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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (March 18, 1909)
K.U. alila Mitotic! 7Th( 1 J semi-weekiy edition- eight pages VOLUME XXVI11 PLATTSMOUTII, NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, MAKCII IS 1909 vt. FREIGHT DEPOT Fire Consumes B. & IY1. Struc ture Early Sunday Morning Fire yesterday morning at five o'clock wiped out a land mark in the shape of the Burlington freight sta tion. The loss was placed at approx imately $2,000 nearly all of which Is on the building. As is usual on Sat urday the goods are quite generally cleaned out for Sunday and this was no exception. The origin of the fire is unknown but it is thought to have started from an overheated stove or possibly by matches ignited by rats. Whatever the cause the flames did a good Job as there was literally nothing left of the frame part of the building. The platform did not ignite and re mained In good shape for business. The fire was first seen by Joe Per ry, who notified Night Policeman An ton Nltka who turned in the alarm. Within a few minutes after discov ery the building was a mass of flames, the large open space of the freight room making a powerful draft through which the flames roar ed and blazed. The fire department arrived when it was too late to save the building or its contents, but they did excellent service in saving a big string of freight cars standing along ' side the doomed building. Owing to the quiet night, there being no wind to speak of, the flames were con fined to the depot and to one car which was badly burned. South of the depot are two large oil tanks of the Standard Oil Company and for awhile it was feared they would fall victims to the devouring element. Dies in Oklahoma. Died Nevotony. Mrs. Joes., at her home near roccassett, Okla.. of. heart failure, on February, 27, 1909, aged 73 years. Word was brought to this city by Mr. John Vettesnik of the death at Poccassett, Okla., of Mrs. Joseph Novotny, formerly of this city. This estimable woman died very suddenly of heart failure. Her husband had preceded her to the Great Beyond about one year ago last July. The sorrowing children of the deceased have the entire sympathy of the ocm munity in their sudden rebcavetn munity in their sudden bereavement. Mrs. N'evotny was born In Bo hemia and when an infant came to America with her parents. Later she met Joseph Nevotny, an estimable Bohemian citizen, and they were married. Of this union two children survive, Frank, a son, and Ludmila, a daughter, both residents of Okla homa, living near Poccassett. In addition there was an adopted son John who also lives in Oklahoma. Mrs. Nevotny's many friends In this city, will hear of ber passing with the deepest possible regret. The Late Par Minus Turn. Died. Turn. Par Minus, at his home In Plattsraouth, Neb., on , March 13, 1909, aged 68 years, 3 months and 3 days. Funeral Sun, day, March 14, 1909. Kev. John Swanson officiating. Mention was made last Saturday of the death of Mr. Turn, for twenty one years a resident of this city. Born In Sweden on December 10, 1840, Mr. Turn came to America in 1879, locating In this city. On Jan uary 28, 1888, he was married to Miss Johanna Johnson In this city, she surviving him. The funeral was held yesterday from his residence, Rev. John Swan son of Wahoo, preaching the ser mon. There was a large attendance of friends and relatives. Among those attending the funeral from abroad were Mrs. Oscar John i son, Mrs. Nels Johnson and Mr. Chns. Matson of Omaha, all relatives of the deceased. The sympathy of the entire 'community Is extended to the sor rowing widow. In County Court. 1 In county court today a license was Issued to Jas. Flnshman, aged 34, and Miss Sophia Helmut, aged 2."), both residents of the neighbor hood of Nehawka and both popular people, of their neighborhood. $ A license was also Issued last Sat urday to Chrlss Rasmussen, aged 26, tnd Miss Ingeborg Christine Morgen wn, aged 23, both of Weeping Water. IS DESTROYED Had they taken fire the explosion which would have followed would have ignited the storehouse of the Gund Brewing Company and the res idences of the neighborhood, causing heavy loss. Chief Koubek was promptly on hand and directed the fire fighting with a view of saving these tanks and buildings and was quite successful. The loss of the building Is placed by railroad men at $1,500 while the loss on contents in the building is placed at $100. A freight car and contents were destroyed, the value of the car being placed at $350 while the contents are estimated at about $100 in value. One unfortunate fea ture of this car was that it con tained the household goods of Mr. Harmon, a brakeman on the road, who was moving Into this city from Lincoln. These were a total loss and it falls heavily upon him as he was just starting out housekeeping. The fire burned nearly an hour and lit up the heavens with its glare. The building destroyed was an old timer, having been originally built as a part of a combination freight and passenger station in 1869. Later it was removed to where the cattle later It was again moved to where th later it was again moved to the foot of Main street where It has since stood. It will undoubtedly be rebuilt at once and likely made a better structure as the railroad policy is toward making permanent Improve ments. Basket Making In Plattsmoutli. An Industry of which few people are aware of In Plattsmouth Is that of basket making. John Jilek, an en terprising Bohemian basket maker has been for some time engaged in making baskets which he has placed on the Omaha market at fancy prices prices. The trouble is lack of cap ital to develop this Industry and if the Commercial Club or some enter prising local capitalist would furnish money to start this Industry they would find it a most profitable one. Machinery bhould be secured and every effort made to develop the bus iness. Mr. Jilek is a finished work man and has been selling baskets as fast as he could turn the mout. In their construction he uses hickory wood nnd this makes a splendid bas ket. Further consideration will be given this matter later, space for bidding an extended write-up today. It is something which local business men and capitalists could take up and they will find it highly profit able. State-Wide Prohibit ion. From Monday's Pally. llev. Luther Moore, the pastor of rousing mass meeting in the First Methodist Episcopal church In this city Sunday evening, In which the opening of the campaign for state wide prohibition in 1910 wns official ly announced. The address was an eloquent and masterful one, and coming on the eve of the defeat of county option by the state senate by only one vote, he advised the listeners to at once begin organization for the year 1910. The members of the three churches, the Methodist, Presbyter Ian and Christian, and many others formed the large audience, which the speaker had with him from the be ginning to the finish. Mrs. Hilt Wescott led the choir of sixteen voices that furnished mist excellent music. One feature was a fine solo by Mr. Don C. York, on,, o,' the city's best singers. The meeting was given under the auspices of the Women's Christian union. Turners He on Hand. The attention of those taking turning nt the German Turners' 1 1 nil Is called to the new work outlined, which Includes new drills and march. Ing exercises, also work on appa ratus. The full membership of the active class should make It a point to attend us these exercises are of benerit and with a large number Is very Interesting. A project to or ganize a "Hikers" club among the members for walking "stunts" Is also among the new Ideus to be acted on, so be sure and attend , I MOM M EXT TO MEMORY OK ABRAHAM L1XCOLX. IVmocratie Legislature Makes Ap propriations of $110,000 for Same. Lincoln, Neb., March 16. (Special Correspondence. ) Notwithstanding the fact that the republican party has been In control of the state of Ne braska nearly all the years that has intervened since its admission as a state it fell to the lot of a democra tic legislature to make a liberal ap propriation to erect a monument at the state capital to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. Twenty thous and dollars has been set apart for this purpose and at last the state wi.l have done proper honor to the memory of the great emancipator. The democratic members of the house have held a caucuB and select ed from its members a sifting com mittee, which will have charge of the work of picking out the important bills that will come before the' lower house for consideration. Two mem hers were selected frdm each con gresslonal dlstrich, and two republi cans were given a place upon the com mittee. Speaker Pool will be chair man, and the fact that the selection of this committee was made by the members of the caucus was no reflec tion upon this gentleman, who has the confidence and respect of the house, but it was done in confor mlty to the democratic principle ln augurated at the opening of the sea slon, and by which the house took upon Itself the prerogative of select ing its own committees. Represen tatlves Taylor of Custer, Henry, Bowman, Clark and others were ac tive in advocating this plan, and that it has met with approval Is evidenced by the fact that strong words of commendation in is favor have come from every part of the entire coun try. The general appropriations bills have taken up part of the time of the house during the week. A defi ciency of one hundred and ten thous and dollars came down to the leg islature .from the last republican administration which must be made up and the bill paid. The people of the state will be glad to know that the wards of the commonwealth will be properly cared for by this legis lature. That the state Institutions will be maintained and that every dollar necessary for their proper maintenance will be generously giv en. No one desires that the people should be niggardly in this respect, but it Is now patent that the governor and the legislature propose to see that every dollar appropriated goes Into proper channels, and that useless and unnecessary extravagance are cut off. , One of the strongest speeches made during the session was delivered by Senator Donohue of Holt on Wednes day in support of his bill for the en actment of the initiative and refer endum. Among the other strong members of this body from out in the state are Ollis, Henry, Tlbbets and Fuller. One of the ' bills passed by the house is the proposal to repeal that part of the revenue law providing for the appointment of precinct assessors and making these officials elective, and placing their selection back again In the hands of tho people where It rightfully belongs. The railroad lobby made n strong effort during the week to have tho cemmitteo on railroads of the house report the demurrage bill for lndef Inite postponement, but signally fail ed in their efforts in this direction, and the bill was recommended for passage. This bill provides that shipments must bo forwarded without delay, and carries a penalty for fail ure to do so, making the conditions reciprocal, as the railroads now charge demurrage for failure to un load cars within a certain time, re gardless of how long the car may havo been In transit. The proposed law for the physical valuation of all corporate properties In the state is being antagonized by every intrentched Interest within Its borders. The bill has passed the senate nnd will become a law. Judge Mcl'herson, who recently decided against the two-cent passenger law In Missouri, based his opinion on the earnings upon n valuation fixed by the railroad companies. Had the proposed Nebraska law been In force there these valuations would have been ascertained by the state Itself and the facts accurately arrived at. As an instance of what this law seeks to accomplish It may be stated that It Is openly asserted here that a local gns company has charged rates based on a valuation of their property thro dollars or which Is water and one dol lar actual money or Its cqulvolcnt in value. To forever wine out this kind of financiering and exDoso the ; methods by which corporations have evaded taxes and charged exorbitant rates is the purpose of this democrat ic legislature In passing: this law. Governor Shallenberger has signed tne bill prohibiting the formation of fraternal societies in the public schools. The bank guaranty deposit law has passed the house and will pass the senate as soon as the same is reached This measure has been carefully writ ten, and has been endorsed by the best intelligence on this subject In tne state. A coterie of national bankers have quietly been taklne a stab at this bill whenever opportunity arroraed but their efforts have been unavailing. Both the house and tho senate have recommended for passage bills for changes in the road law. While the measures differ in some respects yet they each provide for the forma tion of new road districts by the county board, the payment of one half of the road tax in money and for .other changes which meet with the approbation of the farmers in the legislature. The house on Friday morning by a decisive vote refused to legalize the donation of the Carnegie fund to the State University professors, thus re pudiating the efforts to have the rep utation of our great University taint ed with money amassed by the head of the steel trust . Mr. Carnegie himself has recently admitted that the fortunes created in Bteel industry were made under the protection of laws which he says now ought to be be repealed. Death of Mrs. llartz. Died At her home in Manley, Wed nesday, Mrs. John Bartz, another pio neer of Nebraska, aged 70 years, of a stroke of paralysis, which had ren dered her unconscious for two weeks. Mary Newman Bartz was born near Bltteburg, Germany, July 2, 1839. She came to this country in 1876 and was married to John Bartz in Dyres vllle.'lowar October l.'ISTG. To this union wer born 7 children. 5 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Bartz came to Cass County in 1872 where they have re sided ever since,' living for many years on a farm southwest of Mur- dock and for the last few years In Manley. Mrs. Bartz was much loved and re spected by all who knew her and In losing her the community loses one of Its best cltlcens and most honored pioneers. The funeral services were conduct ed by Rev. Father Hennessey nt the Catholic church in Manlev nt 10 clock March 12. Interment wns mnde at College Hill ecemetery. Mrs. Bartz is survived by her hus band, one daughter and eight irrand children. Those who attended tho funeral from out the city were Mrs. Michael Metz, daughter Rose and two sons of hxlra, Iowa, and Mrs. Joe Droeco of this city. Pleased With the Country. From Momluy'a Dully. John Vlttensnlfl came In vestcrdav afternoon from Chlcknsha and Poc cassett, Oklahoma, where he has been visiting with relatives and friends for several weeks past. He had a de lightful visit and found mnttcrs in tho new state in a prosperous and flourishing condition. Barley 'wns up and in fine shnpe while wheat was in the top notch condition. Thero Is considerable corn planted and tho general outlook for the coming year Is very good. A heavy snow fell there on Friday and it wns fine for the crops. Mr. Vettesnik Is glad to report that the former Plattsmouth people In that country are dolns: well and prospering. Frank Nevotny Is doing particularly fine. Mr. Vett esnik was much taken with Chlckn sha which he states Is a modern and live town of some 15, 000 people. Is Recovering Health. From Momluy'n liHy. J. M. Melslnger returned vestcrdav afternoon from n trip to Oklahoma where ho took M-s. Melslncer for medical treatment. The great many mends of this lady will be pleased to learn thnt she Is making good pro gress and all unite in the hope that she will he able to return home short ly n well woman. Mr. Mclslnitor found things in thut section very pleasant except for an unusual snow storm which made travel difficult and annoying. The moisture which the snow cased was tin excellent thing for the country as It puts the ground In fine condition. Mr. Mela Inger rame up over the Rock Island and had a very nice trip. HOW PRICES WERE TH1RTV-XIXE YEARS AGO. Interesting Statement of Account Showing the Range of lVlees in Early Days. Tecumsch, Neb.. March 13. Ben son Harmon of this city has in his possession an old statement of ac count which is very interesting, giv ing, as It does, the prices of common commodities In this section in 1870. At that time Mr. Harmon's father. the late George Harmon of Tecumseh, was living on a homestead bordering on the Missoure river, Just across the river from Brownville. There was a little town of three or four busi ness places near the Harmon place, and not far from tho present town of Phelps City, Mo., in Atchison coun ty. The little town was called North Star. In Mr. Harmon's employ on the homestead was an old colored man who had his family and lived in a cabin on the Harmon homestead. The colored man possessed the his torical name of George Washington, and ho did his trading with a mer chant named R. V. Mulr. at the little town of North Star. The statements of Mr. Washington's account were submitted to Mr. Harmon and In set tlement with his labor Mr. Harmon always paid Mr. Mulr. The state ment in question 1b dated at North Star, Mo.,' July 1, 1870, and some of the prices charged upon the different items are here given: Coffee, per pound $ .33 u Matches, per small box 10 Tea, per pound 50 Mitts, per pair 1.75 Molasses, per gallon 1.10 Coal oil, per gallon 70 Sugar, per pound 16 2-3 Kid shoes, per pair 4. 50 Half-gallon stone fruit Jars, each.. .20 Calico, per yard 10 Yarn, per skein 1.25 Braid, per yard 10 Flannel, per yard .90 Muslin, per yard .20 Plain buttons, per don . . . . 20 Chewing tobacco, per pound. .50 A goodly portion of the old Har mon homestead has long since suc cumbed to the ravages of the ever- changing channels of the areacher- ous old Missouri river and been swept down stream. The above Item in the World Her ald attracted the attention of J. C. York who well recalls all tho parries o the nhove transaction and the times It refers to. Mr. York was a resi dent of the vicinity of North Star and quite distinctly remembers the George Harmon spoken of above. Ho bIho can verify tho statements of prices which tho table shows wire charged. The negro servant spoke of George Washington Is also a fam lllar figure In his mind. The mat ter 1s very Interesting and well worth re-production. Entertains Past Chiefs, From Tuemluy'H Dally. The past chiefs of tho Degree of Honor were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. II. Booth Friday afternoon. When Invited to the Booth home tho pnst chiefs always expect a delightful time and their expectations were fully realized in the entertainment of Friday. For a time social conversation and other amusements were thor oughly enjoyed and the delicious two course luncheon from the prctMlv decorated table In the dining room was not the least appreciated of the many delightful things provided by the thoughtful hostess for the enter tainment of her guests. Tho color scheme of pink and white was used In tho servlco as well ns the decora tions. MesdameB E. K. Parmele, Wm. McCauley and Whlttaker assisted Mrs. Booth In serving. Mr. Sharp well Dies. Word has been received In this city of the death at Cashmere, Wash., of Mr. Shnrpwell, a son-in-law of Isaac Pollard of Nehawka. The clr- cumstnnces surrounding the deuth make It very sad as It occurred Just about the time of the death of Mr. Pollard's son-in-law Thos. Bnrnum. Mr. Shnrpwell met his death by ac cldent also. He married Miss Lottlo Pollard a number of years ago and wns a splendid type of inn 11. A third son-ln-lnw Dr. It. II. Wallace Is also numbered among the dead. The sym pathy of all goes out to the sorrow Ing widow and relatives who have lost so fine a man as Mr. Shnrpwell was. William Volk was a passenger this morning for Ashland, where he will spend the day. Ih'atli f Mrs, Wohlfarth. Died Wohlfarth. Mrs. Mary e". at her home in Plattsmouth, Neb. on Sunday, March 14, 1909, aged 42 jrs. 6 mo. and 3 days. Funeral Wednesl day, March 17. 1909 from the Ger man Evangelical Church at 2 o'clock P. ra. Rev. Longhorst officiating. Death yesterday claimed Mrs. Mary E. Wohlfarth, the loving wlfo of William Wohlfarth, and In so do ing took from tho Earth one of the best and most lovable of women. In her lifetime Mrs. Wohlfarth was a kind, considerate and loving wlfo and mother and a true friend. It is sad that such good women as she was must pass and the loss of the husband and children falls heavily upon the community at large. A woman with a wide acquaintance, a kindly christian character, her nn. sing is the cause of untold sorrow and in their bereavement the family have the indivied sympathy of the public. Born in Germany on August 11, 1866, deceased came to America In 1883, locating In Plattsmouth. Three years later she married to William Wohlfarth in this city. Of this union six children were born, of whom three survive her. These three are sons; Herman and Otto and a daughter Freda, all living at home. in addition the husband also sur vives her. Three sisters; Mrs. H. M. Soennlchsen and Mrs. John Wlch man of this city and Mrs. Anna Paash of Scrlbner, Neb. survive her and two brothers, Claus Ploohn of Scribncr, Neb. and George Ploehn of Oklaho ma. Laid to Rest. The funeral services of the late Frank Saffer wan held last Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Christian church of which Mr. Saffer was a member. The services were conducted by Luther Moore, the pas tor of the church. Mr. Moore spoke from the text found in Rev. 4:1, a text suggesting his topic, "Heaven's Open Door and Calling Voices." At the close of the discourse the speaker ' paid a short tribute to the life and special emphasis on the fact of the kind heartedness and devotion of Mr. Saffer toward his wife and children. It was said by an old neighbor who had known him many yenrs that ho was never heard to speak a cross or unkind word to any member of his family. Many beautiful floral designs rest ed on the casket which bore evidence of the esteem Mr. Saffer held hi the hearts of those who knew him. These offerings were from Individuals. Bible school classes and the Cigar Makers' Union of which organization ' Mr. Saffer had been n member for a number of years. The members of this organization acted ns pall bear ers and laid tho body to rest In Oak Hill cemetery. Mr. Saffer leaves n widow and six children, five girls and one boy, to mourn his early death. The child ren were all present except Earle, who Is married and lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. In their affliction Mrs. Suf fer and children have the sympathy of the entire community. Moving Days. Mc.Maken & Sons have been quite busy the past few days moving var ious pnrtles from one place to anoth er In the city, the usual spring custom Among those moving were M. Kurth, the butcher, who Is moving Into a re sidence upon high school hill and L. E. Shafroth who Is occupying the rooms over M. Funger's store on Main street. G. O. Owens an employ of the Burlington, also loaded his house, hold goods yesterday preparatory to moving to Lincoln, where he will mako his headquarters in the future. Altogether spring moving has been quite lively this year and there aro many changes In prospect. Xcw CnMiior at State Hank. H. L Mouse), who has been cashier of tho Cambridge State Bank for nhout a yenr, hns severed his connec tion with the Institution and will move back to his runch, where the business demands his attention. The new cashier of the bnnk wih he Mr. C. A. Phillips, of Plattsmouth, who will arrive here with his family next week. Mr Phillips wns former ly cnshler of the bnnk nt Marquette nnd bus had six yeurs experience In the banking business nnd seems to bo n very pleasant gentleman. Cam bridge Clarion. Former Senator S. L. Thomas wus a passenger this noon on the mail train for Omaha where he had bus iness matters to transact. i i 1 1 , 1 1 ! l I I 1