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 42 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Elkhart Observer
Location
Elkhart, Indiana, United States of America
Date
May 05, 1875
Page
2
The Elkhart Observer reports Elkhart chose a city government by a 12 vote majority amid local political turmoil. The issue followed a major fire the previous day causing $350,000 in damage and prompting coverage of municipal matters.
The prosecution in the Beecher trial Monday opened rebutting testimony. Mrs Tilton produced a sensation by handing the judge a mysterious note.
Report notes intense political fervor in Laporte as several shopkeepers who live there were offered free passage home to vote, reflecting local concern and mobilization during the late week.
Before the election the scalawag organ charged that Shuey and Vip fleet were running the city scum. The result shows that over 580 of the best men voted yes. If the charge was true S. and I. must have a powerful influence.
A severe Wednesday blaze devastated Oshkosh Wisconsin destroying the entire business portion of the city. Only one hotel was saved and several lives were lost marking Oshkosh's third major fire.
The initial election after South Bend became a city was nonpartisan with a single ticket formed by the best citizens. Elkhart could learn from South Bend's approach in this instance.
John McNaughton is discussed as a potential May candidate and receives implied support if nominated. The note suggests early public chatter helps start momentum, while disclaiming any firm endorsement beyond sparking interest.
The speaker says the aim was a ticket free from party bias so all good men could vote it, and rejects the idea that decent men could craft a ticket the Union editor would back.
The Chicago Times rebukes the Tribune for satire on temperance efforts, accusing it of pandering to liquor interests. The Observer insists it supports all moral and legal means to curb intemperance and will not waver from this stance.
In a satirical letter the Edwardsburg correspondent condemns the Michigan liquor statute. He mocks the ban on sale to minors and drunkards while urging enforcement through excluding politicians from courts and police, and granting women the vote to back enforcement.
Letter from Mr Colfax discusses a misdated notice titled Colfax May Hits. He notes a lecture tour east and mentions postponement to Tuesday May 11 in Quincy Michigan due to election week. The writer acknowledges a mistake in the date and signs as Sonoyer Corax.
A public letter mocks Senator Bravpstey for not running for mayor. It argues no extra session will occur and claims the senator, heir to his founder father, should be the first Mayor despite his stated objections.
Col A M Tucker urged as unifying candidate for Mayor by backers from Republican and Democratic counts. He would forgo two years as County Auditor to lead a rising city, with strong integrity and proven experience.
A local voter endorses Sol T. Gage for City Clerk and Will Knickerbocker for City Treasurer, praising Gage’s neat handwriting and accounting ability and Knickerbocker’s courtesy and upright character for the upcoming year’s city government.
Ephors Observer corrects a Chicago Times report claiming Goshen had only one usable hydrant. Six hydrants are in readiness and the water works are a success and indispensable to Goshen. The correction asks publication to clarify for Exhart readers.
A letter from a subscriber in Elkhart complains about city taxes being higher in the town and praises city improvements. The writer vows to drive out scoundrels and saloons, urging action against perceived local wrongs.
Editors Observer notes Henry B. Sherwood is favorably mentioned for City Treasurer. He has already proven capacity serving one term, is a good penman and an excellent accountant, and appears worthy of the trust. Many voters.
Letter urges nonpartisan city officer nominations and elects two councilmen per ward with one from each party and from different parts of the ward to ensure equal representation in the Common Council. It argues the approach would balance party and locality influence across wards.
A citizen letter endorses S. S. Strong as a suitable mayoral candidate. The writer praises his longstanding residency, taxpaying status, intelligence, and independence from entangling alliances, arguing he should lead the city though he does not seek office.
A letter argues Mr McNaughton is prominent not for public leadership but for profiting from town actions. It accuses him of steering a $10 000 schoolhouse fund by the Board of Town Trustees, then selling land at high prices to raise value of his local real estate. The writer demands a different candidate.
At the Democratic caucus Ed Benham and John Hull were chosen as councilmen nominees. A resolution urged Ward Six voters to back B. O. Manchester for City Clerk at the general caucus Saturday night at Seittiner's Hall, with J. Van Mippaen as chairman.
At the Democratic Liberal Republican caucus in the fifth ward Jacob Arisman won the two year Council term nomination and John S Kinzy the one year. A motion urged fifth ward voters to back B O Manchester for City Clerk at the general caucus Saturday night at Stettiner's Hall with Wm Tress as secretary.
A letter from J. urges officers to remain vigilant but warns against harsh talk toward workers. He recounts a late incident at his place of business where he received unwarranted harsh treatment, advocating fair conduct for diligent laborers.
The Union accuses railroad bosses of pressuring workers to vote for a city. bosses deny the claim, saying no employee follows orders and workers are independent. Editorial remark targets the editor of the Union and cites R. R. Mecuanic.
The note says ladies were poorly represented at churches due to cold weather and mocks those who wore new spring hats. The writer calls the claim slander but prints it since they were not present to refute it and asks readers to consider the source.
The Observer announces Isaac Syphert as a candidate for City Marshal, pending the nominating convention to be held tomorrow evening at the Opera House. Many friends sign the notice.
Mr Borror asks how the suit fits for City Treasurer candidate J D Devor. A brief exchange confirms approval and readiness for the nomination or appointment process.
A caucus of voters from the Third Ward will convene at Dr. Allen's office on Thursday evening May 6 at 7 o'clock to nominate two councilmen for the ward. Citizens urged to attend.
John Egbert and Thos Daily deny the charge of using influence to defeat the city charter election as reported by the Elkhart Disrrver. Goshen Democrat notes their emphatic denial and acceptance of an apology on the matter.
Goshen reports a lively election with temperance defeat and council majorities in three wards. Dr. E W H Ellis named State University trustee. plans for a joint stock wagon factory move forward. water hydrants, growing homes, and near completion of bank foundations marked local progress. Cur Boxo.
In Bristol on May 5 1875 Trustees Aitkin Cass Milburn Clerk Romaine Treasurer Williamson elected. Whisky ring backed Aitkin Cass seeking low license while Coe Coffin backed by Temperance favored high license. Milburn on both tickets supports high license. temperance ticket defeated by a small margin as turnout remained under thirty voters. Goop Templar.
Land buyers in Michigan can secure reduced rail rates via the Grand Rapids Indiana Railroad. Twenty in number are offered special arrangements. Those wishing to use the benefit should notify at least one week before travel and I will assist freely. Elkhart Indiana. LaPorte South Bend Goshen papers invited to copy.
Mr and Mrs Wood of Elkhart spent the Sabbath in Goshen with Gen Hascall's family. Negotiations are under way to buy the small steamer Jfodoc at Elkhart to run on Syracuse Lake for pleasure parties. A seven mile run could be profitable.
Philo Morehouse of Elkhart presented Mrs Davenport a fifty dollar check for the ladies reading room. The Goshen Democrat notes his untiring zeal for Elk hart, citing his role in bringing railroad shops to town and calling him a public blessing to the community.
A community gathering is planned for Saturday, May 8 in the city. Organizers invite residents from nearby neighborhoods to join a daytime program featuring speakers, activities, and refreshments at the municipal hall.
Elkhart board meets in special session approves prior minutes and bills including Elkhart Gas Co coal and election supplies. A city election set for May 11 1875 to fill mayor treasurer clerk marshal assessor and two councilmen per ward with inspectors and judges appointed in each ward. Treasurer report accepted. committees to examine vouchers named.
The Board reviewed the annual treasurer’s figures with receipts and disbursements across funds. Total cash on hand stands at 970.95 with $30,000 estimated bonded indebtedness after recent bond sales and a policy change urged for Grace Lawn cemetery due to insufficient lot revenue.
A Saturday Herald poem muses on the morning star and dawn’s enduring light through ages. The verse contemplates destiny, oblivion, and eternal luminescence, closing with a dated imprint of Jan. 1875 from Indiana.
A new recreational organization for public instruction announced a Wednesday May 19 exhibition in Elkhart. It boasts an unprecedented scale with a vast menagerie, a comprehensive circus, and a varied museum. The management promises massive canvasses and exclusive specialties to eclipse prior entertainments.
An advertisement touts a blood purifier that supposedly cleanses blood and treats digestive issues, ulcers, lung and liver inflammation, dyspepsia, coughs, neuralgia, skin diseases, and headaches. It claims effectiveness after multiple bottles and lists Joseph Bradt as maker at 198 Main Street Wilson Block upstairs.
Notices urge voters across wards to meet Thursday for two council seats and Friday at the Opera House to nominate candidates for Mayor Treasurer Clerk Assessor and Marshal. Fifth Ward caucus set at H J Kremer’s store and Stettiner’s Hall hosts Democrats and Liberal Republicans on Saturday night.
Advertisement notes a new book Monty and How to Make It by H L Reapr former Hearth and Hour editor. It promises practical thoughts for readers in all walks of life and is expected to sell well. The river is rising rapidly.
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.