davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Selma,

Selma, Dec 24.-The ladies of the
M. P. church gave necktie social last
Tuesday night, which was well at.
tended.
The protracted meeting at Pleasant.
point, conducted by the Rev. White.
head, closed last Sunday with an or.
gained class of eleven devout mem.
bers.
Lewis Bishop and wife made fly.
ing trip to Selma this morning.
The school closed Friday for a
weeks vacation during Christmas tide.
Mr.. Nicklin has improved his place
by the addition of a new barn.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
SAYS DEAD MAN WAS A JILr.
Rich Farmers Rousekeeper Seeks
Damages From His Estate.

Onawa, Dec. 21.-Miss Mary Chris
Hansen of Soldier, has sued John
Spaulding, administrator of the estate
of Frank Crum, for $500 damages
for breach of promise to marry. She
was for three years Crums housekeep-
er and claims that in 1900 he promised
to marry her. He died in June, 1901,
without having kept this alleged prom
Use. Crum was worth $4,000 and his
farm was famous all over northwest
Iowa for it's collection of wild animals
and birds.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
LoViIia.

Lovilia, Dec 24-W. S. Rice is pre-
pairing to rebuild his hardware store
at once.
The three schools met at the Bap-
fist church on last Friday evening and
rendered a very nice program.
Dave Shields was in town few ev-
enings ago and broke his sleigh, com
polling him to borrow wagon to get
home.
Raymond Findley has a new porch
added to his residence which is quite
an improvement.
John Carr moved into his new place
of business few days ago.
Miss Laura Swan, who has for the
past few months been attending
school at Toledo, has returned to
spend the holidays.
Daniels & Co. are hauling logs to
the Carmony mill this week.
w. Rice had an autcion sale at the
old Carr drug store, where he dispos-
ed of a number of articles saved from
the recent fire.
Tom Hlttle and wife are proud over
the arrival Of ten pound baby girl.
DR.. Nye's little boy is improving
from the effects of acid
At the w. A. MCGEE home in Pleas
ant township on last Thursday even
ing the double wedding of Edwin E.
Neal and Miss Edna MCGEE and Err
nest Warren and Miss Myrtle MCGEE
was solemniZed, Rev. Taylor of Avery
performing the ceremony About for
ty guests were present The Unfair
was given at the Neil home the follow
ing day.
Mr. Burt, father of John Burt of this
city, departed few days ago for
Prairie City to visit a daughter
Scott Gladson, of Eldorado was in
town the last of the week.
Steve Streator. recently from the
Black Hills county, met with a serious
accident not long ago which will make
him cripple for several days to
come. He fell into a ditch about ten
feet and broke all the fingers of one
hand. broke his arm in two places
threw an elbow out of joint and frac
tured the breast bone. He is broth
er of Will Streator
Mrs. Frank Mays mother, Mrs. Ov.
erton. died last Friday morning.
r. B. Spencer was in town ordering
Xmas tree for Eden people a few
days ago.
Fred McFall and wife have an eight
pound boy in their home, and Mr. and
Mrs. John Stillwell new girl, both
born last Sunday.
| Miss Gertie Forrest made business
trip to Abba last Saturday
| Greeley Boyer was at Lovilia and
Hamilton the first of the week
Quite shooting match came of
here today.
j. M. Cashier contemplates a trip tc
Pennsylvania in the near future.
| DR.. Cobb of Buxton is quite i'll anG
Doctors Nye and Pitts are treating his
cases for him.
A big flock of turkeys is reported
near the Gladson bridge.
| Profs. Wells and Overton just re
turned from hunt, bringing witt
them eight quail and four rabbits.
The band concert of last Friday ev
ening was quite a success.
Mrs. Scott of Elorado died at hel
home there and was buried at Lovilis
on Sunday, Dec. %.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Lane aster.

Lancaster, Dec "a The Conner
school was closed on account of SO
much scarlet fever being in the vicin-
ity.
Mrs. R. M. Kelly, who has been Wis,
iting her mother in Illinois for the last
few months, returned home last week
A phrenologist lectured in the M. E.
church Friday and Saturday night.
The schools closed Friday for a
weeks vacation through the holidays.
Everett Randall and wife have NOV
ed in with Jim RandalPs until their
house is vacated.
w. r. Kelly returned week ago
from Alton, where he made his broth
er a call.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24

Dallas Center, passed through here
Saturday evening on their gasoline
car enroute to Elkhalt, Indiana.
Daniel Crawford has slightly i'm
proved since We wrote last.
Osa Bostock vas here Saturday
The sportsmen are hunting rabbits by
moonlight.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Munterville,

Munteryille, Dec 24.-Albert Burga-
son, who went to Dallas, Oregon about
two years ago, is now home for a
visit during the holidays.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Pearson We're OF
mas shopping.
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. NJ. Oval were in the
big city Friday
Mrs. John Johnson was reported on
the sick list last week.
Daniel Oberg, the Munterville black
smith, set thirty-six horse shoes one
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Eddyvilie.

Eddyville, Dec. 24-Mrs. DR.. f. M.
McCrea, Of this place, who
has been at st. Louis the past
four months taking course in medi-
cine in the Barnes medical institute,
returned home Friday to spend the
holidays. She will return in about
two weeks.
Mrs. James l.. Myrick, who resides
northwest of town, and who has been
taking treatment in the A. II. Still In
Urinary at Kirksville, Mo-, the past
three weeks, returned Saturday to
spend the holidays here. She has
been much benefited with her course
of treatment, but expects TO return to
Kirksville on Tuesday Dec. 81, and
she and Miss Myrtle Norman, who
went with her and is still there, will
return home about January Is.
Charley Oldham, a prominent farmer
residing east of town, had the misfor-
tune to lose his tank house by fire
Friday. The building caught from the
tank heater, but Mr.. Oldham manag-
ed to save the tank by hard work.
A crowd of young people, fourteen
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
IOWA AT WASHINGTON.

Washington. Dec. 23.--Among the
pensions granted by the department is
that of Ben G. Parks of Charlton. who
will draw SIT per month.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
CABINET REMAINS.

Will Not Resign Until Crisis Is
Passed.
Sofia, Dec. 21.-The cabinet has
agreed to remain in Office until the
ministerial crisis is ended.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
AGENCY,

Agency, Dec. 23.-Miss Kendrick of
Des Moines and James Kendrick of
Bedford are visiting their parents, Rev.
and Mrs. Kendricll
Drura Fair, who has been tending
the agricultural college at Ames is
home to spend few weeks
Frank Hill of Salem and Ed. Hill of
Kelona spent Sunday with their father.
Rev. J. B. HILL
The NJ. E. Sunday school will have a
Christmas ship at the church Tuesday
evening
Miss Myrtle Wright has gone to her
home at Tingley TO spend the vacation.
Mr.. and Mrs. E. D. Bates leave this
morning for visit in Wisconsin.
Mrs. ID T Foster will leave Tuesday
morning for Marysville, Mo-. to visit
her daughter, Mrs. Will Garriet.
Miss Lille Thompson, who has been
visiting her sister, Mrs. John Patter-
son, has returned to her home in Biz
mingham.
Frank Hull, who is clerking in a
store here, has gone to Batavia to as
sist in store at that place.
Mr.. Harrington of Kansas is here
visiting friends.
The engine on train No 80 broke
down on the Agency hill this morning
and delayed a train west-bound for
some time.
The school was dismissed very sud-
denly last Thursday on account of a
brake in the furnace. 1t has been re-
paired and everything will be ready
for school to begin December 80.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Batavia.

Batavia, Dec 24-Christmas Chin
ney and tree at the Christmas church
Christmas eve.
Miss Inez Clark and brother from
Drake university, on their way home
to Birmingham, visited with their
aunt, Mrs. Shoemaker.
Mrs. W. r. Hooking and Miss Ona
Hooking from Bloomfield are visiting
relatives in town.
Miss Cora Hooking, who is attending
school at Mt. Pleasant, is home for
vacation.
Miss Pearl Brown is home from
Penn college to spend her vacation
with her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. John
Brown.
Morris Cole from Bladensburg is Wis
iting his grandmother, Mrs. Cole.
j. Ira Jones, who is holding services
at the Christian church. is accompan-
song service
Mrs. Nellie Alfred was shopping in
Ottumwa Monday.
John Baldridge, who is attending
medical college at Keokuk, is home to
visit his parents, DR.. and Mrs. Bald
ridge.
Madge Wright and Sammie Harris,
students at Drake university at Des
Moines, arrived home Friday for two
weeks vacation.
The schools are dismissed for one
weeks vacation.
Prof. Cooper is spending his vaca-
ton in Des Moines visiting his broth
en-
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Golf left Satur-
day morning for Beloit, Kan, where
they will spend the winter with their
daughter.
Miss Jessie Campbell closed her
school Monday with an entertainment.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Burnhart.

Burnhart, Dec. 24.-Mrs. John Huff
returned from Oklahoma Saturday
night.
Fred Reichal was visiting at Ellis,
worth Martins Sunday
John Hutton had key of soft soap
stolen one day last week.
Dorsey Phillips and wife were Fair
field visitors Saturday.
Mr.. and Mrs. AL Miles are visiting
at keosauqua this week.
James Ruter spent Sunday in Fair
field
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
SEYMOUR,

Seymour, Dec. 24.-Miss Grace De-
Noon who has been attending school
at Cedar Falls. is spending the holt
days with her parents at this place.le
Mrs. Elmer Prugh left for Chicago
Sunday night to visit her daughter,
Miss Pearl. who is attending school
there
Mrs. Hollie Lumant is visiting her
sister in Trenton. Mo.
Prof. John Green and wife of Cory
don spent Sunday in Seymour with
relatives
Rev. E. B. Whitney of the Presby-
|terian church is spending the holidays
in Chicago.
Mrs. A. w. Maxwell and children
spent Sunday in Fairfield with her
parents.
Mr.. and Mrs. C. A. Conger left Sun
day night for an extended visit
through the cast.
Dr. Mayors and wife are enjoying a
visit from their two sons. who are at
tending school at Kirksville, Mo.
Tyler Wales of Gault, Mo, was a
business visitor in Seymour Saturday.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Bentonsport.

Bentonsport, Dec. 24.-Earl Conner
of Des Moines passed through here
Saturday for Bonaparte.
Alice Murphy arrived Friday to
spend her Christmas vacation. Miss
Murphy is attending the Gem City
Business college at Quincy, Ill.
Ada and Effie Seward, who are
Teaching school at Winchester, are
home for their Christmas vacation.
Henry B. Hills favored the literary
society Tuesday evening with one of
his famous comic recitations and, as
usual, brought down the house"
Joe Barr and family arrived Wednes-
day from Libertyville.
Sally Bostock, who is attending
school here, started for home Friday
to spend her vacation.
A party OF young people spent very
enjoyable evening at the home of Mel
lie Bales Thursday. They are prepar-
ing dialogue for the literary society.
The little son of G. w. Meridith of
Bonaparte died Thursday evening.
Mrs. Noah Miller and children left
Thursday for Edgemont, S. d.
A fancy pony rig owned by the Rees
boys of Bonaparte, became frightened
while here and the pony in a very few
moments reduced the buggy to state
of Decentralization. The boys, how.
ever, escaped without serious injury.
Henry Sadler of Douds is here cut
ting black walnut timber for the Unit
ed States government.
John Woods from the prairie" was
in Saturday evening.
Fremont Franklin is very sick at his
home north of here.
Word has been received here of the
serious illness of Julius Grief. at his
home in Pittsburg, Kansas. Mr.. Grief
conducted a bank at. this place two
years.
Ann Crosse and Earl Leggett are ex.
pected home from Illinois soon.
Misses Zada and Bess Moore came
UP from Bonaparte to spend Christ
mas.
Major j. B. Sheath, Harry Ehrman
and the Misses Seward were shoppers
in Bonaparte Saturday.
Clayton Randolph and Jim Syfert
were keosauqua visitors Saturday ev-
ening
Miss Vic Pickard was here Sunday.
Il Harry Payne and Geo. Andrews, of
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
keota.

Keota, Dec. PA. K Stewart, Sr.,
died Dec. 10, at APO p. M, after an i'll
ness of several months, aged 81 years.
The interment too place Saturday af-
ternoon.
Several of the young women are to
be married in the near future: Miss
Cora Romine, Miss Katherine Kramer,
Miss Verona Kramer and Miss Iva
Johnson.
DR.. Droz, of West Chester, will move
to Keota in January.
Gray and Eaton, hypnotists and mu-
sicians, start on the road i'll about two
weeks. A large Victor talking ma
chine furnishes the music
More people were in Keota Saturday
than there has been for years. Every
merchant in town has been very busy.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
ChiIlicothe.

Chillicothe, Dec. 24.-Miss Vina Bu-
tin returned home Wednesday from an
extended visit with relatives in the
least.
Misses Katie Conwell and Gertie
Pierson arrived home Friday from
Cedar Falls where they have been at
tending the I. S. N. S. to spend the holt
days with relatives and friends.
L. Guggerty shipped two car loads
of sheep to Chicago last week
Messrs. Luther and Clarence Keplar,
who are students at the keokuk Medic
al college, arrived home Friday to
spend the holidays with relatives and
friends.
G. M. Clark has purchased the LUX
ems property, now occupied by George
Moss and family.
The young folks of town were pleas
antly entertained last Saturday even
ing at the parsonage by Rev. and Mrs
Dunlavey. A delightful time was re-
ported by all present.
Mr. and Mrs Ben Harding spent
Sunday with Mr.. and Mrs. George Pike
.of near Kirkville.
Miss Mabel Lukens of Ottumwa Wis
tied Sunday at the home of Geo. Moss
Mrs. Abe Stuber of South Ottumwa
is visiting at the parental home of Mr.
and Mrs. A. Dixon.
at theI. o. o. f. hall by the Ladies'
Aid society was decided success in
every respect
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-12-24
Floris.

Floris, Dec. 24.-George McVey Aus
tin and Will Lyons were business Wis
itors in Ottumwa Wednesday.
Several of the boys from here at
tended the oyster supper at the Will
Buchanan's Tuesday evening.
e. T. Hill of West Grove was a bust
ness caller here Wednesday,
1t is reported that j. W. McCauley.
formerly of this place. but now at
Wildwood Oklahoma, has sold his
farm at that place and intends to move
back here soon.
Henry Starks was business visitor
lat Bloomfield Tuesday
Elder d. w. Hastings returned from
Drakeville Wednesday evening, where
he has been holding protracted meet.
ing for the last few weeks.
Ed Christy made business trip to
Eldon Thursday
Sheriff Young of Bloomfield passed
through here Thursday evening with
George Milton, enroute to Mt. Pleasant
Mr. Milton lately lost his wife, which
unbalanced his mind.
Will Smell made a business trip to
Bloomfield Thursday.
James Hancock of Queen City, Mo-,
lis visiting friends and relatives here.
BiackhaWk.
Biackhawk, Dec 24.-Chas. Brown
and wife visited at the Chas. Chatter
ton home last week
H. J. Smith visited at the homo of
Nick Harrington of Bunch Tuesday.
Budd Robb and Bert King spent Sun
day in Ottumwa.
There was a quilting at the c. Chat,
terton home last Friday in honor of
Mrs. Nora Brown.
The Blackhawk school was dismiss
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
INQUiRING ABOUT LAND Marks.
Former Resident Of Smyrna Asks Concern.
ing Heads Of Leading Families.

OF the people who lived in Smyrna
fifty and sixty years ago there were per-
haps none, by reputation at least who did
not know Daniel Short or Dan Short
as he was universally called. He grew
up in the employ of p. & E. Spruance,
leading merchantile firm of that day,
a bright, irrepressible boy, and if
there were any pranks going on land
Smyrna had quite a reputation in this
line) "Dan" was always included,
whether guilty or not. Dan" was
bright boy behind the counter, clever
and popular. The last merchant he
clerked for was Richard BlackistOn, a
character IN his way, and leading
merchant of that day. AS he grew to
maturer years "Dan" decided to launch
out into a larger field, and went to
Texas, then the clone Star" State.
Here he studied law and was soon ad-
mitted to the bar but took part with
Gen. Sam Houston in fighting the
Mexicans for independence. This was
over sixty years ago and he has never
been back. He is now 81 years old
and has three sons who are lawyers,
bnt in living over the old days again
he wants to know what has become of
the Spruances. the Cummins', the Tenn
pies, the Blackistons, the Davis, the
Peterson's, the Humphreys, the Mus
tards, the McDowells, the Bewleys,
the Pattersons, the Cloaks, the FAIRIES,
the Reynolds, the Mansfelds, the JEFF
fersons, the Perkins &c, he knew so
we'll then. Sometime ago he wrote to
Judge w. Corbit Spruance and last
week to James w. Spruance, making
many inquiries, heading his letter ga
Voice from the Dead" and proaieing
full history of himself from the time
he left Smyrna, His name will die out
only with the death of those familiar
with Smyrna and its incidents Of a
half century and more ago.
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
INCREASE RAILROAD TAXES.
Committee Report Will Recommend Increase
of $1,000 on Delaware Railroad.

The House committee on private cor
posations reported favorably with
amendments on Representative Hol-
combs railroad taxation bills. The
taxes on the Delaware railroad will be
increased from $4,000 to $40, 900 an
nually. The original bill called for
an increase to $4,000. On the Will
mington and Northern railroad the in
crease will be from $3.50 to 81, 900, and
on the Delaware, Maryland and Vir-
ginia railroad the increase will be from
$3.50 to $1,000. On the Maryland di-
vision the taxation will remain the
same-$4O, 900 annually. As amended,
the bills will probably pass the House.
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
REIMBURSED BY CONGRESS.
Bill Returning W. II. Wanamaker $4,000.
Marsh's Bail Bond, Passed--Its Con.
neCiiOn With Smyrna.

William H. Wanamaker, of Philadel-
uncle of Mrs. Walter 0. Hoffecker, Of
this town, received telegram Friday
notifying him that Congress had
passed the bill reimbursing him for the
bailbond paid by him for the surety Of
Gideon W. Marsh, president of tho
Keystone National Bank, which failed
nearly 10 years ago. 1t will be re-
membered that Mr. Wanamaker be
came bOndsman in the sum of $4,000
Marsh fled the jurisdiction of the
Court and in his flight was seen pas
sing through Smyrna which caused
considerable talk at the time. He
made an easy escape.
Mr.. Wanamaker promptly paid into
the United States Treasury $50. eco
and Immediately began search for Mr..
Marsh. He continued this more than
seven years, spending large amount
of mOney-nearly $13, 600 to bring
Marsh back to the custody of the
Court, and through his efforts, Marsh
finally surrendered, came into Court,
pleaded guilty, and Is now serving
sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary.
1t did not cost the Government one
dollar to collect the money from Mr.
Wanamaker nor dil it cost the Govern
ment anything to search for Marsh.
After the return of Marsh Mr.. Wan
amaker asked the Government to re
turn the money he had given as surety
$4,000. 1t was found that the
money could only be returned through
an act of Congress- An immediate eff
fort was made to have a bill passed to
this effect, and the bill was passed Fri
day.
Mr.. Wanamaker received only $50,
900, the amount of the bond but moth
ing for expenses incurred for Marsh S
return.
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
ANNUAL W. c. T. U. RECEPTION.
%iII be Held Monday Week at the Home Of
Mrs. Joseph L. Beckett.

The Smyrna W. G. T. u. will hold a
reception Monday evening, March
18th, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth
Beckett. The time chosen for our an.
nual social event was in consideration
of the brief stay of Bishop Eos ter and
his family in Smyrna and the pro-
spectiVe removal of two members of
the Union.
The Press Superintendent also re-
ports that the meeting for collection of
Comfort Bags at the home of Mrs. Mary
S. FAIRIES Monday afternoon was plea
SAINT and encouraging on account of
the number of bags given, which it is
thought may vet exceed thirty. The
members Of the Union are grateful to
the ladies outside of the Union who
gave well filled bags for the comfort Of
the boys in blue, and appreciate the
gift of two dozen Testaments from a
Dover friend.
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
UNINTERESTING TOWN ELECTION.
All the Members Reelected Except John Raw
ley, Who is Succeeded By DR.. T. c.
MOOre-Very Small Vote POIIed.

The Annual Town Election was held
Monday and was uninteresting to
marked degree, there only being a
total of % votes cast, an sverage of
to each district. The only contest,
and it can hardly be considered con-
test, was in the First District, where
DR.. 7. G. Moore defeated John Raw
ley for councilman by two votes, the
total vote in that district being only
three. There was no p olitical interest
whatever in the election.
The council stands as follows First
Ward-Dr. T. c. Moore; Second Ward
s. J. Reynolds; Third Ward-H. B.
Grieves; Fourth rd-Joseph H.
Wright; Fifth Ward-E. NJ. Fowler;
Sixth Ward-J. G. Robinson. H. S.
Anthony. W. H. Carr was elected as
SCISSOR and V. E. Cooper Town Trea-
surer.
Smyrna times., 1901-02-27
CLASSIFIED ASSESSMENT PLAN.
Much Talk Among the Members of the A.
o. U. W. In Wilmington.

The classified assessment plan adOp-
ted by the Grand Lodge of Delaware
A. o. U. w. at the recent session in
Smyrna has caused much talk among
the members of the order in Whining
ton. There is much dissatisfaction,
but the officers say that this will be over
come when the members understand
the plan fully.
The classified assessment will go
into effect on July 1 but will begin
with all new members joining after
March 1. The new rate of assessment
will be as follows on $1,000: Ages 1S
to "a years, 60 cents the 1000; % to
80, IS cents; 80 to "a, 70 cents; 80 to 80
So cents; 40 to A, $1,O1; As to 40, $1.31
so and over SITS, with a guarantee as
sessment of from to IA cents to be
added.
There are many $4,000 policies in
Wilmington most of them being for that
amout. For those holding the $4,000
policies the above rate will be doubled.
By this plan the officers expect to get
many young members, as their assess
ment will be smaller than at present.
On the other hand many of the older
members are dissatisfied.