The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current, September 17, 1908, Image 1

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1'LATTSMO UTII, NElJRASIvA. Til LTIJSIJ A Y, SHITK.MBEn 17, 1M)S
NUMIUJK 1 1
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ENDEAVORING TO
BEAT MISS HEMPEL
Vorthy Grand Recorder of
the Degree of Honor.
"A contest is on in the Degree
of Honor for the oHire of grand re
corder, in which Mrs. Hattie Wool
ley of Lincoln anr Miss Teresa
Hemjel of I'lattsmouth are rivals.
It is charged that Mrs. Mary A.
Latky, crand chief of honor, has
taken a hand in this fight and is as
fisting Mrs. Woolley. The Degree
of Honor lodge meets in Lincoln on
October 7. when the election takes
Ilace. Governor Sheldon has with
drawn his name from a circular be
ing sent out by M rs. Wooley en
dorsing her and he has written a
letter to Miss Hempel saying that
if she desires re-election he hopes
she will be successful in her con
test. Mrs. Woolley has sent out a
circular letter in which she stated
that it seems to be the general con
census of opinion that there will be
a change in the office of the grand
recorder at the coming session of
the grand lodge, the present incum
bent having held the position for
ten years. She then announced her
candidacy and referred the reader
to the following for an endorsement
of her: G. L. Sheldon, governor;
H. J. Winnett, W. B. Rose, F. W.
Brown, U. CI. Powell. J. E. Miller
and W. T. Auld. On the bottom of
the circular is this inscription: Ap
proved, Mary A. Latky, grand chief
of honor. Miss Hempel is an old
time friend of the Sheldon family.
State Journal.
The above item from the State Jour
nal is an abridged account of an un
fortunate state of affairs which seems
to have arisen in the Degree of Honor.
The misunderstanding is largely caused
by the ambiguous and misleading word
ing of the circular issued by Mrs. Wool
ley. In this circular the statement is
made that "it seems to be the general
concensus of opinion that there will be
a change in the office of grand recorder
at the coming session of the grand
lodge, the present incumbent having held
the position for ten years."
As Miss Teresa Hempel of this city
is the grand recorder, ami as there has
been no complaint l.xlged against her
conduct of the affairs of the office, con
siderable amazement has been express
ed at such a statement. Miss Hempel
is an active candidate for re-election to
this position which she has held so long
with eminent success, and there is little
probability of her defeat. She has been
a most iopular and efficient official and
has been the recipient of much praise
from all who have had occasion to deal
with her office in any manner. Besides
this Miss Hempel is personally a most
popular woman and one who stands
very high in the regard of the members
of the hnlge. That her conduct of the
business of her office has been correct
in every particular and of the most
business-like methods, the report of
Examiner A. L. Searle of the auditor's
orTu-e bears ample proof. The Journal
regrets that it cannot print this report
in full, which in every way gives Miss
Hempel the highest praise for the business-like
conduct of her office, but ex
tracts are printed below to show how
the office has irr.presse
der artment.
M So -irk savs:
insurance
The
funds are
v the grand recorder a
:.d are
grand
coi.ee leu
immediate! turned ever to t
receiver and funds can only be drawn
bv check signed by tr.e grand receiver,
grand recorder, grand chief of honor
and the chairman of the finance com
mittee. The financial affairs of the order are
under the control of a financial com
ir.ittee who pass upon all dea-th losses
and all other disbursements, and they
also carefully audit the books of the
grand recorder and grand receiver each
month. This committee is appointed by
the grand chief of honor, and is a very
important committee for the order, and
I find they have done their work very
carefully and efficiently.
T find the grand recorder, grand re
ceiver and the finance committee are
very careful in the keeping of their ac
counts and managing the affairs of the
order, and have the best interests of
the members in mind always."
This report bears date of March 2S.
1 ar.d is quite significant in that it
finds Miss Hemple to have conducted
her office always with the best interests
of the members of the order in mind,
and that the finance committee appoint
ed by the grand chief of honor has
found the books to be in good condition
and have made no complaint of the
manner ot conducting her office. All
these things bear out the belief that
' the order can do no better than to con- j
tinue this most excellent official in her
! office.
I It in frnfi1nt hiru of the neonle
of I'lattsmouth who have so long known
Miss Hemple that she will be continued
in this office. She is a most excellent
woman in every respect. It would be
fool-hardy in one to dwell upon her con
spicuous qualifications for the position,
ten years of the work speaking more
eloquently in her behalf than any mere
words. It is the belief that the mem
bers of this great order appreciate her
as well as those outside it, and that she
will come out triumphant in the elec
tion. Mrs. Mary A. Latky, grand chief of
honor of the order was in the city yes
terday, and in conversation with a Jour
nal reporter took occasion to deny the
report that she was actively engaged
in working for Miss Hemple's defeat,
in fact one would infer from her re
marks she rather favored her re-election
as she did not express any fault
with her work. She stated that she had
merely approved Mrs. Woolley's circu
lar announcement in the ordinary
course of her olfice. Should Miss Hem
pel's circular announcement have re
quired her approval she states she
would have given it. She deprecated
any fight in the order and seemingly
regretted it arising. Mrs. Latky de
parted on the fast mail for the western
part of the state.
Clerks Have Meeting.
The clerk's association held its regu
lar meeting in the council room Tuesday
evening. Considerable satisfaction was
expressed over the fact that some of
the merchants who had not signed the
closing agreement closed their doors
promptly at 7 o'clock. There seemed
to be some doubt among some of the
merchants as to whether all who had
signed would live up to their agreement,
but there was no doubt in the minds of
the clerks, as they do not think that
there is a merchant in Plattsmouth who
would go back on his signature. They
are men honorable men every one of
them.
His Honor, Mayor Gering, was pres
ent and made a telling speech, in which
he urged the clerks to maintain their
organization and continue the work so
well begun, and to take up a course
of study of salesmanship and the busi
ness conditions in general. Mayor Gering
also volunteered to make up a small
shortage in the banquet funds, stating
that he appreciated the benefits he re
ceived from Mr. Pilkington's speech, and
the meeting of merchants and clerks,
and was glad of an opportunity to show
it.
The next regular meeting of the
clerks will be September 30th, at 8 p.
m. in the council chamber.
Returns From the Encampment.
Col. Henry C. McMaken returned
Tuesday morning from a trip to Toledo,
O., where he has been in attendance
upon the annual reunion of the G. A.
R. Col. McMaken reports that he had
a great time. The reunion was a grand
success in every particular, the attend
ance being very large. While there the
Col. met many of his old army com
rades and there was a general revival
of the old friendships which these gray
haired veterans participated in. In ad
dition to attending the reunion at Toledo,
the Col. made a pilgrimage to Cleveland,
and a great many other points in that
vicinity. He attended a great reunion
of the McMaken family, an account of
which appears elsewhere.
Dance a Success.
The dance Monday eve. at Coutes Hall
given by the young men of the city was
a great success. The affair was active
ly pushed by Geo. Falter and Fritz
Fricke who took a most pronounced
interest in its success. The music en
gaged was the traveling Italian or
chestra. Everyone who attended
was high in praise of the excellent
work of this little orchestra. There
were twenty-six couples present and
no better time has been had here than
they had. Dance followed dance until
a late hour or until the lights finally
blinked out. Without doubt it will be
so arranged that there will be many
more such dances before the season
closes.
Visiting His Folks.
W. H. Fight, son of our worthy
townsman John Fight, came in Monday
evening from his farm and ranch near
Akron. Col., for a visit with his par
ents. He reports conditions in eastern
Colorado as being fine, never better,
and the past season was all that could
be desired in the crop line. He is look
ing well, and his many friends here will
be pleased to find that he is getting
along so well. He was a passenger
this morning for Omaha, where he will
spend the day.
FINE DWELLING DE
STROYED DY FIRE.
The Conflagration Supposed to be the
Work of an Incindiary.
A destructive fir. at one o'clock this
(Tuesday) morning visited the south
western portion of the city destroying a
fine residence belonging to John Hock
strasser, a comparatively recent arrival
in the city. The flames which had all
the appearance of incendiary origin, were
first observed by Mrs. Hockstrasser, who
was awakened by the barking of a dog.
The Hockstrassers live in a frame cot
tage situated about one hundred yards
south of the building which was destroy
ed, and when the lady was awakened,
the glare of the flames was already vis
ible, leaping about the doomed build
ing. She at once aroused Mr. Hock
strasser and the telephone was called
into speedy requisition to alarm the city.
Eyen while this was being done the
flames had gained such headway that it
was impossible to save anything in the
building. When Mr. Hockstrasser had
secured some clothing and was able to
rush forth to the building, the inside
was a roaring furnace.
Shortly after the discovery of the
flames the hoarse and prolonged blow
ing of the fire whistle at the Burlington
shops aroused the city, and the clangor
of the fire bell served to add its din to
awaken those who were still wrapped in
slumber. That the alarm was quickly
given is evidenced by the fact that
Robert Sherwood, jr., who was awaken
ed by the whistle, was the first to ar
rive on the scene, and when he came to
the building he realized that there was
no chance to save anything in it. He
was all alone, and at first he thought
that perhaps the people in Mr. Hock
strasser's house were not at home, or
that some violent fate had befallen them.
He was soon reassured by the appear
ance of Mr. Hockstrasser, but they
found they could do nothing. The whole
building was soon wrapped in flames,
which were leaping high in the air and
the heat was so intense that approach
within a hundred feet of the flaming
structure was almost impossible. Soon
the grass, which was very dry, was in
flames and several tall trees, which stood
adjacent to the house, soon were crack
ling and blazing merrily away. In the
meantime people had come from every
direction, for the flames lit the heavens
for miles and thick pall smoke from the
burning forests of the north served to
heighten the terrible effect of the fire.
From the northern and western portions
of the city the fire resembled an im
mense conflagration which seemed ready
to envelope the whole city in its fiery
embrace.
The fire department turned out in
force, all the carts from the central
stion being out, but they were found
to be absolutely useless, as the building
was situated far beyond the fire limits,
the nearest hydrant being two thousand
feet away. Even had there been hose
enough it would have been useless, as
there would have been no pressure af
ter going so far through the hose. This
proved the last hope and there was
nothing for the crowd to do but watch
the ravages of the flames and do what
they could to protect adjoining prop
erty. Fortunately this was not a hard task
as the night was calm and still, the
wind seeming to have laid by while the
work of destruction went on. To this
can be laid the fact that the barn ad
joining the burned building as well as
an adjacent cottage was saved, while
Mr. Hockstrasser can owe to this fact
the saving of the cottage which he oc
cupied as a home.
The fire was a long time in burning
itself out, the flames not being over for
an hour after their discovery. At last
there was nothing more left to feed
upon and the dying embers alone mark
ed the site of what had been a neat
and tasty dwelling.
The building which was destroyed was
built some twenty years ago by E. E.
Hilton, now county surveyor. It was
occupied as a dwelling later ty George
Mapes, who sold it to the present
owner, Mr. Hockstrasser, a short time
ago. It was a substantial dwelling of
quite artistic design and handsomely
finished, having cost originally around
$3,000.
At this time it was valued in the
neighborhood of twenty-five hundred to
three thousand dollars and was insured
in the Providence-Washington Company
for $1,000.00 and in the Milwaukee
Fire for $400.00. The policy of the
Provide-Washington had a vacancy
permit attached which limited the loss
to $750.00 so that Mr. Hockstrasser will
receive $1100.00 in insurance. It had
been his intention to remodel the build
ing and move into it himself, he intend
ing to make it a thoroughly modern,
up-to-date residence involving the ex
penditure of several thousand dollars.
Prior to doing this he had stored some
portion of his furniture which was too
extensive for the house he now occu
pies, in the buiiding and this was
totally destroyed making an additional
loss of some seven hundred dollars.
The sympathy of the entire com
munity is with Mr. Hockstrasser in his
loss. During the time he and his esti
mable family have resided in this com
munity they have made many friends
and his enterprise and progressiveness
is of such a character that he had
already imprinted himself as one of the
city's foremost citizens
The orgin of the fire is shrouded in
mystery but there are circumstances
which make it almost certainly incen
diary. It had said that there had been
some little trouble between Mr. Hock
strasser and another party, and that
not long since one of Mr. Hockstrasser's
cows had been mysteriously injured
while upon another occasion he had de
tected a party engaged in beating
another cow of his. In addition to this
there had been some friction regarding
a proposal to vacate certain streets and
alleys in his neighborhood but it hardly
believed this had anything to do with
the trouble. One theory that finds
many snpporters is that it was inadvert
ently fired by tramps who may have
entered it for the night. Yet another
is that rats and matches may have
caused it. The real cause may never
be known. One thing i3 certain that
if the fire is of incendiary orgin and
the culprit can be detected he should
be given the full penalty of the law.
There is no place in this community for
a dangerous character of this kind. As
long as such a person goes free and un
restrained no man is safe injhis proper
ty or even his life. It is to be hoped
that the insurance companies lend their
aid and that the incendiary, if there be
one, be caught and promptly punished.
It is not yet known whether Mr.
Hockstrasser will proceed upon his
original plans and rebuild along the
splendid lines he had mapped out, but
it is the sincere hope of all interested
in the city's growth, that he do so,
Nothing in the Report.
Mayor Henry R. Gering has taken
cognizance of the rumor which has been
floating about the city for sometime
to the effect that he contemplated leav
ing the city, and has authorized the
Journal to announce on his behalf that
there is nothing in the report. He will
continue to make his home here for an
indefinite period and does not contem
plate making a change. This will be
good news for the enterprising citizens
of the city who have long recognized
the mayor as the business leader of the
community. Had he taken such action
as rumor reported he would, it would
have been a severe loss to the city in
every respect. Mr. Gering is recognized
as one of the foremost businessmen of
the state and this city in particular,
owes much to his active and untiring
interest in its material progress. Many
of our merchants who had credited the
rumor will be much relieved to find it
false.
Very Pleasant Surprise.
A very pleasant surprise was given
Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Sohn Skoumal in honor of their
son, John of Omaha who is here on a
visit for a few days with his parents.
Conversation, games and music were
indulged in, after which light refresh
ments were served consisting of ice
cream cake and fruit. At a late hour
the guests departed wishing John many
more happy events. Those present
were Misses .Hermia Novotny, Hermia
Chaloupek, Annie Janda, Rebecca
Haines, Delia Rauk, Marie C. Novotny,
Clara Janda, Frances Kanka, Anna
I'alecek, Messrs John Skoumal, Roy
Holly, James Rebal, Mathew Jiroushek,
Charles Hula, Jos. Hiber, Tim W'oster
Anton Toman, Anton Vetersneck
John Hadraba and Albert Janda, also
Miss Rose Novotnv.
Here From Oklahoma.
Loreanz Bran, of Pocassett, Ok la.,
came in several days ago for a brief
visit with his brother-in-law. Ferdinand
Hennings, at the latter's fine farm, in
Eight Mile Grove precinct. Mr. Brau
has been visiting relatives in Holt
county for several weeks. He reports
that things in Oklahoma are in fine
shape. Good crops and good times are
the rule and the Cass county members
of the neighborhood are all happy and
prosperous. Mr. Brau formerly lived
near Manley, this county. He will re
turn to his home today going by the
way of Omaha.
Lost Between Walter L. Thomas'
and the German church on Sixth street
in Plattsmouth, a shopping bag con
taining watch and chain, bracelets, vis
iting cards, handkerchief, etc., the
property of Mrs. S. L. Thomas. Re
ward given if left at this office.
GlcMAKEN FAM
ILY REUNION.
Col. H. C. McMaken Has Great Time
In Fort Wayne, Ind.
From the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal
Gazette of Friday, Sept. 11," the fol
lowing account of the reunion of the
McMaken family is taken. The Journal
regrets that it cannot print the entire
article in full but space forbids. The
Gazette says:
"Four generations of the Mc
Maken family gathered in a reunion
at Swinney park yesterday and
spent a delightful social day . There
were fifty-four persons present.
Mr. Henry C. McMaken of this
city, contributed three generations,
twenty-five persons, and Mr. Wm.
McMaken aiso had three genera
tions present. Among the older
men present were Mr. Andrew C.
McMaken of Atchison, Kas., who
was born in Washington Hall tavern
in 1832. Mr. McMaken's father
was proprietor of the hotel which
stood on Barr street, opf osite the
Hedekin house. Andrew McMaken
left here fifty-two years ago and
this is his first visit home since.
Those present at the reunion were:
Mr. Andrew C. McMaken of Atchi
son, Kas.; Henrj C. McMaken and
daughter.Mrs. Eva Reese of Platts
mouth, Neb., and many others."
Under date of Tuesday morning Sept.
8, the Journal-Gazette says:
"Two old veterans, the Messrs.
Andrew C. McMaken of Atchison,
Kas., and II. C. McMaken of Platts
mouth, Neb., paid a yisit to the of
fice of the Journal-Gazette yester
day on a visit which the old gentle
men were making to the city. In
company with their nephews, the
Messrs. H. C. and W. B. McMaken,
who were both born and resided in
this city, they spent the day in
sight seeing.
"Mr. Andrew C. McMaken was
born in a house situated opposite
the Hedekin house, on Barr street,
seventy-five years ago and removed
to Kansas fifty-two years ago. He
enlisted in Company A., First Ne
braska, and served five years, be
ing discharged in I860. Mr. Henry
C. McMaken was born in Fort
Wayne sixty-eight years ago and
left here fifty-two years ago. He
enlisted in Company H., Second
Nebraska cavalry; Mr. H. C. Mc
Maken, jr. in Company E, Fifty
fifth Indiana Infantry, and Mr. W.
B. McMaken in Company B., One
Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana
infantry known as "Hovey's
Babies."
"The day was spent yesterday by
the two nephews and their uncles in
seeking to find some of the old
points of interest in the city."
The latter article is supplemented
with a fine cut of Col. Henry C. Mc
Maken which is quite natural and life
like. From the foregoing it can be
easily seen that Col. .McMaken had an
enjoyable time in Fort Wayne at least.
Meets Old Friends.
Eugene Mayfield, a brother of L. J.,
of Louisville, was in the city Monday
circulating about, meeting old friends.
Air. Mayfield is now manager for the
Western Newspaper Union at St. Louis,
Mo., and was formerly a well known
newspaper man of Nebraska. lie is a
brilliant and talented man and his many
friends in this city were glad to see
him and extend congratulations to him
on his prosperity. lie was a pleasant
caller at Journal headquarters.
Here From Iswa.
A party of gentlemen from Bartlett
and Percival, Iowa, came over Wed
nesday in a large touring car to con
sult Messrs. Fitzgerald & Schlater and
Wm. Hunter regarding a proposed
drainage ditch through some lands they
owned. The Iowa parties propose to
drain the lands and desire the Platts
mouth people to join them. The party
consisted of Messrs. She!don(2, Hop
kins and Leaky. They were in con
ference all afternoon.
Have You the Hay Fever?
"Doc Bixby, in (the Lincoln Journal
says : So you have hay fever ? Listen;
a man who for eight days sits upjnights
hear himself sneeze found rest and re-
lief in this simple remedy : To a small
pitcher half full of boilir.g water he
added four drops of the oil of pepper
mint and inhaled the steam through his
nostrils. Try it; if it doesn't give re
lief he will pay for the peppermint."
Grapes For Sale.
White or blacks grapes, delivered for
2c. per pound. mile East of Winter
steiA school house. Tel Platts phone
373 Green. G. G. Pitz.
Will Improve Church.
A most timely improvement has be n
decided ujori by the trustees of the
Presbyterian Church, they having de
cided to tear out the present steps lead
ing into the auditorium of the church
and substitute for the wooden ones a
fine new flight of concrete steps. The
steps are to be about eight feet wide
and will consist of a flight of eight steps
then a platform some four feet in length
then an additional flight of eight steps
to the landing at the door. The con
tract for building the steps has been
let to McMaken & Son, who will com
mence work shortly. The steps will not
only add to the sightliness of the edifice
but will be permanent and of much
value.
DEATH OF JOS.
A. CONNOR.
Former Citizen of Plattsmouth Dies
In Omaha
From the Omaha Bee of this morn
ing the following notice of a former
Plattsmouth citizen is taken: Jos. A.
Connor of 7W Georgia avenue died
Tuesday shortly after 1 o'clock at his
home. He was 07 years of age :Mid
leaves a sister, Mrs. O. Connor, and a
daughter. Miss Grace Connor, who have
lived with him. Funeral arrangements
have not yet been made. Mr. Connor
owned a vast amount of land out in the
state and at one time owned big real
estate interests in the western part of
Omaha. He owned considerable when
he died. For many years he was one
of the leading grain dealers of this city.
Mr. Connor was a staunch demoerat
and a liberal contributor to the cause
of democracy. "
Jos. A. Connor is well remembered
in this city where he made his home
for so long a time prior to his rernov hi
to Omaha. Of late years he had not.
been in the city but local people had
occasionally met him at Omaha. Joe
Connor as he was familiarly known,
was a prominent citizen here at one
time with a host of friends. He was a
shrewd business man having accumulat
ed a competence here in the grain bus
iness, and was quite active in polities
being honored by the democratic tarty
with a mayoralty nomination in this
city. He suffered defeat, however.
His death comes as an unexpected shock
to his many friends who extend their
sympathy to the sorrowing daughter
and sister.
Weeping Water Parties Wed.
A special from Weeping Water under
date of September 14' says: "Sunday
afternoon at the home of the bride's
parents, near Weeping Water, occured
the marriage of Miss Frances E. Wag
ner to Roy E. Thompson of Lincoln.
Rev. Harry W. Cope of the M. E.
church officiated. They will live in
Lincoln.
"Henry A. Crozier went to Bethany
the other day and was married to Miss
Maud Nye. Oh return of the happy
couple to Weeping Water they were
given a reception. They will settle
down to housekeeping in Weeping
Water."
3
PASSES AWAY
Pte'dzmiHi fi'an Dies Saddcr.1 of
Appendicitis at Tcledu, la.
W. I. Jon,
ie sorrowful
Jy.-.t evening received
rtelliirence of the death
of his nephew, Al W. Magoww. Th-
;ad
news was eonveveM m tr.e
fo!!
telegram.
Toledo, la. Sept.
W. D. Jones, I'lattsmouth, Neb.
Al. fell asleep at 3:-lo p. m. Appen
dicitis. Answer.
Llckktia Ma;owa.v.
From this it will be seen Mr: M ago
wan was a victom of appendicitis. He
had been operated upon recently but
could not recover, and the end came
yesterday. Mr. Jones wired at once
that the state of his health precluded
his attending the funeral.
Mr. Magowan will be remembered
by the residents of this city as a former
resident. He was in business here as a
i partner with his uncle, W. D. Jones,
j the firm being Jones and Magowan,
they doing a large livery business. He
j was personally a most lovable man,
kind, and generous and large hearted.
In his business life he was the soul of
honor and integrity, and all who had
dealings with him gave him the highest
encomiums. During his life in this city,
he made a host of friends who are
united in deep sorrow at his untimely
demise. The sincere condolence of this
large circle goes out to the sorrowing
widow and relatives.
V
n