THE NEW ERA, ALTURAS, MODOC COUNTY, CAL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1911 LITTLE THINGS Miss Nellie Janes is now an assistant in the post office, having resigned her position in the Republican office. Miss Opal Davis is now learning the art of typesetting in that office. Warric West, who was called here last week by the illness of his brother, Dr. West, left here this morning to return to his home near Chico, where he has a position as electrician. Mrs. Nettie B. Harris, School Superintendent and daughter returned home last Wednesday from a three weeks’ visit to San Francisco, where Mrs. Harris went to have her daughters’ eyes treated. Two cases of smallpox are reported at Cedarville, being two children of Henry Simson. At first there was some doubt as to the nature of the disease but the opinion of Dr. Coates and Dr. Kennedy pronounced it smallpox and the patients were placed under proper quarantine. Mrs. Rosa Cohn, daughter of Mrs. E. Lauer and Mrs. Bessie Stone, daughter of Mrs. W. E. Armstrong, who have been visiting in Alturas a few weeks, left here on Wednesday morning for San Francisco. They were accompanied by Mrs. Rachel Dorris, who is compelled to visit a lower altitude for the benefit of her health. The important case of Conklin vs. Benson, which was tried by a jury in Superior Court some four years ago, was carried to the Supreme Court and the decision was rendered a short time ago, reversing the judgement and motion denying a new trial. This is a test case brought by Mrs. Mollie Conklin, of Oakland, to recover title to a large amount of land, of which she claims the deeds were obtained by fraud. T. H. Walker, the timber king, has title now to most of the land in question, having purchased them in the ordinary course of business, without knowledge of any fraud. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1911 WANDERS INTO MOUNTAINS Last Saturday morning, the residents of Surprise Valley were roused to excitement by the news that a woman was lost in the hills, having wandered away from the house, in which she was staying, at the early hour of three o’clock in the morning. The woman was Mrs. George Hapgood, who was at that time staying at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Largent in Lake City. As soon as her disappearance, a large posse was formed and began a careful search. At times in the past, Mrs. Hapgood has suffered from spells of temporary insanity and the searching party feared that some harm would come to her in her wanderings. She left the house barefooted and her tracks were followed westward into the mountains, where the signs showed that she had waded up the flume, which carries water to the flour mill, as far as the flume went. After that she wandered to the top of the mountains, where she was found Monday. PASSES AWAY AFTER LONG ILLNESS Last Sunday the grim reaper of Death visited us again, taking from our midst, Mrs. E. R. Wilson of Cedar Pass. Mrs. Wilson was stricken with paralysis over a year ago and had never fully recovered although she was able to sit up and converse with her friends. During her illness she was untiring and very patient and up until the last, seemed to think she would entirely recover. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Mr. E. R. Wilson, her sons and a sister, Mrs. Jesse Allenwood of Cedarville, besides numerous other relatives. Before her illness, Mrs. Wilson kept the Station House at Cedar Pass between here and Cedarville, where all who wished could stop and get something to refresh their appetites. She was well spoken of by all who knew her and made many friends of the family extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow. (1:1) DEATH OF MISS GRANT The many friends of Miss Mary Blair Grant were shocked to learn of her death at Berkeley last Monday. A short time ago, Miss Grant left here to spend her vacation in the lower country. During the journey, she ate some canned crabs and was immediately taken sick with ptomaine poisoning, from which she never recovered. Miss Grant was one of the instructors of the Modoc County High School for the past two terms and while in Alturas, made a host of friends, all of whom will deeply mourn this untimely ending of a bright and useful life. (1:2) SPAULDING – HENDERSON Last Friday, August 11th, 1911, a quiet wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Dawson, in Alturas. The young couple whose lives were joined in matrimony were: William R. Henderson, of Davis Creek and Miss Blanche Estelle Spaulding, of Joseph Creek. Rev. G. N. Gardner spoke the impressive words that united the two young lives, in the presence of a few witnesses. Both the bride and groom are well and favorably known in this vicinity and we join their many friends in extending congratulations and best wishes for their bright and prosperous future. SUICIDE IN ALTURAS Just as we go to press the news reaches us that Johan Van Eden, better known as John Vocklandt has committed suicide by shooting himself through the head. It seems that they were waiting for him to count the money in the city treasury precious to turning the money and office over to George Bigley. When he did not show up, Hillard Ballard started to see what was the matter. On investigation, he found that Mr. Vocklandt lying in his house in a pool of blood. Nothing furthest can be learned at this time. Full particulars later. (1:4) LITTLE THINGS Born – At Lake City, Cal., August 14th, 1911, to the wife of William Jacobs, a son. The best part of the town of Millville, was wiped out by a fire last week, which left only two buildings standing on Main Street. Miss Etta Clark of this place has been visiting the family of her brother, James Clark of Davis Creek during the past week. Dr. A. Gibson and wife went over to Surprise Valley last week in their auto, to visit Mrs. Gibsons’ father, W. S. Stevens and returned home Thursday evening. D. H. Lighty, one of Cedarvilles’ aged and highly respected residents came over to Alturas Thursday on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. May L. Yates. George Clark, manager of the Clark and Sons blacksmith shop of this town, was called to Lodi Wednesday by a telegram summoning him to the bedside of his brother, who is critically ill. Harry L. Rader of Willow Ranch, who left here with his family a few weeks ago for the benefit of his little son, who was critically ill, is now located at Sacramento. He writes that the child is rapidly recovering, which good news all of their many friends will be pleased to learn. Last Thursday, J. A. Yates took an auto load of passengers to Cedarville, the party consisting of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wylie, Mrs. Gladys Rachford and Dr. W. E. Coppedge. The party went for the purpose of taking Mrs. Wylie to the sanitarium at Cedarville and within half an hour after their arrival the stork had presented Mrs. Wylie with a baby daughter. Mother and daughter are doing nicely. George A. Jewett, of the Jewett Lumber Company of Des Moines, Iowa, is visiting his aunt, Mrs. Eunice Jewett Thrift and his cousin, Mrs. thrift’s granddaughter, Mrs. S. B. Yates. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1911 LITTLE CHILD DIES Last Sunday, the angel of death saddened the hearts and home of Mr. and Mrs. Loren C. Ballard of Madeline, by taking away to the brighter shore their infant daughter, Docia Elizabeth, aged 2 years, 5 months and 3 days. The loss of the little one was a bitter blow to the parents. The body was brought to Alturas for interment, the funeral services being held at the home of T. H. Ballard, Monday at 2 o’clock P. M. Rev. G. N. Gardner conducted the last sad rites. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their bitter hour of grief. (1:4) JOHN VOLCKLANDT COMMITS SUICIDE Wednesday evening at 2:30 the word passed from lip to lip that John Volcklandt had committed suicide. The news was a shock to all as he was not only one of the best known but best beloved of all the old timers of Alturas. The circumstances of the tragedy are quickly told and in a few words. County Treasurer, S. W. Pepperdine was compelled, by reason of failing health to seek relief in another climate. As will be remembered by readers of this paper, Mr. Pepperdine went to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, leaving Mr. Volcklandt in charge of the office. When the Board came to count the money – we mean the District Attorney, Auditor and recorder and chairman of the Board of Supervisors – they found the accounts in a bad condition. Mr. Ballard, however, assisted Volcklandt in straightening out his accounts. There was no question of John Volcklandt’s honesty, but he did not have the clerical ability to keep his accounts in shape. Besides, it is known that he was suffering with, Brights Disease and with his failing eyesight, was utterly incompetent to discharge the duties of County Treasurer. Under these circumstances and realizing the weight of responsibility devolving on him, Treasurer Pepperdine asked George H. Bigley to take charge of the office and had notified Mr. Volcklandt of the fact. Wednesday morning, Mr. Volcklandt asked Mr. Bigley when he would take charge, remarking that he was ready to turn over the office at anytime. Mr. Bigley replied that if all was satisfactory, the money would be counted in the afternoon and then he would take charge. Mr. Volcklandt cheerfully replied, "all right." At one o’clock, District Attorney Baldwin and auditor and recorder Ballard came to the office. The door was locked and they supposed he had not returned from lunch. They waited until two and his not showing up, they went to his home and found him dead on his bed with a bullet hole in his forehead, the weapon resting on his breast. Coroner Thomas Frawley was notified and summoning a jury held a inquest over the remains, the verdict being that he came to his death by a bullet wound inflicted with suicidal intent. That is the whole story. As to the motive? – That is another question and many theories have been advanced. But one thing is certain, John Volcklandt never used one cent that did not belong to him. On the last day of July, the money was counted, Mr. Ballard assisting him to straighten out his accounts. The count showed that there was $5.97 more in the treasury than was necessary to balance his accounts. The motive for self-destruction? John Volcklandt, or to call him by his ancestral name, John von Eden, was one of the most sensitive men we have ever known. He was peculiarly proud of his lineage – the last of his race – one of the noble families of Holland – of his honor and uprightness as a man. Realizing that he could live but a short time at most – with failing eyesight – in a moment of temporary aberration, he sped the bullet that ended his life. Don’t censure him, reader, you know not the agony that tortured the soul of this man, imaginary though they were. That the resolution came to him of a sudden to end his life, there is no doubt. He went home in apparently the best of spirits, but brooding over his imaginary disgrace in having to give up a ten cent office ended it all in death. (1:3) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30,1911 THE GRIM REAPER On Monday, August 28, 1911, death claimed one of Modoc’s old pioneer citizens, Madison Davis, aged 62 years, 4 months and 8 days. The funeral was held at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, at the Masonic Tempe, under the auspices of Alturas Lodge, No. 248 F. & A. M., of which lodge the deceased was a member in high standing. For many years past, Mr. Davis has been one of the prominent citizens of this county and was well liked by all who knew him. He leaves a wife, a son, Claud Davis, and a daughter, Mrs. W. Pinneo, as well as a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. For many years, Mr. Davis was considered one of Modoc’s wealthiest stockmen, but of late years he had gradually retired from active life, on account of his failing health. (1:1) HEART FAILURE Last Friday morning, about 11:30 o’clock, L. W. Jackson, of Alturas, fell dead from heart failure, while in the act of crossing a room at his home. He had not been feeling well for sometime and had called in a doctor the day before his death, but nothing serious was apprehended and his death was a great shock to all who knew him. Mr. Jackson was born April 6th, 1848 and was 63 years old at the time of his death. He has been for sometime a highly respected member of this community and leaves a wife and son here to mourn his loss, his son being C. N. Jackson, manager of the Alturas Forwarding Company. The funeral was held at the Baptist Church, under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, of which he was a highly esteemed member. His family has the sincere sympathy of the community. (1:1) The last sad rites over the mortal remains of the late Christopher Columbus Pratt, pioneer resident of Goose Lake Valley and one of the men that crossed the plains in the late fifties, were held from the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon and attended by one of the largest gatherings ever seen at a funeral here. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. L. E. Henderson of New Pine Creek, also a pioneer who came in the valley in the early days. Mr. Pratt after a hard battle against age and the terrible wounds that shattered his strong constitution finally succumbed Friday evening, a couple of weeks after the flywheel of the auto driven and owned by Walter Dent had burst, throwing a large section of the mechanism aero man was conversing with some friends. The left leg being shattered in such a manner that it was found necessary to amputate it at a later date, but despite this gangrene set in and death came to end the sufferings of the man that had helped make history for this portion of the west. – Examiner (1:1) A SAD CASE Yesterday, a sad case of insanity occupied the attention of the Superior Court, the alleged insane person being Mrs. George B. Hapgood, formerly Miss Genevieve True, who in her girlhood was well-known as one of the most popular teachers in Modoc. For several years past Mrs. Hapgood has suffered from attacks of mental trouble, but it was not considered of a serious nature until recently. Now however, the examination physicians declare her mental trouble to be of a permanent nature and upon the proper showing the Court committed her to the State Institution at Napa. Mr. and Mrs. Hapgood and family have resided at Likely and in Surprise Valley for many years and have a large circle of friends, who sincerely regret the misfortune, which has befallen this charming and lovable woman. LOCAL AND PERSONAL Born – In Adin, Cal., Aug. 13, 1911, to the wife of Roy Harper, a daughter. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.