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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (May 6, 1912)
State iiisl(lp TTTTv If moutb ournal VOLUME XXXI. PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA, MONDAY, MAY 6, 1912. NO. 35. be un x miw Be. PMII. OLDEST METHODIST PREACHER III NEBRASKA ASHED Well Known to the Old Residents of This Vicinity, and Preached His First Sermon on the Ground Where Omaha Now Stands April 24, 1850 Ninety-" Years of Age. A special from Lincoln, under date of May 1, says that Rev. Har rison Prcsson, 96 years old, fath er of Colonel J. II. Prcsson of Omaha, at present chief recording clerk in the governor's otlice, was suffocated to death by gas there today. His housekeeper, Mrs. Helen Whitlock, was almost overcome when found and a 17-year-old niece of the latter died a few minutes afterward as a result of the inhalation of the fumes. Mr. Presson was one of the pioneer Methodist preachers of Hie state and was the oldest liv ing minister of that denomination in the world. He was very agile for his years and recently when a birthday party was held for him here he told several of his Grand Army comrades that he expected lo pass the hundredth birthday. Sixty-two years ago, in 1850, Mr. Presson preached a sermon on the ground where Omaha noV stands, his congregation was composed of a very few white settlers, several curious Indians and a number of westbound emi grants, who were in the wagon train with which be was crossing the plains. His grandfather lived to be 105 years old and his grandmother died at the age of 101. His mother died when 90. DEPARTMENT STORE The Proprietor of Ranger's Enter tains Clerks and Their Escorts at a Moonlight Picnic. From Friday' Dally. M. Fanger, the genial propriet or of Ihe department store, came in from Iowa yesterday, and recognizing the strenuous efforts of the charming young ladies at his store to sell more goods this season I ban any past year, Mr. Fanger's generosity got the better of him and last night, after clos ing the store, he tendered the young ladies and escorts a moon light picnic down by the big bridge. Tie passes were procured for the entire party through the in fluence of some of the young gen tlemen, and with the necessary equipment in the grub baskets the prty set out for the scene of festivities. A roaring bonfire wag started near the supper hour and beans were cooked, weinies toast, ed, eolTee boiled and other tooth some dishes prepared for the whetted appetites of the lady clerks. The desert consisted of hard boiled eggs and cream pie. After the picnic supper the party watched the moon rise, which came up on time, viz. 9:15, then circled about the. blazing embers and related ghost stories until they were afraid to come home. The boat ride had lo be abandoned, as Ihe water was said to be too rough for safety. At not a very laic nour tne merry picnickers, chaperoned by Mr. Fanger himself, started for the city, and everyone on Main street from First to Fill) were serenaded by the home-coming crowd. It's a Girl. From Friday's Dally. Anton Nesladok, of West Main street, wore a smile about so broad and about so high when be reported lo T. H. Pollock this morning I hat he would not be able to go out on the telephone line today. To Mr. Pollock's in quiry as to the reason, Anton re plied, as his smile broadened, "It's a girl. She was born last night." Mr. Pollock informed the young man that he was perfectly ex cusable and Anton returned to his home about the happiest man in town. The mother and child are, doing well. CLERKS PICNIC In addition to the above the Lincoln Star says: Mr. Presson's claim to being the first Methodist to preach a ser mon in Nebraska is based upon the fact that during his march to California he stopped on the pres ent site of Omaha, April 21, 1850, and preached before a band of about 100 Pawnee Indians. Rev. Presson's early days in Ne braska were spent preaching in the vicinity of Plattsmouth. His first charge was in Union. Since that time he has preached in many of the towns of the Nebraska City conference. He was one of the ministers who made up the first conference of the Methodist church in this state and remained in this conefrence until he was superannuated in 1880. His last charge was at Greenwich, Neb. Mr. Presson celebrated the ninely-sixth anniversary of his birth at his home in Lincoln, Feb ruary 19. At this time many friends and relatives visit fd him and the local G. A. 11. post attend ed in a nouy. Aiinougii wen ad vanced in age, Mr. Presson preached sermons up until a few years previous to his death. He was always known as nn active man in church affairs and took great interest in the development of the church in Nebraska. Going Some. Dietrich Koester and his good team figured in a runaway last Saturday. He was coming over the tracks by the Missouri Pacific pump station, when the team got scared. They ran and Mr. Koester pulled until one line broke, and the team turned in across A. Fi. Jameson's lot. There is almost everything from water tanks to thresher engines in that vicinity, and Ihe wagon did not miss hardly anything movable or immovable There was another occupant with Mr. Koester, who finally got out of the wagon and Mr. Koester vainly tried to make his escape, Once he did get out when (hey ran over a pile of lumber, but he was tossed in the air and was making a good display like an aviator, only he came down ami lit in the wagon again. The team ran into a telephone pole over by Mrs. Hammer's and strange lo re late, no damage was done. "That was the fiercest ride I ever took," says Dietrich, and now maybe he will buy an auto. Weeping Water Republican. John Meisinger Sick. John Meisinger, living on Ihe old home place west of this city was taken ill last Monday, which illness proved lo be an attack of appendicitis, and while his con (lit inn has not been considered serious, he has suffered con siderable and it may be necessary to take him lo Ihe hospital for an operation later. His parents, who are residents of Ibis city, have been at his home, and should the young man be compelled to go to Ihe hospital Mr. and Mrs. Mei singer will look after the farm until he returns. In From Nehawka. From Friday's Dally. John Knabe and L. II. Young from near Nehawka, were in the city a few hours today, driving up from their homes to look after some linsiness mailers. liotn gentleemu are among Ihe enter prising, progressive and promin ent farmers of south Cass and both are good friends of the Jour nal. We are pleased lo class them among the large family of Jour nal readers. While here Mr. Knabe paid Ihe olllce a brief visit, renewing his subscription lo 1913. Mrs. Anton Svoboda and daugh ter, Miss Marie, were passengers on the morning train for the me tropolis today, where Ihey visited friends for Ihe day. Dandelion Killer. Gus Olson, the Plattsmouth photographer, was in town Tues day and Wednesday taking numerous views of streets, houses and public buildings. Mr. Olson has recently bought his old part ner out and is now going to in crease the business, be says, until he will have thirty or forty work ing printing cards. He has a dandelion killer that he declares will kill the miserable weeds, and will soon have it placed on sale. If he has succeeded in finding such a bonanza that can be guar anteed to kill dandelions, his for tuns is sure made. Weeping Wa ter Republican. BE REPRESENTED Quite a Number of the Members of the Plattsmouth Commercial Club Will Attend Meeting. From Friday's Dally. Platlsmoulh will send a number of live wires of the business com munity to the slate convention of uiimercial dubs which convenes it Hastings Tuesday and Wednes- ay of next week. The delegates from tin' Plaltsniouth club are K. . Wurl and John Halt, both ntcrprising, up-to-date mer banls. These gentlemen will be lccoiupanieil by President or I tie nmcrcial Club T. H. Pollock, Secretary A. L. Tidd, Treasurer Ilea Patlerson, J. P. Falter, C. C. armele, II. A. Schneider, E. H. Wescotl, George Falter and as many more as will spare the time and money to make the trip. It will be a' booster delegation for Mattsmoutb and Ihe bigger the delegation the more it will attract attention and start inquiries re garding commercial advantages of our beautiful and enterprising ity. The attractions of the conven tion will be .Governor Aldrich as one of t he speakers, and also Pro- essor Harbour of Ihe state uni versity. On the evening of May 8 a line banquet will be served at one of the leading hotels, the delegates and their friends par ticipating. We hope that many more than those named above will catch the spirit and accompany the delegation. Among other mailers discussed for the benefit of the cities of the stale will be Ihe question of good roads, which is one of grow ing importance and a topic that our own city is interested in as much as any other. Last year three or four members of Ihe club attended the slate convention and brought home ideas that has ma terially benefited the community, and it is President Pollock's hope that fifteen or twenty will go on this occasion and return chuck full of enthusiasm for the busi ness interests of Plattsmouth. Miss Helen Waugh Married. The following is taken from the Stale Journal. The bride has large circle of friends in this city, whose best wishes will ever attend her in her new home; 1 he marriage or Miss Helen Waugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Waugh of this city, and F.rnesl K. Jeffries of Timber Lake, S. !., took place quietly Wednes day, May 1, at noon at the bride's home, 1330 F street. The groom's father, Ihe Ilev. John JelTries of Honesteel, S. D., officiated. The bride was gowned in while linen I rimmed in Cluiry lace, and sht carried a bouquet of sweet peas The ceremony was followed by a wedding breakfast for the smiil company of relatives. The dining room was decorated in spring daisies. Those present from out of Ihe city were: Ilev. and Mrs .John JelTries, Honesteel, S. I). Mrs. Williams, Imlay, Mich.; Mrs Charles Howlby, Friend; Mrs. R. W. Arndl, Denver; Mr. and Mrs Fred Waugh, Omaha; Miss Hazt Dovey and Miss Lillian Cole Plaltsmoulh. Mr. and Mrs. Jef fries left in Ihe early aflernoon for Ihe groom's ranch in South Dakota." Mrs. Andry Smith of Thurman Iowa, arrived in this cily today at noon for a visit with her mother Mrs. Lampson and daughter, Mrs C. II. To.Id. Mrs. Smith called nl. this office and renewed her sub PLATTSMOUTH WILL script ion. LOUISIANA AS A STATE FOR HOME-SEEKERS Corn Growing Has Received More Attention In the Past Three or Four Years Than Ever. From Friday's Dully. Mr. Almond of Louisiana and L. H, Sinner of Lincoln entertain ed an audience of farmers and land buyers at the Majestic theater yesterday afternoon with a lecture and sterioplican views of products of the alluvial lands of Louisiana. Mr. Almond has resided in Louisiana for twenty two years, and in speaking of its climate, stated that there never had been a drouth, or cyclone, or hail or snow during the years of his residence. He quoted government statistics to show that his state was a good place to invest money in farm lands. There was not a month in the year but that some farm or garden crop could be planted. He reminded his audience that not less than four crops could be raised from the same Held during one twelve months. In speaking of his slate as a corn state, Mr. Almond said that corn had re ceived more attention Ihe past three or four years and the pro duction of the cereal had in creased about M per cent in that lime. The Hoys' Corn Club of Louisiana had produced KM bushels per acre, and the speaker thought men skilled in growing the crop could do much better, He referred to the late David Hankin of Missouri, who had 3i,- (100 acres of farm land put to di versified farming, but mostly to corn. Mr. Hankin estimated that his income was about 3 per cent on' his investment, one year with another. Mr. Hankin visited the ,ouisiana alluvial farm land dis trict and spoke very highly of it. The lecturer dwelt on the near ness of the seaboard as an nd- aritage to the Louisiana farmer, and prices would undoubtedly be higher there than here. In referring to Ihe climate on Ihe Fourth of July, 1911, when Ihe thermometer registered above the 100 mark in New York, Hoslon, Chicago and the large cities of the north, in New Orleans it regisler- 'd 89, and there were but two days ast summer when it went above 95 degrees. The death rate on an average over the United States is placed at 17 per 1,000; in Louisiana it is 15 per 1,000. More people live out of doors the year round in that stale than anywhere and although Mr. Almond is a man 75 years of age he never has felt a pang of rheumatism while in Louisiana. Some fine views were shown of fields of growing crops and of products of Ihe soil. After Mr. Almond had finished Mr. SI oner slated on what terms the lands could be purchased. Entertained at Brantner Home. From Friday's Dally. The Social Workers of Ihe M K. church held their regular meet ing at the home of Mrs. Fd Brant. ner yesterday aflernoon and were very pleasantly entertained. Dur ing the early part of the after noon the ladies held their regular business session, afler which they participated in social conversa tion and stitching on dainty fancy work, these diversions be ing most enjoyably interspersed with instrumental and vocal music. At tne usual nour a nanny luncheon was provided by the hostess. Bridge Ready in Ten Days. From Friday's Dally. Glen Smilli, the bridge con tractor, doing the repair work on Ihe Pollock-Duff wagon bridge yesterday completed Ihe pile driving for the first sleel span Driving Ihe tiles for Ihe false work has occupied some time, but the work will move with greater speed from this on. There is on more sleel span for which ste piles will be driven and Ihe work of driving the piles and placing Ihe superstructure on the piles will require about ten days lo complete. John Brooks, who is spending this summer on a farm near Cedar Creek, was in Ihe city lo day to take in the circus and I visit his parents over Sunday. E. E. HILTON, FORMER II PUSSES All III FLORIDA Mr. Hilton Came to Plattsmouth Some Thirty Years Ago and Resided Here Until About Two Years Ago Was County Sur veyor for Seven Terms Death Due to General Breakdown News of the death of F. F. Hil ton, at Kissimee, Florida, was re ceived by friends in the city a few days ago. The funeral occurred a week ago today, lie probably died on April 25, death having re sulted from a general breakdown of health, the climate there not having agreed with him. Mr. Hillon and wife and son, Howard, moved from Omaha to Florida several mouths ago, where he had a good position as survey or for a real eslate syndicate. He leaves surviving two sons and two daughters and a devoted wife. His oldest son, Gwenilh, resides in Omaha, where he has a posi tion with an electrical company; Howard, Ihe younger, resided wild bis parents; Ihe two daughters are married, Mable residing in loieiio, oiiio, ami ucrtnide in Canada. Mr. Hillon was born near Fort Wayne, Indiana, ami received a college education in bis nativi slate. He was a nephew of Ihe lale Colonel H. C. McMaken. He came lo Platlsmoulh about, thirty Building to Be Renovated, and a Stronger Levy Needed to Keep Supplied With Books. The library board met last Thursday night, those present be ing Misses Barbara Gering, Olive Join's, Messrs. A. L. Tidd and N. Abbolt. Councilman Lush- insky, chairman of Ihe committee tin improvements at. the library building, was also present to in spect Ihe work which has been lone. The board tendered Mr. .usbinsky ami the cily council a vole of thanks for the very great improvement in constructing the oncrele wall and terracing and sodding the properly and con structing a concrete walk on the east side of Ihe lot. A vote of thanks was also given Flmer Holl- slroni for acting as librarian dur ing Ihe lime Miss Jones was de tained at home with sickness in the family. The .board decided lo. have Iho building renovated dur ing Ihe present month and left the matter in Ihe hands of the librarian. .L. Tidd was appointed a com mittee of one to present the mai ler of a stronger levy lo Ihe city council. The hundreds of volumes in Ihe library are being constantly worn ny Ihe many readers who daily apply for books, and the levy heretofore has been inadequate to keep up the expense of supplying new volumes and rchinding old ones, ine terms or three mem bers expiring, the board recom mended Ihe appointment of A. L. Tidd, D. H. Smith ami D. O. Dwyer as new members. : The following interest ing re port was filed for March: Num her of boox exchanged 1,071; a year ago, 1,209. Number of books used by cily teachers, 2: by county teachers, 11. Hooks do naled, Mrs. T. P. Livingston, 11; Norn Livingston, 2; Mrs. Fmil Wurl, 7; Mrs. Bowkcr, 5. Num ber of men borrowers, 17; last year, 26. Magazines donaled lo country patrons, 30. For April Ihe librarian filed the following: Hooks exchanged, 1,210; a year ago, 1,058. For use city teachers, 20; country leach ers, 7. Hooks donated, Nora Liv ingston, 3. Magazines donated to country patrons, 10. Number of men borrows, 11; last year, 14 Frank Heal came in from his run last evening for a visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. M Heal. Frank is on the Sioux City run, I rain No. 87, and this is only his third visit at home since last November. LIBRARY IS IN VERY FLOURISHING SHAPE PLATTSMOUTH II years ago and for a few years wa9 connected with the government surveying olllce will) Ins uncle, Mr. Fairfield, later accepting a position as surveyor for the Bur lington and resided at Wymore, Hebron and other points for a few years, later returning to Platts mouth. Here lie was elected to the important olllce of county surveyor on the republican ticket, taking his olllce January 1, 1891, and was seven times re-elected to Ihe same position and then de clined lo serve further in that capacity, having filled the position for sixteen years, going out of olllce in January, 1910. He was a faithful public, official, always giving his best efforts to Ihe dis charge of his dtilies. Afler going out of office he removed with his family lo Omaha, where he re sided until going to Florida a few months ago. Mr. Hillon had a wide acquaintance in this county and his death will be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends here, as well as else where. Canon Burgess Resigns. Canon Hurgess of St. Luke's church, resident pastor of the church in Ibis city for most, than tbirly-eiglit years, on April 2 lib handed in his resignation to the veslryinen. At a meeting of the vestry on last Monday night the following written acceptance of Canon Hurgess' resignation was adopted: "Canon II. H. Hurgess, Plalts 'mnutti, Nob. ' "Dear Canon Hurgess It is with deep sorrow thai we accept your resignation, under dale of April 21, as rector of St. Luke's church, to lake effect May 1st. More than Ihirty-cight. years of . niil hiul service nas endeared you unspeakably lo every member of your parish; and our words of praise for your noble work here in Plattsmouth are but a faint ex pression of (he innermost feeling of your people. We have elected you Hector Finerilus of St. Luke's church and ask you to accept with this our strongest wishes for the best health and happiness for yourself and Mrs. Hurgess in your days of retirement. Assuring you of our most hearty desire for your future comforts, we remain, re spectfully yours, "George Falter, Secretary. "W. J. White, Senior Warden. "C. G. Fricke. "J. H. Thrasher. "George Dodge, Junior Warden." "Plaltsniouth, Neb., April 29, 1912." Canon Hurgess' successor has not yet been selected, although Ihe mailer of extending a call to a rector will be considered very soon. One Thousand Will Sing. A magnificent chorus of one thouusand voices in concert will feature the entertainment which will be provided for the State Sunday School convention when it holds it s annual meet ing in Oma ha on June 18, 1!) and 20. The chorus of one thousand, to bo composed of female voices select ed from the Sunday schools of Douglas county, will give a con cert on Monday night, June 17, preceding Ihe three days' conven tion of the slate association. The chorus will be under Ihe direc tion of John S. Helgren, who ha9 bad considerable suuecess as a director of large choruses. Tho concert will be given in the Audi torium, which will provide ample accomodations for Ihe large gathering. Officers of tho state association anticipate an attend ance of 1,500 at the annual meet inpr. ' ' Tho Journal office carries ill kinds of typewriter supplies. I
