davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

exact location of his house was on the
southwestern shore of Dry Lake, not
far from Panamint.
For the last eight years Ritter had
had in his room close beside his bed the
dead bodies of his two wives, desiccated
by the hot, dry air that blew from
Death Valley. He was Mormon. and
sought the solitude of the desert that he
might live in polygamy without having
to argue the point with the civil author
tiles.
Just when Ritter died is not known,
but he was found dead a fortnight ago
by couple of prospectors, one of
whom, T. r. Wilson, is at present in the
city.
II had known Ritter for a long
time" said Mr.. Wilson, and always
considered him the strangest freak OF
humanity that 1 ever ran across.
when he first came to the Death
Valley country, about nine years ago.
he brought two women with him.
These, he told a few prospectOrs, were
his wives. Neither of the women could
speak English, and the whole crowd
spent nearly all day and all night
singing weird songs.
'Ritter's story was to the effect that
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
++++++++++@+
: Eo1n6st1y Rsa4 the % S Z;.y 5fana

So many thousand impressions of palms
have been forwarded to this department
for reading that it has been decided NOT
TO RECEIVE ANY MORE till those on
hand are answered. This is done in JUS
tice to the palmist and those who might
forward impressions and be obliged to
wait long time before careful reading
could be made intthis column.
KATHRYN KIDDER.-This is the hand
of a woman destined to become one of
. the greatest actresses on the American
stage. Her fate line is strong and phe-
nomenaIly prosperous from So years on
Her fine artistic taste is shown in her
shapely fingers. Her success is entirely
due to her own efforts. There are many
reverses in her early life. A severe attack
OF brain fever is indicated by the island
on the head line at 20, at which time she
narrowly escaped death. Her nature is
generous and sympathetic, pure-minded
and honorable, religious but not fanaucal.
. Frank ardent. but not sensual; intellect
is the ruling factor. Her long, evenly bal
anced thumb shows how well she governs
her own nature Not masterful, neither
can she endure the dictation of despotsm
..of others. This is hand with the great
est possibilities. a nature confiding and
trustful, philosophical, intuitive, emo
tionai puritancal. incGnstant in affairs OF
the heart, influencing more than infiu-
tnced. true to her family and friends.
She is fond of approval, simply TO encour-
:. age and stimulate 10 greater efforts Am
bilious to fault to the detriment of
health. nervous. a great period of nervous
depression from overwork is indicated
within the next ten years. One long voy-
age is indicated. a tour of the world, in
which she win win great honors on two
continents. She will be aided at IS by
some one of the opposite sex much de-
woted to her, who will advance her great
ly.- Her one marriage will not be alto
gether a happy one, perfunctory separa-
ton. Will cause estrangement Much
travel is shown, both in the past and for
the future. Her indomitable will is all
that has sustained her through her early
trials and struggles She will be pre-
served from the consequences of an acct
: dent between 40 and AZ. She is original
: and daring, unconventional, yet respects
$tll: laws of propriety. She is one who
. Could appreciate home life and would
: make an ideal hostess. Adaptable to
places and people, she has great love of
poetry and music. One enemy will to a
= great extent affect her life. Refined and
tactful, she has great pride of family
and honor. A woman who possesses her
self in every sense of the word. she is a
HAPPY combination of the artistic and
. practical.
T.. CA perfect reading in so far as my char
acter. and past is concerned.
KATHRYN KIDDER).
-. FRED WARDE-This hand is a par
ticulag type. the sacred shrine in which
GOO has placed the imperishable germ
which is destined TO renew, reveal and de-
Velop new ideals Of art. Its promptings,
too imperious to be disobeyed, too signifi-
cant to be mistaken, give it clear knowl-
edge of itself. It is the hand of one des-
tined TO elevate his profession. You are
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST.

Last Monday there was a good attend
ance of the membership of Lincoln Coun-
ell of the Friends of the Forest in Wash
ington Hall. During the evening four
applications for membership were re-
ceived and two strangers were admitted
into fellowship. A committee was APP
pointed to make arrangements for the "at
home to be given during the month of
March.
TIE valentine party thatrwas given last
Tuesday night in Washington Hall by the
subordinate lodges was numerically one
of the grandest assembiages that ever
net in response to an invitation from the
membership of this order. There was a
lengthy and entertaining programme that
interested the members until about 10
O'Clock, when dancing followed and vas
kept Up until a late hour. Those who
contributed to the enjoyment of taose
present in the line of vocal and instru
mental music, representations recitations
and fancy dances were: Miss Belts So
phia Zouboff, Sheela Smith, M Retrdon
Miss Davis, Archie Nelson, Belle Shule
Anna Werner, Gussie Smith, L. R. lsaacs,
Rond Mickelsen, Miss Gerle Barton. Z.
Howard, A. Boardman, Baby Phillips,
Ivan Parker, Mrs. Keegan, Mabd Pfief-
fer "A. Givern, Miss Glennin George Ba-
con and Tuna Mickelsen the eieht-year-
old wonder. The committees ware: Re
ception-Mrs /. S. Bacon Mrs. Lena
Scholten. Mrs. Bertha Maekrett, Mrs. E.
M. McLane, Mrs Annie Davis Mrs. J.
Schmehl and Mrs. NJ. Trench: floor COM
mittee-Mrs. II. L. Beeeroft, Mrs. I. A.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

Lodge (German) had an unusually large
meeting, showing that the enthusiasm
that has been manifested in this order
recently has permeated that subordinate
Grand Protector Mrs. Wheelock and
Grand Secretary Outflow were present
ana witnessed the initiation of eleven
canoIdates. The lodge received seven APP
plcauons, and these candidates and pos
slpIy two or three more will be made
members at the next meeting.
Bay City Lodge had large attendance
at its meeting last Monday night. AT the
Der of candidates to initiate
The grand protector recently visited
Vallejo to attend to the organization of
a new lodge in that place. 1t will short
~ be instituted with twenty-five charter
members.
Last Tuesday the officers of Oakland
Lodge were installed by Mrs. Jennie
Dlnklage, deputy grand protector, as
sisted in the work by Grand Protector
Mrs l. j. Wheelock, Mrs. Frances Will
llams as grand guide, Mrs. Emma Quit
zow as grand guardian, Mrs. S. Kruger
grand chaplain Mrs. Jennie Bussbaum
protector of Martha Lodge; Mrs. A.
LraIt, secretary of the same lodge; Mrs.
mary - Price, past protector of Aurora
Lodge, and Mrs. Bell Lee. The new Of
qcers are j.. A. Colquhoun. p. p: Louisa
Blgler, P; Mathilde Gehing, V. P; Mrs.
MARY L. Cummings, financial and record
lhS secretary; j. +. Dixon, T.; E. f.
aiken, G.; Frederika Weber c.: Mary
I r. ne1rs, G.. ": B.. Greenbaqm. s.;
Hm ly there was banquet and adj
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

fectionate for your own good. You will
marry we'll at 80. Be careful not to over
TAX your brain. You will have marked
success.
MRS. K, Franklin street-Your life has
oeen eventful. Too great an effort on
your part has caused strain that unless
you conserve your forces will destroy
your constitution. You will within the
next 1lve years experience great good
MRS. B. N, Oakland-A woman who
mas mad most interesting career; wild
oWnood clearly marked; many influences
in your life, some of which have caused
you trouble; many journeys, two very
long ones. You are one who has limited
yourself; woman of ability.
NIX: II. A, San Lorenzo-A strong,
practical, broad minded man. who will
traVei good mechanic, intellectual;
many unavoidable losses; a man with
great love of home and family; very in
dependent: will receive legacy.
MISS JENNIE CORBETT, Los An
geles-You have not concentrated your
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

the Grand Court, which will meet in Santa
Clara on the I'd of May
Since Court Palo Alto has moved into it's
new quarters in Elks' Hall there has been
a larger attendance, all because the meet
ing place is cheerful one.
The members of Court Aurora have
contributed the sum of $50, which has
been divided into three prizes, SIS, SIS and
the court who during the balance of the
year will bring the greatest number of
members in excess of six into the court.
COMPANIONS OF THE f. OF A.
Grand Sub-Chief Mrs Flora Jacobs
paid an official visit last week to Orange
Blossom Circle at Oroville and found it
somewhat Respondent because of dissatis-
faction with the physician, but she in her
official capacity adjusted the differences
with the result that a renewed interest
has been taken in the circle. Before she
left there three members were reinstated
five candidates We're initiated and the cir
Gle gave an entertainment at which suffi-
Gent was realized to enable 1t to meet all
its obligations and be on sound finan-
addresses visited individual members AMI
demonstrated that the presence of a
grand officer has much to do with keeping
a circle alive.
Robin Hood Circle will receive an off,
cial visit on the night of the 1st of March.
At the meeting last Wednesday a com
mittee was appointed TO arrange for the
reception of the grand officers and for
Grand Chief Companion Ira W. Coburn
Grand Sub-Chief Companion Mrs Flora
Jacobs, and other grand officers paid an
official visit last Thursday night TO 30
nita Circle and were well received, ana
after the meeting entertained.
Live Oak Circle is doing wen ana IN
creasing It's membership at every meet
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

forces sufficiently. You will marry thor
ough business man and have happy lie,
four children; much travel
MRS. P. N, st. Helena-You have not
very long life line owing to so much hear
trouble. You can by will power and TAX
ing a different attitude of life regain
your spirits and be yet quite happy; you
have good head line, but you are too
imaginative for your own good. II you
were more practical and less sensitive
you could be more to yourself as we'll as
others: many changes are indicated; you
are independent in thought; have not in
dividualfzed your life enough. If you eX-
ert yourself YOU will have success in what
You undertake.
REYNOLD LINGUIST. San Jose-You
have a strongly marked hand, showing
an intense nature. Your fife line shows
an illness of a very grave nature in the
earlier part of your life, Your heart line
is broken. showing intense grief and dis
appointment in heart affairs. You will
travel a good deal. You have made or
will make business ventures that will
prove disastrous; at least you are reach
ing out for higher ideals; have good form
and an eye for the beautiful You have
mechanical ability. One marriage is in
dicated A line cutting line of life and
just cutting line of fate; relatives inter
fere with the subjects happiness.
MISS r. T. T.. st. Helena Napa County
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
FoREsTERs OF AMERICA.

Last Monday night Court Independence
gave high jinks in the Social Hall of
the Alcazar, which was attended by an
audience that comfortably filled the hall.
Under the direction Of S. Shaben. the
court deputy. there was presented an en-
-ertalning programme Of music, songs
ana instrumental music, with q story or
two and a recitation, besides good
speech on Forestry by the courts deputy.
Among those who cook part to make the
Murray, Dewey, Furry, Mastern, Lemle,
Brown and Bob O'Riley. The committee
that had charge of the affair and served
refreshments and g collation. were Bob
ORiley, Jack Bortic, Sergeant Gleason. j.
j; Furry, Charles Capp, NJ. Mitchell and
William Reed
AT this time the subordinate courts are
making preparations to elect delegates to
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
THE CONVENTION OF 1889.

The entertainment that was given last
Tuesday night in Union Square Hall -un-
der the auspices of the Convention of 1899,
Companions of the Forest of America,
was a very enjoyable one and was one
that reflected great credit on the commit
tee consisting of Professor Benno /. Bar
nett, Fred Errett, NJ. Wagner, e. II. Cham
berlin, Miss Lewis, Miss Alice Ticoulet
and Mrs. Steinweg. There was presented
on overture by Barnett's orchestra; vocal
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

-HE strangest man that ever lived
in California is dead.
His name was Nils Ritter ana
for nine years he made his home
in a tiny adobe cabin on the sides
of Mount Darwin, in Inyo County. The
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

cat Once day he went out to the
miserable spring and brought in
hncIet Of aikaI water. Then he went
back Back and lay on the cot reading and
'iistening to voices as he used to say.
Whenever 1 happened to be near tne
old mans cabin, L always Went III 1,, ~
see him. But one YIslt was Ju'1
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

he was born in Sweden and lived a life
of sin until he was As years old. Then
some missionaries of the Mormon
church at Salt Lake City came to Swe-
den and made him a convert and also
the two women whom he afterward
married secretly, each in a different
town.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

For several years all were very
happy, until somebody became sus-
picious of his actions, and the trio fled
to Salt Lake City. But changes had
taken place there, and polygamy could
not be practiced as openly as it had
been in years gone by.
In order to have perfect freedom,
Ritter and his wives came to the Death
Valley country and went into camp in
the cabin on Mount Dawson. But the
women didn't live very long. The al
kali water of a mean spring near the
house knocked them both out in the
same day, after they had been there
about two months.
"Of course nobody knew this at the
time, as the few of us down there
looked upon the whole crowd as
gang of cranks, and seldom went near
them. Even that tough old Indian,
Panamint Tom, never went to the house
but once. He said he was afraid of
them, and the big pile of provisions in
the corner of the room had no temp
tation for him.
About a year after Ritter took I'D
his abode in that desolate part of the
world, I made a call on him. AS l ap-
preached the house, I was a little sur
prised at not seeing anybody moving
about the place. For moment l
thought perhaps the gang had moved.
But one look in the door was enough
to let me know TO the contrary.
Stretched out on a cot was Ritter
himself. Dirty and unkempt he was.
his scraggly gray hair falling in
tangled masses over his shoulders.
And on either side of the bed. standing
bolt upright in a rough coffin, was the
dried-up body of a woman. The sight
almost took my breath away.
Those are my wives, said the old
man, pointing to the two horrid-look-
ing mummies. They passed away to
the other side last year, but they come
back here every day. They were both
here this morning.
1.-THE old fellow then went on to ex-
plain to me all about his strange creed.
his ideas of spirit unity, and the ever
lasting life. He read the strangest
stuff about spiritualism and Mormon
ism out of a big book that ever heard.
"Ritter was about 70 years old at that
time, and scarcely took anything to
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
wooDMEN OF THE WORLD.

Last Sunday quite a number of the
members of Golden Gate Camp went to
Mountain View Cemetery across the bay,
and there unveiled with appropriate cere-
monies, monument over the grave of
one of its late neighbors. There were
present a number of members of the
camps across the bay and quite dele
cation from Redwood Circle of the Wo-
men of Woodcraft of this city. Neigh
Dor Stenart acted as master of ceremo-
MES and Head Manager Boak delivered
the Grafton
On Monday night at the meeting of
Golden Gate Camp arrangements were
made 10 initiate eight candidates to-mor-
row night.
A delegation of about forty Woodmen
from the several camps of San Fran
cisco paid a fraternal visit to Oakland
Camp last Monday night to witness the
work of that camps peerless degree team.
The visitors were received with a gen
erous welcome and with the honors due
them. They We're loud in their praise of
the work of the team as exemplifed in
the initiation of Sergeant Green of the
Oakland police force. After the ceremo-
MES there was a distribution of cigars
and an hour and a half was spent in lis
tening to addresses by visitors and mem
bers.
KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR.
On the night of the 10th inst Martha
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEEs

The members of San Francisco Hive
propose to give an entertainment and
give a Lady Washington tea in the So
ciaI Hall of the Alcazar on next Wednes-
day.
Mission Hive at it's last held review
initiated three candidates into the busy
lie OF the order, received two applica-
lions and one from a member who de-
along quietly, but making progress. The
hive received a very kind letter from
Mrs, Ella p. Jacobs who is at present
the East. She will return shortly and
there will be glad welcome for her.
THE JUNIORS.
The members of Abraham Lincoln
Council who on last Sunday attended
the service in the NJ. E. church. are we'll
pleased with the patriotic address of Rev.
j. a. B. Wilson and it has caused a re-
neWal of patriotic spirit in the ranks.
The reverend gentleman will deliver an
other address for the benefit of the coun-
Gil.
The programme committee of the coun-
ell has concluded its arrangements for
the Washington birthday celebration. 1t
is believed that this celebration will sur
sand invitations and a limited number of
admission tickets for the event are being
circulated.
The last held meeting of the council
was we'll attended and an enjoyable even
ing was spent, as there were a number
of important matters discussed.
'keith's," Alma E, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday next.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

selections by Louis Lobe, Miss R. Del
vale Miss Juliet Levy and Russell Lowry
the boy barytone specialties by Louis
Klein. the king of the autoharp; recita-
ton by Miss Mildred Levy; specialties by
Little Go1die Harris, and records on the
Inter Nos Circle Then followed dancing
until midnight. The convention will give
a picnic at Pittsville Park on the 14th Of
May
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

Blackan Mrs Annie F. Horne Mrs. F.
NJ. Slater w. H. Goddard was the floor
manager and Mrs. Cora Wentzell his as
Sistant.
Supreme President Mrs. M. A McLane
has Just recovered from a severe attack
of Illness which confined her to her home
for five weeks.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

the other. The old man always said
just about the same things, and the
mummieS of the dead women only GOT
a little dryer as the years went by.
His appearance changed very little ex-
cept that his gray hair got longer and
longer and his person dirtier and dirt
Ter. l always used to go to see the
old man out of curiosity. l don't be-
lieve that any of the old prospectors
in the neighborhood ever went near
him. From the first nobody liked him.
and they didn't care whether he lived
or died. And old Ritter didn't care
whether they came TO see him or not
But he always seemed glad to see me-
About two weeks ago I happened to
be in Ritter's neighborhood with my
partner and decided to go and pay the
old man a visit. My partner was all
curiosity when, told him what a queer
freak the old man was.
THE idea that anything might be
wrong never entered my head, even
up till the moment we stood before the
door But one look inside was enough
There was the form of the old man
lying on the bed, but he looked almost
as dry and shriveled as his mummied
wives. What a sight it wasi For want
of attention the skeletons in the coffin
had slipped down and nearly fallen out
of their places.
Nothing would induce my friend to
L
the big book the old man used to read
had been taken away, as well as every
household utensil and all the provisions.
Whether this was done before the old
man died or not 1 am unable to say,
but l think it was done afterward. The
dead body was lying straight out, as if
the man had died peacefully.
II wanted my partner to help me
bury the old Mormon and his two
wives, but he positively refused TO go
near them. Such a job was too much
for me to undertake alone. so 1 simply
closed the doors and windows that had
remained open for years and came
away. If nobody disturbs them the
dead bodies will remain there for years
and years, so dry is the climate. And,
after all, 1 suppose that is what would
suit the old man best if he could have
the chance of expressing wish in the
matter"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19
%
THE NATIONAL UNION.

At the meeting Of Golden Gate Council,
after the principal business of the even
ing was over, ex-President Norman r.
AFTER, faithful worker for the council
and for several terms a most enthusiasts
tic officer, who is now holding the posi-
ton of junior eX-president. was, on be-
half of the members of the council
through eX-President w. T. Thompson.
presented with a beautiful gold pin as a
token of the sincere appreciation of the
members of what he has done in the past
for the advancement of the council The
presentation speech was an eloquent one,
the words truly expressing the sentiments
of the membership to a deserving officer
The presentation was in the nature of a
genuine surprise, neither wine nor cake
being ready, and it took the recipient a
ing words spoken of him. This council
is making arrangements to entertain the
cabinet when it shall make its official
vi
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

"Keith's,'' Alma E, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday next.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

Continued on Page Thirty Two.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-19

ANCIENT ORDER wORKMEN.
The credentials of delegates to the
Grand Lodge, which will meet on the 4th
The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-07-06

The marriage notice OF +. W. BUN
to Miss Theresa Miesner, whic'i was
sent to the PRESS some time ago.
was mislaid by the party TO "hol"
it was given, hence delayed III reach-
ing this Office. The marriage oc-
Cured June 7th, at the uermah
Lutheran church in Spring to"h-
ship, Rev. Franz Matter oflciatins
The ceremony was witnessed by 2oo
guests, who also partook OF refresh
ments at the Miesner home. Inc
groom i'm from BrOokingS Co., ana
was formerly resident OF this couh-
ty. The bride has long been u resi-
dent of north Hand. The happy
couple went to their new home IN
DUEL county carrying with them the
best wishes Of many friends.
The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-07-06
Your Head Aches.

After IL long walk or ride in the
sun. 1t is because of detective vision.
Some rush around and buy n pair
OF cheap colored glasses, don t do it.
Colored glasses are for diseased eyes,
yours are not. The heat and glare
OF the sun still further strains the
oyer worked eyes make them smart,
ache and burn. I'll fit your eyes
with proper glasses to protect them
and relieve strain, examination free.
1T CHAs. f. SONTAG, q
Optician and Jeweler.