Columbia - Waterloo Times, Friday Feb 5, 1915

The ground-hog did not see his shadow. Neither has anybody else the past for days.
John J. Mueller, and employee of the Columbia Star Mills, was taken to St. Louis 
Tuesday to be operated on for appendicitis.

Mr. and Mrs. Joesph Volkert are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby boy who came 
to brighten their home last Tuesday morning.

Mrs. E. A. Weinel, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at a St. Louis hospital 
has returned home and, we are pleased to say, is on the high road to recovery.

Jacob Habermehl, our accommodating butcher, is having quite a time of it this week. A 
boil on his left hand has been giving him a lot of pain, and we hope that the member will heal 
rapidly.

The heavy rain, and thaw came near bursting the dam at the Star Mill pond Sunday. The 
danger was discovered in the nick of time and the dam was re-enforced with bags of sand. 
The dam was saved and so was the aqua pura.

Joseph Karger, one of our old citizens died Tuesday morning after a lingering illness aged 65 years. 
Deceased was a sufferer from cancer, and death came as a welcome relief to end his sufferings. 
He leaves a wife and large family of children who have the sympathy of all.

Thursday was a cold day. Friday at noon it began to snow. Saturday morning one of the heaviest 
rains in many moons registered here. Sunday a fog as thick as ever was seen by the “oldest inhabitant” 
swooped down upon us and stuck around until Monday evening. Tuesday we had more snow. How 
is that for variety?

The sale of personal property at A. Lambrecht’s place last Thursday drew a large attendance and
 the bidding was spirited. The weather was cold as the dickens but the crowd just had to listen to 
J. H. Lemen, the auctioneer. He sure had ‘em going and it is reported that some has frozen feet 
and ears before the sale was over.

Miss Emma Kraus of this city was married to George Thiess in St. Louis Wednesday. After the 
ceremony the newlyweds departed for Kansas City, Mo., where they will go to housekeeping at 
once. The groom is connected with a German newspaper in that city. Their many friends here extend 
congratulations and best wishes.

Erwin T. Steppig, sone of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Steppig, died at the home of his parents about two 
miles northeast of here Saturday, January 30, after a lingering illness, aged 8 years, 7 months and 
19 days. His remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery Monday morning after funeral 
services by Rev. Goosens. The sympathy of all is extended the bereaved family.

There are two deaths to chronicle from Sugar Loaf township this week. Mrs. Margaret Kleinschmidt 
aged 65 years, died Friday after a short illness and her remains were laid to rest in St. Louis Monday. 
Mrs. Adam Hofstetter died Saturday after and illness of only a few days aged 68 years, 11 months 
and 23 days. Her remains were laid to rest in the Kleinschmidt cemetery Monday afternoon, Rev. 
Reutor or Millstadt officiating.

Philip Gummersheimer, one of our esteemed and hustling farmers, was struck by a freight train at 
Schneider’s crossing Sunday evening and suffered a fractured skull and other injuries which caused his 
death at the Henrietta Hospital in East St. Louis Wednesday morning. The wagon was demolished and 
one of his mules was killed, while the other is badly hurt. The injured man was placed on a train and 
rushed to the hospital and given the best of medical attention which, however proved fruitless and he 
passed away. No arrangements for the funeral have been announced at this time.