20 Feb 1903
Page 1
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Newspaper
Ottumwa Democrat
Location
Ottumwa, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 20, 1903
Page
1
A blaze in the Clifton hotel in Cedar Rapids destroyed the 72 room building at 1 39 am. Four people died and about fifty were injured, with Ottumwa figures including John A Lewis escaping by leaping from a third story window. Local doctors rushed to treat burns and broken bones as the hotel went to ruins.
Des Moines witnessed the close of the annual Patriarchs Militant session in Odd Fellows hall with large attendance and entertainment. A grand parade occurred Friday morning led by the Fifty-fourth Regimental band Iowa National Guard. the Friday evening program featured a concert and decoration of chivalry. The event named Des Moines as next year’s host city over Cedar Rapids and listed officers and chevaliers in attendance.
Otumwa retail liquor dealers seek a $500 license reduction, with the petition referred to the Police committee. The council passes ordinances for three park commissioners and a Postal Telegraph & Cable Company franchise, while authorizing steps to block Ottumwa Telephone Company rate increases.
The Beamer Bros of Eddyville built a large real estate business since 1900, reporting about one million dollars in negotiated deals in two years. Half of that was local investments, the rest for 10,000 acres of Knox and Shelby county land in Missouri, priced 35 to 50 dollars per acre. A major local deal, the Grant Cowley farm, sold for 17,000 dollars. The firm runs excursions to Missouri, covering most expenses except railroad fares, and invites inquiries from those seeking farms.
Ottumwa city officials learn the City Water Supply Company withdraws its bid to sell its plant and reject a proposed franchise. A New York meeting notes disposal of the Ottumwa plant at best price, while Home Water Supply Co. unaffiliated locals form to buy or build anew if a franchise is granted.
Dentists in Chicago attended meeting this week with Drs Craig Work and J N Arm strong. Frank Trotter of Chariton returns home after brief Ottumwa visit. Nels Peto of Mt Pleasant visits city on business with Odd Fellows. John McCullough, Creston friend of editor, traveling for John Deere Co., calls. R N McElroy improves after stroke last Thursday. Rusty Owens to coach Iowa Wesleyan baseball for two months this spring. L W Wright of Woodbine Chronicle attends Odd Fellows meeting and calls. Luther Stewart of Grangeville Idaho visits Ottumwa relatives. raised here, away twenty years. Misses Dempster, Faron, Miller, Doweger and Mrs Mansel with Walter Chuck attend Congregational meeting at Agency. What will Ottumwa say about next?
H S Jones, appointed Iowa passenger agent for the Q, visited Burlington last Thursday marking his first official tour since succeeding J M Bechtel. A veteran in the west Iowa division, Jones began as a clerk for division passenger agent W J Davenport in Creston and later moved to Council Bluffs, remaining with the railroad. He plans to move his family to Burlington and assume his new duties, bringing seasoned experience and a cordial approach to his role.
Mr. A. M. Raney editor of the Marengo Republican, a former Observer editor, enjoys the top post as General Commanding the Patriarchs Militant United States Canada and worldwide. He has long ties to the Democratic and Harrison eras and recently visited the White House with talks of a New York customs post as head with salary and expenses.
The ladies auxiliary to the A. O. H. held a social session in Summers hall Monday night with cards as the amusement and refreshments served at an appropriate hour. A series of marriage licenses were issued across the week, listing multiple couples. Maggie Curran of Brown's Candy Kitchen prepared 25 small guidons for Troop G, 15th Cavalry, stationed in Mindanao, Philippines, mailed home for the April homeward journey.
Richard Beringdale aged 76 died at his home 213 North McLean Street last Sunday afternoon at 3 o clock. He was an early settler of Wapello county. The funeral was held Tuesday from his residence and the remains interred in Thornsh Cemetery.
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