davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
TRAGIC DEATH.
OF Mrs. Herman Becker and
Two Youngest Children.
SHOOTS HER CHILDREN THROUGH
THE HEAD THEN SHOOTS HER
SELF.
Cause Supposed 70 be Temporary INSANITY
Her Unsigned Letter to Her Hus-
band,

Tuesday noon people of ST. Louis
were startled 10y the report that Mrs.
Herman Becker had shot her two
youngest children and then herself IN
vestigation proved the report all too
true.
Herman Becker, who is associated
with his brother-n-law, Richard Wolf,
IN the saw mill business. returned home
to dinner, and not finding his wife and
children. began looking about the house
Tor them. He finally discovered them
IN an above-grOund cellar attached 10
and back of the house. Both children
and the mother were shot through the
head the deadly weapon, revolver.
beng found rear by.
1t seems that Mrs Becker has been
IN poor health for some time. and had
shown dangerous SYMPTOMS of the form
OF insanity, known as melancholia. DR..
Wheeler, but few days ago advised
her husband TO have her committed To
the insane asylum for short time.
stating that he thought she would be
all right after a short treatment there
This Mr.. Becker said he would do.
That she was in "a terrible state of mind !
Is shown by the letter to her husband. |
found on the dining room table which |
we give below;
Beloved Husband Hermann When Won
read these lines everything will be over. We
nave all felt a. though things could not 20
any longer Ike this. The poor children must
be delivered too. What they have TO enPure
only J alone and God know. Grant my last
prayer and let the truth be known. | want
a doctor from Ithaca 10 open our stomach.
80 they will not awaken in the grave. on
God, why was | fated to be compelled TO take
the two children with me. ON, how easy
could have left this life If the little ones mad
been well and could have remained with von
dear husband. You could have raised healthy
children without me: but sick idoitic and !
crazy, a l am their living would be mis-
fortune. and our death j. the best for all
.hree: On what fate that I'm compelled
% XIII my children. | waited long time {
because was afraid of being a murderess. I
lut IL can't be any other way. | am COMPEL
~ 10 save the children from their miserable
here. IL Is duty which | alone
NOW What terrible burning in my heart! |
or your own sake you must have an autop- #;
held on US all, TO show that didu't lie l.
bout 1t. BE good to your big SON. ne j. tin. q
MY healthy one of your unfortunate family. c
Sc good father to Richard. and get Mrs. '
'urnham. IN the cellar you will find Us ali
hree dead. Mrs. Harrington is our death.
Miss Minnie Wolf, sister Of the de-
eased had been visiting her. and had
lst left the same morning on the train
vest to her home in Winona, Minneso.
a. The children were a grl and boy. c
and years old respectively. The j..
ldest boy and only survivor of the chill a
rem was first to find his dead mother y
nd brother and sister in the cellar. -
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
At Her feet.

He knelt before her IA most cOurtly fashion.
As maids romantic think a lover should
The crowded thOroughfare lay just before
them
But here the shadows OF the quiet wood
Down at her feet he bowed, while she Ia ST.
leuce
Waited, with covert glanses cast about
No one was near 10 catch their words or
glauCCs,
II was a timely moment, beyond doubt
He knet before her, but the lovers wOoing
Had all been done year or 80 ago,
lie was her husband and twas at her bidding
His knee was bent. his head was dropping
low
lie rose and mopped his flushed and weary
features.
And muttered as they wandered from the
spot
That's the fifth time you've got me At this
business
Next time I'll tie that shoostrng IA a knott
Ella T. Pearce, IN Brooklyn Life
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
NORTH STAR.

Boom, Bang, Hurrah. North Star is in the
iing for Fourth of July celebration, and are
hustling matters. A grand celebration
i assured watch out for program later
While at Ithaca last saturday, Emerson
Cortright met with an accident breaking his
leg.-The X. o. T. NJ. is getting to the
'front.' i've new members within the last few
Feeks.-The entertainment given by
Mrs. Coles pupils, was very largely attended.
The program consisted of singing and roci-
iatlons. The main feature being the cantata
-Grandpas Birthday. "-Roy Miller and
Joe Baul are both wearing happy smile.
cause bicycle. -At last! 4 meat market
Sam Millspaugh and Arson Shault have
started a first-class market.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

a license TO sell liquor in the senate and
mousse but only IA permit, aud asked
what could be done when out law-mak-
ers are law-broakors She thought par
tial prohibition always has been and
always will bee failure. The cigarette
hablt was given some attention, and
the diseases It produces was emphasized
/ by the statement of physicians A
beautiful tribute was paid 10 those who
have died during the past year. of
whom the number has been unusually
large.
Al the close of the president address,
the convention adjourned to attend a
reception rendered by DR.. and Mrs
Kellogg. The evening session wa, de-
voted 10 seven-minute addresses by the
district presidents. Astounding in prac-
teal and timely suggestions to their co.
workers
The report of the credential commit
tee occupied the greater portion of
thursday forenoon, after which the
following officers were elected: Mrs. A.
>. Benjamin of Portland. who has been
acting president since the death of
President Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop. was
chosen presidents Mrs. Julia Parish of
Bay City, corresponding secretary;
Mrs. Lizzie johnson of Flint. recording
secretary; Mrs. Jennie Voorhees, Of Ann
Arbor, treasurer.
Thursday afternoon Mrs Carrie King
read paper on the divine mission of
the W. Z. L. |. in which she stated
that there are missions in 10 nations
with half million members. Mrs.
Lucy MOOrehOuSe was elected DELEGATE
at large 10 the national W. +. &. L.
Mrs. Knight presented Mrs. BENJAMIN.
the newly-elected president with
beautiful gayel. Mrs. c. NJ. Petlee.
state superintendent of work among
railroad men, gave report of her
work. The rest Of the afternoon was
devoted TO parliamentary drill. The
evening was given up TO discussing the |
! W T. |. work and reception to
delegates.
Friday morning Mrs Lucy More
house conducted a school of methods"
10 show how much can be done when
Zach one does her own part of the work.
Mrs Kellogg gave a helpful talk about
mothers meetings" The committee
IN resolutions submitted report. por-
ions OF which called out animated dis
'uNSlons and were referred back To
Reports from county pres
dents were given in two-mnute talks.
he sum Of $50 was contributed to the
larry Lathrop Hall fund. Mrs. j. NJ.
Kinney, superintendent of legislation
nd petitions, presented an interesting
eport.
At the close of business the delegates
'ere given reception by the Woman's
eague of Battle Greek, and meeting
the opera house in the evening. adj
ressed by Mrs. Katherine Stevenson. l
1rresponding secretary of the national
'. +. G. L., closed very ENJOYABLE
nd successful convention. Mac.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
PERRINT0N.

Perry Kuap of Toledo, Ohio, was calling
on friends of this village Saturday and Sun
day. Perry is on the police force of the city.
de returned Monday morning to his post of
luty. Miss Anna Morrow paid her par
ents short visit Saturday and Sunday.
-James Morrow, one OF PerrInton's
best young men, while at work on the sec
ton Monday, was Frustrated with the heat.
and is now lying sick at his fathers. We
hope no serious results will follow.-Mrs.
j. l.. Richard was called to Caldwell. Isa-
bella county, last Wednesday, on the account
OF the serious illness of her mother who is in
Der eighty eighth year Mrs. Richard Is the
youngest one of the family of twelve chill
dren, all of which are yet living except one
who died about two years ago.=-Miss
Minnie Gilbert returned to her home IN Ian
slng on Monday last.=Monroe Shelter.
who lives Just outside the corporation, had
the middle finger OF his left hand amputated
by buzz saw, one day last week. Dr. Wade
dressed the finger and it Is doing a. well As
could be expected.-O. W. Canouts of
Crystal Lake Is calling on friends of this
place. =-Henry SpauldIng went fishing
out got scarcely nibble. This is
rather unusual for Henry. a he Is considered
quite an angler.-NUble Shelter. who
works Mr.. +. +. Durfee's farm near Lansing
is reDorted dying from Inflammation of The
bowels, Monroe Shelter receiving tele |
gram to that effect. LIN
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
FOREST HILL.

Tunis Creeeh was kicked by horse last
week, receiving bad wound on the fore
head.-Nine went from here 20 Mt.
Pleasant on the special tr9in last Tuesday.
-Mr. and Mrs Charles Wright are
away attending campmeeting, and Miss
Effie Campbell has charge of their house
during their absence.=-Preaching at the
Christian church next Sunday morning aud
svening.-The Children,s Day exercises
Of the NJ. +. Sunday school will be at one
o'clock next Sunday IN. +. Hull atteu
aed the teacher's institute at Perrlnton last
Friday WIN. Michaels Is having a fac
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
Gard of Thanks.

We would render our heartfelt thanks to
our friends and neighbors for their kind AS
sistance in the sickness and death OF our son.
May the blessings of God be with them and
may II be our happy lot to meet around our
Fathers thone in Heaven.
Nix. AND Ms. Ira WALBRIDGE.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
Children Cry for
Pitchers Castoria,
A Bright Light Ahead.

For all those who have been wearing ont
their lives from the effects Of dyspepsia.
liver complaint, indigestion, etc. We guar
antee Bacon'- Celery King for the Nerves TO
cure YOU, and and If you will call at our
store We Will gladly give you package free
of charge of this infallabe herbal health re.
=torer. Bacon's Celery King for the nerves
cures costlvene-s. nervousness. -leeplessness
and all diseases arising from arrangement
of the stomach, liver and kidneys. Samples
free. Large size p and 80 cents at b. 5.
Webbs. sole agent
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
Children Cry for
Pitchers Castoria.
Special Notice.

No medicine was ever given such a severe
TEST OF ITS curative qualities a. Otto'7 Cure.
We are distributing sample bottles free of
charge TO those afflicted with consnmptiop.
asthma, coughs. colds. pneumonia, croup.
ana all diseases of the throat and lungs, civ.
ing you the proof that Otto'- cure will cure
you. Don't delay, but get bottle of Us to-
day and commence the Use of this great
guaranteed remedy. Sold only by b. :.
Webb sole agents. Samples free. Large
bottles % and 80 cents
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
AsaEs5g se{1sWa
.A9tIT~ssssivk EJ
PLEASANT RIDGE.

n. johnson and wife visited with relatives
and friends at Shepherd Sunday Miss
Lille Wood of Forest Hill visited friends
here last week.-Sheep killing dogs are
quite numerous in this vicinity Mrs. Inger-
soil lost five, II. NJ. Davenport three and Mr..
Stahl one, last week. Work has begun
OIL Mrs. NJ. j. Boyles' house. David Leon
ard has the jo5.-Silas Leonard went as
delegate from this church to the quarterly
meeting at Millbrook Miss Dora Alex
ander Is visiting her sister Bessie and other
relatives at Holt.-Mrs. G. V. Refs, who
has been under the doctors care for the past
two weeks, is slowly improving. -Arm-
strong Kenny now occupies the Charlie Ross
house. Armstrong is not afraid of ghosts.
but would little rather not live in the same
house with them. THE Elm Grove day
school picnic in Jonathan Gays grove to-
morrow. Joseph Morton and daughter
Myrtle have returned from Ohio to this place.
Myrtle will remain permanently. Mr..
Morton will 90 back IN few weeks. They
moved away about five years ago.-The
Ladies' Aid met with Mrs. Fred Hart last
Thursday.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
DISEASES OF WOMEN
Will Be Treated Free BY DR.. Hartman
During the Summer Months.

puIlus tue summer months.
"Female diseases" is term which
has come, by constant use. TO be APP
piled to all that very distressing elias,
of affections which are peculiar to the
female organism. At least three causes
should be recognized. The cause
which Is perhaps most frequent is dis
placement of the womb. The second
cause Is congestion of one or more Of
the pelvic passages. The third cause
Is known as Inflammation or liberation.
Po-ru-na should be taken IN tablespoon
ful doses before each meal in all vatie-
ties and stages Of the disease. This
dose should be gradually increased
after several weeks use of 1t to two
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

When Baby was sick, we gave her Castoria.
When She was a Child, she cried for Castorla.
When She became Miss, she chung to Castoria.
When she had Children, she gave them Castoria
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
FRED FULLERTON, Alma, Mich.

dwelling house erected. Tile funeral
services of Mrs. Thos. Gallagher we're held
at the M. +. church last Monday. A very
large number of neIghbOrs and friends were
IN attendance
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
q WEST MICHIGAN Rv

a -, ~, " nl. mas wagner palace buffet psrlor
'1 n, a l oathes from Grand Rapids to CHICAGO
and coacb ~ u IA. aKner palace sleeping car
II. r. MEYERS, apopo. o.a
N'' Aina' 6en'l Pass'r Agent
Grand Rapids
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

ney has shown himself "A foeman well
worthy the steel of the best legal talent
in the state. Mr.. Angel was indeed
fortunate in having so able defense.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

Hundreds of precious little ones owe thai,
lives to DR.. Thomas Electric Oil, the soyer-
elgn cure for Group and all other throat and
lung diseases.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

Nv Ashley for Detroit
at 1910 p. m
Tie - connections are
made az Owosso Junct'n
wl.h all trains ofD.. q.
II * VI R'y.
Ben. Hatcher. p A.
Detroit. Mich.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

One dose of DR. Fowler Ext of Wild
strawberry will check any case OF dIarrhoea
II I ,ken AT the start.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
DETROIT OCT. p, 1894.
LANSING & NORTHERN R r.

Evening train has paror car to Grand Rapids
Direct connections tn Union static, a,
'frand Rapids FOR Chicago and the West win ~ ~
CHICAGO NOV is. 1924.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
TRAINS LEAVE AIM
TOLEDO SAGINAW < MUSHROOM RY

Leave Ashley.
$50 a m for Muskegou
300 =. IN for Muskegon
JNo. W LORD.
Traffic Manager.
Detroit
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

THE OBJECT OF THE SCHOOL is to
meet the wants of the progressive
teacher; 10 meet The demand for bet
ter teachers; 10 give teachers a desire
for higher education
COURSES OF STUDY.
REGULAR Courses leading to First,
Second and Third Grade Certificates.
Two Courses in kindergarten Be
ginning and Advanced.
SPECIAL-A Course in Physical Gull
ture; Course in Vocal Music; Courses
IN German and Latin; Courses in Peda-
gogy and School Law.
All advantages offered to students c
Reading Room, Physical, Chemical. a
Rnillin. ....LL y -. 1 -
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14
SPECIAL FEATURES.
4 Model kundcrparten.

a Model kindergarten.
The work in Algebra, Botany, Nat
ural Philosophy, and General History,
leading to Second Grade Certificate
A series OF Easy Experiments in
Chemistry and Physics for Country
Schools
a Course Of Lectures by the Profes-
sorS OF Alma College and other Educa-
tors upon Subjects of Interest to
Teachers.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-06-14

aHvnages offered to students Of Alma Cogecudng Library
nehS Room Physical Chemical and Biological
Buildings with Boarding Hall grounds all other aantedr be
longing a finely equipped college. '7 "
Reasonable Instruction
W BEST
The evening times., 1895-09-10
ST. PAUL's 1.yvyS PARTY.

1t Was Opened Last Night Under Most
Promising AuSuries.
The congregation OF st. Paurs Catholic
Church began a lawn fete last night in the
park adjoining the parsonage, which VIII
continue until Friday night. the procee,-
to go towards finishing the new church
edifice in course of construction a the
corner of Fifteenth and v streets. The
grounds were brilliantly illuminated, and
the prettily decorated booths and dancing
pavilion and the pretty girls dispensing
lemonade or other summer drinks and
delicacies formed a deligh ghtfulp picture. There
was a large attendance, which is expected to
keep up throug hout the week.
The Misses JirdOnston and Heron were
in charge of the lemonade booth, Mrs. Mayse
and Mrs. Simms the ice cream booth, Mrs.
Green the confectionery stand, Dr.. Andrew
Coke superintendent the dancing pavilion,
and Mr. Andrew Sheridan has charge Of
the merry-go-round.
Father Mackin, the pastor Of the church,
was i'll and unable to be present. Fathers
Foley and Gross, the assistant pastors, were
on the grounds, however, and Fathers Gloyd
of st. Patrick's Church, and Manadale, of
Providence Hospital, were present dur
ing the evening.
The evening times., 1895-09-10
CAT SKINS IN coMMERcE.
Fifty Thousand PeIts of American
Household Pets Exported Yearly.

| Fifty ThOusan nd Pelts of American
Household Pets Exported Yearly.
| From the New York Press)
! There are $4,000 skins OF house cats ex-
ported from the United States every year,
| despite the fact that the laws for the pr
| vcntion of cruelty to animals allow neither
dogs nor cats to be killed except by legal
| lied officers. These skins come from all
parts OF the country, a wholesaler seldom
| receiving a consignment of furs from a
| country correspondent that it does not in
| clude a number OF catskins. When the cor
respondentreceive 3 cents apiece for them
| on the average he will consider that he is
| doing remarkably well. There is very little
| demand for catskins in this country, except
| for cat-tail rugs and other oddities, some
times for trimmings and very rarely as a
chest covering in winter for an old man who
belongs to the customs of a past genera
| tion.
So the New York wholesaler sorts his cat
skins into lots of half a dozen different
grades and sends them to London to be sold
at the quarterly auctions of one of the great
fur houses. The skins Of black cats bring
the most, and as many as 10000 of them
have been disposed OF in 4 lot at a sale in
London at so cents apiece. Yellow catskins
are next in value. Maltese and body mixed
cOlors bring the least. often going for cents
apiece; or, rather, they bring the least of
the full-grown cats, for there is a demand
at 3 and cents apiece for the skins oflittle
kittens. -.
The child or the good old maid who may
wonder why her dear lost pussy never re-
turns win be surprised to find that pussy's
kfn is now helping to line the coat of some
officer in Emperor Williams army. A vag
abond who sought to earn few cents in a
heartless, dishonest manner made pussy
one of bagful of cats which he sold to the
local fur dealer who do,. business down ~
the river, where cats may be drowned, on
account of the odoriferous nature of his
calling.
>. There is a great demand for catskins fos
the Innings of military coats. They are some
what cheaper than seal. All German Off
GERS are not millionaires. The magistrate
of every little German village as well likes
to strut about in a catskin overcoat. En-
gland Sweden, Norway and other northern
countries also. buy catskins from us. 1t
wouldn't pay the local fur dealers to go in
search OF pussy peits and nothing else. But
as side issue 1t earns him a few cents, and
that is the way the house cat fur business
is conducted all over the world.
The evening times., 1895-09-10
BEGGED TO BE EXCUSED.
And the Old Man Spoiled a Story Prom

And the Old Man Spoiled Story Prom
Used by n New York Drummer.
(From the Detroit Free Press.)
Six or eight OF US had lighted our cigars
in the smoking car when 4 man whom any
body would have sized up as an Eastern
drummer began to cackle and chuckie and
finally exclaimed:
II think it was the funniest thing ever
heardiD all my life-ha, ha, hai''
''Sir, are you a drummer" inquired an
oldish man with reddish gray hair, who sat
in front OF him.
Yes
Drummer from New York;
YES"
-'ADd you want to tell US funny story,
eh?''
"I do. It's the funniest story I ever
heard related and too good to keep"
well sir, Eve word to say to you" con-
tinued the old man. like fun, myself. Up
to year ago / was always on the grin. II
anything tickled me I'd laugh till fel ldown
from weakness. / once laughed thirteen
hours without break at a story drummer
told me. l brought on heart disease from
laughing and the doctors have warned me
to be very careful. This story is mighty
funny, is it?''
at is, SIR
Got roaring old climax to it?''
YES"
Pretty certain to convulse the audience,
suppose?''
''rll warrant it to-
.Then please excuse me, and I'll go into
the next car for few minutes. I'm certain
it's a funny story. 1 know you'll tell it in
such a way that l will have to bust right
out in spite of all can do. II 1 bust I'm
goner. / want to hear the story mighty bad,
but also want to live as long as 1 can.J Just
excuse me-"
He picked up his grip and left the car,
and the drummer smile faded a way and he
pulled out newspaper and began to read.
Somehow W he didn't like to ask for the story,
and somehow he didn't seem to care about
telling it, BY and by / went into the other
car and found the old man and asked:
''Were you really honest in what you said
about your heartH
WELL no." he replied.
what was your object?"
Simply to stop his yarn. I'm travelling
in the same line Of goods for a Chicago
house, and wanted to hurt his feelings as
much as / could.''
The evening times., 1895-09-10
A FeatherIess chicken.

Miss Lulu Teipel, daughter of DR..
Charles H. Teipel, Of Frederick avenue and
Bentalou street, has quite curiosity
In the shape of three-months-oldc chicken
that as yet has not shown the least trace
Of feather Another curious thing about
the little fowl is that its wings are just re-
versed. The chicken came from the home
Of Mr.. and Mrs. Milton Anthony, Berrett,
Carroll county. 1t is perfectly healthy
and eats heartily enough. Because of its
condition the chicken fares better than
the other fowls about the place. Miss
Teipel has made pet of 1t and keeps 1t
locked IN cage during the night. A great
many chicken fanciers have seen the fowl,
but none of them appear to be able to ac-
count for the fact of Its never having he'd
any feathers. The only thing which the little
curiosity seems to mind 10 the hot sun,
which 10 very trying on its hare nk.-
Baltimore American.
The evening times., 1895-09-10
DRAMA OF CAPITAL LIFE.
Was hington Colony in New York
Turned Out to See Home Play.

Turned Out to See a Home Play.
Especial to the Tjmes.)
New York, Sept. 1O.-The Washington
colony here turned out In full force last night
to see genuine Washington drama at the
staDsia I'd Theater. II is called Capitol, -
and is the work of Augustus Thomas. The
opening scenes show 4 perfect reproduction
OF the Capitol at night, with Senate and
House in session, and light in the dome.
THE Capitol Is a story of young Ne
braska Congressman. evidently drawn from
Representative W. ]. Bryan's personality,
who comes to Washington with an ambi-
ious young wife. The Congressman falls
into the power of a lobbyist, who seeks to
estrange the wife's affections. The Ne
braskan ignores the lobbyists persecution
of his wife, fea ring political death If the
member of the Third House. is aDgered
Dramatic interest is lent to the situationby
from whom she has been separated since
her infancy.
Her father is living in Washington as a
Catholic priest, and her mother, who eloped
with the smooth lobbyist years ago, is q
worker in an active charity. There is a
sensational close to the third act. when
the Cong ressniau foBa nandstrikes
the lobbyist. who has grossly insUlted the
wife
"The Capitol is full of strong situations,
and is well acted, but will hardly prove a
popular pla, There is scarcely line Of
comedy to relieve the lines.