davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
W|TT|G MURDERED
FAMILY OF FIVE
Lafayette Township Man Quar-
relied With kimbalI over
Small Sum of Money.
JUSTICE MOVED VERY QUICKLY
Twenty-Four Hours After Crime,
Wiltig Was Started for Marquette
TO EXpiate His Offense.

The most terrible crime in the
criminal annals of Gratiot county
came Sunday when Herman Wittie
of Lafayette township killed the en-
tire kimball family, which was living
with him and which consisted of Mr..
and Mrs Willard Kimball. two sons
and one daughter
The murder takes on a greater as
pect in that it came about as the re-
suit OF a few paltry dollars. which
Wittig and Kimball had been quar-
reling about, Kimball claiming five
dollars a week for the homework
which was being done by his wife,
and Wittig stoutly maintaining that
kimball owed him notes of $500 and
$1,000. which he had taken on an
automobile deal
Wittig, the only one Of those still
alive. who witnessed the quarrel.
claims that when it started kimball
had threatened him with harm. lie
also claimed that Kimball carried a
revolver, and that he didn't know but
what he had II then. Wittig claims
that he went out 10 the barn loft and
that kimball followed him out. lie
said he got his shotgun. and told
kimball not to come any further. and
says he was afraid >hat kmball would
keep hi word Kimbal kept coming
he says and he shot him
No remorse was shown by Wittig
shown by Wttig when he told his
story Monday in the county jail to
the reporter He said, "Kimoall
dropped like a dog an never moved
an eye
he said that he went into the house
and that Mrs. Kimbal threatened him
with a knife, and that he then loaded
his gun again. He claims to have at
tempted to beat her with the gun, and
intimated that he might nave hit the
little two year old daughter Louise,
Confined on page twenty
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
TWENTY-TAREE MEN
CALLED ON DRAFT
Will Leave Alma Saturday. May
IL. to Go into Training al
Columbus, Ohio

Twcnty-thrce young sons Of Gratiot
are called by the draft to report here
and leave May for Columbus. Ohio
where they will go into the service Of
Uncle Sam.
The men viii report IN Alma on the
night Of May 10th, so as to be ready
to leave Alma on Saturday morning.
These men will not be trained at Camp
Custer as have most of those who
have gone out from Gratiot in the
past
The list follows;
Verne Levi VanDuzen. Ann Arbor,
$50
Nicholas j Bardaville. Alma, 1913.
Frank Bushong, Highland Park,
1884.
Harry Franklin Ball, Alma, 1885
Patrick Rogers Jr, Carson City,
1906
Alonzo Stewart Lutz. Alma. POSI-.
Jefferson Lang, Alma, 2l06.
Emo Everette Ahola. Aepublic, 2075
Floyd y. Coleman, Ithaca, 2134
Clifford Nelson Cummings. Alma
2li0
Don Noble Smith. Ithaca, PAS.
Guy Milton Pickard Alma. PIGS.
Charley Burns, Alma. 2l6l.
John Albert Mckee. Alma, PIG.
John Henry Rom. Flint, 2l99.
Sidney Pinkston. ST. Louis. 2209.
Henry Lorenson. st. Louis, 22l0.
Howard Baney, st. Louis. 2215.
Ernie Harris. Alma. 224l.
Clarence Edgar Davis, ST Louis,
2249
Ovid y. Seaman, Sumner. 2269.
Prudent Won Nolscn, Middleton,
$500
William +. Mclean. St Louis. 2235.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
COMMISSION ORGANIZED
Charter Revision Commission for New
Form of Government Started

The nine members elected April
as members Of the charter revision
commission TO draft the charter fol
the commission form of government
under which Alma is to operate, met
a few days ago and organized
l.. A. Sharp was chosen chairman
of the commission by the nine mem
bers and the city clerk, Carl +. Gal
legher, will act as clerk Of the revis
ion commission.
The commission plans on meeting
each Friday night to do the work
which confronts them and it has nu-
merous charters from other cities
which have adopted the commission
form to work with 1t will probably
take the commission some months to
complete The work.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
KELCH 4 FEATURE
WITNESS IN CASE
Photographer Claims to Have
Met Albert EichOrn and Bren-
nan Night of Murder.
JURY SECURED ON SATURDAY
Nearly Two Weeks Spent BY Attor-
neys in Quizzing Before Satisfied
With Jury.

After nearly two weeks Of cndeav-
or, a jury for the Albert Eichorn
murder case, now pending in circuit
court, was complete Saturday at 1:l5
in the Afternoon, when it had been
expected that the second week that
the case had been under way would
see court adjourn with the jury still
incomplete
Following is the jury which wa
finally chosen for the case. which is
now being fought GU, in circuit court:
Fred Battles, Emerson.
Harry define. st. Louis.
j Decker, Elba.
Fred Fredericksou. St Louis.
c. /. Grinnell, Hamilton.
Will Martin, Lafayette
Roy Muscott, Emerson.
Francis Warner. North Shade
John Wang, Emerson.
Eugene Wagner, Washington
Chas North, Wheeler.
John Aanke. Wheeler
tContiued on page twenty
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
Plant Given Michigan Masons Made
Better by addition of an Infrmary~
IIIIIIIiIIiliilIIIlII

deal more than that sum, owing TO
the Improvements which have been
made on the structure
Herbert NJ Montague of Traverse
City. former master Of the grand
lodge, WAS made superintendent of
the state Masonic home. when it was
opened and has since continued in
that capacity.
Since the acquiring Of this splendid
home here the Masonic lodge of the
state. ha caused TO be constructed in
connection with the home. an infrm-
cry, which adds greatly to the fine
plant which the Masonic home has
here.
1t has brought with it to Alma a
number of aged, quiet and. respected
Masons, and o. +. s. members, be-
side, bringing here other worthy
residents.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
ANNUAL MEETING
WAS HELD HERE
Stockholders Meeting of X-CeI-
All Company Held IN Alma
Friday Afternoon.

The adjourned annual meeting OF
the N-Cel-All company was held at
the offices OF the factory last Friday
afternoon, but owing TO the large
number OF stockholders VINO attended
Ii was found neces 5aly TO adjourn the
meeting to the directors rooms OF
the First State bank. with about ~
stockholders present At the meet
ing il was decided that the plant had
10 be enlarged
ID. l.. John ON Of the local board Of
trade gave the address Of welcome
to the stockholders OF the concern.
and at the conclusion Of the address
presented the company with the
deed for the land, made out hy the
board of trade
At the meeting the name Of the
company was changed from the kx-
Cel-O company to the X-Cel-All
company. and the number Of direct
o,s was increased from yhree to sew
en-.
The directors elected follow: Otto
Sanderhoff Of Alma. &. +. Getchell
OF Marion, Or. II }. Masselik Of Nc
Balm, Henry Vane of Alma, ID. A..
Kitch Of Chicago, I. a. Marlborough
OF Marion and NJ. A. Marlborough Of
Chicago.
4 statement was made showing the
large growth Of the company during
the past year. at which time it was
explained that when the new plant
started running 1t was about twelve
(Contiued on page twenty
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
APPOINTMENTS SATURDAY
The Mayors Announcements of Year
Come at Council Meeting.

The annual appointments for the
city officials for the coming year will
be made by Mayor Francis King at
the statutory meeting Of the city
council to be held Monday night.
Following the appointments by the
mawor they must be confirmed by the
city council.
No advance knowledge of the inten-
lions of Mayor King in regard to the
appointments can be obtained, as
he is keeping the matter strictly un-
der his hat until the meeting comes
Monday night. |; is expected how
ever, that some at least, Of the pres
ent appointive officers will be retain
ed 10y the new Alma mayor.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
FORTY LIBERTY
TRUCKS LEAVE
Republic Motor Truck Company
is Turning Out Giant Trucks
for the L. :. Army.
FORTY MORE GO THIS WEEK
Alma Doing Her Bit in War Work
Besides Subscribing Heavily to
Liberty Bonds.

Alma, industrially, is, doing her
part i'm aiding TO win the war against
the Hun, as is attested by the manu-
facture here Of Liberty Trucks. which
are now being turned out at the rate
of ten day, and it is very probable
that this number will soon be in
creased.
Several shipments of Liberty
Trucks which are being manufact-
ured by the Republic Motor Truck
Company Incorporated. have already
been made. Recently eighteen Of
these gigantic trucks went OH one
feet to Camp Custer, Battle Greek
Last Friday Alma saw sight
which will not soon be forgotten.
when forty Of these trucks for army
use, left the city in one fleet, all
headed for Baltimore, where they
will go into use with the quartermas-
ters corps. Before leaving this city
these trucks were all lined up in one
single block on Superior street. wherc
they made most imposing sight.
and with which carrying two or three
Sammes brought home the rcaliza-
ton that the war is not so far from
US after all, and that Alma must and
* doing her part to win it, in add
tion to aiding in Liberty Loans and
War Savings stamp campaigns.
With the leaving Of the group of
Sammies. who drove out the trucks
one hundred and forty-nine more of
Uncle Sans stalwart soldiers invad-
ed Alma to learn to drive Liberty
trucks and then take them to their
destination, once they are completed
and have passed the rigid examina-
ton which is given by the army Of
ficials These men will soon be leay-
ing with their trucks headed fer act
i've service, and others will come to
take their place
As soldiers will be here more or
(Contiued on page twenty
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
SWifts Duck Farm is Most
Interesting Sight


Perhaps the most interesting and
one Of the best educational sights TO
be found in this part OF the state is
the duck farm OF Swift q company.
which is located here, and which was
established to aid nature In the de
velopment and more rapid growth Of
ducks for mans consumption
Established about seven years ago,
the farm has been growing with the
utmost rapidlty until now it is one
OF the largest duck farm in the state,
if not in the middle west.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
Thousands of Ducks are Raised at This
Enormous Plant for the Eastern Markets

cubating room Outside pens con
meet with the inside ones, furnishing
ruuway5 for the ducks
Two other buildings form a part 81
the duck plant. one being used for the
incubator house, and the other for
the fattening house Ia the former
are found large incubators with Il
combined capacity of $1,000 eggs.
Complete records Of the hatchngs
are maintained from the time that
the eggs are put into the incubators
until they arc hatchcd The Other
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
A BIG DAY.
One Hundred and Twenty-Seven
Trucks Completed in One Day

Last Friday j. reported as being
the biggest day in the history of the
Republic Motor Truck Co. Incorpor-
ated. one hundred and thirty-sever
trucks having been completed dur
ing that day.
A campaign has been going ON at
the Republic this month, with an at
tempt TO complete two thousand
trucks during April Enthusiasm
was worked up with the men as re-
suit. and they worked with a will dur
my the entire month.
Reports say that almost 1000 were
completed.
VIM. S Hart in his latest picture.
Blue Blazes Rawden' ~ Idlchour,
Sunday.zadv.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
STATE OF MICHIGAN
IN THE DRY COLUMN
Michigan Passed Quietly into the
Ranks Of Dry States When
May First Rolled Around.

Michigan is dry II went dry Tucs
day night with the closing Of the sa-
looms i'm the various wet sections of
the state. and it went dry very quiet
~. and is now ranked with the prohi-
bition states OF the union
In many places celebrations Of a
minor sort were held ln the various
saloons to bid farewell TO John Bar
leycorn bot little trouble arose any
where, most OF the stocks of the sa-
looms having been very small in view
OF Tie approach Of the day when Mich
lean would be dry.
tContiued on page twenty
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

Miss Mae Hayes Of Forest Hill is
the winner Of the Records missing
word contest for he past week. and is
entitled to her dollar by calling at
the Record office. Because not all Of
the advertisements were changed this
week, and because one or two missing
words, not located in he answers re
ceived. are in them. the locations al
the missing words will not be given
this week.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

nature that this duck farm is, with
its careful feeding and tending. Fun
grown ducks in this length Of time is
almost unbelievable.
a more instructive place for farm
ers or others engaged in the growing
of fowls is hard 20 find The grow
ing OF these ducks Is a revelation TO
them in more way, than one. as they
would find on what kind Of feed the
ducks develop the most rapidly, and
that those which are most disturb
cd by visitors are the ducks which lay
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

Rev. Mason has created great
circle of friend in this city, who are
extremely loa.he TO see him leave the
scene of his fruitful labors in Alma.
and he will carry with him the best
wishes Of hundreds Of Alma people
when he leaves for the larger city
and better field of endeavor and
usefulness to his Master. lie will
leave about June l.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

Everything is arranged in the best
manner Tor the hatchi-g, The rapid
growth, the killing and cleaning of
the fowls. which are then packed and
shipped TO eastern markets.
Several thousand feet Of long, low
buildings Tor housing the ducks arc
found on the company grounds and
most oil them are partitionod of in
sections, one section for each batch
OF ducks as they come from the in
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02
GOES TO SAGINAW

Rev William II Mason, y. d., Of
this city. pastor of the First Presby-
terrain church, here for five and one
half years, will accept the call. which
has been eXtended him by The Warren
Avenue Presbyterian church of Sag
it.,..
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

1911.
When the gift was accepted by the
grand Masonic lodge, as home for
the old masohs and o. +. s. members
of the state
The building, which was presented
to the Masons was valued at about
Sl25,000. and today is worth a great
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-02

structure is the final home Of the
duck When they reach certain
stage or development. they are taken
to this building from the growing
pens, where they receive r. "short
course in fattening. to make them
ready for the market
II is most remarkable that from
the time Of Matching, until read TO
Kill, the process consumes only nine
TO eleven weeks Think Of the aid to
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-27
TO GO TO FRANCE.
Major Thomas w Miller Assigned
TO the Staff of Maj.
Gen Kuhn.

Major Thomas W Miller has been
assigned, under orders from the Secretary
Of War, on the staff of Major General
Joseph T.. Kuhn, commanding the 18th
Division Of the National Army, now in
training at Camp Meade, Maryland, for
service overseas Major Miller is the
division ordnance officer ON General
kuhns staff and in that capacity is re-
sponsihlc for all matters pertaining to the
ordnance equipment, artillery, ammuni-
tion, &c, for an infantry division Of 25,-
600 men.
Until several months ago Major Miller
was on duty in Washington, as assistant
to Brigadler General Dickson, To which
position he was assigned after corning
north with the Delaware troops from
Camp Mcclellan, Alabama, in February
Last month Major Miller applied for
service in the field, with troops, and IN
response To his request was sent to Camp
Meade for duty. When q regular army
officer was detached and ordered for duty
elsewhere from the division staff, General
Kuhn requested Major Millers assign
mcnt in his place, which will give him an
opportunity for active service overseas
when the division moves.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-27
REV. H. v. EWING
TAKES PASTORATE
OF UNION CHURCH
He is One of the Most Eloquent
Preachers in the Methodist
Episcopal Denomination.
COMES HERE SEPTEMBER

Rev. Harvey W Ewing, y D., now
pastor OF the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Morgantown, ". Va. has accepted q
call to the paStOrate Of Union Church,
this city, and will assume his duties there
September | Meanwhile his transfer
from the West Virginia Conference to
the Wilmington Conference viii bc arrang-
cd, Rev Ninol + Hills, who in March was
gwen the nominal appointment Of assist
ant pastor Of mon. being sent from the
Wilmington Conference ~ the West
Virginia ConfcTen e in exchange IL has
not been del, rmlncd over what church
Mr. Hills will minister
DR.. Ewing was born at Zion. Md and
i about 55 years old. He IS ono Of the
most eloquent preachers in Methodlsm
and during the last 10 wears has hecn
pastor of prominent churches ~ that
denomination, His ministry began IN the
Wilmington Conference, to which he was
admitted in 1887, and for IL wears he had
pastorates as follows Madeley Church
Wilmington. 1879; Cristleld, Md, 1890
2; Port Deposit. Md, 1885; Mt. Salem
Church. Wilmington, 1879. In 1899
he was transferred from~the Wilmington
Conference to the kentucky Conference
and for five wears, he was pastor Of
transferred to the New England Confer
ence and served Winthrop Street Church,
Boston. and Trinity Church, Worcester,
Mass, four wears each Thence he went
to Morgantown to take charge Of what Is
known As the Il nlverslty Church.
so designated because its members III
clude the president and 80 professors Of
the University Of West Virginia. Once
he was mentioned for the pastorate Of
Grace Church, this city. To be near his
son. Murray, was one Of the things that
induced him to return TO Wilmington.
Mrs Ewing formerly of the Eastern Shore,
also will be among Old friends
Although the commencement OF his
pastOrate at Union Church. this city,
has been deferred until September /,
DIR Ewing viii preach there next Sunday
morning and evening By request he Will
take for the evening subject America
at War and soldiers guarding French
street station and various shipbuildIng
plants viii lie invited 10 attend ia a body.
Unions pulpit will be supplied IN July
and August Dr. Ewing believes there
is great opportunity at that church
The pastoral salary has been Increased
from 81 800 to s., 900 per annum, and
there will be provided for the pastor 5
use a parsonage whose rental value Tor
last wear was estimated at 500
Mr.. Hills, who viii be transferred to
the West Virginia Conference in exchange
for DIR. Ewing, came from the East Maine
Conference 70 the Wilmington Conference
in 1899, since which time he has had
pastorates as follows: Lincoln, 1899
1902: Gumboro, 1904; Mt. Vernon,
Md, 1867; ParSonsbury, Md, l9O8-9
Selbyville, I91O-15; Asbury Church, Cris-
field. Md, 19l6-l8.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-27
CZAR. A WEAK SOVEREIGN.
DRIVEN FROM THE THRONE

Nicholas. son and successor OF En-
peror Alexander III, was born IN 81.
Petersburg May IS. I SOS was educated
under the direction Of Constantine
P0bedonostsetf. prOcuratOr general q the
Holy synod anu received military train
ing but had no personal tastes for soldier
lng. Before bis accenslon to the throne, he
vas sent On tour 3f Greece, Egypt,
india and Japan. where ne narrowly
escaped assassination by 2 Japanese
fanatic. In that incident, II Was said, the
Russian heir-4pparent gave evidence OF
tluudlty
lie succeeded to the throne on Novem-
Der F, S94. at the death Of his father and
within few weeks hereafter married
Princess AIex4nara AlIx, afterward known
As Alexandra feolorUvna, daughter OF
the Grand Duke oi HeSSe, BY whom he
mai four daughters. the Grand Duchesss
olga, Tatl4u4. Marie ana tnasta tasla.,
and one son. the Grand Duke Alexis.
heir apparent 10 he Russian throne up 10
the Tune Of his fathers abdIcAtlon. Em-
peror Nicholas eoronatlon st Moscow a
year and half later WAS attended by q
festival Ia which 1000 persons were
trampIed 70 death
Five wears after has accession 70 the
throne Nicholas startled All Europe by
calling ia $50 the first peace conference
at The Hague TO discuss the principle oi
disarmament and arbitration Although
II did not lead 10 he result he anticipated,
it Vet forms the basis for hopes OF men
throughout the world Of erecting sJTuc-
ture for the maintenance u peace.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-27
MCCARTNEY QUITS FORCE.
Policeman Resigns Suddenly Be
cause of Confusion Over a
Trespassing Horse.

Because Assistant Dog Catcher William
Walls charged a man 81 to recover a
horse that had gotten on n lawn In the
northern section of the city, William }.
McGarvey, a patrolman, quit the force
yesterday afternoon. NcGarvey had
been told of the horse being on the lawn
and at the same time the assistant dog
catcher was sent on the Job. The po-
iceman located the owner and WAS on
his way to the scene when he came upon
Walls, with the horse, and asked the
latter where he was taking the animal,
to which Walls replied ''to the dog pound. ;"
The officer told Walls to let the owner
have the horse, but bis the assistant dog
catcher would not do unless he was paid
a dollar, according To the customary rule.
McGarvey then went in u house TO phone
the police station and in the meantime
the owner of the horse paid the dollar
and took his hdrse and proceeded on his
way When the officer came back to
where he had left the man and found
that he had gone he Immediately went
to the police station and resigned, although
his superior officers pleaded with him to
work the day out The resignation Of
the officer makes twcnty-three vacancies
on the force.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-27
WHERE YOU'LL HEAR
ALL ABOUT ". SIS.
Meetings Tomorrow Night in
Schoolhouses Throughout
the City.

The meetings in school houses through
out the CITY and State tomorrow night
to mark the close Of the intensive War
Savings Stamp campaign viii be largely
attended The call for these meeting
is based on the appeal made by the
President Of the nited States and
was sent olrt bv State Director Henry p
Scott and his county chairman. In
Wilmington residents will attend meeting
in their nearest school house and speakers
OF prominence will be present TO explain
in detail the War Savings plan and to
take pledges for stamps to be purchased
during the next SIX months.
The meetings arranged for IN Whining
ton school houses and the speakers are.
French below Sixth, Oscar Stiegler
? Eleventh and Washington, Theo-
dore Tnggs
2i016 jefferson, Henry R. Isaacs
4 2l3-l5 Washington, II r Craig.
5 1898 Walnut, George $ Ca
pelle. ,Ir
Fifth and Pine. r. b. Fisher.
Seventh and Spruce. p A Horty
Ninth and Wollaston, a. c. Ches-
10 Elm and Adams, P. J. Isaac
II Ninth and Scott, Harlan q. Scott.
I3 Seventeenth and Union, 5. ID.
Townsend
IS Third and Harrison, John P.
Nields
is 12lO-20 Orange, Rev. r. W Trap
Is 422-24 Townsend Otho Nowland.
19 Oak and Harrison, William @.
Taylor
20 Tenth and Spruce, A Rae du Bell.
IT,fVL r.,l G1.,4+ flaCrsva AlJor
SON
23 Thrtieth and Madison Philip Bur
"a Washington above Fourteenth,
Robert H. Richards
25 Third and Bayard avenue, Caleb
L Burchenal
rs Fourteenth and Thatcher, + J.
Blatz
q Rockford road and Park avenue,
Thomas II Fullerton
% Eighth and Adams john s Ros-
sell
% Twelfth and Poplar, Hugh NJ.
Morris
80 Concord and Boulevard, William
p While
800 Walnut. James B. Owens.
~ Twenty-second and Market, Wm.
Morrison, Jr.
IL Sixteenth and Ciaymont, j. II.
Nixon.
IA 300 S. Claylnont, II S Townsend.
There will be no meeting in the High
School because the Howard High School
commencement exercises are to be held
there; nor will there be a meeting at
School No y, it not being available for
such purposes Mr. John Rossell, who
will have charge Of tho meeting at School
No IS, will have Mayor Lawson with
him and they expect to have a very large
attendance Of the residents of the neigh
borho0d
An Of the men who viii take charge oi
these meetings are volunteers in the ser
vice; most of them have been actively AZ
work during the campaign aud have
participated III the Red Cross and Liberty
Loan drives.