Greetings Nancee and Listers, To learn more about this Order, go to.... http://www.redmen.org http://www.rootsweb.com/~srgp/flaghold/flag004.htm [neat pix of cemetery markers] http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/red_men.htm Enjoy, Mary Beth in Wisconsin On 11.05.2005 at 16:21:47, "Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert" <iggy29@rnetinc.net> wrote: > Thanks - would like to know more about the Local Order of Improved > Red Men.. > . ominous.. Regards, Nancee

From: Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert Date: 05/11/05 16:23:18 To: IALUCAS-L@rootsweb.com; gmjensen@bayland.net Subject: Re: =?iso-8859-1?Q?More Info plus, Correction, Charles Rhineheart date, Re: [BULK] [IALUCAS] J= Thanks - would like to know more about the Local Order of Improved Red Men .. ominous.. Regards, Nancee -------Original Message------- From: gmjensen@bayland.net Date: 05/11/05 15:23:23 To: IALUCAS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: =?iso-8859-1?Q?More Info plus, Correction, Charles Rhineheart date, Re: [BULK] [IALUCAS] J= ohn Rinehart?= MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Greetings again, Just notice the math on Charles Rhineheart ... should be 1903-104y = 1799 [not 1793] Sorry for any inconvenience. Also, checked on John a little more: History of Lucas Co. IA, LCHS, p. 100 Under the discussion of Lucas Co. Cemeteries: "The Chariton Cemetery makes no distinction between races, color, religion or stations in life. The same courtesy is given to all. Among the interesting bits of Indian lore is the burial of John Rinehart [sic]. Considerable legend has been attached to the peculiar type [no image shown] of monument that stands at the head [as of 1978] of his grave just within the gates at the cemetery. In the pioneer days of Lucas County, even before our county was organized, a band of Indians, probably Sacs, had their home in this part of Iowa and John Rinehart was one of the chieftans. When he died, his tribe brought his remains to Chariton. He is buried just south of the main gate. Years ago, the tombstone on Rinehart's grave had swung to the right. The Local Order of Improved Red Men took the monument down, renewed it and re-erected it and also fixed the area around the grave." // Happy Trails to You, Mary Beth in Wisconsin ==== IALUCAS Mailing List ==== David, railrider503@aol.com: Lucas County List Administrator, Website Coordinator, Lucas County IA Genweb - http://www.rootsweb com/~ialucas/Main.htm

ohn Rinehart?= MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Greetings again, Just notice the math on Charles Rhineheart ... should be 1903-104y = 1799 [not 1793] Sorry for any inconvenience. Also, checked on John a little more: History of Lucas Co. IA, LCHS, p. 100 Under the discussion of Lucas Co. Cemeteries: "The Chariton Cemetery makes no distinction between races, color, religion or stations in life. The same courtesy is given to all. Among the interesting bits of Indian lore is the burial of John Rinehart [sic]. Considerable legend has been attached to the peculiar type [no image shown] of monument that stands at the head [as of 1978] of his grave just within the gates at the cemetery. In the pioneer days of Lucas County, even before our county was organized, a band of Indians, probably Sacs, had their home in this part of Iowa and John Rinehart was one of the chieftans. When he died, his tribe brought his remains to Chariton. He is buried just south of the main gate. Years ago, the tombstone on Rinehart's grave had swung to the right. The Local Order of Improved Red Men took the monument down, renewed it and re-erected it and also fixed the area around the grave." // Happy Trails to You, Mary Beth in Wisconsin

Greetings Lucas Co. Listers: I found the story about John Rinehart/Rhinehart intrigueing. Did a little research. Found a couple of ideas to check out, but it requires more time than I am going to have, so perhaps after this, someone can pick up the ball and run with it awhile? : Based upon the obits & article, John was abt. 40y or more when he d. in 1881, that would put him at being b. abt. 1841. Did a search in Ancestry.com to find someone fitting that profile. Found a John Rhinehart & family living in 1880 at West, Montgomery Co., Iowa [straight west of Lucas Co. & not far from the Nebraska border. Were roads close to Hwy34 the Old Mormon Trail ? ]. They were born in Penns. in abt 1831 for John,, 49y, & in abt 1837 for wf, Susanah, 43y . Their children were Emma J., 22; Miles E., 19; and Amanda E. 18, all b. Penn. [it may go on, census page ends] [It does not fit that this Susanah would have been ag 104 in 1897. ] However, there was a Charles Rhineheart, who d. Dec. 4, 1903, at age 104y [born about 1793] buried at Chariton Cemetery, Section J, Row 13, #11. [*1] Could the story have been a tad mixed up, or is it mere coincidence that both this Charles and John's wife were 104 y of age at death?? Was it Charles' grave that the Cherokee tribal members came to revere? Probably. There was buried a John Rinehart, d. Jan. 2, 1881, ag 66y 2m 17d, at Chariton Cemetery, Lucas Co., IA, Section K, Row 1 N-S, #1. [not far from Charles? ] This is likely the John being discussed in the obit/article, since he d. in 1881 as described. However, he would have been old enough to be the West, Montg. Co. John's father at that point in 1881. So, perhaps, the West, Mont. Co., John is his son and part of the kindred gathered at the Chariton River? Was Charles the Chief who led his tribe from Penn. at the order of the US Govt.? Was John, Sr. and John, Jr. Chief's by right of passage? One scenario anyway. :-) Is it shear coincidence that a major Iowa Indian Chief was: Iowa Indian Chiefs and Leaders [Note Heart as part of name] "Nacheninga ('No-heart-of-fear'). The name of at least two prominent Iowa chiefs, commonly called No Heart, both noted for their sterling qualities and highly regarded by both their tribesmen and the whites. Nacheninga the elder died a short time before Catlin's visit to the tribe in 1832, when he was succeeded by his son, who, however, was regarded as subordinate to Mahaskah the younger. The junior Nacheninga has been described as a fine specimen of his race physically, and as "the faithful husband of one wife." His portrait was painted by Catlin in 1832. In behalf of the Iowa he signed the treaty of St Louis, Nov. 23, 1837..." http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/tribes/iowa/iowachiefs.htm Then...searched Cherokee Indians - Pennsy. : Found a couple of entries in Google.com that require more research but arepotentially relevant as to why these Cherokees were gathering at Chariton burial grounds. In a search about Cherokee Indians from Pennsy., found: "John Ellis Wool Papers, 1810-1869 - Finding Aid (NYSL) ... the controversial treaty of 1835 that mandated Cherokee Indian resettlement ... Pennsylvania, September 1840. E.) Fort Wood, New York, September 1840. ... www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc15361.htm - 93k - Cached - Similar pages" "Chickamauga Cherokee Indians - Chickamauga Cherokee Nation Indian ... ... The Cherokee Indians once inhabited great expanses of lands on the American ... forces at Bushy Run in western Pennsylvania, ending the hostilities. ... www.comanchelodge.com/chickamauga-cherokee.html - 101k - May 9, 2005 -" Bibliography of Cherokee & General Books on SE Indians: http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmai/cherokee.htm Does anyone have a record of the Rebekahs' in that time period that show Rhinehart's ?? [To check out the statement that they were members of Rebekah and who all belonged.] *1 Lucas Co., IA Cemetery Records, 1981 ed. , p. 127 ** ditto, p. 128 Well, enough "play" with this for now. Happy hunting, Mary Beth in Wisconsin Response based upon .... On 11.05.2005 at 10:49:53, Frank Myers <fmyers@netconx.net> wrote: > Note: If you're interested in seeing photos of the Rinehart > tombstone, feel > free to tune into: http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/ > > JOHN RINEHART > > The story of John Rinehart, perhaps "Indian chief," perhaps not, is > one of countless intriguing yarns ..."

Note: If you're interested in seeing photos of the Rinehart tombstone, feel free to tune into: http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/ JOHN RINEHART The story of John Rinehart, perhaps "Indian chief," perhaps not, is one of countless intriguing yarns that occupants of the Chariton Cemetery might tell --- if only they could. The stone that marks his grave and that of his unnamed wife is located immediately south of the cemetery's main gateway, embraced by its fieldstone curve. When I visited the old boy Monday, spirea planted against the wall was in full bloom and a robin was perched atop the tombstone. Hot on the trail of an outstanding photo opportunity, I tripped over an inconveniently planted Hickman and sent the bird flying. So much for that. John Rinehart's death was reported as follows in The Chariton Patriot of Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1881, under the heading "From Wednesday's Daily," suggesting that it might originally have been published a week earlier in another newspaper, long vanished: "For two months past, five families of Cherokee Indians, some 30 persons in all, have been camped on the Chariton river, a couple of miles from this city. On Monday, one of their number, Rinehart by name, a man of 40 years or more, succumbed to the fell destroyer and his spirit joined its kindred in the happy hunting grounds beyond the clouds. The party of which the deceased red man was a member, left the Indian Territory two years ago and had traveled through Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, Minnesota and thus far through Iowa on their way back home. They stopped here on account of the illness of Rinehart, whose poor health was the cause of the long trip undertaken by the company. Several days ago Rinehart realized the approach of death and sent for Rev. J. S. Reed who visited the camp and gave the dying man religious consolation. On yesterday afternoon the funeral took place from the Presbyterian Church, to the Chariton Cemetery where his companions had brought a lot and the red man was laid away to rest after this long wanderings. The party will remain in their present camp until warm weather." By many accounts, John Rinehart's grave became a regular stopping place for members of his extended family as the years passed and the group he once had headed continued to move about the plains and upper Mississippi valley. As many as three more family members may have been buried on the Rinehart lot, but I've been able to find an account only of the burial of John Rinehart's wife, published as follows in The Patriot of Oct. 28, 1897: "The remains of Mrs. John Rhinehart (sic), wife of the Cherokee Indian Chief buried in our cemetery, were brought yesterday from Wheeling, Missouri, and reinterred. Mrs. Rhinehart died at Wheeling, August 30, 1897, at the advanced age of 104 years. Rev. Ormond read the Christian burial service at the grave, and in behalf of her friends, thanked the people gathered there for the sympathy shown in attending the last sad rites of one of their people when she was laid in the last resting place by the side of her husband." A clipping from The Chariton Herald, dated only 1902, sheds a little more light on the background of John Rinehart and his companions, in a somewhat irritating and patronizing way: INDIANS VISIT GRAVE Annual Visit of Red Men to the Grave of Their Chief in Chariton Cemetery "A few of the Indians who have visited Chariton annually for the past fifteen years, to hold services over the grave of their chief, Rhinehart (sic), were camped near Chariton on their annual visit last Friday and Saturday, but omitted the customary grave ceremony, perhaps because they are growing to civilized to believe in it any longer. They departed on Saturday on their way to Minneapolis, where they will spend the summer in a cooler climate. "In is generally believed that the principal one of the four Indian graves just south of the main gate, in the Chariton cemetery, is that of a noted Indian chief, but it is not so. The man was called a chief, and was named Rhinehart, but he was not an Indian. He was a Frenchman who married a full-blooded Indian squaw, probably the widow of a minor chief, and thereby became the chief of the little tribe. Fifteen years ago Rhinehart's band was camped on the Chariton river, two or three miles from town, when he took sick and died. His family bought a lot in the Chariton cemetery and buried him here, and each year since then some of his Indians have come back to see that the grave is kept in proper condition. There are now three or four graves on the Indian lot, the newer ones being younger members of Rhinehart's family or tribe, and it is said that his squaw is also buried here. The other day when they were here, one of his daughters, a half breed who is almost white, was negotiating for a head stone for the grave of one of the children buried on the lot. "The Indians who were here look fully as much like Gypsies as Indians, but they attend to their own respectable business, which Gypsies do not. Rhinehart's daughter is an intelligent woman, and is a member of the Rebekahs, while many of her tribe belong to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows." And that's where the Rinehart story stands for now, but I'd certainly like to know more. If a headstone were erected to mark the grave of a child on the lot, it has long since vanished. Only the main stone, inscribed only with information about John, and headstones marking his grave and that of his wife remain. Note that the initial account of Rinehart's death was taken from Darlene Arnold's wonderful transcriptions of Patriot local news, 1870's through 1890, available at the Lucas County Genealogical Society's library in the Chariton Public Library. The clipping dated "1902" was found in a notebook at the library.

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 STEPHEN S. ARNOLD was born at New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, April 25, 1830, and died in Chariton, Iowa, January 27, 1909, aged 78 years, 9 months and 2 days. He was one of nine children, four of whom survive, one sister, MRS. LUCY PARKER, a resident of Omaha, now being 93 years old. MR. ARNOLD was married to MISS ELIZABETH GILL in their native place on August 24, 1854. To this union four children were born: MRS. ALICE RUSSELL, Kalamazoo, Mich.; MRS. ROSE SHANNON, Chicago; MRS. MINNIE CROCKER and HARRY, of Pecos, Mexico. Soon they came west, after he had finished a college education. At Galesburg, Ill., he engaged in milling business. Later he moved to Marion County, Iowa, and was largely engaged in farming, moving to Chariton in 1881 In former years he visited the southwest country and was interested in business enterprises there. Capt. S.S. ARNOLD served throughout the Civil War, enlisting in Co. G, 40th Iowa, and bore well a soldier's part. As a citizen he was progressive and was possessed of a rugged though genial nature and his place in affairs will be missed. He was a true Free Mason and emulated the exalted principles. Funeral services were held at the home on Sunday afternoon, conducted by Dr. Lathrop of the M.E. Church and his G.A.R. comrades attended and paid due respects to his valor and loyalty, realizing that the great foe of men were thinning their ranks and swiftly winning the battle o'er mundane existence. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 HOLLIE, the infant son of MR. and MRS. M.A. WILLIAMS, died Monday morning, after an illness of only a few days with pneumonia, aged one month. Funeral services were held at Sharon Church at 12 o'clock, Tuesday, and interment made in Sharon Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 Thos. Frazier received word Tuesday, of the death of his brother-in-law, MART ARNOLD, which occurred last week at Vona, Colo. He was about 65 years of age and leaves a wife and three children. He was a former resident of this county. MRS. ARNOLD and MRS. FRAZIER are sisters. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 Married at the residence of and by Rev. C.E. Wells on Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, MR. JAMES B. MCBETH of Walt Hill, Neb., to MRS. WILLIAM HOLMES of Chariton. A simple ceremony in the presence of a few chosen friends, the vows were taken which united two excellent people for a happy and prosperous future. MR. MCBETH is a carpenter and when he shall have put on a few finishing touches to his new residence he will return to take his newly wedded wife and they will make their home in Walt Hill, Nebraska. MRS. MCBETH will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends in Chariton, but their best wishes attend them in their home. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 ROBERT MCDONALD, of Russell, and MRS. JENNIE CHANDLER, of Chariton, were united in marriage Wednesday afternoon at the home of the bride in southeast Chariton. They went to Russell today, where they will reside, the groom having a home prepared for his bride. Congratulations are extended to the happy couple. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 At the Catholic Priory, Wednesday noon, occurred the marriage of WILL MORAN and MISS EDITH PALMER, Rev. Father Gaule officiating, in the presence of only a few relatives and intimate friends. The groom is a prosperous farmer residing near Norwood, and the bride is a popular school teacher at Grand River, Ia. They left on No. 4, Wednesday evening, on a short wedding trip east, after which they will be at home to their friends near Norwood. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 MARRIAGE LICENSES: WILL MORAN, 35 to EDITH PALMER, 22. ROBERT B. MCDONALD, 75 to JENNIE CHANDLER, 48. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 10, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 11, 1909 On February 3, MRS. SALLIE HARMONY or Aunt SALLIE as she was called, met with a fatal accident at Columbia. She was past 90 years of age and lived alone. Her remains were found on the floor with clothes burned off and must have met death sometime during Tuesday night. Her body was in a charred condition when found, lying in a heap. As she resided alone and was without company on the fatal night the facts concerning her death cannot be told. Her condition was discovered half past 7 or 8 o'clock Wednesday morning by her brother-in-law, ALF PHELPS, who had gone to her home to start her fire and look after her other wants. Her greatest comfort during her lonely days and nights was her pipe, which had been her constant companion for many years. The evidence of the overturned chair and charred remains and the pipe suggests the idea that she arose in the night to stir up the fire and take a quiet smoke. Her clothing probably became ignited, either from the stove or from the match used in lighting the pipe and the great wonder is that the house was not burned. This would have obliterated all. She was one of the pioneers of the northern part of Lucas County but had resided in Columbia for many years. HARRISON PARKER, of Knoxville, is a brother, and MRS. ALF PHELPS, a half-sister. On account of the ghastly condition of the remains the funeral services and burial took place on the afternoon of the accident. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 9, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 Several weeks since MISS HARRIET STANLEY, who has been an efficient instructor in the Chariton city schools for years, was temporarily suspended from her position by the Board of Directors by order of the State Board of Health, pending investigation as to whether or not she is a victim of tuberculosis. This suspension was due to complaint of certain patrons of the school. This necessitated her to go to the trouble and expense of proving, if possible, the fear groundless. The matter had been up before local physicians and opinion was divided. She later went to Iowa City where the sputum was examined and the decision inclining toward her side of the case, and also a Chicago specialist was consulted and declared positively that she was not in any way inoculated with tubercular bacilli. Some -- may in fact -- thought this ought to end the matter but the State Board holds off for a final hearing. This is briefly stated without going into details of all the minor facts. The Leader appreciates the position MISS STANLEY is placed in and sympathizes with her in the hardship and hopes that if an injustice is done that she will be fully vindicated in her rights, but we are not in a position to say which side is correct, not having the evidence at hand, and even if we had, not being scientifically equipped sufficiently to decide. * * * * The Leader has been asked to enter into the matter and give "vindicating" and "vindictive" advice in the sphere of a newspaper. This we refuse to do from the reasons stated above, for it is a well known saying, age worn into a fact, that "oft times fools rush in where angels fear to tread," and the writer does not care to pose as a fool in giving learned opinions on subjects he is not cognizant of and while not an "Angel," yet does not desire to do anyone an injustice by assisting in the formation of opinion on immature evidence. It is not through fear we decline to discuss the matter to a final conclusion, but from the absence of conclusive evidence. * * * * While the Leader has the utmost sympathy for MISS STANLEY yet we refuse to go into the drastic criticism of the State Board of Health which some suggest. While we know their rule is absolute under the State law -- an entity unto themselves, yet the general aim is good. The State Board should have more than ordinary authority, for there is nothing second to public health and it takes strong measures to stamp out contagious maladies, and public safety demands that they act where the symptoms appear and not wait for the scourge to develop in the full force of its blight. * * * * We are going to give a little personal experience. A few years since, while residing at Pleasantville, Iowa, diphtheria broke out in the town. The Board of Health orders were for a time ignored. Suddenly twenty new cases developed, five deaths simultaneously occurred and other children suffer today from the disease. A black pall hung over the homes and the hand seemed heavy and suspense was intense. Silently little forms were taken out without cortege and buried in hidden graves as pest from the face of the earth and mothers mourned bereft even of the consolation of neighbors, or what little they could offer. The citizens became aroused, the physicians were alarmed and a mass meeting was held in the opera house, and members of the State Board of Health were appealed to and were present. They gave instructions for sanitation, ordered a rigid quarantine, notified the doctors that if these rules were not obeyed in the matter of reporting cases and throwing out safe-guards the punishment would be the surrender of their permits to practice the profession. The rules were obeyed and the caution lived up to and soon the scourge passed over. It might have passed over anyway, who knows? * * * * Some said it was tyranny, but not those whose children's lives were exposed. If tyranny at all it was tyranny at the opportune time, whether effective or not. * * * * Reverting to MISS STANLEY's case again. She may be the subject of injustice and there may be an appearance of a lack of frankness in dealing with her -- or mistaken judgments, but it is best not to impugn entirely the motives of the Board of Health, and while they may be overly technical, yet if the tests verify her claims she will be re-instated although an injury has been done her, not an intentional wrong, perhaps. * * * * Doctors don't always agree. When they don't agree they are merely guessing. If in this case the guessing is kept up much longer it will resolve itself into "persecution," if it has not reached that stage already. The prerogatives of the August board of Health has no moral right to delay this investigation and finding indefinitely. In justice MISS STANLEY is entitled to their immediate and final decision. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 9, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 Judge Eichelbarger decided, during the recent term of court, that a widow could not hold a dower right in the homestead and also a one-third interest in the general estate at the same time, but only had the right to elect between the two. This decision was rendered in the case of MRS. F.R. CROCKER, who chose one third of her husband's estate and then claimed her dower right in homestead. As she had previously elected her right, the court decided she had no equity in the Crocker homestead. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(Mcmurtrey)Seifert May 9, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 From the Littleton, Colorado Independent, it is learned that THOMAS W. MORGAN died at his home there on January 24, 1909. He was a former well known citizen of Lucas, who located at Littleton in 1904. For several years he was engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with H.L. Byers and was a man of great energy and tack and a most exemplary citizen. He was born in Carmarthan Shire, England, May 17, 1837, coming to America in 1858 and settling at Coal Valley, Illinois, where later he was united to MRS. ANN WILLIAMS and to them seven children were born. In 1867 he removed to Monroe County, Iowa, and later to Lucas. His first wife died in 1878 and on Sept. 22, 1879, he was again joined in wedlock to LUCY J. DENNISON, who survives him. During the war of the rebellion he enlisted and served in the Illinois Volunteers and has an honorable record during the time of National peril placed to his credit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 9, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

'ROSITA AND DORINA' (Con't) Five Senseless Murders ----------------------------------------------------------------------- After dinner one evening, with the three children tucked in bed, Michael spoke to Dorina of his failures. A tiny fire glowed in the open fireplace. The evening meal had been sparse, due to his suggestion that they had better save up for the bleak months ahead. The haggard man looked at his pretty wife, her once bright eyes dulled from work and caring for three small children, her once supple body tired and frail. "Perhaps we should go back east," he said, his face sullen. Dorina was pensive, noticing the slight twitch developing in her husband's hands. "I just don't think I'm going to make a go of the mining business. Perhaps someone with more forsight and skill could do better at it." "You mustn't blame yourself, Michael," Dorina said smiling. "It's not your fault the mine is not living up to expectations. It takes time. Just wait and see. By spring everything will be going well." "I'm not so sure, Dorina. It seems we go from bad to worse. We don't even have enough food. And here I had promised you riches beyond belief." "Now, Michael, you are my husband and the father of our three wonderful children. That's enough for me." Michael shook his head. He was a proud man who did not take defeat easily. "No," he said, "It's me. I'm not doing the right thing. Something is wrong but I just don't know how to right it." At nearly 30, Michael Brennan appeared anguished. His light hair was thinning, and his deeply set eyes and narrow mouth were pale and expressionless. "In the spring, Michael," Dorina said, trying to reassure him, "everything will be fine. It's just that the weather hasn't been good, and the cold and rain make everyone feel poorly. When spring comes and the flowers bloom, you'll feel better. Now come, let's go to bed where it's warm." "I wish I had your optimism, Dorina," he said, looking about the barren room of the cabin. "I wanted to buy you so many nice things, and bring Momma and my sister to America. But it doesn't look like that will ever happen." "Of course it will, Michael. You just have to have hope in this land. Why, every day someone is digging up a gold nugget as big as your fist. Just you wait, the mine will prove out alright." But Michael had already decided he was a failure, and all of Dorina's encouragement could not bring him out of his agony. Dorina said nothing more, for she was sure in her own heart that the new year would be better. She never missed New York City and its freezing winters, or the affluent life they had there. Grass Valley was beautiful, and often, with its mountains capped in snow, she was reminded of a fairy-tale book she had seen once in the East. She mustn't lose sight of her dream that someday all would be well with the Brennan family. Despite her optimism, the year dawned badly. Andre Chevanne, who held the mine's mortgage, was about to foreclose, and Michael blamed himself even more for the mine's failure. Dorina tried to coax her husband into a better frame of mind, but it was useless. He was determined to blame himself. During the first week in February, Michael sought out an attorney, A.B. Dibble. It was his intention to have a will drawn up. "You're really much too young a man to be worried about dying," Dibble said on the first visit. "It's always well to protect one's family," Michael returned. "One never can predict tomorrow." "Well, of course" Dibble added. "And will-drawing is part of my business. But nevertheless you are a young man in the best of health and with a job." "A bad lot at that," Michael said. "But most of the men here have no permanent position. They live from day to day on what they might bring from the ground. And then many of them take it all and throw it away on the gambling tables or corn whiskey. I sometimes wonder what this country is coming to." "I have made my plans," Michael said, ignoring the attorney's mumbling. "I want my affairs in order for whatever happens." "Whatever you say, Mr. Brennan. After all, you're paying the bill." Dibble promised to have all the documents drawn up soon so that Michael could return to sign them. Michael said nothing and left the office solemnly. Later Dibble told friends that he thought Michael Brennan was "slightly insane." He didn't know one other man in Grass Valley who was worried about dying. Rather, they were worried about not getting their claim staked in time. The will was drawn and Michael signed it. It was soon afterwards that he received a letter from Andre Chevanne saying that because of the poor profits, he would soon be foreclosing on the company. Brennan's melancholy turned from bad to worse. He blamed himself for everything that had gone wrong. "Now, now, Michael," Dorina again tried to make him smile. "Things will be better. Perhaps we should go down to Sacramento. Maybe you could find a job there where the pressure wouldn't be so bad." Michael sat in the corner chair, his head lowered, eyes colorless, his face without expression. He had failed. He knew for a fact that other men would have made the mine a success. All through the mountains miners were discovering gold, some nuggets being as large as silver dollars, but he couldn't find anything. Every day they toiled in the mine. Michael was sure that blasting sections would yield a million or so in revenue. But every day ended in failure. Michael was beside himself. What had gone wrong? Where had his dream failed him? Was he so stupid that he couldn't do anything successfully? He had battled for two years, but his operations had proved disastrous. Yet he knew he'd once had a fine mind -- and he'd used it well at the newspaper to land this position with the mining company. No, he thought, why think of this company? He had failed them, losing thousands of dollars in the attempt to locate gold ore. Each day was growing worse. He could not shake his feelings of guilt and despair. On Saturday, February 21, 1858, Michael Brennan took his last few coins and stopped at the local market for wine. It had been a long day at the mine, and still no gold. No gold! That was all he could think about. All over town miners were panning for gold in the streams and digging in makeshift holes in the hills, yet he, in his big mine, with much help and money from the East, could not strike a single golden vein. He took the wine in his arms. "Have a good Sunday," the shopkeeper called. "And say hello to the Mrs. That's one fine Irish lass you have there, and those three little children are as dear as the Blarney stone itself." Michael did not acknowledge the shopkeeper. Instead, he walked silently out of the store, his mind a million miles away. That night Dorina fixed a fine meal of beans and salt pork. The children played noisily in the small room, laughing and chattering as youngsters do. Michael watched them, his eyes and mouth twisted in sadness. How young, how innocent they were. Who would take care of them if they suddenly had no mother or father, he thought. Then he knew exactly what must be done. In a delirious state, he poured wine for the family, turning his back to the commotion of game playing. Dorina, who was cleaning up the dishes, did not notice that he dropped prussic acid into the wine. "Now," he said, in only what could be called an insane calmness. "We must toast our future, Mommy's and Daddy's. And how we will all be together no matter what happens." Dorina smiled with her familiar Irish twinkle. "I'm glad you think of us as one, Michael. You know we will always be here, wanting to take care of you and love you." Michael smiled, his lips curling with bitterness. How could he leave his loving family in this remote and violent camp without him? His wife would have to turn to prostitution or drink. And what would happen to the children? They would become orphans, hungry and cold; cast out of society, they might turn to stealing or something far worse. They must be with their father. Only he could take care of them. "Let's drink to our future," he said, as Dorina gathered the children up for bed. "One last sip for tomorrow and what it will bring." "Well, if you insist, Michael," Dorina said. "But the children are getting tired, so please hurry. Besides, the fire will be out soon, and the cold will be coming in." On Sunday morning, a friend stopped by to pass the time of day and found the bodies, cold and rigid in death. The children were found in different rooms, while Dorina lay on the sofa and her husband on the floor in the parlor. By Michael's side lay a loaded pistol, cocked, though for what purpose one can only surmise. Michael left a letter fully explaining what had led him to commit this horrible deed. "I do not feel that I have mislead or deceived anyone. But rather Massachusetts Hill is the deceiver. It is cowardly to leave my wife and children behind to face the unknown, so they come with me in death." He added that he wished he could take with him on his long journey his mother and sister still living in Europe, who were dependent upon him for maintenance. The town was temporarily upset by the unnecessary deaths of the Brennan family. But fate appears to have won another battle with reason. Following the tragedy, Andre Chevanne confirmed the title and took over the mine. The first blast of black powder his new mine foreman used brought down a shower of white fragments, each richly speckled with gold. Mining developed into a major industry in this town, and its operation continued for more than 100 years. In all, over $1 million in rich gold ore poured from the bowels of Massachusetts Hill. Grass Valley became the richest and most famous gold-mining district in California. Dorina Brennan and Rosita Murietta were but two victims of the many senseless crimes of the mid-1800s. How many more women suffered without reason we shall never know. Flowers dot the five Brennan graves in Grass Valley, Nevada. To Be Continued . . . EMMA WIXOM. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 7, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, February 4, 1909 On Monday the Leader received a letter from Flagler, Colorado, from the daughter of J.H. WEST, one of the pioneer residents of Lucas County, coming to this county in 1848. He is now over 80 years of age and is very feeble and unable to get about. The letter also states that J.B. and SAM WEST, formerly of Washington Township, have secured land near there and are locating permanently and that GUY, son of J.B. WEST, was recently united in marriage to a young daughter of Colorado. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 7, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, January 28, 1909 'MORE' MARRIAGE LICENSES: J.F. SPIKER, 71 to MRS. JENNIE LAYTON, 50. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 'HAPPILY MARRIED' J.F. SPIKER and MRS. JENNIE LAYTON were united in marriage Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, at the home of the bride's daughter, MRS. GEO. STEWART, Rev. Wells, Pastor of the Christian Church, officiating in the presence of only a few relatives. They are both well and favorably known in this city, where they have resided for a number of years and their many friend wish them many years of happy wedded life. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 7, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, January 28, 1909 Justice of Peace, Clarkson Seward, performed his first marriage ceremony, Saturday, the happy couple being PAUL SARGENT and ELLA FETTERS, both of Lacona. They returned to Lacona Saturday evening, where they will reside. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert May 7, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net