davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
ISAAC W. VAN FOssEN.

People who have become acquainted
with this man only within the last few
years aud have visited. him 10 his home,
seeing him as he appears now leisure
little kuow and realize the busy life
that he led IN his younger days. He was
born il Livoria, n Y, IN the year 1876,
on the 24th day of July. His father was
a miller and was one Of the prominent
Young meu of that day. There were
eleven children in the family. The
father came to Michigan in 1929 pros
pectiug for location, but not until 1888
did he move his family here and take up
the responsibilities of pioneer. They
came by the ~av OF the Erie canal to
Buffalo and thence to Detroit by steam
boat. BY team they reached Jackson
county where they established their new
home.
Young Isaac was but seven years Of
age at this time, but later did what be
could to aid in the work of the farm,
hich consisted IF breaking up the land,
using au OK team to accomplish the
work After tne death of his mother IN
1889 be went to Jackson and afterWard
secured employ ment in the Jackson
Democrat, which was IN time absorbed
by the jackson Patriot. Here he served
his apprenticeship and this WAS the
small beginning of his large experience
in newspaper business, having been 40
employe of the Toledo Blade and also the
Detroit Advertiser Mr., Van Fossen
was very clever with his pen, having
written many articles for publication
that attracted the public eye. A story
dealing with the situation existing be-
tween the two tribes of Indians, the OF
tawas and Potta watamies, which had
been at war, was read with the greatest
interest and was credit to bis versa.
tility.
About the year l849 be went to Green.
vile, Montcalm county, and established
trading post. His business was largely
with the Indians, and he dealt in furs,
skins OF deer, red and gray, exchanging
for them jewelry, the most gaudy to at
tract the eye OF the people with whom
be dealt. He also sold them knives,
calico and numerous CO nmodities, USE
full and otherwise. Mr.. Van Fossen in
this way and by observation Of the In
dian life and characteristics became ia
millar with them and can tell many in.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
Stories of Long Ago

terestiug things of his personal expert.
euce with the red man.
In 1854 John Il. Baker who was then
district attorney Of Van Buren, county.
vas sent to Detroit by the business men
o! Paw Paw to secure man to manage
the Paw Paw Free Press, which they
had recently acquired. Mr.. Van Fosseu
was recommended to him by reliable
men 10 Detroit as the right man for the
place ana the result of the conference
which followed was that he bought the
plant and assumed the management. In
1898 his Office was destroyed by fire, but
he bought new material and continued
the publication OF this paper until he
sold his interest 10 1878 and left the
state. Paw Paw had a strong hold upon
him, however, and he returned here and
was in the harness of journalism until
be retired from active business in 1902
His newspaper career covers period of
80 years, and be is therefore Interested
in the fate OF all newspaperdom in
general.
Mr. Van Fossen was married in 1888
who, 1t is interesting to know, was the
first white girl born in this town aud
which was at that time called Lafayette.
lie has been very prominent in the
politics Of the earlier history of the
county and still enjoys little discussion
of topics bearing on the subject, but has
taken no active part in it for some years
He took his first degree in Masonry in
lS49, and has been a member OF the Paw
Paw lodge since 1855. He is also a
Knight Templar. n
Mr.. Van Fossen still lives in the home
that be established at the time of his
marriage. DR.. Verne, his daughter, is
his constant companion and the two
make their home convenient place to
drop in for chat.
Eighty-six years Of usefulness and ac-
tivity is record to be proud of. The
subject OF this sketch at this age is
erect, alert, and walks down town for
his mail, striking gait that would put
some younger people TO test. Having
lived an out door life when young and
being always employed with head and
hand is one of the requisites of long life
as expressed by this we'll preserved man.
Eighty-six years OF effort to help build
common wealth and to help keep the
procession moving May the coming
generations exemplify his example.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
LOCAL TRAPPERS
DO GOOD BUSINESS
Fur Bearing Animals Still to Be Found
Along the River and Prices are
Better than Formerly.

The decline OF fur bearing animals has
caused the price OF furs to advance in
the same ratio as eggs and butter. Our
local trappers, "Tip" Showerman and
Will Pike still have their line of traps on
the river and as long as the river is open
they may be seen padding their canoes
anywhere between here aud Lawrence,
gathering in the mink aud muskrat.
The latter has now become a delcacy
and Zip" can supply ny one who
wishes rat pie with nicely dressed
water chickens. The pelts, which form
erly sold for 10 cents, now bring 70
cents, and the difference in price makes
up for the smaller catch. Occasionally
the trappers diffuse perfume that
makes altar OF roses go into cold stor-
age, and then you know that $500
skunk has come their way. Take 1t all
together there seems to be as much mon
el in the game as when the forest which
covered this locality literally swarmed
with fur clad animals.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
Van Buren, County Repre-.
sentation to Be Decided
by Legislative Body.
ASK FOR RECOUNT OF BALLOTS
Both Simpson and KnoIIs Ready TO
Contest Election of Representative
Weidenfeller.

The following fiom the Hartford Day
Spring would seem to irdicate that the
legislative fight in Van Buren county is
~.pot yet-over with:
"That the legislative fight in Van Bu-
ren county, which waxed warm follow
ing the election in November owing to
the close vote poled by the candidates
OF the three leading parties, is not yet
ended is evidenced by the activities 81
the democratic and progressive party
leaders who are planning 10 carry the
sontest To the Legislature in January
and ask for a recount Of the votes in the
county. -
The official result OF the election, as
determined by the board OF county can.
Yassers resulted in the election of G. A.
Weidenieler of Bloomingdale, who pollcd
2,3l5 votes as compared with 2,299 votes
east for the Democratic cand dldate, Fred
l.. Simpson Of Hartford, and 2,2S9 for
the Progressive nominee, Fred IA. Kuoils
of Hamilton.
When the result was made known Mr..
Simpson filed petition for a recount of
the ballots with the board OF county
eanvassers, but the petition was denied.
he is now informed by prominent mem
oers of the Democratic state central
committee, as we'll as by friends of AL
fred Lucking of Detroit, the Democratic
candidate for United States senator, that
they stand ready to assist him in carry.
ing the cor test into the legislature when
il convenes in January, which Is the only
method by which a recount may now
be had.
That the Progressives will join in con-
testing the election of Representative
Weldenfeler when the legislature con-
venes next week is probable. Candidate
Knolls of Hamilton Is reported as stating
last week that the state central commit
lee of the Progressive party was plan.
Aing to carry a petition to the legisla
ture asking for recount of the votes in
bis behalf
Politicians Of all three political parties
are agreeing that il both the Democratic
and Progressive Influence is brought to
bear at the opening Of the legislature, il
will prove sufficient to unlock the ballot
boxes in Van buren county and cause a
recount OF the votes cast for member OF
the state legislature.
What the tinal result may be is prob.
Iematical, bat the democrats are insist.
ing that the ballot boxes have a surprise
in store for the people OF the county
when recount is made. They hold to
the theory that numerous votes cast for
Simpson were overlooked by the election
boards and that a more careful examin.
alton Of the ballots will show that suffi
cient number of Republican voters
splt their tickets for the Democratic
candidate to result in his election.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
COURIER ISSUES
CREO|TABLE NUMBER

The Free Press and Courier came out
last week with all its holiday togs Its
columns were trimming over with bar
gains set in a neat, attractive way aud
was credit to the proprietor Of the pa
per and also to his faithful working
force. 1t is not possible for advertisers
to thoroughly appreciate the effort re-
quired to get out "a page paper, for
the details that mean hours OF labor are
lost upon the average reader, but il, af-
ter all the tedious drudgery of complet-
ing the composition and presenting it
to the public, the advertiser will refrain
from utterlng this heart sickenipg SEN
tence: "It never paid me to advertise,
the poor printer will feel we'll repaid for
the work, worry and physical and men.
tai fag of the undertaking.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
EVERYTHING READY
FOR PARCELS POST
system Will Be Installed on January
First, at Which Time Stamps Will
-, BE on Sale.

Postmaster Wake man announces that
everything is in readiness for the install
lation OF the parcels post system. There
until patrons become thoroughly familiar
with the provisions of the aw/ Follow
ing 1 are some of the things tg0e rom'm-
After January Isl all fourth class mail
matter (merchaDdise) sent through the
mails must bear Parcels Post Stamp.
Ordinary postage stsmps will not be &C.
cepted.
Packages will be received for dispatch
not exceeding eleven pounds 10 weight
nor greater in size than ~ inches in
length and girth combined, nor in form
or kind likely to injure the person OF
any employee or damage the mail equip
ment or other mail matter, and not of a
character perishable within a period
reasonably required for transportation
and delivery. Parcel post stamps will
be placed on sale January first.
The new parcels posts stamps are a
work OF art. They are red in color and
are much larger than the ordinary stamp.
They represent life of activity
and show plainly that Uncle Sam believes
10 hustling The one cent stamps bear
picture OF postoffice clerk at work
the two cent stamps likeness OF city
carrier, the four cent stamps likeness oi
a rural mail carrier, the five cent stamps
a mail train, the 10 cent stamps mai
steamship and the % cent stamps rep
resent the manufactures.
This system will tend largely to bring
the manufactures and the consumer ir
closer touch and will make "market days
less OF dread. The telephone ano
parcels post simplfies commerce to sucf
an extent that we will be able at no fal
distant day to dispense all together witt
the laborIous task OF having to Ego t.
town" whether we can spare the time
or not, but can simply give our order t
our favorite merchant over the phon
and he will deliver our goods 10 time 10
dinner.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
H. C. WATERS & Co.
ONE OF THE BEST
Well-Known Hardware Store Has
County-W Wide Reputation. One of
Paw Paws Solid Institutions.

10 making the rounds of the various
business establishments OF Paw Paw,
one can hardly fail to be impressed with
the magnitude of the hardware house Of
II. G.. Waters IL Co., The average town
Of the SIZE of Paw Paw hardly contains
business house of such dimensions,
and when We reflect that the present
large establishment is the outcome Of
years OF successful business career right
here, we can but conclude that good
business methods, coupled with a desire
to serve the pubic honestly, with goods
that are guaranteed as represented, will
win out in the long run.
The firm of Ii. &. Waters Il Co. was
established in 1893, succeeding to the
business of J. III. Waters & Co. who first
engaged in business in Paw Paw in a
small way in the year 1889 The trans
fer to their present large and commodi-
Gus store was made in 1896.
There are certain we'll established
rules of business, which, il followed
scrupulously and without deviation, will
lead to ultimate success. These are not
necessarily OF hsckneyed nature, as
new ideas ia the business world are be.
Jog promulgated every day-but it is
the answering fidelity to certain princi
pies, once inaugurated, that counts. To
guarantee ones goods doesn't amount to
much unless the merchant is willing to
stand behind such guarantee with dol.
lars end cents, aud this is something II
&. Waters IL Co. have a habit OF doing
The hardware business may be con
sidered as different from almost any
other line OF mercantile business, in that
there is necessarily handled such vari
ETY. of products and to be able to select
judiciously in buying his stock require.
a knowledge far beyond that possessed
by the merchant who carries but a sin
gle line of goods. This firm prides it
self on having this knowledge and dem
onstrates it in a practical way. The,
know that the best they can buy will
give the most satisfaction in the long rur
and quality, not cheapness, is what il
looked for by the better class Of buyers
Their slogan, "Talk to Waters" j
we'll known In Van Buren, county ant
Van Buren, county people have learuet
that when they are in doubt regardin,
hardware, to talk to Waters will sc
them right. That they have the mos
complete line OF hardware in Van Burel
county goes without saying, sud thei
constantly increasing sales demonstrate
their popularity.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
CORN IMPROVEMENT ASSOC'N

The Michigan Corn Improvement
Association will hold its ninth annual
show a. the Western Normal, Kaiama-
zoo, January 8 to IL, inclusive.
1t has created three divisions in the
Junior Class-from 8 to IL years, IL to 10
and 10 to 20 years Of age, and a sweep.
stake.
Valuable prizes will be given ia each
division. All boys and girls are req uest.
ed to have their corn 10 by January l.
The program will begin January 7 and
continue four days. One day will be an
alfalfa growers experience meeting, led
by Mr.. A. K. Potts. Another day will
be given to the consideration OF our
prairie, rolling and soils, and the third
will be given to Juvenile Education.
The boys and girls who grew corn tho
past summer for the county contest con
Quoted by the commissioner of school,
are eligible to enter this contest.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
MOI SO BAD As II LOOKS

y Charles Varney, junior, was hurt on
the ice the first OF the week. A game
of hockey was in progress and Charles
happeued to be lying face downward
trying probably to see the fish, or possi-
bly, resting on his ee, when someone
landed on his heaF The explanation OF
Rev. @. E. of fhe situation 10 this:
young Charles thought his nose would
stand the strain, but the ice was the
strongest" The contest over, DIR. Max
we'll got busy with adhesive plaster and
decorated the young man; anyway his
nose occupies the center field where it
should, instead OF following it's own in
clination.
The hurt is not really very serious, but
he could probably have selected q more
pleasant pastime had he known what
was to be. Hockey, thou art snare.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
DETAINED BY ILLNESS.

Mr.. and Mrs. Roscoe Broughton we're
planning on family reunion on Christ
mas day, but were disappointed and
much grieved to receive news that their
grandson, little Dick Roach, who is al
Nazareth Academy, Kalamazoo, was de.
Isined there on account of sickness
The nature of the illness is fever and
the precaution had to be taken ever
though it does not result seriously.
Little Dick has many friends here
where he is so we'll known tina. will be
sorry to hear this report. His mother
who, is also in Kalamazoo, did not come
over on account Of this.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
PECULIAR ACCIDENT
To HARTFORD LADY

A rather peculiar accident happened
in Hartford last week when Mrs Ii. n.
Robertson, wife OF jeweltr in that town
was shot through the leg by 80 caliber
revolver which was lying on the counter
1t had been covered in some way by a
book and Mrs. Robertson picked the
book ~ and the revolver fell to the floor
striking 10 such manner as to discharge
it.
The bullet lodged in her ankle. Nc
bones were broken but the wound never.
theless was quite painful.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
COMING ONE BY ONE.

= Miss lone Reynolds came from Con
nersylle, Iud., last Saturday to spend
the holiday vacation with her parents
and frien 3. The rest of the clan are
expected tie last of the week This is
the only tirne 10 the year that the family
are together snd II good time is always
A famffIar figure haunts the grocery
stores as the genial Wint peeks around
looking for good things for those kids to
eat, aud sooner or later he can be seen
facing the east with his basket on his
arm, chuck full. They will have their
family gathering next Saturday.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
TO ATTEND INAUGURATION.

Messrs. Krieble and Van Niman, the
contest men who were with us short
time ago, are putting on a contest for
the Ravenna Republican published at
Ravenna. Ohio. The prizes are to be
six trips to the national capital and re.
turn, expenses all paid and chaperou
to conduct the sight seeing excursion.
This will be a splendid opportunity for
the young ladies to win rare prize. 1t
means education and a chance to see
some OF the historical places that are of
such great interest. The trip is to be
at the time Of the presidents Inaugural
ton.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
CHRISTMAS EXERCISES.

There were the usual exercises in all
the churches in the village last Tuesday
evening, consisting of recitations, songs
and tree filed with presents to delight
the children. All of the Sunday schools
drew lsrge~crosd5 and their programs
were all good4 The children were all
happy a, d that'makes the rest OF the
world happy.
Santa Claus is always welcome Wis
itor aud never disappoints rs.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
SERIOUSLY ILL.

Henry Sage, while about the house
last Monday had an attack OF paraly sis.
He was, for the time being, unable to
speak and was for several hours in a
helpless condition. lie regained con.
sciousness and is somewhat improved
at this time.
Mr.. Srge u nearly 10 years OF age and
unable to rally from such an attack as
readily as younger man.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
EXTENDS WELCOME.

Having purchased the Racket store
business from Mr.. Weston we desire to
extend a welcome to the old customers,
as we'll as new, to make our store your
dqusrters. We will endesvor to con-
duct the business along the same lines
as has been done heretofore. Come 10,
and let US get acquainted.
j. V. SMITH,
Prop'r the Racket store.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
MUSICAL TREAT.

An Entertainment to be given at the
Lee school house, December %, at 8
o'clock p. ~ Following is the program:
Romeo and Juliet ,---------- Bel.inl
Poet and Peasant, nt,-------------Su Suppe
Tancrede, Rossiin ni
Will be rendered by piano -four hands,
two violins and a cornet. Mr.. Byrn Of
Ypsilanti will play quadrilIe and other
beautiful solos, The Pink Tea party
by the Ladies' Gee club will surely make
you laugh. Admission, 25C.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
COUNTY MICHIGAN FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 1872
A Happy NelU Year

We take it for granted that the readers of
this paper enjoyed Merry Christmas; no0 for a
Happy Neo Year. Can zoe but start in right
uuhen the nep year oUertakes u.s. it UiH be easier
to keep right. IF health be ours what does it
not. is fortunate that zoe neOer reach the point
tvhere uOe uUant nothing more. Let strriUe for
uUhat uve failed to reach last year-there
only trUeIUe months in the coming year--the
same as Last-ond haze much to
con,piish.
The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1912-10-16
HIGH COST OF IiNi\t,
DIR. 10 i\DiA iDt NJ.
Meme, Haiticr TO get aud Brought
More in Past Years, Declares
fhe Governor.

Austin, Texas, Oct &c In TO-
ply to the New York Times request
for his opinion as to the ractic-
ability of President Tatt's plan to
reduce the cost of living. Coy Col
quit wired
i have received your telegram
asking me for an expression on the
practicabi1ity and effectiveness Of
President Taft's plan 10 reduce the
cost Of living as outlined by him in
a letter 10 the Governors,
q have not received such a COM
munieation from the President and
therefore co not know his plan.
Texas is IN agricultural and
stock raising state. During the
period covered from 1899 to 1896
cotton was bringing from 10 : 1ac
per pound, really less than the
cost of productions. Ger, cGts and
wheat We're cheap, and times were
very hard among the agricultural
classes generally. Money was high
and difficult to secure dollar
purchased much more than it will
purchase now. Money is more
plentiful now than it was then and
easier to secure cotton is bringing
a better price, so is corn, wheat.
oats and hay, and all other things
produced by the agricultural class
es. 1t is the farmer who produces
the real wealth OF the Nation. and
when he gets good price for the
product of his labor money is gen
orally plentiful, the banks are full
Of money and the wheels OF indus
try are kept going. OF course. those
classes of our citizenship who pro-
duce 10 original wealth are af-
fected by the high cost OF living
but the general results OF the high
cost of living are good for the
country at large.
III discussing this question, no. :.
The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1912-10-16
\ ANDERRlET iND SlEt TIL;
FUNNY WINDSOR SYUItN .
American Father OF Duchess OF
Marlborough Gives Eve Cents
to Man and Then Apologies.

London, Oct IL The London
clubs sfe enjoying new story
about ". K Vanderbilt who has
been staying With his daughter,
the Duchess Of MARLBOROUGH, dur
ing part of his annual holiday,
II is the custom Of the criminal
Investigation department OF Scot
land I'd to watch and protect dis
tinguished strangers who happen 10
be visiting London OF the chief re-
sorts during the holiday season or
on the occasion Of some big public
function, SO as to warn Off the
army of crooks and pickpockcts who
pay special attention to foreigners,
and especially rich Americans
The story goes that Mr., Wander
bilt went down TO the Windsor races
accompanied BY ais young son. and
presently observed q spruce and
smartly set up man paying him
what he considered too close at
tentlon. Knowing a good deal about
the shady characters who frequent
rae, tracks the millionaire wa 'ked
up to The man and, thinking he had
spotted an undesirable" remark
cd Gee, Young fellow you're
wasting your time Here is ) cents
All | have about me; now get
When the police officer produced
his credentials Vanderbilt came
near blushing as he apologizcd.
The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1912-10-16
\ FORT WORTH MAN -
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.
" iliiam cain Meets Death While
Cleaning and otling HIS Weapon.

Fort Worth. Texas Oct Is, -
William Cain aged "a years, was
accidentally shot and Killed al his
home. 251S Mckinney avenue. about
oe1oek yesterday afternoon
He lived there with his daushter,
Mrs ] II. Booth. whose husband
travelling man is out OF the city.
Mr. Booth had gone to The city on
soHe business GRAND and Cain was
aeHe at their home He had taken
his pistol and shotgun into the yard
10 clean Them He had cleaned, oil
ed and laid aside the pistol aud
then undertook to clean the gun
The supPosttioH is that he thought
the gun unloaded and With the
Safety oil. The outside Of tac
gun had been cleaned and oiled and
lie had The Faarod, with an oiled
rag attached Nit hwhc hio clean
the bore OF the gun. From the po-
sitiou Of tho gun II is believed the
Jar against Wooden walk, near
which he stood, caused the discharge
Of the gun. The charge struck hlIa
under the chin and passed ore Of
the top of the head y neighbor
vino heard the report turned and
SAW Cain rs be VAS falling. Cain
WIS dead when his body WIS reach