Jack's Account of It

1901

One of Uncle Sam's able seamen, who was in an "Owl" train that was wrecked, thus described his experience:

"It was a little after two bells this morning and I was smoking my pipe in the 'Owl's' stern galley. The first thing I knew of any happening was when I was thrown violently from my seat. After the pitching and jumping had stopped, I crawled out and saw that the steering gear of the 'Owl' had been carried away, causing her to part amidships. The after end listed badly to starboard and went aground, throwing all hands in a heap to the listed side. No lives were lost, however, though all were badly shaken up and somewhat damaged. One unlucky passenger bunted the glass out of a porthole, cutting her head and face quite badly. After wigwagging the craft coming up behind to change her course, the forward end of our craft picked up the passengers and crew and continued her voyage. As for me, I will be glad when I am safe aboard the Albatross again. This cruising overland is too rough and choppy for me." — Argonaut.

Starts for Money But Never Returns

California, 1917

A Mariposa street shoe store is short just one pair of $9 shoes and an attractive dark haired woman weighing about 170 pounds and standing five feet eight inches, is ahead one pair of $9 shoes.

According to a report made to the police department yesterday by the shoe store, the fashionably dressed woman, said to be strikingly attractive, entered the store Saturday night and after trying on many different shades and heights, finally selected a pair, and said she would wear them at once, and would the clerk please have the old ones wrapped up.

She said her brother was waiting for her outside and she would get the money from him, but she never returned, according to the report. The clerk was able to give an excellent description of the woman.

—Fresno Morning Republican, Fresno, CA, Sept. 10, 1917, p. 3.

Wife Serving in Hotel After Husband Left Without Paying

1901

Wife Shoulders the Burden

Waterloo, Dec. 28.—A man registering at one of the hotels as Dr. L. D. Caswell of La Crosse. Wis., has departed from the city and his whereabouts are unknown. His wife, who was left without funds, has assumed the role of a servant girl in the hotel in order to meet the board bill. The doctor advertised extensively as a specialist, catarrh being his specialty.


Passed Forged Checks

Adair, Dec. 28—A stranger passed four forged checks of $9 each on the business men of Adair, claiming to be a farm hand working for a rich stock man near town and receiving the checks in payments. His description is: About 6 feet tall; weight, about 165 pounds; smooth, pale face; light brown hair; age, about 25 years; extra smooth hands; wore a dark ulster, light colored neck scarf, fedora hat; had the appearance of being an indoor worker.


Struck With Coal Shovel

Muscatine, Dec. 28.—Walter Kaiser, by his next friend, R. J. Kaiser, has begun a damage suit against M. O. Stanwood, defendant. Walter Kaiser is a minor of the age of 12 years, who sues by his next friend, R. J. Kaiser, and for cause of action against the defendant states that Stanwood struck him with a coal shovel, severely cutting his face. He wants $5,000 damages.

—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, December 29, 1901, page 3.