This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 53 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Brainerd Dispatch
Location
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Jan 06, 1888
Page
6
The Brainerd Dispatch notes that paper, lighter and less breakable than glass, could replace many common household articles. The piece suggests a future where ordinary items are largely made from paper, comparing the material to electricity in its transformative potential.
The recent Masonic fair in New York City closed with receipts exceeding 65,000. Proceeds will fund an asylum for destitute Masons and for the widows and orphans of Masons, ensuring the project’s success.
Bogota, capital of the United States of Colombia, has nearly one hundred thousand residents and sits over eight thousand feet above sea level. The climate is likened to New England if September occurred twelve times a year. School begins for boys at six oclock each morning after a roll and coffee breakfast.
Prospects rise that the Canadian fish commissioner will go back to Washington after vacation. His demands seem less inexorable and a concession may be possible to settle the dispute between the two governments. The cause of the apparent shift remains unclear but likely reflects pressure from Ottawa.
The court reverses a lower ruling that denied coverage due to alleged vicious habits and delirium tremens seen days before death. Delirium tremens is not considered positive proof of vicious habits, and death cannot be attributed to delirium three days prior.
The passage notes the Smith family is underrepresented in the House with only one member, while many other families such as Allens, Andersons, Bakers, Breckenridges, Browns, Campbells, Davidsons, Henders ons, Hopkins, Johnstons, Russells, Stewarts, Stones, Taylors, Thomases, Thompsons, Tanners, Whites, Whitings and Wilsons have multiple members.
The poet John G. Whittier sends a circular letter to friends for his eightieth birthday expressing heartfelt thanks for the numerous congratulatory letters and telegrams he has received. He says the volume is so large he cannot reply individually. He declines individual replies and extends gratitude for the kindness shown to brighten his evening of life.
Reports claim new gold deposits from around the world with Alaska highlighted as exceptionally rich. Australia reports surprising auriferous finds in hitherto unsuspected areas, while Africa’s southwest coast and interior Southern Africa are described as vast potential gold regions.
In 1856 foreign commerce totaled 641 904 850 with 482 268 274 in American ships and 159 336 576 in foreign vessels. By year ending June 30 1887 only 14 percent sailed under the U S flag. The U S merchant fleet dropped from about 5 200 000 tons to 5 131 135 tons while Britain rose to 7 361 818 tons. steam tonnage surpassed sailing with 3 965 302 steam and 3 396 516 sail tons.
The final completion of the rail line between Portland Oregon and San Francisco is celebrated by residents and visitors. Tourists favor the Southern Pacific or Atchison routes to Los Angeles and San Diego, while attempts to divert traffic to the Central Pacific failed. Most travelers to southern California still visit San Francisco, returning by Central or Northern Pacific, with some taking steamer routes to Portland or Puget Sound to avoid mountain stages. The Oregon road’s opening promises scenic tours through Portland and onward by the Northern Pacific, signaling rapid Pacific Coast development and anticipating major regional progress in the coming decade.
Secretary Fairchild orders sweeping cuts at the Boston custom house to save 40000 annually. Wisconsin and Minnesota postmasters commissioned and fourth class appointees named. Lamar and Sherman figures discussed on Supreme Court and tariff politics. Timber theft case in Minnesota prompts civil suit efforts to recover funds.
The Manchester Courier reports Lord Stanley Preston accepting the governor generalship of Canada. Congressman Martin of Texas rose to state senate at thirty and fought in the war under Lee. Senator Farwell’s daughter is said to marry the son of Mr Winston, ex minister to Persia. James D. Hurd of Houghton Mifflin died of pneumonia at thirty five. Tacoma News notes Gen Adna Anderson will quit Northern Pacific January 1 to join Buffalo Rochester and Pittsburg as vice president and chief engineer with Rochester headquarters. John W Foster, veteran diplomat, has returned from six weeks in Mexico and departs again. as Mexico’s attorney he aids a proposed U S Mexico monetary treaty.
Testimony continued in Waverly Iowa over County Attorney Kingsley’s body. Nearby in Olympia Judge Allyn sentenced Angus McClain to be hanged February 24 1888 for killing Harry O Connor at Shelton. McClain showed no emotion at sentencing.
Estate worth 600000 of M B Sampson, city editor of the London Times. Assurances that Austria and Russia won t clash. Carnot to become father again. Ottawa man backs Clow against Dempsey for 3000 to 5000. Inquiry finds M Wilson not legally involved. four agents to be tried. Major Bishop accused of assaulting girls. authorities refuse prosecution. Russian Austrian tension eases. Bulgarian dispute may see entente. Sapal jubilee mass offers reach 200000. Mass at 7 a m Rome and 730 Paris. Czar to visit Tiflis next spring with imperial family. France annexes Raiatea. native chiefs submit or face bombardment. Cork speech accuses officials of corrupting children. Dublin Castle implicated. Hawaiian legislature warned by warships. possible outbreak averted. Ontario Winnipeg: Burke joins new cabinet as provincial secretary. Norquay resigns. Harrison to lead.
Gordon De Grot of Quinney was found frozen in a farm yard three miles from Stockbridge Wisconsin after wandering there. General Manager Mellen of the Wisconsin Central estimates the total property damage from the recent accident near Fifield at 1500 dollars.
Crew agent Williamson withdraws his resignation to vindicate himself. The Vanderbilt firm reports high year end dividends. Severe cold and record snow hit the Northwest and Spain. George W Meade & Co assigns in San Francisco, shipping $2.6 million in fruit East this year. Reading company threatens no arbitration and centralizes control. Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe plans Redondo Beach railroad with 16 miles to LA and fast Pacific steamship service. Northwestern Traveling Men's association holds Chicago convention and elects officers. A Harvard graduate teacher is assaulted by Miss Jennie Baxter in Lodi during Christmas exercises. Baltimore elopement of Grassie Bulkley with Miss Bessie Hillyer stirs trial and possible reconciliation.
The funeral of the late Hon. Daniel Manning was held in Albany on the 27th with the President and Cabinet present. Pallbearers included Charles J. Canda Sidney Webster A P Gorman C N Jordan Samuel J Randall Manton Marble Rufus W Peckham Simon W Rosendale Erastus Corning John H Van Antwerp Roscoe Conkling and Pascal P Pratt. After readings prayers and hymns the casket was interred amid a parade of carriages.
Gov John S Marmaduke died suddenly at Jefferson City on the 28th after a period of ill health since the last summer’s special session. Born March 1833 in Saline County Missouri he served as a Confederate general before politics.
In a conversation with a New York Special correspondent Congressman Knute Nelson of Minnesota says he will decline renomination next year. The Scandinavian district he represents supports him, but he fears tariff policy would hurt his influence if Republicans gain control of the House in 1889. He plans to end his political career after his current term.
The will leaves $25,000 each to Woman's Hospital of New York St Luke's Hospital Young Women's Christian Association and Children's Aid Society $10000 to the Hampton Institute and $25000 to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the P E church half to education of Indian children in South Dakota and half to school repairs there. Remaining estate largely to husband John Jacob Astor with additional small NY charitable bequests.
Special telegrams to Bradstreet's note declines in general merchandise movement across regions during the holiday week. Jobbers and manufacturers are stocktaking as cold weather boosts some lines while hurting others. Lending remains firm as banks hold back. Dunn's Review says the year closed with modest seasonally strong business, while iron production and prices fall after record output and pressured wages.
In Lee County Georgia Nathan Reed killed his wife and six children before taking his own life. A boy living with the couple who had seen a doctor left the scene with him. when they returned they found a cabin in ruins and the family corpses. Reed's body was later found in a well with a throat cut.
Rome reports a grand pontifical mass at St. Peter's with about 30,000 in attendance, 48 cardinals and 23 bishops present. Leo XIII, praised by Bishop Ireland, shown emotion and blessings amid royal gifts and imperial honors. Humbert lauds the ceremony as a sign of liberty in Rome.
The New Year service at the First M E church of St Paul drew a large crowd for Rev. H. G. Smith’s farewell sermon. He announced he will lead the Independent People’s church next Sunday, citing desire to be more useful and happy elsewhere. He stressed no church discord and pledged friendship with all. He also noted receiving honor from the M E church.
Winter opens with multiple serious railroad wrecks across Pennsylvania and nearby states. A Dec 31 collision near Meadville killed Engineer E P Swan and Fireman Edward Humes, with several other crew members and a passenger listed among the dead or wounded. A separate Dec 3 collision near Somerset caused a severe casualty, blamed on orders misreading. no passengers were harmed.
On a north bound train a baggage master was killed and a fireman badly injured as mail and cars were destroyed. The dead include Express Messenger Powell. Injured are Lee Withrow from Cincinnati and Lawrence Collins Ludlow Ky. Others hurt include James Severance Jr., Pete Murdy, Pat Bacher, and William Michael with varying injuries.
Col Robert G Ingersoll delivers a funeral tribute to Ida Whiting Knowles wife of Howard Knowles late US collector at Peoria Ill in New York City on Dec 15 The oration lauds her gentleness courage and devotion and speaks of peace in death and reunion with loved ones
At Waverly Iowa M E Billinge is held for the murder of W B Kingsley The coroner s jury finds Kingsley died Dec 21 1587 from a pistol shot and that Billinge premeditated the act The case includes forged notes and alleged blackmail with no direct witness to the shooting.
Judge Stoneman of the Cedar Rapids Superior Court ruled the Iowa registry law unconstitutional. The case, Col Clark v election judge of the Fifth Ward, cited Capen v Foster and similar state rulings, saying the legislature cannot deprive a voter's constitutional rights.
New York District Attorney Martine files memorandum seeking to present to the grand jury a charge of larceny against Jay Gould and Russell Sage for acts related to the Kansas Pacific bondholders. He notes the statute of limitations as a potential obstacle but argues it may be construed to allow prosecution. If facts support, an indictment should be found and tried.
P F Lyons U S A signal corps observer presents the annual weather summary for St Paul covering 1887. Mean temperature 42 degrees, annual normal 43. Last year colder than several prior years but warmer than 1875. Max 94, min 36 below zero. July 15 and Jan 18 extremes. Total precipitation 25.85 inches, above normal by 3.15 inches. Wettest year since 1870 was 1881. dryest 1886.
J N Abbott sent a circular to passenger agents of St Paul roads authorizing sale of excursion tickets to St Paul for the winter carnival and ice palace. Round trip fares from Chicago and other listed points are one fare with sale Jan 24 to Feb 2 and return by Feb 5. Ice palace admission may be optional at 50 cents added to the fare. Continuous passage required. standard tickets used.
In connection with the papal jubilee rumors spread of honors to clergy worldwide. Mentioned are Dr. Walsh archbishop of Dublin and Archbishops Wood of Boston or Kendreth of St. Louis as new cardinals. Archbishops of Mexico and Rio de Janeiro also expected to receive red hats.
The article discusses a shift in papal policy toward foreign appointments, with Italian cardinals in the minority. It mentions Rev John Foley of this city as coadjutor to Cardinal Gibbons and Bishop Ireland of St Paul receiving the pallium for a new diocese covering Minnesota and Dakota. Dr Chappell of Washington is also mentioned in connection with New Orleans.
The Manufacturers' Record of Baltimore reports 1887 as a remarkable year for the Southern states with new enterprises doubling from 1886 in most sectors. Four of fourteen Southern states saw capital increases over prior year, cotton manufacturing booming with 77 new mills projected, and total Southern capital rising from $129.2 million to $550.5 million.
Detroit reports Gen Pulford lies near death at his home. Wounded at Maivers Hill with skull fracture and shattered collar bone he was captured, exchanged, and sent to Baltimore where his mind failed and later returned. He endured further wound at the Wilderness and has since suffered intense pain using an electric battery and opiates for twenty years.
The December receipts from all sources totaled 29,325,255 while expenditures were 10,400,682 creating a net gain of 14,924,603. After about 3.5 million in interest on the public debt is paid the December surplus is 15,424,603. The public debt was reduced by 15,250,000 in December, with total 1857 debt reduction at 117,016,000. The largest payments occurred in June and November at 15,552,000 and 16,833,000 respectively.
Beloit Wisconsin pastor Rev W H Hollister and his wife depart for Bombay to join the Methodist Episcopal missionary fund in India. Other items note a Chillicothe clergyman found guilty of approaching parishioners, a Northwest storm delays trains, and various political and social brief items.
A United States rail expansion report shows 12 724 miles of new main line added in 1887, with heavy activity in the central west and states like Kansas Nebraska Texas Colorado and Montana. Total mileage rose from 137 986 miles to 150 710 miles, costing around 325 million dollars and employing about 65 000 workers.
United States Marshal Cabell of Dallas brought Jim Newsome to town. Newsome, a lifelong stage robber, had robed the Brownwood and Ballinger line repeatedly over five to six years, often with a six shooter or a hammer handle. He was sentenced for life in Albany prison after capture near Ronella county.
The Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad suffers under the interstate commerce act with Minnesota railroad commission support. The Rock Island line, 100 miles longer than rivals, loses through traffic to meet I C C rates. Stockholders face dilution, bond holders may accept lower interest, yet property value could still render concessions minimal.
Minnesota railroad commissioners issue a formal order governing upper berths in sleeping cars. From January first, upper berths must remain closed when lower berths are occupied, with the bed ready for occupancy and the berth elevated or lowered as needed. A plainly printed copy of the order must be posted in each car.
The 27th W. W. Corcoran enters his ninetieth year as friends send telegrams and flowers. He notes weakness in his legs yet speaks cheerfully recalling life since 1804 and reflects that few live to such an age.
The Washington Monument base and shaft are described as showing growing stress. Marble blocks split and crumble at joints while cement and other material stain the stone. Experts question whether ongoing crumbling could threaten the shaft's stability due to the immense pressure.
At a session of the Retiring Board of the United States army in San Francisco the cases of Maj. F. T. Bennett and Capt. A. H. Merrill were examined for disability. The board reserved its decision until the next sitting after hearing officers and medical directors.
About two hundred teachers attended the Minnesota Educational Association annual meeting in St. Paul. Gov. McGill opened the session. President Kerr welcomed delegates. Papers on The Recitation and Parochial Schools sparked debate on religious influence in education and public school roles.
Minneapoli di vorce granted to Sophia Woodward. O M Woodward’s divorce noted. Notaries appointed including Mrs Allis Frederick and Louisa Flower. J M Gates killer in Otter Tail county sentenced for life. Fergus Falls high school building destroyed by fire with $45 000 loss. 1888 sermons planned at St Paul Opera House by Dr B G Smith. William Pritchard case moving to St Paul. Engineer from Rogers works in custody. Pickering Hill switchman Charles Moder captured and to face man slaughter. Duluth elevator touted as finest. Henry Wagoner dies near Adams. State agricultural meeting tickets at reduced rates. John Crosby dies of heart paralysis. Ike Weir and wife arrive in Minneapolis. Litchfield grants six saloon licenses for 1558 with fee changes. Winona Harvesters elect directors. United Labor party critique in Winona. Pat Killen relocates to St Paul and buys a saloon. William Peck marries Olma Stevens in Minneapolis. Benson hardware store fire. losses and insurance listed. Nicholas Kill claims insanity in murder case. Albert Lea building improvements rise to 115740. Farmers Institute to be held in Austin Jan 19–21. H L Buck and Ida Carpenter wed at Winona. Stearns county tax values listed. Lake City births and deaths tallied. South St Paul pork packing plant opens. Wright county notes diphtheria death and odd boy incident. House of Hope Church contributes 30000 to benevolence. Christie salary raised. St Paul railways offer carnival round trip fare. Duluth boxing draw between Paddy McDonald and John Donner.
The item claims Sitting Bull will go to Washington to oppose the Dawes bill but Sit ting Bull and aide Running Elk deny this and say many favor reducing reservations. Other notes report Duluth National to absorb Union National early next year, with Union dissolving and its capital moved. Additional items recount Ireland sentences for National League suppressors, threats to Kildysart workers, and a theater dynamite incident in Cathagenia Spain causing a stampede as lights failed.
The Contemporary Review analyzes Greece covering 1881 ceded areas and a 25,000 square mile territory with about 2 million people. It notes agriculture as the mainstay, low population density, and limited industrial development. It highlights the vulnerable currant export, modest olive oil and wine trade, and the need for better roads and railways to boost internal communication.
During the Civil War a Syracuse factional dispute over a postmaster appointment led to a Washington visit by a delegation headed by General Leavenworth. They sought Lincoln’s support, but he confessed that the Syracuse post office kept him awake at night rather than the war.
The article argues for aggressive tree culture in the United States, citing Belgium where over 2,417 miles of territory have been planted and trees valued at more than four times their original cost, totaling over $2,000,000. It emphasizes expanding beyond scattered shade trees to meet future timber demand, noting low ongoing care and high long term returns.
A Boston host learns a story about a Japanese student group where a young man is described as very dissipated. The phrase refers to his constant sponge cake eating and being emotionally unsettled, prompting discussion on how meanings differ across minds.
A dramatic performance at Olympia features Arabs attacking a railway train on a track around the arena. French troops fire back, Arabs are defeated, wounded are tended in an ambulance car, and the locomotive departs after a brief firefight. Arab girls perform a dance as desert troops display drills.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.