March 23, 2005

Herald news ... 100 years ago

By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald

       - Mrs. M. E. C. Bates passed away peacefully this morning after many weeks of great suffering which she endured with that Christian fortitude which has characterized her life. Mrs. Bates was widely known throughout the region and the state as well, having been closely identified with literary work. She was the oldest continuous newspaper correspondent in Michigan and one of the most prominent writers for the Detroit Tribune. Mrs. Bates managed the Home and Sunshine departments of this paper as well.
      - One of the most cruel cases of divine healing was found Thursday at the home of William Patrick on Garfield Avenue, the victim being the 7-year-old son, Jack. After receiving a tip, Captain Munsell went to the home where he found the lad in the last throes of death and the father, who claimed to be a faith healer, sitting and praying. Health Officer Lawrence was notified, removed the boy from the home and placed him in a doctor's care.
      - Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Martin of East Bay were surprised with a delightful party last week in honor of Mrs. Martin's birthday. Over 100 guests were present, many coming from different locations in the county. Progressive pedro, songs and other amusements were indulged in and after tripping the light fantastic, everyone enjoyed a bounty of refreshments.
      - At a special meeting of the board of education Monday evening, the committee on teachers reported recommending the re-employing of Prof. I. B. Gilbert as superintendent for the coming two years. Additionally, the committee recommended an increase of $100 for each of the two years over his present salary of $1,800. The resolution was adopted immediately.
      - John, the 11-year-old son of George Davis, who lives west of the city, was probably fatally shot by the accidental discharge of a rifle while hunting with his brother late this morning. It is thought that the boy fell and struck the gun on a limb, causing it to be discharged. At this time, the boy is still alive, but unconscious.
      - It is now a state law that the American flag must float over every schoolhouse in the state. A school district which fails to keep the law will forfeit its share of the primary money. Opposition to the latter was made, noting that the action of one teacher should not affect the school district, but the prevailing sentiment was that a teacher is more apt not to be negligent in carrying out the law.
      - The committee from McPherson post, G. A. R. and Department President Florence Babbitt met in session Tuesday at the Park Place parlors to make final arrangements for the state encampment in June. It was decided to hold the W. R. C. headquarters in rooms 72 and 75 of the hotel annex and the opposite rooms across the hall be considered the headquarters of the G. A. R.
      - Our correspondent at Mapleton reports that John Smith, who has been sick for some time, was worse again last Friday, but is some better now. Mrs. Oliver Lardie has been on the sick list for the past week, but she, too, is improving nicely.
      - The M. E. Ladies' Aid society at South Mayfield met with Mrs. Otto Stoykle last Wednesday and sewed a nice lot of carpet rags for her. The women began the work early that morning and after a brief rest for lunch, completed their project in mid-afternoon.
      - Alonzo Kenney, aged 63, took his life Thursday morning at the Columbia Hotel by swallowing an ounce of arsenic. In the presence of a physician his daughter and the hotel landlord, he refused absolutely to tell where he got the poison or to take any medicine as an antidote.
      - Some of the farmers in the area are marketing potatoes at 10 and 12 cents per bushel. One man, who bought potatoes last fall at 27 cents per bushel, is now selling them at 18 cents. This is certainly poor interest on money.
      - Advice on deportment. Keep babies who are liable to cry and small children who cannot be made to sit still, at home when going to church.
      - Medical advice of a century ago. To treat bruises, bathe frequently with hot drops.
      - Best buy of the week. An elegant 100-piece Set of Dishes, $3.75 at J. W. Slater.