Say Sleuth Story Should’t Be Believed

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Wednesday, October 4, 1916. Report that University of Michigan boys were involved in the blackmail scandal recently unearth in Chicago, and that that the detectives had been in this city in search of a Normal girl also wanted in connection with the matter gained circulation this week, but a careful investigation, at the Norma, and detailed questioning of all whom the affair could in any way affect resulted in confirmation of the belief that no basis for the rumor exists. That it originated in Ann Arbor, and became public through other than reliable channels seems to be the case.

Shoots Ten Year Old Girl In Arm

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Tuesday, September 12, 1916. Mrs. Mary Segrist was arrested Monday afternoon on complaint of Miss Selita Black, age 10, who charges her with felonious assault. Miss Black stated that Mrs. Segrist shot her in the left arm near the elbow. A petition has been made by Deputy Sheriff Connor to have her examined to test her sanity. The defendant was brought to the jail in an automobile. She yelled on the way and it took three men to get her into the building. She was examined by Doctors Hull and Clark and pronounced mentally unbalanced. They recommended that she be sent to some institution for treatment. She will probably be removed to Pontiac.

Three Washtenaw Women Charge Cruelty

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Tuesday, September 12, 1916. Bill for divorce filed in Ann Arbor by Mrs. May Rehill through her attorney Floyd Daggett charges extreme and repeated cruelty. She is under $100 bail for carrying concealed weapons. The charge was brought by her husband, August Rehill, city fireman and former member of the police force, when he heard of her action. She claimed the only weapon she carried was a revolver given her by Rehill after they were married and which had in her trunk. Her trial is set for September 15. The Rehills are in court for the second time with in a few months, having ‘made up’ and lived together for a time since March 16. Trouble between the two arose over the management of children of Rehill’s by a former wife, and one child by a former husband of Mrs. Rehill. Judge Kinne issued an injunction restraining Rehill from doing bodily injury to his spouse, and from disposing of his property during the pendency of the suit. Another Ypsilanti case started in the chancery division, is that of Mrs. Nanna Wilkes, who, through Attorney Daggett, her solicitor, chares that when her husband, Emmanuel Silas Joseph Wilkes, left the home of the couple in Ypsilanti more than a year ago, he forgot to pay the rent, or to purchase food for the wife. The name of Pearl Lennox, or Pearl Robinson, was mentioned in the bill as the “affinity” for whom Wilkes left his own home. The bill, according to its statements shows Wilkes to have approached his wife after having left her about March 27, 1916, with offers of reconciliation. She assented and went back to live with him. “But he would not work,” the bill states, and beat her, and had her arrested for disorderly conduct. Another Washtenaw wife who charges cruelty is Mrs. Edith Burton of Saline. Through her attorney, Lee N. Brown she charges interference by members of her husband’s family in affairs of the household. The couple were married in December 1912 and have two children, one 11 months old and the other two years.

Six Intoxicated Put in City Jail

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Monday, September 6, 1926.

     Officers have been making frequent trips to city jail principally with drunks since Saturday night, and now have seven men lodged there, one of whom is charged with stabbing a man, two with driving while drunk and the rest with drunkenness. Two of the men were too drunk to tell police their names.

     William Ducket, Jefferson Ave., is charged with having stabbed Arthur Robinson, 610 Jefferson Ave., several times in a fight Sunday night at 7 o’clock. Robinson was taken to Beyer Memorial hospital for treatment and was released shortly afterward.

     J. W. Hutchngs, 1221 Watson Street. Detroit, and David M. Keith, 449 First Street, Ann Arbor, are held on charges of driving while intoxicated and D. Ransburg are held for drunkenness.

     Chief of Police Connors stated that the men will be arraigned Tuesday in Justice Court.

Driver Clubbed by Passengers

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Friday, September 1, 1916.

     According to police theory today Ypsilanti was scheduled Thursday night for a visit by three men with no good purpose. The first part of their plan, officers believe, was to secure an automobile, which they did but the fact that the driver had not been satisfactorily disposed of is believed to have prompted their abandoning the car in Ypsilanti and returning to Detroit.

     George H. Webber who is employed at a garage at 910 Fort Street, Detroit, was the driver and according to his story he was engaged by the three men to drive them to Ann Arbor. He described them as short and young, dressed like students and carrying a suitcase and small grip. Webber drove a Cadillac eight and stated that he left Detroit about 5 o’clock. As they came through Ypsilanti the men had him stop while they got drinks at one of the saloons here. They then continued on their way to Ann Arbor and stopped at the Allenel Hotel. Webber and one of the men went out and got a lunch and after they returned the other two went out. He thinks that the plans for the holdup were concocted in this hotel. While he was taking lunch with one of the men he was asked a great many questions which caused him to grow suspicious, whereupon he turned his diamond ring so that the set was on the inside of his hand.

     They started to return about 8 o’clock. On account of the grading west of Ypsilanti on the middle road from Ann Arbor they had to make a detour. As they reached the Lake

Shore crossing one of the tires was punctured. Webber repaired it and was about to start the car when he received a vicious blow back of his right ear. He threw up his hand to ward off another blow and was struck on his middle finger, which was crushed. Realizing his helpless position he jumped from the car and made for a barbed wire fence. One of the men who was following him fell allowing him to get over into a cornfield where he easily hid himself. Webber heard the men start the car and drive away. Then he cried for help and found it in the person of Clarence Holmes who brought him to Ypsilanti for surgical attention. At the fire department they stopped and asked that the Detroit police be notified. The local police were notified at the same time.

     Deputy Sheriff Esslinger took him to Detroit after his wounds had been dressed by Dr. Breakey.

     The thugs left the car on Ellis Street (now Washtenaw) where it was found by Patrolman Bataway and afterwards taken to Weidman’s garage.

     Three men who answer to the description of the bandits inquired the way to the Michigan Central depot of Mrs. Charles Schrepper about the time that the men would arrive in the city and she is now confident that they are the three men wanted. Others state that they saw them riding about town and that the activity of Deputy Sheriff John Connor, who had been called, frightened them away.

     A bottle of chloroform and a sponge were found in the car. From this fact some draw the conclusion that the men were after the life of Webber. Webber states that he doses not know the men. Some unknown enemy may have hired the men to do the deed. A man from this same garage was murdered about a year ago, he said.

     Another explanation for the presence of the chloroform is that the use for it was predicted in work in Ypsilanti, during the night which they had hoped to accomplish had Webber been disposed of so that no alarm could have been started to interfere

     Detroit officers are busy today on the case.

New Plant at Geddes

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Wednesday, August 30, 1916.

     Plans are well under way for a new power plant at Geddes. The present building, which for years has been a landmark, is to be replaced by a new and modern plant, the entire building, machinery and dam being replaced by new structures. Permanent camps which will accommodate 50 men are now installed at Geddes with electric lights, hot and cold water, talking machines and every modern convenience. Several carloads of machinery are now being unloaded on the site, and within a couple of months a new plant will replace the one which for years has been one of the landmarks of the Huron River.

     Originally, the plant was a pulp mill and was taken over by the Edison company. The engineer of the plant was on the job when the construction of the original plant was in progress, and the story of oh his life is the story of the changes, which have taken place at Geddes.

     The river at this point is practically dry, stated one of the local officials, and were all the water to be let out at one time, absolutely no damage would result. Of course this step is not contemplated and the water will be let out in the usual manner, the Superior dam catching what little is not backed up by the Geddes dam,

Robbery Foiled by Local Clerk

The Ypsilanti Daily Press published this story on Tuesday, August 25, 1936.

     A man who gave his as George Lawtter, no address, and who was declared, by Dr. Bradley Harris, city health officer, to be under the influence of narcotics, was locked up in city jail after an attempt to rob the Nulan Hardware Store at 26 North Washington Street this afternoon.

     After taking $30 and other articles from the safe and depositing them in a handbag, he escaped into the street but was collared on Pearl Street by Larry Wren, who works in the store and was the only person in the place at the time.

     Entering at about 112:30, Lawtter asked Wren for a piece of glass and some wire, and when the latter went into the basement for the articles, he proceeded to loot the safe, which he had found open. When Wren returned upstairs Lawtter was in the act of running out of the store.

     After Wren captured him, he was taken back to the store, where the police were called to place him under arrest.

     Lawtter was found to have over $98 in his possession when searched.

     Arraignment will be at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning before Justice Vandersall. 

Thieves Again Visit Temple

The Ypsilanti Daily Press published this story on Monday, August 11, 1941

     City police today are investigating a burglary at the Masonic Temple. Attempted entries into two gasoline stations and the theft of a pocketbook containing $70 this week end.

     Harry L. Smith, Masonic building caretaker, told police today that the recreation room had been ransacked during the weekend and an assortment of cigars taken. A window latch on the north side of the building had been broken

     This is the second time this month that the Temple has been entered. The first entry was made the week end of August 3. Two dollars, cigars, cigarettes, confections and a camera were taken at that time.

     Entry was attempted into a gasoline station at Huron St. and Monroe Ave. Friday night. A rear window pane had been removed. Two small window panes at the rear of Chipman’s station, North Adams St. were broken Saturday night, but nothing was disturbed at either station.

    Mr. Florence Winslow, 203 South Adams Street, told police that her pockbook containing $70 was taken from the shelf of her car Sunday morning. Mrs. Winslow had been at the Idle Hour Tavern and had driven away from the Tavern when she discovered the purse was missing.    

Clothing Stolen by Fake Roomer

The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, August 13, 1936.

    Police today are seeking clues to the whereabouts of a man giving his name as Fred Childs who rented a room at the home of Miss Mareia V. Hall, 201 North Hamilton St., and disappeared with seven suits and miscellaneous articles stolen from other roomers in the house Wednesday

     The theft, which was not discovered until the roomers, Leo Darling, and Lewis and Ralph Meyers, retuned from work Wednesday afternoon, probably occurred between 7 and 9 a. m. according to Miss Hall. Fingerprints were sought by police, but all upstairs rooms had been cleaned between the time of the theft and its discovery.

     The man, about 40 years old, five feet eight inches tall, 150 pounds, paid 50 cents down for a room Thursday night, promising to pay the remainder on receipt of his pay check Wednesday. He carried a large black suitcase, the same in which it appears, he placed the stolen goods Wednesday morning after the roomers had left.

     Items stolen from Mr. Darling were an oxford gray suit, a ray summer suit, a blue serge suit, two white shirts, a white gold watch chain, $7. 75 in cash and an Eagle Lodge pin. Lewis Mayes Meyers reported he lost a light gray suit, a dark brown suit, a blue suit and a wrist watch. Ralph Meyers lost a gray suit.

Got What He Deserved

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Friday, August 11, 1916.

    

On motion of Attorney Floyd E. Daggett the case of David Moncrieff versus Lloyd Sparrow was discontinued Thursday by Justice M. B. Staddtmiller. Moncrieff and Sparrow had a fight in Caldwell’s saloon about two weeks ago. Witnesses who saw it say Moncrieff was the aggressor and that he got all he deserved—a sound thrashing at the hands of Sparrow, who is only a boy

     Both are mutes. Moncrieff tried to obtain a warrant for Sparrow but was unable to do so, then he brought the action for damages. Attorney Daggett who appeared for Moancrieff stated that he had no case and refused to go ahead.

Mother of Charles Holmes Called

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published on Tuesday, August 10 1926.

     Mrs. Amanda G. Holmes, nearly 95 year’s old, pioneer resident of this vicinity, died of old age at the home of her son, Charles M. Holmes, 512 West Cross Street at 5 o’clock this morning. She had been confined to bed since December. She would have been 95 September 1.

     Mrs. Holmes will be buried Friday afternoon in Highland cemetery beside her father, mother, sister, and husband. Services will be from Mr. And Mrs. Holmes residence where she died at 2 o’clock.

     Mrs. Holmes was born on a farm on Packard Road, now owned by Mrs. Jams Beakey, Ypsilanti, near the city limits. When she was six months old, her father and mother, Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan G. Morton, moved to a farm two miles south of Ypsilanti. In 1824 Mr. Morton opened the first store in Ypsilanti, located where the Ypsilanti Press now stands.

     On the farm south of the city, Mrs. Holmes spent the rest of the life, except the last four years during which she lived with her son in Ypsilanti. She was married nearly 55 years ago to James R. Holmes, whose father owned he farm adjoining the Morton farm. Charles M. Holmes was their only child.

         Mr. Holmes was active during the Civil War, making first aid material for use in caring for the soldiers.

     Deceased is survived by her son, one grandson, Glyn Holmes, Ypsilanti, a nephew, Frank Sessions, Detroit, and two nieces, Mrs. Helsel and Mrs. Oursler, Odeholt, Iowa. Her husband, James R. Holmes, died four years ago last May, at the age of 85 years.

Knifing victim Badly Injured

The Ypsilanti Daily Press published this story on Saturday, August 9, 1941

     Sylvester Coleman, 442 Hawkins St. was in serious condition at Bayer Hospital today from loss of blood due to a stabbing Friday night. Coleman had wounds in the neck and right hand.

     Willie Morgan, 330 S. Adams St. was arrested by city police for the alleged attack in front of the Northern Lights Tavern. Police were called to investigate the stabbing when Coleman was entered at the hospital. Morgan was not at his home but was found by officers walking on S. Washington St.

     The knife, with which the wounds were inflicted, was not found.

     Prosecutor George Meader said today he would come to Ypsilanti to interview both Morgan and Coleman before he determines what charges shall be placed.

Killed? No; Just Drunk

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Wednesday,
August 9, 1916.

     Two tramps, evidently stupidly drunk, and attempting to get more so, were sitting on the M. C. track Tuesday evening near the Shepherd Ice Co.’s house, when they were given a not very gentle awakening. The east bound Michigan Central train which arrives here a few minutes after five o’clock came along and the men rolled off the track and down the embankment. The crew supposed at least one had been struck and the train was backed up and the man was placed on a stretcher and taken to the depot.

     He immediately revived after being taken from the train and was able to walk away. Instead of being struck he was simply hurt from a rough roll down the stony incline from the track. He was convinced that he really was the victim of a train accident.

Air Leak Found, Well Repaired At Water Plant

The Daily Ypsilanti Press published this story on Tuesday, August 3, 1926

     With the main air leak at the city water works plant discovered, and closed, Monday, City Engineer Older anticipates little further trouble in supplying the city with water sufficient to meet all needs, he said today.

     It has been possible to keep the tower filled with water the past several days, as residents cooperated in curtailing sprinkling, and with the main leak closed and other smaller air leaks being rapidly taken care of, the water department in hand. Five air ejectors are still on he main line, but it is possible the number can now be reduced.

     In addition to air which has been seeping in through small crevices in pipe connections, engineer Older in testing wells discovered that the casing on one of the wells has rusted through, just below the line which led to the main water line. Here a large quaintly of air was coming into the main line. The well, which is one of the drilled wells was shut off, and a new six inch casing inserted inside the eight inch pipe. Hot lead was then turned in between the two pipes to a point below the leak, closing it securely. The work was completed Monday night and today the well is again in service.

     Another well which was giving trouble, as the pipe line had crumbled, was shut off a week ago. A new well was drilled back of it, and new connection laid to the main water line.

     With these two sources of difficulty eliminated, and workmen tightening all pipe line connections at the plant, Mr. Older believes no further serious trouble will be experienced.

Biggest Fish Story of Year—Fisherman Takes Alligator from Huron

The Ypsilanti Daily Press published this story on Tuesday, July 28, 1936

     Batting his line for fish and catching a Georgia alligator is the experience a fisherman had Monday night on the Huron River in the Vicinity of the gas plant. (Where the DPW yard is now at Forest and Huron.) It is 18 inches long and young.

     It was taken to the Ypsilanti Tourist Park (now Water Works Park) where it has found asylum. Jack Flagg, custodian, thinks it may have been somebody’s pet and escaped or was turned loose, or it may have been left behind by some show. One of its feet is a little injured, and it carries also the hook mark in the roof of its mouth.

Fire at the Central Specialty Plant

The Ypsilanti Daily Press published this story on Monday, July 11, 1938

     Extensive damage occurred at the Central Specialty Company (located on north west corner of Forest and Norris Streets) this morning, when a destructive fire swept the foundry, main unit of the plant, and leveled it to a mass of twisted sheet iron and charred framework.

     The blaze started at the height of a severe electrical storm, and was attributed to lightning. No estimate of the damage was available today, but the loss is fully covered by insurance.

        The fire was discovered by two men who were just reporting for work, after it had already gained considerable headway. Firemen, summoned immediately, were handicapped from the start, as gates in the iron fence surrounding the grounds were locked and time was lost in scaling them and running the hose underneath while employees were trying to break the fastenings with sledgehammers.

     The task of fighting the fire was made more difficult by the type of construction of the building, and the fact that flames had consumed a considerable portion of the molding room before the fire department was summoned. A stiff breeze from the east was an added hazarded.

     The fire apparently stated in the heart of the plant, a frame building covered with corrugated iron. It burned very rapidly and made a spectacular picture with flames leaping in te air against a background of smoke. Heavy showers failed to curb the conflagration, which spread westward, eventually damaging a large core room to a considerable extent. An eighty foot tower-like section on the bank of the Huron River was the last to be ignited. Flames outlined the ridge at the top and leapt around a ventilator. The fire was so high that water from the hose did not touch it and it was necessary to attach the pumper to obtain sufficient pressure. In all, five lines of hose were used and the fire was under control within two hours of the call.

      Flying embers were carried westward and did little damage, most of them falling into the river.

     Ypsilanti police officers stayed at the scene to keep spectators back from the walls of the building, most of which fell.

     Despite the handicaps under which they worked, firemen were able to save the new sections of the buildings.

     Although a great deal of water was used this morning for the fire, there was little drop in city water pressure as he tower tank is kept full for just such an emergence, according to water department officials.

     The most serious loss sustained in addition to the buildings was damage to the overhead cranes. The cupolas are still intact and the cupola used for work from mail order houses is situated in another building.

     Operations halted by destruction of the building will be resumed in about a week, plant officials estimated. About 250 men were to have returned to work today after a 10-day layoff.

     As soon as insurance adjustments have been made, it is planned to erect a new, more modern building to replace the burned one.

     (By the end of the year, the damage was repaired, and the men called back to work.)

Pool of Blood Drips from Car

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, may 27, 1940. A pool of blood, estimated at about one pint, which leaked from the trunk of a car which stopped for gasoline at Ecorse and Michigan Ave. Sunday night started state police investigation. Hartwell E. Russ, operator of the station, said he noticed the pool after the car had started away and he did not get the license number. The driver, a man, alone, he said. State police took the blood to Dr. S. M. Goldhamer, blood expert of University Hospital, who ran several tests Sunday night. The blood appears to be that of a human in some tests, but fails to react properly in others, he stated, and admits he is frankly puzzled. He is continuing the tests today.

Tradition Ended by Death

Mrs. Martha J. Shankland was 80 years of age on July 29, 1913, when she went to bed that night. All seemed well at the house at 517 Cross Street, where she lived with her daughter Harriet. At about 2:30 in the morning Harriet looked into the room where her mother slept. She saw her was asleep and all was quiet. There was reason for concern, although there had been no signs of despair or grief that day. “Mrs. Shankland had been in feeble health for some time. Recently occurred the death of her brother, and since that time she has been moody and despondent. She has never been able to become accustomed to his absence,” noted The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Wednesday, July 30, 1913. The next morning Harriet missed her mother when she arose. There was no trace of her in the house, and none of her cloths were missing. It was thought she had wondered away, dressed only in her night gown. “A search was at once instituted, neighbors and friends with automobiles volunteering their services, and scouring the country and environs of Ypsilanti, while persons on foot attempted to find some trace of her in nearer spots,” reported the account. Oscar Snyder, employed by an ice company, was driving his wagon across the bridge near the Peninsular Paper mill, where peninsular Place Apartments are now, when he saw the body in the Huron River. He at once informed officials at the paper mill. John J. Haviland, an employee of the paper mill oversaw the recovery of the body from the river. Mrs. Shankland was dressed only in her heavy bath robe, shoes and night cloths. Ypsilanti Mayor Frank Norton identified the body as that of Mrs. Martha Shankland. “The body was taken to the undertaking establishment of Clark Brothers,” reported the account. The coroner decided that a post mortem would not be necessary. “She had brought a rope with her, and crossing the bridge, had tied one end around a little tree at the top of the great concrete abutment, and the other around her waist. Then it would seem she had leaped into the darkness toward the river. The rope broke, and she struck her head on a jagged rock, a blow that doubtless produced unconsciousness at once,” reported The Daily Ypsilanti Press. The funeral was set for the Friday of that week, with interment in the cemetery at Dixbore. The death of Mrs. Shankland turned a tradition into a living memory, noted The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Thursday, July 31, 1913. All her life at Ypsilanti, Mrs. Shankland conducted a boarding and rooming house for students at the Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University. The college had no dormitories then, so students rented rooms in houses in the city. “Innumerable men and women who came here for their few years—members of classes that graduated 30 and more years ago—have memories of the days they spent within her homelike dwelling, and it has been their custom when they returned to the city for reunions or at any other time, to call upon her, and revive old memories. Mrs. Shankland was a figure of college life years before many of the splendid modern buildings of the campus were more than dreams, or even conceived.”

Pugilist Lands in Court after Winning Fight

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Wednesday, June 13, 1923. Seeking satisfaction through pugilistic methods in not always satisfactory; at any rate, it landed Freemont Peterson in jail. This is the way it happened. Harry Hixon has a cleaning establishment on Huron Street and Freemont Peterson was one of his costumers, his name is no longer on the books. According to the story told the judge, Peterson left a suit there to be cleaned, and in the cleaning process it was burned, or in some manner other way ruined. Several times Peterson declares, he endeavored to have the loss adjusted but without success, and last evening when he went to the hixon place, he intended to get satisfaction if possible. Peterson declares that what he really received at the hands of Hixon was not at all satisfactory. In act, he charges that Hixon hit him in the jaw. In the fight that followed, it seems that Peterson proved to be the best man. Hixon’s father was summoned before the fight ended, and when he endeavored to interfere Peterson’s son objected and a second round, by two different members of the same two families was staged, in which the Petersons were again triumphant. But here the law stepped in. Freemont Peterson was escorted to the city jail where he spent the night, and this morning Harry Hixon signed a complaint against him charging assault and battery. The law acted quickly, Peterson being arraigned during the forenoon. He pleaded not guilty, on the grounds that Hixon struck the first blow and trail will take place tomorrow morning. So far no suit has resulted from the second bout. (The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.)

River Banks Not To Be Used AS City’s Dumping Grounds

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Tuesday, June 5, 1923. Dumping of rubbish in vacant lots in the city is not to be conuntenanced by the city any longer. With the Centennial nearing, it is felt the more imperative that the city be cleaned up and at the meeting of the city council last evening it was voted that the dumping of rubbish along the river banks should be prohibited henceforth. Not only are the river banks barred as a dumping ground, but all city property is included in the general order, and the street commissioner is authorized to post notices to this effect. The using of vacant property, especially the river banks, as a dumping grounds, was felt to be disgraceful to the city. As Alderman Ableson expressed it, “If the old Indians who used to live here could see what we’ve done to the river banks, they’d scalp the whole bunch of us.” In addition to the action on the part of the city, a communication from residents of North River and Norris Streets, protesting the dumping of rubbish on vacant lots in that vicinity, was favorably considered. The communication was referred to the aldermen of the ward, with instructions to investigate and report back to the council. The city is not without a dumping grounds. The Norris Street pit can be used for the dumping of all rubbish, as the pit should be filled up anyway, Alderman Beck announced.