davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
AMSDEN'S MILITARY BAND.
VIII Furnish Music at the Inaugural Cere.
monies al washington.

Old friends Of A. d. Amsden, director
of Alma's popular band years ago, will
read with great deal of interest the
following item from Sundays Detroit
Free Press:
Amsden's Third Regiment Military
band of Menomnee will, in all
probability. be one of the Michigan
musical organizations to be honored
with an important part in the cere-
monies at Washington, on March a.,
incident to the Inauguration Of William
Howard Taft as president of the United
States.
The band has wide reputation, and
the citizens of Menominee and the
upper peninsula generally are interested
in the movement which is on foot to
accord it an honor richly deserved, in a
summons to Washington, on March 4,
as one of the representative military
bands of the United States.
Congressman H. Olin Young, of the
Twelfth congressional district, in which
Menominee is situated, is one of the
three members of the committee on
Inauguration ceremonies appointed by
Speaker Cannon, and this, coupled with
the splendid qualifications of this
organization may be taken as an assur-
ance that it will he heard in Washing
ton on Inauguration day.
Amsdens band is we'll known through
out the state as one Of the best musical
organization in Michigan.
Prof. Arthur Amsden, the leader, is
musician of rare talent and one of the
best cornet soloists in the count try. His
skill as a leader and his genius for
music have been developed by many
years of experience.
Under his leadership it may be ex-
pected that the Third Regiment band
will eclipse in the future the proudest
achievements of its past.
When Prof. Amsden decided TO accept
the permanent leadership of the band it
was clear that he considered the talent
available sufficient to make the band
rank among the best in the United
States, and he is more than fulfilling
the expectations of the public.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14

Last Saturday was Miss Esther
Rhodes sixth birthday and to ceIe-
brate the event she invited ten of her
girl friends and four boys to her home
for the afternoon, from four to FIVE.
The girls all brought dolls and
the Rhodes home was a scene of
merriment and jolly good cheer until
the refreshment hour, 400 p. m.
When the youngsters entered the
dining room miniature Christmas
trees lighted with wax tapers greeted
them. while the table was loaded wit h
good things to tempt the appetite of
children. After refreshments the chill
dren left for their homes. all declar-
ing Miss Esther an local entertainer
and the afternoon one of the pleasant
est ever enjoyed.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
LEASES The VERMUELEN STORES.
". ". PiersOn Of Fremont Comes TO Alma
March First.

W. W. Pierson of Fremont, has leased
the three ground floors of the Vermuellen
block, formerly occupied by the Lee
Mercantile Company. Mr.. Persons
lease is for term of years. He will
take possession March first, 1909.
Mr.. Blumrosen, the present tenant,
vacates the building by the terms of his
lease February i. Immediately there
after gang of workmen will commence
work OH the store rooms putting them in
shape for Mr. Pierson who intends con-
Quoting an up-to. dete department store.
The stock will be new throughout
and the best the market offers. Mr..
Pierson is a wideawake, thorough going
business man and the citizens of Alma
and the surrounding country are to be
congratulated on the fact that the Ver-
muellen block has been leased by the
above named gentleman. Mr.. Persons
present residence is Fremont, but with
his family he will after March /, be a
resident of Alma.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
Obituary.

Mrs. Sarah J. Bryant Katenhus was
born in the state of New York, Aug. IA,
1884, and died at her home near Forest
Hill, Mich, Dec 30, 1908, aged "a years,
months and l5 days. The funeral
services were held from the residence
Thursday afternoon. being conducted
by Elder Bussing of St. Louis and in
terment in Riverside cemetery, Alma.
On Nov. 21, 1857 she was married to
John III. Katenhus. They lived in New
York until 1865, going to Sandusky
county, Ohio. where they lived until
1884, when they meved to Forest Hill.
She was the mother of five children.
Dora NJ, James H., George F., John r.
and w. @. Katenhus, who are left with
her aged husband to mourn her depar-
ture. 1t is a consolation to know that
after many years of suffering the dear
mother is
Beyond the doubts and hopes and fears,
Beyond the cares and joys and tears,
Beyond the smiling and the weeping.
Beyond the waking and sleeping.
Our loved one rests in slumber deep.
In silent and eternal sleep.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
LESTER THOMAS GONE.
Alma R. F. D. Carrier Suddenly Drops
Out Of Sight.
LEAVES FAMILY WITHOUT WORD
Is Straight with POstoffIce Department But
Had Several Creditors,

Rural Mail Carrier Lester Thomas, OF
route l., is gone. He left Alma last We'd
nesday night leaving no word of where
he was going. He did leave message
through other parties, asking them to
notify his wife he would be away and
for her to drive the route. That is all
that is known.
Carrier Thomas is not short in his
accounts with the government and there
is no reason why he should leave on
that account. He did leave several
obligations and two of his creditors,
Charles Harleck and j. l.. Miller have
seized his automobile to secure them
selves. Mr. Harleck paid note signed
by Thomas which came due Friday and
OH which, he, Harleck, was the endorser
Thomas has wife and two children
here. His wife is bravely trying to
make the best of the situation, and is
driving the route every day. She is
left without any means and is face to
face with the difficult problem of caring
for her home and at the same time
supporting her family.
1t is surprise to many that Thomas
should leave. He had the reputation of
being a very quiet fellow and always
created good impression. 1t is also a
surprise that he should be involved in
financial difficulties. In the past three
years he has had from his fathers and
mothers estates combined about $l700.
Then his salary as carrier Nas 5000
year. He had contracted to buy the
house his family live in on Pine avenue
and has it partly paid for.
Postmaster c +. Brown has reported
his absence to the department and has
requested that his position be declared
vacant. The request will probably be
granted.
1t is rumored that Thomas was enam-
ored with woman living near Park
Lake, Mich. An officer went TO that
ce the first OF this week and found
that he had been there from Wednes-
day until Sunday when he left for parts
unknown.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
CHOSEN FOR SECOND TERM.
John Dunham viii Lead for Alma in Sta te
Contest.

John Durham has again won the
much coveted honor OF representing
Alma college in the State contest which
takes place at Kalamazoo in a few
weeks. This year the honor was
even harder to win than ever, Mr. Duh-
ham facing four friendly rivals Monday
evening at the college oratorical contest,
all of whom proved themselves worthy
opponents. But this only reflects more
credit on Mr.. Durham.
Last year he represented Alma in the
state contest and secured third positien
Those who heard him then and again on
Monday night are confident he will do
much better this year. This confidence
should stimulate Mr.. Dunham to still
greater effort to prove his worthiness.
Alma college will be well represented
by him and without doubt the thought
of winning added laurels for Alma will
spur him to his best effort. All join in
wishing him success.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14

DelaVan & Co., are advertising their
annual reduction sale in this issue of
the Record. This sale opens Monday
and continues for two weeks. 1t is a
genuine reduction sale and the firm Of
Delavan guarantee this. For years it
has been their policy TO do exactly what
they advertise to do. This square deal
policy has enabled them TO build up a
substantial, increasing business and a
host of friends. The result is the public
have confidence in them and the name
Delavan is a guarantee of value received
for your money. This sale will be con-
Quoted on the same policy.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
AGED ELM HALL MAN DEAD.
John HoIIey Survives His Faithful Wife Only
Few Short Weeks.

John Holley, of Elm Hall, died at his
home in that village Saturday, Jan. s..
The funeral was held Sunday. Rev.
6allop officiated.
Mr.. Holley had been i'll for long
time, suffering greatly from asthma and
dropsy. Often for weeks at a time he
would be unable to lie down. His aged
wife, who nursed him so faithfully,
died month ago completely worn out
by her care Of him. They had no chill
dren or relatives to assist them.
Mr.. ard Mrs. Holley lived in Elm Hall
over thirty-fve years and we're highly
respected by all.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14

Rev. ]. II. Carmichael. the minis
ter who was suspected of being the
murderer of Gideon Browning in the
little country church in st Clair in
county, took his own life at Garth
age. ILL.,. Monday forenoon. He reach
ed the Illinois village last Friday
and as he alighted from the train in
quired for a boarding place. He
claimed to be cabinet maker and
told the woman at whose house he was
STAYING that his name was John Elder.
He spent most of the time in his room
though he was about town occasional
ly. but his actions did not arouse any
suspicion. Monday morning. soon
after breakfast. he went to the toilet
and slashed his throat with a pocket
knife. and from the effects of the
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
FARMERS CLUB MEETS.
MId-wInier DOlngs In Busy Seville Township.
Big Revival Meeting on at Seville Center.

What is the use in going TO California
when you can have such beautiful
winter weather in Michigan. The
Seville and Sumner Farmers club had
an enjoyable day at the pleasant home
of Mr. and Mrs. L. Ferris last week.
The delegates that attended the State
Association, Edward Gee and Myron
Potter, gave an interesting account of
the Lansing meeting. The next meet.
ing will be held at the Linwood farm.
she home of Mr.. and Mrs. Gus Gulick
in Sumner.
This is the second week of series OF
revival meetings being held at the
Center church. Elder Tanner is being
assisted in his work by an evangelist,
who is an able speaker.-D. Il. Abbott
is busy numbering at Halfmoon lake.
Harry Moffett, son of John Moffett was
taken seriously i'll last week with what
proved to be appendicitis. He was
taken to Brainerd hospital, where an
operation was performed. Reports from
there say he is improving. Joseph
Button has sold his place to Harry
Miller and expects to soon move north
of Bay City, where he has purchased a
new farm. Walter Humphrey, SON.
in-law of Mr. Button, moved into the
same section last fall and now Arthur
and Herbert are going. They all ex-
pect, as everybody does, to better their
condition by making the change.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
TAX COLLECTIONS GOOD.
Only Ten Per Cent Remain Uncollected-
Alma's Big Taxpayers.

Saturday was the last day for the
payment of taxes ut the city treas
urer's Office without interest. Those
who paw now are obliged to nay fouh
per cent interest. City Treasurer
Schwartz has done we'll in the last
month, having collected in over
$40, 900 in taxes. The total tax
levy this year was $45, 8sl. Al. This
leaves only a little over ten per cent.
of the roll uncollected. This exceeds
last years record.
Last week was the big week of the
month. In.the six days ending Satur-
day. S2s, 1872 was paid in. The record
dav was January 5, when the total
receipts for the day reached $12, Oil. 63.
Saturday was also pretty good day.
over 81, 900 being received.
Some of the big taxpayers are as
follows:-Alma Sugar Co., S9,377
Alma Grain & Lumber Co., s., ,466 :
Alma Manufacturing Co., 81 ,485 :
Alma SanitaIium, 81 ,2l5: j. II. Lanca-
shire & Co.. 81, 1888; First State Bank,
81 1874; A. W. Wright, 81 ,035: Alma
Realty Co. $9ls; Alma State Savings
Bank. 5000: Central Michigan Pro-
duce Co. SS10; M. Pollssky, $500; !;
Mrs. A. w. Wright, $50: Lee
Co. $40; Frank Pollasky,
$444; S. Messenger, S422; Mayor
King, s422; Horr q Gibbs, $41s.
1t is interesting to compare the pres
ent city tax levy with. that of 30 years
ago, when the villgae taxes totaled a
little over 1920 Today the same
levy is really 40 times as great. The
monev received on one day, January 5,
last week was ten times as great
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
SKAIED INTO THE RIVER
Harry VOught Skates Into UnprOtect-
ed Hole Made by Ice GathererS.
RESCUED BY COMPANIONS
Gross Negligence on the Part Of SsWs One
whose Duty II Is to Enforce the Law.

Skating on Pine river during the
past two weeks has been the best known
for years and every afternoon and even
ing hundreds of Alma young people
have enjoyed the exhiliarating sport.
Among others Harry Vought was last
Friday evening enjoying the sport
on the ice above the ice house, when,
without warning. he went off into fif-
teen feet of water through an opening
in the ice made by ice harvesters. His
lusty cries attracted the attention OF
Carl Delavan and Fenton Fishback, whs
Immediately hastened to the spot where
Vought had disappeared, and after some
hustling and hard work landed their
man on solid ice. Mr.. Vought immedia-
telv hastened for dry clothes and thus
far has suffered no i'll effects from his
sudden immersion. The hole into which
Mr.. Vought skated is said to have been
40 feet across, and absolutely unprotect-
ed as required by law. Section one Of
Act 121 of sthe public acts of Michigan
says:
SECTION 1. That it shall be the duty
of any person or persons who are, or
who hereafter may be, engaged in the
procuring of ice from any of the streams
ponds or lakes of this State to erect, or
cause to be erected, place, or cause to be
placed, at or near all places where they
shall be cutting ice, suitable danger
signals and barricades. Such barricades
shall consist of cross bars upon which a
pole, rope, chain or rail shall be laid at
a height not less than three feet above
the ice and shall be placed not less than
ten feet from the edge of the opening.
SEC. 2. 1t shall be the duty of the
harbor master at all places where there
Is such an official having control of q
stream or lake within this State, and
where there is no such an official hav-
ing control as aforesaid, it shall be the
duty of the supervisor or other assessing
officer III whose assessment district such
stream or lake issituated to see that the
provisions of section one of this act
are complied with.
SEC. g. Any person or persons whe
shall neglect or refuse to comply with
provisions of this act shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall.
upon conviction thereof, be punished bv
Imprisonment in the county Jail not
more than three months, or by fine not
exceeding one hundred dollars. or bv
both such fine and Imprisonment, in the
discretion of the court.
SEC. 4. Act number one hundred OF
the public acts of eighteen hundred and
seventy-seven, entitled "Act to compel
parties engaged in securing ice to erect
danger Signals" being sections eleven
thousand five hundred twenty-five and
eleven thousand five hundred twenty
six OF the compiled laws of eighteen
hundred ninety.seven, is hereby ap-
pealed.
The above law would indicate that
some one was criminally careless in
leaving holes from which ice is taken
unprotected as required by law. The
above statute should be enforced to the
letter ard by 20 doing the lives of the
young people who enjoy skating on
Pine river protected.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
Surplus Increased Again.

The First State bank has increased its
surplus again by $1,000. The banks total
surplus is now S2S.00,. This increase
has been made in the last six months
and reflects the active growth of the
bank. Present plans of the board Of
directors include another increase in
the near future of $1,000. raising the
surplus to $50, 900 and making it equal
to the banks capital.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
CARMICHAEL HEES and KILLS HIMSELF
CONFESSED 70 KILLING GID. BROWNING.

wounds he died soon after noon. Be-
fore he made an attempt to take his
own life he addressed letter to the
st. CLAIR county sheriff and one &c
his wife, in booth of which he confess
ed to the killing of Browning, claim
ing the murdered man exerted a won :
derful influence over him.
Carmichael's remains were brought
to Michigan and burial will be made
at RomuIus, where a daughter was
buried few years ago.
Officers who have been working on
the case do not believe Carmichael's
story nor do they believe he was In
sane though they cannot find q motive
for his having committed such an
awful deed.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
FIREMAN CAPLE ENTERTAINS.


Fridav night Walter Caple entertain
ed the members of the Alma fire de-
partment with a spread and smoker
at his home. Mr.. Caple is retiring as
member of the department and the
affair was a sort of farewell party to
his comrades. Altogether it was big
success. the boys enjoinR themselves
to their hearts content. Mr.. and Mrs
Caple proved to be the most genial
kind of host and hostess and nothing
was lacking to make it a happy occas-
sion.
During the course of the evening the
guests sat down to an elaborate spread
furnished by Mrs. Caple. Fireman are
hearty eaters. nut Mrs. Caple has been
feeding one too long to be deceived and
she piled the good things on to the
table until every one had to.cry quits.
Cream Veal Patties.
.Escalloped Potatoes
Olives Celery
Bread and Butter
Fruit Salad Cake
Coffee
Cigars were passed around and talk
drifted back to the old time DAYS, be-
coming rich in "reminiscences and
anecdotes. Even before .anv realized it
the short hours had slipped awav and
the midnight hour was at hand. a sig
nal for the breaking up of the party.
The feature of the evening was the
presentation to Mr.. Caple of hand
some desk set by the members of the
department. The set is silver
mounted one and will make "a beauti-
full ornament to any desk. Mr.. Caple
was taken bv surprise as the gift was
entirely unexpected. and. in fact.
found it hard to express the gratifica-
tiop he felt upon its receipt. That he
was pleased. however. was quite evi.
dent. Mr.. Caple has been faithful.
loyal member of the department for
twelve long years and in that time he
has won for himself warm spot in the
hearts of all his fellow fremen. His
retirement. necessiated bv business,
is greatly regretted. All know. how
ever. that the department will ever
have loyal friend in Walter Caple.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
Separated tor Is Years.

Mr. and Mrs. B. II. Burns and daugh-
ter, Cora, and son, Ray, are listing at
the home of Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Burns. He is Mr. Burns brother and It
Is IS years since they last met His
present home is at coquelle, Ore. Both
he and the members of his family find
Michigan winter weather quite stren-
uous compared with that Of Oregon.
They.will be here for several days, go
ing then:to London. Can. to visit rels-
tives.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
Walkers Beanery Burns.

M. K. Walkers beanery at Shepherd
burned Saturday morning, The loss is
estimated at s., 900 with SO. 900 insurance
The building was owned by c. c. Fields,
democratic candidate for state senator
from this district at recent the fall cleo
ton. This is the second fire that has be
fallen Mr.. fields within the past few
years.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14

Frank Fountain and Frank Anderson,
both of st. Louis, have leased the build
ing adjoining the Wright house livery
barns: and have opened a blacksmith
and wagon shop. Both are experienced
men. Mr.. Fountain is blacksmith AID
Mr.. Anderson is wagon maker. The
latter has been in st. Louis for years
and is known all over the county for
his good workmanship. They will
make Alma their home, bringing their
families here in afew days.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14

The county road institute foi
Gratiot county will be held at ithaca.
on January 10. 1909, beginning at
1000 a. IN. Highway commissioners
in attendance will receive their ex-
penses and one days paw. Everyone
interested in this question of good
roadss is cordially Invited to attend.
The sessions will be held in the coun-
ty court house.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
EMPTY TREASURY.
6ratiOt County without Funds To
Pay Running Expenses.
WILL HAVE TO BORROW CASH.


The Gratiot county treasury is in
the same condition as the state treas
ury. 1t I is without funds. County
Treasurer Munson has stopped paying
orders. The supervisors had to take
their medicine along with the rest
and had to 90 home without their pay
for the January session.
There is no money in the contin-
gent fund. ont of which the running
expenses OF the county are paid, and
there has not been any since last
October. What orders have been paid
since that time has been out of monev
borrowed from the drain funds. That
is not the worst of It. however. for
Treasurer Munson saws 1t will take all
that is recei we'd on this winters taxes
and more. 10 replace that borrowed
from the drain fund. This means that
the countv will have to borrow enough
money to pay the running expenses for
a whole year. To meet this situation
the chairman of the Board of Super
yisors and County Clerk were instruct
cd by the Board to borrow the neces-
sary funds.
Last Friday Supervisor Henry Read
of Ithaca, introduced the following
resolution to the board:
Whereas. The stand taken by the
present County Treasurer in regard to
placing the funds of this county In
depository or repositories designated
by the hoard of supervisors seem to
be endorsed by the people of this
county at the last general election;
and whereas. the prosecution In the
case In the courts against said treas
urer in regard to the matter up to the
preseut time seems to prove to this
board that the County Treasurer can
not be compelled by law to deposit
the funds of the county in any deposit
tory designated bv the board of super
vlsors; and whereas. said case is being
conducted at large expense to the
people of this countv.. therefore be 1t
Resolved, That the case against the
present County Treasurer be discon-
tinued and the committee which was
appointed to see that the law In re-
gard to the matter is enforced. ana
the attorney that is employed by this
board 10 prosecute said case. be and
is hereby discharged from considera-
tion of the case.
The resolution was tabled and ont
Saturday an ATTEMPT was made to get
the matter taken up for discussion but
this was squelched. They had the
discussion. however and pretty
warm one over the matter.
The contract and bonds of the
Ithaca National Bank as the deposit
tory for the county funds were &C
cepted by the board.
The board turned down a recon-
mendation to enter into a contract
between E. p. Engleman and Ernest
Engleman to do the janitor work
and look after the : court house
grounds for $40 and $40 month re-
specTivelv.
The clerk, treasurer and judge of
probate were instructed to receive
bids until February !, 1909, and let
the job. Mr. Engleman and his son
formerly lived in this CITY, When
here he was ianitor at the Ward
school. He resigned last year to &C
cept the position of janitor at the
court house,
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-01-14
7. A. ELY APPOINTED.
Named by Gov. warner as Member Of MlChl
gan Soldiers Home Board.

Former State Senator Townsend A.
Ely of this city was among those named
in Gov. Warmers stare appointments
Tuesday. Mr.. Ely succeeds ID. b. X.
Van Raelte of Holland, on the board of
managers of the Michigan Soldiers
Home at Grand Rapids. Mr.. Ely was
rendered the position Of superintendent
of the home but declined.