davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1923-01-24

walked out intending TO go hunting.
Van Brocklin brought up the matter
of selling the horse. The defendant
told him to take the horse up to
Swenson'S but to hurry back.
Before going into the direction
Kneeskern had testified he had gone
Atty. O'Connor mentioned about
Atty Hart pointing out on the map
which direction the defendant had
gone. Atty. O'Connor stated, 'Ill
tell you why he faltered, I'll tell
you why the prosecutors (Hart's}
hand was unSteady-because it is not
true"
Next Kneeskeru's testimony on the
Tuesday after the murder was read
showing he had said he went north.
Then the statement that az the pre-
sent trial he testified he went south.
Mr. O'Connor stated that the de
fendant could Of seen Charley or
anyone coming 20 the cabin from the
location he first fixed but from south
of the cabin he could see no one.
The reason OiConnor gave for this
was that if Kneeskern had been
north of the cabin he could of seen
both Charley and Elmer approach the
cabin.
When Kneeskern heard the fight
and disturbance at the cabin, away
out there in the wilderness why did
mt he go down and protect Ir-
enc. He had a repeating gun and a
belt full of shells. Mr.. O'Connos
asked.
"Let me follow his (Kneeskern's)
conduct" Attorney O'Connor stated.
From then until recess ne covered
his actions until ne got to his office
about five o'clock.
After recess he continued TO give
a sketch of his conduct at the Office
with VIM. Fisher, the turning over
of all the weapons and shells, ex-
cept the belt that were in his posses
sion and the purchase of the shells
at the hardware store.
Atty. O'Connor next took up the
paths in an attempt ito prove that
Elmer could see Kneeskern bending
over in the doorway. He said he
could show that Elmer could see
Kneeskern from testimony from Ell
mers mouth and, he added, it won't
take me four hours to do it.
After that he brought up the testi-
mony so as to intimate that Knees
kern never left the cabin from the
time he went back in after Charley
left until the murders had been
completed. "Did he leave the cabin :,
He didn't" "That's the law suit" stat
ed Mr.. O'Connor.
He then ATTEMPTED to clear up the
testimony of Mr.. Swenson and state
ments of threats made ,bv Elmer.
After giving short close to the
Continued on page six)
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1923-01-24
Jury at Charles City Returned Verdict OF Guilty
at lO:4O Monday Morning. Kneeskern
Arrested at Once and Was Placed
I'm the Floyd County Jail.
Feb. "a Set as Day pr Passing Judgm't
when the Verdict Was EtSad a Scarlet Color
Rushed Into the Face 0fsthe Defendant
and he Sank i'm his Chair. His Wife
Bowed her Head and Wept.
Cost of the Two Trials will be Around $25, 900

sprang to her feet and shouted Hes
not guilty. He's not guilty. He
didn't do it," With tha. she swooned
into the arms of a bystander and
was taken from the court room.
1t was a terrible shock for the lit
tie woman, Kneeskern's wife, who
stood by him through the trying or
deal. But the real blow came to her
when her husband was arrested by
Sheriff Vance Cutler and lead 10 the
Floyd county Jail to remain there un-
til he is taken away to begin life
sentence in the state penitentiary.
She started to her feet to kiss him
good bye, but she faltered. He bent
over and kissed her AID said good
bye.
Frank Kneeskern, the convicted
inaa did not appear to be greatly afz
fected by the verdict. He braced him
self and turned scarlet color. When
the sheriff appeared before him he
rose hung his head slightly and ac-
companied him to the county Jail.
Only three ballots were taken for
a conviction, two being 10 TO 2 for
first degree murder.
1t was on the penalty, the recon-
mendation of a penalty that the jur-
ors disagreed and which caused them
to deliberate at length. 1t was stat
ed that the first ballot showed that :
majority were in favor of the death
penalty. 1--WE took lot of ballots
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1923-01-24
FARM HOME
BURNED SUNDAY
Peter Ramsay Residence in Frank
vile Township Burned to
Ground Sunday Afternoon.
CONTENTS NEARLY
ALL TOTAL LOSS
Family Was in Decorah When the
Fire Was Discovered by the
Neighbors.

Sunday afternoon about two o'clock
fire destroyed the Peter Ramsay re-
sidence in Frankville township. Mrs.
Ramsay has been a. the Decorah
hospital for the past week or two
and Mr. Ramsay and the children
were in Decorah visiting her at the
time of the fire.
The fire was discovered by Pete
Stegen and as near as he could tell
it started up over the kitchen. The
house had a good hot water heating
plant in il.
Neighbors responded TO the alarm
and they did all they could in try
ing 90 save the contents Of the house,
but were unsuccessful in getting out
very much. A dining table, three OF
four chairs, photograph and a gaso-
line engine and washing machine
was gotten out, also an ice box
and cupboard. All the rest of the
household goods and valua5les were
burned.
The residence was a good sized,
two-story frame house, and it burn
ed down In a very short time, as
there was a strong wind from the
northwest.
Mr.. Ramsay was informed of the
fire and he hastened tcnns as fast
as possible, but the house was des-
troyed when he reached home. He
carried some insurance on it in the
Norwegian Mutual. .r
1t is indeed a severe loss and the
sympathy of many friends is ex-
tended to Mr.. and Mrs. Ramsay and
family. .
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1923-01-24
- Ne ESK ERM GUILTY

said one juror, before we agreed on
the sentence"
The jury returned the verdict at
10:40 o'clock and ten minutes later
B. F. Kneeskern was behind the steel
bars in the county Jail. Uuril this
time he has been at liberty on S40,-
900 bond furnished by a number
Of friends in Castalia.
The case was given 30 the jury at
sos o'clock Monday night following
a forcible plea on the part Of Frank
O'Conuor chief prosecuting attorney.
At 6 o'clock they went to supper,
took a long walk and then repaired
20 the jury room 20 commence de-
liberations. At 9 o'clock some ol
them went 70 bed and by 10 o'clock
there was not a light in the entire
court room.
Refreshed from their nights rest,
the jurors were up early and at 7
o'clock went TO breakfast. At 3 o'clock
they were taken for a jlunt around
the city and returned TO the court
room at $50 o'clock.
Deliberations were resumed at S:45
o'clock.
There was not much noise in the
jury room, giving evidence that they
were not wrangling on the subject.
A. 1910 o'clock the first rap came
on the door. The bailiff entered and
returned. They told him they were
ready 10 report. The sheriff was call
ed and later the court was informed
the jury was ready TO come out.
The defendant was not in the court
room at the time and notice was sent
to him TO appear in the court at once.
At 1926 o'clock B. Frank Kneeskern
and his wife, Mrs. Chas. VanHorn,
Mrs. Allen took seats in the sanctu-
AIRY besides the defendants attor-
ney, w. S. Hart, d. D. Murphy and
4. w. cutting. Also near these at
torneys sat Mrs. Rachael Rice and
o. o. Ellingson, former sheriff of
Winneshiesc couuty2 OF tou one side
sat the prosecution J. A. Nelson, W.
A. Smith, E. R. Acres, and F. NJ.
Linneli. .
The court room was filed, most
ly all being petit jurors
Considerable interest was manifest
ed in this case by Charles City peo-
pie. Daily the tabernacle Of justice
was packed to capacity, scores upon
scores being turned away. For over
three weeks they remained on the
scene and absorbed the testimony as
it was extracted from the various
witnesses.
Continued or page six
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1923-01-24
0'C0NNOR ASKS
FOR JUSTICE
Delivered a Most Convincing Clos
ing Argument to Jury in
Less Than Four Hours.
FLAYED HART
IN HIS STATEMENTS
Said If He Couldn't Get Results in
Two Hours He Couldn't
i'm Two Days.

With the court room filed, even
so it was necessary for the intensely
interested people to crowd the ante
rooms Attorney Frank A. O'Connor,
of Dubuque, began the closing argu-
ment of the second trial of B. F.
kneeskern for the murder of Irene
Van Brocklin.
Every eye in the court room turn
ed on Mr.. O'Connor and the room in
absolute silence, such as would be
expected when the judge was about
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
GirI'S Club Summer
N Wed. Mght
Metro Club
Elects Carl Mullins

At the regular meeting Of the
Metro Social Club held in the West
ern Improvement Association hall
in Brace avenue, last night, the fol-
loving officers were elected for the
ensuing year: President, Carl Null
Inns; vice president, Robert Smith;
recording secretary, Helen Christian
sen; financial secretary, Christina
Madsen; treasurer. Chris Jensen;
sergeant-at-arms, Sol Johnson; pub
licitv. Miss Clara Peterson, and
house committee, Mrs. Chris Jensen.
Arrangements were completed for
the festival which will be held on
the grounds adjoining the associa-
ton hall in Brace avenue next Sat
urday. The committee in charge con-
sists of Mr.. and Mrs, Carl Mullins,
Mr.. and Mrs. Chris Jensen, Misses
Clara Peterson, Bertha Sandbeck,
Paul Richter and Magnus Dinesen.
Miss Christina Madsen and Paul
Richter were awarded the prizes in
the pinochle tournament last night.
Refreshments were served by the
committee in charge.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Shower is Given
For Bride TO- be

A miscellaneous shower was Civ
en- Miss Anna S~zajkowska, at the
home of Miss Agnes SolueraE, IL
Parker street in honor of her APP
preaching marriage to Anthony
Gorny, of Jersey city, which Is
.<scheduled to take place on June "a.
Pink and blue was the color scheme
carried out in the decorations. A
large basket attractively decorated
with sweet peas, concealed the many
pretty gifts of silver, cut glass, emma,
and linen. A miniature bride held
the place of honor in the table dec
grafton. Misses Mamie Snyder,
Dorothy Maytak, and c. Carastiy
gave several vocal solos. Mrs. Jo-
seph Rebovieh played a violin selec-
ton while Miss Roselyn Horbath and
Mrs. X. Van Horn entertained with
exhibition dancing. Refreshments
were served.
The guests included Misses Mamie
Snyder, Lothy Maytak, S. Kowalczak,
s. Szymaneka. Mary Waytamoskai
r. Horbath, C. Carasity Elizabeth
Krasinska, NJ. Cerwice, b. Cerwice,
Agnes Sobuerny, Anna Szajkowska,
S. Maliszewska, Fl. Grembouitz, Her,
en- Suaneck, E. Suanick, Il. RyDarc-
zuk. Miss Ida Sandbeck, NJ. Gerben,
A. Congowska, NJ. Tulickah, Anna
~Szjokowska, Mrs. Joseph ReboVich,
Mrs. Katherine Van Horn, Mrs. Jo-
seph Banzak, Mrs. E. Milnira. Mrs.
A. Szajkowska, and Mrs. NJ. Shurt-
Eer.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Perth Amboy
Personal Mention

A son was born to Mr.. and Mrs.
Ralph Atkinson, of kearny avenue
iuesdIy.
A. r. Gordon, of New York, was
the guest of Ronald Kleckner, of
Rector street, yesterday.
Theodore Jones, of Trinity Col
lege, is spending the summer vaca-
ton with his parents, Rev. and Mrs.
w. Northey Jones, of Rector street.
Assistant Prosecutor John Z. Tool
an, of Madison avenue, IS spending
a few days in Atlantic City, stopping
at the Hotel Ambassador.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. L. Coe, of Cor
don street, are visiting in Niagara
Falls and Buffalo for a few days.
Miss Irene Warter, of Albany, N.
Y, is spending sometime with her
parents. Mr.. and Mrs. Emil Warter,
of Kearny avenue.
Mrs. z. +. Hughes. of State street
and Miss Helene Neary of Wood
bridge, are attending the graduation
exercises at Cornell University over
the week end. Peter T. Hughes,
Jr., is among the graduates this
year,
A son was born to Mr.. and Mrs.
Frank Seel of Neville street, yes
terday.
Thomas Hoy and Charles Hugh IS
of this city, were the guests of
friends in Newark yesterday.
Miss Sadie Cohen, of State street,
has returned after spending a few
days in Atlantic City.
AL Cohen, of University of Mary
land, is spending the summer vaca-
ton at his home in New Brunswick
avenue.
Morris Levy. OF University of
Pennsylvania. is spending the sum
mer vacation at his home in New
street.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16

Lillian. Games were played and mu-
sic enjoyed. Miss Mildred Dalton,
violinist accompanied by Miss Lillian
Anderson gave many violin selec-
tons.
The guests included; Erna Dett-
mar, Anna Stocked, Asia Jermiassen,
Ingrid Nelson, Edith Larson, Olga
Overgaard, Viola Fullerton, Mildred
Dalton, Josephine Rodner, Helen
Dunback, Emily Johnson, Helga Jen-
seq, Lillian Anderson, John Rotella,
Albert Larsen, Wilton Lybeck, Will
liam Warren, Nevin Arner, Mervin
Anderson, Alexander Hamilton, How
ard Sharp, Howard Hansen, Robert
Krauss, George Ferdinandsen, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Anderson, of
Fords, Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Barca, of
this city. Mr., and Mrs. Alfred jan
ny and daughter, Anna, of Elizabeth,
Hiram Pearsall, of Inwood, L. l.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Woodbridge
Social Personal

Mr.. and Mrs. f. r. Valentine are
in Indiana. Mr.. Valentine went on
a business trip and Mrs. Valentine
accompanied him.
Miss Marian Peterson is entertain
ling her cousin, Miss Anita Thompson,
of South River.
Mr.. and Mrs. Albert Martin. Of
Green St, We're ont of town visitors
last night.
Victor Drummond is home from
Westminster College. Fulton, Mis-
souri, for the summer.
Miss Geraldine Gerity of Mount
St. Mary's College will spend the
summer with her parents MI. and
Mrs. John Coyne.
The annual excursion Of the Pres
byterian Sunday School to Asbury
Park will be held on Thursday,
July L.
The Boy Scouts of Troop No. l
will leave on Thursday for their an
nual camping trip to High Bridge.
Maxwell Logan was rendered a de-
lightful surprise in honor of his
birthday on Wednesday night. The
affair was a complete surprise. Mr..
Logan was the recipient Of many de-
sir.tl3e gifts. Cards were played and
Coach Rothfus left town early
yesterday morning for his home in
Southern Pennsylvania. 1t is with
| regret that the announcement was
received that Mr.. Rothfuss will not
return TO Woodbridge in the fall but
has accepted a position in Railway.
His brother, however, expects TO
come to the local high school taking
up the various duties performed by
him during the past year most ac-
ceptably.
DR.. and Mrs. w. F. Little and o
of Railway called on friends in
Woodbridge on Thursday night.
The members of the graduating
class of the high school, three for
mer members of the class and Prof.
and Mrs. Isaac Gilhuly will leave on
Wednesday next for Washington,
d. c. They will be gone for -four
days.
Miss Berniee Weaver is the guest
of Miss Victoria Brown at Ocean
Grove.
At the II o'clock service at the
First Presbyterian church tomorrow
morning the 248th anniversary OF the
church will be observed. The pastor,
Rev. L. V. Buschman taking as his
subject, Ancient Landmarks In
the evening at 7:45 the 105th an
.niversary of the founding of the
Sunday school will be observed with
appropriate exercises in which h
Sunday school pupils will particl-
pate,
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Safety Last" Majestic

Harold Lloyd and his pretty little
leading lady, Mildred Davis, are at
the Majestic theatre today in the
~seveh-reel Pathecomedy, Safety
Last
Their delightful romance began
about three years ago when Mildred
Joined the Hal Roach forces and
made her first appearance with
Harold in the two-reel comedy,
From Hand to Mouth" A warm
Friendship sprang up between the
young people resulting in merry
wedding bells. And Safety Last"
by the way, is the last picture in
which Harold and Mildred will be
seen together, for Mrs. Harold Lloyd
is to star in her own right in fea-
lures.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
"To Have And To HoId'

Mary Johnston's brilliant novel of
Old Virginia and the court of King
James 1 of England, "To Have and
To Hold" has been picturized for
Paramount by George Fitzmaurice
with splendid results. This tremen-
dous production will be the feature
attraction at the Strand Theatre, be-
ginning Monday.
A remarkable cast of principals
includes Betty Compson as Lady
Jocelyn Leigh" Bert Lytell as Cap
tain Ralph Percy" Theodore Kosloff
as Lord Carnal," Raymond Hatton
as king James IT, w. j. Ferguson
as Jeremy Sparrow" and Arthur
Rankin as Lord Robert Cecil" The
eminence of these players needs no
comment. Mr.. Lytell makes his bow
before Paramount audiences in this
vehicle, the part of Captain Ralph
Percy" being considered particularly
suited to the qualities of the popular
star.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
THEATRES
"The Cowboy and the Lady

Can a man run a ranch and make
a uccess of it along the lines of a
big manufacturing concern, with fill
ing systems, card indexes and the
like?
Can he also wear white flannels
or other fashionable attire and get
away with it? Can he have his cow
punchers herd cattle while riding on
motorcycles?
The answers to these seemingly
preposterous questions will be found
it is stated, in a new Paramount
picture, 1.-THE Cowboy and the
Lady" with Mary Miles Minter and
Tom Moore in the leading roles,
which m to the Crescent Theatre
next Monday and Tuesday.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
At The Ditmas

An all star East that reads like a
who's who" of filmdom graces the
screen of the Ditmas theatre, where
the Hobart Henley
production of Jack London's 1.-THE
Abysmal Brute" is the stellar attrac-
ton. Reginald Denny, star of 1.-THE
Leather Pushers' and THE Ken
lucky Derby" is the featured player;
Mabel Julienne Scott, remembered
for her work In behold My Wife"
mo Woman Knows" and 1.-THE Pow
er of a Lie" is leading lady, while
others in the east are Charles French,
Hayden Stevenson, David Torrance,
Buddy Messenger, Craufurd Kent,
Irene Maismann, George Stewart,
Harry Mann, Tom Mcguire and Kid
Wagner.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16

Romance and comedy go hand
in hand with thrills in Don Quick
shot of the Rio Grande," the new
Universal western play starring
Jack Hoxie which opened last night
at the Crescent theatre. Typical
of the stories that have in the past
few seasons made Hoxie one of the
stellar favorites of the picture
screen, the play combines heart
interest with excitement and laughs
with sensations.
1t is a happy story of western
cattleland; Cupid rides a broncho to
find his victims-and of course the
thread of love story winds through
gallops over sagebrush and wild
flowers.
Hoxie plays the part of Pep
Pepper" cowboy, who, after reading
Don Quixote," decides that he'll
emulate the knights of old and seek
romance, right wrongs and revive
the days of chivalry. 1t does not
meet the approval of the ranch boss
so he's fired. Roaming forth, he
finds a damsel in distress-and a
thrilling fight follows, when he re-
sents an insult to the girl. A train
robbery figures later; a false ac-
QUESTION of murder-finally a Jail
break and, at the climax the re-
vlver of chivalry is INDICATED. Dur
ing his rapid-f1re adventure he
meet Tulip the girl in the story.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
To Plan for
Coming Activities

Harry S. Medinets and Miss Rose
Aacarny presidents of the Y. NJ. II,
X, and the Y. w. II. A, respectively
we Issued a call for a joint meet
ing Of the members of their organic
atoms to be held in their auditorium
at Smith and Mcclellan streets for
Tuesday evening, June 18th at 8.15
o'clock sharp.
Summer activities will be discus
sed and plans for the membership
campaign for their new building Will
be considered.
Entertainment. refreshments and
dancing have also been arranged for.
No admission fees or assessments
will be charged.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
FordS Social
And Personal Items

Mr.. and Mrs. Edward Stadhalter
and a party of friends motored to
Long Island this morning.
Miss Viola Kistrup was a Metu-
chen visitor yesterday.
Miss Martha Jacobs of Wood
bridge, Miss Emily Ceiling, Orrin B.
Decker and Leavensworth Tyler mo-
tored to Palisades Park last night.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
SiSterhood
To Have Festival

The Beth Mordeeai S|isternood is
holding a strawberry and ice cream
festival on the grounds adjoining the
temple in Hobart street next Tues
day evening. Ice cream, strawber-
ries, and home made cake will be
served at attractively decorated Ia
bles. Tickets are II and may be
procured from any member of the
| sLst erhnnd
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Club Enighed
Card Party Tonight

Club Enighed will hold a card par
ty in Washington hall tonight. The
usual card games will be Ia play and
attractive prizes VIII be awarded.
Mrs. Chris Borup is chairman Of ar
engagements and is assisted by Mrs
Fred Christensen, Mrs. Helena Fries,
Mrs. Louise fanny and Mrs. Yant.
Tickets may be procured from any
member Of the club or at the door.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Girls Arrange
For Outing June "a

The Daughters of Iona held their
regular meeting recently at the home
of Miss Sarah Ur. in Hail avenue.
Plans were completed for an out
Ing to Metuchen, which will be held
next Sunday, June "a. All those who
intend going are requested to meet
at the corner of Smith and Goodwin
streets at 8 o'clock. At the close of
the business session, a social time
was enjoyed. Refreshments were
served.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Miss Ruth MaCan, Chairman
of Event to be Given at
Raritan Yacht Club

The annual summer dance of the
Girls Club, which will be held in the
assembly looms of the Raritan
Yacht clubs, in Water street, next
Wednesday evening, promises to be
bigger and better. than previous af-
fairs held under these auspices. The
Society S%yneopators will furnish the
music for the occasion. Many sur
prise features are being arranged by
the committee in charge. Miss Ruth
Macan chairman. Tickets may be
procured from any member of the
club.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
CITY BRIEFS

Work has been started on the con-
struction of the police call and fire
alarm system headquarters which is
located adjoining the city lighting
plant. The work is being done by
the George W. Mercer Construction
Company,
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
At Convention


Mr.. and Mrs, Jacob Landau. Mrs.
II. Book. A. Garben, William Pollen
sky, Charles Reiner, Of the United
Go-Getters and Mr.. and Mrs. =.
Rostkowski, attended the Brothers
convention held ina Spring Lake re-
onntlN
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Club TO Meet

The Martha Washington Club will
hold their regular meeting at the
home OF Miss Marie Bacha, in Wash
ington street, Tuesday night,
Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-06-16
Lillian Anderson
Is Highly HonOred

Mr., and Mrs. Henry Anderson, of
Fords, entertained a number of
friends at q graduation party last
night in honor of their daughter.
Evening star., 1923-09-20
ALLAN Z. WALKER & CO., Inc,
SI3 9Th Street Northwest. Main 26oo

PARK VIEW-$735o, Terms.
Mhbn conin
lbeamc Instruction Lrytr in
cetef b
NORTH COLUMBIA HEIGHTS-SIoOoo Terms.
homene
is
BLOOMINGDALE-So,Io Terms.
deep),c
ST. o
wIgve immdia pio i u
WEST CHEVY CHASE MD-$I5z5o, Terms.
dhmesu
porch
an ofsebu
NORTHEAST-$7,25o Terms.
hombu tapestry from porch porch
Dp ndin o OF
BRIGHTWOOD PARK-$So5o Terms.
MORRIS CAFRITZ COMPANY, Inc
oI3 18th Street. Main 6I7