davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
BOONE BRIDGE OPENED.
Largest in the World, and Gus Widell
Did the Masonry.

The largest double track bridge in
thesworld was opened for traffic Sun
day west of Boone. Iowa. The great
steel structure leaps from bluff to
bluff on the North Western line and
thus avoids the devious and costly
descent into the valley of the Des
Moines river. The bridge involves an
outlay Of $685., 900 and the ap proaches
and other necessary works bring
the total cost to 81, $50, 900.
The offset which the company will
have for this expenditure is a straight
line between Boone and Ogden, a dis
lance of seven miles instead of eleven,
uphill and down over the old route
The necessity Of maintaining two or
more helper engines with the increas-
ed cost for labor and fuel, will be done
away with.
Running straight west from the sta
tion al Boone the new track strikes the
bluffs along the Des Moines river at
point where the distance from summit
to summit is 1866 feet. That is the
span which the new viaduct bridge
makes. Over the river proper is a
truss span, 800 feet long, which is 1876
feet above the water at it's usual
height.
Heavy guard rails flank the track on
either side and there is no possible
way for a train to leave the bridge
while the structure itself remains
The officials have such confidence in
its strength that two trains will be al
lowed to pass on the bridge at good
speed.
In the superstructure $3.50 tons of
metal were used and in the founda-
tions 400 tons more. Two great gorges
were filled at the approaches, involv-
ing the placing of 223, 900 yards of
earth. The ravines were each 400
feet long and IS feet deep. About t.
900 men have been employed on the
preparatory work, while fully fifty
men worked all of last winter on the
bridge.
All through the time of it's building
hundreds of people have made Sunday
excursions from Boone to witness the
progress of the work. The scenery is
inspiring.
Gus Widell furnished all of the
stone used in the construction of this
great bridge, and also did all of the
masonry. For two years he employed
from rs to 100 men on the work,
which he completed last fall Those
who cross this wonderful bridge should
remember that Mankato stone is at the
foundation of if.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
A FISH STORY.

A knight of the grip, Mr.. Fitzpat-
rick, accompanied by brother knight,
spent Gay at Lake Washington very
recently, wooing the fish with tempt
ing bait. The two selected place
that was recommended to them as be-
ing alive with members of the fnny
tribe. They cast their hooks in near
some rushes and awaited results. Mr..
Fitzpatrick waited long and patiently
for something big to swallow the frog
that was attached to his hook. When
his face had become burned to a bright
crimson, his joints ached, and patience
was exhausted, he happened to cast a
weary glance among the rushes. There
he saw his frog sitting looking at
him, with far away expression in
his eyes and hook in his mouth from
which hung the fish line. The frog
had climbed the rush early in the
game and had been contemplating his
prosecutor all of this time. Mr.. Fitz-
patrick concluded that it was time to
quit fishing, and declares that the bait
man gave him tree toads instead Of
frogs
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
MAY SETTLE.
Farmers Possibly Bound to Take
S3,40O Horse.
Lawyers Engsged on Both Sides Of Horse
Case That is Creating
Sensation.

A E. Clark has been retained by
Mclaughlin Bros. of Columbus, Ohio,
to look after their interests in connec-
tion with the sale of a stallion to
seventeen farmers of this county, an
account of which transaction was pub
lished by the Free Press last evening.
Pau & Pau nave also been consulted
by one or more Of the signers of the
contract in addition to Judge Buck.
It is known that at least one or two
signers are favorable to fulfilling the
contract, and it is possible that both
sides will get together and settle the
matter mp Some of the best names
in the towns of Mankato, Lime and
Jamestown are signed to the contract.
The horse is Signor, and his French
registry number is 43, 739 and his
American registry number is 20, 1855.
His pedigree is very complete, and
Mclaughlin Bros, say that he is worth
the purchase price of So, 400. They
say that the animal is bred from one
of the finest French Percheron strains.
Mclaughlin Bros. are one of the
largest importing firms in the country,
bringing over 800 to 500 head of Per-
cheon Norman horses each year. The
barn at Emmetsburg, Iowa, is only
branch one The firm enjoys an ex-
cellent reputation.
Mclaughlin Bros. state that they
have horses of all grades, from 81, 500
to So 500. The Blue Earth county
farmers wanted the best and they
have him. On the other hand. many of
the signers are sorry that they had
anything to do with the matter and
would like to get out of it if they can.
Their lawyers are now ascertaining
whether they can avoid handing over
5000 each, and that in the very near
future These attorneys say that any
action that is brought will have to be
commenced in the district court of
Blue Earth county, or else in the
United States court in the Mankato
district.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
A PLEASANT FAREWELL.
Rev. W. E. Evans Friends Remember
Him Before His Trip.

After the supper given at the Welsh
G. M. church by the ladies Monday eve
ming large congregation, including
many from Rev. W. E. Evans congre-
cation at Zion and a number from
Lake Crystal, remained in the church
to enjoy a program given as fare
well to Mr.. Evans before his departure
on a visit to his native land acros
the water.
Rev. D. Edwards of Lake Crystal
acted as chairman. The singing and
remarks by those called on were in a
happy strain, expressing well wishes
and good cheer to the pastor. Before
the close of the meeting Rev. Evans
was called forward and to his surprise
the gentlemen presented him with
beautiful watch chain and the ladies
presented him with thirty dollars in
money. Rev. Evans responded in his
usual happy manner.
Rev. Evans left Wednesday for
Wisconsin, and on June 18th will en-
bark at Boston for Wales, where he
will spend some weeks.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
SCHOOL DIRECTORS.
Election of Members of the Board in
IDsV

July.
The school board election will be
held in July. The retiring members
are T. R. Coughlan in the first pre-
cinct, W. B. Davies in the second,
Rev. Geo. R. Davis in the third, and
Mrs. B. D. Smith in the fourth.
While none of them have said so, it is
presumed that any or all of them
would accept reelection. Mr.. Cough
Ian states that he does not wish to
give more of his time to the duties OF
member of the board, but it is thought
that he would not decline to serve an
other term if his constituents are
united upon him. He has made val
liable member of the board and should
be kept in the service of. the district
as long as he will esrve.
Mr.. Davies was appointed to fill out
the unexpired term of S. B. Wilson.
and has taken hold of the work in an
intelligent manner that is promising
for the future
Rev. Mr.. Davis is first class mem
Der of the board and will probably
have no opposition for reelection.
Mrs. Smith has made the best mem
Der of the board in some respects, and
the district would be unfortunate to
lose her services. She is very capable
and will undoubtedly be named as her
own successor if she will consent to it,.
She has gone east to spend the sum-
mer
Other candidates may spring up
later, but up to the present time none
have been mentioned.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
ANNUA CHURCH MEETING.

At the annual meeting of the Pres
byterian church Monday evening, Fl. P.
Jensen, DrC. D. Snow and w. W.
Davis Jr wire reelected elders. and
Geo. E. Bret, John c. Noe and G. A.
Chapman we're reelected trustees.
w. M. Farr was reelected chairman
of the boardof trustees.
The yearl. report of the treasurer
showed baance on hand.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
HONOR FOR HIGH SCHOOL.

DIR. Geo. E. Fellows, professor of
European history at Chicago univer-
sity, visited the Mankato high school
Monday for the purpose of determin-
ing the qualifications of our graduates
for admission to the Chicago univer-
sity. His report will be favorable and
Mankato will soon be on the Chicago
accredited list. This is distinction
which has been accorded as yet to only
a few of the best Minnesota high
schools, and is largely due to Supt.
Uline's intelligent administration.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
CONTRADlCTS CHRISTENSEN
Peter Peters Says He Was Not in Sleepy
Eye Last Pail.

The Free Press has received letter
from Peter Peters. dated at Fargo,
N. D., May 18th, in which he denies
statements recently made by Peter
Christensen, the Sleepy Eye merchant
whose store was robbed last August
and again in November and this
spring. He says that he can prove that
he was in Wahpeton, N. D., from
July 27th, 1900, until Dec. 9Th, 1900,
employed by Mic Schmitt. He adds:
eff this Peter Christensen isn't care
full of what he says about me, I'll be
down in Mankato and make him prove
what he says.
Peters also reiterates that he can
prove by the Fargo police that he has
been in Fargo from March Goth, 1901,
up to the present time.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

w. S. Taylor, who was injured by
falling from a barn, continues to i'm
prove.
The Modern Woodmen of America of
this city have arranged to take the
Concordia band with them to the
Southern Minnesota picnic at Fairmont
June 9th. The Omaha road has been
chosen as the route, and a special
train will start from Mankato.
The Standard Brewing Co. Tuesday
received two carloads of half barrels,
numbering TAO in all, to meet the in
creasing demands of its business. The
packages came from Chicago. A car
load Of bottles is on the road from AL
ton, ILL.,, and two carloads from Strea-
tor, ILL.,
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

few moments before come in from st.
James. 1t appears that he stood be-
tween the rails of the track and leaned
against the Car, perhaps being some
what exhausted by his walk.
The train was way freight in
charge of Conductor Cox and Engineer
Mederas. and had some switching to
do. 1t was on the track just west of
the warehouse, and Brakeman Frank
M. Brink of st. Paul stood out and
looked back to see that the ira OK was
clear. 1t was unobstructed so far as
he could see, and the usual signs
were given and the train started back
ing south. Just after the train had
been put in motion, the warehouseman
on the warehouse platform heard some
one call or groan from under the rear
Car, and the signal to stop was given.
The train was brought to stop be-
fore it had moved quite two Car
lengths.
Spoke Few Verbs.
Brakemen Brink and J. Bell and
Drayman Ben Page fastened to the
spot to ascertain the cause of the
groan. There they saw the form of
Mr.. Shoemaker, half outside of the
most easterly rail and half between
the rails. The wheels had passed over
his hips, nearly severing his body.
The head and body were lying east of
the rails and the limbs between them.
AS they came up, Mr.. Shoemaker
asked of them: Cant you get the
wheel off of me2" He was asked how
the accident had happened, and he re-
piled that he had been leaning against
the Car.
Brakeman Brink did not know Mr..
Shoemaker, and asked the dying man
his name and place of residence. Mr..
Shoemaker gave his name and said
that he was an old settler and lived on
Fourth street. This was all that
passed the lips of the deceased, and in
dQOUu6T mOIu6uU VI UWO u0 Was u0du.
Several other parties had fastened to
the spot and caught part of the con-
versation. Mr. Shoemaker's cane and
spectacles were found lying beside
him, east of the track.
G. NJ johnson, the Omaha ware
houseman who was the first to have his
attention attracted by the groan. i'm
mediately notified the Office force in
the freight depot, and several physi
clans were telephoned for. The only
one who arrived was DR.. j. M. Ed
wards, who got to the spot about ten
minutes after the accident had hap
pened. Mr.. Shoemaker was then dead
Coroner Kennedy and the police ar
rived at about the same time. After
the coroner had viewed the remains,
he ordered them removed to the under
taking establishment of John Klein &
Co.
Mr.. Brink states that no person was
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
His Lies Record.

James Shoemaker was born in
Northampton county-nows. Monroe
county, Penn, June 9, 1928. He was
the son of Jacob and Hannah Shoe
maker, both parents being natives of
Pennsylvania and of German ancestry.
His father, Jacob Shoemaker, was an
influential citizen, well known in the
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
LOVER WAS TOO STRENUOUS.
Miss White Objected When He Cut Holes
in Her Shoes

New York, May 20.-Olive White,
handsomely dressed young woman
who lives at No. 254 West Twenty
Fifth street, was the complainant in
Jefferson Market police court today
against Silver Waite, travelling man,
who has recently made his home at
the Waldorf Astoria. Miss White asked
that Waite be forbidden to annoy her.
Waite is well-dressed man of 80,
according to Miss White, has been pay
ing attention to her for three months
He asked her many times to marry
him, and when she refused he became
insanely jealous, so Miss White de-
clared. When she asked him to call
again he chose a time when Miss
White was away from home, went to
her apartments, cut holes in her shoes,
and slashed her gowns into ribbons,
she alleges. Miss White said that his
object was to keep her from visiting
friends of whom he was jealous.
4. On Saturday, Miss White told the
court, Waite forced his way into her
apartments. He demanded So, saying
that he would never return if she gave
him the money. She handed over the
money and, she alleges, he took So
more from her pocketbook by force.
She screamed and the police came.
Waite's arrest followed. When search
ed at the station-house a large roll of
bills was found in his pocket.
Waite's actions in court were pc
culiar. He declared that he travelled
for all sorts of business houses. He
also said that he was much in love
with Miss White and had been driven
near to madness by her refusal to
marry him. He did not remember
cutting holes in her shoes and destroy
ing the gowns.
Magistrate Cornell sent Waite to
Bellevue hosltital to have his sanity
examined into. Little of Waite is
known, but he has been familiar
figure on Broadway and in the Wal
dorf- Astoria cafe for the past several
weeks.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

The city has deposited 81, 500 in the
National Citizens bank to acquire the
deed to the Wampler property as a site
for the public library.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
Society.

Miss Anna Gettle and Mr. John
Landkam mer were united in marriage
at St. Peter and Pauls Catholic church
at eight o clockTuesday forenoon, in the
presence Of gathering of their friends
and relatives. Afterwards a reception
was given the young couple at the
home of the brides parents, Mr.. and
Mrs. Sebastian Gettle, in Decoria.
Mr.. Landk ammer is driver for
Lamm & Landkammer and is an ex-
cellent young man in every respect.
He is brother of Joseph Landkam-
mer. His bride is an estimable young
lady. The friends of both will extend
their best wishes.
The Athletic club gave pleasant in
vitation dance Monday evening, attend
ed by about fifty couples. The hall was
tastefulIy decorated. A punch bowl
was served. The Mankato orchestra
furnished music. The election of off
GERS was postponed until tonight.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

Now that gasoline stove season is
setting in, remember this: If you
have a gasoline fire, throw -four on it
meal or sand will put the fire right
out Water only spreads. Now fix this
in your mind so it will come handy
when you need it.-Fairmont Sentinel.
Use a gas stove and take no chances.
The Mankato Gas & Electric Light
company are putting in an elegant
stove at half price, and are selling gas
at large reduction.
Abel Keene is very low at his home
in North Mankato.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

1rSunday, June 23d, is Royal Arcanum
day, @aand the twenty fourth .anniver-
sary%a of the founding of the order. The
annual picnic of the order will be held
on Saturday, Junes22d
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

So The. enlistment papers for then
military. company have arrived, ss--and
the order for mastering in the COM
pany has been issued, butsthe--date has
not yet been fixed H.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

state of Pennsylvania He conducted
a FARCE farm and two Touring mills,
one in Monroe county, N. Y. and the
other in Flatbrookville, N. j. He was
treasurer of the county in which he
lived for many years and was promi-
nent man in public affairs. His fore
fathers were residents of Pennsylvania
before the days of the Revolutionary
war, and some of them were soldiers
in the war for independence.
The subject of this sketch was one of
a family of seven sons and four
daughters. He received his early educa-
tion in the common country schools,
living and working on his father s
farm and in the Touring mills until he
was twentyone years of age, when he
went to Easton, Pa, and found en-
ployment as clerk in general store,
where he remained four years. He
was then connected with a foundry
business and the manufacture OF stoves
for about one year, after which with
partner he started dry goods store in
Easton, Pa, and remained in that
business up to 1856.
In 1857, Mr. Shoemaker came to
Minnesota and landed in Mankato on
the 9th of May. In 1853, he was ap-
pointed on the board of county COM
missioners. In 1859, he opened an auc-
ton and commission store, which he
conducted for only one year. He then
sold out his business and went to the
Rocky mountains at the time of the
Pixies Peak gold excitement where he
spent the summer in prospecting and
mining, but he did not find a fortune
He returned in the fall to Mankato
and was elected a member of the city
board of education. He was the first
president of the board of trustees of
the Glenwood Cemetery association
and was one of the board of di-
rectors ever since. He was one of the
original members of the board of
trade, organized in 1869, and had been
president of the board for some years.
He was at one time member of the
board of public works. He was presi-
dent of the Old Settlers Territorial
Historical association, which society
was organized by him.
Mr.. Shoemaker served as city asses
sor for sixteen years. being appointed
in 1878 and retiring in 1894. In 1884
and 'S5 he served as manager of the
Mankato exhibit at the New Orleans
Cotton States exposition. Mr.. Shoe
maker published a directory of the
city of Mankato in 1878 and direc-
tory of the city and county in 1881 and
also in 1888.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

s,Nic-.aaHuettI, formerly within. L.
Fallensteinss~& ssssSon, has accepted a
position in Mic Spenger's barber shop,
to-commenceaa Saturday. Q. He is a good
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24
Did Indian Fighting.

| also in 1888.
Did Indian Fighting.
At the time of the Indian outbreak
! in 1862, Mr. Shoemaker was appointed
a commissary sergeant in Captain
Bierbauer's company from Mankato,
and participated in the New Ulm fight
under Col. Charles E. Flandrau, where
his horse was killed from under him
during the engagement. On its reor-
ganization August 81, 1862, Mr.. Shoe
maker was elected second lieutenant
of company of thirty days volun-
teers under state authority, and was
for time stationed at South Bend.
He was with part of the company
that was detailed under Captain Cox
| to build Fort Cox, acting as quarter
master, and remained there until they
were relieved by a company of United
States soldiers. Lieutenant Shoemaker
was present with his company on the
Goth day of December, 1862, when
thirty eight of the condemned In
dians were hanged on one gallows,
which was erected on the present site
of the G. & N. W. freight depot in
Mankato, where he met his death today.
In politics, Mr.. Shoemaker was
gold Democrat, but never sought pub
lie Office, though he served for several
years as county coroner, first by ap-
pointment and afterwards by election.
For over forty years Mr.. Shoemaker
was conspicuous in every public
move for the welfare of his
town and fellow citizens. Scarcely
an enterprise in the city Of
Mankato but owes something of it's
success to his earnest. unselfish labor
He was nan of sterling integrity,
conscientious and kind hearted to
fault Though not gifted with too
much of this worlds goods-and such
men seldom are-no one in misfortune
appealed to him in vain. James Shoe
makers name was unsullied, his in
tegrity unqlestioned, and no man can
point to mean, unbecoming action in
his long ant eventful career. Mankato
may have had men who accomplished
greater things for her prosperity. but
none who worked more sincerely, con-
scientiously and unselfshly than James
Shoemaker.
The deceased was married May Both,
1857, to Frances V. King, daughter of
John A. King. a native of New York.
Their only child and son, Charles J.
Shoemaker. died in Duluth, Deem
Der 16, 1S9, of typhoid fever, at the
age of twenty-five years. He was a
graduate ofthe University law school
at Ann Arlor, Michigan, and studied
law with j. L. Washburn in Mankato,
and after ais graduation, in 1890,
commenced the practice of his pro-
fession as apartner with Mr.. Wash
burn in Duluth He was young man
of superior ability and great promise
of future success and usefulness, loved
and respected by all who knew him.
Mrs. Shoemaker survives her husband,
and the shcerest sympathy of the
community will go out to her in this
hour of her sorrow. May she be given
strength an grace to bear this sud
den and overwhelming affection, is the /
prayer of he friends and neighbors.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

MIR. and Mrs. Willoughby Wells OF
Sterling, ssweresguests of Mr.. saaaand Mrs:
W. IN. ssPlymat Monday, andSsssleft Tues
day for Victor, Col, where they have
some mining interests s,s"a..ssa~, - -.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

Herman Koke, who served on the
Merrimack"~: and other ships in the ..
S. navy for three years, has returned
toshis home in this city He was a
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-05-24

ss--Thes.amount ofss@@delinquent special
assessments..ssthats haveabeen paid into
the city, treasury since the city re-
corder sent '@.iout notices recently is