Oconto County Reporter
Jan. 3, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Miss Haines of Sturgeon Bay; who was drowned one day last week, while skating, was a cousin of Edith and Grant Birmingham. Will Ladraw, who was shot through both legs some time ago, is gaining rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Bovee, who have been living at Green Bay, are spending the holidays with their parents. Mrs. Gould and daughter Sarah, who have been visiting relatives here have returned to their home, Lowell, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan have gone to Coleman to live. Maple Valley James Elison has completed the new church at Frostville. It is a fine looking building. Briefly Mentioned As Mrs. James Farrell was crossing the railroad bridge, near the Oconto Company’s mill, Sunday morning, she fell, breaking her left arm near the wrist. L. A. Longrie, who has been farming in Oconto a few years, has moved to St. Ann, Sheboygan county, for a time, under an arraignment with his wife’s parents to care for them and their farm at the latter place. Marinette Myrtle Crimm, aged 9 years, while standing by a fire upon the ice, her cloak caught fire, and for the presence of mind of a bystander she would have perished. He caught her up, and running to an open place in the river, doused her up and down until the flames were extinguished. William Doherty was badly scalded by boiling soap in a factory in which he was employed. Oconto Falls Howard Macrobie spent New Years with his parents at Milwaukee. George Runkel is now doing business in his new store,
which presents a
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Oconto County Reporter
Jan. 10, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Warning. My wife, Grace M. Fitzpatrick, having left my bed and
board without just cause or provocation, all persons are hereby cautioned
against trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting
after this date.
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Oconto County Reporter
Jan. 17, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis There have been reported to the register of deeds, for the year 1895, 127 marriages, 256 births and 72 deaths. The number of marriages are the same as reported for 1894, but the birth and death list were much smaller. Two divorce cases have been decided by Judge Hastings since the adjournment of court in November; L. I. Rollins vs. Agnes Rollins, in favor of plaintiff, and Laura Pahl vs. Charles Pahl – granting the divorce and giving the child into the custody of it’s mother. The Balance Sheet Population and Wealth of Oconto County, 1895 Where the People were Born – Extent of Our Manufactures – Proportion of Improved and Unimproved Lands and Value of Equipment and Products. From advanced sheets of the state census of 1895, received from the office of the secretary of state, THE REPORTER is enabled to present interesting statistics of population, manufactures and agriculture in Oconto county, as follows: Population Total, 18,339; male, 9,842; female, 8,497; ex-soldiers
and sailors, 227; militia, 3,426.
Defective classes – insane, 2, deaf and dumb, 6; blind, 6; idiotic, 7. Number of people to the square mile, 16. Brief Mention Ole Larson, who for shooting John Olson in the leg,
was bound over to the circuit court.
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Oconto County Reporter
Jan. 24, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis WAUPEE WIPED OUT Judge Hastings Has Decided Against The Town. He holds that the Organization was Illegally Effected
Judge Hastings, in circuit court at Marinette, declared
the town of Waupee, Oconto County, illegally organized, on the grounds
that the people of the territory set off did not vote according to the
requirements of the statues
The case was bought before the judge at Marinette for the purpose of obtaining a speedy decision, for should the town be declared illegally organized it would prevent the forcible collection of taxes. The result will be that orders on the town of Waupee
will lose their case and all property included in the territory set off
escape taxation for 1894.
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Oconto County Reporter
Jan. 31, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis WHY IT WAS ILLEGAL County Board Had No Power or Authority Defendant Must Pay Costs of Suit
The decision of Judge Hastings in declaring the town of Waupee not organized according to law, stripped of its legal verbiage is that the ordinance is invalid, and adopted by the county board without power or authority; and that plaintiff shall receive of defendant the sum of $23.30 for costs of suit. Treasurer Johnson’s Dilemma Nels P. Johnson, treasurer of the defunct town, was in this city this week and called upon County Treasurer McAllister with about $200.00 which he had collected in taxes in the territory set off, which the county treasurer would not accept, as the town in which the collection was made was not now in existence, hence no town to which to credit the funds. Mr. Johnson was advised to retain the money until directed by proper authority what disposition he should make of it. The entire amount collected is about $400.00. Patrick Curley Insane
Patrick Curley, for many years proprietor of a hotel at Stiles, was on Tuesday adjudged insane by physicians in the presence of the county judge and sheriff, and on Wednesday the unfortunate man was taken to the hospital for the Insane. Another Big Load From John Shores’ camp comes the news of a two-horse
team hauling, over a snow road and landing in the Peshtigo brook, a ten-log
load of pine scaling 4,000 feet, where 2,000 feet loads are a scarcity,
NEXT!
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Oconto County Reporter
Feb. 14, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Briefly Mentioned Robert Burke and family have moved to Sturgeon Bay. The two-year-old child of George Rattelle, car repairer of the Lake Shore road, fell from a chair, Tuesday, and broke his arm. The Oconto Land Company, of which George Beyer is president, sold land to the amount of $3,000. Last month, which may be said to be a good beginning for a dull year. The Company has lots of good land left, which are offered to settlers upon their own terms. Spread the good news to the thousands who want good farms in the most promising agricultural county in Wisconsin. Fred Wilson is dangerously ill at the home of his mother, Mrs. Quinn. Edwin Ferguson of Suamico has been awarded a pension.
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Oconto County Reporter
Feb. 21, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Personal And Social Walter Elliott and C. F. Yeaton are seriously ill and both confined at the residence of the former. Wants More Time Joseph Williams Wants His Brother’s Assistance – Now in Jail Wednesday afternoon, Joseph Williams, arrested on suspicion of having stolen goods from a hotel in Lena, was arraigned before Judge Jones for examination, but asked for an adjournment that he might write to his brother in Michigan for funds to use in employing an attorney, which appeal was granted. Next Wednesday the case will be called up again. Albert Ruelle and K. J. McIver recently formed a partnership to carry on a wholesale lumber business at Stiles. Mr. Ruelle recently returned from a sojourn of a couple of years in the state of Washington, where he was engaged in the lumber business, and his acquaintance in the great west opens excellent opportunities to the new firm. They will handle all kinds of lumber. Jacob Ullman will leave for Chicago, Sunday night, to purchase another carload of horses. He has barns in Oconto, Pound and Wausaukee, and two men traveling the country with horses and is doing a flourishing business. Old Mrs. Davis is very low with pneumonia. It is not expected that she will recover. Al. Baling has sold his saloon to a relative of Mr. Chatell of Abrams. The new owner expects to put up a large hotel here next summer. Last Saturday night, the Sturgeon Bay covered stage,
with five passengers, went through a large crack in the ice on Green Bay,
and the passengers narrowly escaped drowning. The ice on the bay has not
been very thick this winter, and many accidents have been reported.
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Oconto County Reporter
Feb. 28, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Briefly Mentioned Mr. Colburn has accepted the position of millwright at the F. M. Co.’s pulp mill. Jos. Curtain, late of Chicago, has again taken up residence here, having assumed charge of the digesters at the sulphite mill. Jimmie Smith was quite badly injured in the woods,
while employed by Fred Butler, loading logs.
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Oconto County Reporter
March 6, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Will North and family have moved to Sheboygan, where he has obtained a situation in a chair factory. Joseph Williams will be arraigned before Justice Jones next Monday on another phase of the charge for stealing clothing. A girl baby, without eyes, nose, fingers or toes, was recently born to a woman of the First ward. A carriage containing five occupants was run over at the railroad crossing of the Peshtigo road near Marinette last Saturday night. The horses were killed and the carriage demolished, but only one person was severely injured. Stanislaus Dazkowski, who had been in jail several
months awaiting trial on charge of murdering his wife, was discharged from
custody on Monday, on motion of District Attorney Cady. Mrs. Dazkowski
disappeared on the third of January, and all efforts to find her dead or
alive, have been futile. Dazkowski was held for trial on an alleged confession
of the murder, but evidence secured up to the time of the trial was not
deemed sufficient to convict.
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Oconto County Reporter
March 13, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Mrs. S. C. May returned home during the week from a three months visit with her parents in Milwaukee. John McCrae moved the first of the week to Green Bay, where he will conduct a barbershop and restaurant. Mrs. Caroline Smith of Gladstone came down last week in response to a summons notifying her of the serious illness of her sister, Mrs. J. Messenger. Mrs. Tuttle is visiting her sister, Mrs. Curtis, at Oshkosh. Municipal Court Joseph Williams, recently released from custody on
the charge of having stolen certain clothing from Buckberger’s hotel at
Lena, for want of sufficient evidence, was soon re-arrested, as the result
of a clever bit of detective work by Sheriff Whitcomb, and is again in
the toils of the law, on another charge of the same character. This time
the evidence was deemed so good that Judge Jones bound him over to circuit
court, and in default of $300 bail he is stopping at the Whitcomb house.
After the judge announced that he should be held for trial, Williams (whose
name is believed to be Mitchell) offered to plead guilty to petit larceny
and take the penalty for that offence.
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Oconto County Reporter
March 20, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis The family of Mr. Schultz are out of quarantine, the health authorities concluding danger from diphtheria over. Casualties in Life Serious Accidents with Narrow Escapes from Fatal Results Last Friday as Lots Brandiland and Lots Lindberg were driving to their home in the town of Little River they were struck by a C & N W train at the crossing about a mile north of the city and severely injured. The men were thrown a distance of more then twenty feet from the track, both being rendered unconscious. Brandiland received several cuts and bruises that are likely to lay him up for some time. His companion fared better, though considerably hurt. One horse was killed and thrown on the other side of the track from the men, while the other animal escaped injury of any kind. The train came to a halt and taking the men aboard backed down to the city where medical services were secured, and later the same evening they were conveyed in a carriage to their home. His Ribs Broken John Carr had a serious experience with his team of
broncos on Wednesday afternoon that will confine him to his house for some
time. He had driven out to W. P. Cook and Bros’ farm, and was returning
to the city when the metal loop at one end of the neck yoke broke, letting
the pole fall against the legs of one of the ponies. This startled the
animals and they dashed off at full speed, soon getting beyond control
of the driver. John Herald, who was in the buggy jumped out safely, and
in attempting to do the same Mr. Carr tripped on the lap robe and fell
between the wheels, and his fur overcoat becoming fastened to the seat
of the buggy held him in that position for some time. He finally succeeded
in lifting himself back in the buggy when he was immediately thrown over
the dashboard onto the ground between the whiffletrees and the heels of
the horses. He was unconscious for a time. Herald soon obtained help and
brought the injured man home. The sum of his injuries is a severe contusion
on the right side of his head and several broken ribs.
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Oconto County Reporter
March 27, 1896 Historic Family News Researcher.- Cathe Ziereis Mr. Burgess, living near here, had his house destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. It probably caught from a stray spark of fire lighting on the roof. They were able to save most of the household goods. During the progress of the fire old Mrs. Burgess entered the cellar, to save some canned fruit, and came very near losing her life. As she opened the cellar door the smoke poured out in volumes; entering the cellar, she became lost, as the smoke blinded her, and could not make her way back again. Charley Betts, knowing that she had entered the cellar, rushed in and rescued her. The loss is about $1,000; no insurance. Maude Callan, after having spent the winter at Hickory, has returned to Sheldon, N.D. The Reporter welcomed Sheldon Cook into its sanctum,
the other day, but was sorry to note that he limped not a little, a thing
he didn’t do when he made the twenty miles between Oconto and Marinette
last summer on his bicycle. Mr. Cook has been quite closely confined to
his farm home four or five weeks on account of a game foot, caused by having
run a rusty nail into it, but he has put in a busy winter just the same.
He has built a new barn, a new chicken house, a series of new hog pens,
and sundry other new things on his farm, besides making some improvements
upon his house. His place is now the best in the country.
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Oconto County Reporter
April 10, 1896 Briefly Mentioned Charles Schmidt’s son Louis is at a hospital in Milwaukee, to have an operation performed on his hands. Mrs. Thomas Ryan and children, and Misses Bert and Lulu Runkel, of Oshkosh, are visiting relatives in the city. Mrs. Rosa Lemorand of Marinette is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Dell Foster. Mrs. Lemorand and Miss Gilbo had lived in Oconto till about thirteen years ago. Mrs. E. Hunter, of Hickory, accompanied her niece,
Miss Maude Callan, as far as Oconto on the way to her home in North Dakota.
She visited with the family of C. H. Thomas.
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Oconto County Reporter
April 17, 1896 In order to show honor and respect to Alice, wife of
John Lehner, who died at her home in the town of Spruce April 5, 1896,
after an illness of short duration, I feel obligated to publish in your
valuable paper a few words of lasting importance to her bereaved husband
and friends.
The Circuit Court Lawe vs. Lawe divorce granted. Caution W.A. Meyer Dated at Oconto, Wis., April 17, 1896 Mr. Hall, a few years ago, leased his farm for five years, and went to Menominee, Mich. He remained there a couple of years ago, and becoming a voter, exercised the right of suffrage. He came back to Little River less than a year ago, and had therefore lost his right to vote or to hold office. He did not, however, vote at the town meeting, but was a candidate for town clerk, and was elected. Sad news was received from Charley Couillard of Sagoia,
Mich. last week. He had his leg broken in two places below the knee while
unloading logs. His mother at once left for Sagoia.
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Oconto County Reporter
April 24, 1896 Marinette Christina Jacobson, the unfortunate women who was afflicted with leprosy, is dead. Ed Cardinal received a disagreeable injury last Friday, in Oconto Company’s sawmill. While feeding a trimmer the saw struck a knot which precipitated a sliver against his face, knocking out several teeth and carrying off a bit of his upper lip. Next day, Saturday, a similar misfortune befell August Mercier, from a similar cause. One of his eye lids was severed, only temporarily wounding the eye itself, however, and one side of his face was badly wounded. The wounds of both were successfully dressed by Dr. Atwood, and both were doing well. Mr. Cardinal recovered so quickly as to be married on Sunday, according to previous arrangements, to Miss Josephine Lambert, the Rev. Fr. Vaillant tying the knot. Circuit Court
Following is the disposition of the cases entered for trail at the spring term of circuit court, which adjourned last evening; Burdick v. Phillips – Motion for a new trial to be
heard at chambers May 1st.
IT PAYS TO TRADE
1¢ buys a paper of pins, a lead pencil or a spool
of thread
Marinette Mayor Sherman is the oldest continuous resident of
Marinette. He came here in 1853, to find it an Indian village. He was Marinette’s
first school teacher, having 10 pupils. Now there are 3,000 pupils and
63 teachers.
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Oconto County Reporter
May 1, 1896 Mike Rokouski, the young Polock who was charged with a heinous crime, appeared before Judge Holgate last week and pleaded guilty. He was given a year in Waupun. He is but nineteen years old but his crime was a revolting one and merited severe punishment. George Drown of Oshkosh renewed old acquaintances here last week while looking after the interests of his late brother’s child, over whom he was appointed guardian. Gus. Ahrens, a resident of the West side, jumped from
a second-story window at the Howard House Wednesday night and received
injuries to his back and limbs that will inconvenience him for some time.
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Oconto County Reporter
May 8, 1896 Mrs. A. J. Bradley, who has spent the winter here with her mother, has gone to Denver, Colo., where her husband is located. Miss Minnie Burke, who has spent the winter with her sister, Mrs. Chas. Beck, at Sturgeon Bay, returned to this city Monday. Wm. Urquhart is welcomed back from his home at Ballard, Wash., for the summer. Appreciating a good thing, he is again a guest at the Beyer House. George Thompson and another brother and Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Weld, the latter a sister of the late Claude Thompson, all of Marshfield, attended the funeral of the deceased in Oconto. A TELL-TALE BUTTON John Leseck Missing From Town of How Albert Swanson Suspected of Knowing Much Pertaining
to His Disappearance
On the 23rd of April, John Leseck, of the town of How,
hired out, with his team, to do some plowing for Albert Swanson, a farmer
residing two miles distant, since which time he has not been heard from.
Three days later, he not having returned, the woman with whom he boarded
called at Swanson’s place to make inquiry for the man, when she was told
by Swanson that Leseck had gone to the neighbors to work, but afterward
informed her that he had left the country and would not return until autumn,
Swanson explaining that he had purchased Leseck’s team and had afterward
sold it. Foul play was suggested, resulting in a warrant being issued for
Swanson’s arrest.
The woman with whom Leseck had been stopping, since the burning of his home, told of a button which she had noticed on the man’s shirt, peculiarly “chipped”, which was discovered and corresponded with her description. At the time of going to press the officer has not returned
t the city with his prisoner.
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Oconto County Reporter
May 15, 1896 CAPTURED HIS MAN ALBERT SWANSON IN THE TOILS OF THE LAW Under-sheriff Conners Explains How the Act Was Accomplished – He chased Through Brush and Brier, and With a Posse, Surrounded Him in a Barn Albert Swanson, suspected of being able
to throw much light upon the sudden disappearance of Jacob Lesechk, a resident
of the town of How, is now behind bars in this city, Under-Sheriff Conners
arriving with the man on Saturday. Arraigned before Judge Jones, he pleaded
not guilty, and in the absence of witnesses the case was adjourned until
next Monday.
Albert Swanson Suspected “The man suspected of the murder – circumstances pointing
strongly to the fact that a murder had been committed – was Albert Swanson,
a farmer residing on the South Branch of the Oconto river, at a point known
as the Butler bridge.
Conners Suspected Foul Play Swanson’s actions convinced me that there had been foul play. Turning to Mr. Gilmore, who was present, I requested him to go over to Peter Lundquist’s and to tell him to come over to Swanson’s and to bring some men with him, if there should happen to be any nearby. Soon Mr. Lundguist and a Mr. David arrived. He told them to get a crow car and a shovel, for I believe that Lesechk has been murdered, and buried in the vicinity. We searched in various places, and finally came to a large stump which had been burned and hollowed out, in the middle of which we discovered ashes containing bones, teeth, a shoe buckle, pants and shirt buttons. The shirt buttons were identified by Mrs. David as the buttons she had sewn on the front of Lesechk’s shirt. The missing man had made his home at Mr. David’s and Mrs. David had done his washing and repaired his clothes. Swanson Arrested “Swanson was taken to the home of Mr. Lundguist, and when dinner was announced the former refused to eat. Close guard was kept upon him, all the afternoon and evening, but while I was in the act of reaching for a drink of water, and for an instant had removed my eyes from the prisoner, he leaped through the doorway and ‘ran for his life.’ I struck out after him, but he soon distanced me. Calling two men to follow me, with the aid of a lantern we tracked our man to Peter Peterson’s place, where Swanson tried to conceal himself in a loft over a hogs pen. Detecting the light from the lantern he left his hiding place and struck across the fields and into the swamp. In His Stocking Feet “Thinking he would return to his barn to secure a horse and some shoes- for he was in his stocking feet – I sent two men to guard the road leading toward Breed post office, while I returned to the barn where Swanson had his horses. This cut off his retreat. The next morning I sent men out to notify settlers, railroad men, river men and Indians to be on the lookout for Swanson, but no one had seen him. I was then convinced he was in the woods, near by, and arming men with Winchesters and instructing them to guard all houses in the vicinity, I knew it was a matter of come out or starve. Coming out of the woods he re-entered the barn, which was quickly surrounded by armed men. Calling two men to accompany me, we entered the barn and found Swanson in one of the stalls, lying under the manger. I covered him with my revolver and told him to put up his hands. He implored me not to shoot, and when I told him ‘hands up’ he obeyed, when I slipped the hand cuffs on and he was again a prisoner.” Says He Is Innocent Swanson, interviewed in his cell, told the following story; “Why did I try to escape, if I was innocent of the charge? Because I didn’t care to be taken to jail without first making an effort to defend myself, and I wanted to find H.W. Gilkey, whom I thought would be able to help me in my difficulty. “I never had any trouble with anybody and no man can truthfully say that he ever saw me intoxicated. I have worked in Oconto in Larsen’s livery stable and at Holt’s boarding house, and now own two forties of land in the town of How, where I have a home and a wife. Of late years we have both worked in the woods and on the drive – my wife as cook. She came home the same day I was arrested. Another Suspect In a cell, in the upper portion of the jail, August Pole was confined, suspected of being implicated in the supposed murder of Jacob Lesechk. He protects innocence. Under-Sheriff Conners, while skirmishing about the country on his chase for Swanson, learned that the latter, the day after Lesechk’s disappearance, had sent a boy to the Indian reservation, instructing him to tell Pole that he (Swanson) wished to see him at once. This, with other information, was telephoned to Sheriff Whitcomb who procured a warrant for the arrest of Pole, and left immediately for the reservation. The arrest was made by an Indian policeman, and when once off the domain of the redskin the sheriff took possession of the suspect and brought him to Oconto. He will appear in court next Tuesday. Run Away Accident In a runaway at Pensaukee, Monday, Mrs. Meinecke, nearly
sixty years of age, was thrown from a carriage, sustaining injuries which
may prove fatal. One leg was broken in three places, one shoulder severely
bruised and she was injured internally.
An Off Color A Black fox Makes It’s appearance In A Litter of Red Cubs Carl Schoenebeck of Lena is possessor of a black fox,
a specimen whose rarity makes it very valuable. The fox was captured a
few weeks ago near Oconto Falls, and with it a full brother of the conventual
red color. The animals are confined in a commodious cage, have become quite
tame, and are apparently as happy as though enjoying the sweets of freedom.
Mr. Schoenebeck was offered $50. For the black fox a few days after it
came into his possession, but he declined the offer. Mr. C. is an expert
taxidermist, and in his saloon has several large cages of quadrupeds, birds,
insects, bugs, etc. which he has himself stuffed and handsomely mounted.
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Oconto County Reporter
May 22, 1896 Abrams We are called to mourn the untimely death of our esteemed friend, Henry Bellingham, which occurred on May 11. He had spent the winter in the woods, and returned in March not feeling as usual. Calling upon Dr. Hanson he learned that he was stricken with sugar diabetes. Medical aid was sought, also in other directions, but the same inevitable answer fell upon anxious ears and all hope of recovery was abandoned. Henry Bellingham was born in England, Oct. 27, 1865, and came to this country when five years of age. He had lived here many years, and was universally esteemed by all who knew him. He was an honest, hard working young man and leaves a reputation worthy one one’s emulation. He died in the belief of future life, as was manifested during his last conscious moments, when he said he was going home to see his child and brother. The burial services were conducted by Rev. J. C. McLean, the funeral being held at the Methodist church, the large number of people in attendance, and eyes filled with tears during the service only imperfectly attesting to the high esteem in which he was in the community. He leaves a father, mother, wife, brother and four sisters to mourn his early departure, though they can but feel that their loss is his gain, yet a true husband, son, and brother has been ushered into immortal life by a just creator. The relatives have the sympathy of the entire community. Our cup of sorrow has again been filled to overflowing, as we record the death of Frederick G. Worthing, who died Tuesday morning, after an illness of ten weeks. Mr. Worthing was born in Maine, Feb. 23, 1833, and for the past thirty-three years had been a citizen of Wisconsin, and nearly all these years a resident of Oconto County. He died with a brain disease which kept him in a dazed state much of the time. Mr. Worthing was step-father to Mrs. J. I. Bovee, Mrs. A. L. Dunton, Mrs. E. H. Brooks and Frank Morrison. He also has two daughters by his first wife, one of whom is Mrs. Frank Morrison of Abrams. He also leaves four brothers to mourn his loss. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church, Wednesday afternoon, and were attended by a vast concourse of friends and neighbors. He was a loving husband and a true friend, ready at all times to grant an accommodation or extend a sympathetic hand to the unfortunate. He leaves a wife, five daughters. A son and four brothers. While Miss Ella Flatley, Mrs. John Flatley and Mrs. Hall of Oconto and two children were returning from visiting with Mrs. James Farrell at the Oconto Company’s farm, the horse became frightened at an Indian and his pony, and ran away, upsetting the buggy and throwing them all out. Injuries not serious. Mrs. C. A. North visited her husband at Sheboygan over Sunday. Charles Windross is to erect a store 25 X 50 on a lot
purchased of Jesse Birmingham. The cellar is dug and the foundation walls
are being laid this week.
His Life Insurance The late Charles B. Alford had life insurance to the
amount of $13,000, most of it obtained not long before his death. It was
all payable to designated beneficiaries, as follows: $1,000 in the Northwestern,
to his wife; $3,000 in the Royal Arcanun and $3,000 in the Northwestern,
to his six children, and $6,000 in the New York Life, to the six others
of his children. Of that in the New York Life, $2,000 was made payable
at his death, $200 each year for ten years, and the remaining $2,000 at
the end of the eleventh year. His policies in the New York Life were under
a new plan, inaugurated by the company little more then a year ago, and
is called its registered bond plan. The deferred payments bear interest
at 3 per cent per annum.
A.H. Luckenbach has been appointed administrator of the Alford estate in place F. X. Morrow, who failed to file a new bond, as required by the county court. The estate apart from life insurance is merely nominal. On The Salty Sea Oconto People to Visit the Scenes of Their Childhood Days On the second of June, Mr. and Mrs. Sol. Hirsch and son will leave Oconto for New York city, and on the 9th proximal take passage on the ocean steamer Lahn for Bremen – but ten days on the water, should they meet with favorable weather. It has been sixteen years since Mr. Hirsch left the
old country, where his father is engaged in the cattle business. While
away, Mr. Hirsch will investigate the feasibility of shipping horses over
there as a regular business.
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Oconto County Reporter
May 29, 1896 Signed For Poison Swanson Tires of Prison Life and Courts Suicide
Albert Swanson longs to snap the tie that binds him to things terrestrial and has signified his preference of a route. Saturday night he asked one of the women confined in the jail if she would get him some poison, such as they sprinkle on potato vines. Upon her refusal to comply with his request, he remarked that he would kill himself in some way – that he would never stand trial. Everything with which he could do himself injury has been removed from his cell. This morning, before Judge Jones, Swanson has his preliminary examination and was committed to jail to await appearance at circuit court. The charge against Pohl was dismissed, but he was held under $100 bonds to appear as a witness against Swanson. Pohl testified that Swanson told him he had killed Leschk with an ax and burned his body in a hollow stump. And asked him (Pohl) to tell the people with whom Leschk had boarded that he had seen the missing man since the day of his reported disappearance, which request he compiled with, fearing violence from Swanson by a refusal. Pohl is at liberty and Swanson behind bars. May Be Zuelke An inmate of the county jail at Wautoma, arrested for burglary, answers the description of the murderer of Edward Davids at Markesan on April last. Misses Allie and Minerva May took their departure, Tuesday, for their new home in Milwaukee, accompanied by the regrets of the many friends with whom they mingled during their residence in Oconto. James Hall, absent two months in Florida, has returned to Wisconsin and is now in the city visiting his brother, Robert Hall. His home is in Garden Mich. Mrs. D. E. Whitels has returned to the home of her
parents in Spring Green for another visit, Mr. Whitels accompanying her
as far as Milwaukee.
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Oconto County Reporter
June 5, 1896 Mrs. J. B. Atwood has returned from an extended visit at her former home in Illinois. Charges Not Sustained
In county court, Tuesday, charges were presented against Hardin Gilkey, for alleged misconduct in the guardianship affairs of the minor children of Alberta Weinholdt, of the town of How, but the charges were sustained. Mrs. Minnick, who was seriously injured a few weeks ago, is recovering slowly. Antonie Jennsen and Frank Haley, strangers in this city, Sundayed in jail and were ordered to leave town within the hour by Justice O’Keef. John McDonald has completed his new and large hotel in Brookside and will open it with a grand ball on next Monday evening, Edward Battin, for a number of years shoemaker for D. O’Keefe, has leased the building one door east of Links Hardware store – Robert Burke’s old place – and will conduct a general shoemaking business and repair shop. ‘Neath The Waters' Joseph Prickett Drowned At Little Rapids, Saturday. Became Adventuresome and Did Not Heed Caution – Body Recovered Six Hours Afterwards – Another Oconto Man Met Death There Over Twenty Years ago. Joseph Prickett was drowned at Little Falls, on the north branch of the Oconto River, at 9 o’clock last Saturday morning and the body recovered at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, two miles below the spot where he disappeared from view. He was engaged in breaking the center jam at an island near the foot of Simpson rapids, and when the jam started he was standing on a log. In the excitement he lost his peevy and having nothing to balance himself with he fell in and went over the falls, logs striking him in the back and upon the head. The body was brought to Oconto by team, arriving early Sunday morning, and the funeral was held on Tuesday, from St. Peter’s church. He was the eldest son of Paul Prickett, besides whom; there are two brothers and a sister in the family. His mother died about two months ago. Wednesday, of the week previous, Mr. Prickett nearly lost his life at Loon Rapids, near the Eldred’s farm, by being too venturesome, and going unnecessarily, into dangerous positions. He got in under the wing and was missing a half-hour, his companions finding him lying in the water beside a log, exhausted and helpless. Death of Two Men Little falls can now be pointed out as the spot where two men, both residents of this city, have lost their lives – Jeremiah Corboy, the first victim, away back in the 70’s. Mrs. Solway, Ralph and Grace, are with relatives in Menominee. S. S. Banta of Pembine, a former resident of Oconto,
was here on Wednesday.
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Oconto County Reporter
June 12, 1896 Eliza McNamara of Menominee, aged 18, committed suicide last Saturday by eating Strychnine from a handkerchief, in the presence of visitors. Grief over the death of a sister is believed to have been the cause. Three alleged post office burglars are in Marinette jail, in default of $2,000 bail, to await trial at circuit court at circuit court. They pleaded not guilty and gave their names as George Wilson, G. R. Gill, and Joseph Meyers. Bert Ogden and wife were arrested this week, more stolen property having been bound at their resort. Hearing next Tuesday. Bail $100. Furnished. Gilbert Morrow is adding a lean-to to his place, into which he will move his store goods. He expects to rent the front room of the main building for a saloon. Mr. and Mrs. K. J. McIver will leave Monday for Walker, Minn., where they will make their future home. Mrs. James McGuire has received $1,000 in full payment of her claim as beneficiary named in the certificate held by her late husband in the Modern Woodmen. Rev. W. W. Soule of Oneida and his mother, of Waupaca, made a short visit at his brother’s, Rev. A. B. Soule’s, last week. Zuelke Is At Large John Cusick Met Him in the Woods Recently
Zuelke, the Green Lake county murderer, is, without doubt, roaming aimlessly about over sparsely settled portions of Oconto county. John Cusick, while walking through the woods in the town of Armstrong, saw a man standing near a tree with a Winchester rifle resting in the “hollow” of his left arm. The gun was cocked and the man’s forefinger lay upon the trigger. He asked Mr. Cusick to procure him food, the latter replying that he was six miles from home and that it was out of the question for him to comply with the request, but that if he would accompany him to the house he should be well fed and given a comfortable night’s lodging. The invitation however, was refused. When Mr. Cusick told him of the railroad camp some three miles away, suggesting that nourishment might be procured there, his kindly offices were rewarded by a peremptory demand from the stranger to “move on”. From his description of the man it is believed that he encountered Zuelke. Lightening Plays Pranks
During the storm of one week ago tonight, the residence of J. E. Nelligan was struck by lightening, but little damage resulting, compared to the usual record of this mysterious visitor. The big chimney was somewhat shattered, a few shingles lifted from the roof, plastering scattered about in one or two rooms, and the blast went down the chimney that blew the fire-place out and scattered soot over the sitting room carpet. Members of the family were sitting in the room and their fright maybe more readily imagined then expressed. Relatives of an Oconto Lady Mrs. Clark, mother of Mrs. Henry Fox, wife of the engineer
of the railroad extension from Gillett, was a sufferer by the St. Louis
tornado. The roof of her residence was blown in upon the contents and her
furniture was almost completely destroyed by the wind and rain. Her son
and his wife and child were in the house at the time, but only the child
was injured, receiving a cut by a broken glass.
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Oconto County Reporter
June 19, 1896 Death of a distinguished soldier who once lived in Oconto. The Reporter is indebted to Mrs. J. R. Underwood of
Aurora, Ill., (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Snover of this city), for
copies of the News of that city containing particulars of the death and
funeral obsequies of General Nicholas Greusel, on April 25, aged 79 tears
– a native of Bavaria, but for more then sixty years a loyal adopted citizen
of the United States, a veteran of both the Mexican war and the later war
for the Union. He raised the 36th Illinois infantry for the later war and
rose to the rank of brigadier general, taking active and conspicuous parts
in the battles at Corinth, Pea Ridge and elsewhere under Gen. Siegel. The
News pays just tribute to his memory and extols him highly for the maximum
of many virtues.
“I met the widow a short time ago, and she told me they once-about forty years ago-lived in Oconto. Her daughter, who is a friend of mine, had told her that my parents and sister live there. The widow also told me they kept a store there. I said, ‘Oh, yes; then you must have known the Harts, the Joneses, the – etc.’ She answered ‘Oh yes, are the old people – for they must be aged now – living there yet.’ And just as I was about to answer my car came along and I had to leave her. “I thought then that a notice in your paper might catch the eye of some one who had known Gen. Greusel, and be of interest.” Charles Rice, brother of Mrs. L. C. DeLano, and son-in-law
of Henry Russell of the town of Oconto, has purchased the store, with contents,
of Harry Lord at Hickory and will occupy it soon.
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Oconto County Reporter
June 19, 1896 Tigerton Underhill |
Oconto County Reporter
June 26, 1896 Underhill D. Hickok of Underhill has taken V. John’s place in the depot during the illness of the latter. Mountain Gillett M. F. Whitney and wife are visiting relatives in the southern part of the state. A.C. Frost of Round Lake met with rather a singular
misfortune last week, which his two horse team and its belongings were
cremated. It seems that he, in company of a fishing party from Seymour,
started for a point on the Waupee, where angling was good, and left their
team and outfit at an old logging camp near by, while they proceeded to
the stream on foot. In about an hour they noticed smoke arising in the
direction of the place they left their team. Hurrying back with all possible
speed, they discovered the camp in flames and their whole equipage destroyed.
Having built no fire at the camp, or even lighting a match, their suspicions
were naturally aroused. Upon making diligent search for the cause of the
calamity they discovered that some one had been at the camp during their
absence, on horseback, and either accidentally or maliciously caused the
disaster.
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Oconto County Reporter
July 3, 1896 DEATH IN THE WAVES
Last Saturday evening on Shawano Lake, a yacht containing nine person’s overturned in a gale and six of the party perished – Mrs. O. A. Risum, Mrs. Herman Druckery, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gokey of Pulcifer; Miss Emma Garbrecht of Shawano and Miss Margaret Crowe of St. Nazianz, Manitowoc County. Mr. Risum, Mr. Druckery and a little child were saved after being in the water five hours. They had all started from Cecil for a few days’ outing on the north shore of the lake and the boat was three miles from the shore it capsized. As the party was precipitated into the water, Mr. Risum and Mr. Druckery seized the rail of the boat, the latter holding the child with one arm. They were rescued by parties from Cecil, who heard their cries for help. When rescued Mr. Risum was very weak, and for a tie it was thought he would not recover, but he is now out of danger. Bodies Are Found All of the bodies, with the exception of that of Mr. Gokey, have been recovered, and had drifted east from where the boat capsized. Mr. Risum is a prosperous merchant at Pulcifer, Louis Gokey was proprietor of a hotel there, Herman Druckery is engaged in the hardware business, and Miss Crowe was principle of the school of that village. Albert C. Kuhnie of Menominee, a brother of Mrs. Risum, passed through this city, Tuesday, on his way to join in the search for the bodies. Nearly all of the parties were well known in Oconto. Personal and Social F. N. Morrow was a guest of his uncle in Brown County this week. Mrs. R. P. Smith and little Mabel returned, today, from a visit with relatives at Oshkosh, Watertown and Janesville. The following Oconto people attended the funeral of Miss Maud Magee at Peshtigo last Sunday; Mrs. Goodrich. Lemuel Gardiner of Chicago, a former resident of Oconto,
is in this city greeting old time friends. He will manage the lumber business
of Perley Lowe at Peshtigo.
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Oconto County Reporter
July 17, 1896 Surprised in A Boat The Clever Capture of Two Thieves It was done by the Sheriff of Door county and members
of the Life-Saving crew.
The men who surreptitiously entered Charles Hall’s Hardware Store and Anderson & Co. meat market on the night of June 4 are in retirement behind bars in the city of Sturgeon Bay. Stole A Boat Took to the Water Oconto Officer Investigates Owners of stolen goods from above mentioned cities have identified merchandise taken, and the trial of the thieves is set for fall term of circuit court for Door county. Thirty-Odd Years Ago The City of Oconto and the Big World Outside – This Will Interest You The editor of the Sturgeon Bay Advocate of last week was in reminiscent mood, as follows: Among Advocate callers on Monday last was our old friend and former taskmaster, Jos. W. Hall, proprietor of the Oconto Lumberman. It is now nearly thirty-four years ago that Joe took charge of the mechanical department of the Advocate, which was then the property of Joseph Harris. Less than two years afterward the writer assisted Joe in launching the Lumberman on the story sea of journalism, and a desperate struggle it was to place the paper on a paying basis, as Oconto already had one public journal, the Pioneer, which had what little business there was in those early days. The office was located on Section street, in what was then known as the Newton & Royce building. This was the principle thoroughfare of the town at the time we speak of, and it isn’t saying a great deal. Main street west of Section had only a few buildings. Of these the hotel owned by Ernest Funke was the principal one. The leading hotel was the Empire, then the property of Mr. Gilkey, Sr. This was situated on the southeast corner of Section and Main street. The Empire was a great, rambling frame building, which was subsequently destroyed by fire. Between the hotel and the bridge were located a meat market, a restaurant, a saloon, the residence of Wm. B. Whitcomb, and a general store owned by the mill company of which Mr. Whitcomb was the head. On the opposite side of the street was the store owned by Thos. Millidge, and between the latter and the Newton & Royce there was a shoe shop and tailor shop. One or both of these were owned by the Davis Brothers, if we are not mistaken. The only method of communication with the outside world was by means of steamer or sail craft during the season of navigation and by stage in the winter. What was known as the Pony express carried the mail six times a week between Menominee and Green Bay. The distance was about sixty miles and a change of teams occurred at Windross’ in the village of Pensaukee. The fare to Oconto was $2 and double that sum to Menominee or Green Bay. It was almost a physical impossibility to make time in the spring and fall when roads are broken up, and it was nothing unusual for a team to be on the road two whole days and part of the night in making the trip going one way. As soon as the boats began to run the mail was carried in that way, being transferred to the little steamer Miner at the mouth of the then tortuous Oconto river. The stage proprietor was Captain John Sanders and the name of the passenger boat was the Queen City, Capt. John B. Jacobs owner and master. The craft made a round trip every two days, going down one day and returning the next. The fare was $3 and meals extra. Longevity of Life Health-Producing Climate of Oconto County Some of the People Who Have Passed Far Beyond the Half Century Mark HICKORY Hickory has a number of old people who seem to hold
their own quite well, Squire Glynn and Grandpa Mills are up in the eighties
and both are hale and hearty and able to do considerable work. Harrison
Cooley is considerably past the three-score-and-ten, and thought not rugged
or sure-footed as he used to be, is still well preserved for a man of his
years. Grandpa Moore is able to walk to church nearly every Sunday and
to all appearances has still a long lease of life. James and Pat Kelly
show but little signs of wearing out. They are among the first settlers
of this county and it’s many a tale they can tell of the early days when
wolves and bears and wildcats were the only neighbors they had.
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Oconto County Reporter
July 24, 1896 Elisha Burdick, a pioneer resident of Wisconsin, who died at his home in Madison last Saturday of cerebral hemorrage, was an uncle of Dr. J.B. and District attorney Atwood. Mr. Burdick was born in Brookfield, N.Y. in 1822. In 1842 he came to Wisconsin, and two years later went to Madison as clerk of territorial court. In 1854 he engaged in the real estate business with the late Geo. P. Delaplaine, and then partnership continued till Mr. Delaplaine’s death. For a quarter of a century he was a member and officer of the Madison school board, and was devoted to the interests of the public schools. His wife and four sons and two daughters survive him. The home of Will Regal was destroyed Tuesday by fire, between 11 and 12 a.m. No insurance. Wednesday E. McKenzie and family and E. Gale and family attended the wedding at Keshena of Bert Cox, brother of the ladies. The bride, Miss Mamie Colvin, is of Couillardville, and the groom of Keshena. Mr. and Mrs. Neils Jorgensen have returned from their wedding trip. Mrs. Regina Newald swallowed some poison. We are glad to hear she is in no danger. Miss Clara Scholm of Waupaca, a sister to Mrs. Walter Jersild, will return home tomorrow. She has been in the city about 6 weeks. Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Spencer and two daughters from Wichita, Kansas, are guests of the Campbell’s and Germonds. Patrick Pidgeon, a soldier of the 4th Wisconsin cavalry, who was born and raised in Oconto, now a resident of Wausau, visited Oconto relatives and friends this week. James E. Glynn and wife drove down from Hickory on
Tuesday and returned Wednesday. The Reporter correspondent at Hickory last
week placed Mr. Glynn among the octogenarians, by mistake, of course. He
will not be eighty for some years yet, but is sure to pass that point if
the wishes of his friends can prevail.
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Oconto County Reporter
July 31, 1896 The Sad Returning
James K. Crooks, a resident of Oconto county since
1865, was instantly killed at Sagbridge, Ill., one week ago Wednesday,
by being struck by a locomotive while crossing the track to enter the depot
for the purpose of procuring a ticket for Lemont.
Well known in Oconto Mr. Crooks, before coming to this county, resided in
Restigouche, N. B. Upon arrival here he entered the employ of Holt &
Balcom in superintending logging operations, in whose service he continued
several years, and afterwards he put in logs by the thousand for other
parties. He next became foreman for an iron mining company, which vocation
he followed three or four years. Sixteen years ago he removed to a farm
at Brookside – his sons working the farm – his own employment, however,
keeping him away a greater part of the time.
Card of Thanks The wife and sons and daughter and other surviving
relatives of the late James K. Crooks, the particulars of whose sad death
are recounted above, wish to make public acknowledgement of the service
and sympathies of their friends and neighbors, in their sudden bereavement.
Briefly Mentioned Ullman will soon ship horses to Europe. August Suketerhunt met with a painful accident, Monday,
by which he lost the end of one finger by getting it caught in a pulley.
The injured member was amputated and dressed by Dr. Grant.
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Oconto County Reporter
Aug. 7, 1896 A funeral procession consisting of over fifty carriages laden with citizens of Little River, Oconto and other points and led by Pastor D. T. Bordeau of Marinette, passed through our town the 5th inst., paying their tribute of respect to the remains of Mr. Joseph Vaes, that were deposited in the Oconto cemetery. The deceased was an enterprising young man, aged 29 years, 8 months and 17 days, whose quiet, modest and peaceable disposition, enterprise, honesty and habits of industry and economy had won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was the son of Mr. Christopher Vaes of Little River, a man of sterling integrity who had reared a respectable family of children and made life a success. He was brought up to fear the Lord, cherished the hope of Salvation through Christ, retained his consciousness to the last; and his last week were: “Christ has a place for me, There is a crown of gold for me.” The funeral service was preformed in French and in English in the commodious house in which he was born and died, which was more than filled with sympathizing and respectful bearers. Words of Appreciation We would hereby express to our neighbors and friends our heartfelt appreciation of their sympathy and assistance in our late affliction caused by the sickness and death of our beloved son, Joseph Vaes; in all of which our surviving children do heartily concur. Christopher Vaes
********************** Rev. and Mrs. McLain arrived home from Florence Friday, whence they were called to attend the funeral of an old friend, Mr. King, who was killed in the mines at that place. C. W. Halstead was called to Chilton, Monday, by the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Granger. Stiles Eugene Wescott broke his leg, Tuesday after the raising
of James Lince’s barn, while playing with a rope.
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Oconto County Reporter
Aug. 14, 1896 Mrs. Darrow, whose death occurred in Marinette last
week, was the wife of W. A. Darrow, formerly of Oconto. They were married
in 1883 and had resided in Marinette ever since, where Mr. Darrow held
the position of cashier in C & N W depot. The death of the latter occurred
in 1887.
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Oconto County Reporter
Aug. 21, 1896 Mrs. Marcia of Sturgeon Bay was called here by the serious illness of her sister, Mrs. Frank Ruelle, and is anxiously waiting a change for the better of her conditions. The four year old son of E. J. Johnson, who was
badly scalded on the 6th instant, that for a number of days death seemed
imminent, is slowly recovering and in fair condition for ultimate recovery.
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Oconto County Reporter
Aug. 28, 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Pike have been called to mourn the loss of three daughters within a year. First was the death of little Jennie, August 24, 1895, at the age of eight months. Then followed Mary (commonly called Minnie), October 7, in her twentieth year. She was the oldest daughter. She died of consumption, after a lingering illness of nearly two years. And now, the second daughter, Emily (usually known as Amie) has fallen asleep in the Lord, August 25, 1896. Like her sister, she experienced great spiritual benefit from her long and often painful illness – consumption. Until thirteen months ago, she was the picture of health, and even after she had been for some months confined to the house she retained a robust appearance. On her eighteenth birthday – (July 22) she was apparently near death, but she lingered to suffer intensely most of the time for more then a month longer. She was an earnest Christian, a faithful communicant, a regular attendant and teacher in the Sunday School, and was possessed of remarkable ability to maintain a cheerful countenance while suffering great pain, which she bore many weeks past she had been hoping and praying for death, and she made all the arraignments for her funeral, even to many details. The numerous measures she left for those whose souls were dear were very touching. She was especially anxious to see every member of her fathers family numbered with the regular and devout communicants of the church she loved so well, and her attachment to the young lady friend who so faithfully nursed her for months past was very ardent. Her father and mother are to be condoled and congratulated at the same time. Their friends grieve at the loneliness made intense by a third vacant place in the family, but they rejoice that Emilie has left such a bright example behind her. May God comfort her family and friends who desire to express their sincere thanks to all who have showed them kindness in their great affliction. The funeral took place at the Episcopal church, yesterday morning, at 10 o’clock, when the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist was offered by the priest in charge, for the benefit of the departed, at her oft-repeated request. “May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her.” News & Notes Mrs. A. H. Griffith has returned from a protracted visit with friends and relatives in Waupun, Milwaukee and Sauk County. Edward Menge, brother of Louis, who spent several weeks in Oconto, returned to his home in Missouri, Thursday evening, where he will resume the barber business. Miss Mary Graham of the town of Spruce has been taken to the hospital for the insane at Winnebago. KADLEC BOYS FOUND
Rumors of Drowning Fill All Hearts With Dread
and Searching Parties Work Diligently,
Sunday evening, report gained rapid circulation, that the two youngest sons of Adam Kadlec – Luke, aged 14, and Eddie, 12 years old –were missing, and as they had been seen a short time previous on the boom, both above and below Superior street bridge, fears were entertained that they dropped in among the logs and had drowned. Diligent search was made and the river dragged up to Tuesday night, when the little fellows turned up well and hearty, having spent their “vacation” with the family of Joseph Highland at Brookside. It appears that they had been fishing among the logs
in the vicinity of Superior Street bridge during the early part of Sunday,
and at about 2 o’clock went home to lunch, afterward attending a ball game,
and on their way home stopped at the Delaney mill. While there the younger
lad imagined that he saw an officer peering around a building, and fearing
arrest, he skipped across the river on the logs. Still thinking that, should
he return, he would be put in jail, he induced his elder brother to accompany
him to Brookside. This was about 6 o’clock. Taking the railroad track they
arrived at their destination about 9 p.m. informing their relatives that
their visit was sanctioned by their sister, Mrs. John Highland, with whom
they were living in Oconto – their mother being dead – and it was not until
Mrs. Highland’s arrival, Tuesday afternoon, in her search for the boys,
that the Brookside relatives were aware that they had been entertaining
runaways.
THE ONTONAGON FIRE AN ENTIRE CITY SWEPT FROM THE EARTH Forest fires, Fanned by Winds, Invaded the Town and left Scarcely a Dozen People Resided There Fifteen hundred people are homeless and destitute, as a result of the fire, on Tuesday, which swept from the face of the earth the bustling little city of Ontonagon. Scarcely a dozen buildings are left to mark the site of the thriving town. Origin of the Fire A farmer residing about two miles southwest of the city had been burning brush, and the flames had fanned them until the blaze had obtained great headway sweeping onward with restless fury until the city was reached and the work of destruction began. People were panic stricken and sought safety in every direction. Extra trains carried them beyond the danger point and to where ever they wished to go, and when the news became generally known to the outside world, provisions, and tents for shelter, were sent to the unfortunate people. Some of the Losers The Diamond Match Company’s property was valued at
$1,000,000, upon which it had an insurance of $447,500. This company was
the mainstay of the town.
Ex-Residents of Oconto Nearly 100 people who suffered loss at the fire were one time residents of this city, among whom are Alfred and Frank Hazen, William Gothard, Thomas Millen, C. Hollopeter, Amos Conrad, George Perkey, James Daly, Mrs. D. Hall, August and Albert Johnson. Outside Aid Necessary W. L. Porter, billing clerk for the Holt Lumber Company,
put in the telephone system at Ontonagon and later was in the employ of
the Electric Light Company.
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The mayor (of city of Oconto)
issued a call for a special meeting of the council for Wednesday night,
to see what could be done, locally, for the destitute people of Ontonagon,
but a quorum failed to respond to the summons.
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Evidence of his Whereabouts Plainly Shown in the Search for the Much-Wanted Missing Man – Missing Finger Not Mentioned in Published Description When Under-Sheriff Connors was roaming over the wilds of Oconto County in a vain search for Zuelke, the man who murdered Farmer Davis of Green Lake county, he communicated a description of the criminal to a bookkeeper in a railroader’s camp, and instructed him relative to the rewards offered for his capture. Monday morning Mr. Connors received the following communication; On July 8, I went to Boot Lake, finding unmistakable proofs of habitation in a shanty, also that a kind of root house in the rear of the shanty bore signs of having a recent occupant. I remained there three days waiting the man’s return, having fixed things so that if he entered, he would have to “give in”. No one came however, and as my food was running out, I went back to camp. On the 15th of July, I met two cruiser’s who declared they had seen, four miles north of Boot Lake, a man answering the description I gave them. I asked if they could bring him to me, which they agreed to do, and knowing them well, I placed confidence in their story. They returned in one week, without having seen him. Has Traveled a Thousand Miles On the 23rd of June a man named John Robertson was held up five miles north of McCauslin brook, and the description he gave of the man was precisely the same as that given by the cruisers. I then thought I had, without doubt, established the fact that Julius Zuelke was up in this country, and with caution I might get him. I have visited, besides Boot Lake, Birch Lake, Maiden Lake, Long Lake and Wheeler Lake, but without success, after a fruitless search of a month and riding nearly 1,000 miles. I am under the impression, now, that he has got away in the distant woods by the way of Cavour. Mr. Connors recently conversed with a resident of Beaver
Dam who at one time knew Zuelke, who informed him that the forefinger on
Zuelke’s left hand was missing at the second joint, But as the sheriff
of Green Lake county did not mention that very important point of identity
in his letter of description Mr. Connors is in doubt about that mark as
a “spotter” in assisting in the capture of the criminal.
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Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 4, 1896 Rendered Homeless
Morgan August Schroeder of Morgan, one of our oldest citizens, met with a streak of bad luck last Sunday morning – losing all his property by fire, and has not a cent in the world. He had just built a new house and had fine buildings around his farm all of which were destroyed, and no insurance. All of his grain and 10 nice hogs were burned. Lets all in and help him, so that he can keep his family through the winter. He has worked thirty years for his home and has lost all. Don’t forget to help August Schroeder, and vote for McKinley. Dan McDermid is building a new house and will move his family here soon from Wausaukee. Misses Bessie and Mabel Campbell of Two Rivers are visiting relatives here. R. Gould has moved his family to Clintonville. Frank Smith has moved his restaurant to Mountain, where he has gone into partnership with Charles Watts. Hazel Delano left for her home at Manitowoc, Monday, after a long visit with relatives here. Mrs. Pluner, who has been visiting her daughter, returned to Cooperstown, Saturday. Thomas Leigh and sons Harry and Charley have returned
home from Ontonagon where they were employed by the Diamond Match Company.
All lost everything except the clothes they had on in the great fire.
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Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 11, 1896 Died of Whooping cough, Wednesday, Sept. 2, Annie May, infant daughter of Fred and Mina Terwillegar, aged three months. The funeral was held from the M. E. Church at Flintville by Rev. McMullen. Very appropriate music was rendered by Miss Emma Ames, with singing by the choir. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Whittaker, aged four months and twenty-two days, at Marinette, Sunday, of cholera infantum. Funeral from St. Joseph’s church, this city, Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker resided in Oconto up to June last, Mr. W. being employee of the Holt Lumber Company. In the town of Freedom, Brown County, Monday, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Schuh, aged five months. Mr. Schuh is a brother of Mrs. John Young, this city. Mrs. Boutot died suddenly at her home in the West ward, Wednesday. The funeral was held today. Oakey Sutherland, aged nine years, was accidentally
killed by his playmate, Walter Hall, thirteen years of age, at Peshtigo,
by the discharge of a gun.
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Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 18, 1896 Grip of the Law Henry Bolt, for selling liquor in the town of Armstrong, in which town no licenses are issued, was arrested and brought before Judge Jones, fined and liberated. The complaint was made by John McAllen. |
Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 25, 1896 Mr. and Mrs. A. C. John mourn the loss of their little
daughter Alfreda, aged 8 years, who died Sunday evening, Sept. 13, of diphtheria,
after an illness of about two weeks. The sorrowing parents have the sympathy
of many friends in their sad bereavement.
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Oconto County Reporter
Oct. 3, 1896 An eight year old lad, George Smith, is in critical condition from burns received while lighting a fire with kerosene. Mr. and Mrs. C. McKenzie returned home last week from Michigan, where that had been visiting friends and relatives. Circuit court will convene next Monday and will open
with forty-two cases, thirteen of which are criminal. The cases against
the famous
Our Mail in the Old Days They Moved Slowly and the Letter Postage Was Very High “In Washington’s first term an effort was made to speed
the mail’s – to move them at the rate of one hundred miles in twenty-four
hours, or
In 1776 there were only twenty-eight post-offices in
the Colonies; in 1795 there were four hundred and fifty-three, and in 1895
there were
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Oconto County Reporter
Oct. 9, 1896 Oconto Falls Geo. B. Maurer spent Sunday in Appleton, having accompanied his mother-in-law thus far on her journey to her home in Massachusetts. Marinette In the case of Chief of Police Sellevold against Watchman
Mahoney, for saying that the Chief had stolen apples from the orchard of
Fred Carney
Charles Armstrong, an employee of the Stephenson company,
was assaulted on Sixth street, Monday night, and would have been robbed
of $200 to
Briefly Mentioned James Ramsey, captain of the tug Balcom, had one of his hands seriously crushed between the dock and scow at Peshtigo. J. G. Anderson of the town of Gillett is building a public house on McCaslin brook, near Mountain, and will soon have it ready for business. Pounded a Swede P. C. Murphy of Lake Mills is behind bars in the county
jail, this city. It is claimed that he enticed a Swede named Swan Larson
into the woods,
DIED FROM INJURIES Assailant Must Suffer For the Crime Sad Termination of an Unprovoked Assault of a Ruffian
upon a Peaceable Homesteader
Hormidas Baribeau died at the home of his sister, in
the West ward, last Friday night, from injuries inflicted by David Grenion
on the night of
A farmer by the name of Meron resides about four miles
northeast of Oconto Falls, and near him Baribeau lived upon a claim. On
the evening
In the darkness Grenion mistook Baribeau for
McLean and dealt him a terrible blow just back of the right temple with
the blunt bit of the axe, making
Baribeau remained at the Meron house one week, when
he was moved to the home of his sister in this city. As his condition became
alarming an
The Merons came to this state from Canada. As they
were about to embark upon their journey they were joined by Grenion,
who was also coming
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Oconto County Reporter
Oct. 16, 1896
Bound Over David Grenion, before Judge Haines, was bound
over to the circuit court to await trial on the charge of causing the death
of Hormidas Baribeau.
Well Insured George C. Sheldon, who was recently shot by his coachman
at Houghton, Mich., was known in Oconto. He was born in Walworth county,
Wisconsin,
Stole a Ride and May Lose a Foot Yesterday afternoon, as the Northwestern freight was
pulling out from Menominee, John Taylor, a tramp boarded it. He was put
off at Marinette,
Municipal Court P. C. Murphy, charged with embezzling $150. From the
Maple Valley Creamery Company, will have his hearing before Justice Jones
on October
Three men, named Harrington, Grady and Boldt, were
arrested on complaint of Chairman Anderson of the town of Armstrong, on
October 13, and
Mrs. H. C. Reynolds is visiting her parents at Shiocton. Louis Bratz, accused of assaulting Annie Loucks, near
Peshtigo, with a knife and following her with a revolver, has been bound
over to circuit
Is our Neighbor Jealous? Green Bay Advocate: Oconto county does not propose
to be lost in the shuffle when it comes to committing murders. Two men
are now in the
Mrs. Lusk of Wyoming is visiting her son, who has made Gillett his home the past summer. Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Watts have gone to Kewaunee
to visit his mother, who is in critical condition.
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Oconto County Reporter
Oct. 30, 1896 Killed by Lightening Thunder and Lightening and Heavy Rains Late in October Thunder and lightning regaled the inhabitants of this
section of the country about three o’clock on Wednesday morning, D. Dexter,
postmaster
In Oconto, lightening struck the O’Keef house, but
did little damage. Two horses belonging to Samuel McDowell, in Little River,
were killed by
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Oconto County Reporter
Nov. 6, 1896
They Seek Justice Court Cases Robert J. Moore vs. Leah J. Moore Criminal Cases State vs. Frank Prickett. Assault with intent to do
great bodily harm
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Oconto County Reporter
Nov. 13, 1896 A would be fire bug bored holes through the walls of
the dwelling house of J. J. Dekeuster, in Amberg, last Saturday night,
then poured kerosene
Mrs. Taylor of Oconto and Mrs. Smith of Gillett has opened a millinery and dress making store in the Kelly building. Mrs. Hoar is recovering slowly from her severe illness.
Fire at Brookside Tripp’s Large Store Building and Contents Entirely Consumed Mrs. David Tripp was awakened from sleep a little before
midnight, on Thursday night of last week, by the smell of smoke and the
crackling of
Mr. Tripp estimates the loss at about $1,000 more than
the insurance, which was $600 on building and $1,000 on stock, with the
Phelps agency,
The store will be rebuilt as soon as practicable. SUSRECTED ASSASSIN Of Green Lake County Farmer in Jail In this city, arrested by policeman Roddy on Tuesday
– Cold and Hunger
Monday afternoon, out in the t own of Oconto, a seedy-appearing
individual called at a farm house and wanted to borrow a tin pan, in
He told his benefactor that he had been wondering about
through the woods all summer and the cold weather had driven him from his
haunts,
The man is non-commutative, except to give brief evasive
answers. When arrested he was clad in a slouch hat, pea jacket, overalls,
one rubber
POHL HUNG HIMSELF
Feared to be confronted by Swanson, who is supposed
to possess a secret,
August Pohl, wanted as a witness in the case of State
vs. Albert Swanson, charged with murder of Lescheck in the town of How
last April,
Court Cases Criminal State vs. Samuel Dodge. Rape. Jury still out as we
go to press.
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Oconto County Reporter Nov. 20, 1896 The engagement of Miss Mamie Bedore to Eugene VanLaanen has been announced. Not Zuelke The man arrested and jailed last week was not Julius
Zuelke, the murderer of David Edwards of Green Lake county, as supposed,
but John
Fred Ellis and Paul Scofield went down to Madison today to enter the university law-school. Tossed By a Bull Frank Fisher and Matt Kerwin Roughly treated by the Brute This morning Matt Kerwin, while endeavoring to lead
Fisher’s bull from Ullman’s stable to Fisher’s barn, was knocked down and
attached by the
IN FOURTH DEGREE Verdict of Jury in Grenion Murder Case
The usual delay in securing a jury in murder trials
was experienced at the present term of court, and in the case of the state
against Grenion
The penalty for manslaughter in the fourth degree is
not more then two years nor less then one in the penitentiary; or by imprisonment
in the
After the exhaustion of the regular panel, two special
venires had been issued and two days’ valuable time devoted to the securing
a jury in the
Case of State vs. Samuel Dodge for rape, defendant found guilty. Sentences in cases of Grenion and Dodge to be announced at close of term. One John Lantz has been arrested on the charge of forging
checks on the local banks. The prisoner has also worked Oshkosh Banks.
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Oconto County Reporter
Nov. 27, 1896 At Waupun For Life Swanson’s reward for the Murder of Leseck The first day in solitary confinement- Enters his cell
with a smile
The criminal calendar of Oconto county for the present
term of circuit court was an extensive one and tedious in the selection
of juries – the
At the trial Mrs. David testified that Leseck had boarded
with her and he had left her place April 21 to go to work for Swanson with
his team,
On Monday, April 27, she learned that Leseck’s team
was at Peter Peterson’s but Leseck had not been there. She then called
upon Swanson
His Wife Was Not at Home When the murder was committed Mrs. Swanson was not
at home. She was cooking in a lumber camp – Mrs. Messersmith, a neighbor,
preparing meals
On the afternoon of Thursday, April 23, Swanson told
Mrs. Messersmith and the boy that it was too wet to plow and that they
could go home. As
The next day – Friday – Jonas Hamburg was at Swanson’s
to dinner. (Hamburg, so far as it is ascertained, saw Leseck last.) Leseck
was also
Witness Saw the Fire Frank Witzke testified that on Thursday afternoon his
attention was attracted to a fire in Swanson’s field, and he wondered why
he should
(The Linquist family, nearest neighbors, were away
fishing on the day of Leseck’s disappearance, and it is thought that their
absence decided
Mrs. Linquist testified that she did not notice the
fire until the next week, as there were woods intervening between the field
and her house.
Friday evening, the 24th, Swanson went to Peterson’s
place. The latter was not at home. To the chore-boy Swanson said the Peterson
was going to
Finding the Bones Under Sheriff Conners told of appearing upon the scene,
and accompanied by Peter Linquist, Louis Buckman and Joseph David, went
into the field
Swanson did not touch food at dinnertime, but he ate
a little supper, his handcuffs having been removed. While Conners was in
the act of
Conners asked Swanson how he came in possession of
Leseck’s team and he said he bought it off of Leseck for $165. - $50. To
be applied on an old
Upbraided Her Husband It devolved that after Swanson’s capture in the barn,
and they were all in the house, and Mrs. Swanson saw her husband under
arrest that she
James Armstrong testified that Leseck was much attached
to his horses and that they he gave $225 and another horse for the team,
which was the
Armstrong, in alluding to the fire said the ashes were
of hard wood, and the latter must have been brought from the house, as
there was no hard
In condition with the stories afloat about Swanson
telling of Leseck going to Shawano and the reservation, Thomas LaBelle
and John Tucker,
Frank Messersmith testified that on the 25th of April,
Swanson came to their place and wanted him to go to LaBelle’s place on
the reservation
Pohl was arrested and placed under bonds to testify
in circuit court. He told a number of people that he would never appear
as a witness,
Annie Told What She Knew When Swanson and Pohl were behind the bars, Annie Anderson
was also an inmate of the county bastile and she had often conversed with
Swanson in
She referred to Swanson’s attempt at self-destruction
while in jail, by soaking matches in his coffee, and of his threats to
end his life in
The latter, on the stand, testified that there were
135 matches soaking in the cup; that Swanson asserted that he would never
go to trial and
Drs. Atwood and Stoelting, of this city, Dr. O’Keef
of Menominee and Dr. Jones of Marinette testified positively that the bones
which they
He Denied Everything The defendant, placed upon the stand, made a flat denial
of everything, except a few minor points which had no particular importance
in the
Grenion Gets Two Years For inflicting injuries upon Hormidas Baribeau
on the 16th of September last, at a dance in the town of Stiles, which
resulted in his death,
The Sheriff and His Charges Sheriff Whitcomb took his prisoners - Swanson
and Grenion – to Waupun, Monday afternoon. Grenion seemed much broken down,
and was told that his
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Oconto County Reporter
Dec. 4, 1896 A Fatal Runaway Untimely Death of George Teche of Spruce His crop of peas had been marketed and he was homeward
bound
The tragic death of George Teche, a Bohemian residing
in the town of Spruce, Tuesday afternoon, has cast a gloom over the community
in which
DODGE IN PRISON He has entered upon his long term at Waupun Samuel Dodge, convicted of criminal conduct toward
a young girl which covered a period of several years’ duration, and sentenced
by Judge
After Dodge had been consigned to his new home, Mr.
Whitcomb, while passing through the shoe department, saw two men in conversation
– one a
POHL’S CONFESSION At the time of finding the body of Pohl, the Swanson
case witness who hung himself, a letter was discovered in his pocket, written
in German,
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Oconto county Reporter
Dec. 11, 1896 HIS HEAD AFFECTED Oconto County Furnishes Another Inmate for the Asylum Ellis Gonyou, 21 years of age, who has resided with
his parents in the town of Oconto, was taken to the asylum Sunday night
by Sheriff Whitcomb
Lon Magray, whose ninety-days’ sentence for assault
has expired, is another boarder less at the “Whitcomb House.”
WORK OF THE REAPER The Summons of Death Close Lives of Activity Sketch of the life of James Don Levy,
James Don Levy, sr. who died in St. Vincent hospital
last week, was a member of a family of soldiers. His father was an English
soldier, two
He was born in Swineford, county of Mayo, Ireland,
May 12, 1819 and came to America in 1839. By trade he was a shoemaker,
and in New York City he
His first business venture in Oconto was in conducting
a shoe shop on the bank of the river, near the slide of the Holt Lumber
Company’s mill
He was almost constantly identified with public affairs.
He had been a member of the village board, of county board, an alderman,
member of the
The cause of his illness dates back to the World’s
Fair, when he contracted a severe cold which developed onto consumption,
and it was
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Oconto County Reporter
Dec. 18, 1896 The Water Tainted School children made ill by its use. A physician sent a quantity of water to a Madison Chemist,
who
The recent diphtheria epidemic in the town of Little
River, which claimed two children as its victims, is thought to have originated
from water
About a pint of this water was recently sent by a local
physician to Prof. Daniels of the state university, for analysis, and in
his report,
Pure water is an essential to good health, and it would
be well for school officers throughout the county to examine into sanitary
condition
Mrs. G. E. Bond and children have returned from an extended visit with relatives in Buffalo, N.Y. J. B. Atwood spent a few days this week at his former home in Dane County.
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Oconto County Reporter
Dec 25, 1896 Marinette Wm. Kensler, who is charged with adultery with Mrs.
McDougal, the alleged murderess of her husband has been bound over to circuit
court in
DEAD IN SWAMP John Johnson found hanging by the neck A resident of Maple Valley for over a quarter of a
century and a well-to-do farmer – Mental aberration resulted in self-destruction
Residents of the town of Maple Valley were shocked,
on Thursday of last week, to learn of the death, by suicide, of John Johnson,
a well-to-do
It seems that Mr. Johnson had been in Oconto on the
day previous, settling with an employee who had worked for him for three
years, with
Returning to his home, Mr. Johnson worked around the
premises during the afternoon, but it was noticed that he did not accompany
the others to
That Johnson was mentally deranged was well known among
his relatives, his affliction dating back several years, and complications
of
He came to Oconto county from Denmark in 1869, owned
a farm of 160 acres worth in the neighborhood of $4,000, and $200 would
have paid all the
The funeral was held last Sunday and internment made
in Maple Valley church yard.
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