Grand Haven, Mich. January 1893
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Principal Events in this City in the Past Year.
Jan. 3―Week of prayer.
8―Marine Engineer’s Ball.
9―G. E. Hubbard Memorial at Masonic Hall.
11―E. L. Barber of Detroit forges Jay Barn’s name. M. & E. Transit Co’s boats taken from Gr’d Haven.
12―Globe Match Co. elect officers. Death of John Zietlow.
15―Farmer’s Alliance Festival at Peach Plains.
17―Death of John W. Barns.
18―Co. F Banquet to F. W. Kelley.
20―Marriage of Capt. R. VanderHoef. Railroad meeting at City Hall. Bill for $50,000 for Public Building passed the Senate.
21―Death of Mrs. VanderHart.
27―Death of C. Verway.
29―Wm. Balgooyen dies.
Feb.1―Steamer Roanoke brings in 1154 tons; biggest load of the season.
3―Death of Mrs. John Wiles.
4―Berlin farmer buries his daughter under suspicious circumstances.
7―Death of little Nellie DeSpelder.
9―Roanoke fast in the ice off the piers.
11―Death of Mrs. John Pennoyer.
12―Death of D. J. Duersema. Y M S C Masquerade.
13―Death of J. Van Dyke.
14―Death of Jennie VanderMeiden.
15―German Working Men elect officers.
23―Death of Mrs. John Verknyl.
24―Quiet Day observed in St. John’s church.
28―Apostle Trowbridge creates excitement in county jail.
29―St. Patrick’s church fair and supper.
March 2―Death of Mrs. D. Cutler in California.
5―Death of Alida Albers.
8―A steam launch arrives from Grand Rapids. Experience no ice.
9―Ex-sheriff Woltman dies at Holland.
11―Barn and sheds of P. Roosien burned.
14―Asa Reynolds drops dead on the street.
15―Highland Park fair and supper.
22―Democratic Congress.
23―Death of Mrs. G. F. Mulder. Death of J. H. Newcomb of Spring Lake.
24―The Richmond Endowment bestowed on Akeley College. Marriage of Wm. Bishop and Maggie Beihl. Democratic city convention.
25―Steamer E M B A arrives from Chicago; the first steamer other than the regular ones to arrive since navigation closed. Republican caucuses.
28―Republican county convention. Republican city convention.
30―Fred Zaph horribly burned at Kilbourn’s factory. Second arrival of the season, barge Root from Michigan City. Death of John Collins and Martin Viebrock.
April 1―Life Savers go into commission. Death of Mrs. John Bolt.
4―City election First Goodrich boat arrives.
6―M E B A having closed banquet.
7―Death of Judge Arnold.
10―Y M C A meeting at the First Reformed church.
12―Ross Robinson terribly mangled by train.
17―Mary H. Boyce leaves on the first trip of the season.
18―John Pennoyer assaulted at Grand Rapids.
20―Drowning of Russel Tyler.
22―Steamer Roanoke makes last trip of the season. Death of Mrs. John Smith.
23―Steamer Street leaves on the first trip of the season.
25―Death of John Spoons.
27―Board of Supervisors meet.
29―Sheriff Vaupel arrests horse thief Smith.
30―Arrival of Mrs. Cutler’s body.
May 4―Farewell banquet to Rev. and Mrs. Sammis.
8―Fire in VandenBerg’s market.
10―Death of Chas. Cutler.
12―Inspection and dress parade by Co F. Marriage of Wm. Asman and Miss Arla Sluetel. Marriage of Wm. H. Callister and Miss Lucy Luikens.
14―John De Jongh breaks his leg. Steamer Chas. A. Street makes the round trip from Escanaba including loading and unloading in the remarkable time of 38 hours.
17―Death of Edward Van Toll. Death of Mrs. Mary McCarthy of Grand Haven township.
19―Glass factory meeting.
20―Order for removal of Supt. of Life Saving Station revoked. Prophet Trowbridge sentenced to 3 years at Jackson. Burglary at Coopersville.
25―Fire in Mrs. T. VanderZalm’s residence.
28―Meeting to organize a board of trade.
30―Decoration Day celebration. Tug Deer launched.
June 1―People’s Party convention.
2―Improvement Board elect officers. Marriage of W. R. Roberts and Mrs. Gidley.
3―Dan Swartz celebrates his tin wedding.
6―Marriage of W. E. Donaldson to Miss Bertha Barns in Detroit.
11―Steamer Columbia makes her trial trip.
13―South Channel bridge collapses. Terrible electrical storm.
16―Marriage of Joseph Ruch and Miss Amanda Lempke.
18―Boer & Bolt’s delivery horse runs away, badly injuring the delivery boy.
21―Commencement at Akeley.
23―High School Commencement.
24―Mr. and Mrs. H. Arkema celebrates their 25th wedding anniversary.
25―Luman Jenison’s team stolen.
27―Dr. E. Hofma leaves for Europe.
28―Marriage of Miss Laura Lucas to Nils Herschloff.
29―Sheriff Vaupell pursues the Jenison horse thief to Northern Indiana.
July 2―Mrs. H. Vegter has her pockets picked at the D., G. H. & M. depot.
July 4―Grand Haven has the biggest 4th of July celebration in its history. Mrs. Van Bemmelen badly hurt by sky rocket.
5―House owned by D. Roosien burned.
6―H. W. Johnston overcome by gas.
7―Marriage of Louis Verduin and Della Groenendal.
9―The notorious Norman Sweeney arrested in Muskegon.
18―Examination of Sweeney before Justice Pagelson. Reception by Rev. and Mrs. DeBruyn.
20―Steamer Wisconsin on the beach at Milwaukee. Enthusiastic wheelmen ride their machines to the Valley City.
22―Capt. Fred Behm breaks his left ankle at Whitehall.
25―25,000 feet of lumber belonging to Thomas Sheehan of Agnew set on fire by some miscreant.
30―Steamer Valley City arrives on her first trip.
Aug. 1―Cyclone on Spring Lake.
3―Two boys nearly drowned at Highland Park. Fred Faar of Grand Haven township killed by lightning. Marriage of R. G. Macfie and Miss Maud Boyden.
4―Ottawa county teacher’s examination. Tug Auger brings in a yacht which had been floating helplessly with the crew on the lake.
8―Yacht Sparta is to be inspected.
9―A. Bushman dies in Chicago.
10―Marshal Klaver arrests a man in the act of burglarizing F. Fisher’s residence.
13―Bloecker’s foundry employees have a picnic.
15―Marriage of Mr. J. Nemire and Mrs. Maggie J. McCualin of Frankfort, Ind.
16―Marriage of John Bottje and Ida Kerkhof.
17―Merchant’s picnic at Highland Park.
18―Fire in A. Kraatz’ residence.
19―Ocean steam yacht Gadabout in Port.
23―Burglars gain entrance to F. Pfaffs hardware.
25―Republican county officers nominated.
30―Geo. Mckenzie drowned from City of Toledo.
Sept. 6―Chas. Otto breaks his collar bone.
7―Democratic senatorial convention. Steamer J C Suit brought in here in a disabled condition. Death of L. L. Van Wormer.
8―Democratic county convention.
13―Allison B. Armour’s yacht, the Gryphon, in port.
14―Steamer Taylor on the beach at Saugatuck.
15―19th anniversary of the sinking of the Ironsides. Burglars in the Washington House.
17―Steamer bon voyage arrives from Lake Ontario to lay up for the season. Martin Fisher killed at Plymouth.
20―L. C. Addison accidentally shot.
21―Louis Johnson meets his death.
23―Dedication of the new building of Akeley Institute. O. H. Gromburg dies in Elgin, Ill.
26―Schooner Hattie Leroy on the beach. Schooner Morse and barge Berrien collide.
27―Marriage of F. H. Irish and Lillie cook in Grand Rapids.
28―Marriage of H. W. Grant and Miss Birdie Hutson.
30―Death of Capt. J. F. Joyce in Chicago. Death of Miss Dena Struveling.
Oct. 4―Wreck of the C. & W. M. at Olive.
5―Marriage of Henry Albers and Miss Dora M. Via.
7―Death of Wm. F. Dake in Chicago. Marriage of M. B. Hopkins and Myrtle Lowing in Grand Rapids.
8―Death of Mr. C. Wieses.
10―Geo. St. Clair trots in 2:15½ at Lexington. Central school afire.
11―Co F election.
12―Feast in Gathering at 1st Reformed church.
13―Grand Haven Ship building Co. completes the tug E. G. Crosby.
14―Board of Supervisor’s Session. Explosion in the Express Office.
15―Twelfth anniversary of the loss of the Alpena. J. Kooiman and Joseph Koeltz business places entered by thieves.
17―Norman Sweeney attempts to break jail.
18―Jos. Theiler drowned in Chicago. Co. F leave for Chicago.
19―Old Charlie the American Express horse dies. Capt. George Boomsluiter has $300 stolen from him in Michigan City.
21―Columbus Day observed in this city.
22―John Moorlag a former resident dies at Fillmore.
23―Adolf Zwemer accidentally shot.
24―Sweeney feigns insanity.
27―Steamer Nellie makes her last regular trip. John Dillon at the Opera House.
28―Terrible gale, wind blows 60 miles an hour; many small casualties caused by it in this city.
31―Sheraman Palen dies at Wyman’s farm from the effects of being kicked by a horse. Hallowe’en observed by the small boy.
Nov. 2―Marriage of John Palmer and Mintie M. Clark.
7―Small fire in tannery. S. Verhoek’s meat market burned.
8―Election day.
9―Steamer West arrives to lay up. The schooner J Loomis McLaren brings in the largest load of lumber ever brought into Grand Haven.
10―Death of Mrs. John Zimmerman.
11―Co F reception.
12―Death of Ross Robinson. City of Milwaukee leaves for Port Huron,
14―Steamer Milwaukee arrives at Port Huron.
17―Barge McGregor arrives to lay up. Death of C. P. Sheldon of Spring Lake.
19―Death of Mrs. Joseph Fries.
22―Walter Fisher has a narrow escape from drowning in the lake.
23―Tug John A. Miller brought into this port. Death of Wm. B. Hale in Virginia.
24―Election of officers in the Holland churches.
28―Mr. and Mrs. D. Vyn celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
29―Steamer Minnie M arrives to lay up.
30―Death of Mrs. G. Pippel.
31―John Macfie loses the fingers of his left hand at saw mill in Mecosta Co.
Dec. 1―City well tested.
2―Norman Sweeney attempts to kill fellow prisoner. Mr. Parker of Dennison meets with a bad accident in R. Wiernger’s barn. Death of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. B. Van Toll.
4―Steamer Gill arrives to lay up.
5―Steamer Suit and schooner Macy arrive to lay up.
7―Opening of the rooms of the Young Men’s Band of Christian Workers.
11―Wrecking tug Merrick arrives.
14―Three marriages in one evening. Marriage of H. J. Donker to Miss Anna Kieft; S. A. Stuveling to Miss Lena Van Dyke; H. C. Cooper to Miss Jennie Walters.
15―Closing exercises at Akeley. Death of Mrs. E. McDonald.
16―Death of Mrs. T. Golden of Ferrysburg.
20―Farewell reception to Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Angel.
24―Fred Kohlof hurt at the freight house.
27―George Smallman meets with a painful accident on the D., G. H. & M. mail car.
28―Citizens meet to talk new court house.
29―Marriage of Lewis Haftje and Jennie Ultermark.
Mrs. Nellie Squier, as her many friends will be pleased to learn, occupies a desk in the Register of Deeds office.
During vacation an electric fire alarm system has been placed in the Central School. In case of fire the bell in each room will ring, and an alarm will ring at the fire house.
J. A. Massey, traveling salesman for I. M. Clark Grocery Company, has in his possession a copy of the Grand River Times, No. 1. Vol. 1. which he secured at Greenville recently for which he was offered $10.―G. R. Democrat. R. W. Duncan has the complete file of that paper.
[The Grand River Times collection of R. W. Duncan was eventually put onto microfilm and can be seen at the Loutit Library.]
Some time ago Capt. Stines, of the Goodrich steamer Virginia, had one of his fingers bitten in a little altercation with a deck hand, and last week the member had to be amputated, it being feared that blood poisoning had set in.
Death of Mrs. J. Goldberg.
Mrs. Johannes Goldberg for many years a resident of this city and Peach Plains, died yesterday afternoon at the home of Mr. F. Kieft on 5th St. Mrs. Goldberg had been living at Mr. Kieft’s home since the death of her husband some two and a half years ago. She had been very sick for the past years, her life being despaired of several times before. Mrs. Goldberg was seventy-three years of age. Her husband was one of the earliest settlers at Peach Plains.
In the Register of Deeds office is Chas. H. Clark with Mrs. Nellie Squier as assistant. Mr. Clark has been a supervisor longer than any other man in the county. While supervisor Mr. Clark was of great service to the county in the state indebtedness tangle and has proved to be a good officer at all times. Mr. Ingrahm his predecessor will remain in this city until spring.
In the county clerk office a genial and courteous man steps in, and a genial and courteous man steps out. George D. Turner will issue the marriage licenses and attend to the many other duties of the clerk’s office for the next two years. This is Mr. Turner’s 5th, term in the office as he served from 1881 to 1889, four consecutive terms. Mrs. Turner is known to nearly every man in the county and his ability was never questioned. His predecessor, Mr. white, made many friends while here and always attended strictly to business.
Mr. B. D. Keppel and family now occupy the jail residence. Mr. Keppel is a young man who served well and faithfully for several years as marshal of Holland, our sister city 20 miles south. Mr. Keppel has all the qualifications necessary for a sheriff.
While we are glad to welcome Mr. Keppel it is with a pang of regret to our citizens to see Ed Vaupell leave. Mr. Vaupell during his two terms has made friends by the legion here and throughout the county. He has proved to be a faithful officer, feared by law breakers. The breaking up of a tough gang in Olive under diverse circumstances will serve as an example in this instance. His detection of Sweeney in an attempt to escape jail will serve as another. Mr. Vaupell and family will reside in Holland. Already his friends there are urging him for city marshal.
The temperature went as low last night as it has at any time this winter.
Necessary repairs were made on the engine at the electric plant yesterday.
Jerry Boynton says the rails of his new railroad will be laid this month and that the trains will be running in April.
Letters with the beautiful new Columbus stamps are arriving with every mail now. They are not yet on sale at this post office.
See: http://www.1847usa.com/identify/19th/1893.htm
R. Stallings secretary of the American Mirror and Glass Beveling Co. is ill with pneumonia at the Kirby House.
Several of the fishermen are cutting ice from the pond at the pier, much to the disgust of the boys who cleared it off and made it a fine skating place.
Mrs. John Coffee, a well known pioneer resident of Spring Lake, died Monday night. Her husband was killed by a D., G. H. & M. engine two years ago.
Several Grand Haven subscribers have been getting Detroit Journal prizes lately. Now is the time to subscribe for that growing paper. The Journal and the Grand Haven TRIBUNE only twelve cents a week together.
We are informed that it is very difficult to get a sleigh with a load from the Spring Lake Bridge to the Corn Planter Works. The three blocks that intervene are wide open to the wind which sweeps the snow off the graveled road. By placing boards on the side of the road, this could be prevented.
Last night’s Detroit Journal says that local hustlers of Grand Haven are going to buy up the schooner Porcupine, which lies in Spring Lake. The Porcupine was one of Commodore Perry’s Lake Erie fleet in the war of 1812. The hustlers, the Journal says, will take her to Chicago to show as a curiosity on the Whaler Progress plan.
The new flat cars were received yesterday, for Jerry Boynton’s Grand River railroad. They were built by the Michigan Peninsula Car Company in Detroit, and are very fine cars for the kind. This makes the equipment of the road consist of a locomotive and ten flat cars. Jerry says the road is surely going to be built.―G. R. Democrat.
The Hon. George Farr of Grand Haven, was a guest in the New Livingston yesterday on the way to Lansing. Mr. Farr has gone to the capitol to do what he can to defeat Stockbridge for re-election as senator. In the shuffle four years ago Mr. Farr got left and swore vengeance. He openly opposed Belknap for congressman last fall, and now he is after larger game.― G. R. Democrat.
“Yes, I lumbered on Grand and rouge rivers almost before the Indians were here,” said George W. Friant of Muskegon in the Clerendon yesterday. “We used to raft our lumber down to Grand Haven in those days. There were a large number of saw mills scattered along the Grand and Rouge. Some of the finest pine that the Almighty ever created grew along the banks of those two rivers. When I think of how we butchered it, it makes me sick. We used to run the upright saws then. They went up one day and down the next. The saws were extremely thick. After the slabs were taken off, the principal part of the log was converted into sawdust. We generally cut 2,000 or 3,000 feet of lumber a day. Finally we got so we could saw 6,000 feet and when we got up to 8,000 and 9,000, we thought we had reached the climax.―G. R. Herald.
The Grand Haven COURIER~JOURNAL chimes that that port has more tugs than any other place of its size on the lake. What’s the matter with Sturgeon Bay, neighbor? We have got ten tugs here, and the place only boasts of about 3,000 inhabitants.―Sturgeon Bay Republican.
A Steamboatmen’s Protective Association, composed of wheelmen, lookoutmen, watchmen and stewards, has been organized at Chicago with 150 members. This is the initial of a series of such organizations, one of which will be in each port of the chain of lakes and at each Pacific Coast port.
Car ferry No. 2 has reached Frankfort.
Norman Sweeney, it is said, will be brought up for trial in circuit court next week.
The German Workingman’s Society are to have a new style of cap. The society is growing and now has nearly 100 members.
The New Court House.
The board of Supervisors at their session this morning voted almost unanimously to submit to the people a proposition to build a new court house on the condition that the city put $15,000 in the county treasury for the same. The board will adjourn tomorrow to convene again in February. In the meantime a special election will have to be held in this city. If the citizens vote the $15,000, then the Board at their February session will submit the matter to the people of the county. But if the city should vote against bonding itself, then the board will submit the proposition of rebuilding the jail to the extent of $6,000 or $8,000. In other words the court house project would then be dead and the jail would be rebuilt at its present site. In case of a court house being built both the City Hall and jail would be removed to another site.
January.
Darkness and light reign alike. Snow is on the ground. Cold is in the air. The winter is blossoming in frost flowers. Why is the ground hidden? Why is the earth white? So hath god wiped out the past; so hath he spread the earth like an unwritten page for a new year! Old sounds are silent in the forest and in the air. Insects are dead, birds are gone, leaves have perished, and all the foundations of the soil remain. Upon this lies, white and tranquil, the emblems of newness and purity, the virgin robes of the yet unstained year. H. W. BEECHER.
It costs only eight cents to send a registered letter now.
Stockbridge still claims the lead in the race for senatorship.
The project of dyking Grand River is again being agitated in Jackson.
The electric fire system in the Central school building has not yet been tested but will be in a few days.
No such blizzard as this has been witnessed here in several years, and the winter is already stamped as a genuine old fashioned one.
The streets were not crowded with pedestrians today, and everybody who did appear, walked as though it were an effort to hold up before the wind and snow.
The second genuine blizzard of the winter struck the city last night and this morning. Snow was piled along every fence two or three feet deep. The fog horn at the pier kept up an incessant whistle all night.
It will be heard with favor that Sheriff Keppel has reappointed those old stand-bys Francis Murray and Chas. Christmas as deputies.
Sheriff B. J. Keppel has appointed ex-sheriff Ed Vaupell as under sheriff. The deputies thus far appointed are Francis Murray, Chas. Christmas and Harry Oaks of Grand Haven; frank VauRy and Jacob Lokker of Holland; P. R. Averill of Coopersville; James Parady of Allendale.
E. L. Van Wormer will move his restaurant from its present location to the Davis building, between 1st and Water St. Mr. VanWormer will begin moving shortly and is having the building fitted up preparatory thereto. It will be one of the finest restaurants in the city.
The public schools were dismissed at 12:30 for the rest of the day on account of the blizzard.
Chas. Gibson a vag was sentenced to ten days in jail by Justice Pagelson this morning.
Week of Prayer.
This evening union services will be held at the Second Reformed church. The topic will be “Foreign Missions. Praise: For Missionary Progress; For the Volunteers in Institutions of Learning.” Ps. LXVII. Matt. XXVII; 19:20. Rom. 1: 14-17.
Prayers for Missionary Societies; for increased missionary spirit; co-operation and contributions; for missionaries and their helpers; for native churches and their pastors; for secret believers; for the conversion of Jews, Mohammedans and Heathens; for increased recognition to the oneness of the race:―Ps. XXII: 27-28. Matt. I: II. Eph. III: 6.
The topic of tomorrow night’s union service will be Home Missions. Prayers will be for pastors, missionaries and other laborers; for the heathen at our doors; for depleted rural districts and neglected city populations, and for increased Christian comity. On Saturday night the topic will be Families and Schools. Prayer will be for increased sanctity of the married relations, for more general observance of family worship, for the preservation and increased efficiency of our public schools and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the teachers and learners in said schools and religious societies of young men and women.
It is generally reported that the barge McGregor will go into the iron ore trade between Fruitport and Escanaba next season.
The Wisconsin did not arrive today, remaining in Milwaukee on account of the storm.
The steamer Roanoke started for Milwaukee at midnight last night. As she was turning around and broadside inside the river the ice and wind prevented her from turning either way. After working for some time the tug Merrick was whistled for and came to her assistance, butting her around. The tug Merrick then took her outside but on account of the heavy sea she returned an hour later.
The steamer City of Milwaukee is running in connection with the two car ferries between Frankfort and Kewaunee.
Flour agencies at Buffalo are receiving consignments from Minneapolis, all rail, the cars mostly coming across on the ferry from Kewaunee to Frankfort. They complain that all winter routes are slow.
Grand Haven Harbor Leads All Others.
The terrible mid-winter storm has proved that Grand Haven has the best harbor on the lake and that none can surpass it on the entire chain of lakes. The steamer Laura attempted to enter Racine, St. Joe and Milwaukee, but failed. She then ran across the lake and came in here. No steamer has ever had trouble in making Grand Haven harbor, and its 20 feet of water makes it safe for any ship to enter. In winter as well in summer it is the same.
It seems strange that transportation companies that have winter boats should hazard the lives of their seamen by having as terminals, ports, which are extremely dangerous to enter even in a mild summer storm. Grand Haven’s superior advantages should be placed before these companies.
A. Obeke and Co. are now the only fishermen who still have a gang of nets set.
Contractors S. Stuveling and A. J. Ver Berkemoes have completed the contract of building Akeley Annex.
The past 24 hours no Chicago mail has arrived. A blockade of south bound trains near Benton harbor caused the trouble partly.
John Gatfield manager of the Western Union Telegraph Co., held No. 92 which drew Chas. Macomber’s Columbia bicycle. The drawing was held at Mat Chamber’s tonsorial parlors.
Ex-Street commissioner Dykema has the contract for clearing off the skating rink near the Emlaw mill. A space 800 feet by 800 feet will be cleared.
The experiences which the steamers Wisconsin and Lora underwent remind one of the winter of 1883.
Capt. Martin did not take the Roanoke across to Milwaukee this trip but remained to see about the burned tug Wright.
Wrecker Wright Burned.
About 7 o’clock last evening the tug Merick and a D., G. H. & M. engine sounded an alarm of fire by their fierce whistles. In five minutes a big portion of town was on the river front. The blaze proved to be on the big wrecking tug, Albert J. Wright, which lies just north of the D., G. H. & M. dock, where the South channel begins. The fire had a good start and to complicate matters the fire department could get no water. One hydrant was frozen and for a long time not a drop was procurable.
The wrecker Merick poured a stream on her from the river side. For a time the D. & M. freight house was threatened, and the Roanoke began wetting down that building. The steamer A. B. Taylor is in winter quarters only a short distance back from the Wright, but the wind was from the Northwest and she was in no danger. Crowds flocked across the South channel bridge and viewed the blaze from the island. The D. & M. freight engine was kept busy moving cars out of the way of burning.
The entire upper works of the Wright were burned and her engine, boiler and machinery badly damaged.
The Wright arrived here from the “Soo” early last December. She was probably one of the largest tugs of her class in port. She had come here with the intention of assisting the Merick , but had been laid up. Her owners were principally the Botsford Co., of Port Huron, although Capt. Martin of the Roanoke is also interested in her. She was built in Buffalo in 1881, her hailing place being Port Huron. Her gross tonnage was 240.57 and 124.63 tons net. She is 118 feet long, 28 feet beam and draws 10 feet of water. She was longer than the Merick by 18 feet but was not so wide by a foot.
In a fire so situated there is always more or less danger to the spectators. Many had narrow escapes from slipping into the river from the icy docks.
At the city pumping station 120 pounds of pressure was maintained from the start and frozen hydrants must have been the cause of lack of water.
The Wisconsin’s Terrible Experience.
It was a weird sight indeed; the arrival of the steamer Wisconsin this morning. For many years now, the Wisconsin has braved the wintry, icy gales on the winter route between here and Milwaukee. When she came in early this morning she presented the appearance of a monster ice king. Her entire hull, decks and even Capt. Honner’s cabin were coated with ice to a great thickness.
The Wisconsin left Milwaukee harbor at 9 o’clock Wednesday. Nothing preventing she should have been in here early yesterday morning, but instead she was battling with a fierce mid winter gale on Lake Michigan. Then the rolling and floundering of the ship caused the barrels and bags of flour to shift and eventually break open and cover the deck. For nearly 36 hours the Wisconsin pitched and rolled off this harbor. The sea continuing, she could not have stood it much longer. One of her spars was loosened by the breaking of a thick heavy cable, caused by the terrible strain. It was a terrible storm and it was a very thankful crew indeed when port was made this morning..
As soon as she arrived spectators gathered at the dock. Such a spectacle had not been seen here since the terrible winter of ’83 when the ship Michigan, crushed by the ice went down 20 miles from here. It was in that winter that the Wisconsin had a still worse experience. She came in once with her sides crushed in and appeared as crooked as chain lightning.
About three hours after she arrived this morning the broken flour barrels and former contents had been cleared away and the work of unloading went on as usual. The promenade deck around the passenger cabin presented the appearance of a skating rink and the crew immediately went to work chopping off the ice and throwing it overboard.
Battle with the Sea.
The wharves are the most animated part of the city today. The burning of the Wright, the arrival of the Wisconsin and later the arrival of the steamer Lora served to bring the people down to that part of the city.
The Lora arrived at 9 o’clock this morning. She, like the Wisconsin was coated with ice from stem to stern. She is one of the Vandalia Trans. Co.’s steamers. Wednesday night at 10 o’clock she cleared from St. Joe with a cargo of steel. A terrible sea was encountered and she attempted to make Racine and also Milwaukee, but failed.
During this time her cargo of steel was shifting about. Then a heavy sea struck her and her front bulwarks were stove in. Capt. Lookeridge and two of the crew were knocked down, three of the captain’s ribs being broken. She attempted to re-enter St. Joe but it was no use and she ran up to Grand Haven.
Said one of the officers: “It was the worst sea I have ever seen in my years of sailing. We gave up hopes at one time yesterday of ever again stepping ashore. One sea washed over us and flooded the ship. We thought our doom’s day had come.”
Frozen potatoes can be restored to palatableness by peeling them and letting them lie in a cool place with plenty of cold water poured over them. In twenty-four hours all the sugar which has been formed during the freezing process will have been removed and the potatoes can now be boiled in fresh water and will be found to be perfectly palatable.
The new Columbian postage stamps are of striking design and are admired by all.
Capt. Lockridge of the steamer Lora had his injuries examined by Dr. Hofma yesterday. Two of his ribs were found to be broken and several badly injured. He also suffered internal injuries which will require him to be very careful.
A resolution [by common council] was introduced to submit to the legal voters on January 21st the proposition to issue bonds to the amount of $15,000 for anew court house. Same if carried shall be deposited in the county treasury to be paid by February 7th. The resolution was adopted.
Capt. Lockridge Roasts St. Joe’s Harbor.
Capt. Lockridge of the steamer Lora of the Vandelia Line speaks in words of the highest praise of Grand Haven Harbor and says it is the finest port on the lakes. On the other hand he has nothing good to say of St. Joe harbor.
The Lora left St. Joe at 10 o’clock Wednesday night. At 1 o’clock she was struck by the gale. The gale increased to a terrible blizzard and the night was one of inky darkness. The ship seemed to emerge from one wall of black to another. About 3:30 Thursday morning her forward shutters, where the anchors hang were stove in. Capt. Lockridge and some of his crew attempted to cover the hole, when a sea at least 60 feet high struck the ship. The captain was hurled with terrific force against the wall and his ribs broken. The cook also suffered severe injuries.
Capt.Lockridge gave them orders to turn about and at four o’clock she was headed back for St. Joe. At that time she was only 20 miles from Kenosha. At about noon of Thursday she was off St. Joe but did not dare enter because of the poor harbor of that port. Seeing he could not make St. Joe, Capt. Lockridge as a last resource ran north to Grand Haven and entered safely.
The captain spoke in high terms of his crew. “The entire crew of 24, he said, “acted like men throughout the whole terrible ordeal. None of them whimpered but stood at their posts all through, without and exception. The ship too, proved herself to be one of the best sea boats that a sailor ever trod and I am proud of her and her men.”
Speaking of St. Joe harbor Capt. Lockridge said: “It would have been certain wreck, and death to the crew if we had attempted to get in there Thursday. The trouble with St. Joe harbor is the way in which the government has improved it. Every summer the river is dredged and a large amount of money is expended. The contractors are getting rich, but every fall the sand again shift and every summer the work has to be done over again. Considering the amount expended St. Joe should have a decent harbor. If the government instead of going to the useless expense of dredging St. Joe river would lengthen the piers several hundred feet it would be doing something. Our sailor’s lives and our boats should be of some consideration.
The Detroit Journal of last night has an article on Ottawa county in 1851.
In speaking of the article in the Detroit News in regard to a new Ottawa Co. court house, the Holland News says:
We can conceive of no other object on the part of our friends at Grand Haven in sending out such stuff as the above, than to arouse a local spirit, or “hustle” in behalf of the pending project. Nevertheless we venture to suggest that accusations and insinuations like the above which are false in toto, may have a reactionary tendency and effect. For while Holland hitherto has never made a move towards relieving our sister city of its prestige as the county seat. Still, there is no telling what such communications might logically lead to.
Snow fell to a depth of several inches last night and is still falling today.
The Vandalia system would do well by making this port, the eastern terminal of their boat line for the rest of the winter.
The steamer Lora will remain here until tonight to undergo repairs.
The Wrecker Merik assisted Obeke & Co.’s tug Anna out to her nets this morning. As far as the eye can see Lake Michigan is covered with slush ice which is very hard to get through. As we go to press the Anna is not yet in. Capt. Obeke does not expect to find his nets, but if they are still there a big haul of fish can be expected.
The water was pumped out from the burnt tug Wright yesterday.
The big wrecking tug Wright which burned Thursday night was built by Mills & Co., in Buffalo in 1881. Her first services were between Buffalo, Milwaukee and Chicago. Later on she was converted into a passenger steamer and ran between Buffalo and Chicago. This not proving profitable she was again converted into a tug. Since built she has had several owners. She had a Lloyd’s valuation of $15,000.
Schools were dismissed at 12:45 today on account of the storm.
If water can be obtained Grand Haven fishermen will win every time.
Upper Peninsula papers are urging that that peninsula be taken off Michigan and become the State of Superior.
One could not see half a block up or down Washington street at 11 o’clock this forenoon on account of the snow storm.
Justice Pagelson sentenced James Duun and John Wilson, two d―ds, to the county jail for eight days this morning.
F. M. Grooters of this city has a veritable storehouse of stories of the early days of Grand Haven and its pioneers, Ferry’s, Albee’s, etc.
One citizen remarked today that in a few years Grand Haven’s dockage and marine interests would be so great as to require a fire boat.
Geo. A. Farr and Ex-Judge of Probate Chas. E. Soule have formed a law partnership to be known as Farr & Soule. The reputation of both is well known throughout the county and state.
At 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon a southwest blizzard set in which up to midnight was the worst storm of the winter. At that hour the wind quieted and shifted to the north. This morning some of the drifts were nearly ten feet high.
One can leave Grand Haven on a mild April day with the temperature 60 or thereabouts and be transported north within four hours to where the temperature is ranging between 10 below and ten above zero and where snow lies four and five feet in depth. This change in temperature is witnessed only in the northwestern states and is remarkable when thought of.
One of the most exciting experiences that a pioneer in this vicinity ever had was that of a man named Somerset in the 60’s. Somerset lived near Mill House bayou. He was at Grand Haven one day and started for home afoot in the afternoon. The shades of evening were just beginning to fall, when he was horrified by a sound which he knew too well. He had been scented by a pack of wolves and the ferocious animals were on his track. Somerset was near the bayou and hurried to a spot where he knew a row boat was moored. The wolves were upon him before he reached the river’s bank, but by throwing a package which he carried, toward them, he diverted their attention from him. It was only for a brief minute and they were again after him, but he had reached the boat and pulled away in safety.
The fishermen have a name for nearly every one of the hills on the lake shore, on both sides of the river.
The winter of 1893 is making a record for itself. But with all its blustering it is far more healthy than the several preceding winters.
Verhoek’s Market Burned Again.
For the second time within a few months Solomon Verhoek’s meat market has had a narrow escape from entire destruction by fire. Shortly after midnight last night Fred Jonker, who lives above the Bee Hive grocery and who had been sitting up with his wife who is sick, heard a cracking noise in the market. Looking out the windows he saw flames and quickly ran to the engine house to give the alarm. The night was a wild one, the wind blowing fiercely. The flames had a good start when the firemen reached the scene, but two streams of water were put on and by two o’clock this morning it had been thoroughly extinguished.
The fire was of incendiary origin and was started in the very same place that the former fire was. The shop is burned about as much as before and as in the case of the fire too much credit cannot be given the fire department. The loss is covered by insurance. Water leaking into the barber shop of Henry Vander Veere did some damage to the walls.
The question now is “Is there a fire bug at work?” If there is and whoever it is, if detected, life imprisonment is none to good for the person who would put citizen’s lives in danger by burning down buildings in the dead of night. Every person hopes the guilty party will be detected.
A couple of young fellows hired a rig yesterday and took their girls up to Muskegon. The blizzard came up in the afternoon and up to 4 o’clock today they had not been heard from. There is talk of a search party being organized.
A snow cleaning brigade, as Muskegon now has, would be a great improvement here. The walks should be cleared of snow by all means.
The amount of wheat in store at Milwaukee just now is a little short of 2,350 bushels. Most of it is owned by speculators and will be shipped to the seaboard on the opening of navigation.
The D., G. H. & M. freight house employees were notified Saturday that their pay would be reduced to 15 cents an hour beginning today. They had been getting 20. The pay car will be here tonight to make the men happy.
Nearly all the fishermen are getting their supply of ice.
Capt. John Muir of the old river boat Barrett, is not in favor of a canal between here and Grand Rapids, but thinks dredging the river the more feasible scheme.
The dam at Grand Rapids is frozen tightly, the first time in some years.
The steamer Lora is said to be one of the worst rolling vessels on the lake, but a good sea boat for all that.
The car ferry No. 2 has already had the sheathing torn away from her bow by the ice.
The steamer Lora has 42 state rooms and is electric lighted throughout.
The last gang of nets which Grand Haven fishermen had out were picked up by the tug Annie, Saturday. Contrary to expectations, they were found to be all right and the firm of A. Obeke & Co. are happy and rejoicing over the fact that they made the last haul of the season. About 6,000 of fish were in the nets.
The steamer Roanoke was slightly burned yesterday in Milwaukee requiring the assistance of a fire tug to extinguish the blaze.
Even the winter of 15 and 20 years ago are said not to have equaled this.
The few real estate transfers that now take place in Muskegon indicate how that town’s boom has busted.
The C. & W. M. cancelled their early trains today on account of snow.
Ottawa County has seventeen attorneys of which Grand Haven has ten, Holland four and Coopersville three.
John Moll caught a screech owl in his dove cote last night. The owl was a small one and was just in the act of devouring one of the doves.
“This is the worst winter we have had in a number of years in our section,” said Hon. Dwight Cutler of Grand Haven in the New Livingston yesterday. “We have more snow than there is here and of course more wind. Things are lively tough, more so for a good many winters back. Boats are running regularly to Milwaukee and will probably do so all winter. The boats come in a good many times covered with ice, but there has been no damage yet. Ten years ago this winter, I think it was, that we did not have a train for a week. There was a party of us ready to go to California and the women had their bonnets on day and night ready to go at a moments notice. We finally got a special engine and went to New Buffalo. That was a pretty tough winter.”―G. R. Democrat.
The ice in the river channel now has formed to quite a thickness.
A great deal of ice is said to now forming on the lake. Large balls of snow and ice are formed which are gradually enlarged by the rolling.
The following from the Dorr, Allegan Co. Times: “It is reported that the L. S. & M. S. R. R. company are about to carry out their long contemplated project of extending a branch line to some point on the lake shore as a feeder to this division. It is now believed that this branch will be started at a point about three miles north of this village, on the county line, and run nearly direct to Grand Haven. This report seems to be confirmed by the fact that Matt Herp intends to move his saw mill three miles north of here next spring, and that he and Theo. Myers and others are buying a large quantity of real estate in that vicinity. Such a line of rail road would be of great advantage to the people of North Dorr, Jamestown, and other points along the route, but would prove very disastrous to the villages of Dorr and Byron Center. This project will probably be brought to a hasty completion in order to head off the Jerry Boynton scheme of building a low grade road from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven.
Sweeney Pleads Guilty.
Norman Sweeney the horse thief who has been in the country jail for several months, and who has gained a national reputation by his escapades, told Sheriff Keppel this afternoon that he wished to plead guilty. He was brought before Judge Pagelson and so plead. The Judge deferred his sentence until tomorrow.
Sweeney’s final decision was suddenly brought about by the arrival of the Chicago witnesses this morning. Now everybody is conjecturing as to what the sentence will be, and the interest in the case has revived. His sudden change of mind was a surprise to all.
Death of Charlie Angel.
Chas. H. Angel, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. N. Angel, passed away last evening at 10 o’clock at the home of his parents. His death was caused directly by pleuro pneumonia, although indirectly it was caused by blood poisoning. He was 23 years of age, and was born in this city.
None knew Charlie Angel, but to like him. His quiet, unassuming, gentlemanly ways and bearing endeared him to all with whom he chanced to meet. Ambitious and a good student he worked hard for the point he desired to reach. His death casts a shade of sadness upon his many friends here.
Early last summer Charlie was at St. Mark’s Hospital, Grand Rapids , studying with his usual zeal to be a physician and surgeon. At the hospital he had many opportunities to watch the operations upon the patients and assist them in, in this way obtaining a practical insight. At a post mortem examination held there, he was detailed by the surgeons to sew the wounds of the patient.
While doing this he pricked his finger with the operating needle, but did not think anything of it at the time. The wound was no larger than that which an ordinary needle will give. In a few days the finger became swollen and blood poisoning set in. Charlie was very ill for a time and part of the finger was amputated. He gradually recovered and it was thought that he regained his former health. He came to his mome in this city and for a time was bookkeeper for Macfie & Son at their office.
He was then offered a position by Forrest Bros., to in former years millers in this city, but now of Manistee. He accepted and has been with them up to about two weeks ago. Then the finger began to trouble him again and he went to Grand Rapids to have another operation performed. The operation took two hours during which time he was under the influence of Chloroform. After it was over he felt ill from the effects of it, and went out doors to dispel the nauseous taste.
Coming home, plearo pneumonia set in and he has been lying at the point of death ever since. There was a slight change for the better on Saturday, but a relapse set in during the night. The last few hours of his life he was unconscious.
His brother George is here from Detroit and Harry who has been down South for his health will probably be here tomorrow. His sister, Mrs. Andrew, who resides in Detroit, has been here since Saturday.
The temperature went down lower last night than any previous time this winter.
The tent of K.O.T.M. of this city claim one of the largest secret organizations in the country. The lodge has 160 members.
If you can see the letter ‘B on the souvenir half dollars, then there is nothing the matter with your eyesight.
Roanoke’s Narrow Escape.
At half past 5 o’clock last evening, while the steamer Roanoke was lying at the dock of the Union Steamboat Company finishing a cargo of flour, fire broke out in the paint locker, which is situated in the fore peak, and for a short time serious damage was threatened, both to the steamer and to the immense freight shed. A prolonged alarm from the chime whistle of the craft, as well as speedy use of the telephone, brought the fire boat Cataract and a number of fire engines to the scene, and the blaze was soon subdued. The damage to the steamer is estimated at $200 only, but it is feared that the lower tier of flour in the hold may have suffered to a much greater extent from the water brought to bear upon the flames. The exact amount of this damage will not be ascertained until the cargo is discharged at Grand Haven. Bad weather prevented the Roanoke from leaving for that port last night, and as the storm rages harder than ever today she may not get away before tomorrow.―Evening Wisconsin, Jan. 9.
550 feet of pier will be built at Muskegon harbor this year.
There is still no sign of a let up of the cold wave.
Evidence of Jack Frost are seen on every window pane.
Scarlet fever is in the family of Henry Scholton of Jackson street.
Sheriff Keppel is giving the prisoner’s cells a thorough over hauling.
Gen. Ben. Butler died early this morning.
The new return postal cards are not meeting with great favor as they break in two, in the mails.
The steamer Roanoke arrived at 8 o’clock this morning. She was assisted into the harbor by the ice breaker Merick.
Two merry sleighride parties left the city last night, the objective point being Mr. Hoy’s home in Peach Plains.
The stockholders of the Grand Haven Leather Co. elected the following officers yesterday: President, C. N. Nyland; Secy, J. Vaupell; Treas, Geo. Stickney; board of Directors, D. Vyn and A. J. Nyland. A dividend of 7 per cent was declared after the first of April.
Eber L. Barber, the man who wanted to sue the city of Detroit for false imprisonment has been denied. Supt. Starkweather said that he had been twice convicted of forgery, has served time for two years and is under suspicion now. He is the man who attempted to forge Jay Barnes’ name for $20.
Capt. McGregor, who is in temporary command of the steamer Roanoke, says there is but little ice on the lake, except for two miles off this harbor, and none to occasion any trouble. The captain does not think there will be any danger of an ice blockade this winter unless there should be considerable wind from the southwest.
The car ferrys are meeting with trouble in getting in Kewaunee and Frankfort.
It is now understood that Judge Padgham will not sentence Norman Sweeney until tomorrow or Friday.
Judage Padgham is proving a great drawing card. His court room is filled to overflowing. The judge ought to raise the price of admission.
The city snow plow made its first rounds of the winter today. This is a right move and it should come out after every snow.
The stockholders of the Globe Match Co., met at City Hall last evening and elected the following officers: President, Chas. E. Soule; Vice President S. H. Boyce; Directors, Chas. E. Soule; Sherman H. Boyce; John A. Pfaff; Wm. Thieleman; Benona A. Biakeney.
Wm. Jones and Peter Kenyon, vagrants, were sentenced to ten days in jail by Justice Pagelson this morning.
Mr. Hyer, who was so fast to get the printing of the city water works case, finds now that he is unable to do the job and is seeking for assistance. The other printers of the city were not allowed to bid.
At nearly every port on the great lakes is a lodge of those jolly good fellows the Lake Marine Engineers Beneficial Association. Grand Haven is no exception and they have a thriving lodge here of 85 members. Their rooms are above the plumbing and gas fitting establishment of Johnston & Son.
Racing and Regatta Days of Grand Haven.
It was only fifteen or twenty years ago that Grand Haven rivaled with the metropolitan cities in sporting matters. In the early 70’s a fine mile track was built in Peach Plains, and Grand Haven was placed in the circuit. Many of the fast ones of that period including Bodine (a then very famous horse) have sped around that track. But the sport degenerated here and what was once the race track was a field of rye last summer.
Also about that time Grand Haven through the personal efforts of one man became one of the principal centers of the oarmen and rowing and sculling fraternity of the country. Frank Yates resided here then and was as fast as any of them. For several summers regattas were held on Spring Lake and Grand River and those who remember, still delight to tell of the throngs of people from here and abroad who thronged the banks to witness the races. Cortney and many others of world wide fame in rowing circles were there. But the people in this vicinity went to see Frank Yates win and he generally kept good the trust.
Capt. Yates is in Chicago now and the Chicago Times of Sunday had a very fine sketch and portrait of him. We take the following form the sketch:
“Capt. Frank Yates is a splendid example of what a man who takes good care of himself may become. The captain took to athletics as naturally as he did his meals, but that was ‘way back yonder.’ Frank did very little fencing, but was first known nationally as an oarsman. It was old ‘Bill’ Curtis, now editor of the Spirit of the Times, and so aptly named ‘Father of Athletics,’ who first induced Yates to try sculling, and so proficient did he become at the game that inside of a year he had won the American Championship. That was in 1874. He and Charles Courtney, then an amateur, doubled up and their mile and a half time made in centennial year at Philadelphia is still the best on record. After winning upward of fifty trophies on the water from 1874 to 1878 Capt. Yates became convinced that amateur rowing was devised more for men of means than for those who had to work for a living, and he took up fencing and was able to gratify his taste for the sport by constantly meeting the best men all over the country. In 1889 he went to Paris and studied the French system from al the leading instructors. He is now reputed to be a past master of the art, and despite his 45 years is as active as any of the youngsters. He taught fencing at the board of trade gymnasium for a number of years, and succeeded in making experts of many of the members of that institution. At present the captain has a large school at arms on the South side.
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This map began appearing in the Evening Tribune in the fall of 1892.
There is very little “grip” this winter.
Oysters are said to be scarce for this season.
S. Verhoeks has not yet commenced to rebuild his burnt butcher shop.
A laboring man was frozen to death in the snow near Manistee.
The temperature went down to nearly 15 below at Chicago yesterday.
Fresh oysters arriving daily at Wm. Van Drezer’s restaurant.
The freight handlers have been employed until 10 o’clock for the past several evenings.
Norman Sweeney has been quite happy since he changed his plea to guilty, which seemed to relieve his mind.
Assistant Postmaster Chas. N. Dickenson belongs to the Ex-Prisoners of War Association. He was a prisoner at Libby.
Taxpayers should not lose sight of the fact that a special meeting will be held in the council rooms of the city hall on Saturday, Jan. 11. The polls will be open on that day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting is for the purpose of raising $15,000 to be deposited with the county treasurer, on or before February 7th, and to be credited to the Court House building fund, and is the amount to be raised by the city over and above the city’s share to be raised by general tax by the people of the county. The bonds are to be payable $3000 in one year, $3000 in two years, $3000 in three years, $3000 in four years, and $3000 in five years with interest not to exceed 6 per cent payable semi-annually.
FIVE YEARS.
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Sweeney Sentenced to Jackson Prison for Five years.
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Norman Sweeney was brought before Judge Padgram at three o’clock this afternoon. The judge asked him if he had anything to say why sentence should not be passed. He answered in his usual unmoved way “No.” The judge then asked his attorney, Mr. Farr, if he had anything to say. Mr. Farr said that he had not, only to say that he had property in his hands to pay for the stolen Jenison horses. Judge Padgham then sentenced Sweeney to five years at hard labor in Jackson Prison. This ends Sweeney as far as Grand Haven is concerned and it can truly be said that he is one of the worst cases ever sentenced from Ottawa County Circuit Court. The sentence is a hard one, but deserved.
Letter From Rev. Van Zanten.
EDITOR EVENING TRIBUNE:
Dear Sir—As stated in your issue of the 10th inst. The Second Reformed church of this city will henceforth be an entirely English-speaking church.
At a congregational meeting of the church, held last Monday evening, it was so resolved.
This action is the final outcome of a principle adopted by this church as early as March 19th, 1880. At a congregational meeting then held it was resolved:
“That this church acknowledges the desirability, and adopts as principle, the substitution of the English language in place of the Dutch, and further, that the consistory be and is hereby instructed to promote as much as possible the use of the English language in divine services, and especially in catechetical instruction and Sunday School work.”
The consistory duty duly heeded these instructions, and faithfully promoted the use of the English language during the past twelve or thirteen years, wherever possible, so that by this time all the services were conducted in the English language, except the Sunday forenoon service.
But this process—long, gradual, mild, conciliatory as it was—did not prove to be altogether satisfactory, nor conducive to the best interests of all concerned.
The process partook of the nature of a compromise, and, like all compromises, proved to have its weak points, and these weak points became more and more evident to all closely observing persons, particularly to parents and grand parents having a number of children and grandchildren. Those understanding only, (or chiefly) the Dutch had only that one service on Sunday forenoons; those understanding only (or chiefly) the English language had no public divine service during the entire day, except the Sunday School. Both unsatisfactory and void of justice, as also of the desired benefits to either party.
Hence, after due and deliberate consideration last Monday evening, it was resolved, by a vote standing in the proportion of four yeas to one nay, to become an entirely English speaking church from this time on.
Hoping, yes confidently believing that the Second Reformed church has a mission here at Grand Haven, as also that she is in a better position than ever before, to fill that mission, I remain truly yours for the good of the community and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among young and old in this community.
J. J. VAN ZANTEN,
Pastor 2nd Ref. Ch.
Grand Haven Jan 11, 1893.
The Hon. Thomas D. Gilbert says: “I have known ex-Senator Thos. W. Ferry ever since he ran around in pantalettes. When he was about fourteen years old he became interested in the study of parliamentary usages. He made a very thorough study of the various manuals published on the practice of deliberative bodies. When he was elected to Congress Schuyler Colfax took a liking to the Michigan young man and soon noticed his skill in parliamentary practice and often called him to the chair and thus gave him a chance to become better known to the world. When Ferry was promoted to the United States senate upon taking his seat he found Colfax in the chair as Vice President of the United States. As in the house Colfax was Ferry’s friend and Ferry was often called to the chair. When Colfax died and the senate elected a presiding officer to succeed him and to be Vice President of the United States, the East was arraigned against the West. Ferry was elected by a majority of one and his success can be attributed in a large degree to the chance given him by Colfax and principally to his thorough knowledge of parliamentary practice which he began to acquire as a boy of fourteen.—G. R. Democrat.
In Circuit Court.
The case of the people vs. Wm. Morrissey is being tried in the Circuit court today. Tom Sheehan of Agnew, well known here, is the complain tent. Walter I. Lillie is attorney for the defendant.
On July 23 last, a pile of lumber belonging to Mr. Sheehan, containing 26,247 feet, was set on fire and burned. The lumber was piled on Mr. Sheehan’s property near the school house on the Grand Haven road town 7. It was valued at $300 with no insurance. Mr. Sheehan had a warrant sworn out for the arrest of Mr. Morrissey some time later.
His suspicion of Morrissey was the outcome of trouble which he had with the latter as short time previous. Morrissey had been acting strangely one day and had driven his wife and his daughters from the house. They sought assistance and Tom Sheehan, a Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Connell went to Morrissey’s house. They found him raving about they say, and pulling his own hair like a mad man. The three tied Mr. Morrissey hand and foot and brought him to jail in this city. No action being made against him, he was released the next day.
After being released he is said to have stated that he would get even with Tom Sheehan. The burning of the lumber followed and the trial the outcome.
Tom Sheehan was on the stand this afternoon. His rich Irish brogue and queer remarks made even the court laugh. Attorney Lillie asked him how it was that it took three big men to strap Morrissey?
“To make it easier, to be sure,” said Tom and everybody laughed, not excepting Judge Padgham.
Tom was asked concerning his feelings towards Morrissey. In answer he said, Well, I wouldn’t kiss him.”
Tom could not be rattled or abashed. He stated that he was afraid of Morrissey. That Morrissey had threatened him. When asked if Morrissey had openly threatened to burn his lumber, he said he had not. He also described the exact location of the lumber and the distance of the pile from Morrissey’s house.
There are several witnesses and as we go to press the case is still on.
The ice on Muskegon Lake is now strong enough for teams to cross.
C. & W. M. freight is just beginning to catch up since the big storm.
Tell your neighbor of the advantages that accrue to this city by building of a new court house.
The bursting of a water pipe did slight damage at the residence of Mr. J. Woltman today.
The Wisconsin remained here today and the Roanoke did not come in.
It is thought that the burned tug Wright will be a total loss. Her boiler and engines were badly damaged and the hull is said to be so weak that it cannot be rebuilt.
The plumbers are exceedingly happy over this “genuine, old fashioned winter.” The bursting water pipes has caused considerable annoyance and damage in residences and business places about town.
The case of the people vs. Wm. Morrissey for the burning of lumber belonging to Tom Sheehan was finished yesterday. The judge ordered a verdict of not guilty.
The steamer City of Fremont arrived off St. Joe Saturday, but on account of the ice could not get in. Blasting was tried without success. Men, were then engaged to cut a channel which was successfully done.
Rev. J. Rice Taylor, former pastor of the Saugatuck Episcopal church, has become insane and had to be taken to an asylum. Rev. Taylor was the first pastor of St. John’s church of this city. His mental trouble dates back several years.
Henry J. Dornbos & Bro, made their last shipment of fish Wednesday. The firm of Dornbos & Bro., are hustlers and their business is rapidly increasing, orders being received from all parts of the Union. They have worked hard during the past year and the success which is theirs they have earned, and will be ready for the opening of the fishing season of 1893.
The TRIBUNE was in error Thursday regarding the election of officers of the Grand Haven Leather Co. We learned since that the stockholders meeting of Thursday was for the purpose of electing a board of directors only, and that the board had not yet elected its officers. The present officers will be re-elected.
The annual masquerade ball given by the German Workingman’s Society last evening was one of the most successful ever given by that society. The Opera House Orchestra of Muskegon furnished very fine music. The first dance was shortly after 8 o’clock and the crowd did not disperse until nearly 4 this morning. Over 250 couples took part and the hall was crowded.
The time is opportune for our people to secure a new court house. The question of what Grand Haven will do is awaiting answer. The county will act if the city will. Home pride and business sense is involved in the issue. What objection any man who owns a dollars worth of property in this city can have to the proposition is beyond conception. The money spent will find its way into the hands of our people and when completed, the building will be both a pleasure and profit to our town. Think it over carefully and vote for it on the 21st. inst.
They Object.
Casper Ruch Jr., one of the witnesses in the Morrissey-Sheehan fire case yesterday was in town today. He says he never had such a job to get money before as he had to get his fees. The rest of his statement is as follows. They turned all corners from him, but he clung to them like a puppy to a root, as he expressed it, till he got paid. They had nerve enough (probably means the Morrissey’s) to ask him to ride home with them. He said he was too much of a gentleman to ride with such class of people. He got all he wanted to do with them. He don’t want to be classed as a one-eyed man.
Thomas Sheehan, the complainant in the case against William Morrissey in Circuit Court yesterday, wishes it distinctly understood that he is not from Agnew, but from West Olive on the lake shore. He wishes us to state that he would not be classed with the people there. The man that put his residence as Agnew before, has since been to town and had snakes in his boots. He would rather like that man to pay him for the straw which he purchased of him (Mr. Sheehan,) when he was unable to buy hay.
The Grand Haven Courier~Journal points with a deal of pride to the fact that while out in last week’s blizzard the Stmr. Lora of the Vandalia line, after making unsuccessful attempts to enter St. Joseph, Racine and Milwaukee harbors was obliged to run to Grand Haven for shelter. And well may the people of that city feel proud, for through the influence of the D., G. H. & M. R. R. and other corporations Uncle Sam has certainly made for them an excellent harbor. But just wait till the new Holland Steamboat Company gets into working order and the new Stmr. City of Holland rips Black Lake up the back a few times, and we will show you a harbor to boast of in time.—Times, Holland
SWEENEY TAKEN TO JACKSON.
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Story of His Crime.
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Norman Sweeney has said good-by to Grand Haven. Ottawa County jail has closed its door to him, and Jackson Prison stands ajar and will be his residence for the nest five years. Good time will liberate him a year and a half sooner. He left this morning via the C. & W. M. in charge of Sheriff Keppel. He was driven in a cutter to the depot.
On Saturday night June 25yh, last, the barn of Luman Jenisen in Jenison was broken into, and a team of valuable horses with a platform spring wagon and a set of double harness stolen. The next day, Sunday, Sheriff Vaupell, traveled 65 miles to get some information of the thief. Information was asked of every ferry tender in Ottawa County, but none could be obtained.
On Monday the sheriff started with a renewed determination to capture the man. He discovered that the thief was traveling south and at Clyde, Allegan county the best horse stolen from Mr. Jenison was found lying in the road dead. The same day Joseph Josh of Clyde reported a horse missing. His horse had been grazing in a pasture near where Jenison’s dropped dead. Evidently the thief had stolen him to replace the dead one.
It became evident that the man was driving hard, and along swampy highways. By Thursday June 30th the sheriff had traced him to the Kankakee swamps of Northern Indiana. Here the trail was missed. Many farmers had seen the man pass near their fields with the stolen team. They said he was driving hard and paid no attention to what was going on around him; in fact did not talk with any of them. The reward for the capture of the thief was now increased to $125.
Sheriff Vaupell arrived at the conclusion that the fellow’s headquarters were at or near Chicago and that his thieving operations were confined to Western Michigan. He notified Sheriff Smith of Muskegon to be on the watch. Two weeks passed, when one day a man drove into this city from the south. He took the back streets and drove towards the ship yard with the intention of taking Estes’s ferry across the river to the sag. A road leads from there to Muskegon. He left his horse standing and halloed to Estes. The horse became frightened and ran through the shipyard at a mad rate. Several buffalo robes and blankets were thrown out and the wagon overturned, and the horse stopped. The man left the overturned box and started for Muskegon via the Spring Lake bridge. Henry Prick is still in possession of the wagon box.
Deputy Sheriff Whitbeck of Allegan county notified Sheriff Vaupell that a strange man had driven north through Allegan county, with a fine appearing team. Sheriff Smith of Muskegon was notified, and on Saturday morning at 4 o’clock July 9th, found a trail, but lost it. Herman Langkawell, a Muskegon livery man, knew where the horses were kept and notified the sheriff. They were in a barn near Walton street and the rig was found there. After some search the driver of the team was found in a restaurant and was arrested by Sheriff Vaupell. He gave his name as Chas. Averill and said he lived in Chicago.
At the instance of Deputy Whitbeck, Sheriff Vaupell took Averill to Fennville to see if anyone knew him there. Several old residents knew him at first sight, but not under the name Averill. His true name was Norman Sweeney. They stated that some fifteen or twenty years ago he belonged to what was known as the Orr gang, a band of men who at that time terrorized all Allegan county by their lawlessness. The gang had committed every conceivable crime and nearly all of them served time. Sweeney himself was in Allegan jail for stealing an ox team, and during his confinement had twice attempted to break out. Sheriff Vaupell brought Sweeney back and put him in Ottawa county jail July 9th, just six months ago.
On July 12th he was brought before Judge Pagelson. His hearing was laid over one week and he was committed back to jail on default of $1000.
In the meantime Mr. Jenison had identified a blanket and a rubber coat found in the Muskegon barn as his. The buggy belonged to F. D. Spaulding of Pearl, Allegan county. A lot of green hides which had been stolen from the tannery a month previous were also found there. The amount of goods stolen by Sweeney amounted to over $1000.
On July 12th a very important clue was found by the sheriff. It was a letter postmarked from Glenn, stating that two of the Orr’s had returned to Allegan. They were old pals.
On July 18 a partial examination was made at Judge Pagelson’s office, at which the Jenison’s were present.
The coils were tightened, when on July 19, Wm Boyd, a Chicago detective, accompanied by Mr. Raddatz and a Mr. Coburn, also of Chicago, arrived on the Chicago boat. These gentlemen identified the horses which were kept at Sprick’s barn, as their own. The horses had been stolen from them July 8. It was evident that he stole Michigan horses to take to Chicago and Chicago horses to take to Michigan. The ____ paid Sweeney a visit and he called them d___d liars when they told him the horses belonged to them. The returned to Chicago with the horses.
All concerning Sweeney was silent until Oct. 17. On the night of that date he made a desperate attempt to escape. His intention was evidently was to knock down the sheriff in so doing. The facts are of too recent date to require further mention. For several days after he raved like a maniac, to feign insanity.
On December 2 he attacked and nearly killed a fellow prisoner.
All preparation had been made for his trial at this term of court when to the surprise of everybody he signified his intention of pleading guilty. Judge Padgham sentenced him yesterday to five years hard labor in Jackson.
Sweeney is gone. During his six months stay here he gave Ottawa county a notoriety by his desperate deeds. He was a stoic, unmoved man. A man who would go to the gallows and be as unmoved as ever. By his appearance he looked more like a stout farm hand than a crook. On one side of his cheek was a scar, caused by a knife in a fight in Fennville many years ago.
Vale, Sweeney
Vote for the new court house.
Snow is said to have fallen now for 26 consecutive days.
If Grand Haven does her duty on the 21st inst, this city will soon have a $40,000 court house.
Old fashioned winters were nowhere in it, compared to the modern winter of ’93.
Hillsdale and Jackson counties will each vote upon a $50,000 new court house in April.
Sheriff Keppel landed Sweeney safely in Jackson Prison yesterday. He was assigned a cell but what will be his labor is not yet known.
Young men who wish to spend an evening pleasantly in reading should pay frequent visits to the rooms of the Young Men’s Band of Christian Workers.
The C. & W. M. trains from Chicago were snowed in west of Michigan City yesterday. The C. & W. M. has suffered more from the snow blockade than any other road in the state.
Before being taken to Jackson, Norman Sweeney stated that he had served time there before, in the early 70’s for horse stealing. Prison life will not be a novelty to Sweeney as together with his previous term at Jackson he has also served time at Joliet and Iowa State prison.
A special train on the D. & M. became stalled Monday night on the grade east of the village, and the water to the tank becoming very low, the crew were obliged to shovel snow into the tank in order to get water enough to carry them to Berlin. They were five hours making the trip from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids.―Coopersville Observer.
An affirmative vote for the new court house is a vote in the interests of the wage earner of this city.
J. P. Armstead of Grand Haven, secretary of the Dake engine Works; Levi Scofield of this same city, superintendent of the Challenge Corn Planter works; Henry Whitney, a Cedar Springs merchant, and D. R. Waters of Spring Lake, the old time newspaper man, were guests in the Clarendon yesterday. “We are moving in Grand Haven and that is about all,” said Mr. Armstead. “Snow is about two feet deep and that makes work of all kinds laborious. This is our dull month too, but we are keeping a number of men at work. Boats are still running to and from Milwaukee, but as the ice is pretty thick we have hard work sometimes.”―G. R. Dem.
The fishermen are busy making new nets and repairing old ones; getting in readiness for a lively season’s campaign.
The crucial test of Grand Havenites best interest in the welfare of our city will be demonstrated by voting “yes” on the court house question.
The snow on Washington Ave. for two blocks in front of Hancock’s greenhouses is as black as the proverbial Chicago snow. This caused by cinders from that plant.
The tax on the new court house will be about 25cts on a hundred dollars assessment, a year. Can any citizen afford to vote against the proposition on the ground of increased taxation? The erection of the proposed new court house will enhance the value of Grand Haven’s real estate 20 per cent.
What has become of our new city snow plow?
Many ice houses are now being filled with new ice.
The Cutler House is gaining in favor of the traveling public.
Our wood market has been well supplied with wood and prompt sales made so far this winter.
The boiler being built by Johnston Bros., for the McGregor is said to be a monster.
It still snows and the prophets appear to be hitting the mark surely. The 17th is the time set for a let up and we hope the beautiful will cease to come for a few days at least.
Judge Padgham, our new Circuit Judge, now holding his first term of court in this county is receiving many compliments for the prompt manner in which he dispatches business. He can yet gain favors from the tax payers by plainly stating to the lawyers that when they enter a case on the calendar they must be ready to try it when reached on the calendar, or out of court they go, and that promptly.
The papers along the shore are publishing items telling about the freeze up of their harbors. From Frankfort to Grand Haven it is the same story and they are offering all kinds of excuses for the icy barriers. Manistee river flows along as usual without any coating of ice and boats have no trouble whatever in making this port. Other lake ports may brag as they will, the fact remains that Manistee has the only winter harbor this side of the lake that can be relied upon.―Manistee Democrat.
The Democrat probably forgets that a line of boats composed of the Roanoke and Wisconsin have been coming in regularly and without trouble into Grand Haven all winter. Neither are they compelled to lay off this harbor for two days or put into some other port because of inability to get in, as has been the case with the F. & P. M. boats at Manistee since the latter part of October.
We have not heard a man in this city who intends voting “no” on the court house question Saturday.
One of our readers suggests that a lazy man can be told by the sidewalks in front of his home and place of business and judging by the looks of snow in front of some of our residences, Grand Haven must have one or two lazy men at least.
The barge Mary A. McGregor which has served as a consort to steamer Boyce in the iron ore trade from Escanaba has been chartered by William R. Loutitt, will be converted into a steamer and next year go on the Chas. A. Street’s old route between here and Escanaba in the ore trade. A fore and aft compound engine with cylinders 21 and ½ inches in diameter and 36 inch stroke is being built for her at the Trout Works in Buffalo. Johnston Bros. will build the boiler which will be 12½ feet in diameter and 12 feet long, capable of a working pressure of 125 pounds. Early in the Spring the McGregor will be towed to Milwaukee to have her bed plate and shafting put in, after which she will be returned here and the boiler and engine set up.
Another Mysterious Fire.
Early Sunday morning about two o’clock some one discovered a fire in the residence occupied by Henry Verhoeks on Elliot St. An alarm was given to which the firemen promptly responded. When the flames were reached the firemen saw that they were beaten, as it had too good a start. Nevertheless by hard work it was prevented from spreading. The house and furniture are a total loss.
Mr. and Mrs. Verhoeks were not at home, having left for Olive on the late train to visit Mrs. Verhoeks folks. Evidently the fire was of incendiary origin. It is the third fire which the Verhoeks have had in as many months. First the burning of S. Verhoeks meat market in October; it’s second burning last week and this fire.
The furniture was valued at $700 with $350 insurance. Chas. Hass owned the residence.
If these fires are caused by a fire bug, then life imprisonment at Jackson would be none too good for the fiend. By all means it should be investigated.
The Wisconsin arrived at 1:30 yesterday afternoon. She encountered considerable ice in mid lake.
The firemen wish to thank Mrs. De Vries for the sumptuous breakfast which she served them early Sunday morning at the time of the Verhoek’s fire.
Many this morning thought that the period of cold and unsettled weather was over, but the weather man blasted their hopes with a blizzard from the northwest.
Boomgaard & Sons, the hustling hardware men of Ottawa County sold eighteen of their famous Gold Coin Stoves this season. Who says Grand Haven isn’t booming.
The World’s Fair season is only three months distant. Grand Haven should be extensively advertised on the boats and wherever the many tourists, Chicago bound, can see it.
Geo. Savery was badly injured at D., G. H. & M. depot. He was working in one of the cars when a water glass bursted. His wrist was badly lacerated and the arteries and veins cut. Dr. Reynolds was summoned and bandaged his wounds.
All the Columbian stamps up to the denomination of 30 cents can now be obtained at the Post Office. They are 1 cent, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, and 30 cent. Many are buying the whole set to be kept as mementoes of the World’s Fair. These stamps are also widely used as currency which was not the case with the old issues.
Fine plate glass windows have been placed in the building hitherto occupied by Al Ennoy, but which has been rebuilt and converted into a passenger station for the Goodrich Line.
Capt. E. L. Craw said in Grand Rapids yesterday: “I have just returned from a business trip to England, where I negotiated the sale of 200,000 acres of Southern hardwood timber land. The land was sold to a syndicate for $1,250,000 and if it had been worth $12,000,000 the sale could have been made just as readily. It is in business matters that the English show such a marked contrast to Americans. If one tries to dispose of any real estate or stocks in New York, he straight away encounters a man who does not invest in any capital outside the city. Then he finds another who wouldn’t think for a moment of putting anything into Southern stock or lands. Another buys Michigan pine exclusive, and the outside speculates of another are carried out only in Washington or California. Each man has a hobby and you couldn’t cure him of it any more than you could convince a Grand Rapids man that good furniture can be made in any place except here. But the English capitalist branches out into everything. He invests in South African mines, Texas ranches, Michigan sawmills, Canadian railroads, South American lumber and cattle, continental stocks and everything you can imagine.
E. L. Craw is home from the south. Mr. Craw is interested in a number of railroad projects in the southern country.
A Banner Ward.
Mr. John Baker has been around town for the past few days getting the opinion of the tax payers in regard to the new court house. Of the 124 tax payers visited in the Fourth ward there was only one against the proposition. The others were enthusiastic for a new county building. If the other wards do as well, or nearly as well, there will be no fear of a big majority for the court house.
A County Seat War.
Ottawa County’s first and only real county seat war was in 1856. There was no court house here at that time, but court was held in the old school house, Judge Martin presiding. In the wild condition of things at that time, crimes were numerous and many important trials were held here. Jurors were then paid only $1 a day and all of them suffered loss peculiarly. The holding of court would bring many people from the surrounding country to town and Pennoyer’s hostelry and others were always crowded for room. There was a deep rivalry between the inns and if nothing better was obtainable mattresses were laid on the floor for the guests.
Then the inland townships of Ravenna, Crockery and Polkton began urging the necessity of the county town being located in the center of the county. Eastmanville in their minds was the most adoptable place.
The matter was brought to a vote. In order to carry, two thirds of the townships were necessary. There were sixteen townships, but Eastmanville lost by one or two.
The effort was depressing on Eastmanville. In the mind’s eye of its residents it would have swelled the population to 100,000 or more if the county seat project were carried. Eastmanville citizens even went so far as to buy out Grand Haven’s newspaper and remove it there to help fight their battle.
After the county seat squabble was settled, steps were at once taken for the erection of a court house in the late fifties the present structure was built. It was a fine building for that period but like all other old things is now about 50 years behind the times in architecture, size, etc.
EDISON PHONOGRAPH―Dealers wanted in every town in the State of Michigan to sell it, and handle our goods. Splendid opportunity to energetic men. For particulars address The North American Phonograph Co., Masonic Temple, Chicago, Ill.
Night watch Peter Cook gave the alarm of the Verhoeks fire Sunday morning. The TRIBUNE yesterday did not mention this fact because it did not know.
What’s the matter with our electric lights now evenings?
Wheelmen in Muskegon are riding on the hard packed snow.
The plumbers will never forget the winter of 93 if everybody else does.
New and skilled workmen for the glass factory are still arriving from Louisville.
Holland wants its charter amended so women can vote for school inspectors.
James Nolan, a drunk, was sentenced to 8 days in the county jail by Justice Pagelson this morning.
The car ferries between Kewaunee and Frankfort are having considerable trouble with the ice.
It is not the Goodrich Trans. Co., who are erecting the station near the dock at the foot of Washington St., but Nat Robbins, Jr.
Some years ago the car ferry system was tried on Lake Champlain between Burlington, Vermont and some other point. It proved to be a failure.
Early yesterday morning the steamer Wisconsin went out accompanied by the wrecker Merick. Both boats are in the ice off Muskegon. The Roanoke due here yesterday is also fast in the ice. She was seen off this port yesterday.
Remember that the election Saturday means very much for the future welfare of this, our beautiful city.
The cabins of the Goodrich steamers Racine and Indiana are said to be more finely finished than any other ships on fresh water.
This afternoon it was reported that the steamers Wisconsin, Roanoke and Merick are all off Muskegon harbor. No uneasiness is felt as to their safe return.
The ice men do not complain of their ice crop this year as there is an unlimited supply. This will be a God send to Chicago during the coming summer in world’s Fair season.
The tenants in the Odd Fellows Block complain of the dirty and filthy appearance in the upper hallway of that building every morning, caused by certain crowds that loaf there every morning.
Some means should be taken to prevent the freezing of the city’s water hydrants. Many valuable minutes are lost, in time of a fire by three frozen hydrants, and a big blaze can be fanned inside of three minutes.
City night watch Peter Cook has the record of giving in personally eleven fire alarms. All this goes to show that Officer Cook is on his beat and covers all his territory, winter as well as summer.
Mark D. Norris, the Grand Rapids attorney, is in Washington on business connected with the water works case. That case will probably be brought up in Supreme Court tomorrow. Both he and Judge Howell are attorneys for the contesting litigants.
People from Allendale and Robinson state that in their opinion the proposition to build a new court house will be carried. They think the county ought to be old enough and large enough now to have their most important building, architecturally and otherwise, as good as we see in other counties our size.
This morning while the fire department was hurrying to the blaze one of the fireman’s hats was knocked off the hook and ladder, opposite Dr. VanderVen’s house. Mr. Harm Northuis ran out in the road to pick it up, when he fell down. Spectators at first thought he was seriously hurt as he bled form the nose profusely. He was carried into the engine house, where his injuries were attended to. Mr. Nothuis is troubled with a heart affection, which probably in the excitement of the occasion came on, and caused him to fall. He was not seriously hurt.
A MINISTERIAL GUN.
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Rev. Roese Asks Permission to Carry a Gun at Grand Haven.
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Grand Haven, Mich., Jan. 17.―Special.―Rev. Roese of the German Evangelical church of Grand Haven, has asked permission of the city police to carry a revolver. The reverend gentleman has been threatened by a letter purporting to be from white caps, to leave town or take the chance of losing his life. There has been trouble among the members of the church, which is supposed to be the cause of the letter.
The above article appeared in the Detroit Journal of last evening.
Rev. Roese was not at home this morning, but after reading the article the Marshall said it was true.
Last September trouble arose among some of the members of St. Paul’s church and several left the church. Shortly after, Rev. Roese, the pastor of the church, received a threatening letter signed by four initials. After each initial was the figure of a white cap. The letter stated that trouble would be given him two weeks from the date signed. The mentioned date passed by and the pastor was not harmed. The letter was probably meant more for scare than anything else. Nevertheless there is a law which will deal hard with the writers of threatening letters providing they are caught and the matter can not be laughed at.
As Rev. Roese makes frequent trips to the country he asked one of the officers a short time ago if he could lawfully carry a revolver to protect himself in case of being attacked by the author of the aforesaid letter. This in the main is the whole story.
There is very little possibility of the pastor being assaulted, as the writers of such letters are generally cowards and what they write in secret they would not dare breath aloud in public. It is one of the meanest and most despicable acts under the sun and the pastor would be warranted in defending himself.
Fire.
About 7:30 this morning, fire was discovered in the small frame dwelling in the rear of Fred Vos’ store on Sixth St. The firemen found that several of the hydrants were frozen, but water was at last obtained from the hydrant on the corner of Fulton and 4th St. The flames originated in the roof, undoubtedly from the chimney. The fire was confined mostly to the upper story but the damage by the water as well, will render the building well nigh a total loss.
The house was occupied by Abram Nedervelt and family. Nearly all of their household goods were saved. The building was owned by Fred Vos and was fully insured.
“Hi” Potts, Grand Haven’s all around good fellow and journalist hustler, spent the day in the city.―G. R Eagle.
Mr. A. Nedervelt and family desire to thank their neighbors for the assistance rendered them at the burning of their residence yesterday.
Notwistanding all our sunshine today there was a little snow flurry shortly after two o’clock this afternoon. Over a month of consecutive snowy days now.
Congressman Belknap yesterday introduced a petition from the Grand Rapids South Congregational church praying that the World’s Fair may be closed on Sundays.
Capt. W. Tremper of the schooner Robert Howlett has purchased a prepaid ticket for his nephew, Wm. Tremper of Amsterdam, Netherlands for passage to this city over the Netherland American Steam Navigation Co.’s Line. He is a young man 18 years of age and will make his residence here.
Albert Kiel lost a colt last night by being kicked by another horse. Mr. Kiel has several horses which he keeps in box stalls. His driving horse during the afternoon kicked down the partition between the stalls and also kicked the colt in the fore leg. The colt’s leg was broken and it was found necessary to kill it. Mr. Kiel valued the animal at $100.
Ice is being put in that is sixteen inches thick.
The eastern shore of Lake Michigan seems to be blockaded in cycles of every ten years.
Don’t stand under the eaves of buildings now days as falling ice and snow makes it extremely dangerous.
The Roanoke and Wisconsin have been experiencing considerable difficulty in their efforts to get into Grand Haven. Both boats were out in the lake yesterday, one of the steamers lying for some time diagonally between here and Grand Haven, some 14 miles from shore.―Muskegon News.
A large colony of Grand Haven young men are located in Chicago. Nearly all of them have fine positions. C. E. Soule, Jr., Dan, John, and Walter Rosie, Fred and Robert Simpson, John and Peter Wieses, Chas. Van Zanten, John LeFebre, Peter Howe, Will Rose, Fred D. Vos Jr., Will Juistema, John Northuis, and several others could be enumerated.
Sweeney at Jackson.
“No, Averill (Sweeney) has not yet been assigned to any regular work in the prison and I have no idea as to what branch of work here, he will be assigned to,” said one of the deputy wardens to a TRIBUNE representative at Jackson this week. “It all depends on the skill he may possess and the kind of labor for which he is best adapted. Sometimes prisoners are not at their regular work the second day and sometimes not after a month after they arrive here. There are now about 820 prisoners confined in the state penitentiary.
Earlier Blockades.
The small blockade this winter calls to mind the winter of 1883, better known as the Michigan winter in this locality. Older residents tell of a winter in the early 70’s when the ill fated steamer Ironsides was imprisoned in the ice a few miles off this port for six weeks. At first this would seem a serious predicament, but jolly times were had on board. The ice was so safe that several parties went out from here in sleighs and had dances in the cabin.
In the winter of 83 also a party of men under the leadership of Geo. Sheldon walked out to the Michigan with food for the crew. A walk of 15 or 20 miles on an ice berg is not pleasant and many of the brave fellows had their feet badly frost bitten.
When the Michigan’s crew walked to land it was under the leadership of 1st Mate Joe Russell. Russell was a kind-hearted, but energetic man. It was his driving power that saved the lives of the crew. Before they had gone a long distance from the boat many of them were frost bitten. Several of them were ready to give up and lay down. This would have been certain death, but Russell urged them on. He even resorted to force to waken their vitalities. When they reached shore some of them were badly frozen, but their lives were saved, mainly through the efforts of one man.
Russell is now said to be commander of one of the F. & P. M. boats.
[The dates of '1883' and '83' may not be correct in the above article as the quality of the scan was poor. It will be rechecked and corrected if necessary.
For a very interesting view of the S.S. Michigan wreck see it on Rich Craig's wreck diving website:
http://www.michiganshipwrecks.org/michigan.htm ]
There will be only eight saw mills running in Muskegon next year.
H. Bloecker & Co. have purchased the ground between their plant and the D., G. H. & M. tracks to give them more yard room.
The Grand Haven ship carpenters who have been at Saugatuck working have returned.
Real estate transfers to the amount of $20,000 were made in this county last week. Ottawa County is booming and Grand Haven real estate picking up wonderfully.
For the three months after a new prisoner enters Jackson he must wear the stripes. After that length of time, if he is industrious and decent his stripes are discarded and the grays as the prisoners call them put on. There is a certain honor even among convicts and some of them take it as a great disgrace if compelled to wear the stripes.
A. W. Thompson reports everything lively in St. Paul. St. Paul and Minneapolis are the coming great cities of the country. The name of H. C. Akeley is known everywhere in the Twin Cities, and he is one of the largest lumber men, now in the northwest. He has an office in the Lumberman’s Building. Chas. Butts, also a former resident here, now has a livery stable in St. Paul. The Roseboom’s are also residing in Minneapolis. Frank has been clerking in a store and is a member of one of the militia companies.
As the early morning C. & W. M. train came in this morning a dog stood on the track near the Fulton St. crossing. The train was going at a good speed. The dog did not hear the oncoming train and was caught by the cowcatcher and thrown into the air. When he alighted it was nearly 100 feet from where he had been struck. Instead of a pile of bones and a dead body it was a very live dog which struck the ground and ran around the corner howling, like so many tin cans tied to his tail. The dog was not hurt a particle.
Hiram Beckwith of this city taught school at Chantsford, near Lowell, Mass., when Benjamin Butler was a rising young attorney years ago, and has often seen him. Mr. Beckwith was well acquainted with many of the prominent and national men born in that section, (and there were many of them). He was born in New Hampshire very near the home of President Pierce and was well acquainted with him. Also with Gov. Hubbard, a prominent dignitary in that section. Mr. Beckwith has also heard Daniel Webster speak at the old Fanuel Hall in Boston, when that statesman was the greatest orator in the nation.
Citizens, don't shirk your duty tomorrow, but act as true and progressive American citizens, and vote in favor of the new court house.
T. W. Kirby has already put up 700 cords of ice.
The Wisconsin arrived in Milwaukee yesterday afternoon after being in the ice several days.
The steamer Roanoke and tug Merick arrived at the mouth of the harbor last night. The Roanoke has nearly 1000 tons of freight.
The court of inquiry to determine whether or not Col. Ludlow, of the engineer corps of the army shall be tried by court martial has concluded its hearings, and the members are now in New York preparing their report.
Up to date 600 cars have been transferred across lake Michigan between Kewaunee and Frankfort on Ann Arbor No. 1 and Ann Arbor No. 2. The amount of business of the line seems to only be a question of procuring cars fast enough for the demand. So says the Green Bay Gazette.
The tug Merick lost her rudder and shoe in the ice in the lake Tuesday night and was well nigh helpless. The Racine would have been at her dock this morning but had to go to the Merick’s assistance, and lashed side to side they came in this afternoon. The loss of the rudder and shoe will necessitate taking the Merick to Milwaukee for repairs. She will probably go in tow of the Roanoke. Both boats would have been in here Wednesday but for the accident of the Merick.
The citizens of Grand Haven have never deserted their guns and we don't believe they will tomorrow, but will cast their ballots for a new court house to a man.
The Grand Haven Tribune is doing its share towards getting a new court house.―Detroit Free Press.
The south pier was crowded wit people today to see the long absent Roanoke.
People have been walking across the river on the river on the ice for the past few days. The arrival of the Roanoke and the channel she made stopped this. One woman in her anxiety to get over, ran across when the boats were within twenty yards of her.
A horse belonging to the Fruitport Iron Co., was drowned in Spring Lake Wednesday. A team had been hitched to snow plow to make a road on the ice. The ice broke and one of the horses went under and drowned.
A distinguished gentleman stated a day or two ago that he never saw so many handsome ladies in any other city as we have here. And the cause of it was found to be that our ladies know a good thing when they see it, and use Rose Bloom extensively. For sale by F. A. Hutty.
The Woman’s Club Banquet.
The banquet given by the Woman’s Club last evening was a success in every particular. The Unitarian church had been beautifully but modestly decorated for the occasion, and its soft beauty was its charm. The banquet tables had been arranged in the form of a U, giving all a chance to view the toaster. In all, 150, is the estimate given of the number who attended.
Mrs. Thomas A. Parrish, as president of the Club, made the opening remarks, and was followed by the Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Duncan, in “Our Guests.”
Before each toast pleasant introductory remarks were made by Mrs. Rev. Wilkinson.
The toasts in order were:
Our Guests, ------------------------------ Mrs. Duncan.
The United States, ---------------------- Hon. T. W. Ferry.
The Commonwealth of Michigan, ------- Hon. G. W. McBride.
The Press, -------------------------------- Rev. A. S. Kedzie.
Our Educational Interests:
The College, ------------------------------ Hon. D. Cutler.
The Public Schools, ---------------------- Prof. E. L. Briggs.
Woman’s Club’s, ------------------------- Rev. Dr. Wilkinson.
The Pioneers of Woman’s Clubs, -------- Mrs. Geo. Stickney.
University Extension, --------------------- Rev. H. Root.
American Authors, ---------------------- Hon. G. A. Farr.
Whittier, ---------------------------------- Dr. Cummings.
Art, --------------------------------------- Mr. Will Havinga.
Music, ------------------------------------ Rev. R. Lewis.
Cultivated Womanhood, ------------------Mr. T. A. Parish.
Woman and the Ballet, --------------------Mr. John Macfie.
The toasts by Mr. Ferry, Mr. Farr, and Mr. Stickney were special features. Mr. Farr ridiculed the lecture given the previous evening by James K. Applebee. Mr. Stickney’s toast was of a witty and humorous vein.
The supper consisted of three courses and the guests were at the table for three hours.
The music was rendered by Miss Martin of Akeley Institute with three selections. The minuet was especially fine.
The banquet closed with the singing of a National song, led by Mrs. Rev. Root.
It was an event long to be remembered by all who attended and will be marked in their diaries as one of the leading social events of the year.
Fruit Growing in Grand Haven Township.
From the Grand Haven Courier-Journal.
It is now understood that there is more good farming, garden and fruit lands in this township than has been formerly estimated. What has been called swamp land and considered about worthless, when cleared and drained, is the best. In a short time there will be meadows and pastures as well as garden and celery fields.
But our purpose is to talk about fruit growing. Observation leads us to emphasize this; that the business man must have more of a purpose than to make money. A passion for it is his best capital. Without this he need not commence. Let him determine whether to grow large or small fruit or both and select his land accordingly. Right location and soil are of vital importance. There is yet some desirable high ground for peaches. Apples,, pears, plums and berries do better on lower ground, of which there is a good supply that can be bought cheaply, and cleared without great expense. We are confident that fruit well managed will pay better than general farming. It is usually best to combine large and small fruit. Avoid the mistake of running all one thing. Plant of all kinds and in order of ripening to cover the entire season. Location, soil, and the kind of fruit settled; then comes the preparation of the soil. Here is where the failures generally begin. So many are saying, “berries are no good any more, and my trees are doing nothing; somehow everything has changed here on the shore.” Very true. Years ago the soil was new. Some of it has been cropped for years, with no attempt to fertilize. Berries are planted where rye refuses to be its own successor. They are put on the sand hills and the trees in the wet hollows or hills as may be. The soil should be new. If old, it must be enriched and put in good condition before it is planted. New land is better to be worked one year before setting fruit. The soil becomes firmer and the wild growth subdued; but whether planted the first or second year, the preparation must be thorough. Fitting ground after it is planted, is time, money, and labor lost.
As to planting, do it with care. A few moments of exposure of roots to sun and wind is death to plants. Crowding or jamming the roots into two small holes is equally fatal. Keep the roots covered and moist while planting and put them in the ground as nature does as nearly as possible. Put surface soil next to the roots and pack closely. Plant a good distance apart. Don’t plant small fruits between rows of trees unless you want a failure all around. Our soil can grow but one crop at a time. Large or small fruit wants all the ground. Don’t crop your orchard. One year may do, but, if continued, you will join the crying band―”Fruit don’t pay.” The damage may not appear at first, but will when we expect a fine, healthy orchard and plenty of luscious, marketable fruit. From the time an orchard is planted we should be building up the soil by fertilizers, or by turning under some crops sowed for the purpose. Enrich our sand and give clean cultivation and growth of plants is all that could be desired. Stirred often it will endure drought; with haphazard care, weeds and grass, ruin has already come. Don’t plow out your trees. Some put the plow beam deep close to trees and plants, and leave them to dry or be blown down.
Keep a vigilant watch for plant and fruit enemies. Study varieties. Ignorance here has been greatly to our disadvantage. Trees and plants must not only be hardy, vigorous and productive, but their fruit must be large and fine appearing. This year common peaches sold for 25 cents a basket, whole fine large ones brought fifty and sixty cents.
Buyers tried the growers, writing, “Send us large choice fruit; we can sell all you can send. But small, inferior fruit is slow sale. We don’t want it.” Thin the fruit on the trees. Fine marketable fruit cannot be had from overloaded trees or vines. Instead of more there will be fewer bushes and the trees will be damaged. But this thinning is a difficult thing to do. It appears such a waste and the fruit seems so much thinner when green. Pull away until you think nearly all is off and then repeat the process. Take all inferior fruit. In no case allow the tree to need propping.
Buying trees is an important matter. In no other industry is purchasing so unwisely done. Many do not know that a few trees cost nearly as much as a large number, or that stock bought from agents often costs four or five times as much as when gotten direct from nurserymen. We have known $3.50 paid for grape vines that could be bought for twenty cents and not worth planting at that; and five and seven dollars for trees worth one dollar and a half. If several persons or a neighborhood would combine their orders, much might be saved.
We wish all success and wait for the coming orchards, beautiful in tree, fragrant in blossoms, and laden with inviting fruit.
W. W. RORK.
Agnew, Jan. 18, 1893
Henry Meyer and Robert Johnson were sentenced to 6 and 8 days in jail respectively by Judge Pagelson for drunkenness.
There were twenty-five loads of wood on the market at one time today. More farmers were in town than have been before for some time.
It has transpired that Judge Padgham who sentenced Norman Sweeney to 5 years at Jackson last week was prosecuting attorney of Allegan Co., years ago when Sweeney went to Jackson for ox stealing.
The Corn Planter shut down between 12 and 2 o’clock to give its employees an opportunity to vote.
VerBerkmoes & Stuveling have the contract for rebuilding S. Verhoek’s meat market and are at it lively.
Mr. S. Verhoeks is rebuilding his burnt shop on Washington St., and will be ready to occupy it next week.
HOORAY―HOORAY!
The vote at 4:30 o’clock on the court house proposition was: For Court House―415. Against Court House―3. Grand Haven taxpayers have done their duty.
The Marine Engineers Ball.
The Marine Engineers’ ball last evening, was the most successful ball or dance ever given in this city. The Opera House was crowded, and a low estimate places the number present at 250 couples.
The Marine engineers of Muskegon arrived by special train at 8:00 p.m., about 70 strong.
The grand march at 8:30 was led by the Marine engineers of this city and ladies. From that hour until an early hour this morning, the scene on the ball floor was one of bewildering beauty.
Much credit is due the arrangement committee, who left no detail undone. This committee consisted of C. ball, B. butler, W. Robinson, E. Scott and J. Luikens. The reception and floor committee also contributed largely by their efforts to its success.
The supper which had been prepared by the ladies was highly spoken of by all. In fact they took so kindly to it, that a quarter of a ham is said to have been all that remained when the crowd dispersed this morning.
Fine music was rendered by the Muskegon House Orchestra.
Among those present from Muskegon were: Eli V. Berry and wife, Dan McMillan and wife, Harry O’Hara and wife, Dan Egan and wife, Jas. Cummings and wife, Frank White and wife, Capt. Simon O’Day and daughter, O’Brien O’Day, Capt. Jas. Sanford and wife and the Misses Delia Belanger and McGurren.
The Muskegon Engineers and their ladies were not met at the depot by hacks last evening as the Engineers of this city were not aware when they would arrive. The engineers of this city had prepared hacks, but on account of the uncertainty and inability of learning what time the Muskegon people would be here.
The Vandalia and Eastern Transit Co. boats have been unable to get in St. Joe for a month. The F. & P. M. boats have not made a regular stop for twelve days, while the D., G. H. & M. boats have only been delayed three days this winter. If all these companies would concentrate upon Grand Haven as an eastern terminus they would have no cause to complain hereafter of winter lake traffic not paying.
An Old Salt.
Probably no other person in Michigan has led a more interesting life on the rolling main than Chas. T. Pagelson of Grand Haven. He has made two voyages around the entire world, and numberless others between different countries. When a boy of 14 he shipped on a vessel plying between Denmark and the West Indies. In those early days a boy’s life on shipboard was a “dog’s life.” Three sound beatings a day were considered a pretty fair voyage by the seafaring youth of that time, and Mr. Pagelson has often said that he got his quota.
After this he made voyages to nearly every land and clime under the sun from the Arctic to the Antarctic ocean, and around the world by Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. He has visited all the principal sea ports of the world. The coast of the United States, Mexico and South America have been traveled by him and last but not least, a 400 mile voyage up the great South American river, the Orinoco. This last, Mr. Pagelson says, was his most interesting cruise.
Mr. Pagelson is now 62 years old. A Dane by birth, he speaks six languages fluently. During his twenty years residence in Grand Haven, he has held many positions of official trust, and is held in highest esteem by the citizens. He is also a Free Mason of long and high standing.―Detroit Journal.
At 11 o’clock today there were 72 votes cast on the court house proposition, of which only two were against the proposition.
At 1 o’clock this afternoon the vote on the court house proposition stood: Yes―347, No.―3.
At 3:30 this afternoon the vote on the court house proposition stood Yes―347, No―3.
January thaw.
Spring Lake resorts, it is thought, will have a very prosperous season.
The sea lion Jim Corbett was seen on the ice in Ludington harbor Friday.
No matter whom you talk with, a little something can be learned of everybody.
A bill is before state legislature to prohibit bicycles from running on sidewalks.
Inventory is being taken of the goods in the U. S. Supply Station for this Life Saving district.
Nat. Robbins, Jr. has received several carloads of heavy timber for the improvements to the Goodrich docks.
Many of the fishermen have rented buildings about the city and are now busily at work mending and making nets.
A big crowd congregated at the dock this morning to see the Merick attempt to break the ice around the Roanoke. The Merick has no rudder but by running backward and forward succeeded fairly well.
“Goodbye. I may not see you again until spring,” is the way captains of east shore line steamers put it now before leaving port. And it is not in idle jest, altogether, that the words are spoken, for the accumulation of ice has become so great that it is liable at any time to catch the steamers in its firm grip miles from land and hold them prisoners indefinitely.—Evening Wisconsin.
The Roanoke and Merick remained here today. They have been in port since Friday.
Undoubtedly the Holland girl of the young man from that town, who has been visiting here does not know of the number of young lady acquaintances, said young man has made here.
The owners of the steamer Douglas can give all the information as to the value of the Muskegon as a winter harbor. After two trial trips they were compelled to withdraw her, early in December.
By a little effort Grand Haven could become a convention city. Very few conventions are held here because no inducements are made. At every convention in the state this year, Grand Haven should be represented, and urged as the next place to hold said convention. We are situated on two of the principal railroad lines of the state and are easy to reach from any part of the state. Boom it!
428 to 3.
By the representative vote of 428 to 3 Grand Haven’s tax paying citizens decided last Saturday to bond the city for $15,000 for a new court house. The vote was a strong one and could be called a full vote. The majority for the Court House is so decided that the Supervisors can find nothing to complain of in that direction.
Many thought at first that a light vote would be polled but the freight handlers and other workmen saw that the interests of their city was at stake and marched to the poll in body. The factory also cast their votes and there were few “stay at homes.”
The only thing that now remains to be done is to bring the proposition of building a new court house before the people of the county at the coming spring election. The Board of Supervisors meet next month to put the proposition in correct form so as to put it before the people.
There is every indication just now of the proposition carrying. Next year a handsome $50,000 court house what will be a credit to old Ottawa will probably stand in the court house square. Ottawa county with its 40,000 people and its many manufacturing and agricultural interests should not be behind any other county in the state in a county building.
Death of Mr. Balgooyen.
Mr. Henry Balgooyen died late last night at his home on Elliot St. after an illness of only a few days. He had been a sufferer from asthma for a number of years, which, with a cold he contracted a few days ago caused his death.
Mr. Balgooyen was born in the Netherlands 70 years ago. He came to America as early as 1847 and was one of the early pioneers of this vicinity. He has lived in this city nearly all the time and for the past four years was janitor of the Columbus school.
He leaves to mourn his loss a wife, to whom he was married 39 hears ago, and five children; Mrs. Geo. Atwood of Grand View, South Dakota; Mr. William Balgooyen of Bay City and Etta, Albert and Anna Balgooyen all of this city. Also a brother and sister in this city, a sister in the Netherlands and a host of friends. The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon from the First Reformed church.
Mrs. Atwood has been telegraphed to, but is not known whether she can be here because of the long distance.
A large congregation came together from different churches last evening at the First Reformed church to hear Mr. H. M. Clark, state secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Clark spoke of the different lines along which that association was working and prophesized that not far off in the future we would have a full-fledged Y. M. C. A. springing from the Young Men’s Band of Christian Workers. Short addresses by the different pastors present showed the warm sympathy they had for the work that is now being done for young men and pledging it their hearty support.
The steamer Wisconsin, due here last Saturday has not arrived. She is in a field of ice off Muskegon harbor; the same ice flow which detained her and the Merick and Roanoke last week. Grand Haven harbor could not be easily entered but for the ice in the lake about a mile out. All harbors on this shore, Muskegon, Manistee and Ludington are experiencing far worse blockades, and cannot be entered at all. Grand Haven is superior to any other harbor winter or summer on the lakes. Despite this fact Muskegon every once in a while, in its “boomy” mood attempts to place the crown on its own head.
Another cold wave coming.
Several tramps about the city last night.
Second St. Hill was filled with coasters again last evening.
A large sleighride party went out to Lee Haugheuy’s in Preach Plains last night.
The steamer Wisconsin is still in the ice off Muskegon harbor. She has a 1,000 ton cargo, 150 tons of coal and provisions to last for several months. Capt. Honner does not expect to be released until a strong north or east wind springs up. Steward Nolan walked ashore to Port Sherman yesterday.
The Muskegon Chronicle has been abusing Capt. Honner of the steamer Wisconsin, saying that he could enter their harbor if he wished. Capt. Honner is an old sailor and ought to know a little more than the Chronicle. The captain states that he attempted to enter Muskegon, but could not because of the great amount of ice that had drifted between the piers.
The Committee on Public Buildings stricken the Grand Haven Public Building bill from the list, hence nothing will be done with that bill or the Grand River improvement bill this season. The Grand Rapids Democrat says: It is more than probable, however, that liberal appropriations will be made for all three projects early in the next season.
The D., G. H. & M. have been unfortunate with their ice breaking tugs this winter. The loss of the large tug Wright by fire and the misfortune to the Merick in the loss of her rudder, have placed them in a predicament. If the Merick had not lost her rudder, the Wisconsin would be in now. She found no trouble at all in making headway through the ice in the lake. The harbor is open and there is really only about a mile of thick ice to work through. A rudder has been ordered for the Merick from Detroit and it is said, an attempt will be made to put it in here.
Robbery at Spring Lake.
The usual quiet little suburb of Spring Lake was very much excited yesterday morning over a robbery that had been committed in one of their business places. The drug store of G. A. Price on State St., had been entered the previous evening or early the same morning and $20 stolen. The Spring Lake Post Office kept by S. S. Rideout is in the same store.
The thieves intended probably to cover up their crime by burning the building as the floor was saturated with oil. They had entered by a rear door and burnt paper was found in the building, the thieves evidently thinking that it would ignite the oil saturated floor. In this they were foiled. Tracks were found leading to the country, but no clue has been discovered as yet. A large whiskey bottle was found near the store, which had contained the oil.
[COMMUNICATED.]
Grand Haven, Mich., Jan. 24, 1893,
EDITOR EVENING TRIBUNE:
An article was noticed in your paper January 17, stating that Rev. Roese of St. Paul’s church of this place had received a letter from White Caps, and it further stated that some members left this church in September. That is a lie in the first place. The members left the church in July, and it stated that they were supposed to be the cause of the letter. Now in fact none of these members would waste pen and ink for Rev. Roese in the writing of White Cap letters, as he is too small for them to spend their time on. Those members who left have got good reason for doing, and if the public wants to know the reason, they will tell. It is a shame for a minister to be warned by White Caps, but it would be far better for him to take a bible along than to ask permission to carry a revolver, and it would be better to stop this foolish newspaper wrangle. G. & H.
The steamer Wisconsin was off the harbor about three miles at three o’clock this afternoon.
That young man has not returned to Holland yet, the young ladies of this city having taken up too much of his time.
All mail carrying steamers will have a special flag shortly. The new flag will be pennant shaped with a field of red white and broad bordering band of blue. The words, “United States Mail” will appear in big white letters across its length, and in the upper left hand corner of the red field a big blue eagle will stand and sprawl with the national shield of colors across its body and a bunch of arrows in its claws.
Steward Nolan of the steamer Wisconsin walked ashore today on the ice.
The U. S. Life Saving Supply station here, under the charge of Supt. Robbins is only one of three in the United States. The other two are located in San Francisco and New York City. Every thing conceivable is kept on hand from knives and forks to anchors.
Miraculous Rescue.
At about 2 o’clock this afternoon while Mrs. C. J. Reilly and daughter were enjoying a sleigh ride about the city, the cutter in which they were riding tipped over near the City Hall, frightening the horse. The horse started on a wild run down Washington St., toward the dock.
A big portion of the town were on the street and all expected to see the house and cutter go in the river at the foot of Washington St. Instead the unexpected happened, as it does occasionally, and the horse turned and ran north along the D., G. H. & M. dock. The cutter broke away and the horse was caught.
The cutter was damaged badly, but the horse escaped with a slight cut behind the hind leg. The horse belonged to H. Sprick and was never known to run away before and has always been considered a good driving horse. It was miraculous indeed, the sense the horse displayed in turning from the river.
Common Council.
The city council met in special session last evening and decided to issue fourteen bonds of $500 each and eight bonds of $1,000 each in accordance with the proposition voted on last Saturday.
The City Attorney reported that the case in the Supreme Court brought by the Wiley Co. against the city had been withdrawn by the former this week, on the ground that a case had been brought by Grand Haven against the Wiley Co. later, and which would be tried before the State Court this coming Spring. This disposes of the first Grand Haven Water Works case. It was brought up as an injunction to prevent the city from extending its own main. The battle now lies in the case that will be brought up in the Michigan court in March brought by this city against the Wiley Co.
Ald. Koeltz asked the question as to what was the present debt of the city, for the information of the other council men. Mr. Koeltz knew, but asked the question that it might be made public. The City recorder stated that the city’s debt amounted to $38,000.
The news of the death of Mr. W. D. Rich at Saratoga Springs was received here by letter last might. He died suddenly while sitting in a chair in a hotel office, but the letter did not mention the date of his death, but it was undoubtedly only a short time since. Mr. Rich it will be remembered, erected and put up the electric light system in this city. He supervised the work generally and with his wife and daughter resided here for about a year. Mr. Rich was superintendent of the Greenwich Electric Light Co., and put in several systems.
According to the Toledo Blade the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern Michigan Railway Co. is about to test the virtue of oil in stilling troubled waters. The harbor at Frankfort affords only a narrow entrance and the water over the bar is uncomfortably shallow. Thus in rough weather the car-ferry steamers experience difficulty in getting inside. The railroad authorities propose to calm the angry waves outside the piers and thus pass the boats inside with ease and safety. It is claimed this can be done by sending jets of oil out into the lake. Underground pipes will be laid and extended into the lake 1,000 feet in front of the pier. An oil tank will be placed at the end of one of the two piers. This will give enough bead to force the oil out into the lake. The officials of the road think that the plan is feasible and will try the experiment. Accordingly pipes will be laid and the tank built at once. It will contain 3,600 gallons. The pipe will have a dozen openings through which the jets of oil will be forced into the lake. The new scheme will be in operation in a few weeks.
Twenty-one February’s.
The chief of the weather bureau directs the publication of the following data, compiled from record of observations for the month of February, taken at this station for a period of 21 years.
It is believed that the facts thus set forth will prove of interest to the public, as well as the special student, showing as they do the average and extreme conditions of the more important metrological elements and the range within which such variations may be expected to keep during any corresponding month.
TEMPERATURE.
Mean or normal temperature, 25°.
The warmest February was that of 1882, with an average of 36°.
The coldest February was that of 1875, with an average of 12°.
The highest temperature during any February was 58° on Feb. 26, 1880.
The lowest temperature during any Feb. was 24° on Feb. 9, 1875.
Average date on which last “killing” frost occurred (in spring), May 1.
PRECIPITATION.
Average for month, 2.82 inches.
Average number of days with .01 of an inch or more, 14.
The greatest monthly precipitation was 6.13 inches in 1881.
The least monthly precipitation was 0.05 inches in 1876.
CLOUDS AND WEATHER.
Average number of cloudless days, 4.
Average number of partly cloudy days, 9.
Average number of cloudy days, 15.
WIND.
The prevailing winds have been from the West.
The highest velocity of wind during any February was 59 miles on Feb. 26, 1887.
Ask Walter Baker about the rat and here Walter scream “Rats.”
D., G. H. & M. freight is being shipped around from Durand during the blockade.
Miss Laffin will treat the pupils in her room to a moon light sleigh ride this evening.
Cold weather is causing many of the grain laden steamers to leak because of the opening of their seams by the frost.
The young grocery man who went to Holland yesterday to buy butter and eggs for his firm did not succeed very well it is said. In the first place the train was an hour late, of course. Alas, when he arrived in Holland he had the fortune, or rather misfortune to fall in with a young lady acquaintance. “Well,” thought the young man, “I can buy butter and eggs any day, but to fall in with so sweet a young lady is very rare.” The Holland farmers did not make any sales to the young man yesterday and the head of the firm says that he himself will attend to all the buying hereafter.
Attempt at Burglary.
Boer & bolt the Bee Hive grocers discovered yesterday that an attempt had been made to enter their store the previous evening, or early yesterday morning. A rear window was found open and there was every evidence that thieves had been hovering around. Boer & Bolt report nothing missing and it is probable that the thieves were frightened away before they got inside.
Mr. A. M. Ferguson met a stranger late the previous night very near the store, who acted in a suspicious manner. He is described as of slender build and about medium height.
In Honor of Burns.
The Caledonian concert and ball last evening was attended by as large a number of people as ever flocked to the Opera House. Every part on the program was well rendered and mirth provoking laughter was produced when some of the old Scotch jokes were recited.
The program opened with and overture by Prof. Collins orchestra after which came the address of the chairman, Mr. John Simpson.
The remainder of the program was as follows:
Song, “Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon” --- Scottish Quartette, - [Four Young Ladies]
Song, Caller Herrin, ------------------------------- Miss Anna Johnston
Song, By Gee Club Messrs. ---------------------- Rysdorp, Klaver, T. Baker and W. Baker
Recitation, ---------------------------------------- Prof. Briggs
Song, ------------------------- Mesdames Vander Veen, Boyce, Koster and Miss Kate Cherry.
Song, The Barrin O’ the Door, -------------------- Wm. Kelley
Address, ------------------------------------------ Rev. M. Kennedy
Song, --------------------------------------------- The Misses Collins
Recitation, ---------------------------------------- Miss Kelley
Song, --------------------------Mesdames Vander Veen, Boyce, Koster and Miss Kate Cherry.
Song, -------------------------- By Gee Club Messrs. Rysdorp, Klaver, T. Baker and W. Baker
Humorous Scotch Reading, ----------------------- J. Simpson
Rev. Kennedy’s address was of a very humorous nature and the audience roared while he told the stolidity of the Scotch people. When a Scotchman says yes or no he means it. As an example of this he mentioned the fact that there were several well known Scotch bachelors in this city. The bachelors were so well known that the laugh lasted several minutes.
Mr. John Simpson’s reading was also very humorous. Mr. Simpson is a native of the land of Burns and knows every dialect of the north and south of Scotland. He brought them out to perfection. After the concert the crowd repaired to the supper table, after which came the grand Ball. From 11 last night to early this morning the dance lasted and the fatigue of the participants, only, caused the crowd to break up. The local Caledonians are to be congratulated on the success of the entertainment.
CAPT. HONNOR AND MUSKEGON HARBOR.
A TRIBUNE correspondent met the genial commander of the steamer Wisconsin this afternoon. “So you were not permitted to enter Muskegon harbor?” said the correspondent. “Who says so’?” Why the Muskegon people are writing that statement all over the country. “Well, replied the captain, “the report is false, as I have never received such orders from any living man. I arrived off Muskegon last Saturday morning and tried to enter that port but found my way blockaded with an ice bank that was grounded on the bottom and that made it absolutely impossible to approach the piers, let alone getting within them.”
The man who says the Wisconsin can enter Muskegon is an ass and does not know the amount of ice and its condition. It would stop any vessel, barring none. “I do not believe the depth of the water would permit our getting in if the ice were gone. Don’t talk to me about Muskegon being a winter harbor. It is the worst blocked harbor on the east shore and looks now if it would be the last to open.
When a policeman has a wedding it is called a copper wedding.
The following from the Butte, (Montana) Daily Inter Mountain in regard to the mines of Ex-Mayor of this city:
General John A Leggatt is operating the Gambetta and Ottawa mines. At the former he has about fourteen men at work and is shipping ore. Mr. Leggatt thnks the Gambetta is the “boss, mine of the camp. He was highly elated today over the results of assays made from four of his claims on Quartz hill, in the Big Hole country. These assays showed 49.81, 162.81, 187.11 and 109.35 ounces respectively. Negotiations were pending recently for the sale of these silver properties, but it was claimed Mr. Leggatt held them at to high a figure.
From Capt. J. V. Tuttle, who reached Grand Haven yesterday, it is learned that the blockade across the lake seems to be increasing in firmness and extent, and only a high easterly wind will serve to scatter the ice sufficiently to enable the Wisconsin to reach Grand Haven, and the Roanoke to leave Milwaukee. Owing to the uncertainty surrounding the situation at Grand Haven, all of the merchandise on board of the Roanoke has been discharged and forwarded by rail, and everything known to be enroute, has been ordered around the head of the lake. Capt. Tuttle says the ice field off Grand Haven is upwards of twenty miles in width. Capt. J. V. Tuttle thinks that the fire damage of the tug A. J. Wright, sustained at Grand Haven, is not sufficient to render her transfer to Milwaukee for repairs unsafe. He says the hull is badly burned forward, but is not at all injured abaft the engine.—Evening Wisconsin.
Without rudder and no means of steering except by her own momentum forward and backward, the tug Merick ventured at 9 o’clock this morning to go after the steamer Wisconsin, which lay about a mile from the pier fast in the ice. The Merick did remarkably well and was by the side of the Wisconsin within an hour after she left her dock. The Wisconsin and Merick then started for port and arrived at the dock at one o’clock this afternoon.
At half past two the Roanoke accompanied by the Merick left for Milwaukee. A large crowd congregated to see them off. The Merick was connected with the Roanoke by a line forward and both went out side by side.
The Merick will have a new rudder put in, in Milwaukee and will then be able to cope with the ice for the remainder of the winter.
The Other Side.
In regard to the article which appeared in the TRIBUNE signed G. & H., we, the undersigned, wish to reply. That such four members did not resign, but were expelled from St. Paul’s congregation for disturbing a meeting when in a state of intoxication. We the undersigned can prove that Rev. Roese had nothing to do with expelling the four members from the congregation. We now ask all parties concerned to give Rev. Roese a rest for as the undersigned G. & H. state in their article that Rev. Roese is too small a man to be noticed. If such is the case, why do you waste your time and ink then in writing articles to molest Rev. Roese? We are willing to contradict all your articles that you may bring before the public. Your postal card from the White Caps was a dead give away and the public is having quite a bit of fun about it, and the remarks that the TRIBUNE made about it on Jan. 13, ’93. Mr. G. & H. seem to be very much excited about the postal card. Why should they be, if they had nothing to do with it? Why don’t they rejoice with us? Mr. Hubert was expelled from St. John’s congregation, and was kicked out of the St. Paul’s church.
Peach buds are in first-class condition.
The steamer Wisconsin was in the ice five days.
Nearly $20,000 was invested in Ottawa County real estate last week.
T. W. Kirby contemplates freezing about 600,000 pounds of fish a year.
Today is the 41st consecutive day that it has snowed. It looks as though it would run up to 60 at least.
Henry Verhoeks who burned out the 16th inst., was insured in Aloy Bilz’ agency of Spring Lake and received his insurance yesterday. This is very prompt, being just 10 days after the fire.
A telegram was received today announcing the safe arrival of the steamer Roanoke and wrecker Merick in Milwaukee at 7 o’clock this morning. This would indicate that they found very little ice to hinder them in their trip across the lake.
The strong east wind today has broken up the field of ice which lay about a mile off this harbor, and the route between here and Milwaukee is now practically open. At Muskegon where citizens have been boasting so much the past week over their superior harbor, the ice is so blocked and packed between piers that there is danger of the piers being crushed outward because of the enormous pressure. Navigation will not open at Muskegon until May.
A telegram was received here today announcing the death at 11 o’clock this morning of James G. Blaine. Mr. Blaine has been lying at the point of death for a month or more and his death was expected. The American people regardless of politics will mourn his death as that of the greatest statesman this country ever produced. He was a patriot and lover of his country in every sense.
John Cook is negotiating for an owl, which if he succeeds in getting he will consider very valuable.—Grand Rapids News.
The Stereopticon Exhibition.
Nearly 200 were unable to gain admission to the Congregational church last night and the room was uncomfortably crowded.
The pictures shown were beautiful, and the large audience voted to attend again if the meeting was held at the Opera House.
The meeting tonight will be at the Opera House and the managers promise more and better pictures.
People who have not yet attended have missed a rare treat and should go tonight at 7:30. To meet expenses a small fee of 10cts will be charged. Tonight is the last night.
An old settler thinks that there is a possibility of an extraordinary freshet on the Grand River this spring. If the winter should break up all of a sudden there would undoubtedly be a flood. At the mouth of the Grand there has never been any fear form that source because of the width of the river and the many marshes to absorb the water. At Eastmanville the river is very narrow and much damage has been done there in previous years. As early as 1858, old settlers recall a flood after a particularly hard winter. The water is said to have risen 20 feet from its natural level. Eastmanville was then a prosperous village and the damage to the merchants thereby was great. Business places were washed out and all trade suspended. Mighty trees at the bank of the river were washed out and even small houses were noticed floating with the raging current to the lake.
Interesting Population Notes.
Ottawa County now has a population of 35,358 a gain of 2,232 over 1880 or 6.74 per cent. Our adjoining county of Allegan gained only 1.146 and is now only 3000 ahead Ottawa. Muskegon Co. has 40,000 population. Grand Haven at last census had 5,023 population a gain of 161 over 10 years ago. Grand Haven can now be ranked as about the same population as Coldwater, Monroe, Big Rapids and Sault St. Marie.
[This article can be seen in its entirety on microfilm at the Loutit Library.]
“Hav’nt you fell yet” was the proper salutation this morning.
Supt. Platt has placed a telephone in City Attorney Lillie’s office in the P.O. block.
Muskegon water famine is troubling the Sawdust City. Why don’t they up then and connect their water mains with their “open harbor?”
There was a pleasant gathering of a large number of Spring Lake friends at the home of Capt. Cobb on Lake Ave. last evening. A very nice time was had.
People who had to walk seven or eight blocks to their work this morning were very tired when they arrived there, because of the very slippery walks. The middle of the street was resorted to by nearly everybody.
Ah, there, Muskegon; send your young newspaper reporter down and interview your open harbor instead of the ice-choked inlet to your water mains. It would seem as if some ice had at last got within sight of your old mud hole of a harbor. “Only winter harbor on Lake Michigan.” Rats!
Some of the state papers are disputing over which was the first newspaper published on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The paper that can claim the honor is DeHollander, which is still published at Holland. It was started by Messrs. Hawks & Basset, then of Allegan. The latter, E. B. Basset, was the father of the publisher of this paper.―Fenville Herald. What’s the matter with the old Grand River Times.
The Central School electric fire system sent in a false alarm to the engine house last evening at 7 o’clock. The firemen were promptly on hand and burst open the side door of the school but finding no flames returned. The wires of the school system probably crossed another wire and caused the alarm. An immense crowd were on hand and comments of “that fire bug” were freely passed until the true cause was discovered.
A storm of sleet and rain prevailed last night and this morning the snow was covered with a thick crust. The limbs of trees were covered with ice. The evergreens presented beautiful appearance with their limbs bent to the ground by the amount of ice encrusted upon them. The telephone and electric wires were also coated and during all the day ice has been falling from them to the danger of pedestrians. If a high wind had come up the Electric Plant and Telephone Co., would have suffered severe damage by the breaking of their wires. As it is, many were broken and the lines men kept busy.
The life saving crews along the Lakes Erie, Huron and adjacent points will be ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go to Ohio and Mississippi rivers in case of floods threatening much damage. There are fears that the great loss of life in the floods of 1883 may be repeated from the breakup after the present protracted cold snap. In ’89 the life savers from the lakes saved many lives from the southern floods.
At a special election held in Grand Haven, Saturday, on the proposition of offering the county a bonus of $15,000 toward the erection of a $42,000 court house, there was a vote polled of 426, of which all but three were in favor of the measure. Considering that the vote on this occasion was limited to tax paying electors the result must be especially gratifying to the patriotic burgher of our sister city. It goes to show that they are in earnest in this matter and how highly they prize the distinction of being the county seat.—Holland News.
It will now be in good form for the editor of the Muskegon News to apologize to Capt. Honner of the steamer Wisconsin for the vile names they called this expert navigator because he insists that no sane man would consider Muskegon a good harbor at any time, let alone a winter one.
A WATER FAMINE.
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The Great Lakes to Draw From and Not a Drop to Drink.
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Situation Now Relieved.
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The Intake Pipes at Lake Michigan Choked Yesterday Afternoon at 2 by an Ice Floe--Board of Public Works’ Commissioners Hustle for Help—Starting the Old Pumping Station—The Situation of 2:30 O’clock This Morning.
―
The above startling head-lines are copied from this morning’s Muskegon News.
With characteristic cheek the News will go right on telling those who read its columns that they have the only winter harbor on Lake Michigan and that the Wisconsin could run out and in that port without ever seeing ice. When the Ananias killer goes to Muskegon the News man had better climb a tree.
Muskegon papers will please explain how the Milwaukee boats can get into their “only winter harbor on Lake Michigan” when the ice is so thick, and so much of it, that they cannot get water enough from the lake for the “News” man to drink.
“The only winter harbor on this side of the Lake Michigan” is frozen so deep and solid that that the suction pipe, which lies about a half mile outside the pier, is blocked and they have started up the old works taking water from a pond inside the city limits.
Geo. F. Upton in his article in this weeks Coopersville Observer says in speaking of the Spring Lake bridge. “A man cannot go to Grand Haven to hear the word of God expounded on a Sabbath morning without putting his hand to his pocket and I say it is not right.” If Mr. Upton would pay a little more attention to church matters he would know that the bridge is free to church goers.
[Ad]
OYSTERS.
Nigger Head Brand Oysters, finest in the city. One lot arrived this morning. Enough more coming in the morning to supply them all. At the Corner Grocery.
JOHN COOK. Prop.
The President has issued a special proclamation announcing Mr. Blaine’s death, in which he reviews in graphic language Mr. Blaine’s career with all it extraordinary features. He concludes by saying: “In varied pursuits, legislation, diplomacy, literature, his genius had added new luster to American citizenship.” He further directs as a suitable expression of National appreciation that on the day appointed for the funeral all branches of the government be closed, that flags be displayed at half mast on all public buildings throughout the United States, and that the state department be draped in mourning for thirty days.
Blaine’s Visit Here.
Many recall to mind when Mr. Blaine visited this city in the campaign of 1884. business was suspended, the schools were dismissed and people from miles in the country flocked here to see the most prominent man in the nation. Mr. Blaine’s train arrived over the C. & W. M. at 11 o’clock. He was saluted at the depot by the Republican marching club, a band, and several cannon. The Opera House had been prepared but on account of lack of time he was unable to make a lengthy speech and instead spoke from the rear platform of the coach.
The scene was one long to be remembered by all who were there. With Mr. Blaine [Pictured left] was Gen. Fremont. [Pictured middle] (The Pathfinder) the first Republican candidate for President. He said a few words, as did also Gen. Alger [Pictured right] who was then candidate for Governor and Julius C. Burrows of Kalamazoo [Not pictured]. The day was a beautiful one and the crowds that edged the railroad track in attempt to get a view of the Presidential candidate has never been equaled here.
Mr. Blaine’s words were on the issue’s of the campaign and at the close he received deafening applause.
The Observer’s Sensible Article.
In this weeks’ Coopersville Observer, Geo. F. Upton of Polkton has an article asking the citizens to vote against the building of a new court house at Grand Haven. Editorially the Observer says this of the article:
In another column we publish a communication from the pen of Geo. F. Upton, on the court house question. While “Uncle George” writes well he has drifted into several very marked errors. For instance, when he speaks of “adding another link to that most unbearable chain of bonded indebtedness that the people of this county are suffering from already.” The facts are, Ottawa county has no bonded indebtedness, as the public records will show, for several years, and she paid her last dollar of that indebtedness tow years ago, and at the last settlement had $6,744.72 in the treasury.
It is also, we think, a mistaken idea that the farmers of the county are not in comfortable circumstances as the farmers of other counties in the state. We believe that the county, should she so decide, is as well able to afford a respectable court house as other counties. It is a mistake to assert that we area tax ridden people as outside of cities the total tax only accounts to about 1¼ per cent, and that on an average of only two-thirds valuation.
Should the county vote to build a new court house at Grand Haven they would not vote to give anything away, but to improve the Property they already own in that city, which in turn ought to add to the valuation of the property of the county that much.
In the $15,000 donation and taxes together Grand Haven city alone would be obliged to pay about $19,000 of the total amount, and have it in the county treasury before the question is submitted.
How is the Ministerial Gun Now?
In regard to the article that appeared in the TRIBUNE signed “T”, stating that those four members had been expelled from the church, that is a lie. Those four members left the church on account that they ruled the church under a false name, as they claimed a Lutheran church, and in fact they are nothing. On July 10th they had a meeting in which Rev. Roese created a bloody fight through his dirty letters and his helpers and when one of the elders (that big pedro player F) said never mind the Bible, which satisfied Rev. Roese very well. That was enough for those four members. They withdrew their children from the school and as those members were elders of the church, could not attend with a good conscience of duty, so they expelled themselves and Mr. Hubert resigned when he saw the bloody fight, so it is a lie that they kicked him out.
Rev. Roese ran down stairs like a coward. That settled the bash. Those undersigned T stated that a White Cap letter had been received. Now we ask you like a man to prove this, that we wrote a White Cap letter for misusing his mother. We ain’t excited if Roese gets a dozen letters.
It further stated that we were intoxicated. Now big Pedro Player, Trustee F, prove this or we will call you a liar or keep your mouth shut, and we would like to see that Kater catch a little more mice and keep his nose out of our business,
GUS HUBERT.
From the Courier~Journal
Special Correspondence.
EDITOR COURIER~JOURNAL:
I was much pleased with the article that appeared in your weekly, Jan. 21st, written by W. W. Rork, on fruit growing in Grand Haven township. Such practical articles written by men that have made a success of fruit growing is of great value to fruit growers in Ottawa county and in any locality on the lake shore.
We notice it is largely the practice of some of the weekly papers printed in Ottawa Co. to clip articles from other papers bearing on Fruit Culture. Said articles written by men residing in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, or some other locality. Men who many times are theoretical in their views and know nothing about practical fruit culture and consequently are misleading in their statements. Said articles if written by practical men at all have reference to the localities, where said writer resides.
Michigan has 1800 broom factories.
Capt. Kirby contemplates building another tug in June.
The slippery walks yesterday made pedestrianism somewhat dangerous.
Re. Roese of St. Paul’s Evangelical church conducted services at Holland yesterday.
A party of boys left this morning with the intention of skating along the lake shore to Muskegon.
Muskegon has sent for a diver to be employed the rest of the winter in keeping the ice from their intake pipes.
Muskegon as “the only winter harbor on the lakes” should go into business with some new “Uncle Tom’s Cabin Corporation”
It is fortunate indeed that Muskegon people can melt snow, since “the only winter harbor on the lakes” is frozen solid stopping their water supply.
Capt. T. Kirby of Grand Haven will send his two tugs, Elk and Deer, to Alpena the coming season, to fish in Lake Huron. He will build a large tug for fishing in Lake Michigan, and expects to have her ready early in the spring.―Evening Wisconsin.
Mr. William Harper celebrated his father’s 85th, birthday yesterday in the true old English fashion. His father resides in Great Oakley, Essex, England and has lived under four different reigns: George the Third, George the Fourth, William the Fourth and Queen Victoria. In his boyhood he assisted at the bonfires which celebrated the victory at Waterloo, the banishment of Napoleon to St. Helena and peace to Europe after 30 years at war.
Peter Deneau a member of the Life Saving crew at this port has invented a very ingenious wagon ax, which should meet with favor. It will probably be manufactured by Bloecker & Co.
Capt. James W. Martin on Muskegon Papers and Reports.
EDITOR EVENING TRIBUNE:
Your correspondent today saw Capt. Martin of the steamer Roanoke, now running on the Grand Haven & Milwaukee route in connection with the D., G. H. & M. R. R. It is claimed by the Muskegon papers Capt., that you have been forbidden to enter Muskegon harbor. “What can you say to that?” was asked by your correspondent. “I say the statement is a d―― lie and the man who stated it would make out that the master of a steamer is a fool or lies. I am the master of the Roanoke and am running her this winter, without a cent of insurance on her and no railway company has the right to order me, into, or out of any harbor on the lakes. Do the fools at Muskegon think that I would not go into their port if I could to save myself and boat? I did not go into Muskegon because I could not; for two reasons, my boat draws 14 feet 8 inches loaded and that is more water than that port has. And another reason is that the ice was jammed and grounded in front of and up to the piers so that no boat could force its way through it. I came into Grand Haven last Saturday night drawing 14½ feet of water and I will bet a thousand dollars that there is no other harbor on the east shore of Lake Michigan that will allow a boat drawing that draft of water to enter.”
When the Captain’s attention was called to the report of the Muskegon papers containing a denial by some man at Muskegon piers of Capt. Honner’s statement of “not being able to get into that port with the Wisconsin,” Capt. Martin branded the report as an attack on the reputation and standing of the Wisconsin, Roanoke and the D., G. H. & M. R. R. officials by such a statement, based on the drivel of an irresponsible person, is unworthy of respectable journalism.
“You can say,” said the Captain, “that the Roanoke is now unloading at the D. & M. docks one of the largest cargoes she ever carried and the Wisconsin lies at her dock awaiting her turn to discharge her cargo.
Both the boats, (since the severe storm of the past few days,) have now resumed their regular trips to and from Grand Haven and Milwaukee. The Wisconsin left here at 5 a.m. Saturday and returned from Milwaukee at 10 p.m. Sunday.”
Jan. 30, 1893
Capt. Honner’s Statement.
Capt. Honner of the Wisconsin has had the following statement published in the Muskegon Chronicle:
Editors Chronicle: I see by your issue of the 23d last, that one Mr. Peter Nedeau still asserts, notwithstanding any declaration to the contrary, that the several captains running between Milwaukee and Grand Haven, in connection with the D., G. H. & M. railway, had received instructions from the proper officials in Detroit to “keep away from Muskegon harbor.”
I have never received such instructions and I am authorized by Capt. Martin, of the steamer Roanoke to say the same for him. The assertion by Mr. Peter Nedeau, of Muskegon, is a deliberate falsehood, manufactured from whole cloth, and I will bet him $50 to $5 that he cannot produce a captain that has sailed the D., G. H. & M. firm above that has ever received such instructions, nor can he prove or show that any such order or instruction was ever issued by the officials of the D., G. H. & M. railway in Detroit or elsewhere.
By placing this in print you will oblige. Yours very truly,
THOMAS HONNER, Captain.
The steamer Roanoke was unloaded at 3 o’clock this afternoon. The Wisconsin was to have been unloaded immediately after the Roanoke, but on account of a lack of Freight cars was deferred until 7 tomorrow morning.
The Eiffel tower is eight inches shorter in the winter than in the summer.
The wrecking tug Merick will have to remain in Milwaukee to undergo repairs until the latter part of the week.
Why didn’t Muskegon send the tug Crosby, the tug they claimed could have reached the Wisconsin while fast in the ice off “the only winter harbor on the lakes”, to open up the intake to their water works.
There is talk of the M. E. church of Spring Lake merging with the M. E. church of this city and that the matter will be brought up at the next conference.
Spring Lake probably has more churches than any other village of its size in the state. It has two Holland churches, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, and one of the Baptist denomination.
“The fellow who was responsible for starting the story which found its way into the papers’, said W. H. Holden division superintendent of the Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon yesterday, “to the effect that the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee steamboat captains had instruction not to enter Muskegon harbor during the winter time, is a regular donkey. The captains said say they never received any such orders and that the general manger says that nothing of the kind has been issued. “Why should the Grand Trunk wish to discriminate against Muskegon for Grand Haven? It is rare bosh. The Grand Trunk has its terminals at Grand Haven and the boats were, of course destined there. Of what use would it have been to the captain of the Wisconsin if he had entered the harbor that day. He could not have landed his freight as there are no facilities to care for it. “I would like anyone to have anyone tell the name of the captain, who, report says, was discharged some time ago because he took the boat into this harbor. The story is an unwhite washed lie.”―Muskegon News.
Wreck on the D., G. H. & M.
A serious wreck occurred on that railroad near Ionia yesterday the following were seriously injured: Mrs. Margaret Fair, Grand Rapids, hip bruised; C. W. Bender, Philadelphia, head hurt and eye cut; B. Nathan, brakeman, hands cut; John McHugh, baggageman, shoulder hurt; George C. Bolson, Ionia, side cut. The wreck occurred three and one-half miles southeast of Ionia, near Session’s switch, where a dozen or more freight cars are piled in a heap. The train was a mixed passenger and freight; due at Ionia at 12:35 and under conductor Tom Holihan. It left Saranac on time and was making about twenty-five miles an hour when a broken rail was struck, throwing twenty freight cars and the smoker and the day coach off the track and badly smashing them. The engine passed over the rail in safety. The twenty or more passengers who were aboard felt they had a miraculous escape from death, as the train is a complete wreck except the engine and sleeper car Detroit, which also clung to the track. The sleeper contained Herrmann, the magician, and his company.
EDITOR TRIBUNE:―The article published in your paper and signed T. has been partly charged to me. I wish the parties interested to understand that I never resort to printer’s ink to settle such matters. If I had any grievances of that kind to settle I should do so with parties interested personally and not with slang through the newspaper. W. M. THIELMAN.
Icy walks are still the order of the day.
The Uncle Tom’s Cabin Co. arrived on the 10:37 C. & W. M. train.
In the Columbian one cent stamps, the name of the great explorer is said to be spelled “Columrus.”
Muskegon “the only winter harbor on the lakes”, is now in the death grip of the Ice Monster.
Co. F. is preparing for inspection by Capt. Mansfield, to be held in two weeks.
As far as the eye can see today no ice at all is in sight. The strong east wind has driven off even the shore ice.
Mrs. L. M. S. Smith slipped and fell on the ice last Saturday wrenching her spine. The injury is disabling, but is not regarded as serious.
Wm. Bishop of this city was a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia during the terrible flood of 1884; the Ohio rose 53 feet at that time.
Second St. Hill was crowded with coasters last night. During the course of the evening six bobs were broken.
The steamer Roanoke which cleared for Milwaukee yesterday afternoon arrived there at 9 this morning with a broken wheel. This adds another to the link of misfortunes that have occurred to the Roanoke and her consort tugs. The Roanoke is now in drydock.
Joseph Nannenberg or as he is better known, Joe Banis is visiting old friends in this city today. Joe is known by all the Grand Haven mill men and workers and was engineer for many years of what was known as the “Red Mill” operated by A. J. Emlaw. He is now engineer of the Thayer mill in Muskegon.
No boats or water at Muskegon but “the only winter harbor on Lake Michigan.”
Say, Nadeau tell us all you know about running the steamer Wisconsin and the D., G. H. & M. R. R. it will only take you a minute to do so.
Representative Norrington has given notice of a bill to the House to make valid an issue of $15,000 in bonds of the city of Grand Haven for the construction of a court house.
In general appearance and architecture the Presbyterian church of this city is said to resemble the Old South Church of Boston. Many are regular attendants of the Presbyterian church today who were also regular attendants of that church over 30 years ago. It was built in 1855 and the names of the building committee were: Thomas W. Ferry, Henry Pennoyer, C. B. Albee, Henry Griffin and P. C. Duverney. The church was erected on Washington at next to Baker’s present photographic gallery. Some years ago it was moved to the corner of Franklin and Fifth street.
Muskegon may have “the only winter harbor on Lake Michigan” but she has no boats or water.
Muskegon is thinking of organizing a bucket brigade to supply the town with water from that open harbor of her’s.
Le the News man at Muskegon tell us something more about “the only winter harbor on Lake Michigan.”
Annual Reports.
The following corporations of this county have filed their annual reports with County Clerk Turner.
[The company names only are listed here. The reports themselves, which include capital stock, paid in, real estate, personal estate, debts credits and stockholders and number of shares, can be found in their entirety in this issue of the Tribune on microfilm at the Loutit Library. A continuation of these reports can be found in the February 3, 9 and 10, 1893 issues of the Evening Tribune.]
CUTLER & SAVIDGE LUMBER CO.
THE GLOBE MATCH CO.
NORTHEAST OTTAWA & MUSKEGON MILLING CO.
GRAND HAVEN LUMBER CO.
SPRING LAKE BASKET CO.
ZEELAND FURNITURE CO.
OTTAWA FURNITURE CO.
ALBA LUMBER CO.
ZEELAND BRICK CO.
[The following company reports can be found in the February 3, 1893 issue of the Evening Tribune (on microfilm):]
CHALLENGE CORN PLANTER CO.
GRAND HAVEN FURNITURE CO.
GRAND HAVEN LEATHER CO.
On February 9, 1893 can be found:
THE BERTACHY BRICK AND TILE CO.
[On February 10, 1893 can be found:]
DAKE ENGINE MANUFACTURING CO.
JENISON MANUFACTURING CO.
Mr. Chandler offered the following resolution in the U. S. Senate yesterday and asked immediate action upon it: Received, by the senate (the house of representatives concurring) that the president be required to enter into negotiations with the present provisional government of the late kingdom of Hawaii for the admission of the islands as a territory in the United States, and to lay any convention which he may make before congress for ratification in legislation.
Early Fires in Grand Haven.
On e of the earliest fires of any consequence in Grand Haven was the burning of the old Washington House in 1857. It had just been vacated by Henry Pennoyer as proprietor and J. A. Leggatt had taken charge of the hotel. The building was owned by Clark Albee and valued at $10,000.
Fire seemed to be a particular enemy of Mr. Albee and in 1865 his large tannery valued at $20,000 was destroyed by fire. Also a large amount of the bark that stood in the mill yard. The fire was an incendiary one as it started in a room in which there had been no heating fire for some time before.
In the year 1868 the city was visited by the most disastrous fire up to that time. The following description of the blaze is from the old Grand Haven Clarion.
“An alarm of fire started our citizens from their slumbers Thursday night. Starting in the direction of the light we found the large warehouse of C. B. Albee in a blaze. The wind was blowing a gale from the west, sweeping the blaze towards newly finished Rice House, and every exertion was turned towards saving that building. Lines of buckets were formed to the river. A large sail from one of the vessels in the harbor was spread across the building and kept wet and persons were stationed at the windows and on the roof, and although the flames scorched their whiskers, they worked with a will and saved the house. The furniture was mostly saved.”
Among the losers in that blaze were C. B. Albee, W.S. Rose, harness shop; Wyman & Buswell lumber office; Warren, Kirby & Co., grocery stock; E. Boltwood, J. P. Hughes, photograph gallery; Timothy Fletcher; American Express Co.; Doubleday, Fuller & Co.; J. A. Rice. The schooners Blue Bell and Caroline Bailey were also burned.
