This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, May 10, 1919.
Mrs. Nellie D. Yerkes, died this morning, May 10, 1919, at her home in this city, after an illness of a month. She had been in failing health since an operation on her eyes last fall, but the acute illness came suddenly and was sever.
Nellie Dunham was born in St. Charles, Ill., April 5, 1849, and spent her girlhood in that city. In 1869 she was married to Stephen Yerkes of Northville, Mich., and a resided in that village until the death of Mr. Yerkes in 1881. After a years residence in Chicago, she came to Ypsilanti to join her mother, the late Mrs. E. B. Dunham, and for 37 years has lived in the pleasant home on North Huron Street, which has been a center of helpful and constructive activities for all these years.
Mrs. Yerkes was a woman of rare gifts and charming personality. She had keen powers of observation and analysis, of seizing upon the essentials and of presenting information or conclusions vividly and clearly. Her wide range of knowledge and exceptional memory, her reliable judgment and remarkable executive ability were given freely to the many organizations in which she took a deep and active interest.
She was especially devoted to the Presbyterian Church. For years she taught a large class of boys in the Sunday school and acted as substitute organist; but her chief work was the Foreign Missionary societies. She was acting corresponding secretary of the Synodical W. F. M. S, of the state organization, which was founded in Ypsilanti; and was recording secretary, for 15 years corresponding secretary, and for two years president of the Detroit Presbytery Society, besides often acting as its delegate to the meetings of the Presbyterian Board of the Northwest.
She was one of the band of earnest women that organized and for years maintained the Ypsilanti City Y. W. C. A. and was the Association president. She was also an officer in the Sappho Club at one time a large factor in the musical life of the city. She had heard most of the great artists and her musical judgment was keen and cultivated.
She was a power in the Ladies Literary Club for many years, serving it in many capacities, including that of president, and its representative, was one of the early presidents of the City Federation of Women’s Clubs. Her originality as a writer, supplemented by her experiences in wide travel at home and abroad, her progressiveness and excellent judgment, made her a valuable force in the Club. At her death, she was a member of the Club house board of trustees.
Of distinguished Revolutionary ancestry, Mrs. Yerkes took great interest in the Daughters of the American Revolution and was at one time Regent of the Ypsilanti Chapter. Her patriotism also found expression in Red Cross and other work during the recent war and she gave liberally of time and money to these causes. It was a source of pride to her that of the young men whome she had aided to secure an education by taking them into her home, six did valiant service for their country in France or on the sea; one, Clarence Ponton, who had been as a son to her, having won the Croix de Guerre.
Yerkes was a firm believer in Equal Suffrage and in the tents of the Republican Party, and was widely read on matters of public interest and the events of the day. She was young and progressive I spirit and an inspiration and a welcome friend to young people always.
She leaves few near relatives—her sister, Mrs. J. D. Crosby and nephew, Roy Crosby of Cass City; her niece, Mrs. Fred C. Ballard of North Branch—but the number of her friends is legion and her loss will be widely and sincerely mourned.
The funeral will be held at the residence, Monday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Dr. J. D. Finlayson, assisted by Rev. Dr. A. F. Bruske, conducting services. Interment will be in Highland cemetery.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Milan resident killed in crash others injured
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, May 8, 1934.
A Milan woman is dead and several people injured in an automobile collision Monday night in which n Ypsilanti resident is involved as driver of one of the cars.
Mrs. Bernice Steinman, 34 years old, resident of Milan, received a fractured skull and other injuries which resulted in her death several hours later in Beyer Hospital. Her 11-year old daughter, Agnes, is in the hospital with a deep gash in one of her legs as consequence of the collision with a machine driven by Ernest Tomford, 115 Davis St. former president of the Ypsilanti Welfare Union.
The accident occurred about 5:30 Monday afternoon at the intersection of US-23 and Packard Rd. According to Mr. Tomford he was returning to Ypsilanti from work in Ann Arbor and as he reached the intersection he stopped, looked both ways, and did not see any machines on the highway. He then started up and as he neared the center of the intersection saw the Steinman machine approaching from the south. He swung his machine sharply to the left hoping to avoid the crash but the machine driven by Mrs. Steinman struck his car on the right side, he said.
With Mr. Tomford was Miss Ethel Myers, this city, who received a slight bruise on the shoulder. Mrs. Steinman’s husband, Henry and two sons, Elmer and Leo, none of whom was seriously injured, were in the other car. Both machines were extensively damaged.
After making a formal statement this morning to Trooper Gerald Flinn of the state police who investigated the accident, Mr. Tomford was released. Coroner Dr. David N. Robb has not decided whether he will conduct an inquest.
The body of Mrs. Steinman was removed to Dundee from where funeral services are to be conducted.
A Milan woman is dead and several people injured in an automobile collision Monday night in which n Ypsilanti resident is involved as driver of one of the cars.
Mrs. Bernice Steinman, 34 years old, resident of Milan, received a fractured skull and other injuries which resulted in her death several hours later in Beyer Hospital. Her 11-year old daughter, Agnes, is in the hospital with a deep gash in one of her legs as consequence of the collision with a machine driven by Ernest Tomford, 115 Davis St. former president of the Ypsilanti Welfare Union.
The accident occurred about 5:30 Monday afternoon at the intersection of US-23 and Packard Rd. According to Mr. Tomford he was returning to Ypsilanti from work in Ann Arbor and as he reached the intersection he stopped, looked both ways, and did not see any machines on the highway. He then started up and as he neared the center of the intersection saw the Steinman machine approaching from the south. He swung his machine sharply to the left hoping to avoid the crash but the machine driven by Mrs. Steinman struck his car on the right side, he said.
With Mr. Tomford was Miss Ethel Myers, this city, who received a slight bruise on the shoulder. Mrs. Steinman’s husband, Henry and two sons, Elmer and Leo, none of whom was seriously injured, were in the other car. Both machines were extensively damaged.
After making a formal statement this morning to Trooper Gerald Flinn of the state police who investigated the accident, Mr. Tomford was released. Coroner Dr. David N. Robb has not decided whether he will conduct an inquest.
The body of Mrs. Steinman was removed to Dundee from where funeral services are to be conducted.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Elishe Petts, M. C. Employe, killed Tuesday
This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, May 5, 1909.
Struck by the fastest moving train on the Michigan Central railroad, the famous 24 hour Chicago-New York “Wolverine,” Elisha Petts47 years old, who roomed with Daniel Burden at 7 River Street, was thrown a distance of perhaps 50 feet, mangled almost beyond recognition and instantly killed Tuesday afternoon.
Petts was employed by the Michigan Central as a section hand.
He, with several others, was working near the Shanghai gravel pit, about two and one-half miles west of the city.
A few moments before the “Wolverine” was scheduled to pass that spot, a fast west-bound freight was seen bearing down upon Petts. One of the other section hands shouted to the unfortunate man, who forgetting that the east bound was scheduled to pass there at that time jumped from the west bound track to the other. As the fast freight swept by, the “Wolverine” rounded a curve and bore down upon the helpless man, who either did not hear the screech of the whistle or was paralyzed with fright. The engine caught the victim throwing him into the air and mangling him terribly. A few feet farther, the engineer of the “Wolverine” succeeded in stopping his train, which was probably going between 40 and 50 miles an hour at the time of the accident.
Petts was placed on the train and brought to this city, and the “Wolverine” went on in its mad effort to cut down the time lost.
Petts at one time was married but was divorced about eight years ago, by his wife, who resumed her maiden name of Mary Dingmann and who is now working for the Scotney Dairy Farms in Superior Township. Two children of their marriage are being taken care by the mother, Nettie, 14 years old, and Lillian, nine years old. It is said that Petts is survived by a sister living in Alma, Mich. Who has been notified of her brother’s death.
Struck by the fastest moving train on the Michigan Central railroad, the famous 24 hour Chicago-New York “Wolverine,” Elisha Petts47 years old, who roomed with Daniel Burden at 7 River Street, was thrown a distance of perhaps 50 feet, mangled almost beyond recognition and instantly killed Tuesday afternoon.
Petts was employed by the Michigan Central as a section hand.
He, with several others, was working near the Shanghai gravel pit, about two and one-half miles west of the city.
A few moments before the “Wolverine” was scheduled to pass that spot, a fast west-bound freight was seen bearing down upon Petts. One of the other section hands shouted to the unfortunate man, who forgetting that the east bound was scheduled to pass there at that time jumped from the west bound track to the other. As the fast freight swept by, the “Wolverine” rounded a curve and bore down upon the helpless man, who either did not hear the screech of the whistle or was paralyzed with fright. The engine caught the victim throwing him into the air and mangling him terribly. A few feet farther, the engineer of the “Wolverine” succeeded in stopping his train, which was probably going between 40 and 50 miles an hour at the time of the accident.
Petts was placed on the train and brought to this city, and the “Wolverine” went on in its mad effort to cut down the time lost.
Petts at one time was married but was divorced about eight years ago, by his wife, who resumed her maiden name of Mary Dingmann and who is now working for the Scotney Dairy Farms in Superior Township. Two children of their marriage are being taken care by the mother, Nettie, 14 years old, and Lillian, nine years old. It is said that Petts is survived by a sister living in Alma, Mich. Who has been notified of her brother’s death.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Building of 1870 goes as hazard
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, May 4, 1934.
The razing of the brick building on the alley just south of Michigan Ave., near Huron St., and opposite the Michigan Artificial Ice Co. storage house, is being carried on by a group of men under the direction of Ernest Maddux, city sanitary inspector.
The building which is a fire hazard and dangerous because of the dilapidated condition, has been condemned and is being wrecked by the crew. All materials are being salvaged and will be sold.
The structure was erected in 1870 on the rear of the Samuel Post property, according to John Matthews and was used for a number of years after it was first built as a whipsocket factory. Since then it has served many purposes, but recently has stood vacant.
Mr. Maddux is also warning owners of chickens in the city that they are liable for damage done by their fowls to neighbors’ property. Already several complaints have been received that chickens have destroyed gardens and ruined flower beds. Owners must either keep the chickens in an enclosure or at least confine them to their own premises, Mr. Maddux states.
The razing of the brick building on the alley just south of Michigan Ave., near Huron St., and opposite the Michigan Artificial Ice Co. storage house, is being carried on by a group of men under the direction of Ernest Maddux, city sanitary inspector.
The building which is a fire hazard and dangerous because of the dilapidated condition, has been condemned and is being wrecked by the crew. All materials are being salvaged and will be sold.
The structure was erected in 1870 on the rear of the Samuel Post property, according to John Matthews and was used for a number of years after it was first built as a whipsocket factory. Since then it has served many purposes, but recently has stood vacant.
Mr. Maddux is also warning owners of chickens in the city that they are liable for damage done by their fowls to neighbors’ property. Already several complaints have been received that chickens have destroyed gardens and ruined flower beds. Owners must either keep the chickens in an enclosure or at least confine them to their own premises, Mr. Maddux states.
Memorial Gate given St. Johns
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, May 3, 1929.
During the past week the Catholic Study Club has erected a beautiful gate at the entrance to St. John’s Cemetery, thus completing a project undertaken last fall.
The cemetery, lovely with spring flowers, and with the Sacred Heart Monument, as a background, appeared more beautiful as the new entrance was placed in its beauty and simplicity, a memorial to those who have passed beyond.
Last November, Mrs. T. S. Wedder proposed the erection of the entrance to the Catholic Study Club as a project for this year and she was made chairman of the committee to carry out the undertaking. Up to the past week she worked, assisted by Mrs. Lawrence Bibbins, Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Mrs. M Sinkule, Mrs. D. B. South and Mrs. Fred Fischer. Mrs. Webber solicited all lot owners, bridge parties and bake sales have been held, and $600 raised for the work.
Three pillars of Bedford stone form the entrance, two large (?) designating the main gate entrance and one smaller pillar the foot gate. Two large white crosses, carved of solid stone, are placed on the large pillars, and a simple inscription, “Erected by the Catholic Study Club, A.D. 1929” appear at the (?).
Joseph Arnet had charge of the work, and the architectural plans were donated by Frederick Arnet, a senior in the U. of M. architectural College.
During the past week the Catholic Study Club has erected a beautiful gate at the entrance to St. John’s Cemetery, thus completing a project undertaken last fall.
The cemetery, lovely with spring flowers, and with the Sacred Heart Monument, as a background, appeared more beautiful as the new entrance was placed in its beauty and simplicity, a memorial to those who have passed beyond.
Last November, Mrs. T. S. Wedder proposed the erection of the entrance to the Catholic Study Club as a project for this year and she was made chairman of the committee to carry out the undertaking. Up to the past week she worked, assisted by Mrs. Lawrence Bibbins, Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Mrs. M Sinkule, Mrs. D. B. South and Mrs. Fred Fischer. Mrs. Webber solicited all lot owners, bridge parties and bake sales have been held, and $600 raised for the work.
Three pillars of Bedford stone form the entrance, two large (?) designating the main gate entrance and one smaller pillar the foot gate. Two large white crosses, carved of solid stone, are placed on the large pillars, and a simple inscription, “Erected by the Catholic Study Club, A.D. 1929” appear at the (?).
Joseph Arnet had charge of the work, and the architectural plans were donated by Frederick Arnet, a senior in the U. of M. architectural College.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Lodi Townsip youth accidentally kills self with revolver; sheriff and Police scout attack story
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 3, 1909.
One of the most mysterious shootings that has ever startled Washtenaw County occurred in Lodi township Sunday at midnight.
Jacob Lombard, aged 19, a farmer lad, and son of immensely wealthy parent, died almost instantly after accidentally shooting himself with an old fashioned revolver which had belonged to his father.
The story told by the lad to his mother before he died is scouted at by Deputy Sheriff Stark. Following is the lad’s story:
About one mile from the house he was halted in a dark spot in the road by two men whose faces he was unable to recognize. They pulled the horse up short and then seized young Lombard, roughly hauling him from the vehicle.
The pair wasted few words, as though they feared their voices would reveal their identity, and began to beat Lombard unmercifully. After pounding him until they were tired they threw him down and dragged him by the heels through a nearby pond of stagnant water and mud. Then they walked away, leaving Lombard to return home the best he could.
According to the story told by the young man’s mother, when he returned home in a state of semi-collapse, he begged her to let him take a rusty old revolver she owned. He explained that he wanted it as a protection when he should return to his work near Saline, fearing, he said, that he would be set upon again by the two thugs. Mrs. Lombard had just given him the weapon and he was apparently examining it, when she heard a shot and found the youth dying, the having taken effect in his nose and penetrating his brain. He was dead in a moment.
Mrs. Lombard declares that he son’s death was accidental and that the trigger evidently had been pulled as he was examining the weapon’s old-fashioned mechanism.
A third sister of young Lombard said that her brother, until his beating, apparently did not have an enemy stifled over the episode. The mother and sister are inclined to the belief that either robbery was the motive or that Lombard was mistaken for someone else.
Deputy Sheriff Stark, however, is of the opinion that Lombard was not beaten at all, but merely dragged by the horse, which, he maintains, ran away with the youth, as had often occurred before. Stark learned that Lombard had frequently been reproved at home for the horse’s running away. He thinks that while Lombard was returning, a dog ran into the doorway, frightening the horse, which ran, throwing Lombard out. He says there is no evidence on the body of Lombard having been beaten, but the bruises and cuts appear as if made by the victim being dragged, as at the end of the reins. He thinks Lombard, on arrival at home, for fear of being reproved, told the story of thugs. He also believes that the young man’s death was purely accidental and that the single bullet in the revolver was discharged while Lombard was trying to “center” it. The buggy was badly smashed up.
Lombard is survived by his mother, three brothers and three sisters.
Lombard was employed by his uncle Christ Lombard, and it is said that he was returning home after taking his sisters to the interurban railroad station when the shooting occurred.
One of the most mysterious shootings that has ever startled Washtenaw County occurred in Lodi township Sunday at midnight.
Jacob Lombard, aged 19, a farmer lad, and son of immensely wealthy parent, died almost instantly after accidentally shooting himself with an old fashioned revolver which had belonged to his father.
The story told by the lad to his mother before he died is scouted at by Deputy Sheriff Stark. Following is the lad’s story:
About one mile from the house he was halted in a dark spot in the road by two men whose faces he was unable to recognize. They pulled the horse up short and then seized young Lombard, roughly hauling him from the vehicle.
The pair wasted few words, as though they feared their voices would reveal their identity, and began to beat Lombard unmercifully. After pounding him until they were tired they threw him down and dragged him by the heels through a nearby pond of stagnant water and mud. Then they walked away, leaving Lombard to return home the best he could.
According to the story told by the young man’s mother, when he returned home in a state of semi-collapse, he begged her to let him take a rusty old revolver she owned. He explained that he wanted it as a protection when he should return to his work near Saline, fearing, he said, that he would be set upon again by the two thugs. Mrs. Lombard had just given him the weapon and he was apparently examining it, when she heard a shot and found the youth dying, the having taken effect in his nose and penetrating his brain. He was dead in a moment.
Mrs. Lombard declares that he son’s death was accidental and that the trigger evidently had been pulled as he was examining the weapon’s old-fashioned mechanism.
A third sister of young Lombard said that her brother, until his beating, apparently did not have an enemy stifled over the episode. The mother and sister are inclined to the belief that either robbery was the motive or that Lombard was mistaken for someone else.
Deputy Sheriff Stark, however, is of the opinion that Lombard was not beaten at all, but merely dragged by the horse, which, he maintains, ran away with the youth, as had often occurred before. Stark learned that Lombard had frequently been reproved at home for the horse’s running away. He thinks that while Lombard was returning, a dog ran into the doorway, frightening the horse, which ran, throwing Lombard out. He says there is no evidence on the body of Lombard having been beaten, but the bruises and cuts appear as if made by the victim being dragged, as at the end of the reins. He thinks Lombard, on arrival at home, for fear of being reproved, told the story of thugs. He also believes that the young man’s death was purely accidental and that the single bullet in the revolver was discharged while Lombard was trying to “center” it. The buggy was badly smashed up.
Lombard is survived by his mother, three brothers and three sisters.
Lombard was employed by his uncle Christ Lombard, and it is said that he was returning home after taking his sisters to the interurban railroad station when the shooting occurred.
Broken tree endangers
This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 3, 1909.
A mammoth tree standing at the intersection of Congress and Adams streets, yesterday endangered the lives of many pedestrians, until Officer Thomas Ryan notified the street commissioner who had it pulled down by attaching a rope to it.
The storm of Saturday night split the tree lengthwise, and but for a large knot projecting from it about half way up, the tree would have crashed to the ground several hours before, as every gust of wind caused it to sway back and forth, while people walked under it, totally unconscious of any impending danger.
Officer Ryan, noticing the condition telephoned to Street Commissioner Lewis who immediately ordered men to have it pulled down. The tree was perhaps 50 feet in length
A mammoth tree standing at the intersection of Congress and Adams streets, yesterday endangered the lives of many pedestrians, until Officer Thomas Ryan notified the street commissioner who had it pulled down by attaching a rope to it.
The storm of Saturday night split the tree lengthwise, and but for a large knot projecting from it about half way up, the tree would have crashed to the ground several hours before, as every gust of wind caused it to sway back and forth, while people walked under it, totally unconscious of any impending danger.
Officer Ryan, noticing the condition telephoned to Street Commissioner Lewis who immediately ordered men to have it pulled down. The tree was perhaps 50 feet in length
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