davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
LIGHTNING ROD CASES
SETTLED
Somerset County Farmers Have Been
Much Interested In the Outcome

A basis for settlement seems to
have been arrived at in the
now famous Lightning Rod
cases which have been pending
against several citizens of this county,
John Loberg of Athens one of the
number, has paid sc per cent of the
makers claim for a full discharge of
their demands against him. This
pays the lightning rod people about
the value of their metal and erection
and does not give them anything for
the insurance feature which was sup
posed to be included In the trade. The
claim of the farmers was that this
insurance was of no value, hence they
were firm in their refusal to pay any
thing for it.
The history of these cases should
warn everyone to be very cautious
about singing contracts unless they
fully understand them. So far as
possible, it is we'll to avoid signing
any contract offered by a stranger.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
TALENTED MUS|C|AN
PERFORMED
At the Morrison Concert in the Con-
gregatiOnal Church Last Friday
Evening

With splendid violin selections ex-
quisitely played and with a finely
developed baritone voice, Don Morri =
son again appeared before a Skowhe
gan audience, Friday evening, after a
winters absence spent studying in
London. Many of the compositions
played were original and Skowhegan
was exceedingly proud of her talented
young musical artist. For some time
Mr. Morrison has been studying voice
culture and his full baritone was most
expressive in the songs he sang.
Assisting on the program was Miss
Efiie Pooler of Waterville, a soprano
soloist, with a charming voice and
pleasing personality. Miss Mary
Emery, pianist, whose rare touch and
excellent selections were as delight
full as ever and Miss Edith Lewis the
well-known organist who rendered
difficult numbers in a manner por-
traying rare musical instinct.
The concert avs given under the
auspices of the Boys Press Club of
the Congregational Church.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
CONGRESSMAN FORREST
GOODWIN IS ILL
Taken Sick During the Day Saturday
and Is at Present in Portland for
Treatment

Congressman Forrest Goodwin who
came home last week from Washing
ton, to spend the Congressional re
cess, was taken suddenly i'll last Sat
urday while attending to business
duties in his Water street law Office,
to which he had repaired earlier in
the day in his usual health, A ply
sician was summoned and it was
deemed advisable to consult a spec
ialist, with the result that the Con-
gresham departed Sunday for Port
land, where it is reported he is i'm
proving.
Mr.. Goodwns illness is most i'm
opportune and his countless friends
are hoping for the early recovery
which now seems apparent
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
CHILDREN'S EVENING
Observed by Members of Priscilla Ne
bekah Lodge Tuesday Evening

The annual Childrens Meeting was
held Tuesday evening by the members
of Priscilla Rebekah Lodge with an
attendance of about $50 people. The
occasion was very charming one
the children furnishing a fine pro-
gram of recitations, song and music
The entertainment was very ably di-
rected by the teachers OF the Show
hegan public schools and they assist
ed in the games which followed A
dainty lunch of ices and waters was
served during the evening, Lambert
catering.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
MISS MARION ADAMS WINS MEDAL
At the W. c. T. L. Prize Speaking
Contest Held Last Evening in Con-
gregational Church

A silver medal speaking contest
was held last evening in the Congre-
gational church, given under the aus
pices of the Woman's Christian Tenn
perance Union. There were six con-
testants for the prize and Miss Mar
ion Adams was adjudged the winner,
the title of her recitation being.
MARY Elizabeth. Music ,va1 fur
nished by the Teachers Mandolin
Club, a girls chorus and a duet by
the Misses Verna Abbey and Dorothy
Day
Other recitations were "In the
Shadow of the Mountains" by Evelyn
P. Withee; The Old Violin, Helen
White; Put Yourself in his Place,
Ray Boynton; The Brave Hunters
Child, Ruth Greenwood; Morris"
Bernard Bailey. All the speakers
displayed good oratorical ability. The
judges were Rev Theodore Halbert
Wilson, Mrs. H. G. McGlauflin and
Miss l.. T. Hussey. Mrs. Nettie W.
Paddock presided.
This contest was one of the six
silver medal contests to be held in
this county previous to the Somerset
County Convention to be held in Hart
land, June and 5, at which time
there will be gold medal contest
the winners of the silver medal to be
the contestants
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
ASSISTANT POST
MASTER HELD
For Embezzling Postal
Savings Funds
Harold Z. Lawrence of Fairfield at
Hearing Entered a Plea of Guilty

Somerset County town has an
embezzling case, in which Harold b.
Lawrence, assistant postmaster of
Fairfield figures. He was charged
Saturday with the embezzlement of
s6l7 from the Postal Savings Funds
of the Fairfield Postoff1ce, a warrant
having been sworn out by postoffice
inspector, James F. Casey. Deputy
United States Marshal Burton Smith
made the arrest.
This is the first time since the
postal savings system went into oper-
alton that case where embezzle-
ment of the funds has been alleged
has arisen in New England. lnspec-
tor Casey has been at work on the
case for ten weeks and not until
Saturday did affairs reach a point
where it was advisable to make an
arrest
Lawrence was taken to Augusta,
Saturday afternoon and was arraign-
ed there before United States Com
missioner F. G. Harrington, on the
charge forswhich he had been arrest
ed. He entered plea of guilty, and
was held in the sum of $1,000 for ap-
pearance at the June term of the
United States district court at Ban
gor AS the sureties were not forth
coming he was committed to Kenne-
bee Jail.
The postal savings bank was estab-
lished at the Fairfield office, in Octo-
Der, 1911, and the inspector charges
that the alleged embezzlement covers
period of about ten months.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
FOR MEMORIAL DAY
What Russell Relief Corps Are Asked
to do in Observance of the Day.
Flowers Solicited

The members of Russell Relief
Corps will meet at G. A. X, Hall at
10 O'Clock, Sunday. May 25, and ac-
company the Post to Church.
All members are requested to wear
white gloves and their badges.
On Wednesday the 2Sth, and Thurs
day, the Goth, the ladies will meet at
the hall to make wreaths and bou-
quets for Memorial Day. There will
be a picnic lunch each day and the
Corps will serve coffee.
All loyal women are invited to come
in and work with the Corps members,
and contributions of flowers will be
gratefully received.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
Funeral of Nathan Fowler

With feelings of sadness large
concourse of friends assembled Fri
day afternoon at 2 o'clock to attend
the funeral of Nathan Fowler. for ~
years Register of Probate for Somer-
set County. The obsequies were held
from the Fowler residence, Corner OF
Leavitt and Court Streets, and Rev.
George Merriam of the Bethany Bap-
tist church was the clergyman in at
tendance. Russell Post G. A. R. was
present in body. The floral offer
ings from sympathizing friends were
abundant and beautiful. The pail
bearers were two from Russell Post
and two from Skowhegan Grange, the
deceased being a member of each
order, M. ]. Allen and Prescott Cleve-
land officiated in these details from
the Post and George H. Burns and R..
Francis Parker from the Grange.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
BIRTHDAY PARTY
Mrs. c. Davis Miller Entertained Her
Sunday School Class Monday After
noon

To celebrate her birthday Mrs. c.
Davis Miller entertained Monday af-
ternoon the members of her class at
the Bethany Sabbath School. Special
guests invited for the occasion were
Rev. and Mrs. George Merriam and
Mrs. F. C. Nickerson of Minnesota,
making in all party of sixteen per.
sons.
The afternoon was spent socially
with several readings by Mrs. c. NJ.
Lambert including one Irish selec-
ton. Mrs. Lambert also played a
piano solo, and Mr.. Merriam made
pleasing remarks.
During the afternoon, the hostess,
who by the way is very charming
entertainer served delicious refresh
ments assisted by Mrs Elizabeth Pratt
who is a guest in the Miller home
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
CANAAN MAN CELEBRATES
101s1 BIRTHDAY
Uncle Ben Priests Friends Remem-
ber this Event Which Is Getting to
be of Notable Interest

Especial from our Correspondent
A party recently met at the home
of Uncle Ben Priest in honor of
his 101 years. He is able to walk
around the house and front yard and
distinctly recognized every one pes
ent also seemed greatly pleased with
the courtesy extended him. A short
time was passed in lively oonversa-
ton after which a treat was pres
sented him and all departed for their
homes wishing him as many more
years of health and prosperity.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
DISTRICT MEETING At
NORR|DGEW0CK
OF |. O. o. F. Lodges, Quinnebasseltt
Acting as Hostess to Large Gath
ering

About sixty Odd Fellows, members
of Carrabassett Lodge. Skowhegan,
went to Norridgewock, Monday even
ing and attended the district meeting
of l. o. o. F. Lodges, which includes
these orders in the towns of Show
hegan, Madison and Norridgewock.
Quinnebassett Lodge was the enter
tainer and some two hundred persons
were in attendance. The first de-
gree was exemplified by Indian Spring
Lodge of Madison and three grand Of
tlcers were present including Grand
Master L. E. Flanders of Auburn.
During the evening there were
speeches and a very delicious ban
quet was served by the members of
the Norridgewock Rebekah Lodge.
The Quinnebassetts certainly are
royal entertainers.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
SkOWHEGAN TO HAVE PAST Ball
TEAM
Movement ON Foot Which VIII Give
SkOHhegan Her Proper Place In
National Game

If proper support can be secured
skowhegan will be represented on the
diamond this summer and b. a good
team. too But it needs money 10
run a bail club. one which VIII prov
a winner And for this reason the
business men Of the town are asked
10 lend a helping hand.
Through tae generosity Of Bin Y.
Page, cashier of the First National
Bank, the team has ben supplied wit
new uniforms. Two ether prominent
citizens have agreed 70 gise s. 4
week each. All the boys ask $ j
little financial aid and they will guar
antee good ball team and snappy
playing.
Years ago skowhegan won the
championship of the State. They may
not do it this year, but if the citizens
will only help little in the way Of
subscribing to the fund which is now
being raised, they promise to make a
good showing for the pennart
Let everyone subscribe for as large
an amount per week as he can afford
Baseball is the national game; nearly
every town in Maine of any size
has a nine, and Skowhegan ought not
to be behind the procession Any
sum you may see fit TO give will be
appreciated.
The opening game will be played
at Fairview Park on June IA with the
Madisons. our old rivals, and We want
to win il VIII you help out?
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
AN AGED SOMERSET co.
MAN IS DEAD
BENJAMIN +. Jones OF Fairfield Passed
Away at the Age of "a Years After
an Illness with Pneumonia

Another aged Somerset County man
has been called to his reward. This
time Benjamin F. Jones of Fairfield
Center, who has been for two years
the holder of the cane offered by the
Boston Post to the Oldest resident Of
the town. His age was "a years and
10 months and his death was due to
an attack of pneumonia Funeral
ceremonies were held from the home
Sunday. Rev. c. O. Small, pastor of
the Fairfield Methodist Episcopal
church in attendance as clergyman
Mr.. Jones was born in Fairfield,
June 14th, 1918 and was the son of
Benjamin and Sally (Holway) Jones,
the parents coming from Cape Cod
His life was spent in Fairfield. and
his temperament being exceedingly
happy and companionable he made
hosts of friends, especially among the
younger people of the community
Until within a short time before his
death he assisted in the work of the
farm where he resided He was an
attendant at the Methodist church.
The deceased was twice married,
his first wife being Miss Rose Law
renee of Fairfield, who died many
years ago. His second marriage was
with Miss Annie Tibbetts who is also
deceased. OF the first union there
were two children Charles, who is a
ranchman in Colorado and Mrs. Helen
B. Nye whose home was in Chicago,
ILL.,, but who has been at home with
her father for some time.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
CELEBRATION PLANS
ARE BEING MADE
For July 4th Over in
Hustling Harmony
A Committee to Have the Matter In
Charge Appointed Mt Special Meet
ing of Board OF Trade
Especial from our, Correspondent

Especial from our Correspondent
At a special meeting of the Har-
mony Board of Trade held Monday
evening the committee on rooms made
a report and were instructed to pro
cure estimates on the cost of a suit
able building for the Board of Trade
rooms. 1t was voted to have a 4th
of July celebration and a committee
consisting of II. l.. Pettengill, ]. l..
Johnson, E. S. Reed, r. E. Gould and
C. D. Ellis were appointed to make ar
rangements. Philander Hoyt of
Athens was proposed for membership
and elected. The next meeting will
be held June 2, when a full atten-
dance is desired.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
HARTLAND HAS A
FIRE
House Known as DR..
Bean Place Gutted
Was Located Near the Business See,
ton of the Town
Especial from our Correspondent

Especial from our Correspondent
The fire department was called out
Thursday night about II o'clock when
the double tenement story and half
house in Warren Square, known as
the DIR. Bean house" was discovered
to be on fire.
Its origin was around the chimney
in the ell and the fire had gained quite
a headway before it was discovered by
Mrs. Hill, who was awakened by the
smoke The fire company responded
with promptness and soon had the
flames under control. The house was
occupied by Mr.. and Mrs. Guy Hill
and Nj. and Mrs Edward Hewett
and daughter Many of the house
hold furnishings we're saved but were
badly damaged.
The house was insured but the fur
niture was not. The building was
owned by A. w. Miller and was in ex-
cellent repair having recently been
remodeled inside and equipped with
all the modern improvements. This
was the first occasion where the Hart
land Water Works were called into
service at fire and good work was
accomplished, fairly good stream
coming from four lines of hose. 1t
was also the first time the Fire Com
pany had been called out to d fire
since its organization and much praise
has been bestowed upon the members
for their prompt and efficient services.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
CAUGHT AND DRAGGED
BY AUTOMOBILE
Little Hilda Luce of North Anson had
Narrow Escape

Especial from our Correspondent
Little Hilda Luce of North Anson
had a narrow escape from being run
over by an automobile, Friday after
noon, when a salesman started his
machine in front of H. S. Bickford's
store. The little girl was on one
side of the road and her father on the
other side and she attempted to cross
In front of the auto. She was caught
by the machine and dragged a little
way, but escaped with no greater in
juries than a few bruises.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
TEN COMMANDMENTS
FOR HOUSEWIVES
Submitted by the Members of the
Town Improvement Society TO Make
Sk0whegan Cleaner and More Beau
tiful

The Town improvement Society
which stands for beautiful and clean
Skowhegan submits for publication
the following commandments while
the Independent-Repo sincerely
advocates and wills that the thoughts
herein expressed sink deep into the
minds of our citizens.
Here are ten commandments that
are well worth committing 10 memory
and carefully observing. They are
especially commended to all believers
in good citizenship and who are inter
ested in doing the things that make
their town or city better, cleaner and
more beautiful to live in. These com
mandments were gotten up and issued
by the Housing Committee of the
Chicago Woman's Aid Society.
1. Thou shalt honor thy city and
keep its laws.
,. Remember thy cleaning day and
keep it wholly.
3. Thou shalt love and cherish thy
children and profile for thcm Decent
homes and play grounds.
4. Thou shalt not keep thy win
doWs closed day or night.
). Thou shalt keep in order thy al
ley, thy back yard. thy hall and stair
way.
g. Thou shalt not kill thy chill
dren's bodies with poisonous air, nor
their souls with bad companions.
:. Thou shalt not let the wicked
fly live.
s. Thou shalt not steal thy chill
drens right to happiness from them.
9. Thou shalt bear witness against
thy neighbors rubbish heap.
10. Thou shalt covet all the air and
sunlight thou canst obtain.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
PROF. REDMAN OF OR0N0
VIII Speak Here Saturday Before the
Cow Test Association

Prof. R. w. Redman of the Univer-
sity of Maine will speak at the NUM-
cipal Court Room in Skowhegan, be-
fore a meeting of the Somerset Cow
Test Association at p. m. next Sat
urday. All interested in the subject
of dairying are invited.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
BOARD Of TRADE
MEETING
Important Matters We're
Discussed
President Merrill Announces Commit
tees for Coming Year. Good At
tendance and Earnest Interest

The Skowhegan Board of Trade
held its regular meeting, Friday even
ing of last week. There was a good
attendance and earnest and general
interest in all the proceedings.
Committees in charge of various
activities of the Board were announc-
ed by President Carleton p. Merrill,
as follows:
Merchantile affairs and insurance,
]. c. Griffin, F. W. Buchanan G. H.
Webb.
Village improvement and Sanitary
Affairs, w. T. Seekins, r. T. Patten,
c.. R. Cook.
Water Power and Manufacturing,
H. L. SWEET, R. L. Marston, C. j. Alb
bey.
Village Government and Public
Morals, E. c. Butler, F. F. Lawrence,
Frank Thompson.
Education and Library, ]. w. Fog
Ter, f. f. Merrill, r. w. Leighton
Depot and Railroad, A. R. Jewett,
e. A. Ross, w. p. Ordway
Good Roads, w. p. Ordway, j. w,
Blunt, f. l.. Ford.
The organization of the Somerset
Cow Testing Association was report
ed and the use, purpose and possibi-
lity of the organization explained
Representative of the Association
stated that its work would increase
the profits of the farmers of Skowhe.
gan and vicinity from $500 to $1,000
per week Replying to the question
as to what was expected from the
Board of Trade in aid of the proJec',
1t was announced that little more
than sympathetic interest was calle /
for at the present tine This was
rendered with enthusiasm. 1t was
further suggested that members OF
the board owning automobiles could
aid in the visits that Will be neces-
sary, to the various farming sections
and it unanimously voted that this
should be forthcoming.
The standing of the town as to its
military company was then taken up
The disbandment of Company e was
reported, together with the fact that
although there were applications from
o+ho. tou,,c SIombouon would have
the first chance for continuance OF
this military organization, ii they de-
sired to act in the matter. 1t seems
that the State officials will require as
surance of a more suitable drill hall
than has been heretofore provided and
concerning this an important an
nouncement will be made at the next
meeting of the Board. A long letter
from Roy L. Marston, fully explain
ing the views and of General Dill and
other State officers, together. with
their requirements for the reinstate-
ment of the company was read. As
to an armonry, it was hinted that a
project was on foot for Y. M. G. A.
building, in which, by combination
of purposes, a drill hall could be pro-
vided.
After fully discussing the proposed
Merchants Day, it was voted that the
president appoint a committee of five
or more members to promote the en-
terprise, Saturday, June II, being the
date decided upon. Mr.. Merrill sub
sequently announced the appointment
of w. P. Ordway, E. C. Butler, Forrest
Cross, George L. II. Smith, A. X. Jew
EFT, r. T. Patten, George e. Sampson,
L. II. Goldsmith and William H.
Wildes to have this matter in charge.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
A HOUSE BURNED D At
P|TTSF|ElO
Owned and Occupied by Daniel Davis.
Probably Originated from a Brush
Pile

The house owned and occupied by
Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel Davis and five
children, located about mile and a
half from Pittsfeld on the Burn
ham road, was destroyed by fire about
7 o'clock, Saturday evening. All the
household effects and clothing and
one horse and two pigs were burned.
The fire is supposed to have caught
from a brush fire started in the af-
ternoon, back of the house. The
buildings consisted of small house
with shed. No insurance.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22
GENERAL ORDERS ARE
ISSUED
Headquarters, Russell Post, No. &c
Department of Maine. G. A. r.
Skowhegan, May 10, 1918.

Department of Maine. G. A. r.
Skowhegan, May 10, 1913.
In obedience TO orders from Ma
tional and Department Headquarters
Russell Post Will hold the accustomed
memorial services as follows-Sun-
day. May %. Comrades will assemble
at e. A. r. Hall at 1918 a. III. and
proceed to the NJ. +, church, where
services will be held, Rev, H. 6. Me
Glaunin, officiating.
Friday, May 80, Comrades will meet
at the hall promptly at 1880 p. m
and proceed to the municipal hal
where the services Of Memorial DaS
will open at loo At the close of
the hall services the procession vii
proceed To the North Cemetery and
decorate the graves of comrades
there. Returning the procession viii
proceed TO the South cemetery, halt
ing on the bridge of the South Chan
mel to perform the impressive cere
monies of strcWing flowers upon tho
waters in memory OF our departed
comrades of the Navy, under the aus
pices of the ladies of the Relic
Corps. At the South cemetery tn
ritualistic services OF the G. \. Il. vii
be held and the graves of comrades
decorated after which the Post vii
return to the hall and disband
Ladies of the Relief Corps. Sons
and daughters of veterans and surviv
ors OF the Spanish War are expected
to lend their aid in the decoration
services. The different societies and
citizens within the jurisdiction of Rus.
sell Post are earnestly requested &c
meet with us and make the day, as
it is intended to be. sacred to the
memory of the Nation dead
Saml F.. Emerson,
Post Commander
Henry J. Varney,
Post Adjutant.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22

Anyway, the man who went on va
cation has lots more to talk about
than does the man who stayed at
home.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22

Washington will hereafter grade
salaries of public school teachers ac-
cording to their experience.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22

1t is hard on a woman to have
nerves; also hard on her family.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-22

The school girl who doesn't like
pickles or salted lemons should have
her career watched.