Saturday, January 7, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 7

January 7, 1913 – Two boys, miles away from home and friends, accused of grand larceny in a strange court, without money or a place to turn for help, were sentenced to the St. Cloud Reformatory today by Judge Jelley, who, while expressing pity for them, found no other place to care for them.

The boys were Gordon Raymond and John Taylor. They said they were 18 years old, but appeared much younger. They confessed to robbing the United Motor Supply Company of goods valued at $21. There was also a third boy, but he escaped.

They said they stole to get food. Tears sprang to their eyes as they told of their lives. Taylor lost his mother in 1904 and his father in 1908. They lived in Nashville, Tenn., but the boys drifted to Buffalo, then to Detroit, and to Calumet, Mich., where he met Raymond. Raymond’s home life caused him to decide to leave. Neither had ever been in trouble before.

Having heard that work and money were plentiful further west, they move on. On freight trains they made their way to Minneapolis Dec. 23. They told Judge Jelley that they had pawned their watches and finally the chains to get money with which to buy food. Their search for work continued. They had a meal Christmas day and had breakfast the next morning. There was no money left for food after that and they planned the burglary.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “’When They Hunger Made Us Steal,” Boy Burglars Tell Judge. Strangers, They Can’t Obtain Work and Are Starving When They Commit Burglary. Judge Jelley Pities Crying Lads ad Sends Them to Reformatory.”; Jan. 8, 1913; p. 6.




St. Cloud Reformatory

http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/0/9/7/ar128482057879051.JPG

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Friday, January 6, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 6

January 6, 1910 – Walter Whitehead, the negro heavyweight pugilist, was stabbed by Ralph Jones, another negro, early today during a crap game at the Douglas Club, an after-hours gambling club in Duluth. Whitehead was taken to the hospital, where his condition was said to be critical. Jones, held pending the outcome of Whitehead’s injuries, claims Whitehead assaulted him, and Whitehead made a similar statement.

Although Whitehead was badly wounded, having two cuts in the back, under the kidneys, and several cuts near the heart, he was expected to recover after he was taken to the hospital. He was in great physical shape, which was expected to aid him in fighting the result of the wounds. He rallied, but took a turn for the worse and died early the morning of Jan. 13, at St. Luke’s Hospital at the age of 27.


Walter Whitehead1


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Jones was indicted by the grand jury on a charge of assault in the first degree, but the March grand jury is anticipated to return an indictment charging murder in the first degree, as the stories told by the witnesses seem to substantiate a charge of the highest degree of homicide.

When Jones was arrested he claimed that he used the weapon, a small pocket knife, in self-defense. He said that Whitehead had cheated him in a crap game and when he protested, the pugilist attacked him. He said the first attack was all over and quietness had been restored, but that Whitehead made a second attack, during which Jones pulled the knife. Whitehead had him on the floor, he said, when he used his weapon.

Witnesses’ stories did not agree with those as told by Jones. According to them the trouble did not start over a crap game. Jones and Whitehead had some words, but the fight was not serious and quietness was restored. They said that at the time of the stabbing, Whitehead was leaving the club with two women. Whitehead was going out the door with the women behind, when, they said, Jones bounded across the room, pushed the women aside and stabbed Whitehead twice in the back. When Whitehead turned toward his assailant, the witnesses said, Jones stabbed his victim near the heart, twisting the knife after he had driven its short blade into Whitehead’s body. Other men pulled him away and Whitehead was rushed to the hospital.

Although Whitehead had not gained very much prominence in the boxing world, he had figured in local fighting circles for about the past three years. He came here from Fargo, where he had done some fighting, and had lived in Minneapolis prior to that time. When not fighting, he was a waiter.

A Cuban negro of fine stature and proportions, Whitehead was believed by many boxing fans to have considerable yet-to-be-developed ability. Just before the fatal encounter, he had made arrangements with “Doc” Reid, a Chicago fight promoter, who intended to take him East and try him out.

Ralph Jones, who will have to face a murder charge on account of Whitehead’s death, has lived in Duluth for several years. He is known among the negroes as “Gashmouth” Jones, the nickname coming from the size of the main aperture in his face. He has been in court before, having been convicted in municipal court of simple assault on a negro named Ham, the affair also being the outcome of a crap game.

Whitehead left a wife, who took charge of the body. The funeral was held in Duluth, and Whitehead now lies in an unmarked grave in Duluth’s Forest Hill Cemetery.


Forest Hill Cemetery2

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On March 22, Jones was allowed to plead guilty to the charge of murder in the third degree and he was at once sentenced to 30 years in the Minnesota state prison at Stillwater.

At noon, assistant County Attorney Warren e. Green and B.N. Goldberg, attorney for the defendant, got together and talked the matter over, with the result that Jones was allowed to plead guilty to murder in the third degree.


The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Duluth Pugilist Is Stabbed. Walter Whitehead, Negro, Seriously Wounded During Crap Game.”; Jan. 7, 1910; p. 3.

1The Duluth Evening Herald; “Jones Now Faces First Degree Murder Charge. Walter Whitehead Dies as Result of Cutting Scrape. Witnesses’ Stories Do Not Support Jones’ Plea of Self-Defense.”; Jan. 15, 1910; p. 5.

The Duluth Evening Herald; “Jones Will Be Indicted. Charge of Murder in First Degree Will Likely Be Preferred. Knife With Which Whitehead Was Stabbed Said to Be Located.”; Feb. 22, 1910; p. 11.

The Duluth Evening Herald; “Jones Pleads Guilty; Is Given Thirty Years”; March 22, 1910; p. 7.

http://zenithcity.com/rumble-on-the-river/

2https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/find-a-grave-prod/photos/2011/198/CEM82331_131100442936.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Thursday, January 5, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 5

January 5, 2009 – “Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad passed away at his Edina home at the age of 93. Pohlad bought the Twins from Calvin Griffith, the team’s original owner, in 1984 for about $38 million.”

http://twinstrivia.com/today-in-twins-history/



Statue of Carl and Eloise Pohlad outside Target Field


Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Jan. 5, 2016, 
as long as acknowledgement included.  

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 4

January 4, 1913 - Flying Cloud, said by veterinarians to be the oldest horse in the world, died at Medicine Lake, Minn., today, aged 38 and one half years. The horse was owned by Martin Jevne and had been useful up to the time of his death, which came from old age. The animal was a fast trotter in his prime and Jevne entered him in several races in which he stepped off the mile in fast time.

The horse was a dark bay, born in 1873 and at the age of five was one of the finest driving horses in South Minneapolis. Jevne always used the steed as a coach horse and says the animal was never worked hard. He always took good care of him and states that the “Cloud” was enjoying the best of health two days before his death.

Charles E. Colton, one of the prominent horse specialists of Minneapolis, said this evening that he had never heard of a horse living more than 35 years. “I have been dealing with horses for many years and have seen many old horses but Jevne’s horse has all of them beaten as far as I know. The horse lived an extremely long life.”

The average length of a horse’s life is between 15 and 20 years, according to several veterinarians. They were united in declaring that Flying Cloud was undoubtedly the oldest animal in the country. Jevne mourns the loss of Flying Cloud as the horse had always been a faithful animal. He became very attached to the animal during its long years of service.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “World’s Oldest Horse Is Dead At Medicine Lake, Aged 38½ Years. Veterinarians Say No Horse Before Ever Lived To Such An Age—Flying Cloud Had Been a Good Trotter in His Day.”; Jan. 5, 1913; p. 1.




Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Jan. 4, 2017,
as long as acknowledgement included.
 

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 3

January 3, 1910 – Carl Hanson, a 9-year-old Detroit Lakes boy who was brought to St. Paul a short time ago by his father for treatment for heart failure, and who has three times narrowly escaped death from cold and exposure, is again at the city hospital in serious condition, and his father, who deserted him at Fifth and Robert Streets this afternoon, cannot be found.

Charles Hanson, the father, is believed by the police to be mentally unbalanced. Two years ago, according to dispatches from Detroit Lakes, Hanson was committed to an insane asylum, but he was afterwards released as cured.

When picked up on the street the boy was taken to the county jail, but later his condition became serious again and he was once more taken to the hospital.

Duluth Evening Herald; “Sick Boy Is Left On St. Paul Street. Carl Hansen of Detroit, Minn., Once More Taken to Hospital.”; Jan. 4, 1910; p. 1.




St. Paul City Hospital 1912

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
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Monday, January 2, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 2

January 2, 1901 – John Swanson, a lumberman, whose home is believed to be in Mich., was shot and instantly killed this afternoon while attempting to escape from the Northern Lumber Company’s camp, three miles from Sparta, Minn., in an endeavor to flee from smallpox.

The disease appeared at this camp, which employs 150 men, today, and the foreman at once armed 20 of the men with rifles and instructed them to allow no one to leave the camp as he did not want to spread the disease.

Ever since smallpox appeared in this part of the state, the lumberman have been half wild with terror, and have protested vigorously against being placed in quarantine, which means a loss of wages  during the time they are idle.

Swanson was the hardest objector in camp, and announced repeatedly that he intended to escape. He ventured out several times during the day, but always returned when one of the guards pointed his rifle at him.

Late in the afternoon, when it appeared that almost every man in camp might catch the smallpox, Swanson again ventured beyond the camp. He was ordered to return, but refused and began to run. As he did so, the rifle of one of the guards cracked and the fugitive fell dead, with a bullet in his heart. At the same instant, several other guards fired at him.

The dead man was removed to one of the camp buildings, where the body was cared for. The man supposed to have done the shooting at once surrendered to the foreman, and will remain in camp until the smallpox epidemic has subsided, when he will be turned over to the proper authorities.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune
; “Shot Dead While Fleeing From Smallpox. Armed Guard in a Minnesota Camp Uses a Rifle on a Terror-Stricken Man Who Wanted to Escape the Plague.”; Jan. 3, 1901; p. 1.




Sparta Depot

http://www.hometownfocus.us/news/2011-10-07/Mining_Features/Sparta_Location.html

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 


Sunday, January 1, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 1

January 1, 1923 - Lake of the Woods County officially began operations at its county seat in Baudette on this date.

http://www.co.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us/LocalHistory.aspx





http://www.lakesnwoods.com/images/Baudet25.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com