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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 1924)
Nebrr.k.: ate . I lorl- cai Society Utae flMattemoutb Journal. VOL. NO. XL. PLATTSMOUTH. NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1924. NO. 93 CHARRED BODY OF MURDER VIC TIM DiSCOVERED IS MADE GREWSOME DISCOVERY ALONG HIGHWAY 2 MILES NORTH OF THIS CITY. BODY REVEALS FEW CLUES Car Apparently Bearing Missouri Li cense Nu truer Found Stripped Near the Body. Kmm Tuesday Dally A Story of robbery and murder was revealed this when the charred body of a probable morning man was discovered tying in the ditch along the highway two miles north of this city by Mr. Nord. who was driving into Plattsmouth and saw the man covered by snow iying along the road. The tragedy had evidently oc curred before the snow storm as the body was covered by snow and ice when Sheriff Stewart and County Attorney W. G. Kieck arrived there a few .moments after Mr. Nord had reported the body. At first report it was thought that the man had been caught in his car and burned hut on the arrival of the county officers and Detectives Tom Smith anil K. L. Cnderwood at the scene of the tragedy there was found probable cause to think that the man was the victim of foul play. The car which had apparently been a Ford coupe was lying along i the east side of the new highway that was opened the last summer I through the Stull farm, and thel chassis of the car bad been taken away ny someone as mere was not the slightest sign of tne parts to be found ftnywhere and 'vhich looks as though the car had been looted and then later burned as there is only a am: 1! nnrt of the cav lift Buried in the snow along the road- B"d h:',tPw th a,,t tnp Bide a short distance from the car, I N 0d waB " ln b' 8 pawine; car County Attorney Kieck discovered a I tn haTe a service car come out and license bearing "the Missouri license :';s,,st '.n :'ninS thp car. but a great number :22-t47. There was lying 'V'"1 of "e before the re in the wreckage where it had evl- "ef reached the scene and by this dently been thrown a two gallon u Mrs Brittain was thoroughly c-n that was drained and which it chilled and cold and the husband had is thought was used in furnishing her brought in to the city and the the means of destroying part of the rvico car to return later and bring ar and also the hodv of th victim. ,n ,tho wrecked auto. The hodv was lying along the west ! Aftcr reaching this city. Mrs. aide of the road. ISO feet south of I Brittain started to walk from the the burned car and the limbs, body I Karags to the Main Hotel and when and face of the1 man were burned to Pnr tnp corner of Sixth and Main ; cri-p and the only particles of i tot fell on the walk and frac i.. i,.,t v . left wm that mor-1 wired the bones in one of her tion where the body had evidently r sted and where the weisiht of the body had prevented the names from reaching the cloth. From the re mains, of the garments there was found a portion of a bt.rnrd letter, d ted al Nebraska City and evident Ij addr Med to a man named Carl, and from what could be seen of the letter i: referred to automobiles eev eral times. There was also a clip ping from the Nebraska City News in the pocket of the victim that re lated a Btory of Msrysville, Missouri, and it is thought htat possibly the man was from that city. The victim of the tracedy was a man apnarent- lv at-nnt five feet seven ni nes 111 height and of a slender build as in (Heated by the charred body. The man had had dark brown hair and was evidently cireseu in t bij sweater and blue coat, pieces of which were found buried in the BUOW where he had laid. The shoes on the feet were small and bore out the supposition that ho was not a very large man. There was no money or valuables, found outside of a cheap IngersoU watch that was lying be neath the body when it was removed by the county attorney. The body was taken by Cndertaker Sattb r and brought on into this city :.m taken- to the undertaking rooms for examination and where the in quest will be held later. The county attornev in searching ir the destroyed coupe found an exploded shotgun shell that may have played a part in the tragedy. The body was given attention at the undertaking rooms and gave a few more facts as to the man. indi cating that he was apparently a young man of 19 or 20 years, and a portion of the collar band of a white soft shirt bore the initials C A. X.. which with a part of letter address, to Carl, evidently places the first name of the unfor tunate man. He was apparently ry heavily dressed as portions of ' heavy underwear, dress shirt, rest, coat and sweater were found. In the remains of a po-ketbook was a cash fare receipt of the Kansas City line of the Burlington that would indicate that the man was probably from Marysville. Missouri. I.pter reports from the vicinity of the tragedy state that Joe Thompson, Platte "iver bridge tender, received word last night from passing auto ists that a car was burning on the highway and this was about 8 o'clock, the firs The watch of the victim of was stopped at 8:20 which places very closely the time of. the tragedy. The burns on the body are evi dently from gasoline and the right side of the face is badly burned as well as the arms and legs. So far ?s could be found there were no wounds on the head or body that would indicate that the man bad been shot or injured with any weapon that left a wound. The absence of the chassis or any I Part of t,le car is what lends strength I to the theory that these might nave ! been taken before the car was fired. This afternoon at 1 o'clock the coroner's incjuest was held at the Sattler undertaking rooms and a jury impaneled by County Attorney W. G. Kieck. composed of Tom J. Smith, B. I.. Underwood, L. J. Butcher, P. T. Becker, Frank Smith and Dr. O. Sandin. all of whom had been present when the body was re moved from the roadway where the death had occurred. The verdict of the jury was that the victim came to his death by foul means at the hands of a party or parties unknown. HOLIDAY TRIP HAS A SERIOUS ENDING NEAR THIS GITY Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Brittain of Kan sos City En Route to Council Bluffs. Hit Hard Luck. From Tuesday's Pally The holiday visit that was started on so pleas. mtly a few days ago by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Brittain of Kan sis City, had a very unpleasant end ing here last evening that will tend to take oft part of the happiness of the glad Christmas time. The lius band and wife were motoring from their home in Council Bluffs where tiay expected to spend the holidays at the home of the mother of Mrs. Brittain and their trip had prog ressed nicely until they reached this locality and nded with their car be ing put out of commission and the wife receiving a broken leg. The trip had proceeded very well over the rough roads until late yes terday afternoon when Just east of Mytmrd on th. highway the car had the hard luck to have an axle break and whicb at once stopped the ptn- ! ankles. The injured woman was car th Main Hotel and Dr. P. J. vied to FVynn summoned, who set the In jured member and made the patient as comfortable ac possible. The husband, who had remained with the car out on the cold and comfortless country highway, was brought in by Ernest Schubech and his taxi and reached the side of the wife a short time after the accident. ' This morning, Mr. Brittain had J his wife taken on into Omaha and I from there to Council Bluffs, the j Inst lap of the trip being made via I the Burlington as the condition of the roads would not permit the par ty attempting to make the trip bv 'to even ,-)fter the car is repaired and the faithful until a later Ford date. will remain here CHARGED WITH POSSESSION Fro-n Mondav's Daftr Complaint was filed this morning in ounty court by County Attorney W. (',. Kieck, charging John Eagan with having had possession of in toxicating liquor contrary to the p. ace of the state of Nebraska, and in violation of the prohibition law. Mr. Eagan. a former resident here had just returned Saturday to spend a short time and evidently came well but not wisely prepared as h was captured Saturday night shortly be fore 10 o'clock near the Cloidt Lum ber and foal company yards, with a large jug of the sparkling vintage of the corn and whicb was seized by Officer Joe I.ihershal, who made the arrest and had the man placed in the rity bastile for safe keeping. This morning the man as well as the jug of booze was turned over by Chief of Police Hinrichsen to the of county authorities and complaint ac a cordingly filed by the county attor ney. The matter was brought up before Judge Beeson this afternoon and a fine of $100 and costs assessed against the prisoner by the court and which he will board out as an enforced guest of Deputy Sheriff Rex Young. Dr. P. T. Heineman departed this morning for Geneva, where he will join Mrs. Meineman in a visit at the home of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Dempster and family. Joe Hawksworth and wife and daughter of Lincoln and Miss Grace Beeson of Omaha will he here for the j Christmas holidays at the home of ' Judge and Mrs. Allen J. Beeson. AGED RESIDENT OF THIS CITY GALLED TO HER REWARD After Illness Covering Past Week, Aged Lady Called at 2:15 This Morning. From Monday's Dally After ami illness that has cov ered the past two weeks, Mrs. O. M. Streight, who has been a resident of this city for the past fifty-one years, was called to her reward this morn ing at 2:15. The death came as a blessed relief to her long suffering and calmly and peacefully she sank into the slumber that was to know no awakening on this earth. Fannie Potter was born in Oneida county. New York, and in her child hood resided with her parents on Giindstone island, one of the 1,000 Island group in the St. Lawrence river and later when some eight years of age she was brought by her parents to Iowa, the family settling near Lamotte. Iowa, where she was reared to womanhood. In 1873, Miss Potter came to Nebraska and i located at Plattsmouth where she later married O. M. Streight and here the family have made their home since that time. The husband : and father departed this life on Jan- uary 20, 1922. and awaits the com- ing of the wife in the everlasting . day. There is left to mourn the death of this estimable lady, two sons. Monte Streight of this city, and Harold G. Streight of Oelwein. Iowa, as well as three grandchildren. Guy Streight of this city and Bev , erly Jane and Shirley May Streight of Oelwein, Iowa. There is also a neice. Mr. Gazelle Stover Koos of Lantotte, Iowa, to share the sorrow of her death. One sister, Mrs. Jamfs 1 W. Sage, preceded Mrs. Streight in j death. In the long years of her residence j here, Mrs. Streight won a host of friends by her simple and kindly life and her efforts to be of aid and comfort to her fellowman has been one of the striking features of her life as she labored earnestly for those who si rth ought were in need of friendly sympathy and her good works, which are many, will long in the memory of those live who knew her best. The funeral services will be held from the late home Wednesday af ternoon at 1:30 and will be con ducted by the Rev. H. G. MeClusky. pastor of the First Presbyterian church. The interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery beside that of the husband. MARRIED IN COUNCIL BLUFFS From Mnridav's DaJlv The marriage of Mrs. Florence Newton to Mr. Joseph Manasek. oc curred on Saturday at Council Bluffs, the young people motoring over from their home at Omaha to have the ceremony performed. The bride was formerly Miss Florence Orassman of this city and well known to a large circle of friends here who will learn with pleasure of the mar riage and extend to the young peo ple their best wishes. The bride has in recent years been making her home in Omaha with her mother. Mrs. Ed Stoner and family. Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Manasek accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Short, were here for the day and were guests at luncheon at the borne of Mr. and Mrs. Hillard Orassman. the former being a brother of the ladies, and while here they were call ers on other relatives and friends. INSTALLS NEW TANKS From Monday's Daily The Collins Oil Co. has just in stalled two new tanks and pumps at the sidetracks near the Missouri Pacific- station that will be used by the company for storing Distilate. a well known fuel oil. that is handled by this oil company and which will he made available for the use of tht Plattsmouth people. The Collins com pany has a car of the Distilate on the road now and it will be here in the next few days to be stored in the new tanks and from there will be distributed to the consumers over the city. Mr. F. W. Elliott, the local manager of the Collins interests will have charge of the disposition of the new fuel oil. CHRISTMAS TIME NEARING From Monday's Daily The approach of Christmas is mak ing a very busy time at the Nebras ka Masonic Home in this city when the incoming trains are bringing loads of presents and good things to swell the Christmas cheer at the great institution of the Nebraska Masons. Every Masonic and Eastern Star lodge in the state is doing some thing in the way of remembrance for the Home here as well as the Or phanage at Fremont and which will assure every resident of being lib erally remembered on Christmas morning. The big Christmas tree is now being arranged and with it a real lifelike fireplace has been ar ranged by Superintendent Evers in the parlors of the Home that lends a touch of cheer to the scene and makes a real old fashioned Christ mas appearance at the Home. PLACED UNDER PAROLE From Monday's Dally Marvin Rice, who was charged in a complaint filed by County Attorney W. G. Kieck with huving committed the crime of forgery, was given his hearing Saturday afternoon and en tered a plea of guilty to the charge. Owing to the youth of the prisoner, the court was very lenient as the young man made settlement with those who had received the bad pa per and no loss was sustained by anyone, and accordingly Judge Beg ley paroled the young man to Sheriff E. P. Stewart for a period of 2 years during which time he will be at liberty pending his good behavior and refraining from committing any more forgeries. BISHQP SHAYLER IS GREETED BY A LARGE AUDIENCE Episcopal Prelate Preaches at St. Luke's Chutc'i to Large Con gregation Sunday. From Monday's Dai.y Yesterday morning. Bishop Ernest V. Shayler, bishop of Nebraska, was at the St. Luke's church in this city to conduct the services of the day. coming down from his homo in Oma ha to occupy the charge here as the church has been without the ser vices Of a rector since the removal of Father Leete from the city. The celebration of the Holy Eu charist was held at 7:30 and at the 11 o'clock service the bishop gave a very powerful and inspirational ser mon on the approaching Christmas time, one of the greatest in the cal endar of the Christian world and which brings with it the promise of the redemption of mankind through the intercession of the Christ. There were a very laree number in attendance at the service and the sermon of the bishop was received with the greatest of interest and left a most lasting Impression on the congregation. During the sorvlvi . Mm. John E. Schutz gave a very beautiful solo number and the choir of the church a number of selections from the hymns. This service was in the nature of a rcdedication of the church after the extensive work that was done on the building the past summer and it is now one of the most attractive church buildings in the city and has been fitted in the past summer with a new roof, new floors and thorough ly cleaned and fitted up for the use )f the parish. The ladies of the St. Luke's guild, the oldest of l lie church societies, have presented to the church new lighting fixtures that are a memorial to the guild and to the members of the society that have passed away. CAUSES EXCITEMENT mm Monrlav's Dally This noon there was considerable exc itement c reated in the reur of the Arries pool hall when a large can of tar that Jack Brittain was heating to place on the roof of the Wescott building, broke into a blaze and for a few moments there was some ex citement in that locality and the members of the fire department ar rived on the scene and where they found Mr. Brittain and Emil Wey rich busy throwing ashes and sonw on the burning tar and finally get ting it extinguished. Bob Walling, the local Otey Walker, arrived on the scene of the fire without even his helmet, so intense was the excite ment. SHERIFF HAS BUSY TIME From Monday's Daily Sheriff E. P. Stewart was kept very busy on Saturday with the sale of several parcles of real estate which were made under order of court to satisfy judgments secured in the courts. The land involved in the suit of the Federal Trust Co.. of Lin coln va Ewald Ulricli, etal. was sold for the sum of $13,000 and was bid in by C. A. Rawls acting for the plaintiffs In the case. In the city property covered in the suit of the Livingston Loan & Building assicia tion vs Fred C. Stewart, et al.. the property was purchased by the plain tiffs by their attorney, A. L. Tidd, for $600. The land involved in the case of the Manley State bank vs Spense. the land in question was bid in by Joe Spense of Maywood for the sum of $3,200. The land involved in the case of the Home Savings and Loan association of Lincoln, vs Wel ton, consisting of property in the town of Greenwood was bid in by the plaintiff for the sum of $2,500. TWO SEAPLANES MISSING. ACCORDING TO REPORT New York, Dec. 20. Two sea planes flying from the naval base at Hampton Roads, Vs., and one at the Brooklyn navy yard, at 3 o'clock yesterday had not put in appearance by dark. It was the opinion of of ficials at the Brooklyn base that the fliers were held back by strong coas- tal winds and that they probably landed somewhere along the coast. CHRISTIAN CHURCH HAS AN EXCELLENT PROGRAM SUNDAY Choir of the Church Under the Di rection of Miss Frances Field, Give Fine Program. From Monday's Daily The Christian church last evening enjoyed a most Inspirational and beautiful Christmas program which was arranged by the choir under the direction of Miss Frances Field and presented the Christmas message in song as well as the short sermon of the evening given by Rev. Walter R. Robh. pasior of the church. The services were opened with the inspiring hymu. ' Joy to the World," in which the choir and congregation joined and was followed by the regu . lar order of the service. Rev. Robh gave the scriptural data of the first Christinas day which furnished the prelude to the special musical numbers. The choir gave as a special num ber. "It Came Cpon a Midnight Clear." which was followed by a very impressive solo number by Mrs. V. O. Vincent. The specially arranged quartet, composed of Mrs. Hal Gar- inett, Mrs. Minnie IMckard, Thomas j Lee Anthony and B. A. McElwain, also gave a very beautiful Christ mas number. The sermon of the evening was on "Christmas Thoughts" and th words of the pastor. Rev. Robh, a lasting impression with the members of the congregation on the lessons of the Christmas season. The choir and congregation joined in the hymn. "Silent Night" and with the benediction by Rev. Robh, the beautiful service was brought to a close. CHRISTMAS PAG EANT IS GIVEN AT THE M, E. CHURCH Beautifully Pictured Story of the Nativity is Presented Last Evening at Church. From Monday's Daily Last evening the auditorium of the Methodist church was filled to its utmost capacity by a very rever ent congregation to witness the 3tory of the nativity presented by the members of the church, which, in a eeries of living pictures told the story of the events leading to the coming of the infant Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. The settings of the pageant were most impressive and the special lighting effects arranged by Mr. R. M. Werner added much to the beauty of the scenes as they gradually un folded the story of the coming of the Savior. The only illumination of the church was in the spotlights ar ranged on the platform for the pag eant, and the lighted north window of the church that brought out the Shepherd King window of the church in great beauty. The pageant was arranged in a most reverent manner, the scriptures being selected and given by the pas tor. Rev. Frank Emory Pfoutz, the story of the scenes read by Mrs. William Baird and at the showing of each scene. Mrs. E. H. Wescott sang a very of the hymns appropriate to the various incidents in the sacred history. The pageant opened with the showing of the prophecy of Isaiah and was followed by the scene of the Annunciation. The shepherds in the field were shown as they re ceived the message of the new born King and with the wise men re paired to Bethlehem to worship. The lowly manger where was born the Light of the World was shown in the greatest beauty and the adoration of the shepherds and the wise men who came bringing gifts and wisdom to the manger side. The close of the pageant was that of the Spirit of Christianity, as the figure represent ing came with the candle to the manger and lighted the taper that signified the spirit of the Christian faith and in turn was joined by fig ures representing the church, educa tion, the missionary, the mission worker, the Red Cross and last the evangelist to bring the message of the church to the world. As the evangelist came to the altar the small red cross at the front of the platform lit and its rays added to the beauty of the ecene and here the evangelist extended an invitation to those who wished to join the church and four made confession and were received into the church. During the scenes and the entire service the organist of the choir, E. H. Wescott, gave appropriate and verv beautiful selections. AUTO TOP SHOP Between 6th and 7th on Vine. Phone 9S. daw Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Franzen and daughter. Mary Ann, of Omaha, will ; be guests here over Christmas at the j home of Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Bria-g, parents of Mrs. Franzen, ENTERTAINS CLASS From Tuesday's Pally Last evening the young men's bible class of the Presbyterian church were very pleasantly entertained at the home of their teacher, George L. Farley, and the occasion proved one of the greatest pleasure as well as profit to the young men in attend ance. Th e first portion of the even ing was given over to the business session of the class and later the young men enjoyed a social hour in games and contests of all kinds that served to pass the time delightfully until an appropriate hour when the members of the party were invited to partake of the refreshments that were Served. Those who enjoyed the occasion were: William and Ed ward Matschullatt, John and Ru-i dolph Iverson, James Jean. Paul i Vandervoort. Rov Olson. Marion I Heardsley, Fred Trilety, Willis Hart ford. Forest Shrader, Harlan Qorder, Fred Rowland, George Ebersole. Joe Hartford. George Palmer. REACHING HIGH PLACE IN TELE PHONE CIRCLES Lloyd B. Wilson. Who was Born and Educated in Plattsmouth, Re ceives New Recognition. From Tuesday's Ially Lloyd B. Wilson, former resident of this city and who for the past twenty-five years has been identified with the telephone work, has ad vanced another step on the ladder of success in his work and is now re ceiving the position of commercial engineer of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co., at New York and which position he will assume Jan-1 uary 1st. At the present time Mr. Wilson is the commercial superintendent of the Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.. with headquarters at Omaha, and has had a very eventful career in this line of work since the time as a high school boy he first took up the telephone work in Platts mouth. Mr. Wilson is a son of Mrs. Frank Hi Wilson of Lincoln and is a grand son of the late Captain L. B. Ben nett, one of the pioneers of Cass county. At Plattsmouth. Mr. Wilson en tered upon his telephone career in 1899 as a night operator. He learned the fundamentals of the business by working at the switchboard at night and at times installing telephones, digging holes and climbing poles during the day. In 1901 he went to Lincoln as an inspector's helper with the old Nebraska Telephone com pany, becoming inspector within a few months. He was made local manager at Central City in 1903. In 1906 he I went to Grand Island as district manager, then to Omaha as Nebras ka division manager in 1913. After four years in this state he was sent in Minneapolis as commercial super intendent of the Northwestern Tele pin ne Exchange company, which po sition ho held for two years before being promoted to the position he now leaves. Attorney Carl D. Ganz of AIvo was here today looking after some matters in the district court in which he was interested. A Right Merry Christmas? To wish our friends and customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year is to express in the happy phrase of the holidays, the sentiment which we seek to carry into every business day the year around the sincere good will and warm personal interest of everyone in this bank for every one with whom we come in contact. the First national bank THE BANK WHERfe 'OU FEEI- At" MO WE njnSMOUTH JSl 'The Bank Where ARREST MAN ON ARSON CHARGE LAST EVENING STEVE BIDDICK TAKEN IN CUS TODY; IS CHARGED WITH ARSON AT C, B. & WILL FIGHT THE CHARGE MADE Crime Alleged to Have Been Com mitted On October 18th When Lumber Was Burned. From Tuesday's Dally-- After an investigation covering the period from October IStli to the present time which ha been tire lessly made by Detectives Tom J. Smith and E. L. Tndsrwood of the Burlington detective force, a warrant was issued last night on the com plaint of Deputy State Fire Warden L. J. Butcher, charging Steve Bid click, of this city, with arson. The crime alleged to have been committed by Mr. Biddick was the burning of the lumber shed at the local Burlington shops on the night of Saturday, October 18th, and which involved a loss of some 10, 000 for the railroad company in the burning of a large quantity of fine dressed and seasoned lumber and tin damage to a large number of piles of lumber in the vicinity of the de stroyed shed. On the morning after the fire. Mr. Smith and Mr. Cnderwood arrive. I here and have been on the search of the party or parties that committed the crime since that time, although they have had to leave at different times to investigate other casc?s that were in their charge, but have ac cumulated the evidence that caused the state deputy fire warden. Mr Butcher, to file the complaint yes terday afternoon with County At torney W. G. Kieck and ou which warrant was issued for Mr Biddick. Iast evening at 6:. 10. Sheriff E. P. Stewart served the warrant unci took Mr. Biddick to the county Jail where he was held pending the pre liminary hearing. At a previous elate Mr. Biddick was examined by the dc fectives as to any knowledge of the fire and at that time denied any knowledge of the fire or its origin. He will contest the case, it is stated at the court house, ancl will be represented at the preliminary hearing by his counsel. CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IN STOVES KILLS TWO Columbus. O.. Dec. 21. Carbon monoxide gas from flue-less gas stoves took the lives of three people hero today. The deaths are the first to result directly from such a cause. Coroner Murphy said. In pronouncing death as due to "asphyxiation by carbon monoxide fumes from flue-less gas stoves." the coroner was sharp in his criticism of such types of stoves. Advertise your want in the Jour nal for results. 14 NEBRASKA Yon Feel at Home!" V