Middlesex County Newspaper Abstracts
The Concord Enterprise, 2 January 1901
CONCORD JUNCTION
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   Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Viets of Lynn visited Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Gale on Christmas.
   Mr. and Mrs. George H. Appleton of Chelsea spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. E. J. S. Miller.
   Dick Grant has returned from his Canadian visit and is stopping with John Bordman.
   Robert Booker has left Flagg & Russell and Arthur Jones of Acton has taken his place.
   Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Russell and Benj. F. jr. spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gerould of Cambridge.
   The regular meeting of the Bohemian club on Sunday afternoon was well attended, 16 members being present.
   Congratulations are in order for Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ingham and Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Woodworth on the birth of sons.
   Following the usual custom, both the Boston Harness Co. and Westvale Rubber Co. suspended work Christmas week.
   Miss Mary A. Curry, who for several weeks has been in attendance on her uncle at South Framingham, has returned home. Mr. Curry is recovering from a severe stroke of paralysis.
   Miss Anna P. Fitch of the Barrett Mill road, who has been attending her mother at Greenfield, N. H., returned home on Saturday, intending to remain a few days, but was recalled Sunday by telegram.
   Over indulgence in the flowing bowl the first of last week brought Jerry Cullinane to grief. While under the alcoholic influence he committed an assault which landed him in the reformatory on an indeterminate sentence.
   The semi-annual election of officers of Concord lodge, I. O. O. F. was held on Thursday evening when Rev. W. W. Campbell was elected noble grand; Louis Frasen, vice grand; Harry P. Nims, sec.; Charles J. Waite, treas.; Lucius R. Hodgman, trustee for three years.
CONCORD
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CHINA WEDDING CELEBRATED.
   It was 20 years ago that Henry B. Joslin and Cora Dwelley were married and came to Concord to live and Tuesday evening many visitors gathered in their home on Court Lane to celebrate the anniversary. The many friends made during this period filled the house to overflowing almost all of them bringing a token of the high esteem in which the happy couple were held, in the shape of a piece of china of some description.
   The presents were many and beautiful and will be reminders for a long time of this happy anniversary. The congratulations came thick and fast during the first part of the evening after which all settled down to a good time.
   A beautiful collation of salads, cake, ices, coffee and lemonade were served in the dining room. It was interesting to note that the set of china that was given to Mr. and Mrs. Joslin at the time they were married, by the business men on the Mill dam, was used on this evening and not a single piece was missing.
   Three of the men who attended the wedding reception were present this evening, M. L. Hatch, S. O. Haskell and George H. Hopkins.
   Friends from Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, South Boston, Boston, with the large number of townspeople, make a list too large to publish. All wished Mr. and Mrs. Joslin a happy New Year and some went so far as to wish them a happy century.
DRAMATIC CLUB MEETING.
   On Thursday evening in the town hall will be the first meeting of the Concord Dramatic club as a whole. At this meeting, four members of the executive committee will be chosen, a social time with refreshments followed by dancing will constitute the program for the first series of three evenings of this club during the year. The remaining two will probably be dramatics.
   The committee in charge of this meeting is composed of C. W. Prescott, Mrs. Wm. Wheeler, Mrs. C. E. Titcomb, Mrs. C. E. Tolman and Allan French.
WEST ACTON
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   J. D. Coburn has been quite sick but is better.
   Dr. Gilbert is to leave here this week, having accepted a better position.
   Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Nash of Cambridge were in town the first of the week.
   Prof. and Mrs. Raymond Dodge or Middletown, Conn., have been spending the holidays here.
   J. E. Richardson has gone to Littleton to care for Daniel Fletcher, who is sick with an attack of shingles. 
   There is to be a joint installation of Isaac Davis Post G. A. R. and the W. R. C. Wednesday evening, Jan. 9.
   The attention of horse and cattle owners is called to the specialties for horses and cattle which H. A. Littlefield offers in his new ad.
   Mrs. Fanny Durke is so much improved in health as to be able to go down stairs to her meals. Her daughter, Mrs. Johnson of Ohio, is visiting her again.
   There will be a cantata and concert for the benefit of the South Acton churches in Exchange hall, Friday evening, Jan. 4, at 7.45; by the South Acton glee club; admission 25c; reserved seats 35c, on sale at N. J. Cole's.
   At the close of the regular meeting of Isaac Davis Post, the ladies of the W. R. C. and their husbands were tendered a very pleasant reception by the comrades. A fine collation of oysters, cake, ice cream, coffee and grapes was served. After which an hour was spent in sociability, games and singing of army songs. At the close all joined in the American Hymn.
Two Attempts at Suicide
   Manchester, N. H., Jan 2.—Christian G. Pfretyschner attempted suicide last night by cutting the arteries in his left wrist with a jack knife. Failing in this, he started to throw himself in the river, but was prevented from doing so by friends. He will recover from his injuries.
Wife Dead and Husband Drunk
   Boston, Jan. 2.—Mrs. Margaret Burke, aged 45, was burned to death at her home last night, through her clothing taking fire from the kitchen stove. The house took fire from the flaming garments. While the firemen were there the husband came in in an intoxicated condition and had to be locked up. The couple lived in poverty.
Despondency and a Bullet
   Boston, Jan. 2.—Richard Pearson, who lived in Chelsea, was found with a bullet hole in his cranium, in the waiting room of the Chelsea ferry yesterday, and it is not thought he will recover. He was formerly a street car conductor, and since losing his place had been despondent.
Cars Must Have Vestibules
   Boston, Jan. 2.—The railroad commissioners have issued an order compelling the Boston Elevated Railway company to equip all street cars in Boston with vestibules. The company is given four years in which to equip all its cars in that manner. The decision of the board is received with great satisfaction by motormen.
Submitted by dja
The Concord Enterprise, 9 January 1901
SOUTH ACTON
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   The hotel was raided again Saturday noon and a small quantity of liquor is reported to have been found.
   The piano stool shop resumed work again Monday morning after a week's vacation. Meanwhile the annual inventory of stock was taken.
   Rev. and Mrs. J. T. McBean united with the Congregational church Sunday. Dr. Geo. S. Dodge of West Acton preached the morning sermon.
   Geo. Greenough commenced harvesting his ice Wednesday morning. The ice is about 12 inches thick and the crop promises to be an exceptionally fine one this year.
   L. S. Hosmer, a charter member of Acton council and its first regent died Dec. 16. A check for $3000 was given to his widow and son Jan. 9, 1901. This is the fourth member Acton council has lost in 17 years.
   Work is progressing very rapidly on the new switch tower. The carpenters will have completed their part of the work in a few days. It is expected now that the switches will be worked from the tower about Feb. 1.
   The Y.P.C.U. will hold their rummage sale Jan. 11 and 12, from 2 till 10 p.m. in the rooms over Tuttle & Newton's grocery store. A few of the bargains are a dress suit, trundle bed, cradle, student lamp and stove. Come and look over the collection.
   Wednesday when John Tenney was driving over the crossing, his horse caught one of its hind hoofs between the plank and the rail, causing the animal to fall to the ground. It was found necessary to use a bar in order to extricate the foot. Little damage was done with the exception of a broken shaft.
SERIOUS FIRE.
   Shortly before 9.15 Sunday morning the roof of L. V. Clough's house on Maynard st. was discovered to be on fire.
   An alarm was rung and help soon reached the place. The fire however had gained a big headway before any of the occupants or neighbors discovered it.
   Most of the furniture down stairs was saved in good condition but nearly all of the contents of the upper floor were burned.
   All of the upper part of the house and a large portion of the first story is totally destroyed. Had the fire engine worked when it first reached the scene more of the house could have been saved.
   The fire was undoubtedly caused by a spark from the chimney lighting on the roof, where it quickly burned its way into the gable end of the building.
   The house is partly covered by insurance and will soon be rebuilt.
DEEPLY AFFLICTED.
   Mrs. L. V. Clough¹ was called to Athol last week on account of the sudden death of her sister Mrs. Ann M. Newton of that town. The[y] had been spending the afternoon and evening at the Baptist church and on leaving that place waited on the street, with some other ladies for a car. Suddenly Mrs. Newton complained of a pain in her head and sank down upon the sidewalk. She was removed to a hotel close by but in spite of medical assistance passed away in about an hour. She will be remembered by many in this vicinity.
   Mrs. Clough is now the only member of her family living and was deeply affected by the loss of her sister. On her return home with her husband she was quite ill and exhausted. Mr. and Mrs. Clough were met at the cars with the news that during their absence fire had destroyed their home with much of the contents during the day. Several of Mrs. Clough's relatives have recently died and Tuesday morning she received news of the death of a niece, Mrs. Eva Litchfield, Providence.
CARD.
   We desire to express our thanks to all for their efforts to save our home and its contents from destruction, Sunday morning. Also to the many kind friends who have offered us their generous sympathy and aid in our misfortune and many afflictions.
   Mr. and Mrs. L. V. Clough and family. South Acton, Jan. 8, 1901.
SOUTH ACTON LOCALS.
   Harnesses, boot and shoe repairing at reasonable prices by C. H. Clark.
ACTON CENTER
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   Miss E. Belle Greenough has been visiting relatives in Bradford, N. H.
   Miss Jessie Thompson, who has been suffering with the Quincy sore throat, is improving.
   Miss Lenora Forbush of Lowell was the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Otis Forbush, Sunday.
   Whitney West, from Nova Scotia, has been spending a few days with his nephew, George Greenough.
   The auction sale of a milk route and cattle at Vose farm, Maynard advertised elsewhere in this paper is worthy [sic] the serious consideration of all interested in such a sale.
WEST ACTON
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   D. D. G. M. H. A. Littlefield and suite installed the officers of Magnolia Rebekah lodge, Hudson, Thursday evening of last week.
   The officers of Acton lodge, I. O. O. F., were installed Monday evening by D. D. G. M. Worcester and suite of Hudson. A fine collation followed the service.
   Miss Sweeney of the Intermediate school, was taken ill the last of the week and obliged to go home. A substitute has been secured to serve during her absence.
   H. A. Littlefield has rented the Varnum Mead house to a family from Concord Junction who are to run the house on the same plan as Mrs. Tuttle, the former occupant.
   Mrs. D. H. Hall and Miss Fannie Wetherbee went to Gardner, Tuesday to be present at the funeral services of Mrs. Mary Graham, wife of Henry Graham, a cousin of Mrs. Hall and Miss Wetherbee.
   A theatre party consisting of Mr. and Mrs. John McGregor, Sheldon Littlefield and Miss Marion Wood, Miss Carrie Littlefield and John King, with Raymond Littlefield and lady of Boston, attended the production of Ben Hur Saturday evening.
   Dr. F. L. Gilbert left town last Friday. Thursday evening he was given a pleasant surprise party at Mrs. Hutchins' by a number of his friends, who tendered him their hearty good wishes for his future, and left a golden testimonial as a token of their respect and esteem.
   D. D. G. M. Worcester and suite of Hudson installed the following officers at Winona Rebekah lodge last Tuesday evening: N. G., Fanny Parker; V. G., Sarah Patch; R. S., Ada Cram; F. S., Lidian Whitcomb; T., Albertie Preston; W. Etta Knowlton; Con., Ethel Cutler; I. G., Jennie Mead; Chap., Ida Durkee; O. G., Will Holt; R. S. N. G., Marietta Coburn; R. S. V. G., Adelaide Taylor; L. S. V. G., Harriet Gardner.
   Wednesday evening Isaac Davis W. R. C., installs the following officers: Mrs. Josephine L. Durfee, installing officer; Pres., Nellie H. Hall; S. V. P., Susie A. Hall; J. V. P., Ida L. Durkee; sec'y., Sara R. Richardson; chap., Fannie E. Wetherbee; treas., Harriet P. Hart; guard, Hattie C. Hayward; asst. con., Jennie B. Harris; asst. guard, Lillian Harlowe; color bearers, Minnie Charlton, Fannie Parker, Nellie Norris, Kate Sawyer.
Submitted by dja
The Concord Enterprise, 16 January 1901
SOUTH ACTON
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   J. K. W. Wetherbee is on the sick list.
   A. Merriam has had a slight attack of the grip, but is now able to be out again.
   A dog belonging to the Italians was run over and killed by the noon train near the depot, Monday.
   Frederick Baxter of Boston has been engaged as costumer for the masquerade ball to be held in Exchange hall Jan. 31.
   The sister of L. V. Clough, who was so suddenly struck down in St. Louis, Mo., last week, was better at last accounts and in a fair way to recover.
   Through the efforts of F. C. Hayward, the Boston & Maine R. R. have agreed to put in a connection, at its expense, so that water can be drawn from its tank in case of fire.
   The G. P. C. Union of this village held a very successful rummage sale Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings of last week, and wound up with an auction Monday night. A good sum will be realized.
   The regular monthly meeting of the South Acton fire company will be held in Central hall Thursday evening, Jan. 17 at 7.30. It is hoped all members of the company will be present as there is business of importance to come before the meeting.
   The following officers of Acton council, R. A. [Royal Arcanum], were installed Tuesday night by D. D. G. R. W. B. Currier of Maynard; Regent E. A. Pholan; vice, S. L. Richardson; past, W. A. Flint; orator, S. B. Ireson; chaplain, H. B. Fisk; sec., L. E. Reed; col., J. McGreen; treas., W. F. Stevens; guide, G. W. Worster; warden, J. P. Fletcher; sentry, George Greenough; trustee for three years, T. F. Newton. A feast was served at the close of the meeting. Another application was received.
   Alec Nagle is confined to his home with an attack of blood poisoning.
   Mrs. S. L. Richardson, who has been sick for several weeks, is reported as gaining slowly.
ACTON CENTER
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   Miss Sophia Wood has been suffering with rheumatism.
   Mr. and Mrs. Herman Parker of Stoneham spent Sunday in town.
   Daniel Lincoln now carries the mail from this village to South Acton.
   Mrs. E. F. Conant and daughter have been visiting a few days in Lowell.
   Dexter Spinney has moved into one of the tenements in Frank Morse's house.
   Dexter Spinney has purchased the milk route formerly owned by Lyman Tuttle.
   Mr. and Mrs. James Wetherbee and Miss Charlotte Conant have gone south, where they will spend the winter.
Dr. Milton T. Perry,
VETERINARY SURGEON.
GRADUATE OF HARVARD
   Office and Residence, Elm Farm, Sudbury. Calls answered all hours of the day or night. Diseases of all Domestic Animals successfully treated.
WEST ACTON
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INSTALLATION.
   At the installation of officers of G. A. R. post last Wednesday evening, S. A. Guilford acted as installing officer with Capt. F. H. Whitcomb as Officer of the day. The officers installed were Job Dupree, com.; F. R. Knowlton, S. V. C.; O. E. Preston, J. V. C.; D. H. Hall, chap.; F. H. Stevens, adjt.; A. A. Richardson, surgeon. G. B. Parker, quartermaster-elect was unable to be present being quite sick with a cold. The installation of W. R. C. followed.
   The exercises being concluded speeches were in order and songs given by Miss Lizzie Taylor of Acton. The speakers were the installing officers, the newly installed Commander Dupree, President of the W. R. C. Miss Nellie H. Hall, Rev. Mr. Copping, Hon. Luther Conant and C. B. Stone, the two last being honorary members of the post and who from time to time contribute generously toward its support.
   A pleasing feature of the occasion was the presentation of a recognition pin to Mrs. Dupree, installing officer for the corps by Miss Hall the president in behalf of the officers. These exercises closed by all joining in the “American hymn.” Refreshments were served and the occasion closed at a seasonable hour.
If You Want a Sleigh.
   Secure one of those being offered at the Marlboro Auto and Carriage Co. the assortment is large and the price away down.
Alleged Smuggling of Chinamen
   Portland, Me., Jan. 16.—Special Agent Miller arrived here last night with Sam Wah Kee of Boston and six Chinamen whom Sam is accused of having smuggled into this country, all the prisoners being caught at Dennysville.² They will be given a hearing before the United States court.
Nothing for the Press
   Boston, Jan. 16.—Alexis E. Frye³ and wife arrived at the Parker House from New York last evening. They sent down word that they were not at home to callers, and positively would not see reporters.
Submitted by dja
The Lowell Daily Courier, 18 January 1901
Deaths
   Griffin—In this city, Jan. 17, at her late home, 30 Griffin street, Mary, wife of John Griffin, aged 76 years.
   Oulihan—In this city, Jan. 17 at her late home, 634 Broadway street, Margaret Oulihan, aged 41 years.
   Chase—In this city, Jan. 17, at her late home, 206 Fairmount street, Helen M. Chase, aged 55 years.
   Papakestopolos—In this city, Jan. 17, at his late home, 48 Fenwick street, Luis Papakestopolos, aged 19 years.
Funerals
   The funeral of Harry B. Emerson of Chelmsford took place Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James P. Emerson North street. There was a very large attendance, not only of relatives and townspeople, but there were present many sympathizing friends from Lowell and other places.
Marriages
   Dickinson—Munroe At the Hotel Vendome, Boston, January 16, by Rev. D. W. Hardy, Mr. Edw. F. Dickinson and Miss Cora A. Munroe, both of Billerica.
OBITUARY
   Mrs. Margaret E. Balcom, wife of Charles H. Balcom, aged 66 years, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gardner, 56 Willie street, Wednesday evening. A husband, four children and 14 grandchildren survive her.
Civil War Veteran
   Edwin H. Lovejoy, a veteran of the Civil War, who has been an invalid for many years in consequence of malarial disease contracted in the service, died at his residency 84 Charles street, today. He had seven attacks of rheumatic fever and for 13 years had been disabled from active employment. He had been confined to the house for two years but endured his sufferings with great fortitude and patience.
   Mr. Lovejoy was a native of South Wayne, Me., the son of Hubbard and Louise Lovejoy. He was the youngest of eight children, three of whom served in the Civil War
   When quite young he enlisted in the 7th Massachusetts battery which served in the Department of the Gulf. Since the war, he has resided at Lowell and in this city.
   He married Oct. 5, 1880, Miss Carrie Allen of Lowell, who with two daughters Misses Edith L. and Emma H. and one, son Robert E., survives. He also leaves two brothers, Emory of Lowell and frank O. of Philadelphia, and four sisters, Mrs. H.F. Barker of Sandwich, N.H., Mrs. G.H. Wellman of Lowell, Mrs. D.K. White of North Ware, N.H., and Mrs. Wallace Nichols of Sterling. Fitchburg Sentinel Jan. 3
Submitted by RKN

The Arlington Advocate, 26 January 1901

Sunday night John Evans, who resides at the foot of Montague street, had eight or nine pullets stolen. Marks of blood indicated that some had been killed on the premises. When the loss was discovered the tracks in the snow were followed, leading to the farm of Mr. Shea on Lowell street. A lot of burnt matches were found near the barn, but the thieves were probably frightened off as nothing was missing. Two weeks ago Mr. Evans had six or seven hens stolen.
Submitted by dja
Footnotes:
1 — Susan Augusta Norcross married Lewis Vinal Clough 11 March 1865 at Winchendon, MA. Clough was a veteran of the Civil War who served in Co. B of the 26th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry from 5 January 1864 to 21 June 1865. He died in Acton 18 November 1903. His collection of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia was given to the Acton Memorial Library.
2 — Page 1 of The Boston Globe of 14 January 1901 reported “SEVEN SCOOPED IN; Sam Wah Kee's Smuggling Party Interrupted. Arrested at Dennysville, Me. by Miller Of the Secret Service. Boston's Prince of Chinamen Was Guiding Fellow Countrymen to Bangor—Landed at Vancouver, Thence Across Country to St. John and Eluded Vigilance by Entering Lubec, Me. in Sailing Vessel. POWER AMONG BOSTON CHINESE. Sam Wah Kee Rules Chinatown and Had Many American Friends—Has a Fortune of About $100,000.” In February he failed to appear for a hearing and forfeited $1,000 bail. One year later his wife left Boston's Chinatown without notice and was believed to have joined her husband in China.
3 — Alexis Everett Frye had recently resigned as superintendent of schools in Cuba after a dispute with the Governor General over limits of his authority.
1901 Newspaper Abstracts
Middlesex County Massachusetts

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