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1878 Rules For Courting The attention of the fathers of marriageable daughters is called to the following set of rules, which a reporter saw hanging in a front parlor a few days ago. 1. Gentlemen who heads are anointed with bear oil must not lean against the wall as it soils the paper and renders frequent and expensive repairs necessary. 2. The piano stool is dedicated to music and gentlemen who put their feet upon it will not be tolerated. 3. Kissing, except upon the front steps is strictly forbidden. 4. No proposal's will be entertained, except upon ten days' notice in writing, accompanied by satisfactory references of good moral character. The applicant to be subject to an examination in the rudiments of finance at the option of parents. 5. Gentlemen remaining later than 11 o'clock will be charged extra for kerosene oil. 6. Talking in loud tones and boisterous laughing after 9 o'clock must not be indulged in, under pain of immediate dismissal. 7. No liquor furnished to minors. [Submitted by Ann] A. Horse John Luca, 3428 Avenue G, escaped with cuts and bruises but the horse he was driving was so seriously injured that it had to be shot when an automobile crashed into Luca's wagon at Thirty Seventh Street and Broadway, Thursday night. William Lugsh of Glenwood, is the autoist, who crashed into Luca's rig. The injured man was taken to the Edmundson Hospital where reports Friday stated that he was recovering nicely. He suffered no broken bones. Police shot the horse which received a broken leg and a severe gash in its side. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published November 23, 1923] Abundant Small Game Our markets are abundantly supplied with all kinds of small game, at the present time. Rabbits are unusually numerous and sell readily at the low price of fifteen cents each. Prairie chickens command twenty-five cents apiece at retail, and quails one dollar and fifty cents per dozen. Dressed tame chickens sell at ten cents per pound from the stores. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published December 29, 1872] Accident At Glenwood The celebration was married by a serious accident, which resulted from the premature discharge of a cannon. They were attempting to fire the piece without swabbing it out, when it went off, blowing off the right hand of a man named Deerwester and injuring one of his eyes. Another, named Wells, lost his right and his thumb from his left hand. He is in a very critical condition. Major English, who was thumbing the cannon at the time, was injured in the ball of the hand severely. (Source: Nonpareil, Thursday, 06 July 1876, Page 4) Arbuckle Notice NOTICE: My loving wife, the joy of life All persons are cautioned against harboring or trusting my wife, Anzer C. Arbuckle, on my account as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. J.S. Arbuckle [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published August 18, 1858, submitted by Ann] Arthur Chapman, Author of "Out Where the West Begins" Among recent interesting visitors in Council Bluffs was Arthur Chapman, author of the well known poem, "Out Where the West Begins," who was the guest of Andrew McMillen, general agent here for the Union Pacific Railroad. And, while here Mr. Chapman learned that the verses he had written out of emotional geography once had a very definite location in the physical geography of the country. Once, Council Bluffs literally was "where the west begins," but until Mr. McMillen explained the fact to him, Mr. Chapman did not know it. Mr. McMillen showed Mr. Chapman a map of the Union Pacific transfer and tracks as they existed for years, during which period all trains from the east ended at the east side of the transfer, and trains into the west started at the west side of the building. From the east trains, tourists and emigrants passed through an immense doorway, still existing, known then as the "gateway to the west," through the building and out an archway to board the Union Pacific trains which were to carry them to the west. Thus literally, the transfer, which building still stands, was "where the west begins." Mr. Chapman is now on a tour of the west, which, logically, began in Council Bluffs. While here he explained how he happened to write his well known poem. He was conducting a column on the old Denver republican in 1911, and it was his practice to lead off with some sort of verse. He had read of a discussion between eastern governors as to where the west really could be said to begin. He had traveled through the west, and knew it, and from his experiences wrote the poem, the last verse perhaps the best known. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published date unknown, contributed by Ann]  August Huelle FIRST ALFALFA IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY Well pleased with his air photo of the August Huelle home place, which was featured in the March 30 issue of The Nonpareil, Adolph Huelle had the staff a bit worried when he didn't come into the office until Friday for his enlargement. "I was working on machinery all week," he said, "and didn't get a chance to get into town. It's a fine picture, though, and you can see things in this print that didn't show up on the printed page. Adolph farms the home place, living there with William F. Huelle, who farms land nearby. August Huelle, who started the farm came with his parents from Germany when a small boy, and settled first near Dixon, IL. The family then moved to a farm near Emerson, IA, where August lived until manhood. He moved to the present farm in Washington Township, 18 miles east of Council Bluffs, and near Taylor Station about 60 years ago. He lived here until he died in 1910. There are 640 acres on the original farm, which is now split up among the heirs. August Huelle is the first man to bring alfalfa into Pottawattamie County, and his father, William Huelle, started the crop in Mills County, bringing seed from Germany and cultivating it in a garden for seed. The sons, Adolph and William F., operate different portions of the original farm, both living on the home place. The Huelle's have been subscribers of The Nonpareil ever since it was first published in 1857. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published April 7, 1941, submitted by Ann] Babies Get New Mothers Two weddings, in each of which the groom carried a baby in his arms, were solemnized by Justice W.C. Joseph, Wednesday afternoon. In each instance the bride's first name was Myrtle. Thomas Surber of Glenwood, IA, and Miss Myrtle Deardurff of Dunlap, IA, constituted one of the couples. Mr. Surber is a laborer by occupation. While the justice was performing the ceremony, Probation Officer R. Herner, was impressed into service to hold the infant, doing his part with the air of a man long accustomed to such duties. The other couple was Sam Mantlo and Miss Myrtle Stuart, both of Lexington, NE. The groom is a railroad man. Mr. Herner could not be found for participation in this service. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published March 27, 1913, submitted by Ann] Benton Street The banking failure of Col. Thomas H. Benton, for whom Benton Street is believed to have been named was the beginning of financial distress along the whole Missouri slope. A civil war hero, Col. Benton was president of the American Exchange Bank of Omaha, a similar institution at Bellevue, Nebraska, and the Green, Weare and Benton firm of Council Bluffs. The failure of the two Nebraska banks led to the closing of Benton's bank here in September of 1857, inflicting heavy losses upon a number of depositors. Col. Benton is credited with making "earnet and persistent efforts to meet his obligations," but many of his loans were worthless and a large amount remained unpaid. From that time forward, money became scarce in Western Iowa. Town lots rapidly depreciated in value, and real estate dealers suffered great financial hardships. Lots that sold for $3,000 to $4,000 in 1856-57 could scarcely be sold for one fourth these sums four years later. The financial crash of 1857 was nearly fatal for many business property owners. However, it didn't affect the residential property -- probably because there was a great housing shortage then as there is now. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published February 11, 1946, submitted by Ann] Prisoners "Dallas Birt & Jens Peterson" Foil Attempt to Break Out of Jail Here An attempted jail break by two prisoners in the Pottawattamie county jail Sunday evening was prevented by Jailer James Jenson, it was revealed Monday by Sheriff Jack Tyler. The prisoners, Jens Peterson and Dallas Birt, were seized and are being held in solitary confinement, Chief Deputy Sheriff Fred Strothers said. In trying to escape the two prisoners had picked two locks and broken a third, but their passageway to freedom was barred by a large steel door which they could not unlock. During church services Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Salvation Army, noises were heard. After the services Jenson, accompanied by two trusties, began an investigation. When they unlocked the large steel door that had blocked the passage to freedom for the two prisoners they found Peterson and Birt standing nearby. Birt, Chief Deputy Sheriff Strother said, had one of the locks in his hand. Hid Wires From Bed Investigation showed, the officer added, that the two prisoners had removed several pieces of wire from their bunk in their cell. The wire was used to pick the locks with. In picking the lock on their cell door they broke it. They had then picked the two locks on the door of the cell block, but were unable to pick the locks on the outer large steel door. Had they succeeded in opening this door they might have freed the other prisoners in the jail. A search of their cell revealed that they had hidden the wires removed from their bunk in the flush box of the toilet. Peterson is being held on breaking and entering and automobile theft charges. Birt is being held on breaking and entering charges. Officers recalled that Birt twice before on previous arrests had broken out of the county jail. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published January 20, 1948] Clarence Lee Believe Body Taken From River Is Lee's A body taken from the Missouri river near Fontenelle Forest in Sarpy county, Neb., Sunday afternoon has been tentatively identified as that of Clarence Lee, 42, Council Bluffs. Lee, a trailer resident at 2501 Fourth avenue, had been sought since last Thursday morning when he disappeared off a government boat at the foot of Douglas street Omaha. He had gone aboard the boat as guest of the ship's cook. A crewman said he saw Lee fall in the river. Others heard a splash and a muffled cry for help. Harvey Wilcox, Camp Gifford road, and Charles Slapnicks, Thirteenth and Drexel streets Omaha, noticed the body floating in the river as they were walking along the bank. They called to three men in a boat who recovered the body. Lee had his right hand off at the wrist and three fingers missing from his left hand. Orville B. Entelman, Sarpy county attomey, said the body found in the river has similar disabilities. The body is at a mortuary in Papilllon, Neb. [Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published June 20, 1949] Convalescent Home Fire 
Nonpareil Photo by Jack Kennedy Faulty wiring apparently caused the fire which wrecked the Council Bluffs Convalescent home Wednesday at 501 Frank Street, resulting in the death of 14 persons. This opinion was expressed Thursday afternoon by State Fire Marshal E.J. Herron and Fire Chief Waldo Merrill. Fire Marshal Herron said: "It appears that the fire started around a wall plug in the first floor ward, down near the floor." It was quite badly burned in behind the plaster where the plug was located. The fire ate its way upward from that area. "We understand both a table lamp and a radio were plugged into the plug. We know that the radio was on. "The plug was right below where the curtains were that were first reported on fire. "The fire raced like mad once it got started." The fire marshal said Charles Gilmore, son of the owner of the property, told him extensive electrical work was done last summer. New wiring was put in. Some of the old wiring was not taken out. Herron said the plug where the fire occurred was part of the old wiring. The tragedy, the worst in the history of Council Bluffs and one of the worst in Iowa, also will be probed by the Iowa Legislature. A committee of six legislators will conduct an investigation and report within 30 days. And County Coroner Henry Meyer announced an inquest will be held. The 71 year old three story house became a roaring inferno in a matter of minutes. Many of the elderly patients, some over 90 years were trapped in their beds. Others were carried from the burning structure. Fourteen persons were treated in hospitals. Every piece of fire equipment in the city was at the scene. Off duty firemen and policemen joined by some 50 nurses and many volunteer men and women, helped fight the fire and care for the dead and injured. "This is the worst institutional fire of this type in the state in three years," Herron said. Deputy State Fire Marshal Gail Odem of Atlantic came here to help with the probe. He and City Fire Inspector James Burke began interviewing all survivors. There were 30 patients at the home. Sixteen were rescued. Herron questioned Mrs. Anna Hahn, 90, who was a patient in the room where the fire started. Herron said Mrs. Hahn told him she first noticed the fire around the chair in which she was seated. She was burned on the right arm and leg. The fire marshal said Mrs. Charles Gilmore, operator of the home, told him when she went into the room, she first noticed the fire around window curtains. She pulled them down, wrapped a blanket around Mrs. Hahn and carried her to safety. Mrs. Gilmore was burned. She is at Mercy Hospsital. Mrs. Katherine Hubbell, 70, nurse at the home 12 years said she first noticed fire near Mrs. Hahn, who was seated by a radiator, next to a large bay window. "I ran for water, but I couldn't put the fire out," she said. An automatic fire detection system was recently installed. Fire Chief Merrill said it was not learned whether it operated when the fire broke out. He said the home was not equipped with a sprinkler system. Most of the dead were found on the first floor. The east half of the second floor had crashed down. The dead were found tangled in a mass of beds and debris. Coroner Meyer said most of the victims were badly burned. Seventeen patients, 10 employees and three children of Kenneth Patin, manager of the home escaped the blazing structure. Rescuers were hampered by the fierce, fast spreading flames. Manager Patin said that five of the employees of the home were on "work placement assignments" from the Glenwood State School. Dr. V.J. Meyer, school superintendent, said all are classified as "teachable and trainable." All institutions that receive Glenwood patients for work must pass examinations given by the State Board of Control, he said. The burned home contained 25 rooms. It was built in 1886 and at one time was used as a sanitarium by a group of practitioners known as the "German Doctors." Mrs. Belle Gilmore took over the property in 1942 turning it into a nursing home. In 1949 she turned operations of the home over to her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Charles Gimore. The latter's brother, Kenneth Patin is manager. Mrs. Gilmore's husband, Chief Yeoman Charles Gilmore, has been in the Navy 29 years. He arrived here early Thursday from Kalamazoo, Michigan. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published February 14, 1957, contributed by Ann] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Identify 14 Victims of Fire The identity of 14 persons killed in the fire at the Council Bluffs Convalescent Home Wednesday afternoon was released Thursday by County Coroner Henry Meyer. The dead: The list of injured: At Mercy Hospsital Those who were uninjured include: [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published February 14, 1957, contributed by Ann] Death On The Prairie One of those appalling circumstances, of late of such frequent recurrence, occurred Sunday night last, about ten miles east of this city, on the Prairie east of Keg Creek. On Sunday, John Murphy, accompanied by his father, seventy five years, and his own and eldest child--one of four--age six years--came to this city with others attending the funeral obsequies of Mrs. Thomas Fox. In the evening the trio left this city for home some two miles east of Keg Creek. Nothing more is known to us at this writing of what occurred to the Murphy's Sunday night. Yesterday morning, near home, the wagon of Murphy's was discovered, with team attached to wheels; wagon box bottom side up, and the dead bodies of John and his young son, James Murphy. Mr. Ed Ward came to this city yesterday morning in search for a coroner, but strange to relate, none could be found in this city of coroners, and Mr. Ward returned home, probably apprised of the fact that the nearest Justice could attend to all post mortem arrangements. Mr. Ward stated that at the time he left the scene of death, nothing had been seen or heard of the old gentleman Murphy. Evidently the party found themselves storm bound in this terrible snow crusade; decided to halt and protect themselves as best they could with the scanty means at hand. The boy, we are told, was indifferently clad, and those who were subjected to the inclemency of the raw chilling atmosphere at midnight, on Sunday, will readily discover how it is possible that thoroughly drenched persons could lie down on a bleak prairie and perish. John Murphy, deceased was about forty five years old, a farmer and was until some three years since, a laborer in this city. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published Tuesday, April 21, 1874, submitted by Ann] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Murphy Dead Yesterday morning our reporter gave all the facts and rumors connected with the death of the Murphy's obtainable. We are now able to add some additional facts. The returning funeral escort left this city between four and five o'clock on Sunday night. John Murphy and father, James, indulged somewhat in liquor while in this city. They stopped at a saloon on Pony Creek and further indulged, some difficulty being experienced in getting the old man started. Soon after leaving, the storm set in, and what followed can but be surmised. About 10 o'clock Monday morning, Messrs Kief and Harrings discovered the Murphy wagon about one fourth of a mile from Silver Creek, near the residence of a German lady named Rattus. The wagon pole was pointing due west, showing that the party had turned around, whether intentionally or otherwise will never be known. The wagon box had been taken off on the north side, one side resting on the ground and the other on the hubs, evidently intended to form a wind break. One horse had been detached from the pole and hitched to a hind wheel. The other horse had not been detached, and was found lying down tangled in the harness. Underneath the wagon, not box, and in under the front bounds of the wagon, lay John Murphy, and two feet distance, his son, a lad of six years. The box had evidently proven a meager defense, as the two bottom boards were found upon the ground. Justice Warren was summoned, as ex-officio coroner, and Messrs. Albert Wyman, Robert Ingram and James Kirby, were selected as a jury. The coroner and jury visited the spot and having satisfied themselves of the circumstances attending the death of John Murphy and son, placed the bodies in a wagon and conveyed the remains to the residence of Mrs. Rattus, and from thence to the residence of the deceased. The bodies were found but a short distance from the residence of Mrs. R. The verdict of the jury was in substance that the deceased came to their death by reason of exposure. On the body of John Murphy was found a pint bottle filled with whisky. Yesterday morning search was instituted for the discovery of the old man Murphy, and his dead body was found something over eighty rods from the bodies of his son and grandson. We have not learned as to the coroner's inquest in the latter case, though it could hardly essentially differ from that rendered in the former cases. It is advanced by some that the old man fixed the wagon box defense as best he could with perhaps the assistance of his son, and then went out in that pitiless storm in search of help. Whatever were the real facts will never be known. The entire story, coming to this city to pay the last rites to a departed friend; the return on Sunday night; the cruel storm; the dying boy; the brave struggle of the old man for life and assistance, all of these things conspire to make the sad story simply terrible. John Murphy, as stated yesterday, leaves a wife and three children. Yesterday, friends of the deceased came to this city and secured trimmings for the three coffins, and today the three dead bodies will be brought here and deposited in the Catholic Cemetery. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published Wednesday, April 22, 1874] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Dead Yesterday afternoon the bodies of James Murphy, grandsire; John Murphy, son, and James Murphy, grandson, were brought to this city in separate vehicles. The remains were accompanied by a large number of vehicles, bringing relatives and friends of the deceased. The funeral escort proceeded to the Catholic Church, and the three coffins were carried into the church, and Father McMenomy conducted the ceremonies usual in such cases, occuping about twenty minutes. Immediately thereafter the cortege proceeded up Broadway, and the bodies were consigned to their final resting place in the Catholic Cemetery, the grandson being placed between his sire and grandsire. The body of the old Murphy was discovered in an outlet or bayou, from which the water had recently subsided, and there were well defined indications going to show that he had struggled to reach the upper ground. His arms exhibited marks caused by constant efforts in attempting to crawl out of the cavity in which he had rushed in the blinding storm. The party had gone near a mile and a half beyond the residence of John Murphy and were about that distance off the main road. A neighbor met the party about three miles from the point at which the Murphys perished, and asked a question, the only reply being: "We are in a hurry," and that is the last conversation, so far as we can trace, had with the doomed family. Altogether it is one of the most shocking fatalities we have had recent occasion to chronicle. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published April 23, 1874, submitted by Ann] Death Beats the Courts Death has intervened to relieve James Hughes of prosecution for assault with intent to commit murder. The indictment has been pending against Hughes for several years, but he was not arrested until last fall. Relatives procured his release on bond, and shortly afterward he died. This fact has caused the case to be stricken off the district court calendar for the next term. Hughes was accused of making a vicious assault on W.R. Fox near the Illinois Central passenger station, seriously wounding his victim. He fled from the city and succeeded in eluding the officers a year or two, but was finally captured and brought back. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published March 9, 1906, submitted by Ann] Drowned by a Cloudburst Des Moines, Iowa, June 2. - A cloudburst at Loveland, nineteen miles north of Council Bluffs, on Saturday night, wrecked buildings and destroyed considerable property. The residence of Luke Sayles (sic) was swept away. The house was occupied by Sayles (sic) and his wife and son. Sayles (sic) and his son succeeded in clinging to portions of the wreck until the water receded, but Mrs. Sayles (sic) was carried away by the current and drowned. Several other persons had narrow escapes from a similar fate. Meagre reports of the disaster state that the water fell in a vast sheet to the depth of eight feet. A large section of the track of the Chicago and Northwestern Road was carried away, and trains were accordingly delayed. [New York Times, Published June 3, 1890, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Note: Ed Bowman Long Lost Bullet Found While taking a comfortable after dinner loaf in a drug store on Broadway last evening Ed Bowman was led into a reminiscent mood and began to tell of his early boyhood days. He went as far back as the time when he and his companions used to read dime novels. "We became so full of the spirit of the novels," he said, "that we acted out the scenes as well as we could in daily life. We finally decided on a blood thirsty drama, in which my companions insisted I should act the villain. I always liked the villains anyhow and I agreed. I was to come on during the second scene prepared to do something violet with the hero, Frank Wright. The state was constructed in an old barn. The hero and the rest of the desperadoes were in the barn and I was on the outside as advertised. When my cue came I drew a knife and leered in at the window. Frank Wright exclaimed: Ha! a villains face appears at the window and with that he aimed his little air gun and discharged it. There was only a thin wire screen between us and the tiny bullet struck me in the lip. It went in and so far as I know it is in there yet." Dr. Green was listening to the story and he offered to search for the bullet. He carefully felt the upper lip and at length said: "By Jove, here it is" and without waiting a second he drew out a neat little lancet and drew it quickly across the flesh. Ed Bowman winced slightly but endured the operation until the piece of lead was removed. He took it fondly in his hand and remarked "that has been there for twelve years. I feel a kind of affection for that bullet. It has stood by me longer than most friends and I think I'll carefully preserve it as a memento of my boyhood. I was shot just about the time Garfield was. I used to see the paper every day and read about the five doctors who every few hours issued bulletins of the wounded president's condition. My companions were much interested in my welfare and inasmuch as I could not go out and see them I took it into my head to issue bulletins. So every day I tacked a bulletin on the door and my comrades in dime novel reading used to hang around the front door eager to see how my upper lip was coming on. The bullet never troubled Mr. Bowman after the wound healed and he did not know for certain that it was imbedded in the flesh until it was found and removed last night by Dr. Green. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published March 4, 1895, submitted by Ann] Eight Granted Citizenship Here Eight persons in southwest Iowa was given the oath of allegiance Tuesday by Federal Judge Charles A. Dewey. The new citizens were presented by Charles A. Rain, Council Bluffs, naturalization examiner. They were: [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published January 27, 1948, submitted by Cathy D.] Elmer Sayers, A Charge of Assault Because Elmer Sayers, 1202 Sixteenth Avenue, objected to his daughter keeping company with A. Sigler, he is now awaiting a hearing on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily injury, while Sigler is said to be wearing a black eye and mourning the loss of a couple of teeth as a partial compensation. The case will be aired in Justice Field's court next Monday at 9 o'clock. Last Saturday night Sayers came home at a late hour from the democratic caucuses and found his daughter out on the street with Sigler. He called her in, whereupon Sigler, in a loud tone of voice, made a derisive reply. Sayers immediately ran across the street to where the couple were standing and struck Sigler in the face. Sayers is a laboring man, with a fist like a ham, and when the collision occurred it created a scene of havoc on Sigler's countenance, bringing blood in several places besides knocking out his teeth and decorating his eye. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published August 21, 1906, submitted by Ann] EX-BLUFFS SINGER TO STUDY IN ITALY Mrs. Fredericka Pickart of Gary, Indiana, who formerly was Miss Kenady, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.R. Kenady, 1811 Fifth Avenue, Council Bluffs, has sailed for Milan, Italy, where she will study for the grand opera under Benetti of the LaSala Opera Company, Milan. Mrs. Pickart began her voice studies in this city when she was attending local grade and high schools. Later she studied for five years with Walter B. Graham in Omaha and with Giacomo Spadoni of the Chicago Civic Opera company. Her chief object in going to Milan at this time is to study the dramatic part of grand opera presentations, she said while visiting her parents here a week ago, preparatory to sailing for Milan. "Training of singers can be done in America where are the finest teachers in the world. Coaching in the interpretation of roles can be obtained only in European countries and for this reason I have decided to take a course under the great dramatic coaches of Italy," Mrs. Pickart said. Mrs. Pickart knows roles from six operas and will devote the greater part of her time while in Milan to studying the dramatic interpretations of these roles. Upon concluding her work in Milan the former Council Bluffs girl plans to take a course in pianoforte music at the conservatory of music in Paris. Mrs. Pickart lived in this city until the time of her marriage to Walter Pickart, when she took up her residence at Gary. Mrs. Pickart was graduated from the Council bluffs high school in the class of 1914. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published September 4, 1927, submitted by Ann] Felton Angus Farm FELTON ANGUS FARM NAMED HISTORIC HERD Felton Angus Farms, Neola, Iowa, has been recognized as a Historic Angus Herd by the American Angus Association. In honor of the Feltons' 50 continuous years in the registered Angus business, a certificate signed by the Association president has been presented to the family. The Felton herd was established in 1947 by Paul P. Felton and his son Don. It began with the purchase of one bull, which was priced at $750, and eight cows as a means to raise 4-H projects for young Don. The early seed stock was purchased from several registered Angus breeders in Iowa. Through the years the herd grew to as large as 200 Angus cows. The Feltons currently maintain 30 Angus cows on the farm. Today, Felton Angus Farms is owned and managed by Don Felton and Rick Felton. The American Angus Association established the Historic Angus Herd Award program in 1988 to recognize registered Angus herds of longevity, which have been passed on through generations. [Neola Gazette, Neola, Iowa, Published February 17, 2000, submitted by Ann] Four Elopers Set Cupid Right In Odd Tangle Council Bluffs, Ia., June 22. Lorraine Wyckoff, 17 year old Council Bluffs girl who, just for a joke, last summer married the brother of her fiance and divorced him a few days later, last week took part in a double wedding in which her former husband of a week, married her chum, while his brother, her old fiance, was married to Lorraine herself. Now Lorraine and her new husband are on the very best of terms, with ex-husband and the latter's wife. The foursome wedding was an elopement to Papillion, Neb., where the Iowa laws against the remarriage of a divorce within a year do not apply. Lorraine and her husband undertook the elopement at the suggestion of the former-husband-brother. Donald Milliron is the new husband of Lorraine. William Milliron, Donald's brother is the ex-husband of Lorraine and the new husband of Madge Paulson Milliron. Lorraine Milliron is the 17 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Wyckoff of 1239 Fairmont ave. Donald was proud of his pretty fiancee and took his brother, Will Milliron, to call. Will liked his future sister and came back again with Donald when the latter called again. "Say, you'd make a dandy little wife, let's get married ourselves," Will said to Lorraine, in a joke. "All right," said Lorraine-in a joke. "I'll be best man," said Donald-in a joke "I'll chaperon," said Mrs. Wyckoff, mother of Lorraine-in a joke. The four jokingly agreed to meet the next morning, Aug. 26, 1920, and have the "joke' wedding ceremony performed. All were "game." They met and William had with him a marriage license. They went to a minister, still laughing and joking, and the knot was tied. The young husband went to his work, the ex-fiancee went to his duties, and Lorraine, went back home with mother until William came for her that evening. Lorraine and her husband lived together just six days. Then Lorraine discovered marriage is not a joke. She left her husband and went back home to mother. Donald, the forsaken fiance, and William, the forsaken husband, had grown cool toward each other after the marriage. In fact they didn't speak. Lorraine telephoned Donald, she wanted him back. So, Donald went over to the Wyckoff home to talk matters over. They found since Lorraine had one husband, she could not, under Iowa law, contract another without a divorce. So Lorraine telephoned William and ask him to get a divorce. William readily agreed. He filed suit a few days later, alleging cruelty and abandonment. Lorraine did not contest the suit, on Nov. 10, 1920, the divorce was awarded William. But under Iowa law neither William nor Lorraine could remarry for a year, not until Nov. 10, 1921. Donald called on Lorraine just about every evening. They decided they would marry as soon as the law permitted. William, the ex-husband started calling Lorraine's chum, Madge Paulson. Madge was aged 19. Lorraine was aged 17. Donald was aged 20 and William was aged 22. One evening last week Donald was over at Lorraine's as usual. They had just figured it would be several months before they could get married. The telephone rang. Donald answered. William, his brother, was at the other end of the line. "Say, Madge and I are going over to Papillion tomorrow and get married. You and Lorraine come on and let's have a double wedding," said William. "Can't do it, the Iowa law won't let us marry for eight months and it won't permit you to marry before that time either," answered Donald. "Pooh at the Iowa law," replied William. "Papillion's in Nebraska and the Iowa law doesn't count over there. I've already looked it up." "Hold the phone till I speak to Lorraine," Donald told his brother. In about thirty seconds Donald was back at the phone. "Sure we'll go," he told William. "Meet you at Pearl and Broadway at 8 o'clock. All four kept the appointment. They took the interurban line to Papillion and before 12 o'clock Lorraine Wyckoff-Milliron-Wyckoff was Lorraine Wyckoff-Milliron-Wyckoff-Milliron. "And this is no joke marriage this time," Lorraine and her husband said in unison. "You bet it ain't!" Madge and her husband say. "And to think of it, we four could have been married the very day after that divorce was granted if we had only known about Papillion," they all four agree. [The Pittsburg Press, Published June 22, 1921, submitted by Cathy Danielson] GAS PRICE CUT HERE One Station Sells at 13.9 Plus Tax to Meet Omaha Prices The White Rock Oil Company, 3754 West Broadway, announced a cut in the price of gasoline Wednesday morning to 13.9, plus the tax of 2 cents. Up to a late hour the same day no other stations in the vicinity had followed the cut, but the White Rock Company was expecting competition. Something had to be done to meet the prices over the river since a gas war has prevailed there, said one of the men in charge. Other stations in the city have not met the cut as near as could be ascertained late Wednesday. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published October 14, 1925] George Canning Loses All His Pet Stock in a Peculiar Manner George Canning, father of City Marshal Canning, who lives at the junction of Canning and Ridge streets, was the possessor up to Christmas night of four hogs weighing about 175 pounds each and a number of fine chickens. Thursday morning when Mr. Canning went out to take a look at his live stock and incidentally to feed them, he discovered the four hogs lying dead in their stye. The peculiar part of the business was that each hog appeared to have been bitten on the shoulder just back of the neck by some animal who had eaten the entire back off three of the hogs and the whole shoulder and back off of one. Further investigation on the part of Mr. Canning revealed the fact that his entire stock of chickens had met with a similar fate. The animal or animals, whatever they might be, left no trace behind them and Mr. Canning is greatly puzzled as to what species or nature of animal it could have been that caused so great devastation round his yard that night. Some of his neighbors suggest timber wolves, but Mr. Canning says he does not know of any having been seen in the neighborhood. The peculiar manner in which each animal was killed and eaten casts an air of mystery over the affair, which Mr. Canning would like to have cleared up for his own satisfaction, but so far no one has been able to solve the problem. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published December 30, 1895, submitted by Cathy Danielson] The Grandpa The grandpa iz an individual aged somewhere between fifty and one hundred years, and is a common occurence in most well regulated familys. Next to a healthy mother-in-law, they have more bizness on hand than enny other party in the household. They are the standard authority on all leading topicks, and what they don't know about things that happened sixty five years ago, or what will happen for the next three years to come, iz a damage for everybody to kno. Grandpas are not entirely useless; they are handy to hold babies, and feed the pigs, and are very smart at mending broken spoon handles or putting up the clothes line on washing days. I have seen grandpas that churn good, but I konsider it a might mean trick to set an old man over eighty years to churning butter. I am willing to rock the baby while wimmin folks are biling soap; I am reddy to kut rags ready to work into carpet rags; they kan keep me hunting hen's eggs, or pickling green kurrants; or, I will even dip kandles or kore apples for sass, but I won't churn. I have examined myself on the subject and will bet a jacknife that Josh Billings wont churn. Grandpas are poor help at bringing up children; they are full of precept and katekism, but the young ones all seem to understand that grandpa minds them a heap more than they mind grandpa. -- Josh Billings. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published May 26,1877, submitted by Ann] John Tubbs, no, John Grub, no, it's J. T. Grubb MAN SHOT! Tuesday last, just as we were going to press, a man by the name of John Tubbs, from Freeport, IL, accidently shot himself at the St. Charles Saloon. He was somewhat excited, and hurriedly drawed off his coat and threw it with such force that it exploded a spring lock pistol that was in a pocket. The ball penetrated just below the breast bone. Drs. Hon and McClelland were immediately sent for, but we fear the shot will prove fatal. We shall give the particulars, as elicited, next week. (Weekly Bugle, Wednesday, May 25, 1859, submitted by Ann] ..... ACCIDENT A young man by the name of John Grub, from Freeport, IL, accidently shot himself last Tuesday. Drs. Honn and McClelland were called in and under their treatment he is doing well, and no doubt will soon be able to be around. [Weekly Nonpareil, Saturday, May 28, 1859, submitted by Ann] ..... Mr. J.T. Grubb, the gentleman mentioned in our last issue as having accidently shot himself, died on Wednesday morning last, and was buried on Thursday. [Sunday World Herald, Omaha, May 31, 1859, submitted by Ann] ..... NOT DEAD The man who accidently shot himself last week is still alive and may recover. The accident happened just as we were going to press and it was then supposed that the man could not survive 24 hours. [Weekly Bugle, Wednesday, June 1, 1859, submitted by Ann] ..... Two mistakes occurred in our account of last week. First, the accident occurred at the Brewery Saloon and not at the St. Charles, and, second, the mans name was Grubb and not Tubb. If the wound received should be the means of inducing Mr. Grubb to follow some more honorable employment, the accident will not be without its benefit to society in general and Mr. Grubb in particular. [Weekly Nonpareil, Saturday, June 4, 1859, submitted by Ann] Marriage License Bargain Counter Was Waned by Man Hunting A Marriage License He wanted to get a marriage license cheap. He didn't care about the quality, so it came easily, in that respect closely resembling a present day populist. He walked into County Clerk Reed's office yesterday afternoon with the appearance of being about 60 years of age, which later information confirmed and stated his mission. He desired to procure a marriage license. But he thought the world was full of iniquities and one of the worst of them was the feature of the law requiring a man to pay a dollar for a license. "I'll tell you what I'll do," he said addressing one of the courteous deputies of the office, "I'll give you 50 cents for a license, but I won't give you any more." The clerk saw at once that he had a hard man to deal with and that in order to sell his goods it would be necessary to keep up a stiff upper lip and drive the bargain equally hard on his side. "The law says the fee charged shall be a dollar," said the deputy, "and we have no authority to change the amount." "Well I won't take a license then," declared the man of 60, and he left the place in disgust. An hour later his head came through the door, closely followed by the remaining portions of his anatomy, and he said: "Hey, there! I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give you 75 cents for one of those." "Can't do it," said another deputy, who answered his summons. "Well, I won't pay another cent more, than that, anyway; I'll be hanged if I will." With this he stalked out again and it was thought he had lost himself till half an hour afterwards he came in with the same remarks by way of introducing the subject and said he would take the license and pay the dollar for it. He was speedily equipped with the parchment and went out to meet his love and take her for his own and only. At least, so the deputies thought, but again there came the head and form through the door half an hour later. "Hey, there! sounded the call again. "Say, don't announce my wedding in the papers. She was to come in at 5 o'clock, but maybe she won't come and then I won't have it. I"ll come in and tell you if it's all right to give it to the papers. Maybe she won't come -- hope she will, though. His disappearance following these remarks was final to date. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published October 14, 1896, submitted by Ann] Missouri Hoss Thief Hanged From Elm Students of bygone days, when Council Bluffs boasted a saloon on nearly every corner and horse thieves were hanged on sight, believe that the large elm on the east side of Glen Avenue at the first bend in the street is "Hangman's Elm." The way in which it got its name is a bit of local history involving details which may surprise the present citizenry. It appears that a Missouri horse thief came into Iowa. The citizens were aroused. They wiped from their noses the dew from whisky glasses in the numerous saloons and decided: "Thet thar hoss thief shall die." The weather was hot. Along the creek, on the banks of which the struggling town of Kanesville (now Council Bluffs) turned its unpainted boards to the blistering sun, for a grist mill owned by Mr. Parks -- his first name is still uncertain. And near the grist mill, hidden in a bottomland thicket, was a bubbling stream of crystal water -- cold, inviting. As all saloons were barred to the hoss thief, the self organizes vigilante committee reasoned that the man would have to drink some where. They thought of the spring and thither hid themselves. Crouched at the spring-side they found him. His head was buried in the refreshing flow. He was gulping water like a thirsting deer that has been driven fast before the hounds. And then the vigilantes pounced. Having tied the hands of the Missouri hoss thief, the captors returned to the Ocean Wave Saloon, which was located where the Broadway Methodist Church now stands. And, once in the Ocean Wave, the hoss thief was subjected to the greatest of all tortures which could be conceived in that day and age. He was forced to stand by and watch his captors gulp invigorating drinks. But the hoss thief's difficulties were soon over. Within an hour he was swinging from a gaunt and hoary elm, his boot heels a foot from the ground. "The law" cut down his body and sold his clothes. His saddle, his blanket and his two guns went on the auction block to defray expenses of burial. One of the guns was purchased by Mr. Parks. Under its polished handle of pearl was found a $20 bill. The other gun passed into the possession of a Boomer resident. It went through many hands as the years went by and is believed to be the one now possessed by A.G. Thomas of 710 South Twenty Third Street. Mr. Thomas acquired his gun four or five years ago, and removing the grips from the butt, found there-under a $10 bill. The note bears the date 1863. He returned it to the gun handle and there he intends to leave it. And the elm from which the hoss thief hung? History lost track of it. But an amateur historian believes that it is the elm on the east side of Glen Avenue on the first turn. And why? Because it has been mentioned that the hoss thief was taken from the Ocean Wave Saloon; that the day was hot; that the only moisture was the spring near the grist mill away over near the place where the city auditorium now stands -- and the stuff that came in bottles at the Ocean Wave. "So, sensibly now, "warns the historian," it stands to reason that the hanging party would go to the first elm. They did. The one on Glen Avenue at the first bend on the east side was the nearest elm to the Ocean Wave in those days." And walking back was all down hill. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published July 1, 1932, submitted by Ann] Mrs. John Stimach Woman Burned in Blaze in Closet Mrs. John Stimach, 65, suffered burns to the right side of her body by fire that damaged a clothes closet in her home at 1624 Fifteenth avenue, at 4:15 p.m. Monday. She was burned on her right arm, shoulder, both hands and side. She was given first aid by the emergency unit and taken to the Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Cause of the fire was not determined. Her husband returning home from work found Mrs. Stimach in the dining room hysterical just after she had tried to remove contents of the closet and extinguish the blaze. Two companies of firemen answered the alarm and extinguished the blaze, which did small damage to the closet and contents. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published November 30, 1943, submitted by Mary M.] L. N. Minnick-Funeral Carriages L.N. Minnick announces that he will furnish funeral carriages at $4.00 each; six passenger pallbearer coach $5.00, nice and clean, warm, good teams and good drivers, and would be pleased to have your business. My carriages are kept in a separate building from the horses, and do not have that odor peculiar to other carriages. Telephone 486 or insist on your undertaker furnishing my carriages -- Adv. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published January 30, 1917, submitted by Ann] Mayne, Empkie & Morse Youths Test Out Egg Scrabling Recipe Take eighteen eggs of doubtful character and divide them among three young men out for a good time in an automobile. Equip each young man with a fairly sure aim. Then you have the hodge podge that kept police on the jump for an hour Friday night. Winfield Mayne, II, son of Mrs.Winfield Mayne 303 Park Avenue; Robert Empkie, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Empkie, 307 Lafayette Avenue; and R. W. Morse,19, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Morse, 1320 High Street, were the three main ingredients of the recipe according to police. Having purchased the eggs, they drove around town and along Rainbow Drive in a car piloted by Winfield Mayne, and with aim, scrambled the eggs against the sides and windows of passing automobiles. Police got on the trail fairly early in the game and no one caught up with the trio until Charles McTwigan, motorcycle officer, was startled when an egg scrambled itself on the side of his car at Madison and Capel Avenues. Officer McTwigan ran down the Mayne car and arrested the occupants. The recipe was completed in municipal court Saturday morning when Judge Daniel H. Sheehan allowed the youths to stew for an hour or so before passing judgment on their cases. Then he fined Mayne $25 and costs and suspended $20 of it, taking away one coupon of his driver's license for reckless driving. The other two were given suspended $5 fines and lectures. They were charged with disorderliness. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published October 8, 1932, submitted by Ann] McClelland & McClelland Spicy Tetimony But No Divorces After a hearing marked by stories of bacchanalian revels, District Judge W.C. Ratcliffe has refused to issue a divorce decree to either Mary McClelland or her husband, Fred McClelland. Mrs. McClelland had sued her husband for divorce and he had countered with a cross petition, asking that he be given a divorce. Each charged the other with drunkenness. At the hearing, which required nearly three days, witnesses told of booze parties at the McClelland home, in which Mrs. McClelland was alleged to have been one of the central figures. Witnesses declared that the woman had been intoxicated on several occasions, and that at such times she had a penchant for disporting herself about the house in scanty attire. The McClelland home, according to neighbors who were witnesses, was the favorite gathering place of residents of the vicinity who had a thirst for liquor. The McClelland cellar, they testified, was equal to every occasion. Witnesses for Mrs. McClelland asserted that McClelland, too, was given to excessive use of liquor. He had a bad temper, they declared, and on one occasion after a spat with his wife he got even by cutting the wires while his was telling her troubles over the telephone. McClelland is a sheet metalworker and his wife is a chocolate dipper in an Omaha candy factory. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published November 29, 1926, submitted by Ann] Narmi IS HE UNCLE TO HIS OWN BABIES? With his wife's mother his own stepmother and mother-in-law at the same time, Mike Narmi, Thirty Fifty Street and Avenue D, is wondering if he is an uncle to his own two children. Mike's wife Florence, is really his own stepsister, therefore, he argues he must be step uncle to his own two babies. This strange tangle started four years ago when Mike Narmi fell in love with his stepmother's daughter, Miss Florence Kurtz. Eliabeth Kurtz, mother of Florence, a widow married Joe Narmi, father of Mike, a widower. Both Joe Narmi and his new wife were advanced in years. Shortly after their marriage, Florence came from Minnesota to visit with her mother and new stepfather. She met her stepbrother, Mike, fell in love with him and married him just one year after his father married her mother. Now there is a 2 year old Joseph Narmi and 16 month old Catherine Narmi in Mike's family. Both children are able to visit their only living grandparents, both paternal and maternal, by going to one house. Mike's own father is his father-in-law, his stepmother, his mother-in-law, Florence's mother is her mother-in-law by marriage, and her father-in-law is her stepfather by marriage. None of the Narmi's have worried about the tangle so far. Little Joseph and Catherine, whose father is their step-uncle are too young to be bothered with such things. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published September 3, 1924, submitted by Ann] Notice to Mrs. Nelson Mrs. Mary Nelson, your husband, Nels Nelson, would be pleased to have you meet him at the Council Bluffs post office between the hours of 8 and 2 o'clock today. He is anxious to see you. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published August 28, 1886, submitted by Ann] Omeck One of Hazel Dell's prosperous farmers, Mr. Omeck, is now floating around alone in the wild and cheerless world, his only daughter having entered the blissful state of matrimony and departed from the home of her childhood. A lady of good moral character, who desires to act in the capacity of housekeeper and is not afraid of work might find a desirable home at Mr. Omeck's. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published December 7, 1887, submitted by Ann] Pearl Street Completed The paving on Pearl Street was completed yesterday and the work of hauling the brick left over and the debris was commenced. Contractor Wickham, if the weather is favorable, expects to commence the sewer work on South First Street and Graham Avenue next Monday. As soon as the sewer is laid he will begin the laying of brick paving on South First Street. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published September 10, 1896, submitted by Ann] Psychology Classes Might Stand Behind Marriage License Desk With Profit Faint heart and strong heart, as revealed at the marriage license bureau in the office of Roy Hardesty, clerk of the district court, would interest any psychologist. There is the man who strides up to the clerk and announces in a clear, bold voice that he desires a marriage license. He doesn't care who knows, he wishes to announce to the world at large that he is to be married. This individual answers the clerk's questions in a clear voice, tells the clerk that he has never been married before and that there is no relationship between him and his prospective bride. Then there is the man who answers in a voice which is so low that the clerk is sometimes forced to guess at the name and age given. The groom to be speaks barely loud enough for the clerk to hear. He acts as if he isn't quite sure about this marriage game. He answers the clerk's questions in a halting voice and darts furtive glances about the room. He is suspicious of anyone who is listening. He keeps a keen eye on anyone who might be a newspaper man. There have been many persons who have been forced to make two trips to the marriage license bureau before the license was issued. These, usually from other states, not knowing the Iowa law, come to the clerk seeking a license to wed. "Have you a witness with you?" the clerk asks. The prospective spouses gap at each other. They had not expected this question. Back they must go and get a witness who will verify their statements. Sometimes just a groom to be and his witness come for the license, but more often it is the prospective groom and bride, who together manage to answer the clerk's questions. But sometimes more come. There have been instances when the prospective bride's mother and sisters come and sometimes distant relatives accompanying the pair. There was a pair of applicants for a license not long ago, who presented themselves before the clerk in a due and legal manner. But the groom to be couldn't get up enough nerve to answer the clerk's questions. His prospective bride bore the brunt of the clerk's queries, answering the questions addressed to her future husband. How this man ever summoned enough nerve to stand through the marriage ceremony which followed, is not known. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published June 21, 1926, submitted by Ann] Swindlers In Council Bluffs, Ia. Council Bluffs, Iowa. Investigation following the receipts of Information from Greeley. Col., telling of the claim of a man of that place that he had been swindled out of $12,300 by means of a fake horse race in this city shows that a series of swindlers similar to the one reported have been perpetrated by a well organized gang which has had head-quarters In this city for several months. Fake horse races, foot races and prizefights are stated to have been used and large sums have been lost. (Source:Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908 Page 2) Thomas Hart Benton, Jr. Will Honor Old Bluffs Citizen The G.A.R. post of Marshalltown will pay especial attention Memorial Day to the decoration of the grave of a former prominent citizen of Iowa, who although at one time a resident of Council Bluffs, had been almost forgotten. As a resident of Dubuque and Council Bluffs, he was especially prominent in the early days. This man was Thomas Hart Benton, Jr., a brevet brigadier general of the Civil War, whose body was buried in 1879 in Riverside Cemetery at Marshalltown. In going over the old Masonic records at Marshalltown a few days ago Benton's name was found as a member of the order, and in this manner his name was brought to the attention of the G.A.R. Benton was a nephew of the famous Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, who represented his state in the senate for more than thirty years. The younger Benton came to Dubuque in 1839, became a school teacher, and later a merchant. In 1846 he was elected to the Iowa Senate in the First general assembly of Iowa. Two years later he was elected on the democratic ticket a state superintendent of public instrution, serving six years. After he moved to Council Bluffs he was chosen secretary of the state board of education, serving from 1858 until 1862. In 1860, he was chosen grand master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa. In August 1862, he was made Colonel of the Twenty Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was breveted brigadier in 1864, and discharged from the service August 10, 1865. In that year he was the demoratic and anti-negro suffrage candidate for governor of Iowa but was defeated. In 1863 he was appointed by President Andrew Johnson as assessor of internal revenue. Benton died at St. Louis, April 10, 1879. His widow, one child and a brother, Nathaniel Greene Benton, are also buried in the family lot at Marshalltown. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published May 29, 1917, submitted by Ann] Why We Have So Many Sparrows English Sparrows William Keeline and W.C. James yesterday interviewed their pocket sufficiently to purchase twenty five pairs of English sparrows. The birds will be bought in New York and will arrive in about two weeks. They will be let loose in the public square. A stringent ordinance should be put in force for the protection of these birds. There are now but four English sparrows in the city, the fifth one having been recently killed by some malicious party. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published May 28, 1876, submitted by Ann] ..... The two dozen pairs of English sparrows ordered from New York some time since by Messrs. George Keeline and W.C. James arrived yesterday and were let fly last evening in the public park. Proper boxes for their use will be erected and it should be made the duty of every citizen to report any attempt on the part of malicious boys to interfere with these birds. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published June 10, 1876, submitted by Ann] William Tyson 40 Acres of Land Washed Away by River in Month Council Bluffs, Ia., June26, More than 40 acres of valuable land owned by William Tyson, north of Council Bluffs, has been washed away within the past month by the Missouri river, which is now less than 25 feet from the Tyson farm house. The house once stood 900 feet from the stream. The Illinois Central railroad is fighting to check the river' s erosion at this point and save 3000 feet of roadbed. Government attempts to halt the river from eating into the bank, by the installation this spring of $10,000 worth of anchored stone and willow matting, have proved futile as it has all been torn away. [Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Published June 26, 1929, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Grenville M . Dodge Council Bluffs - Grenville M. Dodge announced today before his departure for Peoria that he would go to the Des Moines October 20 to examine, with the Allison monument commission, the models submitted by artists for the Allison shaft. [Carroll Herald, Carroll, Iowa, Published October 09, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Council Bluffs - H. B. Straw, aged about 70 years, a civil war veteran, living at 521 Mynster street, was shot and probably fatally wounded at 12 o' clock last night in a quarrel with his stepson, Shelby LeMaster. LeMaster is at large and at an early hour this morning had not been arrested. [Carroll Herald, Carroll, Iowa, Published October 09, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Bridges Torn Away and Houses Destroyed in a Great Rain Storm Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 2. - This city was visited last night with the greatest storm of rain ever seen in Western Iowa. The rain began to fall in torrents at 6 o' clock, and for over six hours the storm was incessant. An important part of the city is situated in the valley or gulch of Indian Creek, and lateral gorges and ravines. About dark the creek began to rise, and timber, lumber, and every imaginable floating substance began to head for the Missouri River. The new stone bridge in the upper part of the city, over 100 feet long and 30 feet high, became gorged, and the whole country back of it became a vast lake. The water soon rose above the roadway, and the structure crumbled like chalk. The flood then came with a great rush. Rain was falling in sheets, peal after peal of thunder made it almost impossible to hear cries of distress, and the flashes of lightning blinded those who went to help. In all directions houses, barns, and wooden buildings were in motion in the torrent, leaving their foundations. Frightened women and children were at windows imploring help, and brave men worked hard to rescue them. When the upper bridge had been destroyed and the flood had covered the lumber yards and brickyards, a gorge was again formed at the Bryant street bridge, a stone structure like the first, and this gave away. Then the water spread over the valley, scattering destruction in its way. An iron bridge was next swept off its supports, and the iron work was carried over a mile and twisted around trees. It is impossible to clearly describe the havoc of the storm today. Tonight there is another heavy rain, and a deep gorge has been made in the creek channel several hundred feet wide and many feet deep. Everywhere on each side of the creek fragments of dwellings are scattered or piled up in heaps. It is difficult to ascertain the number of houses wrecked, as there is so much confusion and excitement over the disaster. Not less than 75 buildings are either totally or partially ruined. Fortunately, no lives were lost, although, in many instances, a single misstep would have thrown escaping persons into the swift current. The wreckage of iron bridges tore out the sides of houses, and inmates were only able to escape with their lives, losing all else. Mud is piled in great ridges all over the lower part of the city. Many sidewalks and streets are impassable, and not a bridge is left by which wagons can cross from one side of the city to the other. The loss is estimated at over $500,000. The rear wall of the new opera house, in course of erection, has fallen. It was over 50 feet high. The side walls are cracked and are liable to fall as they settle. All the bridges as far down as Eighth street are gone, including two stone bridges, which alone cost nearly $20,000. The citizens have done everything in their power to relieve those in need of help, and all are now comfortable. Mayor Bowman had received telegrams from various surrounding cities asking if aid is needed, and has replied that Council Bluffs will be able to take care of the suffering without assistance. Every citizen is doing his whole duty, both financially and by personal exertions. [New York Times, Published June 3, 1883, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Crazed By Drink Physician Kills Prominent Doctory of Council Bluffs Murders Deputy Sheriff and Saloonkeeper Des Moines, Iowa, March 25. - Dr. H. B. Kelly, 30 years old, a prominent physician of Council Bluffs, today shot and killed Deputy Sheriff Clarence Wollman, also of Council Bluffs, and then killed Edward Sterzing, a local saloonkeeper. The Council Bluffs physician was being taken by the deputy sheriff to the inebriate hospital at Knoxville. The two men were in the same room at the Kirkland hotel, during the night. Early this morning Kelly awakened, extracted a revolver from the pocket of the deputy sheriff and fired three shots into the body of the latter as he lay asleep. Refused Drink; Kills. Kelly then hastened down the street to a saloon at Third and Court streets, He demanded a drink. Sterzing refused him. "You saloonkeepers have made an inebriate of me and now you refuse me a drink," Kelly said, as he shot the saloonkeeper. Kelly was arrested. In his cell in the city jail Kelly demanded whiskey and cigarettes. "I know I'm a drunkard, but that makes no difference to you," he said to a newspaper man. Can't you give me a cigarette?" Kelly is under the influence of liquor and does not realize what he has done. [Spokane Daily Chronicle, Spokane, Washington, Published Mar. 25, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Robber Shot Council Bluffs, Iowa, Oct. 4. - Lying at the morgue in this city with a bullet through his heart is a man, powerfully built, black hair, moustache about six feet tall, aged apparently 45 years. He was one of the two men who held up the Kansas City passenger train on the Burlington road three miles south of this city at midnight. Messenger Charles Baxter killed him. The two men boarded the train at Union Pacific transfer and climbed over the tender just as the train was crossing the Creek bridge. Engineer Donnelly and Frank Holman, fireman, who were in charge of the engine were ordered to slow up as soon as the train had crossed the bridge. While the man now dead held a revolver on the engine crew, his companion went back and cut off the baggage and mail cars, leaving the day coaches and sleepers standing on the main line. Acting under orders, the engineer pulled the train half a mile down the track, where a stop was made. Here the robbers approached the express car and ordered Messenger Baxter to open the door. He refused to do so. Under compulsion, Engineer Donnelly attached a stick of dynamite to the side door on the opposite side of the door. In the meantime Messenger Baxter seized his gun and escaped from the door on the opposite side of the car. As soon as the door was blown open one of the robbers entered the car, while his companion marched the engineer and fireman back to the engine. Baxter crept around in front of the engine and seeing the robber keeping guard over the engine crew, fired one shot and killed him instantly. As soon as the shot was heard the robber in the car jumped to the ground and fled through a cornfield. The dead man was picked up, placed on board and the train backed into this city. The body was searched but nothing was found on it by which it could be identified. In the man's pockets were found about $15 in money and a watch and chain. Conductor Wm. McGrew, who was in charge of the train thinks the dead man is one George, of St. Joseph. The robber who escaped was larger and taller than the dead man, being apparently above six feet in height. Both men were masked and both wore overhalls and jumpers. The door of the express car was badly shattered by the explosion of dynamite. The robber inside the car was preparing to blow the safe at the time his companion was killed. He ceased operations at once and no damage was done to the contents of the car, nor was anything taken. [Lewiston Daily Sun, Lewiston, Maine, Published October 05, 1900, submitted by Cathy Danielson] GIRL GETS CHOICE -- JAIL OR WEDDING Cave man tactics could not persuade Margaret Wilson to marry Frank Wilson, she told Municipal Court Judge Dinnen of Omaha Friday. She testified that Wilson, said to be a resident of Council Bluffs, had beat her over the head with a hammer when she refused to wed him about six weeks ago. Both were arraigned on vagracy charges. Miss Wilson testified that Wilson brought her down from Minneapolis about six weeks ago. She said that he beat her when she refused to marry him. "I'll never marry a cave man," she said. She accused Wilson of being a thief. Detectives who arrested the pair testified that Wilson was a hard working farm hand, and just prior to his arrest he had been washing dishes in a Council Bluffs hotel. At the trial Friday Wilson pled with the girl to marry him, but she refused. After considering the case the judge gave the girl her choice of thirty days in jail or marrying Wilson. She took the jail sentence. Two hours later the girl suffered a change of heart and said that she would marry. The message was communicated to Wilson, who had returned to Council Bluffs. He also had a change of heart. "Nothing doing," he said, "I'm lucky to get out so easily." [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published February 4, 1923, submitted by Ann] Silver Paulus Woman Runs For Mayor For First Time In City's History A new note was injected in the city political campaign Thursday when it became known that petitions for the nomination of Mrs. Silver Paulus, 2419 Avenue F, as republican candidate for mayor are being circulated in the west side. Mrs. Paulus, although now living in the Sixth Ward, was a strong republican worker in the First Precinct of the Fifth Ward for many years. She formerly lived at 1119 Fifth Avenue. Mrs. Paulus is the wife of Arthur G. Paulus, Union Pacific electrician. She is the first woman ever to run for office of mayor in Council Bluffs. [Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Published January 27, 1938, submitted by Ann] |