The Fort Dodge Messenger: Nov. 11, 1904

John Haire Sr. Passes On Beyond

Was One of The Best Known of Old Settlers of the County.

Pneumonia Caused His Death

Was Eighty-Six Years of Age When The Summons Came – Funeral Will Occur From Corpus Christi at 11:00 O’clock Saturday Morning.

The going out of the life of Mr. John Haire, Sr., takes from Fort Dodge one of the oldest settlers, successful business men and worthiest citizens.

Death occurred Thursday afternoon between four and five o’clock after a two weeks’ illness with pneumonia.

His death comes after eighty-six years of useful life, in all of which he has been respected and admired. Although he was seriously ill but two weeks he has been slowly failing for several months.

The funeral services will be held from Corpus Christi church Saturday morning at eleven o’clock, when high mass will be said by Rev. Father Lenihan. The pallbearers will be Edward Sherman, C.W. Maher, Dr.  Evans, Owen Conway, Peter REilly, Michael Healy, J.M. Mulroney (and) A.L. Furlong.

born in Ireland in 1818 he spent his boyhood and young manhood there, coming to America when about thirty years of age. Aside form leading a good and noble life, which has been a quiet, simple one in this country, his early years in Ireland are filled with experiences and circumstances which make it doubly interesting.

Coming to America at (indecipherable word) age he made a success in business, raised a large family, held positions of influence and goes form this life, leaving  his wife and children all in comfortable circumstances.

His first residence in America was Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in the dry goods business, staying there until 1855.

His arrival in Fort Dodge the following year brought one of the truest hearts and best of citizens of which Fort Dodge can boast and since that time he has lived here to make all with whom he same (sic) in contact happy; and to live such a life that when his golden anniversary was celebrated in 1901, he was entirely worthy of the tribute which was paid to him and  his wife, Mary M. Carr, whom he married in Cincinnati.

This tribute appeared in the column of the Messenger at the time of his wedding and is so true in every point and we reprint it page eight of this issue of the Messenger.

A Few Expressions.

Below are given a few expressions from the older citizens of Fort Dodge, all of whom have known Mr. John Haire for many years:

Michael Healy: “It has been a source of great pleasure for me to have been acquainted with John Haire for 36 years. My friendship and respect for him always grew, and never diminished. His genial manner, represented to my mind, in the person of John Haire, the perfect type of the Irish gentleman, as well as the enlightened American citizen.”

R.W. Crawford: “When I came to Fort Dodge, in the spring of 1868, John Haire was the leading merchant. I soon made his acquaintance and found in him a good friend. He always bore the same cordial greeting. His personality gave dignity to his presence. Few persons have attained so wide an acquaintance and universal friendship. I rejoiced to see him in the very advanced years of his life, so well, so happy and in the fullest enjoyment of all his endowments.”

R.M. Wright: “Mr. Haire was one of the most kindly and courteous old gentlemen that I ever met. He had that which should accompany old age, love, honor, obedience, troops of friends. To such kindly natures old age is a crown of glory. By reason of the lives of such men the world is made better.”

The Fort Dodge Daily Chronicle: Sept. 27, 1910

Funeral on Wednesday

Remains of the Late John A. Brady Will be Laid to Rest in Corpus Christi Cemetery.

The funeral of the late John A. Brady who expired suddenly on Monday morning as a result of a stroke of apoplexy, will be held at 9:00 on Wednesday morning at Corpus Christi, with interment in Corpus Christi cemetery.

Six close friends of the deceased will carry his remains to the grave, George Patterson, Ed Peschau, Dan Noonan, J.J. Ryan, Michael Keenan and James Black, and the Knights of Columbus, assisted by the A.O.U.W. will assist in the services at the grave.

The Fort Dodge Daily Chronicle: Sept. 27, 1910

W.V. Manchester Expires Suddenly

Prominent Burnside Farmer Expires on Monday of Heart Failure.

For 55 Years Was a Webster County Resident

Came to Webster County From Ohio in 1855 and Remained Here Remainder of His Life.

William V. Manchester, a prominent Burnside farmer, died suddenly on Monday afternoon as a result of an attack of heart failure, superinduced by advancing age.

The deceased was a native of Pennsylvania, being born near Philadelphia, July 20, 1832, and was therefore seventy-eight years old at the time of his death.

The early years of his life were little different from those of other farm-reared boys, and he continued to reside at home until after his marriage, Feb. 23, 1854, to Miss Martha J. Kindle. However, soon after his marriage he removed to Ohio, where he resided until 1855, in that year migrating to Iowa, being for more than fifty-five years a resident of the Hawkeye state, the greater part of that time making his  home near Bernside (sic), and being one of the men prominent in the development of that section of the county.

With the breaking out of the Civil War, he responded to the call of President Lincoln and enlisted in Co. D. Thirty-Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war when he returned to Webster county where he spend the remainder of his years.

The deceased was prominent in the councils of the republican party of Webster county and has served as justice of the peace, township clerk, school director and county supervisor. He was for a number of years chairman of the republican township committee. Four sons and four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Manchester, all of whom are still surviving.

The Fort Dodge Daily Chronicle: Sept. 23, 1910

City News

Marriage License

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Divorce Suit Dropped.

The divorce suit filed by Guy Walrod against his wife, Muriel Walrod, on the grounds of desertion has been dropped by the plaintiff and stricken from the district court docket.

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Settlement is Reached

The case of George Townsend vs. Mrs. J.M. Beavers, assigned for trial at the present term of the district court, has been dismissed by the plaintiff at his cost.

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Small Judgment Given

The jury in the case of Wm. Oberton vs. J.B. Black, on trial in the district court brought in a verdict awarding the plaintiff damages in the sum of $8 as a result of the defendant’s cattle trespassing on his corn fields.

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Another Case Settled.

The case of Conrad Brown and Anna Brown vs. The Fort Dodge Brick and Tile Co., slated for trial at the present term of the district court, has been settled out of court, the defendant company paying the plaintiff the sum of $310 as a result of an accident suffered by their son.

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Jury is Excused

Wednesday evening, owing to the settlement and continuation of many cases assigned for trial in the district court during the present week, Judge C.G. Lee dismissed the petit jurors for remainder of the present week. They will report Monday afternoon at 1:30 for service during the coming week.

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Divorce Granted

Thursday afternoon Judge C.G. Lee in the district court granted a divorce to Jessie Davenport on the grounds of desertion. The number of divorces granted during the two weeks court has been in session is nearly a record breaker.

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Funeral on Saturday

The funeral of the late P. Henry Vaughan, who passed away on Wednesday evening as a result of a stroke of apoplexy suffered on Tuesday morning, will be held at 9:30 on Saturday morning from Corpus Christi, with interment in Corpus Christi cemetery. All of the members of the family of the deceased are in the city to attend the funeral.

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Paving is Delayed

The rain of Thursday called for a cessation of the paving work in the city, and this morning the employes (sic) are taking a still longer enforced vacation as a result of continued inclement weather. Up to the present time the men have been able to push their work with a pleasing degree of speed and little time has been lost through bad weather.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: Sept. 14, 1906

Fort Dodge Man Ends Own Life

Jack Foster Formerly of Here Throws Himself Under Train at Mallette, S.D.

Sioux City, Iowa, Sept. 14 – (Special to The Messenger) – Jack Foster, a harvest hand, aged 47 years, formerly of Fort Dodge, committed suicide by throwing himself under a train at Malette, S.D., last night. Foster and wife separated three months ago and failure to affect a reconciliation last night prompted the deed.

(Editor’s note: There is a Mellette, South Dakota.)

The Fort Dodge Daily Chronicle: Sept. 4, 1908

Another Pioneer is Called by Death

J.W. Roper is Summoned Home to Reward on Thursday Evening.

Was Pioneer Transfer Man of Fort Dodge

Was Nearing the Eighty-Seventh Milestone of His Life When Summoned – Death Due to Old Age.

Thursday evening with the falling shadows, the spirit of Joseph W. Roper, for many years a resident of this city and the pioneer transfer man of Fort Dodge, joined that of his wife and passed into the great beyond, death being due primarily to advanced age, and occurred at the home of his son, William A. Roper, at 622 North Ninth street, where he had made his home for the past several years.

J.W. Roper was born at Rutland, Vermont, November 25, 1821, and was of sturdy revolutionary ancestry. On the green hills of his native state he grew to manhood and on August 26, 1842, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Esther Latham at Camdor, N.Y., the couple journeying together through life, until a few years after the celebration of their golden anniversary when Mrs. Roper was called to her reward. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roper removed from New York to the west, settling for a time in Wisconsin and in 1869 again taking their journey westward to Fort Dodge. Following their arrival here, Mr. Roper engaged in the transfer business, being the pioneer transfer man in the then struggling village. Within his lifetime the deceased witnessed a remarkable change, Fort Dodge growing by leaps and bounds from a little village to one of the best and most progressive cities of the state. After disposing of his transfer business the deceased was for many years connected with the United States Express Co., retiring a few years ago, owing to advanced age.

To Mr. and Mrs. Roper were born five children, four of whom are living, the oldest son, Edgar, having passed away at Eagle Grove a few years ago. Those living are William A. and Charles E., who are engaged in the cigar business, F.E., a conductor on the Chicago, Great Western Railroad, and Mrs. Mary Young. Three brothers and one sister of the deceased are also living, besides seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. The brothers and sister are Samuel Roper of Watertown, Wis., August of Spokane, Wash., F.H. of Estherville, and Mrs. Louisa Hunt of Mankato, Minnesota.

Mr. Roper was a man of kindly heart and a generous disposition and his passing will be mourned by many not akin to him, but who felt the kindness of his bounty when sore oppressed by sickness, care and trouble during the long and cold winters of pioneer days. He was a man of most rugged constitution and notwithstanding his advanced age was to be noted early every morning in the summer at work in his garden, while in the winter no sidewalks were cleaner than those near his home, and his daily communion with nature and nature’s forces perhaps tended to prolong his life many years more than the allotted span.

The funeral will be held at the home on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. F.E. Drake, pastor of St. Mark’s Episcopal church, officiating. Mr. Roper was a prominent and life long member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and that society will assist at the services. Interment will be made in Oakland cemetery, by the side of his wife who was called from earth a few short years ago.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: Aug. 20, 1903

Michael Schumack Passes Away

A Well Known Railroad Man Succumbs to Long Illness.

Funeral Will Take Place Tomorrow Morning – Has Been in Employ of the Illinois Central.

Michael M. Schumack, a hostler at the Illinois Central roundhouse died at his home at 429 Tenth avenue south Wednesday afternoon at 1:15 after four weeks illness. Death was due to heart failure, which was aggravated by an attack of scarlet fever.

Deceased leaves a wife and five month’s old child, besides one brother, James, living in this city. At the time of his death he was twenty-six years old. He was born and raised in the eastern part of the state. Since moving to the city a year and a half ago he has been in the employ of the Central where he was popular and well liked by all the men.

Deceased was at one time fireman on the Northwestern, when he was located at Boone. The funeral will take place from Sacred Heart church Friday morning at 10 o’clock. None of the out of town relatives will be able to reach the city in time to attend the funeral.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: July 9, 1903

Death Has Called For Two

Leo Halligan Died Wednesday Night After Long Illness.

Funeral Will be Saturday Morning in Corpus Christi Church – Mrs. A.P. Minard is Dead.

Leo Halligan, the eighteen year old son of Mrs. Christopher Halligan, died at his home in the city Wednesday night between eleven and twelve o’clock.

He had been ailing since Christmas. Prior to that time he was a student at the Wahkonsa school and was most popular among his school fellows.

He leaves three sisters, Jennie, Kate and Anna, besides his mother, and brother, Thomas, all of whom reside in the city. His father, the late Christopher Halligan has been dead over ten years.

The funeral will occur from Corpus Christi church Saturday morning at 10 o’clock.

After a five week’s illness Mrs. A.P. Minard passed away at the hospital this morning at two o’clock. Death was caused by typhoid fever.

Deceased was aged 24 years old and was the wife of A.P. Minard, a stone cutter residing on Twelfth avenue south and Sixth street. The body will be taken to Yetter Friday for interment at that place.

The Fort Dodge Messenger and Chronicle: June 4, 1918

Instant Death to Young Man by Lightning

Raymond Hahn Struck in Shelter Under Tree

Flash Follows Down Body

Was On Way Home From His Day’s Labor

Raymond Hahn, twenty five years of age, was instantly killed when struck by lightning at 8:00 last evening in front of the Ned Young residence, 809 north Fourteenth street. Hahn, who was employed at the Plymouth Gypsum company was hurrying to his home on Eighth avenue north between Fourteenth and Fifteenth street. A sudden downpour of rain made him pause for shelter under a big maple tree at the foot of the walk leading up to the Young home. The bolt of lightning struck the tree, glazed down its side, hit the man in the chest and ran down the side of his clothing. The unfortunate young man was thrown out full length and death was instantaneous.

The lightning burned a narrow trail down the side of the tree and its course could be followed in the burned clothing of the shirt and down the left trouser leg and the left shoe was also burned. Although the explosion accompanying it was terrific in its intensity, not a branch and hardly a leaf was shaken from the tree. The man’s body was badly charred on the chest and shoulders.

Mr. and Mrs. Young and son were sitting on the screened porch just twenty five feet away and Maxine, the little nine year old daughter, was out on the walk gathering hail stones in the brief lull that preceded the clash. While the shock was keenly felt by all the little girl who was only ten feet away was almost terrified, and it was many hours before she recovered from the fright.

Wife and Three Children Survive.

Mr. Hahn was born in Polk City, Iowa. He has lived in Fort Dodge for the past eight years and for six of those years has been employed at the Plymouth Gypsum company. He was married five years ago to Miss Edith McNeil. Three children have been born to them, all of whom survive. They are Rayma, Edward and Thelma. Besides these Mr. Hahn is survived by his parents, four brothers and four sisters who live at Evanston.

Mr. Hahn stayed late at the mill to do some extra work. He had gone by far the greater distance of the way to his home when he met with this fatal accident.

Through strange coincidence lightning struck twice in the same block Monday. The first bolt dismembers a big tree in the yard opposite the Young home. This happened about 10:30 in the morning. The second bolt brought death to the young man.

Funeral arrangements have not been made as the family is waiting to hear form relatives living at a distance.

The Fort Dodge Messenger and Chronicle: June 5, 1918

The funeral of Raymond Hahn who was instantly killed when struck by lightning Monday night, will take place Thursday afternoon at 2:00 at the Hahn house, 1417 Eighth avenue north. Rev. G.A. Osborn will have charge of the services.