This Day in History: April 17th, 1917

This Day in History: April 17th, 1917

Business Suspended Two Hours for Funeral of Milltown Mayor

MILLTOWN, April 17.- Business was suspended throughout the Borough of Milltown yesterday for a period of two hours. as the funeral services of the late Mayor William Kuhlthau, Jr., were being held. There were a large number of relatives and friends present to pay their last respects to the leading citizen of the town. There were representatives of the Borough Council, the Board of Education, the Board of Health, the firemen, Rescue Council No. 4. O. U. A. M., Wickatunk Tribe, No. 135, Improved Order of Red Men, New Brunswick Lodge 324, B. P. O. E. and many businessmen of the town present.

The services were conducted at the late home of the deceased by the Rev. William F. Barny, pastor of the German Reformed Church of this place. The pastor spoke very highly of the deceased and of the many plans he had underway for town improvement, etc. He praised the unselfish character of the Mayor for the work he had accomplished for the benefit of the town and organizations win it.

The floral tributes were exquisite and in abundance which showed the esteem in which he was held.

Several hundred school children marched from the public school yesterday afternoon to the home of the Mayor to view the remains for the last time, of their former Board president and contributed flowers. The Board of Education and Borough Council contributed a handsome floral piece in the way of a vacant chair. The Elks, the Michelin people, and other organizations and friends contributed flowers very liberally.

The pallbearers were two representatives each of New Brunswick Lodge No. 324, B. P. O. E., Rescue Council No. 4, O. U. A. M.. of Milltown, and Wickatunk Tribe No. 135, Improved Order of Red Men, of Milltown.

Services were held at the grave by Rescue Council No. 4, O. U. A. M., and Wickatunk Tribe No. 135. Improved Order of Red Men. Interment took place in Van Lieu Cemetery under the direction of Undertaker Quackenboss, of New Brunswick.

Besides a widow, Mrs. Josephine Kuhlthau, the mourners are a son Russell Kuhlthau, father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. William Kuhlthau, Sr… of Milltown, A brother, Charles Kuhlthau, of New Brunswick, and a sister, Mrs. J. M. De Hart, of Morris Park, L. I.




https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82067389/william-h-kuhlthau

This Day in History: January 30th, 1911

This Day in History: January 30th, 1911

MILLTOWN IS AROUSED BY 3 REVELERS

New Brunswick Men Smash Windows and Heads and Defy the Entire Borough – Sent to Jail By Justice Headley.

MILLTOWN, Jan. 30.-A lively time was the result of a marathon race from New Brunswick to South River on Saturday night. Fred Stubblefeld, Harry Catheart, and Frank McCormick, of New Brunswick, after completing this distance in no-record time, decided to give Milltown the advantages of their presence on the return trip.

They had probably learned that the town supported no cops and as a result determined to paint the town red. Several hotels were visited and the men gradually warmed up to their duty. The windows of “Hotel Marguerite” disappeared from the sashes and this started the ball rolling.

An Innocent Frenchman, who made the startling discovery that he had musical ability, attempted a song and was immediately knocked unconscious by Stubblefeld.

MAYOR RICHTER ARRIVES ON THE SCENE.

Some one had notified Mayor Richter and Marshal Lins, and they appeared on the scene to keep the peace The Mayor expostulated with them for some time, and when the car came, bound for New Brunswick, the trio attempted to board it.

The presence of a dog, belonging to Engine Company No. 4, who had made the run with the men, was a drawback to the trip at that time. Conductor Dunlap refused to allow the dog on the car, at which one of the men made a pass at the conductor which was blocked by Jacob DeHart They were thrown off the car and Mayor Richter ordered their arrest.

JUDGE HEADLEY HOLDS COURT

Mayor Richter and Marshal Lins conducted the noisy trio to the office of Joseph A. Headley, justice of the peace. The Mayor made a complaint against them for disorderly conduct and the Justice, after hearing sides, imposed a fine of $10 or 5 days in the county jail on Stubblefeld and McCormick and a fine of $5 or 5 days in jail on Cathcart. The trio could not pay the fines and w committed to jail.

While drawing up the necessary papers McCormick and Stubble began to wreak their vengeance on Jacob DeHart, who was a witness of threats. Another charge was made by Jacob DeHart and John Richter who acted as witnesses. The result was ? days more for these two men.

Marshal Joseph Rupprecht was called and he linked McCormick and Cathcart together. Marshal Lins took care of Stubblefeld and the trip to New Brunswick was made. The dog was forced to follow the car

It is understood that a friend of the arrested men called on Mayor Richter yesterday morning and try to secure their release, but without success.

The people are asking today “Shall it be a borough fire department or a borough lockup?”

DEATH OF J. H. KUHLTHAU

MILLTOWN, Jan. 30-John H. Kuhlthau then passed away yesterday afternoon at 5.30 at the age of 54 years at his residence on North Main street, an illness extending for over two weeks. In this death the borough loses a respected citizen, who at all times was interested in the progress of the borough and took an active part in public affairs, serving as clerk of the school board for several years. He was lately interested in tile concrete blocks and the reinforced concrete business.

His genial nature earned him many friends, who will mirth his death. He is survived by his wife, and one daughter Mary, and one son Wilbur. His mother Mrs. Stella Kuhlthau, also survives him as well as one brother, Conrad, W. and two sisters, Mrs. Henry Kohlepp Mrs. Charles Snedeker.

Mr. Kuhlthau was recently reelected secretary of the Van Liew Cemetery association, a position he had held for a  number of years. He was also a member of the Milltown Kranken Heilfs Verein, also Wickatunk Tribe, Independent Order of Red Men, No. 135, and Charles L. Walters Council, No. 178, Jr. O. U. A. M.,

GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH MILLTOWN

Jan. 30.-A large congregation listened to the special music rendered by the choir of the German Reformed Church last evening. The vocal solos, duets, trios and choruses were much appreciated. George Christ, the organist, rendered several fine solos.

Rev. W. F. Barny, pastor of the church, made a few remarks relating to the history of the German and English hymns.

OTHER NOTES.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Richter, Trenton, were borough visitors on Sunday.

The Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the M. E. Church will meet at the home of Mrs. Mary A Evans to-night.

COLORED “LADIES” SOON GOT HIS $100

Steve Botcher, of Milltown, Out for “Good Time,” is Relieved of $104 in Burnet Street Alley-Small Fortune Soon Gone.

Steve Botcher, of Milltown, is down to his last cent today, Saturday he had a roll of money amounting to $110, which he had accumulated through hard work during the last month, Saturday he det decided to come to this city [New Brunswick] for a good time.

Late Saturday night he got in tow with two colored women on Burnet street. The women lured him into a dark alley, and during the conversation between them Botcher’s pocket was piled of the $104. After securing the money the women ran down the street and escaped.

Now Botcher wishes he hadn’t decided to have a good time,


This Day in History: January 24, 1905

This Day in History: January 24, 1905

EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY DROWNED

Clarence Schaffer Went Through Ice While Skating at Milltown.

Clarence Schaffer, the eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schaffer, of Milltown, was drowned in Lawrence Brook, near Millers’ creek, yesterday afternoon, about 4 o’clock, while skating. He and some boy friends had gone to the brook after school hours and Schaffer went out on the ice, while the other boys stayed on shore. The ice was weak, owing to recent thaws, and the boy fell in. His companions on shore were un- able to do anything for him, and the boy drowned before their eyes.

The boys carried the news to Kohlhepp’s Hotel. Bartender Denhardt and others searched for the boy for a long time and it was nearly 6 o’clock last night before. their efforts were rewarded and the body was brought ashore.

Coroner Quackenboss visited the scene of the accident and gave a permit for burial. The boy was a member of the Milltown M. E. Church, and of the Sunday School. He was a bright boy and his death will be a severe shock to many friends.

His death marks the first fatal skating accident of the season, although there have been several cases of people getting through the lee and being rescued.


This Day In History: April 14, 1917

This Day In History: April 14, 1917

MILLTOWN MAYOR, DIES SUDDENLY


W. KUHLTHAU, JR., MILLTOWN MAYOR, DIES SUDDENLY

Milltown April, 14 – A shadow of gloom was cast over the borough of Milltown last night when the news of the death of Mayor William Kuhlthau, Jr., was announced. While the Mayor had been ill and confined to his home for the past month or so, his many friends had hopes for his recover, and the news of his demise comes as a shock to the community. For the past year Mayor Kuhlthau had complained more or less of his condition, but he had not taken the matter as being at all serious until about two months ago when he was compelled to relinquish his active duties with a view of regaining his health.

…he had not taken the matter as being at all serious until about two months ago when he was compelled to relinquish his active duties with a view of regaining his health.

The Daily Home News 1917

While his heart was affected other complications set in that hastened his departure from this world.

Only yesterday the Mayor was able to sit on his porch of his home, getting some fresh air and was making preparations to take an automobile trip to-day to Long Island to see his sister, he is believing that the country might be an aid in his recovery.

Later in the day his condition became more serious, however and despite the best medical aid that could be obtained he was call to his reward.

Mayor Kuhlthau was a man of sterling qualities whose presence will greatly be missed by his official colleagues and so many other friends in town, of New Brunswick and vicinity. He was 48 years of age, he leaves a wife, Mrs. Josephine Kuhlthau; a son Russell; mother and father. Mr. and Mrs. William Kuhlthau, Sr., of Milltown; a brother, Charles Kuhlthau, of New Brunswick, and a sister, Mrs. Joseph M DeHart, of Morris Park, L.I. to mourn their loss.

The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Internment will take place in Van Liew Cemetery under the direction of Undertaker Quackenboss.

William Kuhlthau, Jr. had served the Republicans of Milltown as their county committeeman for a long time and he came to the rescue of the party by consenting to accept the mayorship in 1914 when the political situation was very unique, the Republican, the Democrats nor the Progressives at that time being enthusiastic over the honor or labor attached with the Mayorship as the responsibility of the sewer and water problems which were in early stages at that time would fall upon the Mayor and Council. In the capacity of County committeeman at that time, Mr. Kuhlthau being unable to secure any other candidate took the reins in his own hands by accepting the nomination and under his administration the work (which was planned by the late Conrad Richter and his subordinates) was carried to a successful completion.

…he came to the rescue of the party by consenting to accept the Mayorship in 1914 when the political situation was very unique, the Republican, the Democrats nor the Progressives at that time being enthusiastic over the honor or labor attached with the Mayorship as the responsibility of the sewer and water problems which were in early stages at that time would fall upon the Mayor and Council…

The Daily Home News 1917

Mr. Kuhlthau was a business partner of Henry E. Lins, conducting their business at 58-60 Dennis Street. New Brunswick, under the firm name Kuhlthau & Lins.

While the Mayor accomplished a great deal in the town government, there were two suggestions in his message to council, ever upmost in his mind, which he did not live to see fulfilled, namely, more adequate fire alarm system and better heating system for the council chamber and fire department.

…he did not live to see fulfilled, namely, more adequate fire alarm system and better heating system for the council chamber and fire department.

The Daily Home News 1917

This day in History: Feb. 12, 1924

This day in History: Feb. 12, 1924

AUTO GAS IS FATAL TO MILLTOWNER

Body of Jules De Smet Found Under His Car In Garage

WAS AT WORK IN CLOSED BUILDING


MILLTOWN, Feb. 12.—Overcome by automobile gas, Jules De Smet of 78 Clay street, this place, was found dead in a garage owned by Adam Heyl of Ford avenue yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Discovery of the body was made by Fred Heyl, a school boy.

De Smet, who kept his Chevrolet car in the garage, was expected to take his usual place in the Michelin  Tire Company at the 3:30 shift in the afternoon. After he had failed to put in an appearance, the foreman of the department sent a messenger to his home to ascertain if he was sick. The messenger reported that no one was at home, whereupon Mrs. De Smet, who also is employed by the company, was advised, of her husband’s absence and left the plant to investigate. she had been gone but a few minutes when the Heyl boy met her and related that her husband was dead under his car in the garage. The woman rushed back to  the Michelin plant lor help. Arriving there she fell grief stricken and was put in care of a nurse.

Superintendent H. R. B. Meyers sent A. L. P. Kuhlthau, the company’s handy man in medical requirements, to investigate and in the meantime asked for assistance from St. Peter’s Hospital and Dr* Hay wood was soon on his way, as well as the ambulance. Mr. Kuhlthau had verified the boy’s statement that life was extinct. Coroner Hubhard was notified and after giving a permit for the removal of the body stated that death had come about an hour before the discovery of the body. A pet dog was found dead in a corner of the garage.

Mr. De Smet apparently had started to make repairs of some kind. The garage was tightly closed and exhaust gas was the direct cause of his sudden death. All attempts to revive him proved futile. The victim was well known and well liked.


This Day in History: Jan. 5 1905

This Day in History: Jan. 5 1905

The Daily Home News – Thursday, January 5, 1905

THE SAD DEATH OF FRED SMITH

The relatives of Fred Smith, the Milltown boy found dying in the woods on Tuesday, are very much mystified over the cause of his death. In the absence of any good reason why the young man should commit suicide, they are inclined to think that the shooting might have been an accident. They say, too, that there was only one bullet wound in his head and not two. Young Smith said he had been feeling ill on Tuesday, but not particularly melancholy. He worked for Henry Odell, the blacksmith. The funeral will take place on Friday from the residence of his father, Charles Smith, of Milltown, and will be private.