Newspaper Clippings for
November, 1903
5 November 1903
DEATH OF MRS. JANE McALISTER
Died at Her home in Waukegan after a Brief Illness.
Mrs. Jane McAlister, whose illness was mentioned in last week's News,
died at her home in Waukegan last week, Wednesday night aged eighty-
seven years.
Mrs. McAlister was the wife of John McAlister and she was one of
Waukegan's oldest residents and among the very early pioneers of the
county. She was formerly Jane Strang and was born in Pertshire,
Scotland, Oct. 18, 1817. Her marriage to Mr. McAlister took place in
Canada, Oct. 2, 1838. She was the sixth child born to John and Margaret
Strang and her parents came to Millburn in 1838, bringing with them nine
children. In that locality the Strangs have since lived and the name
has become among the prominent ones in the county.
When they came to Lake county Mr. and Mrs. McAlister settled in the town
of Newport, and they came from Canada by team. Mr. McAlister bought 160
acres of land from the government, but the deed was never recorded until
1887. Having lived on the farm until 1882 they moved to Waukegan where
he died Dec. 6, 1888, leaving no children.
Through possessing such great wealth, up to a short time ago Mrs.
McAlister did her own housework and seemed to delight in it. She lived
modestly and yet was generous with her money, having put the
Presbyterian church, of which she was a member, in good financial
condition.
She was a cheerful old Scotch woman, one whom anybody would spend a
pleasant hour chatting with. Up to the very last her mental facilities
were very clear and she talked of business affairs as of a woman in
middle age. She is survived by a brother, Robert Strang of Millburn,
and a sister, Mrs. Janet Thayer of Antioch.
The interment was at Millburn on Saturday, with a short service at her
late home and a service at the Millburn Church.
Remember Dr. Loba's lecture on India Nov. 12.
Ed Taylor and family, of Chicago visited at home this week.
Save ye pennies for a Thanksgiving concert given by ye old folks.
Three regular monthly praise service will be next Sunday evening.
K. L. Smith transacted business in Chicago last Monday.
Mrs. F. T. Lee visited in Evanston over Sunday.
The usual amount of Hallowe'en tricks were played Saturday evening.
Mr. Wm. Chope our genial mail carrier was a Waukegan visitor this
week.
The Y.P.S.C.E. business meeting will be held at the home of Miss
Denman, Friday, Nov. 5. All are cordially invited.
A large delegation of the Christian Endeavorers from here attended
the C. E. rally at Highland park last Friday.
Mr. Wm. Griggs, of Baraboo, Wis., has been visiting his cousin Mrs.
W. B. Stewart and also her two brothers Wm. and George Strang.
A few of Mrs. Trotters old neighbors and friends spent Friday
afternoon with her, Mrs. Trotter and daughter Lucy will soon move to
Evanston.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Gerrity gave a dinner Nov. 1, to their many
relatives and friends in honor of the second birthday of the twins,
James and Louise.
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Rossback, of Evanston, celebrated their tenth
wedding anniversary Oct. 31, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Cummings and Mr. and
Mrs. John Thain from this place attended.
Mrs. Jane Strang McAlister an old pioneer of Millburn was buried here
last Saturday, the funeral being held from the Millburn Congregational
church, with her death Lake county has lost a noble benefactress.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 6 November 1903
SILENT SMITH POISONED
Richest Bachelor in the World,
Reared in Lake Co., Ill in England
ATE FOOD AT BANQUET WHERE ROYALTY WAS BEING ENTERTAINED
NOT ALLOWED TO COME HOME.
Cable dispatches received at New York on Thursday say that James
Henry Smith, who was reared near Millburn, Lake county, and who is
conceded to be the richest bachelor in the world, was poisoned a
few days ago at Hursley, England, where he has been visiting his
sister, Mrs. George Cooper, while he attended a shooting at
Dunachton, Scotland. It is said that it was at one of the
elaborate banquets with which he had been entertaining he was
poisoned. Mr. Smith was to have sailed for New York a few days
ago, but now it is said he can not start for some time. He is not
out of danger. He is known as "Silent Smith" in Wall street, where
he is a broker. His uncle, George Smith, who formerly lived in
Chicago died in London and left him $100,000,000.
Doctors from London are in attendance on Mr. Smith at present and
they refuse even to let him think of starting for America.
Until three years ago Mr. Smith was known as "Silent Smith" in
Wall street, where he was a broker. His fortune, while always
ample, was nothing extraordinary until three years ago, when his
uncle, George Smith, also a bachelor, died in London and left him
almost all of his fortune, which he had made in the wall paper
business in this country. That bequest made James Henry Smith
worth $100,000,000 or so much money, it is said, that he has not
since known how much he is worth.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 7 November 1903
Gussie and Hazel Thain spent Sunday in Waukegan.
George Strang and wife, of Marshfield, Wis., came to their
aunt, Mrs. Jane McAllister's funeral.
Alfred Bain and wife went to Evanston Saturday to attend Mr.
and Mrs. Victor Rossbach's tenth wedding anniversary. They came
home Tuesday.
The Gerrity twin babies were two years old the 3rd of Nov. Mr.
and Mrs. Gerrity celebrated the occasion by giving a sumptuous
dinner party. There were twenty-one in all to dinner. James and
Louise received quite a lot of nice presents, including $8 and
silver spoons.
Mrs. Puff and her daughter came out from the city to the
Gerrity party.
William Wigham, of Chicago, is staying at Dr. Taylor's.
James Dady and wife, of Gurnee, were up to Mrs. McAllister's
funeral.
Dr. Jamison's new house is nearing completion.
Supervisors George Stephens and A. N. Tiffany visited the state
capitol this week.
Ira Stephens attended the Gerrity birthday party.
Mrs. Burgitt, of East Troy, Wis., is visiting Mr. and Mrs.
Cummings.
Mrs. Dow and her daughter from Waukegan visited Mrs. John
Pollock and Mrs. Watson Wednesday.
Mrs. Pantall visited a few days in Waukegan at Dr. Tombaugh's
recently.
Mrs. John L. Hughes went to the city Tuesday with her sister,
Mrs. Mavor, who was out to the funeral.
Mrs. Eliza Hughes spent a few days with her sisters, Mrs. Yule
and Mrs. Bain at Somers.
Mrs. Bain came to Mrs. McAllister's funeral.
Libby Jamieson has been spending the week in Milwaukee.
12 November 1903
THE RELATIVES GET ALL
WILL OF THE LATE MRS. JANE McALISTER
Children of Her Brother and Sister are
Handsomely Remembered by Their Rich Relative
The will of the late Jane McAlister has been filed and will be probated
in a few days. The executors are William Strang and Eugene Strang, sons
of her brother, George Strang. The document was drawn November 28, 1898
and was witnessed by Elam Clark and S. W. Chidester. It is a lengthy
document and covers eight pages of legal paper. The executors are
authorized to sell the real estate at public or private sale and first
of all pay what debts existed against the decedent.
The following bequests are then made:
To her niece, Margaret Rollo, daughter of her sister Agnes Glass, and
unto her heirs $10,000. Margaret Rollo lives in New South Wales,
Australia.
To Thomas Dougall, Eliza Wilson, Ann Snedelon, John Dougall and William
Dougall, children of her deceased sister, Elizabeth Dougall, of
Scotland, each, and unto their heirs $1,000.
Margaret Hill, daughter of her deceased brother, Peter Strang, $3,000;
and to Isabelle Bartlett, Henry Strang, Emma Strang, Peter Strang,
William M. Strang, George E. Strang, Thomas Strang, Robert Strang and
Anna Perkinson, children of her deceased brother, Peter Strang, $2,000
each.
To Andrew Strang, son of her deceased brother, Peter Strang, $1,000.
To Bertha May Hook, child of Elizabeth Hook, child of her deceased
brother, Peter Strang $1,000.
To Mary Mabor , John M. Strang, Eliza Hughes, Charlotte Bain, Jessie
Tull, children of her brother Robert Strang, each, $1,000. and to Robert
L. Strang, son of her brother Robert Strang, $2,000.
To Jane McAlister Stewart, child of her deceased brother, George Strang,
$5,000; to William H. Strang, child of her deceased brother, George
Strang, $12,000; to Eugene Strang, son of George Strang, $7,000; to
George E. Strang, and John A. Strang, children of George Strang, each
$3,000; to Cora E. Anderson, child of George Strang, $4,000; to Eliza
Strang, widow of her brother, George Strang, $5,000; to Richard Griggs
and John Griggs, children of her deceased sister, Susan Griggs, each
$3,000; to Charles Hopkinson, child of Margaret Hopkinson, deceased,
$2,000; Verna P. Hopkinson, and Lula P. Hopkinson, $500.
Janet Thayer, her sister, $12,000, and all of her wearing apparel and
jewelry.
Dora Webb, child of her sister, Janet Thayer, $2,000; William Wedge,
George Wedge, Mary Jane Strang and Henry Wedge, children of her deceased
sister, Margaret, each, $2,000.
Cora Wedge, child of John Wedge $100, Earnest Wedge, Bertha Wedge, and
Clarence Wedge, children of John Wedge $50.
Willia Wilson, grandson of her sister, Elizabeth Dougall, $500.
To William H. Strang, her collection of curios and relics without being
converted into money.
To the Lake County hospital, $1,000.
One thousand dollars is to be invested in good security and the proceeds
are to be used in keeping in good shape the burial lots of the
McAlisters at Millburn, the thousand dollars to be secured from the sale
of properties. If there is anything left after this work is done it is
to be used in keeping up the rest of the cemetery.
The above fund may, at the discression of the executors be transferred
to the Millburn cemetery association to be used for the above purpose.
Charles Wedge or heirs, son of John Wedge $200; George W. Strang, son of
Eugene Strang $500.
Frank Strang, son of George $500; McAlister Irving, son of George
Irving, $1,000, Jane Irving, $500.
Francis E. Clark or heirs of Waukegan $1,000.
One half of the rest of the proceeds from the sale of the estate to
William H. Strang one of the executors, the other half to Eugene Strang,
the other executor.
The closing provision of the will is that the personal effects, such as
wearing apparel, jewelry, etc., is not to be converted into money.
A noticeable feature in the will is that it leaves practically all of
the immense estate to relatives of Mrs. McAlister and that barring the
thousand dollars to the hospital institutions are not contributed to.
The only outsider who is given a bequest is Judge Clark, whose heirs get
a thousand dollars.
The $20,000 to the hospital was made exclusive of the will.
Two supposed heirs who are not mentioned in the will are John Thayer of
this place and Parney Thayer, whose where-abouts are unknown. The fact,
that their mother, Janet Thayer, received $12,000 would indicate that
the supposition was that their share is meant to be included in that
amount.
A deed has been filed transferring the home in which Mrs. McAlister
lived for the past few years on Clayton street to the Rev. S. W.
Chidester, pastor of the Presbyterian church.
The manse at the church was given to the church some time ago.
Shredding corn is in order now.
Be sure to hear the lecture on India by Dr. Loba, November 12.
Miss Susie Paine visited at her home in Ivanhoe Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cannon and J. H. Bonner were Chicago visitors
during the past week.
Many farmer have made good use of the fine weather and have their
husking all done.
Many of the friends of Joseph Eichinger gave him a surprise last
Saturday evening progressive euchre was played.
The usual monthly song service was held last Sunday evening, the
choir was especially interesting. We are glad to welcome Mr. Norris of
Hickory as one willing to take part in the same.
The C. E. topic, Nov. 15 "How may we abolish the saloon." This will
be a leaderless meeting, let all members endeavor to be present and help
make this meeting an interesting one.
Are you going to attend the oyster supper given by the ladies of the
Antioch Hill side cemetery society at the Woodman hall November 18,
price 25 cents.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 16 November 1903
We are sorry to report Mrs. Jacob Miller very sick with little
hope of her recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. Pollock spent Sunday with their daughter, Mrs.
John Fulton.
Miss Jennie Mathews, who has been visiting her brother here has
gone to the city to visit Mrs. N. R. Adams.
Tuesday, Nov. 10th, all of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Strang's
children came home to celebrate their mother's 84th birthday.
Mrs. John Trotter gave a party Tuesday night for Miss Lucy, who
soon goes to Evanston.
Mrs. Lee came home Wednesday from a two week's stay in
Evanston.
Dr. Loba of Evanston lectured here Thursday evening.
John Trotter has moved to the farm house and will carry on the
farm.
Alfred Bain will soon move to his own house on the hill
opposite Whites.
Mr. Pantall came home Tuesday from a few day's visit at Chicago
Lawn.
John Moran of Waukegan painted Henry Edmond's new barn last
week.
Wm. Mitchell is moving his household goods to Waukegan and
expects to soon be settled there.
Wm. Mitchell's sale comes off Thursday.
Mr. White took a load of furniture to Waukegan Saturday for Mr.
Mitchell.
Miss Susan Lucas and Fred Brown of Antioch, were married last
Sunday, Rev. Mr. Lee officiated.
Eugene Strang of Waukegan stayed over night at his sisters,
Mrs. W. B. Stewart.
There was a very fine song service in the church last Sunday
evening.
Mr. and Mrs. John Chope spent Sunday with their cousins, the
Jacksons, near Russel.
Mrs. Smith, and Kittie are having their house painted.
Middendorf's of Antioch, have the job.
There was a lathing party at the Jamiesons Wednesday night to
finish lathing the new house.
Mrs. John Trotter gave a party Tuesday night for Miss Lucy, who
soon goes to Evanston.
Mrs. Lee came home Wednesday from a two week's stay in
Evanston.
OLD SETTLER GONE
MRS. JACOB MILLER DIED SUNDAY AT 9 O'CLOCK
Lake county loses another of its old settlers by the death of Mrs.
Jacob Miller, which occurred Sunday at 9 o'clock. The funeral
will be held Tuesday at 10 o'clock at the Millburn church, with
burial at Millburn, the date of the funeral being just two months
from the death of her husband.
Mrs. Miller was 73 years of age, and she had lived in Lake county
about 65 years. She leaves two sons and daughter, Mrs. Henry
Wedge, Millburn: George Miller, Millburn: and L. H. Miller,
Gurnee.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 19 November 1903
WED WEDNESDAY
The Sargent-Dietmeyer Nuptials Celebrated.
A VERY POPULAR COUPLE
THE WEDDING A QUIET ONE.
AFTER BRIDAL TOUR THEY WILL RESIDE HERE.
On Wednesday, at 6 o'clock in the evening, occured the marriage of
Edward T. Sargent and Miss Anna Dietmeyer. The officiating
clergyman was Rev. Father Verhalen, and the ceremony was witnessed
only by immediate relatives of the bride and groom. They were
attended by Wm. Wandel, of Waukegan, and Miss Olive McCullan, of
Chicago. After the ceremony Mr. Sargent and his bride left for an
extended wedding trip north, their destination not being
definitely announced. Upon their return they will reside at 109
N. Utica street, where they will be " at home" after January
1st.
The wedding of Mr. Sargent and Miss Dietmeyer is the ocassion of
general congratulations for their friends are legion. Mr. Sargent
was for many years employed by W. H. Dodge & Co., in this city,
but the past three or four years he has been in the employ of the
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., with headquarters in Chicago. His
bride is a native of Waukegan, a highly accomplished woman such as
reflects the high order of Waukegan's educational institutions
where in she was educated. For fourteen years she has been a most
efficient teacher in the public schools of the city, which
position ___________________
19 November 1903
DEATH OF MRS. JACOB MILLER
The death of Mrs. Jacob Miller occurred at Millburn Sunday at nine
o'clock. It lacking just two days of being two months since the death
of her husband. Her death was caused by plura bronchitis. The deceased
was one of the county's oldest residents and had lived near Millburn for
a number of years. She leaves three children, Mrs. Henry Wedge and
George Miller of Millburn, and L. H. Miller, of Gurnee, and many other
relatives and friends to mourn her loss. The funeral was held at the
Millburn church Tuesday at eleven o'clock, the interment was at the
Millburn cemetery.
Mrs. Williby is on the sick list.
Mr. John Trotter has moved to the Trotter homestead.
The marriage of Fred Brown and Susie Lucas occurred Sunday November
8.
C. E. Topic, "What are you thankful for?" George Dodge Leader.
Dr. Loba's lecture was very entertaining. There will be one more
lecture on the course.
Mrs. Horace Tower is spending a week in Chicago visiting with
relatives and friends.
A. K. Bain and wife are moving to their farm at Millburn. Mr. and
Mrs. Bain of Lake Villa are moving into their old home. We are glad to
have them back.
Jesse Denman carried the mail from Wadsworth in the absence of Wm.
Chope who was pall bearer for Mrs. Miller.
K. L. Smith and Cummings are having their house painted everything in
the way of improvement adds to the looks of our town.
A lathing party at the home of Dr. H. E. Jamieson last Wednesday was
something new, and a good time was reported by all.
The death of Mrs. Jacob Miller occurred Sunday Nov. 15 after a short
illness. It is only about two months since her husband passed away.
The family have the sympathy of their many friends.
A large gathering of friends of Miss Lucy Trotter gave her a pleasant
surprise Wednesday evening at her home. The evening was pleasantly
spent in playing games after which refreshments were served.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 21 November 1903
There will be an entertainment in the church Thanksgiving evening
according to our old established custom.
Mrs. George Strang came home from Kansas Monday to attend her
sister's Mrs. Miller's funeral.
Mrs. W. B. Stewart went to the city Monday to meet her mother
Mrs. Geo. Strang.
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Strang start on their regular winter trip
to Passadena, California next Tuesday.
Miss Payne has resigned the beligerent Hockaday school.
Mr. Gunther had a serious runaway Sunday afternoon while
driving up the east road, the horse became frightened and turning
the corner at Mrs. Bater's threw the carriage over and smashed it
all to pieces. The horse fell in the harness and was making
fearful work of it when a lot of men came to Mr. Gunther's
assistance. He was not hurt neither was the man and his little
girl, which seemed almost miraculous.
26 November 1903
Miss Elsie Stephens is on the sick list.
The state creamery inspector visited our creamery last Friday.
Mrs. Horace Tower returned from her visit to Chicago last Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wedge, of Grayslake visited at J. M. Strang's
Sunday.
Miss Elsie Stephens will entertain the Jolly Workers club, Saturday
Nov. 28.
The regular monthly missionary meeting met with Mrs. Bater,
Wednesday.
Mrs. Frank Lewis is at the hospital in Chicago where she had an
operation performed.
C. E. Topic Nov. 29. A missionary Study of India, Harold Minto,
leader.
The Hockaday school began Monday after a delay of a little more than
a week, with Mr. Alfred Spafford as teacher.
A few neighbors and friends of Mr. and Mrs. McGuire gave them a
pleasant surprise last Tuesday evening, Nov. 17, it being their twenty-
fourth wedding anniversary.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 28 November 1903
Mrs. Mathews, of Kenosha, is here visiting friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Strang have gone to Chicago to spend the
winter with Alderman Mavor's family.
Mrs. Yule has gone to Waukegan to spend a month with her
daughter, Mrs. Horace Gerrry.
Walter Palmer had a telephone put up in his house last week.
Alfred Bain has moved from Lake Villa to his own place.
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Strang started Tuesday for Passadena,
California.
Alfred Spafford has the Hockaday School.
Mrs. A. H. Stewart who has been quiet sick is now able to be
up.
Mamie Cunningham went to the city to attend her aunt's funeral,
Mrs. John McCann, (nee Mary Crawford.)
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 31 November 1903
FIRE AT ANTIOCH
Antioch was the scene of a bad fire early Sunday morning and
despite the almost superhuman efforts of almost the entire male
population of the village, Webb Brothers store, Thayer & Vickers
store, Sibley's saloon and Peterson's blacksmith shop and dwelling
were destroyed.
The fire was discovered in Sibley's saloon about 2 o'clock Sunday
morning and quickly spread to the Union block, (occupied by Webb
Bros. & Thayer & Vicker) and Peterson's shop and dwelling. The
village is with out fire protection and the only means at hand to
fight the fire were buckets and a small hand pump. The fight was
systematized with such result that a frame building not more than
three feet from Peterson's burned buildings was not destroyed.
The Union Block, valued at $4500 is a complete loss. Webb
Brothers have a loss of $10,000 on stock. Thayer & Vicker carried
about $8,000 worth of stock. The Sibley and Peterson losses
amount to several thousand dollars. The total damage has not more
than 40 percent insurance.
The heat during the fire was intense. The plate glass windows in
the Williams block across the street were broken and more than
once it seemed that the fire fighters must be forced to quit and
leave the town to the mercy of the fire fiend.
Antioch has had some pretty sharp contests about its water supply
and the question of a water system has been agitated of late. The
fire comes as a convincing argument of the necessity of the
system.
