The Downs News and The Downs Times from Downs, Kansas • 1

Society Historical THE DOWNS NEWS The Official City Paper AND THE DOWNS TIMES Consolidated with The Downs An Official County Paper Times January 13, 1916 VOLUME XL. NO. 7. DOWNS, OSBORNE COUNTY, KANSAS, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1919. ALL HOME PRINT THE DOWNS NATIONAL AL BANK, Downs, Kansas.

MOVE MADE FOR DURABLE ROADS. Now Is the Time for Osborne County To Get Busy and Secure Government Aid. Osborne county, or at least this part of the county, is becoming more interested in the proposition of good roads than ever before. The government announces that it has set aside the sum of $8,000,000 for good roads in Kansas, and this money is now available for any kind of roads, including dirt roads and bridges and culverts. The State Highway Commission has written to parties in Downs that the Midland Trail through this city has been selected to receive government aid, and in pursuance to this end an enthusiastic meeting of business men was held at the State.

Bank in Downs on Monday evening to formulate plans for taking advantage of the available funds. E. L. Getty presided at the meeting and was elected temporary chairman of the local organization and D. H.

Lockridge, secretary. Blank forms for petitions had been furnished by the State Highway Commission and the meeting instructed the secretary to prepare petitions at once for three districts: The first from Mitchell county line west to the corporation line of Downs; the second through the city of Downs and the third through Corinth township. These petitions will be drawn up by a lawyer with the advice of the county engineer and submitted to the State Highway Commission for its approval before signatures are sought. Benefit districts will be established from the county line to a point half way between Downs and Osborne, where it is expected that like districts will be organized and continued through the county. With a view of getting the townships through which this road passes interested, a committee composed of E.

L. Getty and C. E. Mann was selected by the meeting to arrange for a county meeting at Osborne next Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at which time the citizens living along the route in Ross, Corinth, Penn, Tilden and Sumner townships are earnestly requested to meet and perfect plans by which the roads can be pushed entirely through the county at the earliest possible moment. It is not the plan of those interested to try to build an expensive paved road with this aid, but it is hoped that the entire line through the county can be brought up to grade, all bridges and culverts built, a proper system of drainage adopted, and if possible the entire length of the road graveled if suitable material can be found in the county, or near enough at hand to justify its use.

This is the most important movement undertaken in Osborne county since the war, or for many years previous, for that matter, and the offer of the government aid up to fifty per cent is a proposition which few counties will turn down. If Osborne county is to get in on it we must get busy at once. The money will all be taken unless we get into the game and secure our share. If we fail now the money offered by the government will revert to the national treasury at the end of thirty months. Let every man who can possibly do so attend this meeting at Osborne next Monday afternoon.

Mravinec-Bomhoff. Miss Matilda Mravinec, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mravinec, and Mr. Theodore Bomhoff of Osborne, were married at Osborne last Wednesday evening at 6:00 o'clock by Probate Judge David G.

Fink The young couple stole a march on their friends and the wedding is something of a surprise to many of their acquaintances. The bride is a handsome and charming young lady who has many friends in this city, and the groom is a sterling young fellow who is well known in the Osborne vicinity. They have not yet decided upon their future residence, but for the present will reside with the bride's parents until their plans are completed. The young couple will have the best wishes of a large circle of friends as they start out on the journey of life together. Red Cross Notes.

Remember the Red Cross Clothing Drive for the suffering people of all nations. Any discarded warm clothing, shoes, blankets, etc are needed. Shoes will be accepted if badly worn. The leather can be used. Good rubbers and raincoats will be accepted.

Take your bundle to the Library basement any afternoon this week, or place bundles on front porch and if the weather permits, they will be collected by members of the Junior Red Cross on Thursday afternoon. Workers are still needed at the Red Cross Rooms on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons of each week. Come out and help the faithful few finish this quota of garments. Mrs. Lloyd LeRoy and baby are here from Marysville for visit with her Funeral of Myron Meibergen.

The funeral of Myron Meibergen, held at 2:00 o'clock last Saturday afternoon, was one of the most beautiful and impressive ever witnessed in Downs. The service was held at the home and was conducted by Rev. R. Beard of the Congregational church, who spoke a few words of comfort to the bereaved wife and relatives. Special music was furnished by Mrs.

Ross Gebhart, Mrs. 0. B. Smith, J. W.

Pugh and E. R. Farwell, with Mrs. O. F.

Shearer at the piano. Mrs. Ross Gebhart also sang very beautifully "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." The floral offerings from relatives, friends and lodges were most beautiful and were in great profusion. A floral blanket of ferns and flowers completely covered the casket, while in the center rested a large bouquet of roses. The Masonic fraternity, the Mystic Shrine and the Eastern Star, of which he was a member, sent magnificent and appropriate pieces in floral design.

Downs lodge No. 204, A. F. A. and Lucrecia Garfield Chapter of the Eastern Star attended in a body and the Cawker City Masonic lodge sent a large delegation to attend the service.

At the grave the services were in charge of the Downs Lodge No. 204, A. F. A. Dr.

J. E. Hodgson acting as Master and C. E. Tate as marshal.

The oration was delivered by Dr. Hodgson in a most impressive and faultless manner. The great crowd in attendance attested to the high esteem in which the deceased and family was held by the community at large. It has been our lot to attend many funerals at the Downs cemetery, but there have been few where the grief was more universal and where the sorrow of the bereaved relatives was more genuinely shared by those in attendance In the death of this young man all of the citizens of the community have lost a sincere friend, and the city and vicinity has lost a citizen whose place can never be filled. Sold the Coates House.

The Kansas City Star of last Fri- day tells of the sale of the Cates House in that city by W. H. Owens to the Nebraska Hotel Company of Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Owens becomes the owner of a fine hotel property in Columbus, Neb.

in the trade, and will at once move to that city and take charge of his property. Columbus is a fine little city of about 6,000 inhabitants in north central Nebraska on the main line of the Union Pacific, and has the reputation of being one of the best towns in Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Owens and Mr.

and Mrs. Howell have been at Kansas City in charge of the Coates House for the past year or more and have prespered there. It is a big proposition, however, and one that requires all of their time, leaving no time for recreation, and this is one of the resaons they consented to let it go. The Columbus proposition will be much easier handled and will doubtless bring a better return on the money invested. To the Public.

The Osborne County War Council wishes to compile a permanent record of all Osborne County men who served their country in the War. This will be an Honor Roll of aur soldiers. It can not be done without your help. Will you please send to the Osborne County War Council, borne, Kansas, the full name and home address, Company and Division Number, the Branch of Service, the Place of Service, (whether at home or Overseas) the, rank, and whether wounded or dead, of any relative or friend who has no relative to speak for him, who was in the service from this County. These names will then be placed in some permanent record to be kept always in the County Court house as a record of Honor and Patriotism of Osborne County Soldiers.

Osborne County War Council. Funeral of Mrs. Franklin Hull. The funeral of Mrs. Franklin Hull, whose death was briefly mentioned last week, took place at the family home at 1:30 last Friday afternoon and was conducted by her pastor, Rev.

J. O. Borton, of the Methodist church. Owing to the nature of her malady the services were held in the front yard and a large number of her friends and neighbors gathered to pay their last respects to the memory of this splendid woman. The casket was beautifully draped in fragrant flowers, the gift of loving relatives and friends.

A special choir furnished the music for the occasion and the ministre spoke a few appropriate words of comfort to the bereaved husband and family. After the brief service the procession wended its way to the Greenman cemetery where the body was laid to rest in the family lot. Sarah Ellen Burns was born at Capling's Mills, Cedar county, Missouri, on July 17, 1847, and died at her home in Downs on Wednesday, March 19,1919, aged 72 years, 8 months and 2 days. At the age of four years her parents moved to Mills county, Iowa, where the deceased grew to womanhood, and where by her own efforts she worked her way through the Tabor Literary Institute, graduating with honors from the institution. In the year 1865 she was married to Franklin Hull of Warren county, Iowa, and removed with her husband to that county, where they remained until 1871, when they came to Osborne county, Kansas, settling on a homestead three miles east of the present site of Downs.

To this union was born eight children: Edwin of Smith county, Wm. C. of Pueblo, Colorado, Mary J. McCammon of Minneapolis, Ella M. Ford of Minneapolis, Kansas; Arthur I.

and Charles of One daughter, Alice and one son, Franklin having preceded her to the Great Beyond. Besides the living children she is survived by her aged husband, two brothers and three sisters. They are Mrs. Edith Harrison and S. T.

Burns of Whiting, Iowa; John Burns of Laurel, Mrs. Belle McHenry of Albion, and Mrs. Josie Rodman of Nevada, Mo. The following beautiful tribute from the pen of Mrs. Alice G.

Young, a life long friend: The press of the passing of Mrs. Ellen Hull gave the key words for a promised memoir in saying "She was a splendid woman." She had, indeed, a lovely Christian character, that ripened more richly with life's experiences. Her's was a long, but beautiful, life story. Early after marriage she came with her soldier husband, to set up a home in this new country and here rear her large family, amid the naturally changing conditions; patient under disappointments, grateful for the smallest blessing, trustful in sorrow. With so swear a spirit and even poise, she could but Le an ideal homemaker and such a mother as her children may well call "blessed." A markedly hospitable, friendly woman, her home was the scene of many happy gatherings that lent to the social life of the community in an early day in no small degree.

Nor did her enjoyment in entertaining her friends abate as life went on and the children left the' home nest. In 1915 the golden wedding anniversary celebration at their town home was an occasion to be remembered, and the social observance of her husband's birthday was an unbroken custom. Outstanding among her characteristics was a tender sympathy that gladdened and relieved many fellow and her whole heartedness in meeting and welcoming the unacquainted, yet all the while keeping up her sisterly interest in her friends, old and new. As a member of the Methodist church, she was loyal to its principles and interested in all its activities. Hers had been the privilege of zealous watching of the widening of its work from the day of small beginnings.

She was a. loved member of the Ladies of the G. A. and was at its last social meeting. Mrs.

Hull was lovingly faithful to her afflicted husband, and much as she seemed needed to longer assume this care, she recognized her call and saying she "was tired and glad to go," the inevitable end came to this useful life that left its modest light to shine on. "Comrade of yesterday, now saint of God." We desire to thank all those who so kindly tendered us their assistance and sympathy in the death of our beloved wife and Hull and Family. CLEAN-UP-NOTICE. Everyone Thursday, April 3, is Clean-Up-Day. is requested to clean up their vards and pile the trash on the alley line, where it will be gathered by teamsters this day only, at the city's expense.

All trash will be hauled free, excepting manure, and this, property owners are requested to remove at once. By order of the Mayor and City Council. What About a New School Building? There seems to be considerable sentiment in favor of reviving the project to building a new school building in Downs. Bonds were voted two years ago, but when the war came on the matter was dropped, in spite of the fact that the town needed the building very badly. But conditions were very bad at that time and labor high and hard to get, so at a public meeting the matter was discussed finally postponed.

Now there is a strong sentiment that the building be located centrally in the town, where the auditorium would be of great benefit in public gatherings. The location most talked of is the lots across the street east of the libray. If part of the land from the corner to the garage could be secured this would furnish ground for the building, which would contain a large gymnasium, thereby doing away with the necessity of a large ground. It has been suggested that as the $40,000 voted for that purpose would not erect the building then planned containing a large auditorium, that a fund be raised by popular subscription to add to the bond fund, and that an auditorium be added and dedicated as a memorial hall to the soldiers of this community who fought in France in the recent war. The town will doubtless erect some sort of a memorial to the boys, and what would be better than a memorial hall that would be of great value to the community and at the same time be a constant reminder of the brave boys who offered their lives in the cause of world democracy? The constant association of the young people in the school with the memory of these patriots would be an object lesson of great value to the young.

This is not the idea of this paper, but was originated by a well known man of this city who has a son in the service and who is now in France. The idea is at least worthy of the consideration of the people and should be given free discussion. Death of Mrs. W. D.

Grasdorf. Catherin Ann Grasdorf died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. D. Dirstine, 1109 West Ash, Salina, on Wednesday, March 12, after an illness lasting nearly three years.

Dropsy was the immediate cause of her death, although she had been in failing health for many years. Mrs. Grasdorf was born in Brehm, Germany, August 13, 1858. She was married to William D. Grasdorf ber 27, 1886.

Besides her daughter in Salina Mrs. Grasdorf is survived by a daughter at Tipton, Mrs. T. C. Sackhoff, and two sisters, one living near Downs and one living in New York.

The body was brought to Downs by Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Dirstine on Friday, March 14, and after brief services at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev.

J. 0. Borton, the body was laid to rest in the Ladd cemetery south of Downs by the side of her husband. Mrs. Grasdort lived in Downs a few years ago with her daughter, Mrs.

M. E. Dirstine, but her health at that time was very poor and she did not enjoy as wide an acquaintance as she otherwise would. The many friends of the family here regret very much to learn of her death. The Boughner Sale.

In spite of the inclement weather which held down the crowd to the minimum, W. H. Boughner's sale of pure 'bred cattle and other property was success. The cattle were among the finest in the state, Mr. Boughner having the reputation of being one of the best breeders of Holstein cattle in the state.

The stock was in fine shape and made a showing that immediately attracted the attention of the buyers, some of whom came many miles to be in on the bidding. The best cow brought $405.50, and her calf brought $102.50. Other cows sold at $375 and all of the pure bred animals brought fancy prices. Mr. Boughner has not only made a great name for himself with his fancy stock, but he has helped to put Downs in the map by the advertising his herd has received because of its excellence.

His friends here all regret that he is to go out of the fancy cattle business, but he feels that he has reached the age where he must begin to curtail the responsibilities of an active life, and this alone induced him to sell. Thirteen head of the cattle were purchased by a breeder at Nortonville. Election Proclamation. purpose of electing: One Mayor, Five Councilmen, One Police Judge. Notice is hereby given that the regular election in the City of Downs, Kansas, for city officers, will be held on Monday, April 7, 1919, for the The polls will be open from eight o'clock a.

m. of said day until six o'clock p. m. thereof. Said election will be held in the city hall, Downs, Kansas.

GEO. P. NIXON. Mayor. Attest: E.

R. FARWELL. City Clerk. (SEAL) 6-8t. Harry D.

Hampton. Harry D. Hampton, son of Henry C. and Amanda Hampton, was born in Lee county, Iowa, Oct. 31, 1885.

At the age of seven years Harry was bereft of the loving care of a mother and he lived among relatives for several years before coming to Kansas in the year 1910. He made his home with his brothers Otto and Sabert of Bethany township working at different lines of occupation in Osborne and at Downs. During the last four years he had been a traveling salesman with headquarters at Moberly and St. Louis. Harry was always noted for his cheery, smile and straight-forwardness and won the hearts of his brother salesmen all along the line.

Many quiries coming here to relatives from friends who had not been apprised of his sickness and death contain a message of sorrow. Harry had returned from the south only a few days previous to his death, first going to St. Louis and then to Kansas City. He was taken to a hospital at the latter place on Thursday, suffering with what seemed to be a heavy cold, but he did not realize his condition was serious, and he laughed and joked with, his friends on Saturday saying that he didn't feel badly only that his breathing seemed difficult. He gradually sank from that time on and although everything possible was done for hime he passed away with pneumonia on Monday morning, March 3rd just as the sun was shedding its first golden rays from the heavens.

The body was shipped to Salem, Iowa, his old home for burial, and the services were attended by a large crowd of friends and schoolmates, who came to pay their last respects. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. He left to mourn his untimely death a father, step-mother, six brothers, four sisters and a fiancee, Miss Hattie Grieves, of Osborne. The known here are Sabert Worrell and Otto H. The six brothers acted a8 pall bearers.

Fred Hull Visited Home Folks. Fred Hull, who left here two years ago with Company to serve in France, arived home last Friday morning just in time to attend the funeral of his grandmother, Mrs. Franklin Hull. With his brother Floyd he had just returned from France to Camp Funston, and through the Y. M.

C. A. he was located by his parents at Camp Funston and notified of his grandmother's death. He at once secured leave of absence and came home to attend the services. The earnest wish of Mrs.

Hull during her fast hours was that she might live to see her grandsons on their return from France and it is the irony of fate that they were delayed by circumstances long enough to frustrate her dearest wish. Floyd expected to come up, but the surgeons would not consent to it, as he is badly crippled in the feet from wounds received in the Argonne battle in September. Fred went down Monday to accompany him home for a few days, but the surgeons announeed that an operation removing two bones from his feet would be necessary, and his trip must be postponed, and Fred returned home Wednesday evening. Floyd has had a serious time with his injured feet and has been in seven different hospitals sinec he received his wounds, Elm Creek Club. The Elm Creek club held a very pleasant meeting at the home of Mrs.

George Montague March 20. Fifteen members were present. Roll call was responded to with witticisms. After the business session the following ladies conducted the Round Table, urs. Harry Jackson, Mrs.

Simmelink, Mrs. Tom Reddick, in a most interesting manner. Mrs. E. E.

Haubeggar favored the company with a vocal solo, which was most thoroughly appreciated. The ladies worked on a fancy quilt for Miss Ruth Montague. During the social hour Ruth Montague, assisted by Mrs. Haubeggar, served a sumptious lunch, of which the ladies expressed most hearty appreciation. The next meeting of the club will be with Mrs.

Fred Tetlow on April 11. Roll call, miscellaneous. Raymond Crum Sick in New York. Mr. and Mrs.

A. M. Crum received a message last Friday that their son, Raymond Crum, who recently landed in New York City from France, had been operated on in base hospital in that city for appendicitis, and that his condition was very bad. Later that night a telephone message was gotten through to New York by I. E.

Petitt for Mr. Crum, asking for details. The reply was that his condition was extremely serious and that no hope was entertained for his recovery. The next morning a message was received that he had taken a turn for the better and would live. Mrs.

Crum left Sunday morning for New York to be with her son during his illness. The family was somewhat puzzled by the various messages they received, as it was known that he expected to have an operation, but their understanding from his letters were that the operation was to be on his leg that had been broken by a bullet in the Argonne battle and badly set by the Germans when he was captured by them after he had been wounded. It was necessary for him to have the leg reset after he got back to the American lines, and in letters to his parents he stated that a plate that had been inserted was apparently loose and that an operation would likely be necessary to remedy the trouble. He said nothing in his letters about any trouble with stomach, while the messages from the surgeons indicated that he had submitted to an abdominal operation. A letter received from him by Mr.

Crum since the telegrams were received, but written before the operation, reiterated his statement about his injured member, but there was still no information that would indicate abdominal trouble. It is probable that Mrs. Crum will write a full explanation: as soon as she reaches her destination. In the meantime the many friends of the family are pleased to know that the report now is much more encouraging, and that the life of the splendid young man who has suffered so much i in vis country's service, will be spared to his parents and friends. Later--A message from Mrs.

Crum says that Raymond is doing fine and that a mistake had been made in the telegrams sent last Friday. Death of Rudolph Gygax. Rudolph Gygax, a pioneer of Hancock township who had lived there for 45 years, died at his home there Sunday evening, March 16. On March 5th Mr. Gygax suffered an attack of paralysis from which he lay 1 in an unconscious condition until death ended his struggle.

The funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. C. Everitt of the Osborne Presbyterian church, and burial was made in the Zimmerman cemetery. Deceased was born at Herzogenbuchsee, Switzerland, Aug.

9, 1850, son of John Jacob and Maria Bechtoldt Gygax. He grew to young manhood in Switzerland and came to New York in the spring of 1870, and after spending some months in New Jersey he came west to Missouri in the fall. He spent some six months in Missouri and then moved to Hiawatha, where he remained something over two years. He moved to Osborne county in the fall of 1874. He was married to Regina Zimmerman in Mareh .1882, and they at once built their home Hancock township.

Seven children were born to them, three of whom have passed away. The four surviving are Mary, Esther and Karl of Osborne and Felix, of the United States navy, who is now stationed at San Diego, as commander of the submarine fleet there with the rank of lieutenant commander. Felix was unable to get away from his duties to attend the funeral. The other children were present. Mrs.

Gygax died about eighteen years ago. Rudolph died in the faith of the Reformed church, having been confirmed there Switzerland. He was a man of the most sterling honesty and his word was as good as a bond. He was an uncompromising Republican of the conservative school and had strong ideas regarding government affairs, but he was not argumentative on anything. the passing of Rudolph Gygax and Michael Lochard, Hancock township lost two of its pioneer citizens withen hours of each Death of Frank Beam.

Frank Beam, aged eight years, died last Thursday of influenza and was buried on Friday, the funeral being conducted by Rev. J. O. Borton of the Methodist church. The little fellow was the son of Mr.

and Mrs. R. Beam, who are thus called upon to mourn the loss of a second son. Their eldest son, Bernard Beam, passed away last week of the same malady. Frank was a bright little fellow with a future full of promise, and his sad death following so closely upon that of his brother is a sad blow to the bereaved parents.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to them in their double sorrow. Mrs. Neva Grosbeck, who has been staying with her brother, Austin Murphy and family, for several weeks left for her home in Natoma Saturday..