Newspapers: 1905 "All the news that's fit to resurrect"

Decatur Daily Review, February 1, 1905 [Note: this article is included to provide background for the Cushman news item which follows. I consider it highly unlikely that Mrs. Brooke was victimized by Johann Hoch, rather than by some other swindler, but it is interesting that the local papers strove to link what was then a sensational case to local events.] JOHANN HOCH'S WIVES NOW NUMBER TWENTY-NINE One Day's Discoveries Result in Adding Four Additional to His List While Two More Are Rumored. Chicago Feb. l. -- Four supposed wives of Johann Hoch have been discovered since yesterday. The total is now twenty-nine, not counting two in Brooklyn, regarding whom the police have heard only rumors. The "new wives" are Mrs. Loughken Hoch of San Francisco, Mrs. Hulda Nagel Hoch of St. Paul, Mrs. Henry Bartel Hoch and Mrs. Fred Doess Hoch of Cincinnati. HOCH LAUGHS AT STORIES. Says He Will Make Chicago Police Look Cheap. New York, Feb. 1. -- Johann A. Hoch, the man the Chicago police charge with marrying twenty wives and murdering twelve of the number, laughs at the accusation. When Hoch was arraigned in police court he was remanded back to police headquarters for forty-eight hours. As the prisoner was leaving the courtroom he said: "Yes; I am the man wanted In Chicago, but they are mistaken about the charges. I am wanted for some trouble I had with my sister-in-law about some furniture." On his way from court Hoch said to the detectives: NOT A BLUEBEARD. "I am the Hoch the Chicago police think they want, but they are wrong. There are lots of Hochs besides me. The story that I am a 'Bluebeard' is all foolishness. I'll make somebody feel cheap when I got back to Chicago and prove I'm innocent. I never had but two wives in my life." Someone asked if Hoch meant two at one time. He laughed good-naturedly. "Do you think I'm a Mormon?" he asked. "I know the stories, but look at me. Would I be fat and happy if I had had a hundred wives?" He was then asked why he had taken the name of Bartels when he came to New York. "I expected there would be trouble about the $2,000 worth of furniture Mary left when she died," he said. "Her sister wanted more of it than was her share. When I was arrested here I thought it was on account of that furniture." SAYS HE NEVER KNEW HOLMES. Relative to stories that Hoch was thought to have once worked for Holmes, who operated in Chicago during the world's fair and killed dozens of people to collect their life insurance, Hoch said; "I never knew Holmes. He was a chemist. I'm a machinist. I never did any work for him. I've read about him. I've seen it printed that I was his janitor. It may have been a man who looked like me, and if his name was Hoch, that was nothing. There are lots of Hochs." He said he had no wife at present. ['Holmes' was H.H. Holmes, the alias of Herman Mudgett. More information is here.] THREE WIVES TESTIFY. Chicago, Feb. 1. -- Three wives of Johann Hoch appeared before the grand jury today and testified to marriage to the alleged Bluebeard. Each was accompanied by the marriage witnesses. HOCH IS INDICTED. Chicago, Feb. 1. -- Indictments charging bigamy were voted against Johann Hoch by the grand jury today.

Decatur Daily Review, February 11, 1905 MAY HAVE BEEN A HOCH VICTIM Cushman Woman Lost Husband of Few Days and $1,000. (Review Special Service.) Sullivan. Ills., Feb. 10. -- Since the developments in the case of Hoch, the bigamist, it has occurred to a number of residents about Cushman, a station four miles north of Sullivan, that possibly that locality may have furnished a victim to his methods of securing money. TEN YEARS AGO. About ten years ago a well-to-do widow, Mrs. Brooke, who had for some time lived in that neighborhood, made the acquaintance through correspondence of a man giving his name as Bowyer, whom it is believed by those who saw him, bore a strong resemblance to the pictures of Hoch. WERE MARRIED. Mr. Bowyer came to Cushman but remained only a few hours, when he and Mrs. Brooke went to Charleston, where they were married at once, going from there to Indiana. Within a few days after the marriage he left his wife and was never after heard of. GOT $1,000. He took with him a sum of her money, amounting to about $1,000. The wife returned home and resided in Cushman until her death, two or three years ago. She has two daughters living near Ulrich station, Mrs. Nellie Cunningham and sister Goldie. Mrs. Brooke's father's name was Bronson, who was also a resident of that neighborhood. LAKE CITY. Lake City. Ills., Feb. 10. -- Ernest Bennett is on the sick list. Mrs. Homer Brohard of Decatur is the guest of relatives here this week. Monk Robinson and wife of Mt. Zion are visiting James Brannune and family. Mrs. Bert Toney was a Decatur visitor Thursday. S. P. English will attend the teachers' institute In Mattoon todny. James Odor spent Sunday in Decatur, the guest of his daughter, Mrs. Sattley. Henry Hoelscher has moved into his new home that he recently purchased of James Miers. P. K. Miers of Decatur spent Sunday with his daughter. The Rebekah lodge initiated three members Tuesday night. After the work refreshments consisting of coffee and sandwiches were served and all reported a good time. Mrs. Henry Sinclair attended the wedding of her nephew at Bement Wednesday. MODERN AMERICANS STRONG AT SULLIVAN Thirteen New Candidates Were Initiated There Wednesday Night. (Review Special Service.) Sullivan, Ills., Feb. 10. -- While in Sullivan Wednesday afternoon and evening the degree team of the Modern American Fraternal Order from Mattoon initiated a class of thirteen candidates and gave the unwritten work for all members. Various figures in floor and drill work were given. The order has been organized here about six years and has a membership of 115. The supreme lodge and offices are located at Effingham, Ills. Supreme Deputy Organizer George V. Meckler of that place was here Wednesday and assisted in giving the work. Deputy C. A. Maxwell gives much time to the Sullivan and Mattoon lodges, and the effect of his work is shown in the steady growth of each. After the work was finished Wednesday evening the ladies of this local lodge served refreshments ln honor of the visitors, who returned to Mattoon at 10:17. The following composed the party: Dr. B. D. Parrish, Leon Philips, P. T. Ellis, Clifford Fry. J. R. Walker, T. W. Cook, Robert Cunningham, Lizzie Denning, Mrs. Lula Sink, Mrs. Stella Abrams, Mrs. Mabel Fry, Mrs. Mary Dunn, Mrs. Mary Tucker, Mrs. J. R. Walker, Mrs. M. Cunningham, Mrs. Minnie Ashworth, Miss Ethel Showalter. Dr. Jones, who moved from here to Springfield a year ago, was in Sullivan yesterday. His oldest son, Estol, is studying law in St. Louis. Mrs. E.J. Miller went to Effingham yesterday to visit relatives and friends until Monday. The Sullivan exhibitors at the poultry show being held at Bethany are Delbert Duncan, Paul Harshman, Guy Lowe and Ed Sentel. It is rumored that A. K. Campbell, the newly appointed postmaster, will take charge of the office next week. His daughter, Lucy, who will act as clerk, has been at the office this week. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Shirey visited friends in Lovington yesterday. John Perry is acting as night operator at the telephone office in place of John Gaddis. The Progress Printing company began moving today into the west room of the new Pifer block. Among those who were in Bethany yesterday attending the institute were Roy Seright, Ralph David, Joe Jones and O. B. Lowe. Mrs. Green of Chicago and Miss Mollie Lucas, an instructor in the university at Albion, Mich., are spending a few days with their sister, Mrs. John Monroe, having been called here to attend the funeral of Murray McDonald. Miss Lucas arrived Thursday morning, too late to attend the funeral. The announcement that H. A. Bone of Sycamore, former superintendent of Sullivan schools, was to speak at the farmers' institute at Bethany last night was sufficient to attract a number of Sullivan people, mostly high school pupils who still have a warm place in their hearts for Mr. Bone. The seniors of the high school will have reason to he congratulated if they are successful in their efforts to secure President James of the state university to deliver the commencement address. The Frisco will give a rate of $21.85 to the Mardi Gras, New Orleans, with a possible limit from March 1 to March 25. In the county court the past two days have been spent in taking evidence of witnesses on the side of the defendants. Mayor Dedman was on the stand for some time yesterday and proved an interesting witness. An expert on concrete work from Decatur gave in testimony highly satisfactory to those who believe the work meets the requirements of the contract. The public schools are closed today to allow the teachers who so desire to attend the eastern Illinois teachers' meeting at Mattoon today and tomorrow. OFFICERS ELECTED AND AWARDS MADE Moultrie Institute Exhibits Sold -- Better This Year Than Last. (Review Special Service.) Bethany, Ills., Feb. 11 - The second day of the institute was as much of a success as the opening day. RANKIN'S TALK. Professor Fred H. Rankin of the University of Illinois was to open the morning session but he missed his train and did not arrive until after 11 o'clock. E. E. Chester entertained the audience until Mr. Rankin's arrival. Professor Rankin did not finish his subject until the afternoon session. He was followed by J. E. Reidhimer, on "Fertility of the Soil." He had charts showing the results of the rotation of crops as tried at Urbana. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the coming year: President -- W. R. Bone. Vice President -- John Smith. Secretary and Treasurer -- M. L. Vaughan. Executive Committee -- J. F. Mathias, W. E. Crowder, W. L. Rhodes. W. R. Bone and J. H. Crowder were selected as delegates to the state institute at Joliet and T. H. Crowder, Sr., as delegate to the congressional meeting at Shelbyville next week. EXIBITS SOLD. At the close of the afternoon session the exhibits were sold at auction by J. L. Bone. The premium goods brought very good prices while the others did not bring any fancy prices. The premium pound of butter was sold to Charles Dedman for $1.60. J. L. Hone gave 25 cents for a loaf of bread with a blue ribbon on it. The butter sold for 15 to 25 cents a pound, a rake brought 80 cents, and the pies sold at about 20 cents each. The corn sold from 10 cents to $2.30 for ten ears, mostly selling at about 50 cents. W. J. Marlow paid $2.30 for ten ears of corn. They were of his own raising. This corn scored 71.9 out of a possible 85. AWARDS. Following is the list of premiums awarded: Beat ten ears white corn -- First, W. J. Marlow, 71.9, sack flour; second, Clarence Soland, 64.4, package stock food. Best ten ears yellow corn -- First, Al Mayfield, 59.7, corn sheller; second, Clarence Soland, 55.5, bucket axle grease. Bushel of corn showing highest per cent of shelled corn -- David Forsythe, one-half ton of coal. Largest ten ears -- Chester Mathias, $1. Ten ears showing highest score -- W. J. Marlow, 71.9, "Sweet Orr" work suit. Best ten ears Leaming -- W. R. Bone, 57.3, box of auger bits. Best ten ears Reid's Yellow Dent -- W. E. Crowder. 59.5, riding bridle. Best ten ears Boone County White -- First, John Weidner, 65.5, bucket Wishbone coffee; second, Erie Freeland, 63.7, buggy whip. Best ten ears -- Boys' exhibit -- First, Roy Marlow, 59.9, $l; second, Elmer Wilkinson, 56.2, 60 cents; third, Ed Moody, 52.9, 40 cents. Best peck white oats -- First, Stewart Bros., Bethany. Echo one year; second, C. T. Watson, 25 cents. Best peck black oats -- First, Ira Sanner, bushel Leaming corn; second, Cecil Sanner, 25 cents. Best peck potatoes -- Roy Ward, 50 cents. Best display canned fruit -- Mrs. W. E. Crowder, one dozen photos. Best Angel Food cake -- Deborah Coombes, $1. Best Devil's Food cake -- Mrs. P. J. Bushart, $1. Best glass jelly -- Mrs. W. E. Crowder, washing machine. Best glass jelly, girl under 18 -- Lois Crowder. 50 cents. Best cherry and blackberry pie -- Ruth McMennamy, 50 cents each. Best cake, girl under 18 -- Edna Mitchell, $1.50 perfume. Best pound butter -- First, Mrs. Chas. Dedman, iron bed [Note: probably a holder for a hot flatiron, rather than a bedstead]; second, Mrs. W. L. Rhodes. Best mince pie -- Mrs. Charles Waggoner, kitchen cabinet top. Best loaf bread -- Mrs. Mattie Hoskins, kitchen cabinet top. THE CLOSE. The institute ended Friday night with an interesting address by Dr. A. R. Taylor. The interest manifested in the institute is quite a good deal better than last year, the attendance being much larger. POULTRY SHOW. The poultry exhibit held in connection with the institute was a success in every way. There was a very fine display and a large variety. The judges placed the ribbons Friday, but will not be able to give a list of premiums until Saturday. The poultry association elected the following officers Friday after noon: President -- J. W. Hale. Vice President -- D. W. Duncan. Secretary -- Walter Roney. Treasurer -- W. L. Rhodes. Superintendent -- Guy Lowe. Assistant Superintendent -- L. C. Hale.

Decatur Daily Review – 22 March 1905 BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY AT SULLIVAN Friends and Relatives Spend a Day With J. H. Dumond and Wife. (Review Special Service) Sullivan Ills March 22 -- The double birthday surprise tendered Mr. and Mrs. Dumond proved not only a very enjoyable affair to those who took part but was a hearty expression of the esteem in which they are held by their relatives and friends. Henry Dumond, the only son who resides on his father's farm near Lovington, planned the surprise. The parents including friends, relatives, and tenants drove to Sullivan in a body in carriages. They presented Mr. and Mrs. Dumond with a handsome book case. Mr. Dumond was 70 years old Saturday. He was born in Steuben county New York, and in 1840 he came to Edgar county Illinois where, except a few months spent in Coles county, he resided until 1865 when he moved to Moultrie county. At that time, he purchased a small tract of land; since then by good management he has purchased a number of farms until now he owns about 1200 acres of good land. Eleven years ago he gave up farming and moved to Sullivan. He has had a good class of tenants who have in every intance remained with him from five to twelve years and their relations with each other and with their landlord have been of a most amicable nature. Mrs. Dumond was 63 years of age Monday and Sunday was selected as the day most appropriate to celebrate her birthday and that of her husband together. Among the relatives present were Henry Dumond and family, T. W. Ellis and family of Shelby county, Amos Ross and family. The friends present were Mr. and Mrs. McCall and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller of Jonathan Creek and Mrs. Sarah McIntosh. Those who are or have been tenants were Jack Funston, W. O. Neph, El??? Campbell, W. Y. Graves, W. N. Lutrell and families. After a most delightful day spent together, the party of forty-four departed, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Dumond many happy returns of their birthdays. Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Worsham who were recently married are going to housekeeping in the Trowbridge property on West Jefferson street. Miss Ella Richarson went to Chicoago to attend the dressmakers convention. Nathan Powell and family who live near Arthur are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Q. E. Richardson for a few days. Mrs. Stella McDonald went to Chicago to visit her sister, Mrs. Charley Stearns. Work on the new courthouse has been suspended since the first of last week owing to the lack of material. The building is ready for the second story. Mrs. Roane went to Decatur Monday with her daughter Mrs. Fannie Munsie, who had spend Sunday here. Charley Taylor and wife left Tuesday for a three weeks visit in Kansas. P. J. Harsh went to Oklahoma Tuesday on a busines and prospecting trip. A marriange license was been issued to John Batson aged 28 and Mrs. Cecil McDonald Waters, aged 19, both residing at Sullivan.

Decatur Daily Review – 25 Apr 1905 LABORERS FINISH COURTHOUSE JOB Stone Cutters and Masons Pack Tools and Leave Sullivan for Danville (Review Special Service) Sullivan, Ills. Oct. 25. – The stone cutters and masons have finished their work on the new court house and their tools, etc. were loaded and shipped to Danville Monday. Work now is being concentrated upon the dome, the steel frame for which was constructed by the Illinois Bridge and Iron works for Sullivan. Every effort is being made to get the tiled roof in place before severe weather sets in, which will put the building in shape for the interior work to proceed uninterrupted. SURPRISE MANAGER Employees of the bridge and iron works showed the regard held for their manager, Fred Brewer, by calling at his home unannounced Sunday morning and presenting him with a fine watch chain and fob. Mr. Brewer was taken by surprise and expressed as his only regret that he should have liked to have been apprised of their intention, that he might have had a speech prepared. AN ERROR A slight error occurred in the list of officials of the Sullivan telephone exchange as noted in the The Review’s article in Sunday’s issue, in which John R. Pogue is mentioned as president instead of P. J. Paterson, who has held that office since May last, when Mr. Pogue sold out his controlling interest in the stock. SULLIVAN PEOPLE Mrs. Halle Wilson, who has spent the summer here with her mother, Mrs. Maggie McPheeters left today for Chicago. She will remain there a week before going to St. Paul to join her husband, who is traveling in the northwest. They expect to spend the winter either in St. Paul or Minneapolis. J. M. Deal of Lincoln, architect of the new court house, was here Tuesday looking over the work. The Sullivan high school football team will play a return game at Moweaqua Saturday. Mrs. James Bolin and children of near Harrisburg, Ark., arrived Monday for a month’s visit with relatives. Thomas Lansden of Bethany was in Sullivan Tuesday. Dwight Green, day operator at the Illinois Central office, has returned from a month's layoff, which was spent at Mason City, Petersburg and other points. ‘Squire and Mrs. Woodruff are Bethany visitors today. Miss Nona Coy returned to her home at Girard Tuesday, after several weeks’ visit with her sister, Mrs. Joe Clarke. F. Beese left for Crookston, Minn., Tuesday to look after farming interests near that place. Allie Patterson of North Platte, Neb., is here for a week’s visit with relatives. Mrs. E. J. Howe of Tuscola arrived here Tuesday for a visit with her daughter, Mrs. M. S. Vance, and family. Mrs. Lewis Harris and children of Medora are visiting James Harris and family.