oconto; Martin and George Major, of
Canada; and Mrs. Nat. Hanley, of San Francisco. The deceased was a
native of County Mayo, Ireland, but emigrated to Ontario, Canada, some
fifty years ago, where she remained for nearly forty years, coming to
Oconto about eleven years ago, since which time she has made her
residence here, at the home of her son-in-law, Frank Trepanier. The
funeral took place from the residence on Saturday last. The last rights
of the Roman Catholic Church were celebrated by Rev. Fr. Lochman, and
the remains were conducted to the cemetery by a large concourse of
sympathizing friends.
A Windy Experience
On Tuesday last during a heavy wind six teams, each with a load of hay,
started across the ice of Green Bay to Door county, and had got about
ten miles from shore when a terrific gale of wind struck them and the
hay vanished from the sleighs like a puff of smoke. It is said the hay
was scattered along the ice for a distance of twenty miles.
Oconto
County Reporter
March 10, 1893
researched and contributed by Richard La
Brosse
The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Campbell was widened by the
birth of a bright little daughter last Thursday.
Charles Sharply of Holt Lumber Company's Camp No. 3, hauled on March
2nd , the largest load of the season in that camp. The load consisted
of fourteen logs which scaled 7840 board feet. The haul was made on an
up hill road. Capt. W.H. Webster, scaler.
Stiles-Stiles creamery building is nearing completion and the machinery
will soon be put in place. The work is under the able supervision of
millwright, P. Hansen.
Cashier W.K. Smith of the Oconto National Bank visited in Milwaukee and
Chicago on business last week.
Oconto
County Reporter
Mar. 17, 1893
Hasting Bacon died at Negaunee on Thursday, March 9, 1893. The deceased
was a resident of this city years ago, and was highly respected by our
citizens. He was a brother of Ed Bacon of Green Bay, and brother-in-law
of Han. Tibbetts of this city. He was a whole souled, genial man and
was very popular among his acquaintances. Oconto County Reporter Mar.
24, 1893
Hotel Pierce Sold
Mrs. J. W. Wolf on Tuesday sold her property, the Hotel Pierce, to N.
J. Strack, the consideration being $4,ooo cash. The sale includes the
hotel furniture, Mrs. Wolf retaining the furniture of her private
rooms. Mr. Strack took possession of his new property yesterday. We
understand that Mrs. Wolf will reside at Waukesha for the future.
J. C. Armstrong, of How, called in Monday while on his way to
Westfield, New York.
Chas. McGee returned Sunday from Houghton, Mich., and has accepted a
position in the office of W, Cook & Bro.
Oconto
County Reporter
April 21, 1893
Newton Is Guilty
The Jury Brings in a Verdict of Murder in the Second Degree.
The trial of Robert Newton, of Gillett, charged with the killing of
Richard Kingston at that village in November, 1892, came to an end
Tuesday afternoon at six o'clock at which time the jury filed into the
court room and the foreman pronounced the ominous words; "We the jury,
find the prisoner, Robert Newton, guilty of murder in the second
degree." Thus ended a trail that had engrossed the attention of the
circuit court and several hundred of our citizens for eight days.
Three special venires, consisting of 100 men, were exhausted in the
work of obtaining a jury and nearly 100 witnesses were examined. The
prosecution was ably conducted by District Attorney P. A. Martineau,
who managed his points like a veteran, when in fact it was the first
criminal case he had ever tried. Attorney D. G. Classon appeared for
the defense, and considering the preponderance of evidence he had to
contend against he made a valiant fight.
The jury was composed of the following persons: Mike Femell, foreman;
R. J. Livermore, Wm. Shew, Jas. Collins, John Courtois, Joseph Melchor,
J. J. Greetans, A. Whittaker, S. W. Smith, Herman Yakel, Wm. Ross and
Thos. Perkins. As soon as they had handed in the verdict, Judge
Hastings discharged them, first complimenting them upon the result of
their work.
Story of the Crime.
The crime in which Newton was convicted was the shooting of Richard
Kingston last November, the particulars of which are as follows;
Sometime before the fatal day Kingston had brought a bag containing
blankets from his home in the town of Armstrong to the village of
Gillett, and meeting Newton in the store of Weber Runkle comp'y asked
him to carry the bag up to the house of George High, (Newton's
brother-in-law) with whom Newton lived, stating that the blankets
belonged to High. Newton promised to do so, and Kingston thought no
more of the matter. Later High sent word to Kingston to return the
blankets, and Kingston sent a reply to the effect he had
given them to Newton to carry home. Subsequently, upon visiting Gillett
he was accosted by Mrs. High (Newton's sister) who stated Newton denied
receiving the blankets from him. Kingston said he would see "Bob" about
it, and on being told by Mrs. High that Bob was at her house he in
company of Mrs. High's son, started for the house. Upon entering the
house young High passed into a rear room and told his uncle Bob that
Kingston was in the front room and he had come to see him about the
blankets. Newton at once stepped into the room where Kingston was and
before a dozen words had passed between them commenced shooting with a
self-cocking revolver. Kingston fell with a shattered limb and five
bullets in him, when he claimed Newton seized a chair and struck him
several blows with it. Newton then left the house by the rear door,
while Kingston managed to drag himself out the front door and to a
neighbor's. As the shooting commenced young High ran down the village
and gave the alarm, and a number of persons at once started for the
scene. They found Kingston lying in front of Klemp's house, and
conveyed him to the hotel, where he lingered until the fourth day, when
death ended his suffering.
Oconto
County Reporter
April 28, 1893
Robert W. Merryman, the Marinette lumberman, died at Lookout Mountain,
Tenn., last Friday evening. The deceased was 64 years old, born in
Bowdoin, Maine, in the year 1820. He moved to Fond du Lac in 1855,
where he was actively engaged in business until he moved to Marinette
in 1883, a member of the firm of Hamilton & Merryman Co. He
afterwards severed his connection with that firm and has since
associated with his nephew, Reuben C. Merryman in the transaction of
the lumber business under the firm name of R. W. Merryman &
Co., by which an extensive and most successful business has been
maintained. The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Monday at Marinette.
Waupun For Twenty-Five Years On Monday morning Robert Newton, the man
whom the jury pronounced guilty of murder in the second degree, was
brought onto court to receive his sentence. Judge Hastings, after
asking the prisoner if he had anything to say why sentence should not
be passed upon him, sentenced him to twenty-five years imprisonment in
the state prison at Waupun, one day in each year to be passed in
solitary confinement. The prisoner was taken back to jail, and the next
day Sheriff Quirt accompanied him to Waupun.
Our townsman, Wall Phillips, is confined to his bed as the result of a
surgical operation which was performed upon him last week. We
understand that he is quiet feeble, but hope he may soon be able to
mingle among us as of yore in the enjoyment of restored health.
Wrong in the Head Antone Gilbertson, a Norwegian resident of the town
of Gillett, was pronounced insane upon examination by Dr. Paramore, of
this city, and Dr. Pinch, of Gillett, last Saturday, and the same
evening was brought down and placed in the county jail by Sheriff
Quirt. Monday morning Judge Bailey signed his commitment, and at noon
the sheriff took him to the Northern Hospital for the insane at
Oshkosh. Gilbertson is past fifty years of age, and is the father of a
grown family of children. He labored under the hallucination that an
invitation had been extended to him and his family by the Queen of
Norway to visit her majesty, and he had slain and dressed a large hog
which he intended to present to his royal hostess.
John Balfantz is the name of another unfortunate whose diseased brain
leads him to strange imaginings. Last summer he was employed about the
Oconto Company's mill, and during the past winter worked in the woods.
Since coming down this spring he has been doing chores around the
boarding house for Mr. Bellew, and has constantly given evidence of
mental weakness, principally in a display of inordinate vanity which
led him to affect a silk hat and kid gloves. His derangement becoming
so marked, however, it was deemed wise to take him into custody, which
was done Monday. He was subjected to an examination by physicians who
pronounced him insane, and on Tuesday, Sheriff Quirt took him to the
state institution at Oshkosh.
Official Letter
To the Citizen's and Residents of Oconto County:
A great many people in Oconto county are not aware of the fact in
accordance with the law that is now existing, a blank certificate of
birth should be procured from the register of deeds, in all cases of
birth, and that the same should be filled up and certified by the
physician or midwife who was present at the time of the birth, and in
the case of their non-presence at such time, the same to be filled up
by father, mother or other person professionally in attendance. A
penalty of fifty to one hundred dollars attaches in all cases of
neglect on the part of physician, midwife, father, mother or other
persons professionally in attendance, to report the birth of a child to
the office of the register of does within the time specified by law. A
complete record of births is inestimable value to all heads of
families, as well as to the vital records statistician, and since birth
blanks and any information furnished promptly and without charge by the
register of deeds, there should be no occasion or good ground for
excuse for parents and members of the professions not living up
literally to the letter and spirit of the law.
All ministers of the Divine law, Justices of the Peace, and other
persons legally authorized to solemnize marriages, will be furnished
with blank certificates of marriage by applying either in person or by
letter at the office of the register of deeds. The law is very strict
with regard in reporting cases of marriage, and a due compliance with
its provisions is naturally expected and looked for from persons
learned in legal lore and educated in the profession of the ministry.
Under the present law the same persons authorized to report births, are
required to report deaths, and blank certificates may be had at the
same office by letter or in person. A new law which contemplates a
material change in the registration of deaths was enacted in the last
session of our State legislature. As soon as this new law becomes
operative I shall take occasion to have the most essential features of
its provisions published in our local journals.
Your obedient servant, Francis X. Morrow Register of Deeds Oconto,
Wis., April 26, 1893
Fully 6,000 men were employed in the pineries tributary to the
Menominee last winter. The K. C. Co. and L. W. & V. S. Co.
employed fully 1400 of this number in their various camps.
Mrs. C. R. Keith and son Walter are guests of Mrs. K.'s sister, Mrs. J.
F. Conant, at Kaukauna.
Mrs. R. N. Hawkes, of Waukesha, visited her mother, Mrs. Wm. Burnett,
in this city.
The Holt Lumber Company’s cedar mill on the south side is
being pushed ahead as fast as possible and is expected to be in running
order early next month.
Oconto
County Reporter
May 5, 1893
** H. M. Baldwin, of Mountain, the popular merchant and clerk of the
town of Armstrong, was in this city on business.
** Mrs. W. H. Alexander and children, of Duluth, Minn., are visiting
Mrs. A.'s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
researched and contributed
by Richard La Brosse
What are our city fathers going to do about paving Main Street this
year?
Fourteen trains daily, except Sunday, on the three lines of railway
entering Oconto.
Up to noon yesterday 41 saloonkeepers and one brewing company had taken
out license. Last year there were 48 saloons and two brewing
companies licensed.
The Oconto Company is putting in an electric light plant of its
own. It will have a capacity of 400 lamps which will furnish
ample illumination for mills, shops, offices, yards, etc.
Oconto
County Reporter
May 19, 1893
** Canadian Immigration
French Canadians are said to be leaving the vicinity of Quebec for the
United States at the rate of 150 a day. These immigrants are nearly all
farmers or inhabitants from the lower St. Lawrence region, and in many
instances they are following friends and relatives who have comfortable
homes in the United States. Many of these emigrants desert their farms
absolutely, leaving them without intention of returning, selling them
for what they can get, but leaving them anyway. This desertion is a
serious thing for the province, for it means the return of such
sections of the country to a state of nature, with little prospect of
their being again occupied for a long time. The exodus is also large
from other portions of the dominion of Canada, the estimate being that
the rate of emigration is at least 20,000 per month. - Springfield
Republican.
Oconto
County Reporter
May 26, 1893
** A man in Liberty, Me., has whiskers eight feet in length.
** Warning This is to notify all persons that my wife, Augusta
Baumgarder, has left my bed and board without provocation, and I will
pay no bills of her contracting after this date. Mike Baumgardner
Pensaukee, Wis., May 8, 1893
The above notice is false and utterly without foundation, as I did not
leave my husband. On the first of May my husband slapped me and
otherwise abused me, and kept me and my son locked up in the outhouse
during the whole of that night, whereby we nearly perished from cold.
Mrs. Augusta Baumgardner ~~~~ researched and contributed by Richard La
Brosse
Work on J.G. Campbell's new brick block, corner of Main Street and
Broadway, commenced in earnest Monday and from now until its
completion, building operations will be pushed vigorously.
Mrs. A. Cole is having her residence on upper Main Street greatly
improved. A verandah will be built along the entire front of
the building and the present windows will be replaced with large plate
glass ones.
The baseball club which was organized in this city last week will put
the following strong team in the field; Jim Steenbock, manager, Art
Jackson, Albert Arnold, Will Hall, John Martineau, John Connell, T.
Maloney, P. Maloney, A. Beck, Geo. Runkel, H. Hanson, Otto Bloch.
Oconto
County Reporter
June 2, 1893
** A runaway occurred Friday evening of last week that was most
remarkable in that no serious consequences attended it. Ed Guigure and
John Follett had just crossed Section Street in a light sulky when the
horse became fractious and managed to kick the seat over. Both
occupants fell over backwards, but Guigure, who was driving held on to
the lines and was dragged fifty yards or so, when, finding he could not
stop the horse he let go. The freed animal ran with furious gait along
Section and up Main streets. In his course up Main street he kept
bearing to the left and headed straight for the residence of Mr.
Milliage, which he reached by crossing the sidewalk and tearing through
a picket fence; then passing around the building he came to a halt
before a highboard fence in the yard. a careful examination failed to
reveal any injury the animal had received, which was remarkable
considering the danger he ran in getting through the fence. Oconto
County Reporter June 16, 1893
** Ed Brooks has been appointed post master at Abrams in place of
George H. Russell, who sent in his resignation some time ago.
** Jim Steenbock has rented the east end of the Wilcox Music Co.
building, and soon as the necessary repairs and improvements are made,
will open a stock of cigars and stationary therein. Jim is a hustling
young man, is quite popular in the city, and we believe he will make
success of the undertaking. He will carry a select stock of goods, a
fact that will tend largely towards ensuing him patronage.
** A Benefit Dance
** A dance for the benefit of the Blind Belongia's will be given in
Robert Spice's hall, town of Little River, on Thursday night, June 22.
Good music has been secured. Let there be a good attendance, and give
these worthy people a substantial benefit. Oconto County Reporter June
23, 1893 Researched and contributed by Richard La Brosse
Lena—A white porcupine was killed by C.W. Halsted on his farm
a week ago last Thursday. It was a rare specimen of creation,
having pure white quills with the exception of the barbed point, which
was colored black to the extent of about one eighth of an inched, but
in every other respect the animal was as white as snow. It
showed signs of considerable age which probably accounts for its faded
condition.
Oconto
County Reporter
June 30, 1893
** Nearly Drowned
A party of young people in a sailboat had an uncomfortable experience
on the bay last Sunday afternoon. They had gone out in Frank
Jungerman's boat and were moving along nicely before the wind when a
squall came up, and in attempting to turn the boat and head in for
shore they nearly capsized. No one aboard knew how to manage her, so
they let the sail go and were helplessly drifting out into the bay.
Their predicament was noticed from the shore, and James Johnson, Willie
Ingram and Frank Davis started to swim out to them. When near the boat
Frank Davis gave out and his companions had to assist him to the boat.
Arriving at the vessel they got Frank aboard, and soon getting control
of the little craft brought her safely to the dock. In the meantime
Frank had fainted, and on reaching the shore he was put into a buggy
and driven to his home in the city where he revived under medical
treatment. Several of those in the boat thought they were nearing the
dark portals of the unknown hereafter and, it is said, utter their
prayers with a sincerity that only such a serious occasion could call
forth.
** While the season for bathing is now near at hand the following
timely hint may be found of value to bathers generally. Never bathe
when heated, for cramping is quite sure to follow, and aided by a
full-grown cramp, very shallow water will drown a bather.
** The many friends of Uncle John Windross, of Oak Orchard, will be
pleased to know that he is able once more to make his visits to the
city with his richly laden wagon of garden produce. During the winter
and spring he suffered an illness that caused his friends the deepest
anxiety, and during a portion of the time was unconscious and unable to
recognize his own children. We are glad to greet our old friend once
more.
Oconto
County Reporter
Aug. 11, 1893
** Skeleton Found
While the men engaged in graveling some of the city streets last Monday
were working in the gravel pit near the old water-mill, they unearthed
a man's skull, which they brought down and gave it to Dr. O'Keff. The
doctor, upon examination, pronounced it the skull of a full-grown white
male. Next day the rest of the skeleton was unearthed and brought down
to the doctor's office. The larger bones were all complete, and after
being laid in proper position by the doctor, measured 6 feet 2 inches.
A careful search through the gravel failed to reveal either clothing or
any article that would lead to the man's identity. It is probable that
the body has been buried for a good many years, and it may have been
that the man was a victim of foul play, for no one seems to remember of
any one being buried in that locality. There seems no means of
explaining away the mystery that surrounds the find.
** Mayor W. C. Griffis, of Beaver Dam, Wis., spent Sunday and Monday in
the city, guest of his brother, S. J. Griffis, of the Reporter office.
** C. W. McCorristen, of Chicago, one of the jolliest traveling men in
America, who is spending his summer vacation with his sister, Mrs. W.
A. McKinley, of Abrams, was over Wednesday viewing the sights of our
beautiful city.
Oconto
County Reporter
Aug. 25, 1893
** The sheriff of Menominee county has offered a reward of $200 for the
apprehension of Robert Millican and Michael Pjetka, who escaped from
the Menominee county jail on Monday Aug. 14th.
** Cade Murray, who has conducted the city Hotel on the corner of Main
and State streets for some time past, on Monday moved his household
goods to Clintonville, where he has rented a hotel.
Oconto
County Reporter
Sept. 1, 1893
** Miss Lou Derby leaves on Monday for Embarrass where she will teach
this winter.
** Miss Anna Sullivan, of Menominee, was the guest of her sister, Mrs.
John McDonough, the first of the week.
** Mrs. Wm. Allen, of Oshkosh, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs.
Frank Knapp, has returned to her home.
Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 8, 1893
** Railway Car Thieves
Several prisoners in the Brown county jail waiting trial on various
criminal charges pleaded guilty before Judge Hastings and received
sentence. Among the number was Alexander Armstrong, who was connected
with the robberies of cars on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
railway, for which Buntin is now serving a jail sentence. Moffatt is
now awaiting trial. Armstrong pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary
and was sentenced to six months in the county jail. It is expected that
his alleged accomplices will enter a plea of guilty.
** Fatal Accident
Mr. John Human, who has been acting janitor for the Presbyterian church
for the past dozen years, fatally injured himself on Sunday last, by
falling upon a stub in the road while coming from the bay shore. He
died on Tuesday and was buried yesterday from St. Joseph's church. The
Turn-Verein and Catholic Knights had charge of the body, of which
societies he was active and honored member.
** Frank Fisher, who was sentenced at Superior to three years in state
prison on a charge of burglary, escaped from a sheriff while enroute to
Waupun. A reward of $200 has been offered for his capture.
Oconto
County Reporter
Sept 15, 1893
** Gust Hursch, Of Milwaukee, a former Ocontoite, was in the city the
first of the week.
** S. H. Waggoner, of Green Bay, came to visit relatives and friends.
** Miss Lulu Bartlett, of Maple Valley, left Monday for Underhill,
where she will teach school.
Mrs. Richmond was called to Appleton last Friday to attend the funeral
of her father. She was accompanied by her husband.
Oconto
County Reporter
Sept. 30, 1893
DIED
At her residence, in the town of Grover, Marinette county, Sept. 22,
1893, Mary Jane, beloved wife of Mr. Samuel McDowell, Sr. aged 78 years.
The deceased was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at Oconto, the
funeral services being held at the Presbyterian church in Little River,
conducted by Rev. S. E. Very. The large attendance of relatives and
friends attested the high esteem in which she was held.
Deceased was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1815, emigrated to the Canada
in 1831, and came to this country and settled in Oconto county in 1866,
and has been a resident here for twenty-seven years. She leaves an aged
companion, eleven children, forty-three grandchildren and sixteen great
grandchildren to mourn her loss.
Mrs. McDowell was converted to God in early youth and united with the
Methodist church and has lived a consistent life until the Master
called her to her great reward.
Her end was peaceful and joyous, and during the last moments of her
existence she feebly sang " O happy day that fixed my choice," etc.
Oconto
County Reporter
Oct. 7, 1893
** Wounded by a Glancing Ball
We clip the following from the Chicago Tribune of Oct. 3rd:
Mrs. F. A. Knapp, of Oconto, Wis., was badly injured by the explosion
of a rifle in the hands of Evan Bedell, 16 years old. Bedell said he
was given the rifle to carry to an address on Michigan avenue and did
not know it was loaded. At Wabash avenue and Jackson street the rifle
exploded. The bullet struck the sidewalk and a large piece of the stone
flew up and buried itself in the leg of Mrs. Knapp; who was passing;
Bedell was arrested, but was liberated on the intercession of Mrs.
Knapp.
Mrs. Knapp was conveyed to a hotel where she is receiving medical
attention, but it will be some days before she will be in a condition
to be moved. The stone tore Mr. Knapp's trousers on it's way, and
passing through Mrs. Knapp's dress and skirts inflicted an ugly wound
on the fleshy part of her leg above the knee.
** It is now lawful to kill deer and you may continue until the 3rd of
next month. After that date, if you are out of meat and work, keep
right on shooting, and the REPORTER will guarantee to pay your fine if
you are arrested and convicted. We don't believe the maker ever
intended that the law should prevent a hungry man from securing food
for himself and family. In the meantime we hope the game warden will
endeavor to make it sultry for mossbacks and dudes who are flocking
here from other states.
Oconto
County Reporter
Oct. 14, 1893
Diphtheria
We learn that two children named Pelkey, living on Elm street in the
South ward, died from black diphtheria - one last week and
the other during the present week - and the mother and remaining child,
a babe are both afflicted with the same disease, with but little
prospect of recovery. We hope the authorities will keep the
infected locality in strict quarantine, else there is every danger of
the disease becoming epidemic. One of the essentials in preventing the
spread of disease, and one to which to little attention is given, is
through cleansing of the infested premises, clothing, bedding, etc. The
health officer should see to it all sanitary regulations in the matter
are strictly complied with.
** An employee of the Holt Lumber Co., named Utson, had one of his legs
broken by a pile of railroad ties falling upon him at work around the
mill last Monday.
** It is estimated, by competent authority, that the number of men
employed in the woods on the Menominee and it's affluence during the
winter will be 3,000 less than last winter. The Marinette Lumber Co.,
which then employed 800 will now employ but 200.
** While Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Smith and daughter were driving home about
noon last Wednesday, they stopped to speak to a young lady at the
corner of Main and Superior streets, when W. J. Classon, Jr., walked up
to the side of the buggy and commenced an altercation with Mr. Smith,
and it is alleged struck the latter a blow in the face. This so
frightened Mrs. Smith that she seized the lines and started the horse,
but in her excitement she got the lines crossed and thus turned the
horse so sharply that the buggy was upset and its occupants thrown out.
In the fall Mr. Smith sustained a fracture of the ankle bone, while
Mrs. Smith and little Rhoda were considerably frightened and shaken up,
but not otherwise seriously injured. Several men promptly
came to their aid and righted the vehicle, when the family proceeded
home. Medical attendance during the afternoon was necessary to aid
Mrs., Smith in recovering from the shock, while Mr. S. is confined to
the house and can only move with the aid of crutches.
** Louis Fisher, of Chicago, visited friends and relatives here during
the week.
** Frank Jackson station agent at Iron River, Mich., came down to spend
Sunday with his parents.
** Geo. D. Knapp, accompanied by hi sister, Mrs. Van Allen, who has
been visiting here for two weeks, left Sunday evening for Chicago. Mrs.
Van Allen will go direct to her home in California.
** James Leigh, Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Leigh, Berlin; R.W.
Underwood, E. Switts and Miss Kittie Reinhart, Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs.
C.E. McIntosh, Marinette, Miss Alfredia McAllister, Mountain, and John
Leigh, Farrell, were the outside relatives, who were in attendance at
the funeral of the late Hon. John Leigh.
Oconto
County Reporter
Nov. 4, 1893
Died
Death Of Col. Balcom
One Of Chicago's Best Known Citizens Suddenly Passes Away
Chicago, Ill., Nov. 1 - Col., Uri Balcom, one of Chicago's oldest and
best known citizens, died suddenly today at his home, 2027 Michigan
Boulevard. He was for years in the lumber business here and he retired
some time ago independently rich. His son-in-law is W.C. D. Gannis, the
retired wholesale grocer, and president of the Atlas National bank.
"Yes," said D.R. Holt today at his office in the Chamber of Commerce
building, "Uri Balcom is dead. He and I were in partnership in the
lumber business until 1888 as the firm of Holt & Balcom. That
year he retired, and I formed the Holt Lumber company. No more
straightforward, industrious and honorable man lived then Uri Balcom,
and his many traits gained for him a host of friends. He was 79 years
old, and had resided in this city since 1862. He moved here from
Oconto, Wis., where carried on a great business in the firm of Eldred
& Balcom. He and I had joined our interests, however, before he
left Oconto, and we owned several mills in and about that town. For the
last three years Mr. Balcom had not been in his right mind and was
unable to recognize his acquaintances. I had not seen him since 1891.
He left no family. Mrs. W. C. D. Grannis was his niece, who he adopted
as his daughter. It was a sad ending of a good life."
** Nate Fisher, who recently sold out his dry goods store in Chicago,
is visiting relatives here.
** Mrs. O. A. Ellis is spending a few days with relatives in Chicago,
whence she will go to California to spend the winter.
** E. Heidemann, of Appleton; was in this city the first of the week on
business, and incidentally visited his nephews, Walter,
Julius and Rudolf Grunert.
Oconto
County Reporter
Nov. 18, 1893
Death of George Hastings
The many friends of Mr. George Hastings, who formerly resided in this
city and was a partner in the lumber firm of Adams, Hasting, &
Co., will regret to learn of his death at St. Paul last week. Mr.
Hasting had been visiting the World's fair during it's closing days,
and contracted a severe cold which detained him in Chicago several
days, but feeling better he started for his home in Tacoma, Wash. On
the train he felt much worse, and upon reaching St. Paul he was driven
to the hospital where he died the next day, his aliment being
pronounced pneumonia.
** There is not a very great number of people out of employment in
Oconto but yet there is every evidence that a good many people make the
round every week in search of work. This winter in the woods there will
be the largest number of cheaply-paid men that has been known for
years. Twenty dollars a month and board during the winter will be
greedily grasped at by hundreds of laborers.
** Miss Maggie Walsh and Nora Noonan had quite a lively experience
Thursday afternoon. While driving down Main street their horse became
frightened and dashed off at his utmost speed, and it looked for a few
moments as though a frightful accident would befall the occupants of
the buggy. But Miss Walch, who was driving, has a cool head and steady
nerve, and instead of becoming frightened she bent her energies to keep
the horse in the middle of the street, and gradually regained control
of the frightened animal bringing him to a stop at the corner of Main
and Section street.
Oconto
County Reporter
Nov. 18, 1893
** Severely Injured
We regret to learn that Supervisor Wm. M. Underhill, met with a very
painful accident last week, that for a time endangered the sight of one
of his eyes. While passing near the knot saw in his shingle mill a
piece of knot flew up and hit him squarely in the eye, and for a time
it was thought had destroyed the sight. Mr. Underhill went immediately
to an eye specialist in Milwaukee, who stated that though the injury
was severe he felt confident the sight would be restored as the eye
recovered from the wound inflicted, and we are pleased to learn that
this prediction was well founded. We deeply sympathize with our old
time friend, and hope that his recovery may be seedy and perfect.
Oconto
County Reporter
Dec. 2, 1893
Died
Arthur S., son of Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Chamberlain, died at the home of
his parents in this city of Tomahawk, Tuesday morning, Nov. 21st after
an illness of several months. Arthur was nearly twenty years of age,
and an upright and promising young man dearly beloved by all who knew
him. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church in that city.
Died in California
Word was received here of the death at Santa Maria, Cal., Nov. 19th, of
Mr. Louis St. Ores, aged 74 years. The deceased was one of the early
settlers of Oconto, having at one time owned a saw mill where the
Leighton flouring mill now stands, and afterward was a partner with
George Farnsworth in a saw mill that occupied the present site of the
Oconto Company's saw mill. Mr. St. Ores moved west about twenty-five
years ago, since which time he has been successfully engaged in
business in California. He is survived by two sons who reside in the
west, and one daughter, Mrs. C. B. Hart, of Green Bay.
** Sudden Death at Peshtigo
Last Saturday morning, about eight o'clock, while Nicholas Cavoit was
pumping water he was suddenly stricken with apoplexy. He was seen to
fall, and in a short time a large crowd had gathered around him and he
was carried into his home and placed on the couch, but finding a
difficulty in breathing he was placed in a rocking chair, where he
expired in a few minutes.
Mr. Cavoit was a Peshtigo pioneer. He had lived here about 35 years,
arriving at Peshtigo Harbor from Chicago on Nov. 28, 1858, on the
Peshtigo Co.'s small schooner Coral. This at the time comprised the
company's fleet and was used as a general freight and passenger carrier
between the Harbor and Chicago.
Mr. Cavoit was one of the most intelligent and best educated man who
ever lived in Peshtigo. He was always witty and jovial, and full of
life and activity. He was always an active business man, and although
he never informed any one his business transactions, it is believed he
accumulated considerable property.
** Seriously Ill
The many friends of Mrs. Edwin Hart will regret to learn that she is
critically ill at the residence of her son, Capt. H. W. Hart, at Green
Bay. Mrs. Hart had just recovered from an illness of two weeks'
duration when she was attacked with lagrippe, and in her weakened
condition her physical strength offers but little resistance to the
disease. She is over 80 years of age, a fact that he will militate
against a speedy recovery.
Oconto
County Reporter
Dec. 23, 1893
** Harry Lord received a telegram Tuesday announcing the death at
Calais, Maine, of his Uncle, John Lord, at an advanced age. The
deceased was a brother of Mr. L. S. Lord, of Maple Valley, and was a
retired sea captain, highly esteemed by the people of the community in
which he had spent his long useful life.
Oconto
County Reporter
Dec. 30, 1893
** Joseph Holl now runs a stage daily (except Sunday) between Underhill
and Hayes. The stage leaves Underhill after the arrival of the 7:00
a.m. west bound train, and reaches Hayes about 10:00 a.m.; returning
leaves Hayes at 11:30 a.m. and arrives at Underhill about 3:30 p.m. It
affords excellent accommodations for passengers. (My great great uncle!~ RITA)
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