FAMILY STORIES

Soon after that happy day Ernest got cancer and passed away.

   But Daisy, like Dora remains on the farm. She says she just can't leave it. It holds too many happy memories. She hopes she can still be there until 1987 when the Beck farm will have been in the Beck family for 100 Years. Submitted by Daisy Beck

   My grandfather, Israel Beetison, left home in Staley Bridge, Manchester, England in 1845. He landed in Massachusetts and lived there before coming to Nebraska in 1858. He met Amelia Holland of New York City. They were married May 2, 1864.

Dwight T. and Gladys Beetison 107 year old home

   When my grandfather came to Nebraska, land was all prairie grass. He bought it from the government when Abraham Lincoln was president, and purchased 160 acres of land for $1.50 and $2.50 an acre.

   Some of this land today is in Beetison's Addition to Ashland. Some of the grass was broken up and used for farming, the rest for grazing cattle.

   My grandparents built a small frame house in southeast Ashland. They raised eight children out of thirteen. As the family grew, he built this limestone house in 1874-75. All limestone used to build this house was hauled by teams and wagons from South Bend and Louisville before any quarries were started. They took teams and scrapers to uncover this stone.

   Men who built this two-story house chiseled all the store by hand. Walls are 18 inches thick and plastered on the inside over stone with no air space. It was built when Indians were around.

   Grandfather Beetison had a cupola built on top of the house for a lookout for Indians. They would camp on the hill east of the house, would come to the house, and ask for food. Grandma Beetison gave them homemade bread.

   Grandfather Beetison drove 33 miles one way with a team and wagon to Plattsmouth to get his grain made into flour and corn meal. He would go one day, stay at a hotel, returning the next day. He kept his horses in a livery stable. They were fed and taken care of. He made several trips a year. There were no mills here at that time. The roads were only trails. Grandfather Beetison came here before railroads were built.

   Beetison families have always occupied this home. Israel left this farm to his son, William. He lived here for 63 years, being born here, Nov. 13, 1881. He was a farmer and livestock raiser, using horses and mules for farm power.

   William Beetison left this farm and home to his son, Dwight. I, Dwight, also am a farmer and stock raiser. I have one sister, Margaret Beetison Bockelman. I married Galdys Baldwin on April 4, 1935. We moved here 34 years ago, being the third generation to live here. We have three children.

   Son, Rolland, and his wife, Phyllis, have two daughters and one son. Daughter, Sharon, and her husband, Jack White, have one son. Son, Merlyn, and his wife, Sheri, have three sons.

   We were honored in 1974 with the Pioneer Farm award for 100 years of agriculture, and for living on the same farm. The house is also in the Historical Register in Lincoln and Washington D.C.

   We will leave this home to our youngest son. That will make the fourth generation. Submitted by Dwight T. Beetison

   Alvin and Corine Behrens both have deep roots in Saunders County. Alvin's grandparents were Detlef and Anna Behrens who farmed for many years in the Yutan area. His parents were David and Beta (Wannow) Behrens. There were four children born to Dave and Beta. They were Harry, now deceased; Frank, who lived in Mead for many years and presently resides in a Wahoo nursing home; Helen who lives in Oregon; and Alvin who lives in Yutan. David and Beta lived in the Yutan community, farming north of town, until moving into the town itself.

Alvin and Corine Behrens -- 1982

   Alvin married Corine Williamson on January 15, 1938. Corine's parents were Ed and Della (Owen) Williamson, both from Memphis, Nebraska. There were six children in the Williamson family: Layle and Edwin who both live in California; Virginia and Vega who live in Omaha; Pauline who is deceased; and Corine.

   Alvin and Corine had three children: Dennis, living in Yutan; Sharon Piper, living in Wahoo; and Denise Rowell, who also lives in Yutan. Each has three children.

   Alvin worked for 21 years for the Union Pacific Railroad, and later, for many years, for the village of Yutan, retiring in 1982. Corine worked as a cook for Miller's Cafe for nearly 30 years until it closed in 1981. Submitted by Dennis and Virginia Behrens

   Dennis D. Behrens has lived all of his life in the Yutan Community. He is the oldest child of Alvin and Corine (Williamson) Behrens. I am the middle daughter of Lester and Vernette Zwiebel and have lived in Yutan since moving here from Valley in 1951, when my father started his automobile repair business in Yutan.

   Dennis graduated from Yutan High School in 1957, and I, in 1960. We were married on May 13, 1961 and have three sons: Scott, Craig and Bradley.

Back Row -- L-R: Craig, Scott; Front Row -- L-R: Bradley, Virginia, and Dennis Behrens. (1982 photo)

   Dennis has worked for Western Electric since September of 1958. I have worked as a medical secretary, first in Omaha, later in Yutan and presently in Wahoo.

   We both enjoy the relaxed small town atmosphere we have known all our lives, and are glad that we have been able to raise our family here in Yutan. Submitted by Virginia Behrens

   Ed was born and raised in the Valparaiso, Nebraska community to Thomas and Mollie Scharf Bejvancesky. Ed was 4 years old when his mother passed away in 1918 from the influenza that plagued the nation at that time. He had two brothers and one sister. His dad re-married and one step-brother, and 3 step-sisters were added to the family. Twin boys died at age of 2 months.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bejvancesky, Merna -- age 5

   My parents were Louis J. Novak and Francis Pallas Novak. I was born and raised on a farm southeast of Malmo, Nebraska. I was one of eight children, 4 girls and 4 boys. The oldest two and the youngest two had brown eyes and the 4 middle ones had blue eyes.

   We, Edward Bejvancesky and Wilma E. Novak met in November, 1939. 1940 was the year of the DRAFT. Every male, 21 and over, had to register. Ed's number was "11". He was in the first largest group, and they were the second group to leave for the Army in February, 1941. After 13 weeks of Basic Training in California, Ed was sent overseas to Panama, Canal Zone, where he spent three years. In 1944, Ed came home for his first furlough since his induction. We were married March 2, 1944, by Rev. B. Marek at the Czech Presbyterian Church southwest of Wahoo, Nebraska. Ed left for California after his furlough. I joined him. Later, he was transferred to Texas. After our First Wedding Anniversary, Ed was sent overseas again. This time to Europe where my two brothers, Henry and Charles, were.

   After Ed's discharge from the Army, August 17, 1945, we tried our luck at farming. In the meantime a daughter, Merna, joined us. We lived in the Valparaiso and Ceresco areas. Due to Ed's health, we had a farm sale in 1953 and moved to Wahoo, Nebraska. Ed worked for Texel Implement and I worked for the ASC Office. In 1956, Ed began working for the Corp of Engineers in Omaha. This started us on our travels. We moved to Lakes Andes, South Dakota in 1959. We lived there seven years and our daughter graduated from high school. She

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attended Grand Island School of Business, graduated, and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she had employment. She elected to remain in Lincoln while we ventured west to Bullhead City, Arizona where Ed advanced in his field of Welding, and as a Hydro-Electric Plant Mechanic. We lived there five years. We moved to Utah and then to Montrose, Colorado where we remained until Ed retired in 1976. We moved to Aurora, Nebraska, and now live in Norfolk, Nebraska.

   During our stay in Arizona, and our daughter's in Nebraska, we planned her wedding, via phone and much correspondence. We thought we had everything arranged to go smoothly to our horror, just as our daughter finished dressing and was ready to put on her veil, NO VEIL! The store failed to give it to us with her dress. The organist had to play an extra ten minutes while an employee traveled from Lincoln to the Czech Presbyterian Church southwest of Wahoo with the veil. To compensate for the inconvenience, the store laminated her wedding picture and write-up. They are happily married and we enjoy our two granddaughters. We celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary in 1974 by taking a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Ed and Wilma E. Bejvancesky

   Bob and I were married on May 2, 1964. We lived in Omaha and the Millard area until we moved to Yutan in May of 1975. We have two daughters, Rachelle Lynn and Rhonda Jean. They attend Yutan High School where they are both members of the school band. They have been members of a 4-H Club.

Back Row: Rachelle, Rhonda; Front Row: Rosann, Robert.

   We are all members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Yutan. Bob is a member of the Church Council and chairman of the Property Committee. I have just finished a three-year term on the Altar Guild and am presently on the Evangelism Committee. Rhonda is a member of the Senior League.

   Bob is a fireman for the Yutan Volunteer Fire department and is a member of the Community Club. I am a member of the Evening Belles Extension Club. This year I am the club's secretary. Bob is employed at Western Electric in Omaha. He has worked there since 1962.

   My parents are Frank and Rose Veskrna. I have two brothers, Donald and Kenneth, and one sister, Arlene Toombs. We lived on a farm northwest of Malmo. My dad farmed and sold Grade A milk. My mother passed away in 1973. I attended Dist. #85 grade school, which was a small country school, and Prague High School.

   Bob's parents are Ernest and Rose Belik from Prague. His father passed away in 1971. His mother still owns and runs the Belik Produce. He has two brothers, Marvin and Ernest Jr. Bob attended St. John's Parochial Grade School in Prague and also Prague High School. Submitted by Rosann Belik

   This is the history of the Dale Benal family from Mead, Nebraska. We moved to Mead in 1965. We were married Nov. 24, 1951 at St. Wenceslaus Church at Wahoo. We met at local dances. We both love to dance the polka.

   Marilyn's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rezac, came from Slatina, Moravia. Her name was Frances Rezek Rezac. She was born Feb. 27, 1849 and died Dec. 31, 1935. Frank Rezac was born Dec. 8, 1849, and died on July 29, 1915. My father was born at the home place. The address was Valparaiso. He, William E. Rezac, was born June 19, 1891 and died Feb. 13, 1976.

   My mother's name was Frances B. (Virgl) Rezac, born Feb. 26, 1889. She died May 14, 1978. She lived around Weston and Wahoo all her life.

   My grandparents, the Virgls, came from Moravia also. John Virgl was born in 1856 and died in 1938. He was married to Frances Meduna. She was born in 1858 and died on Mother's Day in 1942.

   I, Marilyn, was born at Valparaiso, Dec. 15, 1931. I had two brothers. Milton was born Feb. 26, 1922, and lives near the home place. He married Agnes Jirovsky of Cedar Bluffs. She was born July 9, 1921. Their address now is Weston. They have four children and six grandchildren.

   My other brother's name was Bernard John Rezac. He was born Sept. 24, 1927 and died April 11, 1929.

   We have two sons. Eugene Dale Benal was born July 26, 1954 at Wahoo. John Joseph Benal was born Dec. 25, 1959 at Wahoo. Both of the boys live in Mead.

   Dale's parents live by Wahoo. His father is Joe Benal and his mother is Irene (Wirka) Benal. He has two brothers, twins Leo and Lloyd, and one sister, Mrs. Don (Norma) Chvatal.

   Dale's grandparents were John Joseph and Anna (Cernik) Benal. They also came from Czechoslovakia. Dale's mother's parents were Frank and Anna (Simanek) Wirka. They lived in Rescue, Nebraska.

   I went to School Dist. 76 near Weston for grades 1-8. I went to Weston High School one and a half years. Then my parents moved to Wahoo in 1945. I graduated in 1948 from Wahoo High School. Dale went to Dist. 2 to the fifth grade, and five more years to St. Wenceslaus, and one year at Wahoo High School. His dad got hurt and Dale quit school.

   Our son, Eugene, started at West Ward School, Wahoo, went to St. Wenceslaus, and then went back to West Ward. We moved to Mead where he finished his school days at Mead High. John went all his school days to Mead Public School, and also to Milford Trade School to take up carpentry.

   We are in the trucking business. John at present is working at the Mead Elevator. I'm just a housewife at the present. I was in a critical accident on April 22, 1982 and am recovering.

   Our oldest son, Eugene, is getting married March 19, 1983, at Brooklyn, Iowa at St. Patrick's Church to Patricia Beaderstadtt. By Marilyn Benal

   My husband's parents, John and Barbara (Vogeltanz) Benes, lived on a farm located between Weston and Valparaiso. There were seven children, Joseph, Agnes, Cyril, Mary, John, Theresa, and Frank.

Seated: Cyril and Adeline Benes; Standing, L. to R.: Darlene and Mary Lou.

   Tragedy befell the family when the mother, infant son, Frank, and daughter, Agnes, died within one week of each other. Some time later, my husband's father remarried to Barbara Visocan. There were eight children, Rose, Emil, Albina, Anton, Anne, George, Louis, and Matthew. The Benes children attended a country school only a few blocks from their home. Cyril also attended two years of high school at St. Wenceslaus School in Wahoo. He learned to play the cornet and played in area bands of that era.

   My parents, Frank and Rosalie (Kavan) Karpisek, were born and raised in the Linwood area. After their marriage, they lived on a farm southeast of Linwood where the first five children were born: Joseph, who died in infancy; Frank; Adeline; Jerry; and Longin. They moved to a farm west of Ulysses. My sister, Rosalie, was born near Surprise. I graduated from Ulysses High School in 1923. I taught school for nine years in Butler County. My youngest brother, James, was born on a farm northwest of Ulysses.

   In 1935, I married my husband, Cyril Benes, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelby. While living on a farm west of Weston, our first, Darlene Anne, was born in Wahoo. We then moved to a farm five miles northwest of Wahoo. Our second daughter, Mary Lou, was born while we lived here for ten years. The girls attended school at Dist. 70. When they were 6 and 8 years old, they began taking piano lessons and continued to do so for the next six years. Music played a big part in our family, and both girls are now organists in their respective churches.

   In 1948, we moved to a farm three miles east of Touhy where we lived for three years. The girls finished their elementary education in Dist. 99. Darlene attended her first two years of high school at St. Wenceslaus School, Wahoo.

   A dream finally came true for us when we purchased an 80-acre farm 3 miles northeast of Valparaiso. We moved here in 1951. There was a lot of work to be done. We planted a windbreak and fruit trees, and made other improvements. My husband became ill that fall and was hospitalized. I then returned to the teaching profession, as there was not enough income from the farm. I taught for the next 17 years in schools close to home.

   During this time the girls graduated from Valparaiso High School and had married. I earned my degree from the University of Nebraska in 1967. My husband died in 1962, due to a lengthy illness. While he was ill, we moved the house to Valparaiso and sold the farm.

   I have nine grandchildren and am enjoying them in my retirement years. Submitted by Adeline K. Benes

   My grandfather, Olof Bengtson was born July 2, 1850, in Skane, Sweden, and left his native country at the age of 18 years on May 5, 1868, and came to

Olof, Lyman, Amanda and Louise Bengston, 1896

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